10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2009, OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                      TO                     
Commission File Number: 1-13595
Mettler-Toledo International Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   13-3668641
     
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S Employer Identification No.)
Im Langacher, P.O. Box MT-100
CH 8606 Greifensee, Switzerland
and
1900 Polaris Parkway
Columbus, Ohio 43240
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
+41-44-944-22-11 and 1-614-438-4511
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
not applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web-site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The Registrant had 33,669,310 shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 31, 2009.
 
 

 

 


 

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
         
    PAGE  
       
 
       
       
 
       
Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements:
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       
    19  
 
       
    28  
 
       
    28  
 
       
       
 
       
    29  
 
       
    29  
 
       
    29  
 
       
    30  
 
       
    30  
 
       
    30  
 
       
    30  
 
       
       
 
       
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32

 

 


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
                 
    March 31,     March 31,  
    2009     2008  
Net sales
               
Products
  $ 277,910     $ 335,937  
Service
    96,169       103,018  
 
           
Total net sales
    374,079       438,955  
Cost of sales
               
Products
    127,025       151,168  
Service
    59,132       66,635  
 
           
Gross profit
    187,922       221,152  
Research and development
    21,570       24,254  
Selling, general and administrative
    114,035       138,602  
Amortization
    2,683       2,405  
Interest expense
    5,241       5,849  
Other charges (income), net
    9,360       1,675  
 
           
Earnings before taxes
    35,033       48,367  
Provision for taxes
    1,154       10,088  
 
           
Net earnings
  $ 33,879     $ 38,279  
 
           
 
               
Basic earnings per common share:
               
Net earnings
  $ 1.01     $ 1.09  
Weighted average number of common shares
    33,631,219       35,119,322  
 
               
Diluted earnings per common share:
               
Net earnings
  $ 1.00     $ 1.06  
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares
    33,996,251       35,993,750  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

 

- 3 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008
(In thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 130,770     $ 78,073  
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $11,640 at March 31, 2009 and $11,965 at December 31, 2008
    288,893       348,614  
Inventory
    158,212       170,613  
Current deferred tax assets, net
    35,929       35,756  
Other current assets and prepaid expenses
    38,095       37,809  
 
           
Total current assets
    651,899       670,865  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    274,754       285,008  
Goodwill
    419,518       424,426  
Other intangible assets, net
    95,665       96,295  
Non-current deferred tax assets, net
    86,628       92,958  
Other non-current assets
    93,332       94,504  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 1,621,796     $ 1,664,056  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
Current liabilities:
               
Trade accounts payable
  $ 77,976     $ 111,442  
Accrued and other liabilities
    81,433       81,118  
Accrued compensation and related items
    72,420       115,430  
Deferred revenue and customer prepayments
    67,063       51,665  
Taxes payable
    44,278       44,507  
Current deferred tax liabilities
    7,774       8,218  
Short-term borrowings
    9,700       12,492  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    360,644       424,872  
Long-term debt
    467,653       441,588  
Non-current deferred tax liabilities
    104,496       111,048  
Other non-current liabilities
    168,380       183,301  
 
           
Total liabilities
    1,101,173       1,160,809  
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
               
 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued 0
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; authorized 125,000,000 shares; issued 44,786,011 and 44,786,011 shares; outstanding 33,669,310 and 33,595,303 shares at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
    448       448  
Additional paid-in capital
    563,077       559,772  
Treasury stock at cost (11,116,701 shares at March 31, 2009 and 11,190,708 shares at December 31, 2008)
    (868,326 )     (873,601 )
Retained earnings
    880,357       848,489  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (54,933 )     (31,861 )
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    520,623       503,247  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,621,796     $ 1,664,056  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

 

- 4 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three months ended March 31, 2009 and twelve months ended December 31, 2008
(In thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
                                                         
                                            Accumulated        
                    Additional                     Other        
    Common Stock     Paid-in     Treasury     Retained     Comprehensive        
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Stock     Earnings     (Loss) Income     Total  
 
                                                       
Balance at December 31, 2007
    35,638,483     $ 448     $ 548,378     $ (662,393 )   $ 652,236     $ 42,617     $ 581,286  
Exercise of stock options and restricted stock units
    172,248                   12,138       (6,910 )           5,228  
Other treasury stock issuances
    16,760                   1,149       352             1,501  
Repurchases of common stock
    (2,232,188 )                 (224,495 )                 (224,495 )
Tax benefit resulting from exercise of certain employee stock options
                2,696                         2,696  
Share-based compensation
                8,698                         8,698  
Adoption of SFAS 158 measurement date provision, net of tax
                            33       (107 )     (74 )
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net earnings
                            202,778             202,778  
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging arrangements, net of tax
                                  (2,593 )     (2,593 )
Change in currency translation adjustment
                                  (23,242 )     (23,242 )
Pension adjustment, net of tax
                                  (48,536 )     (48,536 )
 
                                                     
Comprehensive income
                                        128,407  
 
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2008
    33,595,303     $ 448     $ 559,772     $ (873,601 )   $ 848,489     $ (31,861 )   $ 503,247  
Exercise of stock options and restricted stock units
    67,540                   4,814       (1,854 )           2,960  
Other treasury stock issuances
    6,467                   461       (157 )           304  
Tax benefit resulting from exercise of certain employee stock options
                404                         404  
Share-based compensation
                2,901                         2,901  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net earnings
                            33,879             33,879  
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging arrangements, net of tax
                                  470       470  
Change in currency translation adjustment
                                  (24,345 )     (24,345 )
Pension adjustment, net of tax
                                  803       803  
Comprehensive income (a)
                                        10,807  
 
                                         
Balance at March 31, 2009
    33,669,310     $ 448     $ 563,077     $ (868,326 )   $ 880,357     $ (54,933 )   $ 520,623  
 
                                         
     
(a)   Total comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $67,873.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

 

- 5 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands)
(unaudited)
                 
    March 31,     March 31,  
    2009     2008  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net earnings
  $ 33,879     $ 38,279  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    7,049       7,304  
Amortization
    2,683       2,405  
Deferred taxes
    (3,862 )     (451 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    (38 )     (219 )
Share-based compensation
    2,901       2,526  
Gain from sale of property, plant and equipment
    (38 )     (2,699 )
Other
          (377 )
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in:
               
Trade accounts receivable, net
    45,366       27,602  
Inventory
    5,504       (14,270 )
Other current assets
    (1,615 )     (10,090 )
Trade accounts payable
    (30,197 )     (26,087 )
Taxes payable
    (9,927 )     2,462  
Accruals and other
    (16,834 )     (18,231 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    34,871       8,154  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    1,868       12,476  
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (12,452 )     (7,379 )
Acquisitions
    (170 )      
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (10,754 )     5,097  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from borrowings
    58,192       124,032  
Repayments of borrowings
    (32,142 )     (44,722 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises
    2,960       1,219  
Repurchases of common stock
          (98,611 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    38       219  
Other financing activities
    (320 )     77  
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    28,728       (17,786 )
 
           
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (148 )     3,997  
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    52,697       (538 )
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents:
               
Beginning of period
    78,073       81,222  
 
           
End of period
  $ 130,770     $ 80,684  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

 

- 6 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited
(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (“Mettler-Toledo” or the “Company”) is a leading global supplier of precision instruments and services. The Company manufactures weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial, packaging, logistics and food retailing applications. The Company also manufactures several related analytical instruments and provides automated chemistry solutions used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development. In addition, the Company manufactures metal detection and other end-of-line inspection systems used in production and packaging and provides solutions for use in certain process analytics applications. The Company’s primary manufacturing facilities are located in China, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Company’s principal executive offices are located in Greifensee, Switzerland and Columbus, Ohio.
The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include all entities in which the Company has control, which are its majority-owned subsidiaries. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2009.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates. A discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

 

- 7 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents the Company’s best estimate of probable credit losses in its existing trade accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based upon a review of both specific accounts for collection and the age of the accounts receivable portfolio.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost, which includes direct materials, labor and overhead, is generally determined using the first in, first out (FIFO) method. The estimated net realizable value is based on assumptions for future demand and related pricing. Adjustments to the cost basis of our inventory are made for excess and obsolete items based on usage, orders and technological obsolescence. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, reductions in the value of inventory may be required.
Inventory consisted of the following:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Raw materials and parts
  $ 75,863     $ 77,282  
Work-in-progress
    27,327       32,403  
Finished goods
    55,022       60,928  
 
           
 
  $ 158,212     $ 170,613  
 
           
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets include indefinite-lived assets and assets subject to amortization. Where applicable, amortization is charged on a straight-line basis over the expected period to be benefited. The straight-line method of amortization reflects an appropriate allocation of the cost of the intangible assets to earnings in proportion to the amount of economic benefits obtained by the Company in each reporting period. The Company assesses the initial acquisition of intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations” and the continued accounting for previously recognized intangible assets and goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

 

- 8 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Other intangible assets consist of the following:
                                 
    March 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Gross     Accumulated     Gross     Accumulated  
    Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
 
Customer relationships
  $ 73,656     $ (13,908 )   $ 73,772     $ (13,476 )
Proven technology and patents
    33,376       (20,864 )     32,989       (20,452 )
Tradename (finite life)
    1,778       (807 )     1,803       (775 )
Tradename (indefinite life)
    22,434             22,434        
 
                       
 
  $ 131,244     $ (35,579 )   $ 130,998     $ (34,703 )
 
                       
The annual aggregate amortization expense based on the current balance of other intangible assets is estimated at $4.7 million for 2009 and 2010, $4.5 million for 2011, $4.1 million for 2012 and $2.7 million for 2013. The Company had amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets of $1.2 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.
In addition to the above amortization, the Company had amortization expense associated with capitalized software of $1.5 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when title to a product has transferred and any significant customer obligations have been fulfilled. Standard shipping terms are generally FOB shipping point in most countries and, accordingly, title transfers upon shipment. In countries where title cannot legally transfer before delivery, the Company defers revenue recognition until delivery has occurred. Other than a few small software applications, the Company does not sell software products without the related hardware instrument as the software is embedded in the instrument. The Company’s products typically require no significant production, modification or customization of the hardware or software that is essential to the functionality of the products. To the extent the Company’s solutions have a post-shipment obligation, such as customer acceptance, revenue is deferred until the obligation has been completed. In addition, the Company defers revenue where installation is required, unless such installation is deemed perfunctory. The Company generally maintains the right to accept or reject a product return in its terms and conditions and also maintains appropriate accruals for outstanding credits. Further, certain products are also sold through indirect distribution channels whereby the distributor assumes any further obligations to the customer upon title transfer. Revenue is recognized on these products upon title transfer and risk of loss to its distributors. Distributor discounts are offset against revenue at the time such revenue is recognized. Shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in total net sales and the associated expense is recorded in cost of sales for all periods presented.
Service revenue not under contract is recognized upon the completion of the service performed. Spare parts sold on a stand-alone basis are recognized upon title transfer which is generally at the time of shipment. Revenues from service contracts are recognized ratably over the contract period. These contracts represent an obligation to perform repair and other services including regulatory compliance qualification, calibration, certification and preventative maintenance

 

- 9 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
on a customer’s pre-defined equipment over the contract period. Service contracts are separately priced and payment is typically received from the customer at the beginning of the contract period.
Warranty
The Company generally offers one-year warranties on most of its products. Product warranties are recorded at the time revenue is recognized for certain product shipments. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, its warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage and service costs incurred in correcting a product failure.
The Company’s accrual for product warranties is included in accrued and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Changes to the Company’s accrual for product warranties are as follows:
                 
    March 31,     March 31,  
    2009     2008  
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 12,822     $ 12,949  
Accruals for warranties
    3,496       4,161  
Foreign currency translation
    (474 )     364  
Payments / utilizations
    (3,815 )     (3,769 )
 
           
Balance at end of period
  $ 12,029     $ 13,705  
 
           
Employee Termination Benefits
In situations where contractual termination benefits exist, the Company records accruals for employee termination benefits when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. All other employee termination arrangements are recognized and measured at their fair value at the communication date unless the employee is required to render additional service beyond the legal notification period, in which case the liability is recognized ratably over the future service period.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company records share-based compensation pursuant to SFAS No. 123R and Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 107, “Share-Based Payments.” The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense within selling, general and administrative in the consolidated statement of operations with a corresponding offset to additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company had $2.9 million and $2.5 million of share-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company granted 213,850 performance-based options with a grant-date fair value of $32.20. Compensation expense will be recognized over the five-year vesting provisions based upon the probability of the performance condition being met.

 

- 10 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Research and Development
Research and development costs primarily consist of salaries, consulting and other costs. The Company expenses these costs as incurred.
3. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”), which requires disclosure of a Company’s objectives and strategies for using derivative instruments and the impact of those derivative instruments on a Company’s operations, financial position and cash flows. The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. As more fully described below, the Company enters into certain interest rate swap agreements in order to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company also enters into certain foreign currency forward contracts to limit the Company’s exposure to currency fluctuations on the respective hedged items. Additional derivative-related information is disclosed in Note 4 to the interim consolidated financial statements.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company has an interest rate swap agreement, designated as a cash flow hedge, which changes the floating rate interest payments associated with $150 million outstanding under the Company’s credit facility to a fixed obligation. Additionally, in March 2009, the Company entered into a foreign currency forward contract (with a notional amount of $25.3 million), designated as a cash flow hedge, to hedge forecasted intercompany sales denominated in U.S. dollars with its foreign businesses. The Company records the effective portion of the cash flow derivative hedging gains and losses in other comprehensive income and reclassifies these amounts into earnings in the period in which the transaction affects earnings. Gains or losses on the derivatives representing hedge ineffectiveness, if any, are recognized in current earnings. Through March 31, 2009, no hedge ineffectiveness has occurred in relation to these cash flow hedges.
The fair value of these derivative instruments and their effects on the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of operations before tax as of and for the three-month period ending March 31, 2009 are as follows:
                                         
                                    Gain/(Loss)
                    Location of Derivative   Derivative   Reclassified from
    Balance Sheet           Gain/(Loss) Recognized   Gain/(Loss)   AOCI into Earnings
    Location   Fair Value   in Earnings   Recognized in OCI   (Effective Portion)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Cash flow hedges
                                       
 
                                       
Interest rate swap
  Other non-current liabilities   $ 4,173     Interest expense   $ 80     $ (833 )
Foreign currency
  Other non-current                                
forward contracts
  assets   $ 693     Net sales   $ 693     $  

 

- 11 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
A net after tax derivative charge of $1.5 million based upon interest rates at March 31, 2009 is expected to be recognized in earnings in the next twelve months related primarily to the interest rate swap agreement.
Fair Value Hedges and Other Derivatives
The Company has a $30 million interest rate swap agreement, designated as a fair value hedge, in connection with its $150 million seven-year Senior Notes. The Company records the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item in earnings under interest expense.
The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts in order to economically hedge short-term intercompany balances largely denominated in Swiss franc and other major European currencies with its foreign businesses. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” these contracts are considered “derivatives not designated as hedging instruments” and are categorized as “other derivatives” in the table below. Gains or losses on these instruments are reported in current earnings. At March 31, 2009, these contracts had a notional value of $104.3 million.
The fair value of these derivative instruments and their effects on the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of operations before tax as of and for the three-month period ending March 31, 2009 are as follows:
                                 
                    Location of Derivative    
    Balance Sheet           Gain/(Loss) Recognized in   Derivative Gain/(Loss)
    Location   Fair Value   Earnings   Recognized in Earnings
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                               
Fair value hedges:
                               
 
                               
Interest rate swap
  Other non-current assets   $ 1,389     Interest Expense   $ (139 )
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                               
Other derivatives:
                               
Foreign currency forward contracts — liabilities
  Accrued and other liabilities   $ 629     Other charges (income), net   $ (629 )
 
                               
Foreign currency forward contracts — assets
  Other current assets   $ 193     Other charges (income), net   $ 193  
4.   FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), except as it relates to nonfinancial assets, including goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets (for purposes of impairment analysis) and asset retirement obligations, pursuant to FSP 157-2, the provisions of which were adopted on January 1, 2009.

 

- 12 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
SFAS 157 clarifies how companies are required to use a fair value measure for recognition and disclosure by establishing a common definition of fair value, a framework for measuring fair value and expanding disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.
At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had derivative assets totaling $2.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively and derivative liabilities totaling $4.8 million and $6.2 million, respectively. The fair values of the interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency forward contracts that economically hedge short-term intercompany balances are estimated based upon inputs from current valuation information obtained from dealer quotes and priced with observable market assumptions and appropriate valuation adjustments for credit risk. The Company has evaluated the valuation methodologies used to develop the fair values by dealers in order to determine whether such valuations are representative of an exit price in the Company’s principal market. In addition, the Company uses an internally developed model to perform testing on the valuations received from brokers. The fair value of the foreign currency forward contract hedging forecasted intercompany sales is priced with observable market assumptions with appropriate valuations for credit risk. The Company has also considered both its own credit risk and counterparty credit risk in determining fair value and determined these adjustments were insignificant for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009 and the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008.
At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had $7.4 million and $12.3 million of cash equivalents, respectively, the fair value of which is determined through corroborated prices in active markets. The fair value of cash equivalents approximates cost.
SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement consists of observable and unobservable inputs that reflect the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability.
SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that categorizes these inputs into three levels:
     
Level 1:
  Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
 
   
Level 2:
  Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
 
   
Level 3:
  Unobservable inputs

 

- 13 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
                                                                 
    March 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Assets:
                                                               
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $ 886     $     $ 886     $     $ 1,922     $     $ 1,922     $  
Interest rate swap agreement
    1,389             1,389             1,527             1,527        
Cash equivalents
    7,448             7,448             12,251             12,251        
 
                                               
Total
  $ 9,723     $     $ 9,723     $     $ 15,700     $     $ 15,700     $  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Liabilities:
                                                               
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $ 629     $     $ 629     $     $ 1,926     $     $ 1,926     $  
Interest rate swap agreement
    4,173             4,173             4,253             4,253        
 
                                               
Total
  $ 4,802     $     $ 4,802     $     $ 6,179     $     $ 6,179     $  
 
                                               
5. INCOME TAXES
The provision for taxes is based upon the Company’s projected annual effective tax rate of 27% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009.
During the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a discrete tax benefit of $8.3 million, primarily related to the favorable resolution of certain prior year tax matters. The impact of this item decreased the effective tax rate to 3% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009.
During the first quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a discrete tax benefit of $2.5 million related to favorable withholding tax law changes in China. The net impact of this item decreased the effective tax rate to 21% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2008.
6. DEBT
Our short-term borrowings and long-term debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2009:
                         
    March 31, 2009  
            Other principal        
            trading        
    U.S. dollar     currencies     Total  
 
$150m Senior notes (net of unamortized discount)
  $ 151,331     $     $ 151,331  
Credit facility
    279,000       25,933       304,933  
Other local arrangements (long-term)
          11,389       11,389  
 
                 
Total long-term debt
    430,331       37,322       467,653  
Other local arrangements (short-term)
          9,700       9,700  
 
                 
Total debt
  $ 430,331     $ 47,022     $ 477,353  
 
                 

 

- 14 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of March 31, 2009, the Company had $639.7 million of availability remaining under the credit facility.
7. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM AND TREASURY STOCK
The Company has a share repurchase program. Under the program, the Company has been authorized to buy back up to $1.5 billion of equity shares. As of March 31, 2009, there were $416.6 million of remaining equity shares authorized to be repurchased under the plan by December 31, 2010. The share repurchases are expected to be funded from cash balances, borrowings and cash generated from operating activities. Repurchases will be made through open market transactions, and the timing will depend on the level of acquisition activity, business and market conditions, the stock price, trading restrictions and other factors. The Company has purchased 15.2 million shares since the inception of the program through March 31, 2009.
During the fourth quarter 2008, the Company suspended the share repurchase program and as a result, the Company did not repurchase any shares in the three-month period ended March 31, 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company spent $95.6 million (of which $2.2 million was unsettled at March 31, 2008) on the repurchase of 954,188 shares at an average price per share of $100.17. In addition, $5.2 million was cash settled during the three-month period ended March 31, 2008 related to the settlement of a liability for shares repurchased as of December 31, 2007. The Company reissued 67,540 shares and 32,760 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, respectively. The Company also reissued 6,467 shares and 16,760 shares held in treasury during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, pursuant to its 2007 Share Plan which extends certain eligible employees the option to receive a percentage of their annual bonus in shares of the Company’s stock.
8. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
In accordance with the treasury stock method, the Company has included the following common equivalent shares in the calculation of diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the three-month periods ended March 31, relating to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units.
                 
    2009     2008  
Three months ended
    365,032       874,428  
Outstanding options and restricted stock units to purchase 1,392,596 and 450,150 shares of common stock for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares as such options and restricted stock units would be anti-dilutive.

 

- 15 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
9. NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST
Net periodic cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and U.S. post-retirement medical plan includes the following components for the three months ended March 31:
                                                 
                                    Other U.S.  
    U.S. Pension Benefits     Non-U.S. Pension Benefits     Post-retirement benefits  
    2009     2008     2009     2008     2009     2008  
Service cost, net
  $ 46     $ 183     $ 3,857     $ 4,263     $ 95     $ 109  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations
    1,696       1,634       5,118       6,024       280       323  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,710 )     (2,233 )     (6,345 )     (8,151 )            
Net amortization and deferral
                (237 )           (239 )     (239 )
Recognition of actuarial losses (gains)
    1,165       198       190       81       (82 )      
 
                                   
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)
  $ 1,197     $ (218 )   $ 2,583     $ 2,217     $ 54     $ 193  
 
                                   
As previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company expects to make employer contributions of approximately $18.0 million to its non-U.S. pension plans and $2.0 million to its U.S. post-retirement medical plan during the year ended December 31, 2009. These estimates may change based upon several factors, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, actual returns on plan assets and changes in legal requirements.
10. OTHER CHARGES (INCOME), NET
Other charges (income), net consists primarily of restructuring charges, interest income, (gains) losses from foreign currency transactions and other items.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company initiated a global cost reduction program. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company revised the program to include further cost reductions. Charges under the program primarily comprise severance costs and are expected to be approximately $40 million. Through March 31, 2009 total charges recognized were $14.8 million, $8.4 million of which was recognized during the first quarter of 2009. Under the program, the Company’s workforce (including employees and temporary personnel) will be reduced by approximately 1,000. The program is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2009. As a result of the reduction in workforce, the Company anticipates personnel costs will be reduced by approximately $50 million on an annual basis.

 

- 16 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
A rollforward for the Company’s accrual for restructuring activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:
                         
    Employee     Lease        
    Related     Termination     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 5,991     $     $ 5,991  
Restructuring expense
    6,612       1,743       8,355  
Cash payments
    (4,574 )           (4,574 )
Impact of foreign currency
    (193 )           (193 )
 
                 
Balance at March 31, 2009
  $ 7,836     $ 1,743     $ 9,579  
 
                 
11. SEGMENT REPORTING
As disclosed in Note 16 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2008, the Company has determined there are five reportable segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations and Other.
The Company evaluates segment performance based on Segment Profit (gross profit less research and development, selling, and general and administrative expenses, before amortization, interest expense and other charges (income), net and taxes).
The following tables show the operations of the Company’s operating segments:
                                         
    Net Sales to     Net Sales to                    
For the three months ended   External     Other     Total Net     Segment        
March 31, 2009   Customers     Segments     Sales     Profit     Goodwill  
U.S. Operations
  $ 123,387     $ 10,820     $ 134,207     $ 19,723     $ 308,898  
Swiss Operations
    22,811       60,219       83,030       12,959       16,910  
Western European Operations
    127,637       16,631       144,268       12,617       81,501  
Chinese Operations
    44,391       14,742       59,133       10,255       648  
Other (a)
    55,853       526       56,379       3,204       11,561  
Eliminations and Corporate (b)
          (102,938 )     (102,938 )     (6,441 )      
 
                             
Total
  $ 374,079     $     $ 374,079     $ 52,317     $ 419,518  
 
                             
                                         
    Net Sales to     Net Sales to                    
For the three months ended   External     Other     Total Net     Segment        
March 31, 2008   Customers     Segments     Sales     Profit     Goodwill  
U.S. Operations
  $ 139,613     $ 12,307     $ 151,920     $ 20,424     $ 309,463  
Swiss Operations
    31,221       77,573       108,794       21,085       18,694  
Western European Operations
    157,457       20,390       177,847       11,886       106,044  
Chinese Operations
    42,105       22,172       64,277       12,941       627  
Other (a)
    68,559       825       69,384       4,509       13,103  
Eliminations and Corporate (b)
          (133,267 )     (133,267 )     (12,549 )      
 
                             
Total
  $ 438,955     $     $ 438,955     $ 58,296     $ 447,931  
 
                             

 

- 17 -


Table of Contents

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At March 31, 2009 — Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
     
(a)   Other includes reporting units that do not meet the quantitative thresholds of SFAS 131 and also do not meet the majority of the SFAS 131 aggregation criteria to be included in the Company’s reportable operating segments.
 
(b)   Eliminations and Corporate includes the elimination of inter-segment transactions as well as certain corporate expenses and intercompany investments, which are not included in the Company’s operating segments.
A reconciliation of earnings before taxes to segment profit for the three months ended March 31 follows:
                 
    Three months ended  
    March 31,     March 31,  
    2009     2008  
Earnings before taxes
  $ 35,033     $ 48,367  
Amortization
    2,683       2,405  
Interest expense
    5,241       5,849  
Other charges (income), net
    9,360       1,675  
 
           
Segment profit
  $ 52,317     $ 58,296  
 
           
Included in other charges (income), net during the three months ended March 31, 2009, are $8.4 million of restructuring charges of which $3.2 million, $1.0 million, $3.4 million, $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million relate to the Company’s U.S., Swiss, Western European, Chinese, Other and Corporate operations, respectively. The cumulative amount of restructuring charges recognized in other charges (income), net under the program totaled $14.8 as of March 31, 2009, of which $4.5 million, $1.3 million, $7.5 million, $0.4 million, $0.7 million and $0.4 million relate to the Company’s U.S., Swiss, Western European, Chinese, Other and Corporate operations, respectively.
12. CONTINGENCIES
The Company is party to various legal proceedings, including certain environmental matters, incidental to the normal course of business. Management does not expect that any of such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

- 18 -


Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
General
Our interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America on a basis which reflects the interim consolidated financial statements of Mettler-Toledo International Inc. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2009.
Results of Operations — Consolidated
The following tables set forth certain items from our interim consolidated statements of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (amounts in thousands).
                                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
    2009             2008        
    (unaudited)     %     (unaudited)     %  
Net sales
  $ 374,079       100.0     $ 438,955       100.0  
Cost of sales
    186,157       49.8       217,803       49.6  
 
                       
Gross profit
    187,922       50.2       221,152       50.4  
Research and development
    21,570       5.8       24,254       5.5  
Selling, general and administrative
    114,035       30.5       138,602       31.6  
Amortization
    2,683       0.7       2,405       0.6  
Interest expense
    5,241       1.4       5,849       1.3  
Other charges (income), net (a)
    9,360       2.4       1,675       0.4  
 
                       
Earnings before taxes
    35,033       9.4       48,367       11.0  
Provision for taxes (b)
    1,154       0.3       10,088       2.3  
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 33,879       9.1     $ 38,279       8.7  
 
                       
 
     
(a)   Includes an $8.4 million restructuring charge which primarily related to severance and lease termination costs during the three months ended March 31, 2009.
 
(b)   Discrete tax items for the three months ended March 31, 2009 included a net tax benefit of $8.3 million, primarily related to the favorable resolution of certain prior year tax matters. The discrete tax item for the three months ended March 31, 2008 included a tax benefit of $2.5 million related to favorable withholding tax law changes in China.
Net sales
Net sales were $374.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $439.0 million for the corresponding period in 2008. This represents a decrease in U.S. dollars of 15% for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Excluding the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations, or in local currencies, net sales decreased 8% for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
During the three months ended March 31, 2009, global economic conditions were difficult and resulted in a decline in local currency sales in most geographies versus the prior year

 

- 19 -


Table of Contents

comparable quarter. Our net sales by geographic destination in local currencies decreased 11% in the Americas and 10% in Europe and increased 1% in Asia/Rest of World. A discussion of sales by operating segment is included below. Our future sales in local currencies will continue to be adversely affected by the weak global economic conditions. It remains difficult to predict the extent to which our results will be affected in this uncertain environment.
As described in Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2008, our net sales comprise product sales of precision instruments and related services. Service revenues are primarily derived from repair and other services, including regulatory compliance qualification, calibration, certification, preventative maintenance and spare parts.
Net sales of products decreased by 17% in U.S. dollars during the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding prior period and by 11% in local currencies. Service revenue (including spare parts) decreased by 7% in U.S. dollars during the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008 and increased by 3% in local currencies.
Net sales for our laboratory-related products decreased 9% in local currencies during the three months ended March 31, 2009, principally driven by declining sales in laboratory balances, analytical instruments and process analytics in Europe and the Americas.
Net sales of our industrial-related products decreased 8% in local currencies for the three months ended March 31, 2009. We experienced a significant decline in sales of our core-industrial products across most geographies, offset in part by increased sales in our transportation and logistics products related to favorable project activity and increases of product inspection sales in Europe and China.
In our food retailing markets, net sales decreased 4% in local currencies during the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily due to decreased sales in the U.S. and Europe, offset in part by modest growth in China.
Gross profit
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 50.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to 50.4% for the corresponding period in 2008.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for products was 54.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to 55.0% for the corresponding period in 2008.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for services (including spare parts) was 38.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to 35.3% for the corresponding period in 2008.
The decrease in gross profit reflects our decreased sales volume in excess of our reduced production costs. The gross profit as a percentage of net sales was partially offset by favorable currency relating to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the corresponding period in 2008, as well as increased pricing and lower material costs.

 

- 20 -


Table of Contents

Research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales were 5.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to 5.5% for the corresponding period in 2008. Research and development expenses decreased 6%, in local currencies, during the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to the corresponding period in 2008 relating to reduced project activity and the impact of our cost reduction programs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 30.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to 31.6% for the corresponding period in 2008. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 11%, in local currencies, during the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to the corresponding periods in 2008. The decrease is primarily due to reduced performance-related compensation (bonus and commission) costs and benefits from our cost reduction activities. These items were partially offset by expenses incurred in connection with Blue Ocean, our multi-year information technology investment. The three months ended March 31, 2008 included costs associated with product launches and severance expense, partially offset by a gain associated with an asset sale.
Interest expense, other charges (income), net, and taxes
Interest expense was $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to $5.8 million for the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease is due primarily to lower average borrowing rates in 2009.
Other charges (income), net consists primarily of restructuring charges, interest income, (gains) losses from foreign currency transactions and other items. The increase in other charges (income), net of $7.7 million compared to the prior year is primarily due to restructuring charges of $8.4 million related to our global cost reduction program (as further described below), partially offset by favorable foreign currency fluctuations.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we initiated a global cost reduction program. During the first quarter of 2009, we revised the program to include further cost reductions. Charges under the program primarily comprise severance costs and are expected to be approximately $40 million. Through March 31, 2009 total charges recognized were $14.8 million, $8.4 million of which was recorded during the first quarter of 2009. Under the program, our workforce (including employees and temporary personnel) will be reduced by approximately 1,000. The program is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2009. As a result of the reduction in workforce, we anticipate personnel costs will be reduced by approximately $50 million on an annual basis.
See Note 10 to the interim consolidated financial statements for a summary of restructuring activity for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
The provision for taxes is based upon our projected annual effective tax rate of 27% and 26% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. During the first quarter of 2009, we recorded a discrete net tax benefit of $8.3 million primarily related to the favorable resolution of certain prior year tax matters. The impact of this item decreased the effective tax rate to 3% for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
We recorded a discrete tax benefit of $2.5 million related to favorable withholding tax law changes in China during the first quarter of 2008. The impact of this item decreased the effective tax rate to 21% for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

- 21 -


Table of Contents

Results of Operations — by Operating Segment
The following is a discussion of the financial results of our operating segments. We currently have five reportable segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations and Other. A more detailed description of these segments is outlined in Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2008.
U.S. Operations (amounts in thousands)
                         
    Three months ended March 31  
    2009     2008     %1)  
Total net sales
  $ 134,207     $ 151,920       -12%  
Net sales to external customers
  $ 123,387     $ 139,613       -12%  
Segment profit
  $ 19,723     $ 20,424         -3%  
     
1)   Represents U.S. dollar growth (decline) for net sales and segment profit.
Total net sales and net sales to external customers for the three months ended March 31, 2009 decreased compared to the corresponding period in 2008, reflecting declines across most product categories related to the global economic slowdown, particularly core-industrial products. We expect net sales will continue to be adversely affected by weak global economic conditions during 2009.
Segment profit decreased $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease in segment profit was primarily due to decreases in sales volume, offset in part by a $1.8 million gain from the receipt of a previously reserved receivable and benefits from our cost containment efforts.
Swiss Operations (amounts in thousands)
                         
    Three months ended March 31  
    2009     2008     %1)  
Total net sales
  $ 83,030     $ 108,794       -24%  
Net sales to external customers
  $ 22,811     $ 31,221       -27%  
Segment profit
  $ 12,959     $ 21,085       -39%  
     
1)
  Represents U.S. dollar growth (decline) for net sales and segment profit.
Total net sales decreased by 18% in local currency for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. Net sales in local currency to external customers decreased 21% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease in sales to external customers reflects declines across most product categories related to the global economic slowdown, especially laboratory balances, analytical instruments and core-industrial products. We expect our net sales in local currency will continue to be adversely affected by weak global economic conditions during 2009.
Segment profit decreased $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease in segment profit in 2009 is primarily due to decreased sales volume and unfavorable currency translation fluctuations partially offset by benefits from our cost containment efforts.

 

- 22 -


Table of Contents

Western European Operations (amounts in thousands)
                         
    Three months ended March 31  
    2009     2008     %1)  
Total net sales
  $ 144,268     $ 177,847       -19%  
Net sales to external customers
  $ 127,637     $ 157,457       -19%  
Segment profit
  $ 12,617     $ 11,886          6%  
     
1)   Represents U.S. dollar growth (decline) for net sales and segment profit.
Total net sales and net sales to external customers decreased 4% in local currency for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease is primarily due to reduced sales in our core-industrial and laboratory-related products, offset in part by an increase in our product inspection products. We expect our net sales in local currency will continue to be adversely affected by weak global economic conditions during 2009.
Segment profit increased $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. The increase in segment profit resulted primarily from favorable currency translation fluctuations and benefits from our cost containment efforts. In addition, our Western European operations incurred severance expense of $2.4 million during the first three months of 2008. These items were partially offset by decreased sales volume related to the global economic slowdown.
Chinese Operations (amounts in thousands)
                         
    Three months ended March 31  
    2009     2008     %1)  
Total net sales
  $ 59,133     $ 64,277         -8%  
Net sales to external customers
  $ 44,391     $ 42,105          5%  
Segment profit
  $ 10,255     $ 12,941       -21%  
     
1)   Represents U.S. dollar growth (decline) for net sales and segment profit.
Total net sales decreased 12% in local currency for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. Net sales in local currency to external customers increased 1% for the three-month period compared to the corresponding period in 2008. These fluctuations were due primarily to sales growth in our laboratory and product inspection products, offset largely by a decrease in core-industrial products. We expect our net sales in local currency will continue to be adversely affected by weak global economic conditions during 2009.
Segment profit decreased $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease in segment profit is primarily due to reduced inter-segment sales and increased inter-segment royalty expenses from our U.S. Operations.

 

- 23 -


Table of Contents

Other (amounts in thousands)
                         
    Three months ended March 31  
    2009     2008     %1)  
Total net sales
  $ 56,379     $ 69,384       -19%  
Net sales to external customers
  $ 55,853     $ 68,559       -19%  
Segment profit
  $ 3,204     $ 4,509       -29%  
     
1)   Represents U.S. dollar growth (decline) for net sales and segment profit.
Total net sales and net sales to external customers decreased 7% in local currency for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. This performance primarily reflects decreased sales in our Eastern European markets and Canada. We expect our net sales in local currency will continue to be adversely affected by weak global economic conditions during 2009.
Segment profit decreased $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. Segment profit decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily due to the decline in sales, especially in our Eastern European operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operating activities to meet our obligations and commitments. In addition, liquidity includes the ability to obtain appropriate financing. Currently, our liquidity needs arise primarily from working capital requirements, capital expenditures and acquisitions. Our ability to generate cash flows may be reduced due to the global economic slowdown. In light of the economic downturn and instability in the financial markets, we have taken a more conservative posture towards the utilization of our cash flow and capital structure. This includes suspending our share repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2008. We presently cannot estimate what purchases may be made in 2009, if any.
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $34.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $8.2 million in the corresponding period in 2008. The increase in 2009 resulted principally from decreased incentive payments of $15.4 million related to 2008 performance-related compensation incentives (bonus payments) and reduced accounts receivable and inventory balances, offset in part by lower net earnings of $4.4 million.
Cash flows from investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2008 included $12.5 million of proceeds from the sale of a Swiss property.
Capital expenditures are made primarily for investments in information systems and technology, machinery, equipment and the purchase and expansion of facilities. Our capital expenditures totaled $12.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to $7.4 million in the corresponding period in 2008. We expect capital expenditures to increase as our business grows, and to fluctuate as currency exchange rates change. Our first quarter 2009 capital expenditures included approximately $7.3 million of investments related to our Blue Ocean multi-year program of information technology investment. We expect that our annual capital expenditures will remain in the range of $50 to $60 million until Blue Ocean is completed. These amounts may change based upon fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

 

- 24 -


Table of Contents

Senior Notes and Credit Facility Agreement
Our short-term borrowings and long-term debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2009:
                         
    March 31, 2009  
            Other principal        
            trading        
    U.S. dollar     currencies     Total  
 
$150m Senior notes (net of unamortized discount)
  $ 151,331     $     $ 151,331  
Credit facility
    279,000       25,933       304,933  
Other local arrangements (long-term)
          11,389       11,389  
 
                 
Total long-term debt
    430,331       37,322       467,653  
Other local arrangements (short-term)
          9,700       9,700  
 
                 
Total debt
  $ 430,331     $ 47,022     $ 477,353  
 
                 
As of March 31, 2009, we had $639.7 million of availability remaining under our credit facility. Changes in exchange rates between the currencies in which we generate cash flows and the currencies in which our borrowings are denominated affect our liquidity. In addition, because we borrow in a variety of currencies, our debt balances fluctuate due to changes in exchange rates.
We currently believe that cash flow from operating activities, together with liquidity available under our Credit Agreement and local working capital facilities, will be sufficient to fund currently anticipated working capital needs and capital spending requirements for at least the next several years.
We continue to explore potential acquisitions. In connection with any acquisition, we may incur additional indebtedness.
Share repurchase program
We have a share repurchase program. Under the program, we have been authorized to buy back up to $1.5 billion of equity shares. As of March 31, 2009, there were $416.6 million of remaining equity shares authorized to be repurchased under the plan by December 31, 2010. The share repurchases are expected to be funded from cash balances, borrowings and cash generated from operating activities. Repurchases will be made through open market transactions, and the timing will depend on the level of acquisition activity, business and market conditions, the stock price, trading restrictions and other factors. We have purchased 15.2 million shares since the inception of the program through March 31, 2009.
We suspended our share repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2008 and as a result, we did not repurchase any shares in the three-month period ended March 31, 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, we spent $95.6 million (of which $2.2 million was unsettled at March 31, 2008) on the repurchase of 954,188 shares at an average price per share of $100.17. In addition, $5.2 million was cash settled during the three-month period ended March 31, 2008 related to the settlement of a liability for shares repurchased as of December 31, 2007. We reissued 67,540 shares and 32,760 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, respectively. We also reissued 6,467 shares and 16,760 shares held in treasury during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, pursuant to our 2007 Share Plan which extends certain eligible employees the option to receive a percentage of their annual bonus in shares of the Company’s stock.

 

- 25 -


Table of Contents

Effect of Currency on Results of Operations
Because we conduct operations in many countries, our operating income can be significantly affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Swiss franc-denominated expenses represent a much greater percentage of our operating expenses than Swiss franc-denominated sales represent of our net sales. In part, this is because most of our manufacturing costs in Switzerland relate to products that are sold outside Switzerland. Moreover, a substantial percentage of our research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses are incurred in Switzerland. Therefore, if the Swiss franc strengthens against all or most of our major trading currencies (e.g., the U.S. dollar, the euro, other major European currencies, the Chinese yuan and the Japanese yen), our operating profit is reduced. We also have significantly more sales in European currencies (other than the Swiss franc) than we have expenses in those currencies. Therefore, when European currencies weaken against the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc, it also decreases our operating profits. Accordingly, the Swiss franc exchange rate to the euro is an important cross-rate that we monitor. In recent months, we have seen substantially higher volatility in exchange rates generally than in the past, and the Swiss franc has strengthened significantly against the euro. We estimate that a 1% strengthening of the Swiss franc against the euro would result in a decrease in our earnings before tax of approximately $1.0 million to $1.4 million on an annual basis. In addition to the Swiss franc and major European currencies, we also conduct business in many geographies throughout the world, including Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Canada. Fluctuations in these currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar can also affect our operating results. In addition to the effects of exchange rate movements on operating profits, our debt levels can fluctuate due to changes in exchange rates, particularly between the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc. Based on our outstanding debt at March 31, 2009, we estimate that a 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in which our debt is denominated would result in an increase of approximately $5.2 million in the reported U.S. dollar value of the debt.
New Accounting Pronouncements
The Company adopted SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” on January 1, 2009. See Note 3 to the interim consolidated financial statements.
The Company adopted FSP 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” on January 1, 2009. See Note 4 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

 

- 26 -


Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
Some of the statements in this quarterly report and in documents incorporated by reference constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, including, but not limited to, the following: projected earnings and sales growth in US dollars and local currencies, strategic plans and contingency plans, potential growth opportunities or economic downturns in both developed markets and emerging markets, including China, factors influencing growth in our laboratory, industrial and food retail markets, our expectations in respect of the impact of general economic conditions on our business, our capability to respond to future changes in market conditions, impact of inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations, our ability to maintain a leading position in our key markets, our ability to leverage our market-leading position and diverse product offering to weather an economic downturn, the effectiveness of our “Spinnaker” initiatives relating to sales and marketing, planned research and development efforts, product introductions and innovation, manufacturing capacity, adequacy of facilities, access to and the costs of raw materials, shipping and supplier costs, expanding our operating margins, anticipated gross margins, anticipated customer spending patterns and levels, expected customer demand, meeting customer expectations, warranty claim levels, anticipated growth in service revenues, anticipated pricing, our ability to realize planned price increases, planned operational changes and productivity improvements, effect of changes in internal control over financial reporting, research and development expenditures, competitors’ product development, levels of competitive pressure, our future position vis-à-vis competitors, expected capital expenditures, the timing, impact, cost, benefits from and effectiveness of our cost reduction programs, future cash sources and requirements, liquidity, value of inventories, impact of long-term incentive plans, continuation of our stock repurchase program and the related impact on cash flow, expected pension and other benefits contributions and payments, expected tax treatment and assessment, impact of taxes and changes in tax benefits, the need to take additional restructuring charges, expected compliance with laws, changes in laws and regulations, impact of environmental costs, expected trading volume and value of stocks and options, impact of issuance of preferred stock, expected cost savings, impact of legal proceedings, satisfaction of contractual obligations by counterparties, timeliness of payments by our customers, the adequacy of reserves for bad debts against our accounts receivable, benefits and other effects of completed or future acquisitions.
These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our businesses’ actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially because of market conditions in our industries or other factors. Moreover, we do not, nor does any other person, assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of those statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, we disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this quarterly report to conform them to actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under the captions “Factors affecting our future operating results” in the “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, which describe risks and factors that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in those forward-looking statements.
We caution the reader that the above list of risks and factors that may affect results addressed in the forward-looking statements may not be exhaustive. Other sections of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2009 and other documents incorporated by reference may describe additional risks or factors that could adversely impact our business and financial performance. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time. Management cannot predict these new risk factors, nor can it assess the impact, if any, of these new risk factors on our businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ

 

- 27 -


Table of Contents

materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As of March 31, 2009, there was no material change in the information provided under Item 7A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

- 28 -


Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings. None
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 there were no material changes from risk factors as disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
                                 
                (c)     (d)  
                    Total Number of     Approximate Dollar  
                    Shares     Value (in  
                    Purchased as     Thousands) of  
    (a)     (b)     Part of Publicly     Shares that May Yet  
    Total Number     Average     Announced     Be Purchased Under  
    of Shares     Price Paid per     Plans or     the Plans or  
    Purchased     Share     Programs     Programs  
January 1 to January 31, 2009
        $           $ 416,591  
February 1 to February 28, 2009
                      416,591  
March 1 to March 31, 2009
                      416,591  
Total
        $           $ 416,591  
We have a share repurchase program. Under the program, we have been authorized to buy back up to $1.5 million of equity shares. As of March 31, 2009, there were $416.6 million of remaining equity shares authorized to be repurchased under the plan by December 31, 2010. We have purchased 15.2 million shares since the inception of the program, announced February 2004, through March 31, 2009.
During the fourth quarter 2008, we suspended the share repurchase program and as a result, we did not repurchase any shares in the three-month period ended March 31, 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, we spent $95.6 million (of which $2.2 million was unsettled at March 31, 2008) on the repurchase of 954,188 shares at an average price per share of $100.17. In addition, $5.2 million was cash settled during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008, related to the settlement of shares repurchased as of December 31, 2007. We reissued 67,540 shares and 32,760 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We also reissued 6,467 and 16,760 shares held in treasury during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, pursuant to our 2007 Share Plan which extends certain eligible employees the option to receive a percentage of their annual bonus in shares of the Company’s stock.

 

- 29 -


Table of Contents

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None
Item 5. Other information. None
Item 6. Exhibits. See Exhibit Index below.

 

- 30 -


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  Mettler-Toledo International Inc.
 
 
Date: May 1, 2009  By:   /s/ William P. Donnelly    
    William P. Donnelly   
    Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   

 

- 31 -


Table of Contents

         
EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit No.   Description
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002
       
 
  32    
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002

 

- 32 -