Pool Corporation (POOL) is likely to benefit from its digital ecosystem, POOL360 platform and expansion strategies. Its commitment to returning value to shareholders bodes well. However, a slowdown in discretionary spending and a rise in operating expenses pose concerns. Let us discuss the factors that highlight why investors should retain the stock. Factors Driving POOL Stock POOL has been steadily investing in its digital ecosystem, which is beginning to pay off. During the second quarter of 2024, the com ...

MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) announced today it will offer approximately $233 million in non-performing loans (NPL) for sale via auction. The NPLs being offered consist of seasoned, deeply delinquent residential first lien whole loans held in Freddie Mac's mortgagerelated investments portfolio. The NPLs are currently serviced by Select Portfolio Servicing Inc., Newrez LLC, d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing or Nationstar Mortgage LLC, d/b/a Rushmore Servicing. T ...

Pool Corp (POOL) is a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) even after the company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate when the last reported on July 25 of this year. You might have guessed it from the name of the company, but they do indeed sell swimming pools and other related products. This article will look at why this stock is a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) as it is the Bear of the Day. Description Pool Corp. engages in the wholesale distribution of swimming pool supplies, equipment, and related leisure products. I ...

BALLERUP, Denmark, Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LiqTech International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIQT), a high-tech filtration technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialized filtration products and systems, today announced the receipt of NSF certification for their Aqua Solution® swimming pool water filtration systems. This certification makes it possible for LiqTech to market and sell its swimming pool water filtration systems in the U.S. "LiqTech has more than 120 swimming pool water filtration ...

Housing-related consumer discretionary stocks are being traded on interest rate sentiment this year. After a 15.5% decline in June, shares of wholesale swimming pool products distributor Pool Corp. (POOL -3.33%) rose by 21.7% in July, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Why such volatility in the shares of a swimming pool products company? After all, this isn't a speculative biotech or a one-solution IT company. The inherent volatility in Pool Corp.'s share price The answer lies in the pr ...

Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coco Pool Corp. ("Coco") (TSXV: CCPC.P) is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated May 27, 2024, it has entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement (the "Amalgamation Agreement") dated July 31, 2024 with Viridian Metals Corp. ("Viridian") and 16217494 Canada Inc. ("Coco Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coco incorporated pursuan ...

COVINGTON, La., July 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pool Corporation (Nasdaq/GSM:POOL) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.20 per share. The dividend will be payable on August 29, 2024, to holders of record on August 15, 2024. POOLCORP is the world's largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related backyard products. POOLCORP operates approximately 445 sales centers in North America, Europe and Australia, through which it distributes more than 200,000 ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2024 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to POOL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 0-26640 36-3943363 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) 109 Northpark ...

Core Viewpoint - Pool Corporation (POOL) reported second-quarter 2024 results with earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, although both metrics declined compared to the prior-year quarter [1][3]. Earnings & Revenues Discussion - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the second quarter were $4.98, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.90, but down from $5.89 in the prior-year quarter [3]. - Quarterly net revenues reached $1.77 billion, beating the consensus mark of $1.74 billion, but reflecting a 4.7% year-over-year decline due to lower consumer spending on discretionary items and poor sales in building materials [3]. Operating Highlights & Expenses - Cost of sales for the quarter was $1.24 billion, down from $1.29 billion in the prior-year quarter, aligning with estimates [4]. - Gross profit margin was 30%, a decrease of 60 basis points from 30.6% in the previous year [4]. - Operating income fell 17% year over year to $271.5 million, with an operating margin of 15.3%, down 230 basis points from the prior-year quarter [5]. - Selling and administrative expenses increased by 7.4% year over year to $258.7 million, driven by higher spending on network expansion and technology initiatives [5]. Net Income - Net income for the quarter was $192.4 million, down from $232.3 million in the prior-year quarter [6]. Balance Sheet - As of June 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $96.9 million, up from $53.2 million a year earlier [7]. - Net long-term debt decreased to $1.07 billion from $1.15 billion in the prior-year quarter [7]. - Goodwill remained relatively stable at $699.7 million compared to $699.9 million in the previous year [7]. Cash Flow - For the six months ended June 30, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $172.1 million, down from $376.8 million in the prior-year period [8]. 2024 Guidance - For 2024, Pool Corporation expects adjusted EPS to be in the range of $11.05 to $11.45 [9].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1.8 billion in the second quarter, a decrease of 5% from the prior year, although this reflects an improved trend compared to previous quarters [16][149] - Gross margin for the quarter finished at 30%, down 60 basis points from the prior year, with expectations for full-year gross margins to be approximately 30% [10][42][14] - Operating income was reported at $271.5 million, with an operating margin of 15.3%, down from 17.6% in the same period last year [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the building materials segment declined by 10% for the quarter, which is better than the overall new pool builds and remodel expectations [151] - Equipment sales remained flat for the quarter, with improvements noted in specific areas such as lights, pumps, heaters, and parts [151] - The chemicals segment saw a 1% increase in sales, driven by a 3% growth in volume, despite a 2% deflationary impact on price [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe experienced an 11% decline in sales, attributed to tough consumer sentiment and adverse weather conditions [11] - Sales to independent retail pool customers declined close to 6%, reflecting consumer selectivity in discretionary purchases [12] - The company expects around 15% to 20% lower levels of new pool construction compared to the prior year, impacting total sales by approximately 3% for the quarter [3][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its network to better serve both professional and do-it-yourself maintenance customers, enhancing customer experience through technology and service programs [15][39] - Strategic initiatives include investments in technology, expansion of the sales center network, and selective acquisitions to support long-term growth [48][39] - The company aims to leverage its digital ecosystem, particularly through the POOL360 platform, to enhance service and convenience for customers [9][139] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while discretionary spending remains under pressure, nondiscretionary demand is solid and in line with expectations [8] - The company is optimistic about future demand, citing increased inbound calls from consumers despite current hesitance to commit to purchases [148][60] - The outlook for the remainder of the year includes expectations for continued pricing pressure and lower new pool builds, with a collective sales impact estimated at 4% to 5% [46][107] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 9% to $1.20 per share, reflecting confidence in future earnings and strong cash flows [21][138] - The company has opened eight new sales centers this year and continues to enhance its customer-facing technology platform [18][34] - Cash flows from operating activities of $172 million year-to-date are on pace to meet or slightly exceed the target of approximately 100% of net income for the full year [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: How confident is the company in the reset guidance level for the remainder of the year? - Management expressed confidence in the guidance, noting that building material sales are performing better than market indicators suggest, despite a decline in new pool construction [58][65] Question: What is the impact of the recent closures on operating margins? - The $1 million impact from the closure of three sales centers will not recur, and the focus remains on improving supply chain efficiencies to enhance operating margins [63][75] Question: Are there any changes in competitive behavior following Home Depot's acquisition of Heritage? - Management indicated no significant changes in competitive dynamics, maintaining that the same competitors remain in the market [124][108] Question: What are the expectations for operating expense leverage in 2025? - Management anticipates a return to more normalized levels of operating expense leverage as sales growth resumes, although the timing remains uncertain [110][127] Question: What factors could improve gross margin in 2025? - Management highlighted ongoing efforts in strategic pricing, private label expansion, and supply chain improvements as key factors for potential gross margin enhancement [144][159]