Shares of veterinary diagnostics leader IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) increased after the company reported impressive financial results, which led to a meaningful expansion in its trading multiple. We believe the company’s competitive position is strong and improving, as evidenced by its accelerating organic revenue growth, the robust placements of its diagnostic instruments into veterinary clinics, and the higher prices it is capturing across its product portfolio. In addition, IDEXX’s results demonstrated operating margin expansion, which is finally being recognized after several years of intensive investment into its business. Looking forward, we expect to witness sustained double-digit organic revenue growth during the next several years, driven by productivity benefits from its move to a direct sales model in the U.S., the company’s persistent innovation pipeline, and returns on its intensive investment into international markets.
From Baron Funds' Barron Asset Fund third-quarter 2016 commentary.
