JANA Partners Completely Exits PetSmart

After going activist on PetSmart (PETM), Barry Rosenstein's hedge fund JANA Partners got the company sold and has been trimming its exposure to the stock since.  Now, in their latest 13D filing with the SEC, we see that JANA has completely exited PetSmart shares.  The filing was made due to activity on February 5th.

As the stock has effectively traded sideways as a risk arbitrage play, one possible explanation is that JANA didn't want to sit around and wait to capture a tiny spread and instead saw more attractive uses for that capital.

PetSmart is set to be acquired by BC Partners in an $8.7 billion deal.

Per Google Finance, PetSmart "supplies products, services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The Company operates a website for pet supplies, foods and different animal needs. The Company's stores also feature pet styling salons that offer pet grooming services, from full-service styling to baths, toenail trimming and teeth cleaning."

JANA Partners Trims PetSmart Stake Again

Barry Rosenstein's activist hedge fund JANA Partners has filed another amended 13D with the SEC regarding their position in PetSmart (PETM).  Per the filing, JANA now owns 5.1% of the company with over 5.05 million shares.

This is the second time they've cut their position size in January.  After dropping their stake from 9.69 million shares down to 7.6 million, they've now reduced it further to 5.05 million.  The filing was made due to activity on January 22nd.

PetSmart is set to be acquired by BC Partners in an $8.7 billion deal, so perhaps JANA is reducing exposure to what has become an arbitrage play in order to free up capital to deploy into other opportunities. 

We've also posted up other portfolio activity from JANA this month as well.

JANA Partners Again Calls For PetSmart To Explore A Sale

Barry Rosenstein's hedge fund JANA Partners has filed an amended 13D with the SEC regarding their activist position in PetSmart (PETM).  Per the filing, JANA has sent an additional letter to the board, urging them to explore a sale of the company.  You can view the first letter JANA sent here. 

Below is the second letter Rosenstein has sent:

"August 4, 2014  
Board of Directors
PetSmart, Inc.
19601 North 27th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
Attention: David K. Lenhardt, President and Chief Executive Officer  

Ladies and Gentlemen,  

As you know, JANA Partners LLC (“we” or “us”) and other shareholders have called upon PetSmart, Inc. (“PetSmart” or the “Company”) to conduct a review of all strategic alternatives including a sale of the Company. Given PetSmart’s chronic operational underperformance and failure to generate shareholder value, and given significant interest in an acquisition of the Company, it is very likely that such a sale offers the best risk-adjusted return for shareholders. It is becoming clear, however, that rather than fully exploring all potential opportunities, the board of directors (the “Board”) is attempting to prejudice the ultimate outcome of any such strategic review by steering it away from the most likely path to maximum value creation for shareholders.  

First, it appears that PetSmart has sought to create the patently false impression that there is a shortage of interested acquirers. In fact, we are aware that there are multiple interested potential acquirers, all of whom could pay shareholders a meaningful premium. This interest is not surprising given the highly attractive fundamentals of the pet store industry, the turnaround opportunity for skilled operators, the robust financing market available to acquirers, and the successful acquisition of Petco Animal Supplies Inc., whose private equity owners have already earned back more than 1.5x their original investment through dividend recapitalizations and seen the value of their investment climb as Petco continues to take share from PetSmart.  

Second, we have learned that the Board continues to float new proposals for alternate transactions, despite publicly conceding last week that it has not yet engaged with potential acquirers. As shareholders have made quite clear, given the magnitude and certainty of value creation that a sale likely offers, any standalone path must be measured against a potential sale, which the Board cannot do without first fully engaging with potential buyers. Should the Board need any reminders of the risks for an underperforming company that turns a blind eye to interested buyers, it need only look at the example of Borders Book Group, which was the subject of acquisition interest during current PetSmart Board Chairman Gregory P. Josefowicz’s tenure as its Chairman and CEO, yet pursued an ultimately value-destroying standalone path instead.            

In short, we warn the Board not to compound the damage that has resulted from years of underperformance by now ruling out the path that likely represents its single highest and most certain value maximization opportunity. We can assure you that shareholders will hold each and every director responsible, including supporting significant change at the next annual meeting, should the Board conduct anything less than a fulsome review of all options including a sale. Should you wish to discuss this matter further, you may reach us at (212) 455-0900.  

Sincerely,  

/s/ Barry Rosenstein  
Barry Rosenstein
Managing Partner
JANA Partners LLC"

JANA Partners' Letter to PetSmart's Board

Barry Rosenstein's activist hedge fund firm JANA Partners has filed an amended 13D with the SEC regarding their position in PetSmart (PETM).  They currently own 9.8% of the company and are the largest shareholder.

Rosenstein's letter to the board indicates they want the company to begin a "full strategic review which includes engaging with potential buyers."  And if the company doesn't do so, JANA will seek to change up the board at the next annual meeting.

Embedded below is JANA's letter to PetSmart's board:



For more from this fund, head to Barry Rosenstein's thoughts on activist investing.

JANA Partners Goes Activist on PetSmart

Barry Rosenstein's activist hedge fund JANA Partners has filed a 13D with the SEC regarding shares of PetSmart (PETM).  Per the filing, JANA now owns 9.9% of the company and is the company's largest shareholder with over 9.8 million shares.  This is a brand new position for them.

The filing notes that JANA expects to meet with management to discuss "strategic alternatives' including a sale of a company, the company's capital structure (and return of capital to shareholders), board composition and other items. 

The 13D was filed due to activity on June 23rd.  The hedge fund was out buying PETM shares at prices around $57.80 in early June.

For more on this investor, check out Barry Rosenstein at the activist investing panel at the Milken Institute.

Per Google Finance, PetSmart "supplies products, services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The Company operates a website for pet supplies, foods and different animal needs. The Company's stores also feature pet styling salons that offer pet grooming services, from full-service styling to baths, toenail trimming and teeth cleaning."