Over the past six months, Mettler-Toledo’s shares (currently trading at $1,304) have posted a disappointing 8.9% loss, well below the S&P 500’s 8.9% gain. This may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.
Is there a buying opportunity in Mettler-Toledo, or does it present a risk to your portfolio? Get the full breakdown from our expert analysts, it’s free.
Despite the more favorable entry price, we're swiping left on Mettler-Toledo for now. Here are three reasons why we avoid MTD and a stock we'd rather own.
Why Is Mettler-Toledo Not Exciting?
Founded in 1945, Mettler-Toledo (NYSE: MTD) designs and manufactures precision instruments and services for use across healthcare research, quality control, production, and retail.
1. Long-Term Revenue Growth Disappoints
Examining a company’s long-term performance can provide clues about its quality. Any business can put up a good quarter or two, but the best consistently grow over the long haul. Over the last five years, Mettler-Toledo grew its sales at a mediocre 5.2% compounded annual growth rate. This was below our standard for the healthcare sector. 
2. Core Business Falling Behind as Demand Plateaus
Investors interested in Research Tools & Consumables companies should track organic revenue in addition to reported revenue. This metric gives visibility into Mettler-Toledo’s core business because it excludes one-time events such as mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures along with foreign currency fluctuations - non-fundamental factors that can manipulate the income statement.
Over the last two years, Mettler-Toledo failed to grow its organic revenue. This performance was underwhelming and implies it may need to improve its products, pricing, or go-to-market strategy. It also suggests Mettler-Toledo might have to lean into acquisitions to accelerate growth, which isn’t ideal because M&A can be expensive and risky (integrations often disrupt focus). 
3. Projected Revenue Growth Shows Limited Upside
Forecasted revenues by Wall Street analysts signal a company’s potential. Predictions may not always be accurate, but accelerating growth typically boosts valuation multiples and stock prices while slowing growth does the opposite.
Over the next 12 months, sell-side analysts expect Mettler-Toledo’s revenue to stall. While this projection implies its newer products and services will catalyze better top-line performance, it is still below the sector average.
Final Judgment
Mettler-Toledo’s business quality ultimately falls short of our standards. After the recent drawdown, the stock trades at 31× forward price-to-earnings (or $1,304 per share). At this valuation, there’s a lot of good news priced in - we think there are better opportunities elsewhere. Let us point you toward our favorite semiconductor picks and shovels play.
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