PetMed Express Partners with Rural King for New Pet Pharmacy
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 22 2026
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Should l Buy PETS?
PetMed Express announced a strategic partnership with Rural King to launch a new pet pharmacy offering, expanding access to prescription medications, preventatives and pet health products for customers across Rural King's retail stores and digital platforms. Through the partnership, PetMeds will provide pharmacy infrastructure, licensed pharmacists, and e-commerce capabilities to enable Rural King customers to access prescription medications, preventatives, and pet health products. "This partnership marks an important step in PetMeds' growth strategy and an exciting new chapter in our mission to broaden access to quality pet health care," said Leslie Campbell, chairman and interim CEO of PetMeds. "For more than 30 years, PetMeds has focused on making high-quality, trusted pet health care more accessible and affordable. By extending our pharmacy platform to millions of pet owners who rely on Rural King for their farm, ranch and pet care needs, we are making it easier for customers in communities across the country to access the medications and health products their animals need."
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About PETS
PetMed Express, Inc., doing business as PetMeds, is a direct-to-consumer pet pharmacy. The Company is an online provider of prescription and non-prescription medications, food, supplements, and supplies and has veterinary and pet insurance service partnerships for dogs, cats, and horses. It markets and sells directly to consumers through their Websites, toll-free numbers, and employer benefit partnerships. Its product line contains over 15,000 SKUs of pet medications, health products, foods, and supplies. The Company offers various pet supplies, including beds, crates, stairs and other pet supplies. Its products include Prescription Medications (Rx), Non-Prescription Medications (OTC) and supplies, Pet Foods, Private Label and Holistic Wellness Services. Rx includes heartworm and flea and ticks preventatives, arthritis, dermatitis, thyroid, diabetes, pain medications, heart/blood pressure, and other specialty medications, as well as generic substitutes.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
PetMed Express Faces Investigation Over Delayed Earnings, Stock Plummets 32.41%
- Financial Audit Delay: PetMed Express announced on June 10, 2025, a delay in releasing its Q4 and fiscal year 2025 earnings, causing a stock drop of 11.22% the following day, reflecting investor concerns over the company's financial transparency.
- Impact of Internal Investigation: On July 1, 2025, PetMed delayed its annual report due to an internal investigation into revenue recognition, leading to a 1.51% decline in stock price, indicating that governance and compliance issues may undermine investor confidence.
- Quarterly Report Delay: On November 12, 2025, PetMed disclosed it could not timely file its Q3 report, resulting in a 32.41% plunge in stock price to $1.96, highlighting a significant crisis in financial management that could lead to broader legal and financial repercussions.
- Legal Investigation Initiated: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether PetMed engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, suggesting the company faces potential legal liabilities that could further impact its market performance and shareholder interests.
See More
PetMed Express Faces Investigation Over Delayed Earnings, Stock Plummets 32.41%
- Audit Delay: On June 10, 2025, PetMed Express announced a delay in releasing its Q4 and fiscal year 2025 earnings, causing its stock to drop 11.22% the following day, reflecting market concerns over the company's financial transparency.
- Internal Investigation Impact: On July 1, 2025, PetMed delayed its annual report due to an internal investigation into revenue recognition, leading to a 1.51% decline in stock price, indicating a weakening investor confidence in corporate governance.
- Quarterly Report Delay: On November 12, 2025, PetMed disclosed it could not timely file its Q3 report, resulting in a 32.41% stock plunge to $1.96, highlighting severe financial compliance issues that may affect future financing capabilities.
- Legal Investigation Initiated: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether PetMed engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, which could lead to further legal liabilities and financial losses, increasing uncertainty for investors.
See More
PetMed Express Faces Investigation Over Delayed Earnings, Stock Plummets 32.41%
- Earnings Delay Impact: On June 10, 2025, PetMed Express announced a delay in releasing its Q4 and FY 2025 earnings, causing its stock to drop 11.22% to $3.72 per share the following day, indicating investor concerns over the company's financial transparency.
- Internal Investigation Effects: On July 1, 2025, PetMed revealed a delay in filing its Annual Report due to an internal investigation, leading to a further 1.51% decline in stock price to $3.27 per share, reflecting diminished market confidence in the company's revenue recognition practices.
- Quarterly Report Delay: On November 12, 2025, PetMed disclosed its inability to timely file its Q3 report, resulting in a dramatic 32.41% drop in stock price to $1.96 per share, highlighting serious issues in corporate governance and audit processes that could affect future financing capabilities.
- Legal Investigation Initiated: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether PetMed engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, which could lead to further legal risks and financial losses, increasing uncertainty for investors.
See More
U.S. Pet Spending Resilience in 2025 Highlights Shift in Consumer Behavior
- Resilience in Pet Spending: In 2025, U.S. pet spending demonstrated resilience despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, with pet and pet product inflation easing to 0.3% in November, providing relief to consumers and highlighting the sector's defensive appeal.
- Shift in Consumer Behavior: A survey revealed that 97% of U.S. pet owners consider their pets family members, driving demand for pet technology and health-oriented products, which reflects younger pet owners' balancing act between wellness and affordability.
- Emergence of a Two-Speed Market: Industry experts noted a bifurcation in spending patterns, where affluent households continue to purchase premium products while approximately 75% of households shift towards value brands, benefiting private-label producers.
- Investor Focus: Despite a slowdown in overall deal activity, the pet care sector remains attractive to investors due to its stable demand and lower tariff exposure, with analysts predicting a significant increase in transaction activity in 2026 and 2027, particularly in premium and value segments.
See More
Cardone Ventures Proposes Complete Acquisition of PetMed Express, Shares Surge
PetMed Express Stock Surge: PetMed Express, Inc. shares rose nearly 36% after an unsolicited takeover bid from Cardone Ventures was announced, leading to increased investor interest.
Takeover Proposal Details: Cardone Ventures proposed an all-cash offer of $4.25 per share, valuing the company at approximately $89 million, with no financing contingencies indicated.
Strategic Appeal of Acquisition: Cardone Ventures highlighted the attractiveness of PetMed's national pharmacy platform and operational capabilities, suggesting that private ownership could enhance performance and profitability.
Non-Binding Nature of Offer: The proposal is non-binding, meaning that a definitive agreement may not be reached, and the deal could ultimately not close.
See More
Cardone Ventures Proposes $4.25 Per Share Acquisition of PetMed Express
- Acquisition Proposal: Cardone Ventures has submitted a proposal to acquire PetMed Express for $4.25 per share in cash, implying an equity value of approximately $89 million, reflecting confidence in its ability to execute the transaction and enhance operational efficiency through privatization.
- Strategic Importance: Cardone Ventures views PetMeds as a strategically valuable acquisition with strong brand equity and customer relationships, aiming to leverage its expertise in acquisitions and operations to drive significant business growth and unlock long-term shareholder value post-privatization.
- Leadership Team Advantage: The leadership team at Cardone Ventures, including experienced operators Brandon Dawson and Natalie Dawson, has successfully scaled the firm to $225 million in revenue within five years, showcasing their strong execution capabilities and expertise in value creation.
- Transaction Terms Overview: The proposal is non-binding and free of financing contingencies, requiring customary due diligence and necessary approvals, indicating Cardone Ventures' optimistic outlook on PetMeds despite the non-binding nature of the offer.
See More
PetMed Express Faces Investigation Over Delayed Earnings, Stock Plummets 32.41%
- Financial Audit Delay: PetMed Express announced on June 10, 2025, a delay in releasing its Q4 and fiscal year 2025 earnings, causing a stock drop of 11.22% the following day, reflecting investor concerns over the company's financial transparency.
- Impact of Internal Investigation: On July 1, 2025, PetMed delayed its annual report due to an internal investigation into revenue recognition, leading to a 1.51% decline in stock price, indicating that governance and compliance issues may undermine investor confidence.
- Quarterly Report Delay: On November 12, 2025, PetMed disclosed it could not timely file its Q3 report, resulting in a 32.41% plunge in stock price to $1.96, highlighting a significant crisis in financial management that could lead to broader legal and financial repercussions.
- Legal Investigation Initiated: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether PetMed engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, suggesting the company faces potential legal liabilities that could further impact its market performance and shareholder interests.
See More
PetMed Express Faces Investigation Over Delayed Earnings, Stock Plummets 32.41%
- Audit Delay: On June 10, 2025, PetMed Express announced a delay in releasing its Q4 and fiscal year 2025 earnings, causing its stock to drop 11.22% the following day, reflecting market concerns over the company's financial transparency.
- Internal Investigation Impact: On July 1, 2025, PetMed delayed its annual report due to an internal investigation into revenue recognition, leading to a 1.51% decline in stock price, indicating a weakening investor confidence in corporate governance.
- Quarterly Report Delay: On November 12, 2025, PetMed disclosed it could not timely file its Q3 report, resulting in a 32.41% stock plunge to $1.96, highlighting severe financial compliance issues that may affect future financing capabilities.
- Legal Investigation Initiated: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether PetMed engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, which could lead to further legal liabilities and financial losses, increasing uncertainty for investors.
See More
PetMed Express Faces Investigation Over Delayed Earnings, Stock Plummets 32.41%
- Earnings Delay Impact: On June 10, 2025, PetMed Express announced a delay in releasing its Q4 and FY 2025 earnings, causing its stock to drop 11.22% to $3.72 per share the following day, indicating investor concerns over the company's financial transparency.
- Internal Investigation Effects: On July 1, 2025, PetMed revealed a delay in filing its Annual Report due to an internal investigation, leading to a further 1.51% decline in stock price to $3.27 per share, reflecting diminished market confidence in the company's revenue recognition practices.
- Quarterly Report Delay: On November 12, 2025, PetMed disclosed its inability to timely file its Q3 report, resulting in a dramatic 32.41% drop in stock price to $1.96 per share, highlighting serious issues in corporate governance and audit processes that could affect future financing capabilities.
- Legal Investigation Initiated: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether PetMed engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, which could lead to further legal risks and financial losses, increasing uncertainty for investors.
See More
U.S. Pet Spending Resilience in 2025 Highlights Shift in Consumer Behavior
- Resilience in Pet Spending: In 2025, U.S. pet spending demonstrated resilience despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, with pet and pet product inflation easing to 0.3% in November, providing relief to consumers and highlighting the sector's defensive appeal.
- Shift in Consumer Behavior: A survey revealed that 97% of U.S. pet owners consider their pets family members, driving demand for pet technology and health-oriented products, which reflects younger pet owners' balancing act between wellness and affordability.
- Emergence of a Two-Speed Market: Industry experts noted a bifurcation in spending patterns, where affluent households continue to purchase premium products while approximately 75% of households shift towards value brands, benefiting private-label producers.
- Investor Focus: Despite a slowdown in overall deal activity, the pet care sector remains attractive to investors due to its stable demand and lower tariff exposure, with analysts predicting a significant increase in transaction activity in 2026 and 2027, particularly in premium and value segments.
See More
Cardone Ventures Proposes Complete Acquisition of PetMed Express, Shares Surge
PetMed Express Stock Surge: PetMed Express, Inc. shares rose nearly 36% after an unsolicited takeover bid from Cardone Ventures was announced, leading to increased investor interest.
Takeover Proposal Details: Cardone Ventures proposed an all-cash offer of $4.25 per share, valuing the company at approximately $89 million, with no financing contingencies indicated.
Strategic Appeal of Acquisition: Cardone Ventures highlighted the attractiveness of PetMed's national pharmacy platform and operational capabilities, suggesting that private ownership could enhance performance and profitability.
Non-Binding Nature of Offer: The proposal is non-binding, meaning that a definitive agreement may not be reached, and the deal could ultimately not close.
See More
Cardone Ventures Proposes $4.25 Per Share Acquisition of PetMed Express
- Acquisition Proposal: Cardone Ventures has submitted a proposal to acquire PetMed Express for $4.25 per share in cash, implying an equity value of approximately $89 million, reflecting confidence in its ability to execute the transaction and enhance operational efficiency through privatization.
- Strategic Importance: Cardone Ventures views PetMeds as a strategically valuable acquisition with strong brand equity and customer relationships, aiming to leverage its expertise in acquisitions and operations to drive significant business growth and unlock long-term shareholder value post-privatization.
- Leadership Team Advantage: The leadership team at Cardone Ventures, including experienced operators Brandon Dawson and Natalie Dawson, has successfully scaled the firm to $225 million in revenue within five years, showcasing their strong execution capabilities and expertise in value creation.
- Transaction Terms Overview: The proposal is non-binding and free of financing contingencies, requiring customary due diligence and necessary approvals, indicating Cardone Ventures' optimistic outlook on PetMeds despite the non-binding nature of the offer.
See More
