Lexmark International, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of printing solutions - including laser and inkjet printers, multifunction products, associated supplies and services - for offices and homes in more than 150 countries. Recognised worldwide for its customer-driven approach to developing its wide array of award winning products, Lexmark meets the demanding and constantly changing workflow management needs of today's businesses, and the performance and convenience demands of home-printing consumers.
Since the company was launched in 1991, Lexmark's commitment to innovation, ownership of technology and a unique path to market have been the ingredients of operational and financial success. An industry trendsetter, Lexmark was the first company to market 4800 x 1200 dots per inch (dpi) and 3600 x 1200 dpi resolutions, develop 1200 dpi laser and inkjet printers, produce standalone photoprinters, and offer a sub-$100 inkjet printer. These innovations formed the foundation of Lexmark's reputation for quality and leadership that led to substantial market share gains in recent years. Consequently, Lexmark has been transformed from an ambitious start up to a $5.3 billion enterprise (FY2004). The company has reported 9% compound annual growth in revenue and achieved earnings per share compunded growth of 13 percent over the past five years. Shareholders have rewarded that financial success with an increase in share price since going public (NYSE: LXK) in November 1995 that significantly outpaced the S&P500 during that period.
Lexmark's long-term growth prospects are fueled by several market and industry trends, including rapid expansion in emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia Pacific, the explosion of color printing in the office, and the impact of the Internet as a vehicle for commerce and a catalyst for increased printing trends.
Unlike some of its competitors, Lexmark develops and owns the technology inside its products, giving the company a competitive edge and allowing the company to reduce research and development time between product introductions. This also allows for the timely integration of customer input into product design and development.
The corporation and its products have received more than 2,000 awards and industry accolades around the world: Business Week's "InfoTech 100;" Fortune's "Most Admired Companies;" Forbes Super 500; Fortune's "Editors' Choice;" PC World's "Top 10 Printers;" and PC World's "Best Buy."
