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PetMed Express (PETS) net income up 60%

Investors tired of getting whipsawed by the current stock market gyrations may wish to investigate a stable stock such as PetMed Express (NASDAQ: PETS). Americans currently spend in excess of $40 billion a year on their pets. That figure is expected to rise 12% annually for the next few years as pets fill the void in empty-nester baby boomer households. PetMed Express is sitting on $55 million in cash and NO debt.

At just under $12 per share, PetMed is near its 52-week low. The company recently instituted a $20 million stock buyback program. Latest quarterly and YTD numbers look great. Net sales in 3Q increased 19% to $37.3 million. YTD net sales are up 18% to $148 million. 3Q net income is up a huge 60% to $4.4 million. YTD net income increased 40% to $14 million.

65% of all company orders are placed through the company's website, and online sales continue to increase by volume. Reorder sales increased 28%, meaning more and more pet owners are perfectly comfortable ordering their pets' medication via the internet, just as they do their own.

IDEXX Labs demonstrates there's rarely a recession in pet care

Sometimes, amid uncertain U.S. economic waters, the markets can look like a sea of red ink, with nary a defensive sector in sight. On those occasions, it's prudent to look for niche sectors that mimic defensive sectors, due to unique characters. Pet care in the U.S. is one such sector, and in this category IDEXX Labs is worth an evaluation.

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDXX) provides VetTest analyzers for pet blood/urine chemistry and diagnostic tests to detect heartworm, feline leukemia and other diseases. The company also provides veterinary consulting services and vet practice management software.

Further, lest anyone think that IDXX's business has totally 'gone to the dogs' (and cats), the company also offers tests for contaminants in water and antibiotics in milk, and its OPTI product line features electrolyte and blood gas analyzers.

Continue reading IDEXX Labs demonstrates there's rarely a recession in pet care

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DJIA+30.6910,464.40
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S&P 500+4.981,110.63

Last updated: November 25, 2009: 07:55 PM

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