market folly

Jay Petschek and Steven Major's hedge fund Corsair Capital pitched Alere (ALR) in their Q4 letter.  They feel that the market still has a negative view toward the company despite numerous changes happening.

The company is involved with medical diagnostics and has a huge market share in 'point-of-care rapid tests used in hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices.'

Over the last ten years, the company went on an acquisition binge and basically failed to integrate them properly.  A proxy contest in 2013 led to changes and the company hired Namal Nawana from Johnson & Johnson as COO to change the culture and reduce costs.

Corsair thinks ALR is worth between $70-80 per share if it trades with a multiple in-line with other competitors.  ALR trades around $37 today.

They also note, "Furthermore, if the market doesn't come around and value this business properly, we wouldn't be surprised if, after restructuring the company, (the CEO) looks to sell the company as he did with IMA back in 2001."

Embedded below is Corsair Capital's Q4 letter with their pitch on Alere (ALR):




If you missed it, we've posted up Corsair's past letters as well.