VCA Antech (WOOF)

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Stephen Lihn

VCA Antech (WOOF) is the leading provider of pet health care services in the US with a nationwide clinical laboratory system and over 435 free-standing animal hospitals. VCA Antech achieved its current reputation in animal health care industry by acquiring and managing high quality veterinary practices and providing preeminent diagnostic laboratory services for animal hospitals across the country.

The Company provides veterinary services and diagnostic testing to support veterinary care. It also sells diagnostic imaging equipment, and other medical technology products and related services. Its network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories provides testing and consulting services used by veterinarians in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases and other conditions affecting animals. In addition, it provides pharmaceutical products and performs a variety of pet wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, routine vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. Its medical technology business sells ultrasound and digital radiography imaging equipment. It also provides education and training on the use of that equipment, and consulting and mobile imaging services.

VCA Antech was founded in 1986 under the name "Veterinary Centers of America" in Los Angeles. The founders, Bob L. Antin, Arthur J. Antin, Neil Tauber are all on the board of directors. In 2001 VCA Antech became a publicly owned company. VCA Antech stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "WOOF". WOOF has been growing consistently since its IPO.

Competition

Although WOOF excells in the niche market of animal health care, it also competes in the larger diagnostic testing and diagnostic device markets.

Its mid-size competitors are IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX) and Core Laboratories N.V. (CLB). The larger competitors are Siemens AG (SI), Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. (PHG), Canon (CAJ).

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