Mettler-Toledo International vs Agilent Technologies: Which Is the Stronger Buy Today?
Agilent Technologies surged 18% during the past Week. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Mettler-Toledo International gives you more. Mettler-Toledo International (MTD) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Agilent Technologies (A) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in MTD
- MTD’s quarterly revenue growth was 7.2%, vs. A’s 7.0%.
- In addition, its Last 3-Year Average revenue growth came in at 1.3%, ahead of A’s 0.8%.
- MTD leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 27.5% and 3-year average of 28.2%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how A’s fundamentals stack up against those of MTD on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| A | MTD | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 26.3 | 21.3 | MTD |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 7.0% | 7.2% | MTD |
| Last 12 Months | 8.1% | 6.8% | A |
| Last 3 Year Average | 0.8% | 1.3% | MTD |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 20.6% | 27.5% | MTD |
| Last 3 Year Average | 20.9% | 28.2% | MTD |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 15.1% | -12.4% | A |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell MTD Stock and Buy or Sell A Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| A Return | 36% | -6% | -6% | -3% | 2% | -0% | 19% | ||
| MTD Return | 49% | -15% | -16% | 1% | 14% | -17% | 2% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 10% | 101% | <=== | |
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| A Win Rate | 83% | 42% | 42% | 50% | 58% | 40% | 52% | ||
| MTD Win Rate | 75% | 33% | 33% | 42% | 58% | 20% | 44% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 60% | 64% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| A Max Drawdown | -17% | -29% | -36% | -19% | -35% | -26% | -27% | ||
| MTD Max Drawdown | -18% | -36% | -40% | -24% | -30% | -31% | -30% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -5% | -25% | -10% | -8% | -19% | -9% | -13% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 5/29/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read A Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about A or MTD? Consider portfolio approach.
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