Three more updates to protect your gains

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IDEXX LABORATORIES INC. $471 is still a hold. The company (Nasdaq symbol IDXX; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 82.6 million; Market cap: $38.9 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 10.6; No dividends paid; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.idexx.com) makes equipment that veterinarians use to detect diseases in animals. Due to unfavourable currency rates and slowing visits by pet owners, Idexx expects its revenue in 2024 will range from $3.895 billion to $3.965 billion. That’s down from its forecast of between $3.930 billion and $4.040 billion. The company also scaled back its earnings forecast, to between $10.82 and $11.20 a share from $10.84 to $11.33 a share. The stock trades at 42.8 times the midpoint of that new range. That high multiple makes the stock vulnerable to a sudden decline if earnings fail to meet those targets. Idexx is a hold. INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC. $98 remains a buy for long-term gains. The company (New York symbol IFF; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 255.4 million; Market cap:…