Pool Corp(US:POOL) ZACKSยท2025-02-21 14:25Core Viewpoint - Pool Corporation (POOL) reported fourth-quarter 2024 results with earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, although both metrics declined compared to the prior-year quarter [1][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 were 97 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 91 cents, down from $1.30 in the prior-year quarter [3]. - Quarterly net revenues reached $987.5 million, beating the consensus mark of $953 million, but reflecting a 1.6% decline year over year, primarily due to poor sales in pool construction and discretionary products [3]. - Operating income fell 23.6% year over year to $60.7 million, with an operating margin of 6.1%, down 180 basis points from the previous year [5]. Cost and Expenses - Cost of sales for the quarter was $697.2 million, a decrease from $709.3 million in the prior-year quarter [4]. - Selling and administrative expenses increased by 7.1% year over year to $229.6 million, driven by inflation, network expansion, and technology investments [6]. Balance Sheet - As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $77.9 million, up from $66.5 million a year earlier, while net long-term debt decreased to $900.9 million from $1.02 billion [7]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024, was $659.2 million, down from $888.2 million in the prior-year period [7]. Annual Highlights - For 2024, net sales totaled $5.31 billion, down from $5.54 billion in 2023, and operating income was $617.2 million compared to $746.6 million in 2023 [8]. - Adjusted EPS for 2024 was $11.07, a decrease from $13.18 in the previous year [8]. Future Guidance - For 2025, Pool Corporation expects adjusted EPS to be in the range of $11.08 to $11.58 [9].