Pentair plc announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2026, reporting sales of $976 million. This figure represents a 4 percent decrease compared to the same period in the prior year. On a reported basis, the company expects full-year 2026 sales to be down approximately 3 percent.
For the quarter, the company reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $0.91, a 19 percent decrease from the $1.12 reported in the third quarter of 2025. On an adjusted basis, diluted EPS was $1.18, a 5 percent decrease from the prior year's $1.24. The company also reported adjusted operating income of $242 million and a return on sales (ROS) of 24.8 percent for the quarter.
The company updated its full-year 2026 GAAP EPS guidance to approximately $3.76 and reaffirmed its previous adjusted EPS midpoint of approximately $4.70. Additionally, the company provided fourth-quarter 2026 guidance, estimating GAAP EPS of approximately $1.07 and adjusted EPS of approximately $1.15, with sales expected to increase by 7 percent to 9 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2025.
Segment performance varied, with Flow sales increasing 4 percent year-over-year and Water Solutions sales increasing 1 percent. Conversely, Pool sales declined 18 percent in the quarter, attributed to the completion of inventory realignment with channel partners. The company also noted that its results included approximately $8 million of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) refunds during the quarter.
Pentair paid a regular cash dividend of $0.27 per share in the third quarter of 2026, marking the 50th consecutive year the company has increased its dividend. The company also provided an update on its acquisition of Taco Group Holdings, noting that the full-year guidance includes the right-sizing of channel inventory in preparation for the 2027 pool season.
