Pool Corporation Reports Third Quarter Results

Core Insights - Pool Corporation reported a 1% increase in net sales for Q3 2025, reaching $1.5 billion, driven by sustained customer demand for maintenance products and improved sales in building materials [3][10] - Gross profit grew by $12.8 million, with gross margin increasing by 50 basis points to 29.6% compared to the same period in 2024, benefiting from price increases and supply chain management [4][10] - The company confirmed its annual earnings guidance range of $10.81 to $11.31 per diluted share, including a year-to-date tax benefit from ASU 2016-09 of $0.11 [10][14] Financial Performance - Net income for Q3 2025 increased to $127.0 million from $125.7 million in Q3 2024 [6] - Earnings per diluted share rose by 4% to $3.40 in Q3 2025, compared to $3.27 in the same period of 2024 [7][10] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net sales remained flat at $4.3 billion compared to the same period in 2024, with a slight decrease in gross margin from 29.7% to 29.6% [8][9] Operating Expenses - Selling and administrative expenses increased by 5% compared to Q3 2024, attributed to higher employee-related costs and inflationary pressures [5] - Operating income for Q3 2025 increased by $1.6 million, maintaining an operating margin of 12.3% [5][10] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - As of September 30, 2025, total assets increased by 4% to $3.5 billion, with inventory rising by 4% to $1.2 billion [12][23] - Total debt outstanding increased by $138.2 million to $1.1 billion, primarily due to share repurchases [12] - Net cash provided by operations decreased to $285.7 million for the first nine months of 2025, down from $488.6 million in the same period of 2024 [13] Strategic Developments - The company opened four new locations in Q3 2025, enhancing its industry-leading position and customer experience through expanded private-label offerings [2] - Pool Corporation celebrated its 30th anniversary as a public company, highlighting its long-term strategic focus and commitment to customer value [2]