Pool Corporation reported financial results for the third quarter of 2026, confirming annual earnings guidance and detailing year-to-date performance metrics.
For the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, net sales increased 4% to $1.5 billion. The company noted the growth was primarily driven by a 3% increase in price, alongside solid maintenance growth and continued improvement in building materials. Gross profit increased 2% to $436.3 million, though gross margin decreased 60 basis points to 29.0% compared to the prior year. This margin decline was attributed to higher inbound freight costs, customer mix, and the comparison against prior-year benefits from mid-season price increases.
Operating income decreased 3% to $172.2 million, while net income decreased 3% to $123.0 million. Earnings per diluted share remained consistent with the prior year at $3.40. Adjusting for the impact of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, earnings per diluted share was $3.40 in Q3 2026 compared to $3.39 in the same period of 2025.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2026, net sales increased 4% to $4.5 billion. Adjusted operating income was $530.7 million, in line with the same period of 2025. Adjusted earnings per diluted share increased 4% to $10.21 from $9.86 in the first nine months of 2025.
Regarding the balance sheet, inventory decreased 3% at September 30, 2026, while total debt outstanding increased $104.9 million to $1.2 billion. The company confirmed its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance range of $10.87 to $11.17, which includes $0.02 of year-to-date ASU 2016-09 tax benefits. The company also increased its quarterly dividend by 4% to $1.30 per share.
