📊 MLAB Key Takeaways
Is Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ (MLAB) a Good Investment?
MLAB demonstrates solid fundamental health with strong revenue growth of 11.5% YoY, robust free cash flow generation of $26.0M (14% FCF margin), and a healthy balance sheet with 1.94x current ratio. However, profitability metrics are modest with 5.9% net margin and 5.8% ROE, and the dramatic 99.2% EPS growth appears driven by share count reduction rather than earnings expansion, suggesting limited operational momentum.
Mesa Labs delivers solid double-digit revenue growth with high gross margins and strong free cash flow, supported by healthy liquidity and moderate leverage. Profitability and returns remain modest, with flat net income, low ROE/ROA, and thin interest coverage limiting earnings quality. Upside depends on sustained margin expansion and improved operating leverage.
Why Buy Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ Stock? MLAB Key Strengths
- Revenue growth of 11.5% YoY demonstrates market demand and business expansion
- Strong free cash flow of $26.0M with 14% FCF margin indicates efficient cash conversion and capital deployment capability
- Conservative balance sheet with 0.37x debt-to-equity and 2.8x interest coverage ratio reflects financial stability
- High gross margin of 62.6% suggests strong pricing power and product quality in industrial measurement sector
- Healthy liquidity with 1.94x current ratio and 1.45x quick ratio provides operational flexibility
- Double-digit revenue growth with 62.6% gross margin
- Healthy liquidity (1.94x current, 1.45x quick) and moderate leverage (0.37x D/E)
- Strong free cash flow with low capex (14% FCF margin)
MLAB Stock Risks: Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ Investment Risks
- Net income flat YoY despite 11.5% revenue growth indicates margin compression and operational challenges
- Low ROE of 5.8% and ROA of 2.5% suggest inefficient capital deployment relative to asset base
- Operating margin of only 8.5% is thin and vulnerable to cost inflation or competitive pressure
- Interest coverage of 2.8x is relatively tight; limited capacity to absorb earnings volatility
- EPS growth of 99.2% driven by share buybacks rather than earnings expansion signals lack of organic profitability growth
- Modest operating and net margins constrain earnings power (8.5%/5.9%)
- Low interest coverage (2.8x) reduces buffer against downturns
- Flat net income and low ROE/ROA indicate weak operating leverage and capital efficiency
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating income growth rate - critical to confirm whether margin compression is temporary or structural
- Operating margin trend - watch for stabilization above 8.5% as indicator of operational leverage
- Free cash flow consistency - ensure 14% FCF margin is sustainable and not distorted by working capital timing
- Debt levels and interest coverage - monitor capacity to service debt given thin operating margins
- Revenue growth sustainability - determine if 11.5% growth can be maintained in competitive market
- Operating margin trend
- Interest coverage
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ (MLAB) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
MLAB Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
MLAB vs Industrial Sector: How Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ Compares
How Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ compares to Industrial sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ Stock Overvalued? MLAB Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Industrial sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ Balance Sheet: MLAB Debt, Cash & Liquidity
MLAB Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/'s revenue has grown significantly by 80% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $0.17 reflects profitable operations.
MLAB Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
MLAB Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $53.5M | $337.0K | $0.06 |
| Q2 2025 | $53.2M | -$549.0K | $-0.23 |
| Q1 2025 | $50.6M | -$549.0K | $-0.10 |
| Q3 2024 | $53.5M | $319.0K | $0.06 |
| Q2 2024 | $53.2M | -$132.0K | $-0.02 |
| Q1 2024 | $50.5M | -$549.0K | $-0.10 |
| Q3 2023 | $54.3M | $319.0K | $0.06 |
| Q2 2023 | $35.8M | -$132.0K | $-0.02 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
MLAB SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ (CIK: 0000724004)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about MLAB
What is the AI rating for MLAB?
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ (MLAB) has a Combined AI Rating of BUY from Claude (BUY) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 70% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are MLAB's key strengths?
Claude: Revenue growth of 11.5% YoY demonstrates market demand and business expansion. Strong free cash flow of $26.0M with 14% FCF margin indicates efficient cash conversion and capital deployment capability. ChatGPT: Double-digit revenue growth with 62.6% gross margin. Healthy liquidity (1.94x current, 1.45x quick) and moderate leverage (0.37x D/E).
What are the risks of investing in MLAB?
Claude: Net income flat YoY despite 11.5% revenue growth indicates margin compression and operational challenges. Low ROE of 5.8% and ROA of 2.5% suggest inefficient capital deployment relative to asset base. ChatGPT: Modest operating and net margins constrain earnings power (8.5%/5.9%). Low interest coverage (2.8x) reduces buffer against downturns.
What is MLAB's revenue and growth?
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ reported revenue of $185.4M.
Does MLAB pay dividends?
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ pays dividends, with $2.6M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find MLAB SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ (CIK: 0000724004) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is MLAB's EPS?
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ has a diluted EPS of $1.95.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is MLAB a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ has a BUY rating with 70% confidence. The AI analysis suggests favorable fundamentals based on SEC filings. This is not investment advice.
Is MLAB stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for MLAB: ROE of 5.8% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 5.9% (sector avg: 10%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy MLAB stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ a combined BUY rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is MLAB's free cash flow?
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/'s operating cash flow is $28.9M, with capital expenditures of $2.8M. FCF margin is 14.0%.
How does MLAB compare to other Industrial stocks?
Vs Industrial sector averages: Net margin 5.9% (avg: 10%), ROE 5.8% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.94 (avg: 1.8).