Pool Corp (NasdaqGS:POOL) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsGarik Shmois - Managing DirectorNone - Company RepresentativeJeff Hammond - Managing DirectorPeter Arvan - President and CEOMelanie Hart - SVP and CFOSteve Forbes - Managing DirectorDavid McGregor - PresidentScott Schneeberger - Managing directorSusan Maklari - Senior Equity ResearchConference Call ParticipantsSam Reid - Equity AnalystCollin Verron - Equity Research AnalystDavid Manthey - Senior Research Analyst ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1.5 billion for Q3 2025, reflecting a 1% year-over-year increase, with gross margin expanding by 50 basis points to 29.6% [3][19][20] - Diluted EPS increased by 4% to $3.40 from $3.27 in the same quarter last year [22] - Operating income improved by $2 million year-over-year, totaling $178 million for the quarter [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Maintenance product sales performed well, particularly in parts and private label chemical volumes, contributing to overall sales growth [6][9] - Building materials sales increased by 4%, driven by private label offerings and improved customer experience [9] - Equipment sales, excluding cleaners, also rose by 4%, primarily due to steady replacement volume for critical components [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Florida experienced 1% growth, while Texas remained flat, and California and Arizona each saw a 3% decline [7] - In Europe, net sales decreased by 1% in local currency but increased by 6% in U.S. dollars, with southern countries showing growth despite challenges in France [8] - Overall permit data was down mid-single digits year-over-year through August, indicating variability across regions [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company shared a strategic roadmap focused on innovation and growth, with an emphasis on enhancing customer experience through technology [4][15] - Continued investment in the POOL360 technology suite is a key differentiator, with adoption rates increasing and contributing to sales growth [12][39] - The company aims to leverage its competitive advantages through strategic investments in people, facilities, and technology [16][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that uncertainty around tariffs and elevated borrowing rates are impacting consumer sentiment and discretionary demand [4][5] - Despite challenges, new pool construction sales have outperformed industry permit data, indicating market share expansion [5] - The company expects full-year sales performance to be relatively flat to slightly up, with diluted EPS guidance confirmed at $10.81 to $11.31 [14][24] Other Important Information - The company completed one acquisition during the quarter, adding two locations, and opened one new greenfield, bringing the total to six sales centers year-to-date [13] - The company generated $286 million in cash flows from operations year-to-date, down from $487 million in the prior year due to higher tax payments and investments in working capital [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the early signs of stabilization in the market? - Management indicated that permit data is sporadic, but overall activity levels seem to have firmed up, supported by growth in building materials sales [31] Question: Can you elaborate on the investments in technology and expected trends? - Investments in technology are aimed at enhancing customer experience and productivity, with a focus on the POOL360 platform and other digital tools [33][39] Question: What are the implications of customer consolidation on margins? - Customer consolidation presents an opportunity for the company to leverage its technology suite to enhance efficiency and drive growth [43][44] Question: What is the outlook for chemical sales and pricing? - Management noted slight deflation in chemical prices, particularly in sanitizers, but overall chemical sales remain stable [50][51] Question: How does the company plan to manage SG&A expenses in the coming year? - The company expects SG&A growth to be in the range of 3% to 4%, reflecting investments in technology and new locations [74]

Pool Corp (NasdaqGS:POOL) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 11:00 AM ET Speaker0Good day and welcome to the Pool Corp Third Quarter twenty twenty five Conference Call. All participants will be in listen only mode. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Melanie Hart, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Please go ahead.Speaker1Welcome everyone to our third quarter twenty twenty five earnings conference call. During today's call, our discus ...

Core Insights - Pool Corporation demonstrated resilience in a challenging market, with a 1% year-over-year increase in net sales to approximately $1.8 billion, maintaining a gross margin of 30% and an operating margin of 15.3% [3] - The company's earnings power is supported by recurring maintenance products, which offset weaker discretionary spending in areas like new pool construction and renovations [2][3] - Berkshire Hathaway has significantly increased its stake in Pool Corporation, reflecting confidence in the company's long-term prospects [5][8] Financial Performance - In the second quarter, earnings per share rose 4% to $5.17, with management projecting full-year earnings per share between $10.80 and $11.30 [3] - The company has been actively managing expenses, which increased only 1% in the quarter, and has spent approximately $156 million on stock buybacks in the first half of the year [6][10] - Pool Corporation's stock trades at around $323, with a price-to-earnings multiple in the high-20s, which is considered reasonable for a quality distributor [9] Business Model and Market Position - Pool Corporation operates over 450 sales centers across North America, Europe, and Australia, serving approximately 125,000 professional customers, which provides a competitive advantage in a fragmented industry [4] - The company's focus on maintenance products creates a stable revenue base, while its digital tools and private-label offerings enhance customer relationships [10] - Despite market pressures from high interest rates and competition, Pool's business model is built on repeat demand, making it a potentially attractive investment [11]