Jefferies initiates IDEXX Laboratories stock with Buy rating on pet aging trends

Published 01/07/2025, 10:54
Jefferies initiates IDEXX Laboratories stock with Buy rating on pet aging trends

Investing.com - Jefferies initiated coverage on IDEXX Laboratories (NASDAQ:IDXX) with a Buy rating and a $625.00 price target on Tuesday. The stock, currently trading at $536.34, sits near its 52-week high of $537.47, having delivered an impressive 29.73% return over the past six months according to InvestingPro data.

The research firm cited IDEXX’s position as a global leader in the veterinary diagnostics market, which is expected to see accelerated growth as pets acquired during the pandemic reach prime testing age.

Jefferies anticipates a wave of demand beginning to arrive in 2027, noting that healthcare costs increase as pets age, creating a predictable growth catalyst for the company’s diagnostic services.

Until this growth acceleration materializes, Jefferies expects IDEXX to deliver 6-7% organic sales growth and high-single-digit EBITDA growth in the interim period.

The firm highlighted that IDEXX’s current valuation, trading at 26 times earnings compared to its five-year average of 30 times, does not adequately reflect the predictable growth reacceleration expected in the coming years.

In other recent news, IDEXX Laboratories reported first-quarter 2025 earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, with an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.96, surpassing the forecasted $2.86. The company generated revenue of $998.43 million, slightly below the anticipated $1 billion mark. Despite this minor shortfall in revenue, IDEXX updated its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $11.93 to $12.43 per share. BTIG analyst Mark Massaro increased the price target for IDEXX to $545, citing the company’s ability to navigate economic challenges and its 9% year-over-year growth in high-margin consumables and software segments.

Leerink Partners also raised their price target for IDEXX to $580, maintaining an Outperform rating, and emphasized the company’s dominant position in the veterinary testing market. They highlighted IDEXX’s continuous introduction of new equipment and tests as significant growth drivers. The launch of IDEXX’s InVue Dx diagnostic console is underway, and Leerink Partners noted its potential to contribute significantly to the company’s revenue growth over the next several years. The analysts expressed confidence in the long-term trends, supported by robust pet ownership levels and increased focus on pet wellness.

IDEXX’s recent achievements include improvements in gross and operating margins, attributed partly to a weakening U.S. dollar. The company plans to expand its IDEXX InVue DX placements to over 4,500 units in 2025, supporting its revenue growth projections. The strategic management of its business and ongoing focus on innovation are key drivers behind IDEXX’s positive outlook.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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