Activist Jana Argues Trimble Should Focus on Organic Growth (1)

Jana Partners has taken a position in Trimble Inc. and is urging the software company to avoid more large acquisitions.

The activist investor wants Trimble to instead focus on organic growth in its existing businesses, Jana partner Kevin Galligan said Monday at the Bloomberg Activism Forum. Jana is also calling on the company to improve margins and returns on capital, as well as to streamline its business.

Jana said Trimble might be an attractive takeover target for larger industrial companies including many that are looking to increase exposure for recurring software and technology-enabled services, Galligan said.

A representative for Trimble ...