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METTLER TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC/

Quarterly Report Nov 9, 2018

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10-Q 1 mtd10q93018.htm FORM 10-Q Q3 2018 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd" Document created using Wdesk 1 Copyright 2018 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, 2018 , 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, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer . X Accelerated filer __ Non-accelerated filer __ 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 25,045,028 shares of Common Stock outstanding at September 30, 2018 .

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 three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 3
Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 4
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 5
Interim Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 6
Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 7
Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2018 8
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 25
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 34
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 34
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 35
Item 1A. Risk Factors 35
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 35
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 35
Item 5. Other Information 35
Item 6. Exhibits 35
SIGNATURE 36

*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, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017
Net sales
Products $ 576,340 $ 544,408
Service 158,506 154,391
Total net sales 734,846 698,799
Cost of sales
Products 232,851 216,496
Service 82,741 81,328
Gross profit 419,254 400,975
Research and development 34,838 32,203
Selling, general and administrative 202,451 207,033
Amortization 11,856 10,716
Interest expense 9,003 8,248
Restructuring charges 2,222 3,385
Other charges (income), net (1,479 ) (237 )
Earnings before taxes 160,363 139,627
Provision for taxes 33,710 34,677
Net earnings $ 126,653 $ 104,950
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings $ 5.04 $ 4.10
Weighted average number of common shares 25,126,061 25,613,433
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings $ 4.93 $ 3.99
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares 25,683,365 26,303,529
Comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 9) $ 108,845 $ 125,699

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, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017
Net sales
Products $ 1,649,762 $ 1,514,516
Service 467,901 432,506
Total net sales 2,117,663 1,947,022
Cost of sales
Products 657,167 591,395
Service 253,684 235,651
Gross profit 1,206,812 1,119,976
Research and development 104,866 95,985
Selling, general and administrative 611,149 588,313
Amortization 35,561 31,010
Interest expense 25,671 24,160
Restructuring charges 13,956 8,840
Other charges (income), net (5,795 ) (8,654 )
Earnings before taxes 421,404 380,322
Provision for taxes 89,979 81,326
Net earnings $ 331,425 $ 298,996
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings $ 13.10 $ 11.60
Weighted average number of common shares 25,296,680 25,764,472
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings $ 12.81 $ 11.31
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares 25,877,979 26,446,677
Comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 9) $ 313,302 $ 376,357

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, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 137,448 $ 148,687
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $16,515 at September 30, 2018
and $15,549 at December 31, 2017 494,887 528,615
Inventories 277,266 255,390
Other current assets and prepaid expenses 61,898 74,031
Total current assets 971,499 1,006,723
Property, plant and equipment, net 697,689 668,271
Goodwill 537,862 539,838
Other intangible assets, net 220,904 226,718
Deferred tax assets, net 36,423 41,425
Other non-current assets 93,287 66,830
Total assets $ 2,557,664 $ 2,549,805
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable $ 156,447 $ 167,627
Accrued and other liabilities 128,760 152,834
Accrued compensation and related items 142,500 170,159
Deferred revenue and customer prepayments 123,526 107,166
Taxes payable 90,483 72,210
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt 55,753 19,677
Total current liabilities 697,469 689,673
Long-term debt 988,894 960,170
Deferred tax liabilities, net 50,216 51,230
Other non-current liabilities 289,470 301,452
Total liabilities 2,026,049 2,002,525
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 25,045,028 and
25,541,393 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 448 448
Additional paid-in capital 759,643 747,138
Treasury stock at cost (19,740,983 shares at September 30, 2018, and 19,244,618 shares at December 31, 2017) (3,708,805 ) (3,368,182 )
Retained earnings 3,763,858 3,433,282
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (283,529 ) (265,406 )
Total shareholders’ equity 531,615 547,280
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,557,664 $ 2,549,805

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, 2018 and twelve months ended December 31, 2017

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

Insert Title Here
Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Common Stock Treasury Stock Retained Earnings
Shares Amount Total
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 270,413 38,586 (9,937 ) 28,649
Repurchases of common stock (749,254 ) (399,997 ) (399,997 )
Effect of accounting change 1,539 1,539
Share-based compensation 16,582 16,582
Net earnings 375,972 375,972
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax 89,592 89,592
Balance at December 31, 2017 25,541,393 $ 448 $ 747,138 $ (3,368,182 ) $ 3,433,282 $ (265,406 ) $ 547,280
Exercise of stock options and restricted
stock units 102,174 15,626 (849 ) 14,777
Repurchases of common stock (598,539 ) (356,249 ) (356,249 )
Share-based compensation 12,505 12,505
Net earnings 331,425 331,425
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax (Note 9) (18,123 ) (18,123 )
Balance at September 30, 2018 25,045,028 $ 448 $ 759,643 $ (3,708,805 ) $ 3,763,858 $ (283,529 ) $ 531,615

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, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 331,425 $ 298,996
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 27,889 24,421
Amortization 35,561 31,010
Deferred tax benefit (11,901 ) (7,754 )
Share-based compensation 12,505 11,823
Gain on facility sale (3,394 )
Other (2,706 ) 227
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in:
Trade accounts receivable, net 26,017 1,891
Inventories (26,224 ) (23,596 )
Other current assets 863 (2,526 )
Trade accounts payable (7,753 ) (5,857 )
Taxes payable 13,482 11,386
Accruals and other (32,725 ) 14,608
Net cash provided by operating activities 366,433 351,235
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 7,809 10,437
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (96,665 ) (85,826 )
Acquisitions (4,962 ) (108,445 )
Net hedging settlements on intercompany loans (780 ) 3,716
Net cash used in investing activities (94,598 ) (180,118 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings 772,274 985,694
Repayments of borrowings (703,704 ) (834,061 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises 14,777 23,315
Repurchases of common stock (356,249 ) (334,998 )
Other financing activities (1,664 ) (7,205 )
Net cash used in financing activities (274,566 ) (167,255 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (8,508 ) 6,550
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (11,239 ) 10,412
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 148,687 158,674
End of period $ 137,448 $ 169,086

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, 2018 – 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, 2017 .

The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods presented. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2018 .

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, 2017 .

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, 2018 – 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, 2018 December 31, 2017
Raw materials and parts $ 125,197 $ 118,790
Work-in-progress 50,546 43,035
Finished goods 101,523 93,565
$ 277,266 $ 255,390

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, 2018 — Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangibles, Net December 31, 2017 — Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangibles, Net
Customer relationships $ 198,042 $ (48,173 ) $ 149,869 $ 198,527 $ (41,794 ) $ 156,733
Proven technology and patents 74,732 (42,036 ) 32,696 70,311 (38,890 ) 31,421
Tradenames (finite life) 4,557 (2,904 ) 1,653 4,518 (2,807 ) 1,711
Tradenames (indefinite life) 35,536 35,536 35,562 35,562
Other 3,668 (2,518 ) 1,150 3,490 (2,199 ) 1,291
$ 316,535 $ (95,631 ) $ 220,904 $ 312,408 $ (85,690 ) $ 226,718
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*Table of Contents*

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

The Company recognized amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets of $3.6 million and $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively and $10.7 million and $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The annual aggregate amortization expense based on the current balance of other intangible assets is estimated at $14.2 million for 2018 , $13.9 million for 2019 , $13.5 million for 2020 , $12.9 million for 2021 , $12.4 million for 2022 and $12.2 million for 2023 . Purchased intangible amortization was $3.4 million , $2.5 million after tax, and $2.6 million , $1.7 million after tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively and $10.0 million , $7.5 million after tax, and $7.2 million , $4.7 million after tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

In addition to the above amortization, the Company recorded amortization expense associated with capitalized software of $8.2 million and $7.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively and $24.7 million and $22.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Product revenue is recognized from contracts with customers when a customer has obtained control of a product. The Company considers control to have transferred upon shipping terms. To the extent the Company’s contracts have a separate performance obligation, revenue related to any post-shipment performance obligation is deferred until completed. Shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in total net sales and the associated expense is a component of cost of sales. Certain products are also sold through indirect distribution channels whereby the distributor assumes any further obligations to the end customer. Revenue is recognized on these distributor arrangements upon transfer of control to the distributor. Contracts do not contain variable pricing arrangements that are retrospective, except for rebate programs. Rebates are estimated based on expected sales volumes and offset against revenue at the time such revenue is recognized. 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. The provisions for estimated returns and rebates are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

Certain of the Company’s product arrangements include separate performance obligations, primarily related to installation. Such performance obligations are accounted for separately when the deliverables have stand-alone value and the satisfaction of the undelivered performance obligations is probable and within the Company's control. The allocation of revenue between the performance obligations is based on the observable standalone selling prices at the time of the sale in accordance with a number of factors including service technician billing rates, time to install and geographic location.

Software is generally not considered a distinct performance obligation with the exception of a few small software applications. The Company does not usually sell software products without the related hardware instrument as the software is embedded in the product. 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.

Service revenue not under contract is recognized upon the completion of the service performed. Revenue from spare parts sold on a stand-alone basis is recognized when control is transferred to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment or delivery. Revenue from service contracts is recognized ratably over the contract period using a time-based method. 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.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

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 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 $4.3 million and $12.5 million of share-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, compared to $4.0 million and $11.8 million for the corresponding periods in 2017 .

Research and Development

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2018 the Company retrospectively implemented ASU 2017-07 to ASC 715 "Compensation - Retirement Benefits," which requires the Company to report the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost (pension cost) in other charges (income), net. These amounts were previously reported in selling, general, and administrative, cost of sales and research and development in the consolidated statement of operations. Nonservice pension benefits were $1.6 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $4.7 million and $3.1 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In February 2016 and July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11 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. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance as well as the election of certain practical expedients available within the ASU. The Company has identified its significant leases by geography and by asset class and made progress in developing accounting policies and future processes to ensure an effective adoption of the new standard. The ASU will be effective beginning the first quarter of 2019 and the Company will adopt using a modified retrospective approach without adjusting comparative periods.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income". The accounting update provided entities with guidance on how to reclassify certain stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was a tax bill enacted by the U.S. government in December 2017. The new guidance is effective for the year beginning January 1, 2019 and the Company is still evaluating the impact on the financial statements.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

  1. REVENUE

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and all the related amendments using the modified retrospective method, whereby the adoption does not impact any prior periods. The effect of adopting the new standard did not require any cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. There was no impact to our consolidated statements of operations, balance sheet, or statement of cash flows as of and for the period ended September 30, 2018.

The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by product, service, timing of revenue recognition and geography. A summary by the Company’s reportable segments follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018:

Three months ended September 30, 2018 U.S. Operations Swiss Operations Western European Operations Chinese Operations Other Operations Total
Product Revenue $ 195,554 $ 24,791 $ 124,412 $ 127,050 $ 104,533 $ 576,340
Service Revenue:
Point in time 48,910 4,663 29,365 10,200 25,645 118,783
Over time 10,915 2,009 19,393 2,848 4,558 39,723
Total $ 255,379 $ 31,463 $ 173,170 $ 140,098 $ 134,736 $ 734,846
Nine months ended September 30, 2018 U.S. Operations Swiss Operations Western European Operations Chinese Operations Other Operations Total
Product Revenue $ 559,566 $ 75,520 $ 365,680 $ 351,052 $ 297,944 $ 1,649,762
Service Revenue:
Point in time 146,515 14,410 92,331 28,212 74,853 356,321
Over time 30,517 6,152 54,303 8,037 12,571 111,580
Total $ 736,598 $ 96,082 $ 512,314 $ 387,301 $ 385,368 $ 2,117,663

A summary of revenue by major geographic destination for the three and nine months ended September 30 follows:

Three months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended September 30, 2018
Americas $ 280,512 $ 807,119
Europe 216,956 643,514
Asia / Rest of World 237,378 667,030
Total $ 734,846 $ 2,117,663
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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

The Company's global revenue mix by product category is laboratory ( 51% of sales), industrial ( 41% of sales) and retail ( 8% of sales). The Company's product revenue by reportable segment is proportionately similar to the Company's global mix except the Company's Swiss Operations is largely comprised of laboratory products while the Company's Chinese Operations has a slightly higher percentage of industrial products. A summary of the Company’s revenue by product category for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:

Three months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended September 30, 2018
Laboratory $ 368,967 $ 1,075,853
Industrial 305,248 873,181
Retail 60,631 168,629
Total $ 734,846 $ 2,117,663

The payment terms in the Company’s contracts with customers do not exceed one year and therefore contracts do not contain a significant financing component. In most cases, after appropriate credit evaluations, payments are due in arrears and are recognized as receivables. Unbilled revenue is recorded when performance obligations have been satisfied, but the Company does not have a right to receive payment. Unbilled revenue as of September 30, 2018 was $19.4 million and is included within accounts receivable. Deferred revenue and customer prepayments are recorded when cash payments are received or due in advance of the performance obligation being satisfied. Deferred revenue primarily includes prepaid service contracts, as well as deferred installation.

Changes in the components of deferred revenue and customer prepayments during the period are as follows:

Beginning balances as of December 31, 2017 Deferred Revenue and Customer Pre-payments — $ 107,166
Customer pre-payments/deferred revenue 469,173
Revenue recognized (450,312 )
Foreign currency translation (2,501 )
Ending balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 123,526

The Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company has not disclosed the value of unsatisfied performance obligations other than customer prepayments and deferred revenue above as most contracts have an expected length of one year or less and amounts greater than one year are immaterial.

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 subsidiaries. For additional disclosures on the fair value of financial instruments, see Note 5 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

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.

In June 2013, the Company entered into 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, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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 gain of $2.7 million based upon interest rates and foreign currency rates at September 30, 2018 , is expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings in the next twelve months. Through September 30, 2018 , 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, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, and disclosed in Note 5. The Company recognized in other charges (income), a net loss of $4.4 million and a net gain of $4.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and a net loss of $0.2 million and net gain of $6.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The gains and losses are primarily offset by the underlying transaction gains and losses on the related intercompany balances. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , these contracts had a notional value of $452.1 million and $394.8 million , respectively.

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company had derivative assets totaling $3.0 million and $1.9 million , respectively, and derivative liabilities totaling $1.3 million and $2.4 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

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

counterparty credit risk in determining fair value and determined these adjustments were insignificant at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 .

At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company had $15.3 million and $5.6 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 carrying value of the Company's debt exceeds the fair value by approximately $5.1 million as of September 30, 2018 .

The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation of $30.9 million relating to the Biotix acquisition as of September 30, 2018 is 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.

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, 2018 and December 31, 2017 :

September 30, 2018 — Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2017 — Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents $ 15,310 $ — $ 15,310 $ — $ 5,616 $ — $ 5,616 $ —
Interest rate swap agreements 2,404 2,404
Cross currency swap agreement 185 185
Foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments 442 442 1,912 1,912
Total $ 18,341 $ — $ 18,341 $ — $ 7,528 $ — $ 7,528 $ —
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,292 $ — $ 1,292 $ —
Cross currency swap agreement 106 106
Foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments 1,287 1,287 986 986
Total $ 1,287 $ — $ 1,287 $ — $ 2,384 $ — $ 2,384 $ —
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NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

6. INCOME TAXES

The Company's reported tax rate was 21% and 25% during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and 21% during both the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The provision for taxes is based upon using the Company's projected annual effective tax rate of 21.5% before non-recurring discrete tax items for the three and nine months periods ended September 30, 2018. The difference between the Company's projected annual effective tax rate of 21.5% and the reported tax rate is related to the timing of excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises. The three month period ended September 30, 2018 also includes a cumulative year-to-date benefit of $1.3 million from reducing our annual projected effective tax rate from 22.0% to 21.5% related to the first six months of 2018.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") significantly revised U.S. corporate income tax law. The Act includes, among other things, a reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and the implementation of a modified territorial tax system that includes a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries ("Transition Tax") that is payable over a period of up to eight years.

The Company's accounting for the Act is based upon reasonable estimates, however, the estimates may change upon the finalization of the Act's implementation and additional interpretive guidance from regulatory authorities. Among other things, the Company needs to complete its analysis of historical foreign earnings and related taxes paid and its analysis of foreign cash equivalents. In addition, the Company needs to complete its analysis of deemed repatriation of deferred foreign income and related state tax effects. The Company will complete its accounting for the above tax effects of the Act during the fourth quarter of 2018 as provided by SAB 118 and will reflect any adjustments to its provisional amounts at that time. We estimate any such adjustments will not be material to our financial statements.

7. DEBT

Debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2018 :

September 30, 2018 — 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 146,938 146,938
Debt issuance costs, net (950 ) (335 ) (1,285 )
Total Senior Notes 349,050 146,603 495,653
$1.1 billion Credit Agreement, interest at LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points 443,776 49,465 493,241
Other local arrangements 14 55,739 55,753
Total debt 792,840 251,807 1,044,647
Less: current portion (14 ) (55,739 ) (55,753 )
Total long-term debt $ 792,826 $ 196,068 $ 988,894
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NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

Credit Agreement

On June 15, 2018 the Company entered into an amended $1.1 billion Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), which amended its $800 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Prior Credit Agreement"). As of September 30, 2018 , the Company had $601 million of availability remaining under its Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement is provided by a group of financial institutions (similar to the Company's Prior Credit Agreement) and has a maturity date of June 15, 2023. It is a revolving credit facility and is not subject to any scheduled principal payments prior to maturity. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are unsecured.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at current market rates plus a margin based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, which was set at LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points as of June 15, 2018. The Company must also pay facility fees that are tied to its leverage ratio. The Credit Agreement contains covenants that are the same as those contained in the Prior Credit Agreement, with which the Company was in compliance as of September 30, 2018. The Company is required to maintain a ratio of funded debt to Consolidated EBITDA of 3.5 to1.0 or less and an interest coverage ratio of 3.5 to 1.0 or greater. The Credit Agreement also places certain limitations on the Company, including limiting the ability to incur liens or indebtedness at a subsidiary level. In addition, the Credit Agreement has several events of default. The Company incurred approximately $0.1 million of debt extinguishment costs during 2018 related to the Prior Credit Agreement. The Company capitalized $2.0 million in financing fees during 2018 associated with the Credit Agreement which will be amortized to interest expense through 2023.

Other Local Arrangements

In April 2018, two of the Company's non-U.S. pension plans issued loans totaling $39.6 million (Swiss franc 38 million) to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The loans have the same terms and conditions which include an interest rate of Swiss franc LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points, a maturity date of April 2019 and a one year renewal term and, as such, are classified as short-term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The proceeds were used to repay outstanding amounts on the Company's credit facility.

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 $1.8 million and $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and a gain of $2.8 million and a loss $15.5 million for the nine months periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

8. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM AND TREASURY STOCK

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had $227.2 million of remaining availability under the Company's share repurchase program. On November 8, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized an additional $2.0 billion to the share repurchase program. 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, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

The Company has purchased 27.3 million shares since the inception of the program in 2004 through September 30, 2018 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , the Company spent $356.2 million and $335.0 million on the repurchase of 598,539 shares and 647,756 shares at an average price per share of $595.18 and $517.15 , respectively. The Company also reissued 102,174 shares and 206,646 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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, 2018 and 2017 :

Balance at December 31, 2017 Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax — $ (31,340 ) Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Arrangements, Net of Tax — $ (1,081 ) Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Related Items, Net of Tax — $ (232,985 ) Total — $ (265,406 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) cash flow hedging arrangements 6,523 6,523
Foreign currency translation adjustment (32,206 ) (749 ) (32,955 )
Amounts recognized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2,528 ) 10,837 8,309
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (32,206 ) 3,995 10,088 (18,123 )
Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (63,546 ) $ 2,914 $ (222,897 ) $ (283,529 )
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:
Unrealized gains (losses) cash flow hedging arrangements (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 )
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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – 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, — 2018 2017 Location of Amounts Recognized in Earnings
Effective portion of (gains) / losses on cash flow hedging arrangements:
Interest rate swap agreements $ 97 $ 424 Interest expense
Cross currency swap agreement (3,559 ) (1,866 ) (a)
Total before taxes (3,462 ) (1,442 )
Provision for taxes (252 ) 18 Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes $ (3,210 ) $ (1,460 )
Recognition of defined benefit pension and post-retirement items:
Recognition of actuarial losses and prior service cost, before taxes $ 4,651 $ 5,053 (b)
Provision for taxes 1,064 1,319 Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes $ 3,587 $ 3,716

(a) The cross currency swap reflects an unrealized gain of $2.9 million recorded in other charges (income) that was offset by the underlying unrealized loss on the hedged debt. The cross currency swap also reflects a realized gain of $0.8 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 months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 .

Nine months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 Location of Amounts Recognized in Earnings
Effective portion of (gains) / losses on cash flow hedging arrangements:
Interest rate swap agreements $ 531 $ 1,273 Interest expense
Cross currency swap agreement (3,171 ) (454 ) (a)
Total before taxes (2,640 ) 819
Provision for taxes (112 ) 454 Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes $ (2,528 ) $ 365
Recognition of defined benefit pension and post-retirement items:
Recognition of actuarial losses and prior service cost, before taxes $ 14,150 $ 15,128 (b)
Provision for taxes 3,313 3,947 Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes $ 10,837 $ 11,181

(a) The cross currency swap reflects an unrealized gain of $1.0 million recorded in other charges (income) that was offset by the underlying unrealized loss on the hedged debt. The cross currency swap also reflects a realized gain of $2.2 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 12 for additional details for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 .

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – 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 — 2018 2017 Nine Months Ended — 2018 2017
Net earnings $ 126,653 $ 104,950 $ 331,425 $ 298,996
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (17,808 ) 20,749 (18,123 ) 77,361
Comprehensive income, net of tax $ 108,845 $ 125,699 $ 313,302 $ 376,357

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:

2018 2017
Three months ended 557,304 690,096
Nine months ended 581,299 682,205

Outstanding options and restricted stock units to purchase or receive 54,708 and 17 shares of common stock for the three month period ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares as such options and restricted stock units would be anti-dilutive. Options and restricted stock units to purchase or receive 55,775 and 35 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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 — 2018 2017 Non-U.S. Pension Benefits — 2018 2017 Other U.S. Post-retirement Benefits — 2018 2017 Total — 2018 2017
Service cost, net $ 273 $ 141 $ 3,752 $ 4,008 $ — $ — 4,025 4,149
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations 1,060 1,094 2,180 2,269 16 18 3,256 3,381
Expected return on plan assets (1,733 ) (1,684 ) (7,733 ) (7,910 ) (9,466 ) (9,594 )
Recognition of prior service cost (1,727 ) (1,611 ) (93 ) (195 ) (1,820 ) (1,806 )
Recognition of actuarial losses/(gains) 1,451 1,639 5,331 5,676 (311 ) (474 ) 6,471 6,841
Net periodic pension cost/(credit) $ 1,051 $ 1,190 $ 1,803 $ 2,432 $ (388 ) $ (651 ) $ 2,466 $ 2,971
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NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – 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 — 2018 2017 Non-U.S. Pension Benefits — 2018 2017 Other U.S. Post-retirement Benefits — 2018 2017 Total — 2018 2017
Service cost, net $ 817 $ 423 $ 11,416 $ 12,086 $ — $ — 12,233 12,509
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations 3,182 3,282 6,534 6,294 48 54 9,764 9,630
Expected return on plan assets (5,197 ) (5,052 ) (23,408 ) (22,795 ) (28,605 ) (27,847 )
Recognition of prior service cost (5,248 ) (4,439 ) (279 ) (585 ) (5,527 ) (5,024 )
Recognition of actuarial losses/(gains) 4,353 4,917 16,261 16,657 (937 ) (1,422 ) 19,677 20,152
Net periodic pension cost/(credit) $ 3,155 $ 3,570 $ 5,555 $ 7,803 $ (1,168 ) $ (1,953 ) $ 7,542 $ 9,420

As previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company expects to make employer contributions of approximately $25.9 million to its non-U.S. pension plans during the year ended December 31, 2018. This estimate may change based upon several factors, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, actual returns on plan assets and changes in legal requirements.

12. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company has incurred $2.2 million and $14.0 million of restructuring expenses, respectively, which primarily relates to employee and other costs associated with the consolidation of facilities. Liabilities related to restructuring activities are included in accrued and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. A roll forward of the Company’s accrual for restructuring activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2017 Total — $ 10,620
Restructuring charges 13,956
Cash payments and utilization (16,701 )
Impact of foreign currency (61 )
Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 7,814

13. OTHER CHARGES (INCOME), NET

Other charges (income), net includes non-service pension costs (benefits), (gains) losses from foreign currency transactions and related hedging activities, interest income and other items. Nonservice pension benefits were $1.6 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $4.7 million and $3.1 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Other charges (income), net for 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.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

14. SEGMENT REPORTING

As disclosed in Note 17 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 , 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, — 2018
September 30, 2018 Customers Segments Sales Profit Goodwill
U.S. Operations $ 255,379 $ 25,050 $ 280,429 $ 41,890 $ 410,022
Swiss Operations 31,463 148,418 179,881 44,542 22,404
Western European Operations 173,170 41,923 215,093 30,046 89,915
Chinese Operations 140,098 64,079 204,177 75,762 644
Other (a) 134,736 1,334 136,070 19,179 14,877
Eliminations and Corporate (b) (280,804 ) (280,804 ) (29,454 )
Total $ 734,846 $ — $ 734,846 $ 181,965 $ 537,862
For the nine months ended Net Sales to — External Net Sales to — Other Total Net Segment
September 30, 2018 Customers Segments Sales Profit
U.S. Operations $ 736,598 $ 72,203 $ 808,801 $ 118,141
Swiss Operations 96,082 440,959 537,041 138,254
Western European Operations 512,314 128,076 640,390 75,661
Chinese Operations 387,301 183,074 570,375 201,199
Other (a) 385,368 4,436 389,804 50,702
Eliminations and Corporate (b) (828,748 ) (828,748 ) (93,160 )
Total $ 2,117,663 $ — $ 2,117,663 $ 490,797

(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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NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – 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, — 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 39,212 22,252
Western European Operations 171,722 40,287 212,009 32,519 90,832
Chinese Operations 125,067 68,625 193,692 69,086 673
Other (a) 128,866 1,754 130,620 16,754 15,489
Eliminations and Corporate (b) (271,813 ) (271,813 ) (38,836 )
Total $ 698,799 $ — $ 698,799 $ 161,739 $ 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 81,946
Chinese Operations 323,940 178,593 502,533 167,873
Other (a) 363,514 5,481 368,995 45,043
Eliminations and Corporate (b) (776,737 ) (776,737 ) (99,338 )
Total $ 1,947,022 $ — $ 1,947,022 $ 435,678

(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 — 2018 2017 Nine Months Ended — 2018 2017
Earnings before taxes $ 160,363 $ 139,627 $ 421,404 $ 380,322
Amortization 11,856 10,716 35,561 31,010
Interest expense 9,003 8,248 25,671 24,160
Restructuring charges 2,222 3,385 13,956 8,840
Other charges (income), net (1,479 ) (237 ) (5,795 ) (8,654 )
Segment profit $ 181,965 $ 161,739 $ 490,797 $ 435,678

During the three months ended September 30, 2018 , restructuring charges of $2.2 million were recognized, of which $0.6 million , $0.7 million , $0.7 million , $0.1 million and $0.1 million related to the Company’s U.S., Swiss, Western European, Chinese and Other Operations, respectively. Restructuring charges of $3.4 million were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2017 , 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 $14.0 million were recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , of which $10.6 million , $1.5 million , $1.6 million , $0.1 million and $0.2 million related to the Company’s U.S., Swiss, Western European, Chinese and Other

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At September 30, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

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 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, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2018 .

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, 2018 and 2017 (amounts in thousands).

Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
(unaudited) % (unaudited) % (unaudited) % (unaudited) %
Net sales $ 734,846 100.0 $ 698,799 100.0 $ 2,117,663 100.0 $ 1,947,022 100.0
Cost of sales 315,592 42.9 297,824 42.6 910,851 43.0 827,046 42.5
Gross profit 419,254 57.1 400,975 57.4 1,206,812 57.0 1,119,976 57.5
Research and development 34,838 4.7 32,203 4.6 104,866 5.0 95,985 4.9
Selling, general and administrative 202,451 27.6 207,033 29.6 611,149 28.9 588,313 30.2
Amortization 11,856 1.6 10,716 1.5 35,561 1.7 31,010 1.6
Interest expense 9,003 1.2 8,248 1.2 25,671 1.2 24,160 1.2
Restructuring charges 2,222 0.3 3,385 0.5 13,956 0.6 8,840 0.5
Other charges (income), net (1,479 ) (0.1 ) (237 ) (5,795 ) (0.3 ) (8,654 ) (0.4 )
Earnings before taxes 160,363 21.8 139,627 20.0 421,404 19.9 380,322 19.5
Provision for taxes 33,710 4.6 34,677 5.0 89,979 4.2 81,326 4.1
Net earnings $ 126,653 17.2 $ 104,950 15.0 $ 331,425 15.7 $ 298,996 15.4

Net sales

Net sales were $734.8 million and $698.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , and 2017, and $2.1 billion and $1.9 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 , respectively. This represents an increase of 5% and 9% in U.S. dollars for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 . Excluding the effect of currency exchange rates fluctuations, or in local currencies, net sales increased 7% and 6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. The Biotix acquisition contributed approximately 1% to local

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currency net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. These results compare to 6% and 9% local currency growth for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 of which acquisitions contributed approximately 1%. Global market conditions were generally favorable during the first nine months of 2018 and we continue to benefit from the execution of our global sales and marketing programs, our innovative product portfolio, and investments in our field resources. However, we remain cautious as market conditions are subject to change and economic uncertainties exist in certain regions of the world.

Net sales by geographic destination for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 in U.S. dollars increased in the Americas by 5% in both periods, in Europe 1% and 9% , and in Asia/Rest of World 9% and 14% , respectively. Our net sales by geographic destination for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 in local currencies increased in the Americas by 5% in both periods, in Europe by 3% in both periods, and in Asia/Rest of World by 11% and 10% , respectively. The Biotix acquisition contributed approximately 1% and 2% to our local currency net sales growth in the Americas for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. A discussion of sales by operating segment is included below.

As described in Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, 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 6% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased 9% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . The Biotix acquisition contributed approximately 1.5% to our net sales of products for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Service revenue (including spare parts) increased by 3% in U.S. dollars and 4% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased 8% in U.S. dollars and 5% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 .

Net sales of our laboratory products and services, which represented approximately 51% of our total net sales increased 9% in U.S. dollars and 11% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018, and increased 13% in U.S. dollars and 10% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The local currency increase in net sales of our laboratory products includes strong growth in most product categories, especially process analytics, automated chemistry and pipettes. The Biotix acquisition also contributed approximately 2% to our growth of laboratory products and services for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Net sales of our industrial products and services, which represented approximately 41% of our total net sales decreased 1% in U.S. dollars and increased 1% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018, and increased 4% in U.S. dollars and 1% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The local currency increase in net sales of our industrial products includes growth in core-industrial, offset in part by a decline in product inspection.

Net sales in our food retailing products and services, which represented approximately 8% of our total net sales increased 12% in U.S. dollars and 14% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , and increased 10% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . Food retailing experienced strong growth in each region during the three month period with particularly strong project activity in the Americas for both the three and nine month periods. Net sales in Europe declined during the nine month period against strong growth in the prior year.

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Gross profit

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 57.1% and 57.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , and 57.0% and 57.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for products was 59.6% and 60.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and 60.2% and 61.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for services (including spare parts) was 47.8% and 47.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and 45.8% and 45.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to initial costs associated with a new manufacturing facility and product introductions, the Biotix acquisition, unfavorable business mix and tariff costs, offset in part by favorable price realization.

In 2018, the U.S. government enacted tariffs on certain products imported from China. The tariffs became effective at various points during 2018. We estimate the associated annualized cost increase is approximately $25 million (assuming a 25% tariff rate). We are evaluating and implementing various actions to mitigate the effect of the tariffs.

Research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales was 4.7% and 4.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , and was 5.0% and 4.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Research and development expenses increased 9% in U.S. dollars and increased 10% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , and increased 10% in U.S. dollars and increased 7% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 relating to increased project activity.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 27.6% and 29.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , and was 28.9% and 30.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 2% in U.S. dollars and 1% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , and increased 4% in U.S. dollars and 1% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The local currency increase includes investments in our field sales organization and growth initiatives, offset in part by benefits from our cost savings initiatives. The decrease for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 also includes lower cash incentive expense.

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

Amortization expense was $11.9 million and $10.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and $35.6 million and $31.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Interest expense was $9.0 million and $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and $25.7 million and $24.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Other charges (income), net includes non-service pension costs (benefits), (gains) losses from foreign currency transactions and related hedging activities, interest income and other items. Nonservice pension benefits were $1.6 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $4.7 million and $3.1 million and for the nine

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months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Other charges (income), net for 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.

Our reported tax rate was 21% and 25% during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and 21% during both the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The provision for taxes is based upon using our projected annual effective tax rate of 21.5% before non-recurring discrete tax items for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018. The difference between our projected annual effective tax rate of 21.5% and our reported tax rate is related to the timing of excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises. The three month period ended September 30, 2018 also includes a cumulative year-to-date benefit of $1.3 million from reducing our annual projected effective tax rate from 22.0% to 21.5% related to the first six months of 2018.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") significantly revised U.S.corporate income tax law. The Act includes, among other things, a reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and the implementation of a modified territorial tax system that includes a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries ("Transition Tax") that is payable over a period of up to eight years.

Our accounting for the Act is based upon reasonable estimates, however, our estimates may

change upon the finalization of the Act's implementation and additional interpretive guidance from

regulatory authorities. Among other things, we need to complete our analysis of historical foreign

earnings and related taxes paid and our analysis of foreign cash equivalents. In addition, we need to

complete our analysis of deemed repatriation of deferred foreign income and related state tax effects. We will complete our accounting for the above tax effects of the Act during the fourth quarter of 2018 as provided in SAB 118 and will reflect any adjustments to our provisional amounts at that time. We estimate any such adjustments will not be material to our financial statements.

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 17 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 .

U.S. Operations (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 % Nine months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 %
Total net sales $ 280,429 $ 263,408 6 % $ 808,801 $ 763,097 6 %
Net sales to external customers $ 255,379 $ 239,221 7 % $ 736,598 $ 693,405 6 %
Segment profit $ 41,890 $ 43,004 (3 )% $ 118,141 $ 126,973 (7 )%

Total net sales and net sales to external customers both increased 6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared with the corresponding period in 2017. Net sales to external customers benefited approximately 3% from the Biotix acquisition for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018. The increase in total net sales and net sales to external customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 reflects strong results in our laboratory products, as well as strong food retailing project activity. These results were offset in part by a decrease in product inspection which had strong growth in the prior year periods.

Segment profit decreased $1.1 million and $8.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 , primarily due to

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initial costs associated with a new manufacturing facility and new product introductions and continued investments in our field sales and service organization, offset in part by benefits from our margin expansion initiatives.

Swiss Operations (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 % 1) Nine months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 % 1)
Total net sales $ 179,881 $ 170,883 5 % $ 537,041 $ 491,816 9 %
Net sales to external customers $ 31,463 $ 33,923 (7 )% $ 96,082 $ 95,957 — %
Segment profit $ 44,542 $ 39,212 14 % $ 138,254 $ 113,181 22 %

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

Total net sales increased 5% in U.S. dollars and 8% in local currency for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , and increased 9% in U.S. dollars and 8% in local currency for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . Net sales to external customers decreased 7% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currency for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and were flat in U.S. dollars and decreased 1% in local currency for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . The decline in local currency net sales to external customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes decreases in industrial-related products and food retailing.

Segment profit increased $5.3 million and $25.1 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . Segment profit during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes the impact of increased inter-segment sales volume, our margin expansion initiatives and favorable foreign currency translation, offset in part by higher research and development activity.

Western European Operations (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 % 1) Nine months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 % 1)
Total net sales $ 215,093 $ 212,009 1 % $ 640,390 $ 597,318 7 %
Net sales to external customers $ 173,170 $ 171,722 1 % $ 512,314 $ 470,206 9 %
Segment profit $ 30,046 $ 32,519 (8 )% $ 75,661 $ 81,946 (8 )%

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

Total net sales increased 1% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased 7% in U.S. dollars and 1% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . Net sales to external customers increased 1% in U.S. dollars and increased 2% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , and increased 9% in U.S. dollars and 2% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . Local currency net sales to external customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes growth in most product categories, offset in part by a decline in food retailing which had strong project activity in the prior nine month period ended September 30, 2017.

Segment profit decreased $2.5 million and $6.3 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . The decrease in segment profit for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2018 includes higher research and development activity, an inter-segment product transfer and roll-in costs associated with our Blue Ocean program, offset by benefits from our margin expansion initiatives and favorable currency translation.

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Chinese Operations (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 % 1) Nine months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 % 1)
Total net sales $ 204,177 $ 193,692 5 % $ 570,375 $ 502,533 14 %
Net sales to external customers $ 140,098 $ 125,067 12 % $ 387,301 $ 323,940 20 %
Segment profit $ 75,762 $ 69,086 10 % $ 201,199 $ 167,873 20 %

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

Total net sales increased 5% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased 14% in U.S. dollars and 9% local currency for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . Net sales to external customers increased 12% in U.S. dollars and 14% in local currency for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased 20% in U.S. dollars and 15% local currency during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . The increase in local currency net sales to external customers during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 reflects very strong growth in most product categories, especially laboratory products. While Chinese market conditions are currently favorable, there is uncertainty, including the potential impact of international trade disputes. The Chinese economy has historically been volatile and market conditions may change unfavorably due to various factors.

Segment profit increased $6.7 million and $33.3 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . The increase in segment profit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes increased local currency net sales volume, benefits from our margin expansion and cost savings initiatives, and favorable foreign currency translation.

Other (amounts in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 % 1) Nine months ended September 30, — 2018 2017 % 1)
Total net sales $ 136,070 $ 130,620 4 % $ 389,804 $ 368,995 6 %
Net sales to external customers $ 134,736 $ 128,866 5 % $ 385,368 $ 363,514 6 %
Segment profit $ 19,179 $ 16,754 14 % $ 50,702 $ 45,043 13 %

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

Total net sales increased 4% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased 6% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . Net sales to external customers increased 5% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currencies for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased 6% in U.S. dollars and 4% in local currencies for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 . Local currency sales growth for the three month period reflects strong growth in laboratory and core-industrial products.

Segment profit increased $2.4 million and $5.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2017 .The increase in segment profit is primarily due to our increased sales volume, benefits from our margin expansion initiatives and favorable foreign currency translation, offset in part by increased sales and service investments.

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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 $366.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , compared to $351.2 million in the corresponding period in 2017 . The increase in 2018 is primarily related to higher net income, offset in part by higher cash incentive payments, the timing of tax payments and a Transition Tax payment of $4.2 million (see below).

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 $96.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $85.8 million in the corresponding period in 2017 . The increase is primarily related to investments in manufacturing facilities, and information technology. We expect to make net investments in new or expanded manufacturing facilities of approximately $20 million over the next two years.

In 2017, we recorded a provisional one-time charge of $72 million for the estimated income tax effect of the Transition Tax associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of which $59 million is expected to be paid over a period of up to eight years. In April 2018, we paid our first Transition Tax payment of $4.2 million.

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, 2018, 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, 2018 :

September 30, 2018 — 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 146,938 146,938
Debt issuance costs, net (950 ) (335 ) (1,285 )
Total Senior Notes 349,050 146,603 495,653
$1.1 billion Credit Agreement, interest at LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points 443,776 49,465 493,241
Other local arrangements 14 55,739 55,753
Total debt 792,840 251,807 1,044,647
Less: current portion (14 ) (55,739 ) (55,753 )
Total long-term debt $ 792,826 $ 196,068 $ 988,894
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On June 15, 2018 we entered into an amended $1.1 billion Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), which amended our $800 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Prior Credit Agreement"), that is further described in Note 7 of our consolidated financial statements.

As of September 30, 2018 , approximately $601 million was available under the Credit Agreement. 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.

In April 2018, two of our non-U.S. pension plans issued loans totaling $39.6 million (Swiss franc 38 million) to our wholly owned subsidiary. The loans have the same terms and conditions which include an interest rate of Swiss franc LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points and a maturity date of April 2019 and a one year renewal term and, as such, are classified as short-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet. The proceeds were used to repay outstanding amounts on our credit facility.

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 at least the foreseeable future.

We continue to explore potential acquisitions. In connection with any acquisition, we may incur additional indebtedness.

Share Repurchase Program

As of September 30, 2018, we had $227.2 million of remaining availability under the Company's share repurchase program. On November 8, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized an additional $2.0 billion to the share repurchase program. 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, stock price, trading restrictions, the level of acquisition activity, and other factors.

We have purchased 27.3 million shares since the inception of the program through September 30, 2018 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , we spent $356.2 million and $335.0 million on the repurchase of 598,539 and 647,756 shares at an average price per share of $595.18 and $517.15 , respectively. We also reissued 102,174 shares and 206,646 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

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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 $1.6 million to $1.8 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 $1.2 million to $1.4 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 Swiss franc. Based on our outstanding debt at September 30, 2018, 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 $28.0 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 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As of September 30, 2018 , 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, 2017.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 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, 2018 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, 2017.

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, 2018 187,880 $ 632.03 187,880 $ 308,323
August 1 to August 31, 2018 208,338 $ 569.97 208,338 $ 262,813
September 1 to September 30, 2018 202,321 $ 586.92 202,321 $ 227,173
Total 598,539 $ 595.18 598,539 $ 227,173

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had $227.2 million of remaining availability under the Company's share repurchase program. On November 8, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized an additional $2.0 billion to the share repurchase program. We have purchased 27.3 million shares since the inception of the program through September 30, 2018 .

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , we spent $356.2 million and $335.0 million on the repurchase of 598,539 and 647,756 shares at an average price per share of $595.18 and $517.15 , respectively. We also reissued 102,174 shares and 206,646 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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
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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 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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