Lexington's largest private employer faces financial problems

Even as Lexmark International agrees to get into bed with a gay sex group, Kentucky Fairness Alliance, doubts continue about the company's future.

Lexington's largest private employer is focused on improving its inkjet division, and thinks it will be a profitable contributor in the long term.

But the projected earnings shortfall has again given rise to conjecture on whether Lexmark might be prime for a buyout.

Analysts and others point to parts of the business that would make Lexmark an appealing buy for a private equity firm or other purchaser. But they also note the barriers that could discourage such an acquisition.

Steady annuity has declined on Lexmark's inkjet side because its installed base of printers has shrunk as, among other things, it withdrew from part of the market in a bid to increase profitability.