📊 MLAB Key Takeaways
Is Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ (MLAB) a Good Investment?
Mesa Laboratories exhibits solid financial stability with exceptional free cash flow generation (15.9% FCF margin) and conservative leverage, but fundamentals are constrained by flat net income growth, weak capital returns (3.6% ROE), and margin compression despite strong 63.5% gross margins. The weak interest coverage (3.2x) and modest 3.4% revenue growth suggest limited expansion capacity.
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.
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ Key Strengths (MLAB)
- Exceptional free cash flow conversion (15.9% FCF margin) far exceeds net income, indicating strong underlying cash generation capability
- Very strong gross margin of 63.5% demonstrates robust pricing power and manufacturing efficiency in industrial instruments
- Solid balance sheet with manageable leverage (0.36x debt/equity), healthy liquidity (1.72x current ratio), and minimal capital intensity
- 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
- Flat net income growth (0.0% YoY) despite 3.4% revenue growth signals operational deleverage and margin compression
- Weak capital efficiency with ROE of 3.6% and ROA of 1.6% indicates poor returns on shareholder and asset investments
- Low interest coverage ratio of 3.2x constrains financial flexibility and limits debt capacity for growth initiatives
- Modest 3.4% revenue growth suggests mature market with limited organic expansion opportunities
- Significant FCF-to-earnings divergence points to working capital deterioration or non-cash charges masking operational challenges
- 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 margin expansion and net income growth acceleration
- Return on equity trajectory - must improve from current 3.6% level
- Interest coverage ratio trend - threshold concern at 3.2x
- Operating expense ratio and gross margin sustainability
- 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 35% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $-47.20 indicates the company is currently unprofitable.
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 Grade of B from Claude (B) and ChatGPT (B) with 70% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are MLAB's key strengths?
Claude: Exceptional free cash flow conversion (15.9% FCF margin) far exceeds net income, indicating strong underlying cash generation capability. Very strong gross margin of 63.5% demonstrates robust pricing power and manufacturing efficiency in industrial instruments. 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: Flat net income growth (0.0% YoY) despite 3.4% revenue growth signals operational deleverage and margin compression. Weak capital efficiency with ROE of 3.6% and ROA of 1.6% indicates poor returns on shareholder and asset investments. 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 $249.1M.
Does MLAB pay dividends?
Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ pays dividends, with $3.5M 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 $1.21.
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 grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is MLAB's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ has a B grade with 70% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.
Is MLAB stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for MLAB: ROE of 3.6% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 2.7% (sector avg: 10%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is MLAB's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Mesa Laboratories Inc. /Co/ a combined B grade 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 $42.8M, with capital expenditures of $3.3M. FCF margin is 15.9%.
How does MLAB compare to other Industrial stocks?
Vs Industrial sector averages: Net margin 2.7% (avg: 10%), ROE 3.6% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.72 (avg: 1.8).