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METTLER TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC/

Quarterly Report Nov 3, 2017

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10-Q 1 mtd10q93017.htm FORM 10-Q Q3 2017 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd" Document created using Wdesk 1 Copyright 2017 Workiva Document

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 30, 2017 , OR

¨ 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 (I.R.S Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
1900 Polaris Parkway Columbus, Ohio 43240 and Im Langacher, P.O. Box MT-100 CH 8606 Greifensee, Switzerland _________ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

1-614-438-4511 and +41-44-944-22-11

______________

(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 X No ___

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 X No ___

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 . X Accelerated filer __ Non-accelerated filer __ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company __ Emerging growth company __

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act __

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ___ No X

The Registrant had 25,579,124 shares of Common Stock outstanding at September 30, 2017 .

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements:
Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 3
Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 4
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 5
Interim Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 6
Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 7
Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2017 8
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 24
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 32
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 32
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 33
Item 1A. Risk Factors 33
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 33
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 33
Item 5. Other Information 33
Item 6. Exhibits 33
SIGNATURE 34

*Table of Contents*

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Net sales
Products $ 544,408 $ 508,963
Service 154,391 141,635
Total net sales 698,799 650,598
Cost of sales
Products 217,194 203,150
Service 81,328 77,954
Gross profit 400,277 369,494
Research and development 32,477 30,139
Selling, general and administrative 204,915 187,680
Amortization 10,716 9,087
Interest expense 8,248 7,167
Restructuring charges 3,385 1,494
Other charges (income), net 909 603
Earnings before taxes 139,627 133,324
Provision for taxes 34,677 31,992
Net earnings $ 104,950 $ 101,332
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings $ 4.10 $ 3.84
Weighted average number of common shares 25,613,433 26,375,468
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings $ 3.99 $ 3.77
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares 26,303,529 26,888,810
Comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 9) $ 125,699 $ 117,704

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Net sales
Products $ 1,514,516 $ 1,392,860
Service 432,506 405,698
Total net sales 1,947,022 1,798,558
Cost of sales
Products 593,277 552,329
Service 235,651 229,252
Gross profit 1,118,094 1,016,977
Research and development 96,723 89,813
Selling, general and administrative 582,604 544,399
Amortization 31,010 26,166
Interest expense 24,160 20,619
Restructuring charges 8,840 4,579
Other charges (income), net (5,565 ) 8,492
Earnings before taxes 380,322 322,909
Provision for taxes 81,326 76,315
Net earnings $ 298,996 $ 246,594
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings $ 11.60 $ 9.25
Weighted average number of common shares 25,764,472 26,644,938
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings $ 11.31 $ 9.08
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares 26,446,677 27,153,450
Comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 9) $ 376,357 $ 246,840

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 169,086 $ 158,674
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $15,893 at September 30, 2017
and $14,234 at December 31, 2016 483,167 454,988
Inventories 263,527 222,047
Other current assets and prepaid expenses 70,784 61,075
Total current assets 986,564 896,784
Property, plant and equipment, net 641,709 563,707
Goodwill 538,418 476,378
Other intangible assets, net 229,975 167,055
Deferred tax assets, net 43,103 33,951
Other non-current assets 57,430 28,902
Total assets $ 2,497,199 $ 2,166,777
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable $ 148,521 $ 146,593
Accrued and other liabilities 137,672 133,167
Accrued compensation and related items 151,820 140,461
Deferred revenue and customer prepayments 123,730 100,330
Taxes payable 72,082 47,990
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt 18,533 18,974
Total current liabilities 652,358 587,515
Long-term debt 1,050,681 875,056
Deferred tax liabilities 31,090 64,306
Other non-current liabilities 250,091 204,957
Total liabilities 1,984,220 1,731,834
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; authorized 125,000,000 shares;
issued 44,786,011 and 44,786,011 shares; outstanding 25,579,124 and
26,020,234 shares at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 448 448
Additional paid-in capital 742,379 730,556
Treasury stock at cost (19,206,887 shares at September 30, 2017, and 18,765,777 shares at December 31, 2016) (3,312,526 ) (3,006,771 )
Retained earnings 3,360,315 3,065,708
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (277,637 ) (354,998 )
Total shareholders’ equity 512,979 434,943
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,497,199 $ 2,166,777

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Nine months ended September 30, 2017 and twelve months ended December 31, 2016

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Common Stock Treasury Stock Retained Earnings
Shares Amount Total
Balance at December 31, 2015 27,090,118 $ 448 $ 697,570 $ (2,543,229 ) $ 2,692,317 $ (266,649 ) $ 580,457
Exercise of stock options and restricted
stock units 278,623 36,450 (10,979 ) 25,471
Repurchases of common stock (1,348,507 ) (499,992 ) (499,992 )
Tax benefit resulting from exercise of
certain employee stock options 17,680 17,680
Share-based compensation 15,306 15,306
Net earnings 384,370 384,370
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax (88,349 ) (88,349 )
Balance at December 31, 2016 26,020,234 $ 448 $ 730,556 $ (3,006,771 ) $ 3,065,708 $ (354,998 ) $ 434,943
Exercise of stock options and restricted
stock units 206,646 29,243 (5,928 ) 23,315
Repurchases of common stock (647,756 ) (334,998 ) (334,998 )
Share-based compensation 11,823 11,823
Effect of accounting change (Note 2) 1,539 1,539
Net earnings 298,996 298,996
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax (Note 9) 77,361 77,361
Balance at September 30, 2017 25,579,124 $ 448 $ 742,379 $ (3,312,526 ) $ 3,360,315 $ (277,637 ) $ 512,979

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 298,996 $ 246,594
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 24,421 24,527
Amortization 31,010 26,166
Deferred tax benefit (7,754 ) (11,078 )
Share-based compensation 11,823 10,861
Gain on facility sale (3,394 )
Other 227 6
Non-cash pension settlement charge 8,189
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in:
Trade accounts receivable, net 1,891 4,721
Inventories (23,596 ) (19,857 )
Other current assets (2,526 ) (3,558 )
Trade accounts payable (5,857 ) (11,984 )
Taxes payable 11,386 6,577
Accruals and other 14,608 26,149
Net cash provided by operating activities 351,235 307,313
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 10,437 361
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (85,826 ) (51,234 )
Acquisitions (108,445 ) (109,681 )
Net hedging settlements on intercompany loans 3,716 2,031
Net cash used in investing activities (180,118 ) (158,523 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings 985,694 709,988
Repayments of borrowings (834,061 ) (455,913 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises 23,315 20,187
Repurchases of common stock (334,998 ) (374,994 )
Other financing activities (7,205 ) (680 )
Net cash used in financing activities (167,255 ) (101,412 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 6,550 (132 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 10,412 47,246
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 158,674 98,887
End of period $ 169,086 $ 146,133

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim consolidated financial statements.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – 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 Columbus, Ohio and Greifensee, Switzerland.

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 wholly-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, 2016 .

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2017 .

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 and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

  1. 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.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

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 the Company’s 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.

Inventories consisted of the following:

September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Raw materials and parts $ 119,148 $ 100,408
Work-in-progress 50,212 41,454
Finished goods 94,167 80,185
$ 263,527 $ 222,047

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill, representing the excess of purchase price over the net asset value of companies acquired, and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. The annual evaluation for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are generally based on an assessment of qualitative and quantitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount.

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 of benefit. 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 the provisions of ASC 805 "Business Combinations" and the continued accounting for previously recognized intangible assets and goodwill in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350 "Intangible - Goodwill and Other" and ASC 360 "Property, Plant and Equipment".

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:

September 30, 2017 — Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangibles, Net December 31, 2016 — Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangibles, Net
Customer relationships $ 198,355 $ (39,757 ) $ 158,598 $ 147,466 $ (34,672 ) $ 112,794
Proven technology and patents 70,169 (37,711 ) 32,458 58,394 (35,128 ) 23,266
Tradename (finite life) 4,486 (2,765 ) 1,721 4,182 (2,514 ) 1,668
Tradename (indefinite life) 35,603 35,603 28,272 28,272
Other 3,673 (2,078 ) 1,595 2,871 (1,816 ) 1,055
$ 312,286 $ (82,311 ) $ 229,975 $ 241,185 $ (74,130 ) $ 167,055
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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

The Company recognized amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets of $2.9 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively and $7.9 million and $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The annual aggregate amortization expense based on the current balance of other intangible assets is estimated at $11.4 million for 2017 , $13.7 million for 2018 , $13.3 million for 2019 , $12.9 million for 2020 , $12.3 million for 2021 and $11.7 million for 2022 . Purchased intangible amortization was $2.6 million , $1.7 million after tax, and $2.0 million , $1.3 million after tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively and $7.2 million , $4.7 million after tax, and $5.2 million , $3.5 million after tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

In addition to the above amortization, the Company recorded amortization expense associated with capitalized software of $7.7 million and $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively and $22.9 million and $20.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , 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 and risk of loss transfers upon shipment. In countries where title cannot legally transfer before delivery, the Company defers revenue recognition until delivery has occurred. 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. 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. 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, revenue is deferred until the obligation has been completed. The Company defers product revenue where installation is required, unless such installation is deemed perfunctory. The Company also sometimes enters into certain arrangements that require the separate delivery of multiple goods and/or services. These deliverables are accounted for separately if the deliverables have standalone value and the performance of undelivered items is probable and within the Company's control. The allocation of revenue between the separate deliverables is typically based on the relative selling price at the time of the sale in accordance with a number of factors including service technician billing rates, time to install and geographic location.

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 transfer of title and risk of loss to its distributors. Distributor discounts are offset against revenue at the time such revenue is recognized.

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 and risk of loss 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 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. While the Company engages in extensive product quality

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

programs and processes, its warranty obligations are affected by product failure rates, material usage and service costs incurred in correcting a product failure.

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 recognizes share-based compensation expense within selling, general and administrative in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income with a corresponding offset to additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recorded $4.0 million and $11.8 million of share-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, compared to $3.6 million and $10.9 million for the corresponding periods in 2016 .

Research and Development

Research and development costs primarily consist of salaries, consulting and other costs. The Company expenses these costs as incurred.

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions

The Company accounts for business acquisitions under the accounting standards for business combinations. The results of each acquisition are included in the Company's consolidated results as of the acquisition date and the purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values and any excess consideration of the net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. Acquisition transaction costs are expensed when incurred.

In circumstances where an acquisition involves a contingent consideration arrangement, the Company recognizes a liability equal to the fair value of the expected contingent payments as of the acquisition date. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are recorded to other charges (income), net.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, to ASC 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation." The primary impact of adoption was the recognition of excess tax benefits from stock option exercises within the provision for taxes rather than within shareholder's equity, and a change in the determination of diluted earnings per common share. The Company adopted the guidance on a prospective basis, and expects its estimated annual tax rate will be reduced by 2% in 2017. The adoption of this guidance also increased the Company's income tax rate by approximately 1% for the three months ending September 30, 2017 and reduced the Company's income tax rate by approximately 3% for the nine months ending September 30, 2017. In addition, the Company recognized additional deferred tax assets of $1.5 million as a cumulative adjustment within shareholder's equity. The Company also classified on a retrospective basis the excess tax benefits from stock option exercises of $17.2 million as operating activities in the prior period Statements of Cash Flows. For additional disclosure, see Note 6 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 to ASC 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU 2014-09 provides authoritative guidance clarifying the principles for recognizing revenue and developing a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosure to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. ASU 2016-10 provides guidance for identifying performance obligations as they pertain to immaterial promised goods or services, shipping and handling activities, and identifying when promises represent performance obligations. ASU 2016-12 provides guidance for assessing collectability, presentation of sales taxes, noncash considerations, and completed contract modifications at transition. The guidance becomes effective for the Company for the year beginning January 1, 2018. The Company is finalizing its evaluation of the impact of the adoption of this guidance and believes it will have an immaterial impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations and financial position. The estimated impact to the Company's results is expected to be immaterial because most of its performance obligations are satisfied at the time of title transfer and risk of loss to the customer which is generally upon shipment. In addition, contracts with end-customers typically do not exceed a year, and generally pertain to service contracts that represent an obligation to perform repair or other services on a customer's pre-defined equipment over the contract period. The Company also sometimes enters into contracts with end-customers that comprise arrangements that require separate delivery of multiple goods and/or services, including post-shipment obligations such as installation. Immaterial impacts from adopting the new standard include the recognition of certain revenue for performance obligations that were deferred until post-shipment obligations were completed. The number of performance obligations under the new standard is also not materially different from the Company's financial accounting and reporting model under the existing standard. The Company is still evaluating the adoption method it will elect upon implementation. The Company is also in the process of implementing appropriate changes to its business processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosures under the new standard.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-7, to ASC 715 "Compensation-Retirement Benefits," which will require the Company to report the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost in other charges (income), net. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively and becomes effective for the year beginning January 1, 2018. The Company expects the impact of this guidance will be immaterial.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 to ASC 842 "Leases." The accounting guidance primarily requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheet as a right to use asset and a lease liability, with the exception of short term leases. A lessee will continue to recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis for leases classified as operating leases. The guidance becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and must be applied on a retrospective basis with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the financial statements and the timing of adoption.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 to ASC 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" which modifies hedge accounting by making more hedge strategies eligible for hedge accounting, amending presentation and disclosure requirements, and changing how companies assess effectiveness. The intent is to simplify the application of hedge accounting and increase transparency of information about an entity’s risk management activities. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance and believes it will have an immaterial impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations and financial position.

  1. ACQUISITIONS

In September 2017, the Company acquired the shares of Biotix, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of plastic consumables associated with pipettes, including tips, tubes and reagent reservoirs

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

used in the life sciences market based in the United States. The initial cash payment was $105 million and the Company may be required to pay additional cash consideration up to a maximum amount of $65 million based upon earnings thresholds in 2018 and 2019. The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation of $30.7 million relating to the Biotix acquisition was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation based on the Company's forecast of future results. Goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition totaled $51.3 million, which is included in the Company's U.S. Operations segment. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation. Identified intangible finite life assets acquired include customer relationships of $49.5 million, technology and patents of $8.0 million, indefinite life tradenames of $7.1 million, and other intangibles of $0.6 million. The identifiable finite life intangible assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 5 year to 18 years and the annual aggregate amortization expense is estimated at $3.7 million. Net tangible assets acquired were $19.2 million and recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements.

In 2017, the Company also incurred additional acquisition payments totaling $3.8 million. Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions totaled $0.3 million. The Company also recorded $3.1 million of identified intangibles primarily pertaining to technology and patents in connection with these acquisitions, which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over 12 years. Net tangible assets acquired were $0.2 million and recorded a fair value in the consolidated financial statements.

4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. The Company enters into certain interest rate swap agreements in order to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates. The amount of the Company's fixed obligation interest payments may change based upon the expiration dates of its interest rate swap agreements and the level and composition of its debt. The Company also enters into certain foreign currency forward contracts to limit the Company's exposure to currency fluctuations on the respective hedged items. As also mentioned in Note 7, the Company has designated its euro denominated debt as a hedge of a portion of its net investment in euro-denominated foreign operations. For additional disclosures on the fair value of financial instruments, see Note 5 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

Cash Flow Hedges

In June 2017, the Company entered into a cross currency swap arrangement designated as a cash flow hedge. The agreement converts $100 million of borrowings under the Company's credit facility into synthetic Swiss franc debt which allows the Company to effectively change the floating rate LIBOR-based interest payment to a fixed Swiss franc income of 0.01%. The swap began in June 2017 and matures in June 2019.

The Company has an interest rate swap agreement designated as a cash flow hedge. The agreement is a swap which has the effect of changing the floating rate LIBOR-based interest payments associated with $50 million of borrowings under the Company’s credit facility to a fixed obligation of 2.52% . The swap began in October 2015 and matures in October 2020.

In March 2015, the Company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap agreement. The agreement is a swap which has the effect of changing the floating rate LIBOR-based interest payments associated with $100 million of borrowings under the Company's credit agreement to a fixed obligation of 2.25% beginning in February 2017 and matures in February 2022.

The Company's cash flow hedges are recorded gross at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and disclosed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. Amounts reclassified into other comprehensive income and the effective portions of the cash flow hedges are further disclosed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. A derivative

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

gain of $1.4 million based upon interest rates and foreign currency rates at September 30, 2017 , is expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings in the next twelve months. Through September 30, 2017 , no hedge ineffectiveness has occurred in relation to the cash flow hedges.

Other Derivatives

The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts in order to economically hedge short-term trade and non-trade intercompany balances largely denominated in Swiss franc, other major European currencies, and the Chinese Renminbi with its foreign businesses. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, these contracts are considered “derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.” Gains or losses on these instruments are reported in current earnings. The foreign currency forward contracts are recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and disclosed in Note 5. The Company recognized in other charges (income), a net gain of $4.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 . The amount recognized in other charges (income) during the three months ended September 30, 2016 was insignificant to the consolidated financial statements. The Company recognized in other charges (income), a net gain of $6.3 million and a net loss of $0.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The gains and losses are primarily offset by the underlying transaction gains and losses on the related intercompany balances. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, these contracts had a notional value of $358.9 million and $353.0 million , respectively.

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had derivative assets totaling $0.8 million in both periods, respectively, and derivative liabilities totaling $4.9 million and $5.8 million , respectively. The fair values of the interest rate swap agreements, foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges 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 Company has also considered both its own credit risk and counterparty credit risk in determining fair value and determined these adjustments were insignificant at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $33.9 million and $21.5 million of cash equivalents, respectively, the fair value of which is determined through quoted and corroborated prices in active markets. The fair value of cash equivalents approximates cost.

The fair value of the Company's fixed interest rate debt was estimated using Level 2 inputs, primarily discounted cash flow models, based on estimated current rates offered for similar debt under current market conditions for the Company. The fair value of the Company's debt exceeds the carrying value by approximately $9.1 million as of September 30, 2017 and $4.2 million as of December 31, 2016 .

The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation of $30.7 million relating to the Biotix acquisition was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation based on the Company's forecast of future results. The fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent a Level 3 measurement.

Under U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined 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.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

A fair value hierarchy has been established 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

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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 :

September 30, 2017 — Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2016 — Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents $ 33,917 $ — $ 33,917 $ — $ 21,513 $ — $ 21,513 $ —
Foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments 756 756 791 791
Total $ 34,673 $ — $ 34,673 $ — $ 22,304 $ — $ 22,304 $ —
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements $ 2,985 $ — $ 2,985 $ — $ 3,630 $ — $ 3,630 $ —
Cross currency swap agreement 826 826
Foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments 1,109 1,109 2,123 2,123
Total $ 4,920 $ — $ 4,920 $ — $ 5,753 $ — $ 5,753 $ —

6. INCOME TAXES

The provision for taxes is based upon using the Company's projected annual effective tax rate of 22% before non-recurring discrete items for both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 . The reduction in the Company's estimated annual effective tax rate from 24% in 2016 to 22% in 2017, as well as the Company's reported tax rate of 25% and 21% during the three and nine months ending September 30, 2017 , is primarily related to the Company's adoption of ASU 2016-09 pertaining to excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises. The Company's 2017 estimated annual tax rate of 22% includes an estimated annual benefit of 2% related to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the effects of which are being treated discretely each quarter.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

7. DEBT

Debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2017 :

September 30, 2017 — U.S. Dollar Other Principal Trading Currencies Total
3.67% $50 million Senior Notes due December 17, 2022 50,000 50,000
4.10% $50 million Senior Notes due September 19, 2023 50,000 50,000
3.84% $125 million Senior Notes due September 19, 2024 125,000 125,000
4.24% $125 million Senior Notes due June 25, 2025 125,000 125,000
1.47% EUR 125 million Senior Notes due June 17, 2030 146,956 146,956
Debt issuance costs, net (1,125 ) (364 ) (1,489 )
Total Senior Notes 348,875 146,592 495,467
$800 million Credit Agreement, interest at LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points 537,304 17,910 555,214
Other local arrangements 18,533 18,533
Total debt 886,179 183,035 1,069,214
Less: current portion (18,533 ) (18,533 )
Total long-term debt $ 886,179 $ 164,502 $ 1,050,681

As of September 30, 2017 , the Company had $238.6 million of availability remaining under its Credit Agreement. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company increased its borrowing under the Credit Agreement by $97.9 million, which primarily was used to fund the Biotix acquisition as described in Note 3.

1.47% Euro Senior Notes

The Company has designated the 1.47% Euro Senior Notes as a hedge of a portion of its net investment in euro-denominated foreign subsidiaries to reduce foreign currency risk associated with the net investment in these operations. Changes in the carrying value of this debt resulting from fluctuations in the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate are recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within other comprehensive income (loss). The unrealized gain (loss) recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related to this net investment hedge was a loss of $5.0 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and a loss of $15.5 million and $3.6 million for the nine months periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

8. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM AND TREASURY STOCK

The Company has a share repurchase program of which there was $648.4 million common shares remaining to be repurchased under the program as of September 30, 2017 . 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 amount and timing of purchases will depend on business and market conditions, the stock price, trading restrictions, the level of acquisition activity and other factors.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

The Company has purchased 26.6 million shares since the inception of the program in 2004 through September 30, 2017 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company spent $335.0 million and $375.0 million on the repurchase of 647,756 shares and 1,048,075 shares at an average price per share of $517.15 and $357.77 , respectively. The Company also reissued 206,646 shares and 193,517 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 :

Balance at December 31, 2016 Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax — $ (115,322 ) Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Arrangements, Net of Tax — $ (2,232 ) Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Related Items, Net of Tax — $ (237,444 ) Total — $ (354,998 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (578 ) (578 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment 78,447 (12,054 ) 66,393
Amounts recognized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 365 11,181 11,546
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 78,447 (213 ) (873 ) 77,361
Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (36,875 ) $ (2,445 ) $ (238,317 ) $ (277,637 )
Balance at December 31, 2015 Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax — $ (57,394 ) Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Arrangements, Net of Tax — $ 3,016 Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Related Items, Net of Tax — $ (212,271 ) Total — $ (266,649 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging arrangements (3,760 ) (4,545 ) (8,305 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment 162 (217 ) (2,071 ) (2,126 )
Amounts recognized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (3,121 ) 13,798 10,677
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 162 (7,098 ) 7,182 246
Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (57,232 ) $ (4,082 ) $ (205,089 ) $ (266,403 )
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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

The following table presents amounts recognized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30 :

Three months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 Location of Amounts Recognized in Earnings
Effective portion of (gains) / losses on cash flow hedging arrangements:
Interest rate swap agreements $ 424 $ 258 Interest expense
Cross currency swap agreement (1,866 ) (a)
Foreign currency forward contracts (1,601 ) Cost of sales - products
Total before taxes (1,442 ) (1,343 )
Provision for taxes 18 (229 ) Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes $ (1,460 ) $ (1,114 )
Recognition of defined benefit pension and post-retirement items:
Recognition of actuarial losses and prior service cost, before taxes $ 5,035 $ 3,996 (b)
Provision for taxes 1,319 1,033 Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes $ 3,716 $ 2,963

(a) The cross currency swap reflects an unrealized gain of $1.3 million recorded in other charges (income) that was offset by the underlying unrealized gain on the hedged debt. The cross currency swap also reflects a realized gain of $0.6 million recorded in interest expense.

(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and post-retirement cost. See Note 11 for additional details for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 .

Nine months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 Location of Amounts Recognized in Earnings
Effective portion of (gains) / losses on cash flow hedging arrangements:
Interest rate swap agreements $ 1,273 $ 784 Interest expense
Cross currency swap agreement (454 ) (a)
Foreign currency forward contracts (4,532 ) Cost of sales - products
Total before taxes 819 (3,748 )
Provision for taxes 454 (627 ) Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes $ 365 $ (3,121 )
Recognition of defined benefit pension and post-retirement items:
Recognition of actuarial losses, settlement loss and prior service cost, before taxes $ 15,128 $ 19,964 (b)
Provision for taxes 3,947 6,166 Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes $ 11,181 $ 13,798

(a) The cross currency swap reflects an unrealized loss of $0.2 million recorded in other charges (income) that was offset by the underlying unrealized gain on the hedged debt. The cross currency swap also reflects a realized gain of $0.6 million recorded in interest expense.

(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and post-retirement cost. See Note 11 for additional details for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 .

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax consisted of the following as of September 30 :

Three Months Ended — 2017 2016 Nine Months Ended — 2017 2016
Net earnings $ 104,950 $ 101,332 $ 298,996 $ 246,594
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 20,749 16,372 77,361 246
Comprehensive income, net of tax $ 125,699 $ 117,704 $ 376,357 $ 246,840

10. 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 and nine month periods ended September 30, relating to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units:

2017 2016
Three months ended 690,096 513,342
Nine months ended 682,205 508,512

The determination of the common share equivalents for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes the effect of the adoption of guidance ASU 2016-09 as described in Note 2. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 , there were no anti-dilutive outstanding options or restricted stock units. Outstanding options and restricted stock units to purchase or receive 17 and 84,293 shares of common stock for the three month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , and options and restricted stock units to purchase or receive 35 and 84,712 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average of common and common equivalent shares as such options and restricted stock units would be anti-dilutive.

11. NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST

Net periodic pension 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 September 30 :

U.S. Pension Benefits — 2017 2016 Non-U.S. Pension Benefits — 2017 2016 Other U.S. Post-retirement Benefits — 2017 2016 Total — 2017 2016
Service cost, net $ 141 $ 103 $ 4,008 $ 4,216 $ — $ — 4,149 4,319
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations 1,094 1,014 2,269 2,542 18 19 3,381 3,575
Expected return on plan assets (1,684 ) (1,868 ) (7,910 ) (8,177 ) (9,594 ) (10,045 )
Recognition of prior service cost (1,611 ) (1,288 ) (195 ) (469 ) (1,806 ) (1,757 )
Recognition of actuarial losses/(gains) 1,639 1,907 5,676 4,519 (474 ) (673 ) 6,841 5,753
Net periodic pension cost/(credit) $ 1,190 $ 1,156 $ 2,432 $ 1,812 $ (651 ) $ (1,123 ) $ 2,971 $ 1,845
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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and U.S. post-retirement medical plan includes the following components for the nine months ended September 30 :

U.S. Pension Benefits — 2017 2016 Non-U.S. Pension Benefits — 2017 2016 Other U.S. Post-retirement Benefits — 2017 2016 Total — 2017 2016
Service cost, net $ 423 $ 328 $ 12,086 $ 12,606 $ — $ — 12,509 12,934
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations 3,282 3,414 6,294 7,967 54 57 9,630 11,438
Expected return on plan assets (5,052 ) (5,912 ) (22,795 ) (25,020 ) (27,847 ) (30,932 )
Recognition of prior service cost (4,439 ) (3,856 ) (585 ) (1,408 ) (5,024 ) (5,264 )
Recognition of actuarial losses/(gains) 4,917 5,699 16,657 13,585 (1,422 ) (2,019 ) 20,152 17,265
Settlement charge 7,963 7,963
Net periodic pension cost/(credit) $ 3,570 $ 11,492 $ 7,803 $ 5,282 $ (1,953 ) $ (3,370 ) $ 9,420 $ 13,404

As previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company expects to make employer contributions of approximately $19.4 million to its non-U.S. pension plans and employer contributions of approximately $0.5 million to its U.S. post-retirement medical plan during the year ended December 31, 2017. These estimates may change based upon several factors, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, actual returns on plan assets and changes in legal requirements.

In February 2016 the Company offered former employees a one-time option to receive a lump sum distribution of their vested pension plan benefits. Based upon the eligible participant acceptance, $14.6 million was paid from plan assets to these former employees in the second quarter of 2016 with a corresponding decrease in the benefit obligation. The Company incurred a one-time non-cash settlement charge recorded in other charges (income), net during the second quarter of 2016 of approximately $8.2 million , of which $8.0 million , $4.9 million after tax, was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income.

12. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company has incurred $3.4 million and $8.8 million of restructuring expenses which primarily comprised of employee-related costs. Liabilities related to restructuring activities are included in accrued and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

A rollforward of the Company’s accrual for restructuring activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2016 Total — $ 9,531
Restructuring charges 8,840
Cash payments and utilization (7,701 )
Impact of foreign currency 837
Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 11,507
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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

13. OTHER CHARGES (INCOME), NET

Other charges (income), net includes $1.7 million and $1.1 million of acquisition costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2017 also includes a one-time gain of $3.4 million relating to the sale of a facility in Switzerland in connection with the Company's initiative to consolidate certain Swiss operations into a new facility, while the nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $8.2 million related to a lump sum offering to former employees of the Company's U.S. pension plan. Other charges (income), net also includes (gains) losses from foreign currency transactions and hedging activities, interest income, and other items.

14. SEGMENT REPORTING

As disclosed in Note 16 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 , 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 and selling, general and administrative expenses, before amortization, interest expense, restructuring charges, other charges (income), net and taxes).

The following tables show the operations of the Company’s operating segments:

For the three months ended Net Sales to — External Net Sales to — Other Total Net Segment As of September 30, — 2017
September 30, 2017 Customers Segments Sales Profit Goodwill
U.S. Operations $ 239,221 $ 24,187 $ 263,408 $ 43,004 $ 409,172
Swiss Operations 33,923 136,960 170,883 39,213 22,252
Western European Operations 171,722 40,287 212,009 30,885 90,832
Chinese Operations 125,067 68,625 193,692 69,086 673
Other (a) 128,866 1,754 130,620 16,776 15,489
Eliminations and Corporate (b) (271,813 ) (271,813 ) (36,079 )
Total $ 698,799 $ — $ 698,799 $ 162,885 $ 538,418
For the nine months ended Net Sales to — External Net Sales to — Other Total Net Segment
September 30, 2017 Customers Segments Sales Profit
U.S. Operations $ 693,405 $ 69,692 $ 763,097 $ 126,973
Swiss Operations 95,957 395,859 491,816 113,181
Western European Operations 470,206 127,112 597,318 77,283
Chinese Operations 323,940 178,593 502,533 167,873
Other (a) 363,514 5,481 368,995 45,106
Eliminations and Corporate (b) (776,737 ) (776,737 ) (91,649 )
Total $ 1,947,022 $ — $ 1,947,022 $ 438,767

(a) Other includes reporting units in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia and other countries.

(b) Eliminations and Corporate includes the elimination of inter-segment transactions and certain corporate expenses and intercompany investments, which are not included in the Company’s operating segments.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

For the three months ended Net Sales to — External Net Sales to — Other Total Net Segment As of September 30, — 2016
September 30, 2016 Customers Segments Sales Profit Goodwill
U.S. Operations $ 235,715 $ 20,151 $ 255,866 $ 43,779 $ 356,089
Swiss Operations 32,390 127,569 159,959 36,854 22,280
Western European Operations 159,025 43,816 202,841 30,218 87,403
Chinese Operations 99,349 62,368 161,717 51,669 669
Other (a) 124,119 1,770 125,889 16,721 15,703
Eliminations and Corporate (b) (255,674 ) (255,674 ) (27,566 )
Total $ 650,598 $ — $ 650,598 $ 151,675 $ 482,144
For the nine months ended Net Sales to — External Net Sales to — Other Total Net Segment
September 30, 2016 Customers Segments Sales Profit
U.S. Operations $ 640,618 $ 61,884 $ 702,502 $ 114,046
Swiss Operations 90,075 374,863 464,938 107,673
Western European Operations 450,940 121,308 572,248 74,711
Chinese Operations 277,182 166,948 444,130 134,229
Other (a) 339,743 4,824 344,567 41,064
Eliminations and Corporate (b) (729,827 ) (729,827 ) (88,958 )
Total $ 1,798,558 $ — $ 1,798,558 $ 382,765

(a) Other includes reporting units in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia and other countries.

(b) Eliminations and Corporate includes the elimination of inter-segment transactions and 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 and nine month periods ended September 30 follows:

Three Months Ended — 2017 2016 Nine Months Ended — 2017 2016
Earnings before taxes $ 139,627 $ 133,324 $ 380,322 $ 322,909
Amortization 10,716 9,087 31,010 26,166
Interest expense 8,248 7,167 24,160 20,619
Restructuring charges 3,385 1,494 8,840 4,579
Other charges (income), net 909 603 (5,565 ) 8,492
Segment profit $ 162,885 $ 151,675 $ 438,767 $ 382,765

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , restructuring charges of $3.4 million were recognized, of which $1.7 million , $0.2 million , $1.3 million , and $0.2 million related to the Company’s U.S., Swiss, Western European and Chinese Operations, respectively. Restructuring charges of $1.5 million were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2016 , of which $0.6 million , $0.3 million , $0.5 million and $0.1 million related to the Company’s U.S., Swiss, Western European and Other Operations, respectively. Restructuring charges of $8.8 million were recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , of which $4.7 million , $1.1 million , $2.0 million , $0.3 million , and $0.8

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2017 – Unaudited (Continued)

(In thousands, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

million related to the Company’s U.S., Swiss, Western European, Chinese, and Other Operations, respectively. Restructuring charges of $4.6 million were recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , of which $1.7 million , $0.9 million , $1.7 million , $0.1 million and $ 0.2 million related to the Company’s U.S., Swiss, Western European, Chinese and Other Operations, respectively.

15. 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, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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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. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2017 .

Changes in local currency exclude the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations. Local currency amounts are determined by translating current and previous year consolidated financial information at an index utilizing historical currency exchange rates. We believe local currency information provides a helpful assessment of business performance and a useful measure of results between periods. We do not, nor do we suggest that investors should, consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. We present non-GAAP financial measures in reporting our financial results to provide investors with an additional analytical tool to evaluate our operating results.

We also include in the discussion below disclosures of immaterial qualitative factors that are not quantified. Although the impact of such factors is not considered material, we believe these disclosures can be useful in evaluating our operating results.

Results of Operations – Consolidated

The following tables set forth certain items from our interim consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands).

Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
(unaudited) % (unaudited) % (unaudited) % (unaudited) %
Net sales $ 698,799 100.0 $ 650,598 100.0 $ 1,947,022 100.0 $ 1,798,558 100.0
Cost of sales 298,522 42.7 281,104 43.2 828,928 42.6 781,581 43.5
Gross profit 400,277 57.3 369,494 56.8 1,118,094 57.4 1,016,977 56.5
Research and development 32,477 4.6 30,139 4.6 96,723 5.0 89,813 5.0
Selling, general and administrative 204,915 29.3 187,680 28.8 582,604 29.9 544,399 30.3
Amortization 10,716 1.5 9,087 1.4 31,010 1.6 26,166 1.5
Interest expense 8,248 1.2 7,167 1.1 24,160 1.2 20,619 1.1
Restructuring charges 3,385 0.5 1,494 0.3 8,840 0.5 4,579 0.2
Other charges (income), net 909 0.2 603 0.1 (5,565 ) (0.3 ) 8,492 0.5
Earnings before taxes 139,627 20.0 133,324 20.5 380,322 19.5 322,909 17.9
Provision for taxes 34,677 5.0 31,992 4.9 81,326 4.1 76,315 4.2
Net earnings $ 104,950 15.0 $ 101,332 15.6 $ 298,996 15.4 $ 246,594 13.7

Net sales

Net sales were $698.8 million and $650.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $1.947 billion and $1.799 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . This represents an increase of 7% and 8% in U.S. dollars for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Excluding the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations, or in local currencies, net sales increased 6% and 9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Biotix and Troemner acquisitions contributed approximately 1% to

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our net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. Global market conditions have generally been favorable during the first nine months of 2017 and we continue to benefit from the execution of our global sales and marketing programs. However, we remain cautious given the economic uncertainty that exists in certain regions of the world. We will also face difficult prior period comparisons during the fourth quarter of 2017 and especially as we enter 2018.

Net sales by geographic destination for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 in U.S. dollars increased in the Americas 2% and 8% , in Europe 7% and 5% , and in Asia/Rest of World 15% and 12% , respectively. Our net sales by geographic destination for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 in local currencies increased in the Americas 2% and 8% , in Europe 2% and 6% , and in Asia/Rest of World 15% and 13% , respectively. Our food retailing sales declined significantly in the third quarter due to very strong growth in the prior year and the timing of project activity. The decline in food retailing during the three months ended September 30, 2017 reduced local currency net sales in the Americas by 5% and Europe by 2%. The Biotix and Troemner acquisitions contributed approximately 2% to net sales in the Americas for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. A discussion of sales by operating segment is included below.

As described in Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, 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 increased 7% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased 9% in U.S. dollars and 10% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The Biotix and Troemner acquisitions contributed approximately 1% to our net sales of product for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. Service revenue (including spare parts) increased by 9% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased 7% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The Troemner acquisition contributed approximately 1% to our net sales of service for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Net sales of our laboratory-related products, which represented approximately 49% of our total net sales, increased 10% in U.S. dollars and 9% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017, and increased 9% in U.S. dollars and 10% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The local currency increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 included strong growth in most product categories. The Biotix and Troemner acquisitions also contributed approximately 2% to our net sales growth of laboratory-related products and services for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Net sales of our industrial-related products, which represented approximately 43% of our total net sales increased 10% in U.S. dollars and 8% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased 10% in U.S. dollars and 11% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we experienced strong growth in core-industrial and product inspection. Our core-industrial results include very strong results in China.

Net sales in our food retailing products, which represented approximately 8% of our total net sales decreased 16% in U.S. dollars and 18% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017 , and decreased 5% in U.S. dollars and 4% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The significant decline in net sales of our food retailing products is due to very strong growth in the prior year and the timing of project activity in the Americas and Europe for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

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Gross profit

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 57.3% and 56.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 57.4% and 56.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for products was 60.1% for both the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , and 60.8% and 60.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for services (including spare parts) was 47.3% and 45.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 45.5% and 43.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 includes favorable price realization and productivity gains offset in part by increased product costs and changes in foreign currency.

Research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales was 4.6% for both the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , and was 5.0% and for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Research and development expenses increased 8% in U.S. dollars and increased 6% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017 , and increased 8% in U.S. dollars and increased 9% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 relating to increased investment in new product development.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 29.3% and 28.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and was 29.9% and 30.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 9% in U.S. dollars and 8% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017 , and increased 7% in U.S. dollars and 8% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . The local currency increase includes investments in our field sales organization, higher cash incentive expense, and increased employee benefit costs.

Amortization, interest expense, other charges (income), net and taxes

Amortization expense was $10.7 million and $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $31.0 million and $26.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Interest expense was $8.2 million and $7.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $24.2 million and $20.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Other charges (income), net includes $1.7 million and $1.1 million of acquisition costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2017 also includes a one-time gain of $3.4 million relating to the sale of a facility in Switzerland in connection with our initiative to consolidate certain Swiss operations into a new facility, while the nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $8.2 million related to a lump sum offering to former employees of our U.S. pension plan. Other charges (income), net also includes (gains) losses from foreign currency transactions and hedging activities, interest income, and other items.

The provision for taxes is based upon using our projected annual effective tax rate of 22% before non-recurring discrete items for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 .

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The reduction in our estimated annual effective tax rate from 24% in 2016 to 22% in 2017, as well as our reported tax rate of 25% and 21% during the three and nine months ending September 30, 2017 is primarily related to our adoption of ASU 2016-09 pertaining to excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises. Our 2017 estimated annual tax rate of 22% includes an estimated annual benefit of 2% related to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the effects of which are being treated discretely each quarter. Our consolidated income tax rate is lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily because of benefits from lower-taxed non-U.S. operations. The most significant of these lower-taxed operations are in Switzerland and China.

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 ended December 31, 2016 .

U.S. Operations (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 % Nine months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 %
Total net sales $ 263,408 $ 255,866 3 % $ 763,097 $ 702,502 9 %
Net sales to external customers $ 239,221 $ 235,715 1 % $ 693,405 $ 640,618 8 %
Segment profit $ 43,004 $ 43,779 (2 )% $ 126,973 $ 114,046 11 %

Total net sales and net sales to external customers increased 3% and 1% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the corresponding periods in 2016. Total net sales and net sales to external customers increased 9% and 8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the corresponding periods in 2016. The increase in total net sales and net sales to external customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes strong growth in product inspection and laboratory-related products offset in part by a significant decline in food retailing, which reduced net sales to external customers by 6% during the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net sales to external customers in our U.S. Operations also benefited approximately 2% and 3% from the Biotix and Troemner acquisitions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 .

Segment profit decreased $0.8 million and increased $12.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . Our segment profit includes benefits from our margin expansion initiatives, offset in part by increased sales and service and research and development investments, as well as higher cash incentives and employee benefit costs. Our segment profit during the three months ended September 30, 2017 was also reduced by the significant net sales decline in food retailing.

Swiss Operations (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 % 1) Nine months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 % 1)
Total net sales $ 170,883 $ 159,959 7 % $ 491,816 $ 464,938 6 %
Net sales to external customers $ 33,923 $ 32,390 5 % $ 95,957 $ 90,075 7 %
Segment profit $ 39,213 $ 36,854 6 % $ 113,181 $ 107,673 5 %

1) Represents U.S. dollar growth (decline) for net sales and segment profit.

Total net sales increased 7% in U.S. dollars and 5% in local currency for the three months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 , and increased 6% in both U.S. dollars and in local currency for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Net sales to external customers increased 5% in U.S. dollars and 4% in local currency for the three months

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ended September 30, 2017 and increased 7% in both U.S. dollars and in local currency for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . The increase in local currency net sales to external customers for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 includes solid growth in laboratory-related products and product inspection.

Segment profit increased $2.4 million and $5.5 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . Segment profit during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes the impact of increased net sales and productivity improvements, offset by increased research and development activity, higher cash incentives costs and currency hedging gains in the prior year.

Western European Operations (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 % 1) Nine months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 % 1)
Total net sales $ 212,009 $ 202,841 5 % $ 597,318 $ 572,248 4 %
Net sales to external customers $ 171,722 $ 159,025 8 % $ 470,206 $ 450,940 4 %
Segment profit $ 30,885 $ 30,218 2 % $ 77,283 $ 74,711 3 %

1) Represents U.S. dollar growth (decline) for net sales and segment profit.

Total net sales increased 5% in U.S. dollars and were flat in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased 4% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . Net sales to external customers increased 8% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017 , and increased 4% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . Local currency net sales to external customers for the three months ended September 30, 2017 includes solid growth in laboratory-related products and core-industrial, offset in part by a decrease in food retailing, which reduced net sales to external customers by 2%.

Segment profit increased $0.7 million and $2.6 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . The increase in segment profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes benefits from our margin expansion initiatives and favorable currency translation, offset in part by increased sales and service investments and higher cash incentive costs.

Chinese Operations (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 % 1) Nine months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 % 1)
Total net sales $ 193,692 $ 161,717 20 % $ 502,533 $ 444,130 13 %
Net sales to external customers $ 125,067 $ 99,349 26 % $ 323,940 $ 277,182 17 %
Segment profit $ 69,086 $ 51,669 34 % $ 167,873 $ 134,229 25 %

1) Represents U.S. dollar growth for net sales and segment profit.

Total net sales increased 20% in both U.S. dollars and in local currency for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased 13% in U.S. dollars and 17% local currency for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . Net sales to external customers increased 26% in both U.S. dollars and in local currency for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased 17% in U.S. dollars and 20% local currency during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . The increase in local currency net sales to external customers during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflects very strong growth in most product categories. Our Chinese performance reflects a good economic environment with customers catching-up on their product replacement cycles, as well as our ability to shift resources towards faster growing markets. While

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Chinese market conditions have improved, uncertainty remains, particularly in industrial markets. We will also face more difficult prior period comparisons during the remainder of the year and expect local currency net sales growth will be lower during the fourth quarter of 2017 than our year-to-date results.

Segment profit increased $17.4 million and $33.6 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . The increase in segment profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes increased local currency net sales volume, benefits from our margin expansion and cost savings initiatives, and inter-segment transfers.

Other (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 % 1) Nine months ended September 30, — 2017 2016 % 1)
Total net sales $ 130,620 $ 125,889 4 % $ 368,995 $ 344,567 7 %
Net sales to external customers $ 128,866 $ 124,119 4 % $ 363,514 $ 339,743 7 %
Segment profit $ 16,776 $ 16,721 — % $ 45,106 $ 41,064 10 %

1) Represents U.S. dollar growth for net sales and segment profit.

Total net sales and net sales to external customers increased 4% in U.S. dollars and 2% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased both 7% in U.S. dollars and in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . Local currency net sales during the three months ended September 30, 2017 faced particularly difficult prior period comparisons.

Segment profit increased $0.1 million and $4.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2016 . Segment profit includes benefits from increased net sales, offset in part by sales and service investments, particularly during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

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 financing requirements are primarily driven by working capital requirements, capital expenditures, share repurchases and acquisitions.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $351.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to $307.3 million in the corresponding period in 2016 . The increase in 2017 is primarily related to higher net earnings.

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 $85.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $51.2 million in the corresponding period in 2016 . The increase is primarily related to investments in manufacturing facilities. Cash flows from investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, also includes proceeds of $9.9 million relating to the sale of a facility in Switzerland in connection with our initiative to consolidate certain Swiss operations into a new facility. We expect to make net investments in new or expanded manufacturing facilities of $50 million to $60 million over the next two years.

We continue to explore potential acquisitions. In connection with any acquisition, we may incur additional indebtedness. In September 2017, we acquired the shares of Biotix, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of plastic consumables associated with pipettes, including tips, tubes and reagent reservoirs used in the life sciences market based in the United States. The initial cash payment was $105 million and we may be required to pay additional cash consideration up to a

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maximum amount of $65 million based upon earnings thresholds in 2018 and 2019. The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation of $30.7 million relating to the Biotix acquisition was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation based on the our forecast of future results. Goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition totaled $51.3 million, which is included in the our U.S. Operations segment. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation. Identified intangible finite life assets acquired include customer relationships of $49.5 million, technology and patents of $8.0 million, indefinite life tradenames of $7.1 million, and other intangibles of $0.6 million. The identifiable finite life intangible assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 5 year to 18 years and the annual aggregate amortization expense is estimated at $3.7 million. Net tangible assets acquired were $19.2 million and recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements.

In 2017, we also incurred additional acquisition payments totaling $3.8 million. Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions totaled $0.3 million. The Company also recorded $3.1 million of identified intangibles primarily pertaining to technology and patents in connection with these acquisitions, which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over 12 years. Net tangible assets acquired were $0.2 million and recorded a fair value in the consolidated financial statements.

We plan to repatriate earnings from China, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and certain other countries in future years and expect the only additional cost associated with the repatriation of such earnings outside the United States will be any applicable withholding taxes. All other undistributed earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested. As of September 30, 2017 , we have an immaterial amount of cash and cash equivalents outside the United States where undistributed earnings are considered permanently reinvested. Accordingly, we believe the tax impact associated with repatriating our undistributed foreign earnings will not have a material effect on our liquidity.

Senior Notes and Credit Facility Agreement

Our debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2017 :

September 30, 2017 — U.S. Dollar Other Principal Trading Currencies Total
3.67% $50 million Senior Notes due December 17, 2022 50,000 50,000
4.10% $50 million Senior Notes due September 19, 2023 50,000 50,000
3.84% $125 million Senior Notes due September 19, 2024 125,000 125,000
4.24% $125 million Senior Notes due June 25, 2025 125,000 125,000
1.47% EUR 125 million Senior Notes due June 17, 2030 146,956 146,956
Debt issuance costs, net (1,125 ) (364 ) (1,489 )
Total Senior Notes 348,875 146,592 495,467
$800 million Credit Agreement, interest at LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points 537,304 17,910 555,214
Other local arrangements 18,533 18,533
Total debt 886,179 183,035 1,069,214
Less: current portion (18,533 ) (18,533 )
Total long-term debt $ 886,179 $ 164,502 $ 1,050,681

As of September 30, 2017 , approximately $238.6 million was available under our Credit Agreement. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we increased our borrowing under the Credit Agreement by $97.9 million, which primarily was used to fund the Biotix acquisition as described in Note 3. 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.

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We currently believe that cash flow from operating activities, together with liquidity available under our credit facility and local working capital facilities, will be sufficient to fund currently anticipated working capital needs and capital spending requirements for the foreseeable future.

Share Repurchase Program

The Company has a share repurchase program of which there was $648.4 million of common shares remaining to be repurchased under the program as of September 30, 2017 . The share repurchases are expected to be funded from cash generated from operating activities, borrowings, and existing cash balances. Repurchases will be made through open market transactions, and the amount and timing of purchases will depend on business and market conditions, the stock price, trading restrictions, the level of acquisition activity and other factors.

We have purchased 26.6 million shares since the inception of the program through September 30, 2017 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we spent $335.0 million and $375.0 million on the repurchase of 647,756 and 1,048,075 shares at an average price per share of $517.15 and $357.77 , respectively. We also reissued 206,646 shares and 193,517 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Effect of Currency on Results of Operations

Our earnings are affected by changing exchange rates. We are most sensitive to changes in the exchange rates between the Swiss franc, euro, and U.S. dollar. We have more Swiss franc expenses than we do Swiss franc sales because we develop and manufacture products in Switzerland that we sell globally, and have a number of corporate functions located in Switzerland. When the Swiss franc strengthens against our other trading currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar and euro, our earnings go down. We also have significantly more sales in the euro than we do expenses. When the euro weakens against the U.S. dollar and Swiss franc, our earnings also go down. We estimate a 1% strengthening of the Swiss franc against the euro would reduce our earnings before tax by approximately $1.4 million to $1.6 million annually.

We also conduct business in many geographies throughout the world, including Asia Pacific, the United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Canada. Fluctuations in these currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar can also affect our operating results. The most significant of these currency exposures is the Chinese Renminbi. The impact on our earnings before tax of the Chinese Renminbi weakening 1% against the U.S. dollar is a reduction of approximately $0.3 million to $0.5 million annually.

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 Euro. Based on our outstanding debt at September 30, 2017 , 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 $20.4 million in the reported U.S. dollar value of our debt.

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Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

You should not rely on forward-looking statements to predict our actual results. Our actual results or performance may be materially different than reflected in forward-looking statements because of various risks and uncertainties. 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”.

We make forward-looking statements about future events or our future financial performance, including earnings and sales growth, earnings per share, strategic plans and contingency plans, growth opportunities or economic downturns, our ability to respond to changes in market conditions, planned research and development efforts and product introductions, adequacy of facilities, access to and the costs of raw materials, shipping and supplier costs, gross margins, customer demand, our competitive position , capital expenditures, cash flow, tax-related matters, compliance with laws, and effects of acquisitions.

Our forward-looking statements may not be accurate or complete, and we do not intend to update or revise them in light of actual results. New risks also periodically arise. Please consider the risks and factors that could cause our results to differ materially from what is described in our forward-looking statements. See in particular “Factors Affecting Our Future Operating Results” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As of September 30, 2017 , 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, 2016.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and the Principal Accounting 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, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting 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 September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings. None

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 there were no material changes from risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(a) (b) (c) (d)
Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program Approximate Dollar Value (in thousands) of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Program
July 1 to July 31, 2017 59,038 $ 600.67 59,038 $ 698,007
August 1 to August 31, 2017 47,993 $ 581.59 47,993 $ 670,094
September 1 to September 30, 2017 35,132 $ 616.89 35,132 $ 648,421
Total 142,163 $ 598.23 142,163 $ 648,421

The Company has a share repurchase program of which there is $648.4 million of remaining to repurchase common shares as of September 30, 2017 . We have purchased 26.6 million shares since the inception of the program through September 30, 2017 .

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we spent $335.0 million and $375.0 million on the repurchase of 647,756 and 1,048,075 shares at an average price per share of $517.15 and $357.77 , respectively. We also reissued 206,646 shares and 193,517 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. None

ITEM 5. Other information. None

ITEM 6. Exhibits. See Exhibit Index below.

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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.

/s/ Shawn P. Vadala
Shawn P. Vadala
Chief Financial Officer Principal Accounting Officer
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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 Executive Vice President Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes — Oxley Act of 2002
31.3* 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
101.INS* XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

_____

  • Filed herewith

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