IDEXX (IDXX) Hits A 52-Week High, Can The Run Continue?

Have you been paying attention to shares of IDEXX Laboratories (NASDAQ:IDXX) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 11.2% over the past month. IDXX hit a new 52-week high of $212.47 in the previous session. IDEXX Laboratories has gained 35.7% since the start of the year compared to the -3.4% move for the Medical sector and the -8.5% year-to-date return for its peer group.

What's Driving the Outperformance?

The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, having beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on May 4, 2018, IDEXX Laboratories reported EPS of $1.01 versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.93 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 2.18%.

For the current fiscal year, IDEXX Laboratories is expected to post earnings of $4.11 per share on $2.22 billion in revenues. This represents a 25.3% change in EPS on a 12.56% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $4.86 per share on $2.44 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 18.1% and 10.07%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

IDEXX Laboratories may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for IDXX? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company is due for a pullback from this level.

On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.

IDEXX Laboratories has a Value Score of D. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are A and B, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 51.6X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 49.1X versus its peer group's average of 21.5X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 2.57. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Price and Consensus

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Price and Consensus | IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Quote

Zacks Rank

We also need to look at the Zacks Rank for the stock, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, IDEXX Laboratories currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.

Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if IDEXX Laboratories passes the test. Thus, it seems as though IDXX shares could have a bit more room to run in the near term.

How Does IDEXX Laboratories Stack Up to the Competition?

Shares of IDEXX Laboratories have been moving higher, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? Some of its industry peers are also looking good, including iRadimed (NASDAQ:IRMD) , Integer Holdings (NYSE:ITGR) , and Varian Medical Systems (NYSE:VAR) , all of which currently have a Zacks Rank of at least #2 and a VGM Score of at least B, making them well-rounded choices.

However, it is worth noting that the Zacks Industry Rank for this group is in the bottom half of the ranking, so it isn't all good news for IDEXX Laboratories. Still, the fundamentals for IDXX are promising, and it still has potential despite being at a 52-week high.