MESA LABORATORIES INC (MLAB) Stock Fundamental Analysis
NASDAQ:MLAB - US59064R1095 - Common Stock
69.26 USD
-0.07 (-0.1%)
Overall MLAB gets a fundamental rating of 5 out of 10. We evaluated MLAB against 54 industry peers in the Life Sciences Tools & Services industry. MLAB has a medium profitability rating, but doesn't score so well on its financial health evaluation. MLAB has a correct valuation and a medium growth rate.
1. Profitability
1.1 Basic Checks
In the past year MLAB was profitable.
In the past year MLAB had a positive cash flow from operations.
In multiple years MLAB reported negative net income over the last 5 years.
In the past 5 years MLAB always reported a positive cash flow from operatings.
1.2 Ratios
MLAB's Return On Assets of -0.46% is fine compared to the rest of the industry. MLAB outperforms 61.11% of its industry peers.
MLAB's Return On Equity of -1.24% is fine compared to the rest of the industry. MLAB outperforms 61.11% of its industry peers.
MLAB has a better Return On Invested Capital (4.79%) than 68.52% of its industry peers.
The Average Return On Invested Capital over the past 3 years for MLAB is significantly below the industry average of 16.00%.
The last Return On Invested Capital (4.79%) for MLAB is above the 3 year average (1.90%), which is a sign of increasing profitability.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROA | -0.46% | ||
| ROE | -1.24% | ||
| ROIC | 4.79% |
ROA(3y)-19.07%
ROA(5y)-11.28%
ROE(3y)-58.62%
ROE(5y)-34.92%
ROIC(3y)1.9%
ROIC(5y)1.6%
1.3 Margins
MLAB has a Operating Margin of 6.78%. This is in the better half of the industry: MLAB outperforms 61.11% of its industry peers.
In the last couple of years the Operating Margin of MLAB has remained more or less at the same level.
MLAB's Gross Margin of 62.61% is amongst the best of the industry. MLAB outperforms 83.33% of its industry peers.
MLAB's Gross Margin has improved in the last couple of years.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| OM | 6.78% | ||
| PM (TTM) | N/A | ||
| GM | 62.61% |
OM growth 3Y38.53%
OM growth 5Y0.45%
PM growth 3YN/A
PM growth 5YN/A
GM growth 3Y1.88%
GM growth 5Y2.57%
2. Health
2.1 Basic Checks
The Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is below the Cost of Capital (WACC), so MLAB is destroying value.
MLAB has more shares outstanding than it did 1 year ago.
The number of shares outstanding for MLAB has been increased compared to 5 years ago.
Compared to 1 year ago, MLAB has an improved debt to assets ratio.
2.2 Solvency
Based on the Altman-Z score of 0.74, we must say that MLAB is in the distress zone and has some risk of bankruptcy.
MLAB has a worse Altman-Z score (0.74) than 61.11% of its industry peers.
MLAB has a debt to FCF ratio of 4.21. This is a neutral value as MLAB would need 4.21 years to pay back of all of its debts.
MLAB's Debt to FCF ratio of 4.21 is fine compared to the rest of the industry. MLAB outperforms 68.52% of its industry peers.
MLAB has a Debt/Equity ratio of 0.48. This is a healthy value indicating a solid balance between debt and equity.
MLAB has a worse Debt to Equity ratio (0.48) than 62.96% of its industry peers.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Debt/Equity | 0.48 | ||
| Debt/FCF | 4.21 | ||
| Altman-Z | 0.74 |
ROIC/WACC0.47
WACC10.15%
2.3 Liquidity
MLAB has a Current Ratio of 0.63. This is a bad value and indicates that MLAB is not financially healthy enough and could expect problems in meeting its short term obligations.
The Current ratio of MLAB (0.63) is worse than 94.44% of its industry peers.
MLAB has a Quick Ratio of 0.63. This is a bad value and indicates that MLAB is not financially healthy enough and could expect problems in meeting its short term obligations.
MLAB has a worse Quick ratio (0.47) than 94.44% of its industry peers.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.63 | ||
| Quick Ratio | 0.47 |
3. Growth
3.1 Past
The earnings per share for MLAB have decreased strongly by -98.30% in the last year.
Measured over the past years, MLAB shows a very negative growth in Earnings Per Share. The EPS has been decreasing by -39.16% on average per year.
Looking at the last year, MLAB shows a quite strong growth in Revenue. The Revenue has grown by 11.47% in the last year.
The Revenue has been growing by 15.41% on average over the past years. This is quite good.
EPS 1Y (TTM)-98.3%
EPS 3Y-62.71%
EPS 5Y-39.16%
EPS Q2Q%1.19%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)11.47%
Revenue growth 3Y9.35%
Revenue growth 5Y15.41%
Sales Q2Q%2.36%
3.2 Future
MLAB is expected to show a strong growth in Earnings Per Share. In the coming years, the EPS will grow by 231.94% yearly.
The Revenue is expected to grow by 4.58% on average over the next years.
EPS Next Y2600.57%
EPS Next 2Y509.57%
EPS Next 3Y231.94%
EPS Next 5YN/A
Revenue Next Year3.51%
Revenue Next 2Y4.37%
Revenue Next 3Y4.58%
Revenue Next 5YN/A
3.3 Evolution
When comparing the EPS growth rate of the last years to the growth rate of the upcoming years, we see that the growth is accelerating.
When comparing the Revenue growth rate of the last years to the growth rate of the upcoming years, we see that the growth is decreasing.
4. Valuation
4.1 Price/Earnings Ratio
With a Price/Earnings ratio of 865.75, MLAB can be considered very expensive at the moment.
The rest of the industry has a similar Price/Earnings ratio as MLAB.
The average S&P500 Price/Earnings ratio is at 27.08. MLAB is valued rather expensively when compared to this.
With a Price/Forward Earnings ratio of 26.63, MLAB can be considered very expensive at the moment.
MLAB's Price/Forward Earnings ratio is a bit cheaper when compared to the industry. MLAB is cheaper than 72.22% of the companies in the same industry.
Compared to an average S&P500 Price/Forward Earnings ratio of 22.67, MLAB is valued at the same level.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PE | 865.75 | ||
| Fwd PE | 26.63 |
4.2 Price Multiples
MLAB's Enterprise Value to EBITDA ratio is rather cheap when compared to the industry. MLAB is cheaper than 92.59% of the companies in the same industry.
Based on the Price/Free Cash Flow ratio, MLAB is valued cheaper than 98.15% of the companies in the same industry.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| P/FCF | 9 | ||
| EV/EBITDA | 13.02 |
4.3 Compensation for Growth
The low PEG Ratio(NY), which compensates the Price/Earnings for growth, indicates a rather cheap valuation of the company.
The decent profitability rating of MLAB may justify a higher PE ratio.
A more expensive valuation may be justified as MLAB's earnings are expected to grow with 231.94% in the coming years.
PEG (NY)0.33
PEG (5Y)N/A
EPS Next 2Y509.57%
EPS Next 3Y231.94%
5. Dividend
5.1 Amount
MLAB has a yearly dividend return of 0.96%, which is pretty low.
The stock price of MLAB dropped by -31.10% in the last 3 months. With lower prices the dividend yield is higher, but it may be a sign investors do not trust the long term dividend.
Compared to an average industry Dividend Yield of 0.54, MLAB pays a better dividend. On top of this MLAB pays more dividend than 100.00% of the companies listed in the same industry.
With a Dividend Yield of 0.96, MLAB pays less dividend than the S&P500 average, which is at 2.34.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% |
5.2 History
The dividend of MLAB decreases each year by -0.50%.
MLAB has been paying a dividend for at least 10 years, so it has a reliable track record.
MLAB has not decreased its dividend for at least 10 years, so it has a reliable track record of non decreasing dividend.
Dividend Growth(5Y)-0.5%
Div Incr Years0
Div Non Decr Years21
5.3 Sustainability
MLAB has negative earnings and hence a negative payout ratio. The dividend may be in danger.
DP-175.68%
EPS Next 2Y509.57%
EPS Next 3Y231.94%
NASDAQ:MLAB (8/27/2025, 12:23:33 PM)
69.26
-0.07 (-0.1%)
Chartmill FA Rating
GICS SectorHealth Care
GICS IndustryGroupPharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences
GICS IndustryLife Sciences Tools & Services
Earnings (Last)
Earnings (Next)
Inst Owners95.72%
Inst Owner Change2.21%
Ins Owners5.12%
Ins Owner Change4.19%
Market Cap380.93M
Analysts50
Price Target90.27 (30.33%)
Short Float %5.97%
Short Ratio1.79
Dividend
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% |
Yearly Dividend0.64
Dividend Growth(5Y)-0.5%
DP-175.68%
Div Incr Years0
Div Non Decr Years21
Ex-Date
Surprises & Revisions
EPS beat(2)0
Avg EPS beat(2)-166.14%
Min EPS beat(2)-217.83%
Max EPS beat(2)-114.45%
EPS beat(4)1
Avg EPS beat(4)-72.46%
Min EPS beat(4)-217.83%
Max EPS beat(4)85.76%
EPS beat(8)3
Avg EPS beat(8)303.76%
EPS beat(12)4
Avg EPS beat(12)196.96%
EPS beat(16)7
Avg EPS beat(16)160.77%
Revenue beat(2)1
Avg Revenue beat(2)1.93%
Min Revenue beat(2)-0.98%
Max Revenue beat(2)4.83%
Revenue beat(4)2
Avg Revenue beat(4)1.03%
Min Revenue beat(4)-2.04%
Max Revenue beat(4)4.83%
Revenue beat(8)3
Avg Revenue beat(8)-0.6%
Revenue beat(12)4
Avg Revenue beat(12)-1.29%
Revenue beat(16)7
Avg Revenue beat(16)0.59%
PT rev (1m)-26.25%
PT rev (3m)-37.53%
EPS NQ rev (1m)0%
EPS NQ rev (3m)-60.48%
EPS NY rev (1m)5.7%
EPS NY rev (3m)-56.29%
Revenue NQ rev (1m)0%
Revenue NQ rev (3m)-0.29%
Revenue NY rev (1m)-1.01%
Revenue NY rev (3m)-1.18%
Valuation
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PE | 865.75 | ||
| Fwd PE | 26.63 | ||
| P/S | 1.58 | ||
| P/FCF | 9 | ||
| P/OCF | 8.14 | ||
| P/B | 2.38 | ||
| P/tB | N/A | ||
| EV/EBITDA | 13.02 |
EPS(TTM)0.08
EY0.12%
EPS(NY)2.6
Fwd EY3.76%
FCF(TTM)7.69
FCFY11.11%
OCF(TTM)8.51
OCFY12.29%
SpS43.81
BVpS29.06
TBVpS-21.6
PEG (NY)0.33
PEG (5Y)N/A
Profitability
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROA | -0.46% | ||
| ROE | -1.24% | ||
| ROCE | 6.06% | ||
| ROIC | 4.79% | ||
| ROICexc | 5.33% | ||
| ROICexgc | N/A | ||
| OM | 6.78% | ||
| PM (TTM) | N/A | ||
| GM | 62.61% | ||
| FCFM | 17.56% |
ROA(3y)-19.07%
ROA(5y)-11.28%
ROE(3y)-58.62%
ROE(5y)-34.92%
ROIC(3y)1.9%
ROIC(5y)1.6%
ROICexc(3y)2.1%
ROICexc(5y)2.03%
ROICexgc(3y)N/A
ROICexgc(5y)N/A
ROCE(3y)2.4%
ROCE(5y)2.02%
ROICexcg growth 3YN/A
ROICexcg growth 5YN/A
ROICexc growth 3Y106.13%
ROICexc growth 5Y21.15%
OM growth 3Y38.53%
OM growth 5Y0.45%
PM growth 3YN/A
PM growth 5YN/A
GM growth 3Y1.88%
GM growth 5Y2.57%
F-Score6
Asset Turnover0.56
Health
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Debt/Equity | 0.48 | ||
| Debt/FCF | 4.21 | ||
| Debt/EBITDA | 1.88 | ||
| Cap/Depr | 18.34% | ||
| Cap/Sales | 1.87% | ||
| Interest Coverage | 1.47 | ||
| Cash Conversion | 114.55% | ||
| Profit Quality | N/A | ||
| Current Ratio | 0.63 | ||
| Quick Ratio | 0.47 | ||
| Altman-Z | 0.74 |
F-Score6
WACC10.15%
ROIC/WACC0.47
Cap/Depr(3y)13.3%
Cap/Depr(5y)13.77%
Cap/Sales(3y)1.71%
Cap/Sales(5y)1.8%
Profit Quality(3y)N/A
Profit Quality(5y)N/A
High Growth Momentum
Growth
EPS 1Y (TTM)-98.3%
EPS 3Y-62.71%
EPS 5Y-39.16%
EPS Q2Q%1.19%
EPS Next Y2600.57%
EPS Next 2Y509.57%
EPS Next 3Y231.94%
EPS Next 5YN/A
Revenue 1Y (TTM)11.47%
Revenue growth 3Y9.35%
Revenue growth 5Y15.41%
Sales Q2Q%2.36%
Revenue Next Year3.51%
Revenue Next 2Y4.37%
Revenue Next 3Y4.58%
Revenue Next 5YN/A
EBIT growth 1Y563.53%
EBIT growth 3Y51.48%
EBIT growth 5Y15.93%
EBIT Next Year183.68%
EBIT Next 3Y46.94%
EBIT Next 5YN/A
FCF growth 1Y1.79%
FCF growth 3Y6.74%
FCF growth 5Y10.67%
OCF growth 1Y6.06%
OCF growth 3Y6.07%
OCF growth 5Y11.64%