Mettler-Toledo forecast dull third-quarter profit on weak China demand

(Reuters) - Medical equipment maker Mettler-Toledo International forecast third-quarter profit below estimates on Thursday, a sign of a weaker-than-expected recovery in sales in its key market China.

Lifesciences firms including lab equipment maker Mettler-Toledo have seen sluggish demand for their instruments used in drug development as cash-strapped biotech clients try to navigate a funding crunch amid high interest rates.

Slowing growth in China has further crimped demand for Mettler. In its first-quarter earnings, the company had flagged that it continued to see softness in China.

"As expected, market conditions in China remained weak," said CEO Patrick Kaltenbach.

The firm expects third-quarter adjusted profit to be in the range of $9.90 to $10.05 per share, below estimates of $10.36 per share.

Its quarterly sales fell 4% to $946.8 million, above analysts' average estimate of $929.1 million.

The Columbus, Ohio-based firm reported adjusted profit for the quarter of $9.65 per share, versus analysts' expectations of $9.03 per share.

Even though the company raised its 2024 adjusted profit to be in the range of $40.20 to $40.50 per share, from its previous range of $39.90 to $40.40 apiece, its midpoint came 5 cents below estimates.

Analysts, on average, expect a profit of $40.40 per share, for the year, according to LSEG data.

Peer Waters Corp lowered its annual profit forecast last week, as it anticipates reduced demand for its products and services used in drug development and research.

(Reporting by Vaibhav Sadhamta; editing by Alan Barona)