Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of vet services specialist VCA Antech
So what: While VCA's fourth-quarter profit declined from the year-ago period, to $0.25 per share, it still managed to top the average analyst estimate of just $0.21 per share. Strong double-digit revenue growth from its animal hospital segment helped fuel the earnings beat, as recent hospital acquisitions are beginning to pay off.
Now what: VCA remains a decent opportunity. The shares might be rallying right now, but when you factor in today's full-year guidance boost, VCA currently sports a forward P/E of about 17. That's not exactly dirt cheap, but with historical operating margins more than double that of big rival PetSmart
Interested in more info on VCA Antech? Add it to your watchlist.