Can Mettler-Toledo International Outrun Thermo Fisher Scientific in the Next Rally?
Thermo Fisher Scientific fell -15% during the past Month. 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 Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in MTD
- MTD’s quarterly revenue growth was 7.2%, vs. TMO’s 6.2%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 6.8%, ahead of TMO’s 5.4%.
- 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 TMO’s fundamentals stack up against those of MTD on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| TMO | MTD | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 20.2 | 18.5 | MTD |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 6.2% | 7.2% | MTD |
| Last 12 Months | 5.4% | 6.8% | MTD |
| Last 3 Year Average | 1.1% | 1.3% | MTD |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 18.2% | 27.5% | MTD |
| Last 3 Year Average | 17.9% | 28.2% | MTD |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | -14.2% | -25.9% | TMO |
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 TMO 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 | |||||||||
| TMO Return | 44% | -17% | -3% | -2% | 12% | -21% | 0% | ||
| MTD Return | 49% | -15% | -16% | 1% | 14% | -23% | -6% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 8% | 97% | <=== | |
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| TMO Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 58% | 50% | 50% | 0% | 46% | ||
| 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] | |||||||||
| TMO Max Drawdown | -6% | -27% | -22% | -5% | -25% | -22% | -18% | ||
| MTD Max Drawdown | -9% | -36% | -33% | -7% | -21% | -23% | -21% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -7% | -9% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 5/13/2026 (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
Still not sure about TMO or MTD? Consider portfolio approach.
Portfolios Beat Stock Picking
Stocks can jump or crash, but long-term success comes from staying invested. The right portfolio helps you ride gains and cushion single stock drops.
The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, with a collection of 30 stocks, has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 – the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices. Why is that? HQ Portfolio has posted more than 105% in cumulative return since inception, with less risk versus the benchmark index, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.