Reaffirmed Full-Year Guidance
Company reaffirmed fiscal 2026 guidance: net sales $1.1B to $1.25B and adjusted EBITDA $55M to $75M.
Quick Execution of Store Optimization
Closed 80 underperforming locations (≈80% closures completed in <7 days), expected to generate annualized net EBITDA improvement of $4M to $10M once fully completed and reduce cost run-rate quickly.
SKU Rationalization and DC Optimization
Eliminated >2,000 SKUs entering 2026 pool season to focus assortment; expected incremental EBITDA savings of $4M to $5M. Transitioning to a 5-DC network with expected Illinois DC closure saving $0.5M to $1M annually; prior Denver DC closure saved ≈$0.5M.
Cost Savings and Expense Reduction Initiatives
Comprehensive expense program targeting renegotiations and non-core asset reviews expected to produce $7M to $12M of annualized savings (benefits starting H2 2026). Company expects combined initiatives to deliver a net EBITDA benefit of roughly $5M to $10M in fiscal 2026.
Early Seasonal Momentum and Pricing Tests
Positive comparable store sales in January; off-season price testing showed lift in units-per-transaction (UPT) and conversion improvement in pilot markets. Management moving to national 'new low prices, same great quality' EDLP-style campaign informed by tests.
Inventory and Working Capital Improvement
Inventory reduced to $210M at quarter end from $271M a year ago, a 23% YoY decline, driven by inventory optimization and store closures, improving inventory productivity and seasonal relevance.
Improved Operating Discipline and Organizational Changes
Restructured field organization to market leadership/ZIP-code ownership, invested in associate training and data-driven targeted marketing (Pool Perks loyalty captured >85% of transactions) to drive basket growth and customer reengagement.
Liquidity and Capital Position
Quarter-end liquidity: ~$128M availability (cash on hand + undrawn revolver). Outstanding LOC borrowings down to $25M from $40M prior-year quarter; CapEx low at $4.3M in Q1.
Omnichannel & Delivery Enhancements
Uber same-day delivery rolled out in Arizona and California with national rollout planned ahead of pool season; e-commerce fulfillment to be localized via DC optimization and BOPIS capabilities.