Core Insights - Virbac has acquired an innovative drug from Norbrook to treat feline hyperthyroidism, enhancing its product portfolio in a growing market segment for senior cats [1][2][5] Acquisition Details - The acquisition is valued at approximately £100 million and is expected to positively impact Virbac's sales growth and EBITDA margin from the first year [2] - The drug, marketed as Thyronorm in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, and Felanorm in the US, is designed to stabilize hyperthyroidism in cats [1][2] Market Context - Hyperthyroidism affects over 10% of older cats, leading to serious health issues if not managed properly [2] - The increasing number of household cats and their longer lifespans make such innovations crucial for managing chronic diseases [3] Product Characteristics - Thyronorm is a liquid formulation, which is easier to administer than tablets, allowing for precise dosing [3] - The product is currently generating revenue of €14 million, with in-market sales around €27 million, indicating strong market potential [4] Strategic Partnership - Norbrook will remain the manufacturer of the product, while Virbac will gradually take over distribution in various markets [4] - Virbac aims to leverage its global presence and veterinary relationships to enhance product accessibility and education for veterinarians and pet owners [4] Company Vision - The acquisition aligns with Virbac's commitment to advancing animal health and addressing unmet needs in the market for difficult-to-treat conditions [5] - Virbac emphasizes its dedication to integrating and growing innovative assets for sustainable growth [5][6]

Core Insights - The article highlights two undervalued dividend stocks, Zoetis and Nomad Foods, as attractive investment opportunities in a market characterized by high valuations for growth stocks [1][2]. Zoetis - Zoetis is a global leader in animal healthcare, generating over $100 million annually from 17 blockbuster products [5]. - The company has seen its market value decline by 50% since 2022, despite its leading position in the market [6]. - Currently trading at 20 times earnings, Zoetis is at its lowest valuation ever, making it appealing for dividend investors [9]. - The company maintains a strong innovation pipeline, with new monoclonal antibody drugs aimed at treating osteoarthritis in pets [10]. - Zoetis' livestock unit provides stability, as demand for protein is expected to rise, ensuring continued need for its products [11]. - The company has a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 22%, indicating strong profitability and cash returns to shareholders [12]. - Over the last decade, Zoetis has increased its dividend by 19% annually, with a current yield of 1.7% [13]. Nomad Foods - Nomad Foods is the leading frozen foods provider in Europe, particularly in the protein and vegetable categories [14]. - The stock has dropped 62% from its all-time high in 2021, trading at a low enterprise value to EBITDA ratio of 7 [15]. - Recent sales and adjusted earnings declined by 2% and 11% respectively, attributed to unusual weather affecting the frozen food market [17]. - The company is focusing on healthier food options, with new chicken offerings and protein bowls seeing a 34% increase in sales [19]. - Management prioritizes share repurchases as a key use of cash flow, having reduced share count by 4% annually over the last five years [21]. - Nomad has initiated a new dividend yielding 5.7%, utilizing only 46% of its net income [21]. - The CFO's personal investment of $1 million in Nomad shares signals confidence in the company's undervaluation [23].

Core Viewpoint - Long-term investors can achieve significant wealth through steady growth and dividend increases, despite market volatility [1][2] Group 1: Market Insights - Market fluctuations are normal and can be leveraged as opportunities to invest in long-term growth stocks that consistently pay and increase dividends [2] - The U.S. healthcare industry, accounting for over 17% of the economy, presents substantial growth potential with several healthcare stocks demonstrating impressive performance [2] Group 2: Company Profiles - **Zoetis**: Specializes in animal healthcare with $9.3 billion in annual sales, has raised dividends for 12 consecutive years, and is expected to grow earnings by 10% annually [5][6] - **Johnson & Johnson**: A healthcare conglomerate with a 63-year dividend increase streak, current dividend yield of 3.3%, and expected earnings growth of 8% annually [7][9] - **Abbott Laboratories**: A Dividend King with over 50 years of dividend increases, currently yielding 1.8%, and expected earnings growth of 9% annually [10][11] - **Stryker Corp.**: Focuses on orthopedic devices and has a 32-year dividend growth streak, with an estimated earnings growth of almost 10% annually [12][13] - **Medtronic**: Develops medical devices with a 3.2% starting yield and 47 consecutive years of dividend increases, expected earnings growth of over 5% annually [14][15]

Company Overview - Zoetis is a leading animal healthcare company that was spun off from Pfizer Animal Health in 2012, with annual sales of $9.3 billion [3] - The company develops and sells medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, genetic tests, and devices for treating livestock and pets [3] Industry Growth - The animal health market is projected to grow from $48 billion in 2023 to between $75 billion and $85 billion by 2033 [5] - Demand for animal protein is increasing due to global population growth, and younger generations are spending more on companion animals compared to older generations [4] Financial Performance - Zoetis has roughly doubled its annual sales over the past decade [5] - The company has consistently raised its dividend since paying its first one in 2013, with a current yield of just over 1.3% and an average annual growth rate of 21.4% over the past five years [6][7] Valuation Insights - The stock has historically traded at a high valuation, averaging a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of over 41 for the past decade [9] - Currently, Zoetis is at its lowest valuation on record at 27 times earnings, but it still has a PEG ratio of 2.7, indicating it may not be a bargain [12] Investment Considerations - The company is seen as a potential buy due to its strong market position and growth prospects, but investors are advised to consider gradual purchases in case of further market declines [12] - Zoetis's leadership in the expanding animal health field provides a durable growth runway for investors [8]