What happened
Petco Health & Wellness (WOOF -1.27%) shareholders lost ground to a rising market last month. Shares of the pet supplies retailer fell 23% in February compared to a 2.6% gain in the S&P 500, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
The decline put the stock, which began trading after its IPO in mid-January, in negative territory, down over 30% since that time.
Image source: Getty Images.
So what
Petco didn't release any operating updates, but pullbacks like February's decline should be expected for a new company that hasn't yet established a firm valuation. Expectations were high when the company began trading in January, and it's natural for shareholders to have to endure volatility following a successful IPO.
Now what
Petco has a potentially huge market it can serve, and the company is also making progress at reducing its debt burden. But shares will remain volatile until management can show an ability to generate positive shareholder returns. The executive team's next opportunity to do that is coming up in just a few days. On March 18, Petco will announce fiscal fourth-quarter results in a report that could set the tone for the rest of the retailer's year.
