PoolCorp (POOL) Q2 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Net sales for Q2 2026 increased 2% year-over-year to $1.8 billion, driven by resilient maintenance demand, price realization, and improved building materials sales amid muted discretionary spending.

• CEO transition completed, incurring $8.3 million in costs, impacting reported results; new leadership emphasizes operational discipline and customer-centric investments.

• Adjusted operating income rose 1% to $275.9 million, while reported operating income fell 2% to $267.7 million.

• Adjusted diluted EPS increased 4% to $5.38; reported EPS was flat at $5.17.

• Strategic focus remains on sales excellence, pricing and supply chain discipline, operational execution, and disciplined M&A.

Financial highlights

• Q2 net sales reached $1.8 billion, up 2% year-over-year; gross profit increased 1% to $540.8 million; gross margin declined 30 bps to 29.7% due to higher freight and customer mix.

• Adjusted net income increased 1% to $195.7 million; reported net income was $188.1 million, down 3%.

• Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $294.7 million, up from $292.1 million in Q2 2025.

• Six-month net sales grew 4% to $3.0 billion; adjusted net income up 2% to $248.1 million.

• Inventory increased 4% year-over-year to $1.4 billion, reflecting inflation and new/acquired sales centers.

Outlook and guidance

• Full-year adjusted EPS guidance maintained at $10.87–$11.17; reported EPS range updated to $10.66–$10.96 due to CEO transition costs.

• Expecting low single-digit top-line growth for the year, with 2–3% from pricing; pricing benefit to moderate in H2.

• Full-year gross margin now expected to be 30 bps below prior year, reflecting higher freight and customer mix.

• Adjusted operating expenses projected to rise 2–3% for the year, with higher Q3 and lower Q4 growth.

• Interest expense forecasted at $49–$51 million; tax rate at ~25%.