May 1 (Reuters) - Animal diagnostics maker IDEXX

Laboratories ( IDXX ) on Thursday raised its annual profit

forecast after it beat Wall Street estimates for quarterly

profit, as it benefited from customer retention and increased

demand for its tests and equipment.

The company also raised its revenue forecast to reflect

certain gains, with the new outlook reflecting tariffs on

internationally sourced materials, including from China,

despite uncertainties stemming from the trade war.

IDEXX ( IDXX ) offers diagnostic equipment, such as blood and urine

analyzers, and imaging systems to help vets diagnose and treat

animals. They also provide veterinary software and run reference

laboratories for more complex tests.

J.P. Morgan analysts expect vet clinic visits to return to

growth over the next few years as the number of pet owners and

aging pets increases. Visits to vet clinics had fallen in the

past few quarters as pet owners became cautious of spending amid

economic uncertainty.

IDEXX ( IDXX ) now projects annual profit between $11.93 per share

and $12.43 per share, compared with its previous view of $11.74

and $12.24 per share.

Revenue is expected to be in the range of $4.09 billion and

$4.21 billion, compared to its previous range of $4.06 billion

and $4.17 billion.

Analysts, on average, expect annual profit to be $11.99 per

share and revenue of $4.12 billion, according to data compiled

by LSEG.

The Westbrook, Maine-based company recorded total revenue of

$998 million for the reported quarter, compared with analysts'

estimates of $998.15 million.

On an adjusted basis, IDEXX ( IDXX ) reported a profit of $2.96 per

share for the quarter ended March 31, above estimates of $2.85

per share.