Animal Sector

[gfp927z]

>>> "Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO) detracted from performance during the quarter after reporting a slight decline in earnings on sales that were relatively flat. Tractor Supply Company continues to be a best-in-class retailer, focused on serving their niche customers that live in and maintain rural homes and homesteads, often with higher-than-average incomes. During the height of Covid-19 in the U.S., the Company grew substantially faster than its historical rates. Since then, and as consumer spending patterns have over-corrected back towards services, we have seen growth normalize. However, the Company continues to exhibit excellent returns on capital and retains ample addressable market to continue driving expected double-digit earnings growth through 2030." <<<


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tractor-supply-company-tsco-fell-133349343.html


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[Bigfootbud]

Howdy all! New board for this beautiful puppy named: Littlefoot!!! Here is Littlefoot!
He was rescued May 7th, 2023! ♥ Littlefoot was about a month old then!

Littlefoot even has his own website and LIVE webcam, and Facebook page!!

[gfp927z]

>>> IDEXX Laboratories (NASDAQ:IDXX) is a global leader in veterinary diagnostics, software and water microbiology testing. The company’s innovative products and services help veterinarians deliver high-quality care and enable early detection and treatment of pet diseases. IDEXX’s strong competitive position, global presence and innovation focus position it well for continued growth. The increasing humanization of pets, the growing demand for veterinary care and the rising awareness of early disease detection’s importance are key megatrends supporting IDEXX’s long-term prospects.

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https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ai-bot-predicts-7-stocks-175326496.html


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[gfp927z]

>>> Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) -- 14-day RSI: 32.16

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/11-oversold-blue-chip-stocks-195219274.html

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 50

Parsippany, New Jersey-based Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) is a leading animal health company with a portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies offered in over 100 countries. Formerly a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), the company became independent through a spinoff in 2013.

Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) has been continuously making efforts to increase its product franchises in major markets. During the fourth quarter, the company received approvals for Simparica Trio, the company’s triple combination oral parasiticide for dogs, in China. While the company’s injectable monoclonal antibody for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats, Solensia, received approval in Brazil.

Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) has paid regular dividends since its spinoff from Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) with consecutive dividend increases for several years. The board of directors of the company declared a dividend of $0.432 per share for Q2 2024, on February 6.

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[gfp927z]

>>> Merck Animal Health to Acquire Elanco’s Aqua Business


Business Wire

Feb 5, 2024


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/merck-animal-health-acquire-elanco-113300093.html


Bolsters Merck Animal Health’s position in the aqua industry with comprehensive approach to ensure fish health, welfare and sustainability in aquaculture, conservation and fisheries

Complements Merck Animal Health’s broad portfolio of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and technology solutions


RAHWAY, N.J., February 05, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the aqua business of Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) for $1.3 billion in cash, consisting of an innovative portfolio of medicines and vaccines, nutritionals and supplements for aquatic species; two related aqua manufacturing facilities in Canada and Vietnam; as well as a research facility in Chile. The acquisition is expected to be completed by mid-year 2024, subject to approvals from regulatory authorities and other customary closing conditions.

Upon closing, the acquisition will broaden Merck Animal Health’s aqua portfolio with products, such as CLYNAV®, a new generation DNA-based vaccine that protects Atlantic salmon against pancreas disease, and IMVIXA®, an anti-parasitic sea lice treatment. This acquisition also brings a portfolio of water treatment products for warm water production, complementing Merck Animal Health’s warm water vaccine portfolio. In addition to these products, the DNA-based vaccine technology that is a part of the business has the potential to accelerate the development of novel vaccines to address the unmet needs of the aqua industry.

"We are excited for the acquisition of Elanco’s aqua products, solutions as well as the capabilities and expertise the team brings to our business," said Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. "We believe this acquisition, coupled with our commercial and scientific prowess, will deliver enhanced benefits for our aqua customers. The addition of this innovative portfolio of cold water and warm water aqua products across vaccines, anti-parasitic treatments, water supplements and nutrition, will establish Merck Animal Health as a leader in aqua."

Elanco Animal Health President and CEO Jeff Simmons said, "Following a robust process over the last year, Merck Animal Health emerged as the right strategic buyer for the aquaculture business. I am confident they will continue to deliver value to the aqua customers that rely on these products and create opportunities for our team to continue to grow. We are deeply grateful to our aqua organization’s dedication to delivering for our customers and to our bigger purpose of enriching lives with animal protein."

This acquisition will represent the latest in a series of acquisitions which have augmented Merck Animal Health’s aqua business. In March 2019, Merck Animal Health acquired Scan Aqua AS, a fish health and fish welfare company based in Norway, focused on key aqua products. In April 2019, Merck Animal Health announced the completion of its acquisition of Antelliq Corporation, which included BIOMARK, a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging and tracking technology for monitoring fish and wildlife. In December 2019, Merck Animal Health acquired Vaki, a leader in aquaculture and wild fish conservation monitoring equipment and real-time video monitoring technology for fish counting and size estimation from freshwater to saltwater rearing, while collecting and analytics for each stage of fish production.

Advisors

Goldman Sachs & Co., LLP acted as financial advisor to Merck Animal Health in this transaction and Covington & Burling LLP acted as its legal advisor.

About Merck Animal Health

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets.

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[gfp927z]

>>> Rollins, Inc. (ROL), through its subsidiaries, provides pest and wildlife control services to residential and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. The company offers pest control services to residential properties protecting from common pests, including rodents, insects, and wildlife. It also provides workplace pest control solutions for customers across various end markets, such as healthcare, foodservice, and logistics. In addition, the company offers termite protection services and ancillary services. It serves clients directly, as well as through franchisee operations. Rollins, Inc. was incorporated in 1948 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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[gfp927z]

>>> Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/15-best-p-500-stocks-211112359.html

5-Year Average Dividend Growth: 24.5%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 65

Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) is a global animal health company that specializes in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of veterinary medicines and vaccines. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.375 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.81%, as recorded on September 11. In the past five years, it raised its dividends at an annual average rate of 24.5%, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list.

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL), and PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) are some other dividend stocks to consider for growth.

Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) was a popular buy among elite funds with 65 hedge fund positions at the end of Q2 2023, up from 55 in the previous quarter, as per Insider Monkey's database. The consolidated value of stakes owned by these hedge funds is over $1.1 billion.

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[wow_happens28]

And this cash interest rates is partly why stocks are struggling. This stock "bubble" was caused by bank interest rates going to "Fuck you" from inflation plus 1% in the past.

[gfp927z]

Yes, the easy / safe 5% in cash / T-Bills is a good reason to stay on the sidelines.

For the stock allocation, my dad's strategy worked well -- 'buy quality and hold long term', so that's what I've decided to do also, instead of getting too fancy, trading, etc. You pick a stock allocation you can live with long term (I chose 20% range), fill it up with conservative solid equities, and let it go. My dad barely looked at his monthly brokerage statements, and for excitement did other things (he was a pilot). Using the stock market for excitement is a mistake that most of us make. I like following the various sectors out of general interest, but active trading is out.



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[wow_happens28]

Every stock I was touting in May is down. I did make out on WEAT, but lost on LAND, DBA, NEM and CDE. Glad i gout out of all of them when I did, especially CDE, who had a good day Friday, after a terrible day Thursday, so, a wash, not a buy signal.. Buying nothing. Getting bank interest again. 4.5% on everything over $25,000. Annuities , I read too much bad about the fine print details. The reason stocks have done so well is no interest like this since early this year. It has been a scam and still is, as it is below the so called real rate of inflation.

Good night

[gfp927z]

Btw, looking at the LAND chart, I had a feeling it might have to break down through the 15 support before finding its ultimate bottom. That 12.5 area was beckoning, but I wonder now if it might have to ultimately form a base in the 10-12.5 area (?) As much as I like the idea of owning farmland, LAND has been way too wild a ride, though it was great fun a few years ago. The FPI chart also looks too hairy to risk imo.

I see the nukes -- LEU, URA, URNM, NLR -- had a nice rebound after the brief selloff. I got out a while back with some modest profits, but that sector could conceivably have a lot of upside over time. Lots of landmines though, and too much Tagamet required for my nervous nellie tendencies.




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[gfp927z]

>> Going WOKE in farm country <<

Yes, but 'fruit farmers' need to buy their supplies too, so it might as well be at TSCO, lol.

I see TSCO is also in the animal sector, via their 2016 acquisition of Petsense, so that adds another dimension to the company. In trying to find some suitable agro sector stocks I came upon TSCO, but admittedly it's a stretch to call it 'agro'. But it also covers the 'animal sector' (sort of), along with Zoetis. It's a great long term chart, so I figure what's not to like :o)

I don't own TSCO at the moment, but did earlier in the year (the usual $1000 position). Fwiw, here's the current portfolio (link below). Current holdings are highlighted, and the others under consideration. There's a zillion more on my various lists, but these have the best long term charts -


https://investorshub.advfn.com/Buy-Hold-Stocks-42434



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[gfp927z]

Tractor Supply - >>> 2 Fantastic Reasons Tractor Supply Should Continue Harvesting Growth for Investors


Motley Fool

By Will Healy

Sep 22, 2023


https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/09/22/2-fantastic-reasons-tractor-supply-harvesting/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article


KEY POINTS

Shares of the rural lifestyle retailer have risen by nearly 62,000% since 1994.

More people are moving to rural America, increasing its addressable market.

The rural lifestyle retailer is not done growing despite a 49-state footprint.


Tractor Supply (TSCO) is arguably an easy stock to write off for most investors. The company's stores are away from population centers, so it is not a fixture in areas where most Americans live.

Moreover, it has built approximately 2,200 stores spread across 49 states and has shown no apparent inclination to expand internationally. Thus, you might assume it is nearing market saturation.

Nonetheless, Tractor Supply has harvested massive returns for investors, and as it continues forward, its growth should continue for the following reasons.

1. Plenty of room for store growth

Tractor Supply has prospered by carving out a niche among rural lifestyle enthusiasts. Its primary demographic consists of the so-called "hobby farmers" who live on a few acres and engage in smaller-scale agriculture. This approach has taken the stock an astounding 61,500% higher since its initial public offering in 1994.

And the company has not hesitated to acquire retailers in related areas, like the separate Petsense chain for companion animals. It has also bought out other chains like Orscheln Farm & Home, which will become additional Tractor Supply locations. Hence, it remains expansion-minded through a mix of sticking to its core concept and serving the pet market.

Rural America has also begun to grow in population. More employees and contractors work remotely, and the pandemic prompted many former city dwellers to move to the countryside, a trend expanding Tractor Supply's addressable market.

2. Strong financials (relatively speaking)

Tractor Supply's financials have shown some resilience. Despite slow comparable-store sales growth in the first quarter, its net sales in the first half of 2023 were $7.5 billion, 8% more than in the same period last year. Net income was $604 million during the first two quarters of the year, though rising operating expenses meant its profits only grew 3% from year-ago levels.

Due to concerns about falling customer spending, Tractor Supply reduced its 2023 revenue estimate to $14.85 billion at the midpoint, down from $15.15 billion. It also adjusted its net income forecast to a mid-range estimate of $1.135 billion, down from $1.15 billion.

The stock has fallen slightly this year, but that did not stop Tractor Supply from raising its dividend by 12% in February, amounting to a near doubling of the payout in two years. With the dividend now at $4.12 per share annually, new shareholders will earn a 1.9% dividend yield, well above the S&P 500's 1.5% payout.

The retailer has hiked its payout every year since introducing it in 2010, raising its profile as a dividend stock, especially with the size of the aforementioned increases. So investors might want to buy it despite its price-to-earnings ratio of 21, a moderate level considering the history of the stock.

Consider Tractor Supply

Despite an extensive 49-state footprint and some recent sluggishness, Tractor Supply is not done returning bumper crops of growth and earnings. The company has many avenues related to its core business that it can take advantage of, especially with a rising rural population.

Even at a moderate valuation, its history of massive growth and a fast-growing dividend should help boost the retail stock. If more urban investors take notice of Tractor Supply's success in the countryside, it could reap a bountiful harvest.

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[wow_happens28]

I think TSCO will be a good play, but not for my favorite reasons. Like Bayer, Target, Disney and others they came out WOKE to satisfy the big Deep State money. Going WOKE in farm country makes as much sense as selling ice cubes in Alaska. They like paid their dues.

https://www.triplepundit.com/story/2022/tractor-supply-makes-case-investing-bipoc-lgbtq-and-women-farmers/742681

I like to see the stock break above the major moving averages before I'd buy.

https://stockcharts.com/h-sc/ui?s=TSCO&p=D&yr=5&mn=0&dy=0&id=p38102136601

[gfp927z]

>>> Zoetis -- Animal health specialist Zoetis has hit the ground running, more than quintupling its payouts since initiating its dividend in 2013. Zoetis is the largest business of its kind, creating vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics for pets and livestock, and generating $8.2 billion in sales and $2.2 billion in net income over the last year.


https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/09/07/4-top-dividend-payers-of-the-sp-500/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article


The company is incredibly well-balanced with its products ranging from dermatology and osteoarthritis pain treatments to parasitic medicines and medicated feed additives. Zoetis generates 64% of its revenue from pets and 36% from livestock. Meanwhile, U.S. sales account for 54% of total revenue, while international markets comprise 46%.

Best yet for investors, Zoetis has 15 drugs that each earn over $100 million in annual revenue, highlighting the depth of its product offering and the strength of its research and development (R&D) capabilities. With 11% of its 13,800 employees working in R&D, this innovation is well-funded and should maintain a robust pipeline for decades ahead.

With Zoetis' rising ROIC of 19% and small payout ratio of 29%, look for it to provide above-average dividend growth. But with the shares trading at 40 times earnings and offering a 0.8% dividend, it may be best to buy on drops or though dollar cost averaging.

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[gfp927z]

>>> IDEXX Announces Novel Diagnostic Test for Kidney Injury, Expanding the Veterinary Industry's Most Comprehensive Renal Testing Portfolio


Yahoo Finance

June 15, 2023


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/idexx-announces-novel-diagnostic-test-110000814.html


The IDEXX Cystatin B Test can help veterinarians detect kidney injury before changes in kidney function, promoting better patient outcomes

WESTBROOK, Maine, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX), a global leader in pet healthcare innovation, today announced the launch of the first veterinary diagnostic test for detecting kidney injury in cats and dogs. According to a recent IDEXX survey, as many as one-third of kidney cases seen by veterinarians are related to kidney injury, and a diagnosis can be challenging due to subtle or nonspecific signs.1 The IDEXX Cystatin B Test will be included in test panels assessing renal health, uncovering new clinical insights for an estimated two million patient visits annually. These tests will be run at IDEXX Reference Laboratories starting later this year in the U.S. and Canada, with plans to introduce the test in Europe in 2024.

The kidneys are vital to the overall health of a patient, regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production, and removing toxins. IDEXX SDMA testing provides veterinarians with unmatched insights into kidney function, and the IDEXX Cystatin B Test will enhance their view into kidney health by detecting injury and providing additional clarity when a change in kidney function may not be apparent. Together, the IDEXX Cystatin B and IDEXX SDMA® tests offer a comprehensive view of the kidneys by uncovering structural injury and impaired kidney function.

"With the addition of the IDEXX Cystatin B Test, we are pleased to offer the industry's first biomarker for kidney injury," said Jay Mazelsky, IDEXX President and Chief Executive Officer. "The IDEXX portfolio of tests and technologies enables veterinarians to intervene earlier, advance treatment, and now detect kidney injury, resulting in better outcomes throughout the lives of their patients."

The IDEXX expanded renal testing portfolio now includes:

IDEXX Cystatin B Test, detecting kidney injury with or without changes in kidney function, providing valuable insights in cases such as early toxin exposure.

IDEXX SDMA® Test and creatinine, helping to establish a baseline for kidney function for monitoring and early kidney disease detection.

IDEXX FGF-23 Test, allowing for more confident recommendations of targeted therapy for cats diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by monitoring phosphorous overload.

Urine testing, providing a deeper understanding of total kidney health by examining the physical and chemical properties of urine.

For more information on the IDEXX Cystatin B Test and IDEXX kidney health solutions, please visit IDEXX Cystatin B.

A joint statement from three founding members of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology accentuates the value this novel biomarker holds in the industry and aligns with a recent statement from the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS):

"The advent of diagnostic biomarkers capable to detect the presence of acute kidney injury as well as active and ongoing kidney injury in advance of or in the absence of changes in conventional markers of kidney function forecast an important advance in the evaluation of acute and chronic kidney disease in dogs. The development and validation of Cystatin-B as an active kidney injury biomarker in dogs that will be readily available to veterinarians has the potential to reshape the future diagnostic and therapeutic directions of kidney disease. As nephrologists, we anxiously await this new era of early disease discovery and management."

Dr, Gilad Segev, DVM, Dip. ECVIM-CA (Internal Medicine)
American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, Founding Member
Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine
Head, Small Animal Internal Medicine
Koret School of Veterinary Medicine
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Dr. Shelly Vaden, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, Founding Member
Professor Internal Medicine (Nephrology and Urology)
Medical Director, Extracorporeal Therapies
Chief of Staff, Small Animal
North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

Larry D. Cowgill, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM (SAIM)
American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, Founding Member
Professor, Department of Medicine & Epidemiology
2108 Tupper Hall
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California-Davis

About IDEXX

IDEXX is a global leader in pet healthcare innovation. Our diagnostic and software products and services create clarity in the complex, constantly evolving world of veterinary medicine. We support longer, fuller lives for pets by delivering insights and solutions that help the veterinary community around the world make confident decisions—to advance medical care, improve efficiency, and build thriving practices. Our innovations also help ensure the safety of milk and water across the world and maintain the health and well-being of people and livestock. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a member of the S&P 500® Index. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX employs nearly 11,000 people and offers solutions and products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information about IDEXX, visit: idexx.com. For media inquiries, please get in touch at [e-mail].

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[gfp927z]

Tractor Supply - >>> In 2009, the worst year of the Great Recession, Tractor Supply's net sales increased by almost 7%. To be fair, the company's net-sales increase was the result of opening new stores -- it opened 76 that year. By contrast, same-store sales (a measurement of sales at existing locations) fell 1.1%. But that's actually still quite resilient during an economic downturn.


https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/02/23/2-recession-proof-growth-stocks-im-loving-now/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article


In my opinion, there's a simple explanation for Tractor Supply's resiliency. In 2009, 39% of net sales were in the livestock-and-pet category -- an expense animal owners will pay even during lean times. And this category is only more important for Tractor Supply now. Investors are waiting on the annual filing for 2022, but livestock-and-pet sales accounted for 47% of sales in 2021.

To put this all into perspective, Tractor Supply's supply chain moved more than 8 billion pounds of animal feed in 2022. To me, that's too much weight for e-commerce companies to want to get involved.

Moreover, on the topic of resiliency, Tractor Supply had over 28 million members in its customer loyalty program at the end of 2022, up 20% year over year. These customers accounted for 75% of the company's sales last year, suggesting its core customer base is a big fan of the brand -- something that can help it remain strong during any potential economic downturn.

With fiscal discipline, ongoing sales growth, and regular share repurchases, Tractor Supply's earnings per share (EPS) are growing at a rate capable of carrying the stock to market-beating gains. Its regular increases to the dividend are generous as well, as the chart below shows.

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[gfp927z]

Tractor Supply Company - With 27 million members in its Neighbor's Club rewards program, Tractor Supply and its 2,100 stores are a dividend growth success story in the footsteps of Home Depot and Lowe's. Since 2010, Tractor Supply has boosted its quarterly dividend payments from $0.035 per share to $0.92 today, an increase of over 2,200%. Buoyed partly by these dividends, the company has outpaced the market over the last five years.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/01/28/4-stocks-with-high-dividend-growth-to-buy-in-2023/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article

So how exactly does Tractor Supply do it with behemoths like Home Depot and Lowe's in its backyard? In the simplest terms, it's by being the rural version of its giant peers. Consider that almost half of the company's sales come from its livestock and pet category. Through this niche offering, Tractor Supply draws millions of farmers, ranchers, and even suburban gardeners to its stores with its adjacent, yet quite distinct, product offering and hometown feel.

Once in the company's ecosystem, these customers often sign up for its rewards program and become loyal members. For example, since the pandemic's start, Tractor Supply saw 19 million new customers -- 55% of which became repeat purchasers.

The shares trade at just 23 times earnings, and the company's 1.8% dividend only uses 35% of its total net income. Raising its last dividend by 77%, Tractor Supply makes for a fascinating dividend-growth selection to hold forever.

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[gfp927z]

Zoetis - In a recent survey by The Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Zoetis, 86% of pet owners and veterinarians said they would pay whatever was necessary for extensive vet care. While it is sad to consider any adverse outcomes concerning our beloved pets, the fact remains that Zoetis and its array of pet and livestock vaccines and medicines should only continue growing in importance.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/01/28/4-stocks-with-high-dividend-growth-to-buy-in-2023/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article

In fact, since going public via a spinoff from Pfizer in 2013, Zoetis posted a total return of nearly 500%. Over the last five years, the company has almost tripled the returns of the S&P 500 Index despite falling by 19% in the previous year.

In the $45 billion animal health industry, Zoetis generates 61% of its sales from companion animals (cats and dogs) and 39% from livestock. Boasting a leadership position in pets, cattle, and swine (not to mention North America, Latin America, and Asia -- geographically speaking), the company maintains a portfolio of over 300 products.

Riding this success, Zoetis has grown sales and EPS by 9% and 13%, respectively, over the last three years. Over this same time, the company raised its dividend by 25% annually and now yields 0.9% with a small payout ratio of 26%. Thanks to the megatrends working in its favor and its steady growth, Zoetis trades at a rich 37 times earnings but makes for an outstanding dividend growth stock.

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[gfp927z]

>>> Rollins, Inc. (ROL), through its subsidiaries, provides pest and wildlife control services to residential and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. The company offers pest control services to residential properties protecting from common pests, including rodents, insects, and wildlife. It also provides workplace pest control solutions for customers across various end markets, such as healthcare, foodservice, and logistics. In addition, the company offers traditional and baiting termite protection, as well as ancillary services. It serves clients directly, as well as through franchisee operations. Rollins, Inc. was incorporated in 1948 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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[wow_happens28]

$RIBT Premium Pet Food Still in Demand

https://www.foodprocessing.com/industrynews/2022/premium-pet-food-still-in-demand/

People may be trading down to store brands for their own food, but they’re still out to pamper their pets.

Two leading pet retailers told CNBC that they have not seen any trend away from premium food, despite inflation. Both Petco and Chewy said most of their customers are not looking to save on food, although both said that they had been drop in spending on non-food items like leashes and toys.

Petco is expanding its offerings in premium pet food. It is partnering with Clif to make snack bars for dogs, and recently launched a line of frozen dog food.

“Pet parents are driving one of the biggest trends the pet industry has seen as they increasingly seek out fresh, human-grade food for all members of the family,” Petco CEO Ron Coughlin said in a release quoted by CNBC.

In fact, both Chewy and Petco reported year-over-year sales rises of 13% and 3.2%, respectively, for the most recent quarter. Both said consumer shifts toward more premium food were a factor in those increases.