Valued at $27.3 billion by market cap, Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (MTD) is a global leader in precision instruments and analytical solutions. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company specializes in innovative weighing, analytical, and inspection technologies supporting critical applications across pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals. Mettler-Toledo is set to release its Q4 earnings after the market closes on Thursday, Feb. 6.

Ahead of the event, analysts forecast the medical equipment maker to post a profit of $11.69 per share, reflecting a growth of 24.4% from $9.40 per share in the same quarter last year. The company has surpassed Wall Street's bottom-line projections in three of the past four quarters while missing on another occasion. 

In the most recent quarter, Mettler-Toledo posted an EPS of $10.21, surpassing the consensus estimate by 2.1%. Mettler-Toledo exceeded earnings expectations with strong revenue growth, but its stock performance has been impacted by mixed earnings estimate revisions and a weak industry outlook.

For fiscal 2024, analysts expect MTD to report EPS of $40.42, a 6.3% increase from $38.03 in fiscal 2023. 

Mettler-Toledo's shares have increased by 10.4% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 25% gains but outperforming the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLV) 2.2% increase over the same period.

On Nov. 7, Mettler-Toledo reported its Q3 earnings results, with shares declining more than 7% in the following trading session. The company posted revenue of $954.5 million, exceeding the forecast of $941.9 million, reflecting a 1.3% year-over-year increase.

Management has provided a cautious outlook for the upcoming quarters, highlighting uncertain market conditions that could change rapidly. For Q4 2024, local currency sales are expected to increase by around 8%, benefiting from approximately 6% due to shipping delays from Q4 2023. For the full year, local currency sales are projected to grow by approximately 2%, with a 3% benefit from the shipping delays impacting Q1 2024. Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, local currency sales growth is anticipated to be around 3%, with a 1.5% headwind from the 2023 delays that impacted 2024.

Analysts' consensus rating on MTD stock is cautious, with a "Hold" rating overall. Out of 11 analysts covering the stock, two suggest a "Strong Buy," eight advise a "Hold," and one has a "Moderate Sell."

The average analyst price target for MTD is $1,350, suggesting a modest potential upside of 1.9% from current levels.