VCA Antech, Inc. (WOOF)

with pet insurance entering the market, looks like a great opportunity to invest now.

I have been watching WOOF for several years, and it never seemed to dip into a buy range; the price was very steady through many climates. It seems that now may be a rare opportunity, because of flat growth related to the recession. The stock is within pennies of Morningstar's 5-star range. (wish I had more cash back when it was $14, but I got some other good buys then)

WOOF is a large player in a fragmented market, which is a classic way for a grower in a boring business. (see: Sysco, Fastenal) By applying their operating efficiencies to businesses they purchase, they gain profit without investing in greenfield growth. With just over 5% of the market (by office count) there is a long way to go here. Vet offices are largely small businesses, with single or a few owners who are looking to sell when they retire. Their options are either younger vets, or WOOF. With financing difficult in the next few years and deteriorating business conditions, I expect there will be more people looking to get out than to get in.

Downsides / risks:
WOOF needs to watch out if they are at the beginning of a growth cycle. They overpaid a decade ago, but have done very well since emerging again as a public company in 2001.

The big pet retailers could also pose a threat, with in-store clinical care. Of course, this could be an M&A opportunity as much as a threat. I think people also are drawn to a smaller setting for their pet's doctor than for supplies or grooming. Even if they went this way, however, the market could sustain a few large players and keep consolidating.

I nice little growth company in the animal heath sector. They grow almost entirely by snatching up small animal hospitals. Also have a very high margin diagnostic business that is very complimentary to the hospital business.

Veterinary services are a rock -for many households, non-discretionary spending. The future dynamic of veterinary hospitals is successful, retiring veterinarians with only a large corporation to sell their practice, since the young debt-strapped recent graduates can't afford to buy it.

Can health care for pets be too far off in this crazy country?

In 6 months, I will sell my WOOF stock.

good dog! lol

I found this stock by screening Mid Cap with 25% growth in earnings per quarter.

This stock is projected by Value Line to double earnings in the next five years, has actually doubled earnings in the past five years, is selling at price-earnings multiples (P/Es) that are 110 percent or less of Value Line's projected earnings growth rate, and has a safety rating of average or better.

People love pets and they treat them like family. Not only is this stock recession proof but is also a growth story. Elderly people love pets and as people live longer and the baby boomers age, the population of pets will increase.

I am a veterinarian, I own VCA stock, but do not work for VCA. I have read many accounts, blogs, etc on the topic of veterinary stocks being recession proof. All of the authors discuss how fluffy's care will never be sacrificed due to money.

This is not true. I see this play out on a daily basis. Many people do not bring their pets in for the yearly check up and vaccinations when money is tight. They do not purchase heartworm preventative when money is tight. People will more likely, "wait and see what happens" to fluffy when he is limping, or is vomiting. Unfortunately some wait way too long before their pet is truly sick.

One factor I have never seen written about is the owners option of euthanasia in the veterinary profession. When people have money to spend they will treat fluffy's new case of diabetes, or hospitalize when he is hit by a car. If money is tight euthanasia becomes a very real option. It is relatively inexpensive to euthanize a pet and very expensive to treat them.

Ask your veterinarian and I bet he/she will tell you the same thing. This year has been horrible. I dont care what any of the "experts" say. Medical care for fluffy is paid with discretionary income.

I am long on all of the veterinary industry stocks. I too believe that it is a growth industry. However these stocks will not turn around until the economy turns around or at least people feel like the economy is turning around.

Consistant earnings, profits and sales of 16 percent will speak for itself on this equity.

Buying in at a low. This service is highly valuable and both MSN stockscreener and CAPS seem to concur on this point

I know the industry and most of the analyst are wrong. This industry of pet animal health is rarely changed by the ecconomy. When a beloved pet is sick, money comes from somewhere to pay that bill. This is why over a billion dollars was spent last year to pay for ACL surgeries for damage dog knees. The doggy and kitty doctors are out their on a one to one basis talking to the people and the people trust them and they have a good relationship. You call your physician and you have to wait three weeks, call you vet and you get called back today. Vet's also invest in the industry buying cat scans, ultrasounds, new buildings fueling industry to change to take advantage. Check the figures they all fly high

This stock was +++ overbot. It took its hit, it's base building, and will soon be ready to make a run at 40+ again. In and out twice... 30-41... long and calls... internals look good... give it a rest in this unique field, get in at <33 and enjoy the ride.

People and their pets is enough for me. Once my friend spent 10k for back surgery for their dog. I knew there was lots of potential

Recession Proof

top mutual fund holding within portoflios in my opinion are strong to have, this one should outperform (see other selections for stronger picks in my opinion)

When it comes to pet health, money is no object

just going by performance to date..