METTLER TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC/

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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 MARCH 31, 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 or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer . X Accelerated filer __ Non-accelerated filer __ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company __ Emerging growth company __

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to 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 25,392,875 shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 31, 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 the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	3
	Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017	4
	Interim Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and twelve months ended December 31, 2017	5
	Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	6
	Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements at March 31, 2018	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	29
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	29
	PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	30
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	30
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	30
Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities	30
Item 5.	Other Information	30
Item 6.	Exhibits	30
SIGNATURE		31

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Net sales
Products	$ 510,946		$ 457,260
Service	149,875		137,307
Total net sales	660,821		594,567
Cost of sales
Products	202,587		175,313
Service	83,301		75,865
Gross profit	374,933		343,389
Research and development	34,713		31,200
Selling, general and administrative	200,674		185,656
Amortization	11,735		10,045
Interest expense	8,359		7,741
Restructuring charges	4,413		1,432
Other charges (income), net	(2,400	)	(6,533	)
Earnings before taxes	117,439		113,848
Provision for taxes	24,135		21,382
Net earnings	$ 93,304		$ 92,466
Basic earnings per common share:
Net earnings	$ 3.66		$ 3.57
Weighted average number of common shares	25,468,323		25,932,112
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net earnings	$ 3.58		$ 3.48
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares	26,095,647		26,586,061
Total comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 9)	$ 122,194		$ 116,344

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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 98,949		$ 148,687
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $17,016 at March 31, 2018
and $15,549 at December 31, 2017	483,919		528,615
Inventories	278,318		255,390
Other current assets and prepaid expenses	66,186		74,031
Total current assets	927,372		1,006,723
Property, plant and equipment, net	696,890		668,271
Goodwill	544,784		539,838
Other intangible assets, net	224,727		226,718
Deferred tax assets, net	41,717		41,425
Other non-current assets	76,417		66,830
Total assets	$ 2,511,907		$ 2,549,805
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	$ 164,639		$ 167,627
Accrued and other liabilities	159,846		152,834
Accrued compensation and related items	103,793		170,159
Deferred revenue and customer prepayments	130,704		107,166
Taxes payable	63,017		72,210
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt	14,883		19,677
Total current liabilities	636,882		689,673
Long-term debt	978,715		960,170
Deferred tax liabilities, net	46,689		51,230
Other non-current liabilities	288,874		301,452
Total liabilities	1,951,160		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;	448		448
issued 44,786,011 and 44,786,011 shares; outstanding 25,392,875 and 25,541,393 shares
at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
Additional paid-in capital	751,492		747,138
Treasury stock at cost (19,393,136 shares at March 31, 2018 and 19,244,618 shares at	(3,481,032	)	(3,368,182	)
December 31, 2017)
Retained earnings	3,526,355		3,433,282
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(236,516	)	(265,406	)
Total shareholders’ equity	560,747		547,280
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 2,511,907		$ 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

Three months ended March 31, 2018 and twelve months ended December 31, 2017

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

									Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
				Additional Paid-in Capital
	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	)
Tax benefit resulting from exercise of certain
employee stock options	—		—	—	—		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	39,362		—	—	5,900		(231	)	—		5,669
Repurchases of common stock	(187,880	)	—	—	(118,750	)	—		—		(118,750	)
Share-based compensation	—		—	4,354	—		—		—		4,354
Net earnings	—		—	—	—		93,304		—		93,304
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax (Note 9)	—		—	—	—		—		28,890		28,890
Balance at March 31, 2018	25,392,875		$ 448	$ 751,492	$ (3,481,032	)	$ 3,526,355		$ (236,516	)	$ 560,747

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

Three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 93,304		$ 92,466
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	9,157		7,966
Amortization	11,735		10,045
Deferred tax benefit	(6,416	)	(1,470	)
Share-based compensation	4,354		3,822
Gain on facility sale	—		(3,394	)
Other	(1,269	)	(10	)
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in:
Trade accounts receivable, net	54,302		23,289
Inventories	(15,707	)	(15,795	)
Other current assets	2,419		(2,045	)
Trade accounts payable	(3,451	)	(10,614	)
Taxes payable	(11,640	)	(9,209	)
Accruals and other	(60,224	)	(27,452	)
Net cash provided by operating activities	76,564		67,599
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	4,507		10,003
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(29,774	)	(21,015	)
Acquisitions	(500	)	—
Net hedging settlements on intercompany loans	3,304		312
Net cash used in investing activities	(22,463	)	(10,700	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	336,512		472,732
Repayments of borrowings	(331,114	)	(409,881	)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	5,669		8,201
Repurchases of common stock	(118,750	)	(124,997	)
Net cash used in financing activities	(107,683	)	(53,945	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	3,844		3,265
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(49,738	)	6,219
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	148,687		158,674
End of period	$ 98,949		$ 164,893

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 March 31, 2018 – Unaudited

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

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 statement of the results of the interim periods presented. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 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.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

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 March 31, 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:

	March 31, 2018	December 31, 2017
Raw materials and parts	$ 122,851	$ 118,790
Work-in-progress	51,872	43,035
Finished goods	103,595	93,565
	$ 278,318	$ 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 underlying 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 to be benefited. The straight-line method of amortization reflects an appropriate allocation of the cost of the intangible assets to earnings in proportion to the amount of economic benefits obtained by the Company in each reporting period. The Company assesses the initial acquisition of intangible assets in accordance with 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 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” and ASC 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment.”

Other intangible assets consisted of the following :

	March 31, 2018 — Gross Amount	Accumulated Amortization		Intangibles, Net	December 31, 2017 — Gross Amount	Accumulated Amortization		Intangibles, Net
Customer relationships	$ 199,197	$ (44,094	)	$ 155,103	$ 198,527	$ (41,794	)	$ 156,733
Proven technology and patents	71,370	(40,395	)	30,975	70,311	(38,890	)	31,421
Tradename (finite life)	4,650	(2,943	)	1,707	4,518	(2,807	)	1,711
Tradename (indefinite life)	35,614	—		35,614	35,562	—		35,562
Other	3,661	(2,333	)	1,328	3,490	(2,199	)	1,291
	$ 314,492	$ (89,765	)	$ 224,727	$ 312,408	$ (85,690	)	$ 226,718

The Company recognized amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets of $3.6 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The annual aggregate amortization expense based on the current balance of other intangible assets is estimated at

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

$14.1 million for 2018 , $13.6 million for 2019 , $13.2 million for 2020 , $12.6 million for 2021 , $12.1 million for 2022 and $11.9 million for 2023 . Purchased intangible amortization was $3.4 million , $2.5 million after tax and $2.3 million , $1.5 million after tax for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

In addition to the above amortization, the Company recorded amortization expense associated with capitalized software of $8.1 million and $7.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 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 shipment or delivery. 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 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 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.

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 obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage and service costs incurred in correcting a product failure.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

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 comprehensive income with a corresponding offset to additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recorded $4.4 million and $3.8 million of share-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Research and Development

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

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions

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

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2018 the Company retrospectively implemented ASU 2017-7 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. Non-service pension costs were a benefit of $1.6 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

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

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

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

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.

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 March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 2018:

	U.S. Operations	Swiss Operations	Western European Operations	Chinese Operations	Other Operations	Total
Product Revenue	$ 172,501	$ 25,565	$ 116,932	$ 104,292	$ 91,656	$ 510,946
Service Revenue:
Point in time	47,619	4,830	34,590	7,127	24,237	118,403
Over time	9,625	2,071	13,850	2,511	3,415	31,472
Total	$ 229,745	$ 32,466	$ 165,372	$ 113,930	$ 119,308	$ 660,821

A summary of revenue by major geographic destination for the three months ended March 31, 2018 follows:

	2018
Americas	$ 252,279
Europe	205,840
Asia / Rest of World	202,702
Total	$ 660,821

The Company's global revenue mix by product category is laboratory ( 52% of sales), industrial ( 40% 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 months ended March 31, 2018 is as follows:

	2018
Laboratory	$ 345,159
Industrial	262,656
Retail	53,006
Total	$ 660,821

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

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 right to receive payment. Unbilled revenue as of March 31, 2018 was $16.0 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	Customer Pre-payments — $ 56,772		Deferred Revenue — $ 50,394		Total — $ 107,166
Customer pre-payments/deferred revenue	96,878		54,131		151,009
Revenue recognized	(95,913	)	(33,883	)	(129,796	)
Foreign currency translation	1,161		1,164		2,325
Ending balance as of March 31, 2018	$ 58,898		$ 71,806		$ 130,704

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 pre-payments and deferred revenue above as most contracts have an expected length of one year or less and amounts greater than one year are immaterial.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

Cash Flow Hedges

In 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 payments to a fixed Swiss franc income of 0.01% . The swap began in June 2017 and matures in June 2019.

In 2015, 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 $100 million in borrowings under the Company's credit agreement to a fixed obligation of 2.25% . The swap began in February 2017 and matures in February 2022.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

In 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 in 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.

The Company's cash flow hedges are recorded gross at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 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 at March 31, 2018 , is expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings in the next twelve months. Through March 31, 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 as disclosed in Note 5. The Company recognized in other charges (income), a net gain of $5.7 million and $1.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, which offset the related transaction gains (losses) associated with these contracts. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , these contracts had a notional value of $448.1 million and $394.8 million , respectively.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company had derivative assets totaling $2.3 million and $1.9 million , respectively, and derivative liabilities totaling $2.8 million and $2.4 million , respectively. The fair values of the interest rate swap agreement and foreign currency forward contracts that economically hedge short-term intercompany balances are estimated based upon inputs from current valuation information obtained from dealer quotes and priced with observable market assumptions and appropriate valuation adjustments for credit risk. The Company has evaluated the valuation methodologies used to develop the fair values by dealers in order to determine whether such valuations are representative of an exit price in the Company’s principal market. In addition, the Company uses an internally developed model to perform testing on the valuations received from brokers. The Company has also considered both its own credit risk and counterparty credit risk in determining fair value and determined these adjustments were insignificant at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 .

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company had $10.4 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 $0.4 million as of March 31, 2018 .

The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation of $30.9 million relating to the Biotix acquisition as of March 31, 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.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 :

	March 31, 2018 — Total	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	December 31, 2017 — Total	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 10,364	$ —	$ 10,364	$ —	$ 5,616	$ —	$ 5,616	$ —
Interest rate swap agreements	976	—	976	—	—	—	—	—
Foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments	1,371	—	1,371	—	1,912	—	1,912	—
Total	$ 12,711	$ —	$ 12,711	$ —	$ 7,528	$ —	$ 7,528	$ —
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements	$ 126	$ —	$ 126	$ —	$ 1,292	$ —	$ 1,292	$ —
Cross currency swap agreement	2,043	—	2,043	—	106	—	106	—
Foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments	659	—	659	—	986	—	986	—
Total	$ 2,828	$ —	$ 2,828	$ —	$ 2,384	$ —	$ 2,384	$ —

INCOME TAXES

The provision for taxes is based upon using the Company's projected annual effective tax rate of 22% before non-recurring discrete items for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . The difference between the Company's projected annual effective tax rate of 22% and its reported tax rate of 21% and 19% during the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is related to the timing of excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises.

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, the Company 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

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

state tax effects. The Company will complete its accounting for the above tax effects of the Act during 2018 as provided in SAB 118 and will reflect any adjustments to its provisional amounts as an adjustment to the provision for taxes in the reporting period in which the amounts are finally determined.

DEBT

Debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 :

	March 31, 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% Euro 125 million Senior Notes due June 17, 2030	—		155,260		155,260
Debt issuance costs, net	(1,038	)	(349	)	(1,387	)
Total Senior Notes	348,962		154,911		503,873
$800 million Credit Agreement, interest at LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points	400,234		74,608		474,842
Other local arrangements	16		14,867		14,883
Total debt	749,212		244,386		993,598
Less: current portion	(16	)	(14,867	)	(14,883	)
Total long-term debt	$ 749,196		$ 229,519		$ 978,715

As of March 31, 2018 , the Company had $319.7 million of availability remaining under its Credit Agreement.

In April 2018, two of the Company's non-U.S. pension plans issued a loan of $39.6 million (Swiss franc 38 million) to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points and a maturity date of April 2019 and a one year renewal term and, as such, will be classified as short-term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The proceeds were used to pay down amounts outstanding on the existing 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 a euro-denominated foreign subsidiary to reduce foreign currency risk associated with this net investment. 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 pre-tax unrealized loss recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related to this net investment hedge was $5.5 million and $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM AND TREASURY STOCK

The Company has a share repurchase program of which there was $464.7 million common shares remaining to be repurchased under the program as of March 31, 2018 . 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 repurchases will depend on business and market conditions, stock price, trading restrictions, the level of acquisition activity, and other factors.

The Company has purchased 26.9 million shares since the inception of the program in 2004 through March 31, 2018 . During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company spent $118.8 million and $125.0 million on the repurchase of 187,880 shares and 275,088 shares at an average price per share of $632.03 and $454.37 , respectively. The Company reissued 39,362 shares and 76,849 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 :

Balance at December 31, 2017	Currency Translation Adjustment — $ (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	—		5,915		—		5,915
Foreign currency translation adjustment	28,969		—		(6,464	)	22,505
Amounts recognized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	—		(3,215	)	3,685		470
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	28,969		2,700		(2,779	)	28,890
Balance at March 31, 2018	$ (2,371	)	$ 1,619		$ (235,764	)	$ (236,516	)

Balance at December 31, 2016	Currency Translation Adjustment — $ (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	—		152		—		152
Foreign currency translation adjustment	24,349		—		(4,546	)	19,803
Amounts recognized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	—		211		3,712		3,923
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	24,349		363		(834	)	23,878
Balance at March 31, 2017	$ (90,973	)	$ (1,869	)	$ (238,278	)	$ (331,120	)

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 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 months ended March 31 :

	2018		2017	Location of Amounts Recognized in Earnings
Effective portion of (gains) losses on cash flow hedging arrangements:
Interest rate swap agreements	$ 277		$ 344	Interest expense
Cross currency swap	(3,710	)	—	(a)
Total before taxes	(3,433	)	344
Provision for taxes	(218	)	133	Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes	$ (3,215	)	$ 211
Recognition of defined benefit pension and post-retirement items:
Recognition of actuarial (gains) losses, plan amendments and prior service cost, before taxes	$ 4,811		$ 5,039	(b)
Provision for taxes	1,126		1,327	Provision for taxes
Total, net of taxes	$ 3,685		$ 3,712

(a) The cross currency swap reflects an unrealized gain of $3.1 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 $0.6 million recorded in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 .

(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 March 31, 2018 and 2017 .

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

	March 31, 2018	March 31, 2017
Net earnings	$ 93,304	$ 92,466
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	28,890	$ 23,878
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 122,194	$ 116,344

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

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 months ended March 31 , relating to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units:

	2018	2017
Three months ended	627,324	653,949

Outstanding options and restricted stock units to purchase or receive 56,224 and 93,005 shares of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 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.

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 March 31 :

	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	$ 272		$ 141		$ 3,921		$ 3,988		$ —		$ —		$ 4,193		$ 4,129
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	1,061		1,094		2,223		2,052		16		18		3,300		3,164
Expected return on plan assets	(1,732	)	(1,684	)	(7,987	)	(7,322	)	—		—		(9,719	)	(9,006	)
Recognition of prior service cost	—		—		(1,794	)	(1,879	)	(93	)	(195	)	(1,887	)	(2,074	)
Recognition of actuarial losses/(gains)	1,451		1,639		5,560		5,947		(313	)	(473	)	6,698		7,113
Net periodic pension cost/(credit)	$ 1,052		$ 1,190		$ 1,923		$ 2,786		$ (390	)	$ (650	)	$ 2,585		$ 3,326

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 plan and employer contributions of approximately $0.4 million to its U.S. post-retirement medical plan during the year ended December 31, 2018 . These estimates may change based upon several factors, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, actual returns on plan assets and changes in legal requirements.

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

For the three months ending March 31, 2018 , the Company incurred $4.4 million of restructuring expenses which primarily comprise employee related costs. Liabilities related to restructuring activities are included in accrued and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2018 – Unaudited (Continued)

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

A rollforward of the Company’s accrual for restructuring activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2017	Total — $ 10,620
Restructuring charges	4,413
Cash payments / utilization	(5,242	)
Impact of foreign currency	231
Balance at March 31, 2018	$ 10,022

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. Non-service pension benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $1.6 million and $0.8 million , respectively. Other charges (income), net for the three months ended March 31, 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.

SEGMENT REPORTING

As disclosed in Note 17 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ending 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 reportable segments:

For the three months ended	Net Sales to — External	Net Sales to — Other		Total Net		Segment
March 31, 2018	Customers	Segments		Sales		Profit		Goodwill
U.S. Operations	$ 229,745	$ 23,666		$ 253,411		$ 34,245		$ 409,471
Swiss Operations	32,466	143,582		176,048		45,975		22,866
Western European Operations	165,372	41,012		206,384		18,282		95,938
Chinese Operations	113,930	60,407		174,337		59,553		722
Other (a)	119,308	1,640		120,948		13,881		15,787
Eliminations and Corporate (b)	—	(270,307	)	(270,307	)	(32,390	)	—
Total	$ 660,821	$ —		$ 660,821		$ 139,546		$ 544,784

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METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 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
March 31, 2017	Customers	Segments		Sales		Profit (c)		Goodwill
U.S. Operations	$ 215,353	$ 22,412		$ 237,765		$ 38,822		$ 357,526
Swiss Operations	29,747	127,553		157,300		36,018		21,771
Western European Operations	147,323	42,942		190,265		24,718		83,777
Chinese Operations	90,781	52,932		143,713		44,659		643
Other (a)	111,363	1,597		112,960		13,108		14,935
Eliminations and Corporate (b)	—	(247,436	)	(247,436	)	(30,792	)	—
Total	$ 594,567	$ —		$ 594,567		$ 126,533		$ 478,652

(a) Other includes reporting units in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe 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 months ended March 31 follows:

	Three Months Ended — March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Earnings before taxes	$ 117,439		$ 113,848
Amortization	11,735		10,045
Interest expense	8,359		7,741
Restructuring charges	4,413		1,432
Other charges (income), net	(2,400	)	(6,533	)
Segment profit	$ 139,546		$ 126,533

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , restructuring charges of $4.4 million were recognized, of which $3.6 million , $0.4 million , and $0.4 million related to the Company’s U.S., Swiss, and Western European operations, respectively. Restructuring charges of $1.4 million were recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , of which $0.8 million , $0.4 million , $0.1 million and $0.1 million related to the Company's U.S., Swiss, Chinese and Other operations, respectively.

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

Changes in local currencies 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 items from our interim consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (amounts in thousands).

	Three months ended March 31,
	2018				2017
	(unaudited)		%		(unaudited)		%
Net sales	$ 660,821		100.0		$ 594,567		100.0
Cost of sales	285,888		43.3		251,178		42.2
Gross profit	374,933		56.7		343,389		57.8
Research and development	34,713		5.3		31,200		5.3
Selling, general and administrative	200,674		30.4		185,656		31.2
Amortization	11,735		1.8		10,045		1.7
Interest expense	8,359		1.2		7,741		1.3
Restructuring charges	4,413		0.6		1,432		0.2
Other charges (income), net	(2,400	)	(0.4	)	(6,533	)	(1.0	)
Earnings before taxes	117,439		17.8		113,848		19.1
Provision for taxes	24,135		3.7		21,382		3.5
Net earnings	$ 93,304		14.1		$ 92,466		15.6

Net sales

Net sales were $660.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , compared to $594.6 million for the corresponding period in 2017 . This represents an increase in U.S. dollars of 11% . Excluding the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations, or in local currencies, net sales increased 5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . The Biotix acquisition contributed approximately 1.5% to local currency net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018. These

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results compare to 12% local currency growth in the previous quarter of which the Troemner acquisition contributed approximately 1%. Global market conditions were generally favorable during the first quarter of 2018 and we continue to benefit from the execution of our global sales and marketing programs and development of our robust product portfolio. However, we remain cautious given the economic uncertainty that remains in certain regions of the world and market conditions are subject to change. We will also continue to face difficult prior period comparisons during 2018.

Net sales by geographic destination for the three months ended March 31, 2018 in U.S. dollars increased 6% in the Americas, 12% in Europe and 20% in Asia/Rest of World. In local currencies, our net sales by geographic destination increased 5% in the Americas and 10% in Asia/Rest of World and decreased 1% in Europe. The Biotix acquisition contributed approximately 2.5% to our local currency net sales growth in the Americas. 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 12% in U.S. dollars and 5% in local currency for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the prior period. The Biotix acquisition contributed approximately 2% to our net sales of products for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . Service revenue (including spare parts) increased 9% in U.S. dollars and 3% in local currency during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 .

Net sales of our laboratory-related products and services, which represented approximately 52% of our total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , increased 17% in U.S. dollars and 10% in local currencies during the three months ended March 31, 2018 . The local currency increase in net sales of our laboratory-related products includes solid growth in most product categories. The Biotix acquisition also contributed approximately 3% to our net sales growth of laboratory-related products and services.

Net sales of our industrial-related products and services, which represented approximately 40% of our total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , increased 5% in U.S. dollars and decreased 1% in local currencies during the three months ended March 31, 2018 . The local currency decrease in net sales of our industrial-related products is related to a decline in product inspection and transportation and logistics, which both had strong growth in the prior year period, offset in part by growth in core-industrial, which included strong growth in China.

Net sales in our food retailing products and services, which represented approximately 8% of our total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , increased 7% in U.S. dollars and was flat in local currencies during the three months ended March 31, 2018 . Food retailing included strong project activity in the Americas, offset by reduced net sales in Europe due to difficult prior period comparisons.

Gross profit

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 56.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 57.8% for the corresponding period in 2017 .

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for products was 60.4% and 61.7% for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 .

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for services (including spare parts) was 44.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 44.7% for the corresponding period in 2017 .

The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily due to by the impact of foreign currency translation, unfavorable business mix

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and initial costs associated with new manufacturing facilities, offset in part by favorable price realization.

Research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales was 5.3% for both the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Research and development expenses increased 12% in U.S. dollars and 5% in local currencies, during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 relating to increased research and development project activity.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 30.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 31.2% in the corresponding period during 2017 . Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 8% in U.S. dollars and 2% in local currencies, during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . The local currency increase includes investments in our field sales organization and growth initiatives, offset in part by lower cash incentive expense compared with the expense relating to our strong previous year results and benefits from our cost savings initiatives.

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

Amortization expense was $11.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $10.0 million for the corresponding period in 2017 .

Interest expense was $8.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $7.7 million for the corresponding period in 2017 .

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. Non-service pension benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $1.6 million and $0.8 million , respectively. Other charges (income), net for the three months ended March 31, 2017 also includes a one-time gain of $3.4 million relating to the sale of a facility in Switzerland in connection with the our initiative to consolidate certain Swiss operations into a new facility.

The provision for taxes is based upon using our projected annual effective tax rate of 22% before non-recurring discrete items for the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . The difference between our projected annual effective tax rate of 22% and the Company's reported tax rate of 21% and 19% during the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is related to the timing of excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises.

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 2018 as provided in SAB 118 and will reflect any adjustments to our provisional amounts as an adjustment to the provision for taxes in the reporting period in which the amounts are finally determined.

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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 March 31, — 2018	2017	%
Total net sales	$ 253,411	$ 237,765	7	%
Net sales to external customers	$ 229,745	$ 215,353	7	%
Segment profit	$ 34,245	$ 38,822	(12	)%

Total net sales and net sales to external customers both increased 7% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared with the corresponding period in 2017 . Net sales to external customers in our U.S. Operations benefited approximately 4% from the Biotix acquisition for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in total net sales and net sales to external customers also includes solid results in our laboratory products against a difficult prior year comparison. We also experienced strong growth in retail due to the timing of project activity, offset in part by a decrease in product inspection related to particularly strong growth in the prior year period.

Segment profit decreased $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 primarily due to initial costs associated with a new manufacturing facility 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 March 31, — 2018	2017	% 1)
Total net sales	$ 176,048	$ 157,300	12 %
Net sales to external customers	$ 32,466	$ 29,747	9 %
Segment profit	$ 45,975	$ 36,018	28 %

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

Total net sales increased 12% in U.S. dollars and 6% in local currency for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . Net sales to external customers increased 9% in U.S. dollars and 5% in local currency during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . The increase in local currency net sales to external customers for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 includes solid growth in most product categories.

Segment profit increased $10.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . Segment profit during the three months ended March 31, 2018 includes the benefit of increased net sales volume, our margin expansion initiatives, lower cash incentive expense and favorable foreign currency translation, offset in part by increases in research and development.

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Western European Operations (amounts in thousands)

	Three months ended March 31, — 2018	2017	% 1)
Total net sales	$ 206,384	$ 190,265	8	%
Net sales to external customers	$ 165,372	$ 147,323	12	%
Segment profit	$ 18,282	$ 24,718	(26	)%

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

Total net sales increased 8% in U.S. dollars and decreased 5% in local currencies during the three month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . Net sales to external customers increased 12% in U.S. dollars and decreased 2% in local currencies during the three month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . The local currency decrease in net sales to external customers for the three months ended March 31, 2018 includes a significant decline in food retailing due to very strong project activity in the prior year period. The decline in local currency net sales also includes reduced inter-segment sales volume related to product transfers, as well as strong inter-segment product inspection sales in the previous year period.

Segment profit decreased $ 6.4 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . The decrease in segment profit includes a decline in local currency net sales volume (including inter-segment transfers), roll-in costs associated with our Blue Ocean program, increases in research and development, and investments in our sales and service organization, offset in part by benefits from our margin expansion initiatives, lower cash incentive expense and favorable foreign currency translation.

Chinese Operations (amounts in thousands)

	Three months ended March 31, — 2018	2017	% 1)
Total net sales	$ 174,337	$ 143,713	21 %
Net sales to external customers	$ 113,930	$ 90,781	25 %
Segment profit	$ 59,553	$ 44,659	33 %

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

Total net sales increased 21% in U.S. dollars and 12% in local currency for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . Net sales to external customers increased 25% in U.S. dollars and 17% in local currency during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . The increase in local currency net sales to external customers during the three months ended March 31, 2018 reflects strong growth in most product categories, especially laboratory products. While Chinese market conditions are currently favorable we will face difficult prior period comparisons during the remainder of 2018 due to our strong performance in 2017. In addition to the tough comparisons the Chinese economy has historically been volatile and market conditions may deteriorate, especially in industrial markets.

Segment profit increased $14.9 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . The increase in segment profit for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 includes increased local currency net sales volume, benefits from our margin expansion and cost savings initiatives, and favorable foreign currency translation.

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Other (amounts in thousands)

	Three months ended March 31, — 2018	2017	% 1)
Total net sales	$ 120,948	$ 112,960	7 %
Net sales to external customers	$ 119,308	$ 111,363	7 %
Segment profit	$ 13,881	$ 13,108	6 %

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

Total net sales and net sales to external customers increased 7% in U.S. dollars and were flat in local currencies during the three month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . Local currency growth in laboratory products was offset by declines in food retailing and product inspection related to strong project activity in the prior year period.

Segment profit increased $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017 . The increase in segment profit is primarily due to benefits from our margin expansion initiatives and favorable foreign currency translation, offset in part by increased sales and service investments.

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 $76.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 , compared to $67.6 million in the corresponding period in 2017 . The increase in 2018 includes a lower working capital outflow of $7.5 million .

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 $29.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $21.0 million in the corresponding period in 2017 . The increase is primarily related to investments in manufacturing facilities. We expect to make net investments in new or expanded manufacturing facilities of $30 million to $40 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. 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 March 31, 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.

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Senior Notes and Credit Facility Agreement

Our debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2018 :

	March 31, 2018 — U.S. Dollar		Other Principal Trading Currencies		Total
$50 million Senior Notes, interest 3.67%, due December 17, 2022	$ 50,000		$ —		$ 50,000
$50 million Senior Notes, interest 4.10%, due September 19, 2023	50,000		—		50,000
$125 million Senior Notes, interest 3.84%, due September 19, 2024	125,000		—		125,000
$125 million Senior Notes, interest 4.24%, due June 25, 2025	125,000		—		125,000
Euro 125 million Senior Notes, interest 1.47%, due June 17, 2030	—		155,260		155,260
Debt issuance costs, net	(1,038	)	(349	)	(1,387	)
Total Senior Notes	348,962		154,911		503,873
$800 million Credit Agreement, interest at LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points	400,234		74,608		474,842
Other local arrangements	16		14,867		14,883
Total debt	749,212		244,386		993,598
Less: current portion	(16	)	(14,867	)	(14,883	)
Total long-term debt	$ 749,196		$ 229,519		$ 978,715

As of March 31, 2018 , approximately $319.7 million was available under our 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.

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.

In April 2018, two of our non-U.S. pension plans issued a loan of $39.6 million (Swiss franc 38 million) to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The loan has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points and a maturity date of April 2019 and a one year renewal term and, as such, will be classified as short-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet. The proceeds were used to pay down amounts outstanding on the existing credit facility.

Share Repurchase Program

The Company has a share repurchase program of which there was $464.7 million of common shares remaining to be repurchased under the program as of March 31, 2018 . 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 repurchases will depend on business and market conditions, stock price, trading restrictions, the level of acquisition activity, and other factors.

We have purchased 26.9 million shares since the inception of the program through March 31, 2018 . During both the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , we spent $118.8 million and $125.0 million on the repurchase of 187,880 shares and 275,088 shares at an average price per share of $632.03 and $454.37 , respectively. We reissued 39,362 shares and 76,849 shares held in treasury

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for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Effect of Currency on Results of Operations

Our earnings are affected by changing exchange rates. We are most sensitive to changes in the exchange rates between the Swiss franc, euro, and U.S. dollar. We have more Swiss franc expenses than we do Swiss franc sales because we develop and manufacture products in Switzerland that we sell globally, and have a number of corporate functions located in Switzerland. When the Swiss franc strengthens against our other trading currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar and euro, our earnings go down. We also have significantly more sales in the euro than we do expenses. When the euro weakens against the U.S. dollar and Swiss franc, our earnings also go down. We estimate a 1% strengthening of the Swiss franc against the euro would reduce our earnings before tax by approximately $1.6 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 $1.0 million to $1.3 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 March 31, 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 $27.2 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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 three months ended March 31, 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)
January 1 to January 31, 2018	59,520	$ 653.43	59,520	$ 544,529
February 1 to February 28, 2018	60,892	$ 638.78	60,892	$ 505,631
March 1 to March 31, 2018	67,468	$ 607.06	67,468	$ 464,672
Total	187,880	$ 632.03	187,880	$ 464,672

The Company has a share repurchase program of which there was $464.7 million common shares remaining to be repurchased under the program as of March 31, 2018 . We have purchased 26.9 million shares since the inception of the program through March 31, 2018 .

During both the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , we spent $118.8 million and $125.0 million on the repurchase of 187,880 and 275,088 shares at an average price per share of $632.03 and $454.37 , respectively. We reissued 39,362 shares and 76,849 shares held in treasury for the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 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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