Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q4 2025 were $389.2 million, a 2.2% decline from $397.9 million in Q4 2024, with the 53rd week contributing an estimated $18.3 million in net sales [26][27] - Same-store sales decreased by 6.8% in Q4 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with chemicals down approximately 7.1% and equipment down 7.6% [27] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 increased to $45.2 million from $43 million in Q4 2024, while the net loss for Q4 was $162.8 million compared to a net loss of $9.9 million in the prior year [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a net loss of over 160,000 residential customers in 2025, with a decline in residential traffic of 8.6% [6][30] - The company is focusing on improving the price-value equation on key items to regain lost customers and improve traffic performance [6][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive landscape saw aggressive pricing strategies from competitors, impacting the company's pricing and sales performance [58] - The company is adjusting its pricing strategy to ensure competitiveness, particularly in the chemicals category, which is a key focus area [50][51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is undergoing a transformation to achieve sustainable, profitable growth, focusing on cost optimization, cash management, and capital structure [4][24] - Key initiatives include closing 80-90 underperforming stores, optimizing inventory, and enhancing customer value propositions through targeted marketing [7][18][34] - The company aims to become America's one-stop shop for pool care by integrating services and improving customer relationships [12][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging macroeconomic environment and its impact on consumer spending, emphasizing the need for strategic pricing and operational efficiency [39][41] - The outlook for fiscal 2026 includes expected sales of $1.1 billion to $1.25 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $55 million to $75 million, with a focus on long-term value creation [40][41] Other Important Information - The company is committed to transparent communication and has engaged advisors to identify opportunities for enhancing profitability and optimizing operations [41][42] - A significant impairment charge of $184 million was recorded in Q4, primarily related to goodwill and store closures [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are supplier partners supporting the turnaround efforts? - Management confirmed strong support from vendor partners, which has been crucial for maintaining inventory levels and improving in-stock positions [46][47] Question: What is the expected free cash flow conversion for this year? - The midpoint of the EBITDA guidance assumes free cash flow positivity for the year, although specific guidance was not provided [48] Question: Where do you see the most opportunity in pricing? - The focus is on optimizing prices for key value items, particularly in the chemicals category, to remain competitive against other retailers [49][50] Question: What is the impact of store closures on revenue? - The closure of 80-90 underperforming stores is expected to impact annual sales by approximately $25-$35 million, but will improve net EBITDA by $4-$10 million [34][55] Question: How will the company regain lost customers? - The company plans to target lost customers with personalized marketing efforts, leveraging data from the Pool Perks Loyalty Program to efficiently allocate marketing spend [56] Question: What are the competitive dynamics observed in Q4? - Management noted high competitive pricing in the marketplace, which led to aggressive pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness [58] Question: What are the biggest learnings from the strategic pillar framework? - The strategic framework has unified the team around a common vision, with a focus on improving price value to regain market share [60][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $500 million in Q3 2025, down 12.2% compared to the prior year, primarily due to weather-related headwinds and reduced traffic [22][5][24] - Gross profit was $197.9 million, compared to $228.8 million in the prior year, with a gross margin decline of 62 basis points year over year [22] - SG&A expenses were $129.6 million, slightly down from $131.1 million in the previous year, primarily due to variable expenses associated with lower sales [22] - Inventory at the end of the quarter was $273.2 million, down approximately $29 million or 9.6% year over year [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Chemical sales, including both core and specialty chemicals, were down nearly 15% due to cooler temperatures affecting demand [8][22] - The Pro segment saw an increase in pro partner contracts by 12% compared to the prior year, indicating growth in this business line despite overall sales challenges [7][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The impact of cooler temperatures was most evident in non-Sunbelt markets, particularly in the North region, where sales were down approximately 30% during the peak season [10][9] - The company noted that aggressive pricing actions by competitors were observed late in the quarter, affecting residential sales and leading to a loss of market share [10][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four strategic pillars: customer centricity, convenience, asset utilization, and cost optimization, to drive transformation and long-term profitable growth [11][12] - Initiatives include launching same-day delivery services and enhancing the loyalty program to improve customer engagement and retention [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging operating environment due to macro pressures and unusual weather patterns but expressed confidence in the company's transformation efforts [4][26] - The company expects to reduce inventory by at least $20 million year over year, which is anticipated to improve cash flow and support debt reduction [24][20] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $42.7 million in cash and has no borrowings under its revolving credit facility, indicating a strong liquidity position [24][22] - The company plans to share more details on its strategic review and cost optimization efforts in the upcoming November earnings call [20][72] Q&A Session Summary Question: What happened when promotions picked up in Q3? - Management noted that aggressive pricing in the marketplace impacted their pricing strategy, and they are working on a strategic pricing approach moving forward [30][31] Question: What are the competitive pressures on the equipment side? - Equipment performance was down in the quarter, particularly in automatic pool cleaners, but not as severely as chemicals due to weather impacts [36][38] Question: What is the outlook for gross margin recovery? - Management indicated that fixed cost deleverage has impacted gross margin, but they are focused on cost optimization and asset utilization to improve margins over time [39][41] Question: Are there plans for store closures? - Management confirmed that there are no plans for store closures this year, focusing instead on optimizing costs and improving performance [66][72] Question: How is the company addressing market share loss? - Management emphasized efforts in the Pro segment and loyalty programs to retain customers, while also addressing challenges in the residential side [54][56] Question: What are the expectations for Q4 sales? - The company expects Q4 sales to decline at a similar rate to Q3 but anticipates improvements in traffic trends [57][86]