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Dec 31, 2020

Mettler-Toledo Q4 2020 Earnings Report

Mettler-Toledo's Q4 2020 results showed strong sales growth and adjusted EPS, driven by growth in all regions, particularly in the Laboratory business and China.

Key Takeaways

Mettler-Toledo International Inc. reported an 11% increase in reported sales and a 19% increase in adjusted EPS for Q4 2020. The company benefited from strong execution and improved customer demand, with particularly strong growth in the Laboratory business and in China. Strong sales growth combined with good cost control and the benefit of ongoing margin and productivity initiatives, contributed to strong growth in Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted EPS.

Reported sales increased by 11% compared to the prior year.

Sales in local currency increased by 7% in the quarter.

Adjusted EPS was $9.26, a 19% increase over the prior year.

Strong sales growth combined with good cost control contributed to Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted EPS.

Total Revenue
$938M
Previous year: $844M
+11.1%
EPS
$9.26
Previous year: $7.78
+19.0%
Gross Margin
59.6%
Previous year: 59%
+1.0%
Adjusted Operating Profit
$293M
Previous year: $256M
+14.3%
Gross Profit
$559M
Previous year: $498M
+12.2%
Cash and Equivalents
$94.3M
Previous year: $208M
-54.6%
Free Cash Flow
$216M
Previous year: $176M
+22.6%
Total Assets
$2.81B
Previous year: $2.79B
+0.9%

Mettler-Toledo

Mettler-Toledo

Forward Guidance

Management anticipates local currency sales growth in 2021 will be in the range of 5% to 7%, and Adjusted EPS is forecasted to be in the range of $29.20 to $29.80, an increase of 14% to 16%. For the first quarter of 2021, the Company anticipates that local currency sales growth will be in the range of 11% to 13% and Adjusted EPS is forecasted to be $5.55 to $5.70, a growth rate of 39% to 43%.

Positive Outlook

  • Local currency sales growth in 2021 will be in the range of 5% to 7%.
  • Adjusted EPS is forecasted to be in the range of $29.20 to $29.80, an increase of 14% to 16%.
  • Local currency sales growth will be in the range of 11% to 13% for Q1 2021.
  • Adjusted EPS is forecasted to be $5.55 to $5.70 for Q1 2021, a growth rate of 39% to 43%.
  • Company is well positioned to continue to gain share and deliver strong results.

Challenges Ahead

  • Forecasting continues to be challenging given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19.
  • Market dynamics and impacts related to COVID-19 are fluid and changes to the business environment can happen quickly.
  • Estimates include significant uncertainty and management acknowledges that market conditions are subject to change.
  • Has not provided an outlook for reported sales growth or EPS as it would require an estimate of currency exchange fluctuations and non-recurring items, which are not yet known.
  • Uncertainty remains surrounding the ultimate impact to the economy from COVID-19.