Profit From Rising Pet Ownership

Article Excerpt

PETSMART INC. $32 (Nasdaq symbol PETM; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 134.6 million; Market cap: $4.3 billion; WSSF Rating: Above average) is North America’s largest supplier of pet foods, supplies and services. The company operates 966 retail stores in the United States and Canada. PetSmart emphasizes premium pet foods, many of which are not available in supermarkets, warehouse clubs or other mass and retail merchandisers. It also offers national brands typically found in supermarkets and pet stores, as well as its own private brands. Pet products account for 91% of the company’s total sales. These include pet food, treats and litter (40% of total sales), pet supplies and other non-pet goods (48%) and pets (3%). Services give PetSmart an edge Services account for the remaining 9% of sales. They include grooming, training, boarding and day camps. The company’s in-store PetsHotels provide boarding for dogs and cats, 24-hour supervision and an on-call veterinarian. PetSmart now operates PetsHotels in 70 of its stores, and…