ICU Could Resuscitate Your Portfolio

This column was originally published on RealMoney on July 24 at 12:57 p.m. EDT. It's being republished as a bonus for TheStreet.com readers.

Needle safety has always been important, but it only became a business after HIV emerged n the 1980s. Many new safety products were introduced, and ICU Medical (ICUI Quote) established itself as a pioneer in the field.

Since launching its first product in 1984 -- a locking system for intravenous lines that prevented accidental disconnection from patients -- ICU Medical has grown substantially, generating high returns on invested capital and lots of cash for shareholders.

In 2005, management demonstrated it could reliably turn the fortunes of the company around after a dismal 2004, but the company is ready to bear more fruit from several initiatives that should drive earnings growth for years to come.

High-Efficiency Manufacturer

ICU Medical's product lineup is largely made up of small disposable plastic devices that are used for infusion sets to test blood or deliver drugs. The company's relatively small but expanding product lineup is led by its Clave needle-free connectors, which generated more than $60 million in sales last year and $34 million in the first half of 2006. The larger drug-delivery system maker Hospira (HSP Quote) distributes most of ICU's products.

ICU has patents on its devices, but competing products are available. One of the key elements in ICU's success has been its manufacturing efficiency. The company consistently operates on a lean inventory base, turning over inventory six times a year. At the same time, the company delivers gross margins around 45%, even though it its products are largely priced at $1 to $2 per device.

ICU has built a successful business in custom infusion-set product design that takes advantage of its manufacturing efficiency. Many physicians and hospitals want different infusion-set configurations due to their unique needs. ICU can assemble customized infusion sets in a consistent and profitable fashion. Many other companies, including Hospira, have exited this business because they could not operate it profitably. Hospira eventually outsourced all its custom business to ICU, and their relationship has blossomed as a result.