The Misfits: Mettler-Toldeo International (MTD)

Has the delicatessen counter ever inspired an investment idea?

The Butcher’s Shop, Annibale Carracci, early 1580's, oil on canvas (Kimbell Art Museum)

When it comes to Misfit stocks, there are the ones no one (not even Wall Street) covers, then there are the ones that get some analyst coverage but not much written about them. Mettler-Toledo Company (NYSE: MTD) is very much the latter. As of this writing, about 13 Wall Street analysts cover it – a large number relative to some of the other companies I’ve profiled here – but one that doesn’t get much media attention.

It’s not surprising, though. Companies that do the same thing without much fanfare for years and years rarely make for great stories. Also, I don’t think many people are looking at laboratory equipment and check-out counters for investing ideas. 

If you did, congratulations. You have likely lapped the broader market seven or eight times by now. 

The power of a simple business managed spectacularly shows it is one of the best ways to create wealth over the long term. Let’s dig into what has allowed Mettler-Toledo to do it for as long as it has. 

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