What does the cryptic crossword clue "Pat's persisting absurdly in exploitation of firms? (5,9)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of PAT'S + PERSISTING = ASSETSTRIPPING The answer is ASSETSTRIPPING.

Pat's persisting absurdly in exploitation of firms? (5,9)

Daily Mail Cryptic #17038 | 26 Across | 2023-02-21 flower