IRIS International Inc. Stock Downgraded (IRIS)

Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- IRIS International (Nasdaq:IRIS) has been downgraded by TheStreet Ratings from buy to hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and increase in net income. However, as a counter to these strengths, we find that the company's return on equity has been disappointing.

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Highlights from the ratings report include:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 8.3%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 2.5%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• IRIS has no debt to speak of therefore resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of zero, which we consider to be a relatively favorable sign. Along with this, the company maintains a quick ratio of 2.66, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
• Powered by its strong earnings growth of 450.00% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 43.58% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Setting our sights on the months ahead, however, we feel that the stock's sharp appreciation over the last year has driven it to a price level which is now relatively expensive compared to the rest of its industry. The implication is that its reduced upside potential is not good enough to warrant further investment at this time.
• IRIS INTERNATIONAL INC reported significant earnings per share improvement in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, IRIS INTERNATIONAL INC swung to a loss, reporting -$0.07 versus $0.17 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($0.33 versus -$0.07).
• The company's current return on equity has slightly decreased from the same quarter one year prior. This implies a minor weakness in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Health Care Equipment & Supplies industry and the overall market, IRIS INTERNATIONAL INC's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.

IRIS International, Inc. manufactures in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products for urinalysis and body fluids. The company has a P/E ratio of 294, below the average electronics industry P/E ratio of 295.3 and above the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. IRIS International has a market cap of $212.7 million and is part of the technology sector and electronics industry. Shares are up 26.5% year to date as of the close of trading on Friday.

You can view the full IRIS International Ratings Report or get investment ideas from our investment research center.

-- Written by a member of TheStreet Ratings Staff

For more information on IRIS International Inc. click any of the following:

• IRIS International Inc. Stock Price

• IRIS International Inc. Analyst Ratings

• IRIS International Inc. Key Stats & Profile

• IRIS International Inc. Earnings

• IRIS International Inc. Ratio Comparison

• IRIS International Inc. Growth Rates

• IRIS International Inc. Balance Sheet

• IRIS International Inc. Cash Flow

• IRIS International Inc. Income Statement