High P/e Limits Idexx’s Appeal

Article Excerpt

IDEXX LABORATORIES INC. $48 (Nasdaq symbol IDXX; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 61.0 million; Market cap; $2.9 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) reported that sales grew 24.8% in 2007, to $922.6 million from $739.1 million in 2006. Earnings per share before one-time items rose 18.8%, to $1.58 from $1.33. However, higher sales of low-profit products and services hurt its overall profit margins in 2007. The company has little long-term debt and holds $60.4 million or $0.99 a share in cash. Idexx also increased research spending by 26% in 2007. However, as a percentage of sales, it was unchanged at 7.3%. New products from these outlays should help Idexx expand its share of the veterinary equipment market. But at over 30 times earnings and 3 times sales, Idexx needs substantial growth to justify the current stock price. Idexx is still a hold for aggressive investors. investors…