METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL (NYSE:MTD) was identified as a potential quality investment through our Caviar Cruise stock screener. The company, a leading provider of precision instruments and services, demonstrates strong profitability, efficient capital allocation, and consistent growth—key traits sought by quality investors.
Why MTD Fits the Quality Investing Criteria
High Return on Invested Capital (ROIC): MTD’s ROIC (excluding cash and goodwill) stands at 82.8%, significantly above the 15% threshold for quality stocks. This indicates exceptional efficiency in generating profits from invested capital.
Strong EBIT Growth: The company has delivered an annual EBIT growth rate of 8.92% over the past five years, outpacing its revenue growth of 3.81%, which suggests improving profitability and operational efficiency.
Healthy Debt Management: With a Debt-to-Free Cash Flow ratio of 2.39, MTD can repay its debt in under three years using current cash flows, reflecting financial stability.
Profit Quality: MTD converts nearly all of its net income into free cash flow, with a five-year average Profit Quality of 100.58%, indicating reliable earnings.
Fundamental Analysis Summary
MTD earns a 5/10 overall fundamental rating, with standout strengths in profitability and financial health. Key highlights:
Profitability (8/10): High margins (Operating Margin: 28.85%, Profit Margin: 22.17%) and industry-leading ROIC (43.51%).
Financial Health (5/10): Solid solvency (Altman-Z score: 10.46) but weaker liquidity metrics (Quick Ratio: 0.70).
Valuation (4/10): P/E (30.12) is above the S&P 500 average, but justified by strong profitability.
Growth (4/10): Moderate past revenue growth (5.18% annually) and expected future EPS growth (9.32%).
For investors seeking durable businesses with high returns, MTD’s operational strength and disciplined capital use make it a compelling candidate.
METTLER-TOLEDO (NYSE:MTD) is a high-quality stock with strong ROIC, profit margins, and cash flow conversion, making it a candidate for long-term investors.