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Pool Corporation (POOL)
:POOL

Pool (POOL) AI Stock Analysis

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PO

Pool

(NASDAQ:POOL)

Rating:68Neutral
Price Target:
$329.00
▲( 8.84% Upside)
Pool Corporation's stock score reflects a challenging financial environment with declining revenue and margins, offset by stable cash flow management and positive corporate actions like share repurchases and dividend increases. Technical indicators suggest limited momentum, and the valuation appears high, impacting the score.
Positive Factors
Cost Management
POOL did a good job keeping costs tight, with SG&A growing modestly.
Operational Initiatives
Pool sounded confident that initiatives like POOL360 and new branches would drive share gains.
Supply Chain and Pricing
Gross margin in the quarter was helped by initiatives such as supply chain and pricing.
Negative Factors
Competition and Pricing
Gross margin guidance was cut due to lower discretionary sales and increased pricing competition.
Earnings Performance
The company reported lower than expected earnings per share driven by weaker revenue.
Growth Outlook
There is a weaker growth outlook due to elevated competition, leading to a lowered price objective.

Pool (POOL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Pool Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPool Corporation distributes swimming pool supplies, equipment, and related leisure products in the United States and internationally. The company offers maintenance products, including chemicals, supplies, and pool accessories; repair and replacement parts for pool equipment, such as cleaners, filters, heaters, pumps, and lights; fiberglass pools, and hot tubs and packaged pool kits comprising walls, liners, braces, and coping for in-ground and above-ground pools; pool equipment and components for new pool construction and the remodeling of existing pools; and irrigation and related products consisting of irrigation system components, and professional lawn care equipment and supplies. It also provides building materials, such as concrete, plumbing and electrical components, functional and decorative pool surfaces, decking materials, tiles, hardscapes, and natural stones for pool installations and remodeling; and commercial products, including heaters, safety equipment, and commercial pumps and filters. In addition, the company offers other pool construction and recreational products comprising discretionary recreational and related outdoor living products, such as grills and components for outdoor kitchens. It serves swimming pool remodelers and builders; specialty retailers that sell swimming pool supplies; swimming pool repair and service businesses; irrigation construction and landscape maintenance contractors; and commercial customers that serve hotels, universities, and community recreational facilities. As of March 03, 2022, the company operated 410 sales centers in North America, Europe, and Australia. Pool Corporation was incorporated in 1993 and is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana.
How the Company Makes MoneyPool Corporation generates revenue through the distribution and sale of swimming pool and outdoor living products. The company sources products from a wide range of manufacturers and sells them to a diverse customer base, including pool builders, retail stores, and service companies. Its revenue streams are primarily driven by sales of non-discretionary pool maintenance products like chemicals and parts, as well as discretionary products such as pool equipment and outdoor living goods. The company benefits from strong supplier relationships and a vast distribution network, ensuring efficient delivery and availability of products. Additionally, Pool Corporation capitalizes on the consistent demand for pool maintenance supplies, as well as growth trends in outdoor living and swimming pool installations.

Pool Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Pool faces challenges in maintaining revenue growth and profitability, as evidenced by declining margins and net income. The balance sheet remains stable with moderate leverage, and cash flow management shows efficiency despite a reduction in free cash flow growth. The company needs to address revenue and profit pressures to improve its financial outlook.
Income Statement
65
Positive
The income statement reflects declining revenue and profit margins over recent periods. TTM data shows a decrease in total revenue, gross profit, EBIT, and net income compared to previous years. Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin have also decreased in TTM, indicating pressure on profitability. Revenue growth has been negative, highlighting a challenging market environment for Pool.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet shows a stable equity position, with a consistent Debt-to-Equity ratio, which indicates moderate leverage. The Equity Ratio remains healthy, although there has been a slight increase in total debt. Return on Equity has decreased in recent periods, reflecting the impact of declining net income on shareholder returns.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
The company has maintained positive operating cash flows, although there has been a decrease in free cash flow growth rate in the TTM period. The Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio remains strong, indicating efficient cash generation relative to net income. However, the Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio has declined, suggesting tighter cash flow management.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
5.26B5.31B5.54B6.18B5.30B3.94B
Gross Profit
1.55B1.58B1.66B1.93B1.62B1.13B
EBIT
586.02M617.20M747.12M1.03B832.78M464.03M
EBITDA
632.74M662.68M786.71M1.06B862.81M493.43M
Net Income Common Stockholders
408.99M434.32M523.23M748.46M650.62M366.74M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
66.54M77.86M66.54M45.59M24.32M34.13M
Total Assets
3.43B3.37B3.43B3.57B3.23B1.74B
Total Debt
1.36B1.27B1.36B1.66B1.43B623.84M
Net Debt
1.30B1.19B1.30B1.62B1.40B589.71M
Total Liabilities
2.12B2.09B2.12B2.33B2.16B1.10B
Stockholders Equity
1.31B1.27B1.31B1.24B1.07B639.47M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
485.24M599.71M828.13M441.24M275.83M375.88M
Operating Cash Flow
540.97M659.19M888.23M484.85M313.49M397.58M
Investing Cash Flow
-60.78M-66.17M-71.60M-50.87M-849.61M-146.29M
Financing Cash Flow
-473.00M-576.55M-798.13M-411.66M526.13M-244.37M

Pool Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price302.29
Price Trends
50DMA
308.88
Negative
100DMA
324.73
Negative
200DMA
341.06
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.37
Negative
RSI
46.48
Neutral
STOCH
19.36
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For POOL, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 302.29 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 304.40, below the 50-day MA of 308.88, and below the 200-day MA of 341.06, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of 0.37 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 46.48 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 19.36 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for POOL.

Pool Risk Analysis

Pool disclosed 23 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Pool reported the most risks in the “Macro & Political” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Pool Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
CNCNM
78
Outperform
$10.47B24.9426.10%11.03%-0.85%
AIAIT
72
Outperform
$8.49B22.3522.23%0.70%0.50%4.48%
WSWSO
70
Outperform
$18.51B35.0218.91%2.43%3.92%1.09%
68
Neutral
$11.36B28.3531.49%1.58%-3.56%-16.75%
64
Neutral
$4.39B11.815.20%249.38%3.96%-12.36%
64
Neutral
$5.19B45.907.64%4.73%-27.46%
£26.53B20.7229.63%1.89%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
POOL
Pool
302.29
-54.98
-15.39%
AIT
Applied Industrial Technologies
222.81
28.45
14.64%
WSO
Watsco
455.22
-23.55
-4.92%
SITE
SiteOne Landscape Supply
115.79
-38.53
-24.97%
GB:FERG
Ferguson PLC
13,110.00
-3,066.01
-18.95%
CNM
Core & Main
53.06
-7.09
-11.79%

Pool Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 24, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -1.87%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 17, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presents a mixed outlook. While there are positive signs such as improvements in maintenance product sales, growth in the Pool 360 platform, and network expansion, the company faces significant challenges with declines in overall sales, gross margins, and new pool construction activities. The Texas market and European sales also underperformed during the quarter. Despite these challenges, there is some optimism for recovery in the latter part of the year.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Maintenance Product Sales Performance
Maintenance product sales performed well during the quarter with chemicals showing volume and revenue growth, including double-digit growth in private label chemical products.
Commercial Business Sales Increase
Commercial business sales increased 7% in the first quarter, showing progress leveraging knowledge gained from recent acquisitions.
Pool 360 Growth
Orders processed through Pool 360 expanded to 13% of total sales for the first quarter of 2025, growing from 11% in the first quarter of last year.
Network Expansion
The wholesale distribution network expanded with two new locations in the first quarter, bringing the total to just shy of 450 locations.
Improved March Sales
Exiting the quarter with improved momentum, March sales finished up 2% over the prior year on a same-day basis.
Negative Updates
Sales and Revenue Decline
First quarter sales were down 4% versus last year, with a 2% decrease on the same selling day basis.
Gross Margin Decrease
Gross margins came in at 29.2% versus 30.2% in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a year-over-year decrease.
New Pool Construction Challenges
New pool construction sales faced challenges with softer permit data and a wait-and-see pattern due to economic uncertainty and high interest rates.
Texas Market Underperformance
Sales declined 11% in Texas due to challenging weather conditions and macroeconomic factors.
European Sales Decline
Net sales in Europe declined 4% in local currency and 6% in US dollars, affected by macro uncertainties and market conditions.
Company Guidance
During the Pool Corporation First Quarter 2025 Conference Call, guidance for the year was affirmed, with expectations for full-year earnings per share (EPS) ranging from $11.10 to $11.60, including a $0.10 ASU tax benefit. The guidance reflects anticipated price increases of about 2% for the year, driven by tariffs and vendor price hikes, with a significant impact expected in the second half. Gross margins are projected to remain flat, with operating expenses expected to rise by 3% year-over-year. The company anticipates low single-digit top-line growth, supported by a strong maintenance product segment, which comprises over 60% of sales, while new pool construction faces headwinds due to macroeconomic uncertainties and high interest rates. Overall, Pool Corporation remains confident in outperforming the market, leveraging strategic initiatives like private label growth, technology enhancements through Pool 360, and an expanded distribution network.

Pool Corporate Events

Shareholder MeetingsStock BuybackDividends
Pool Corporation Increases Share Repurchase and Dividend
Positive
Apr 30, 2025

On April 30, 2025, Pool Corporation held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders where nine directors were elected for a one-year term, and Ernst & Young LLP was ratified as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2025. The company also announced an increase in its share repurchase program to $600 million and a 4% rise in its quarterly cash dividend to $1.25 per share, reflecting the Board’s commitment to returning capital to shareholders. These strategic moves are expected to enhance Pool Corporation’s market position and shareholder value.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Pool Corporation Reports Q1 2025 Financial Results
Neutral
Apr 24, 2025

On April 24, 2025, Pool Corporation reported its first-quarter results, showing net sales of $1.1 billion, a 4% decrease from the previous year. Despite challenges such as weather impacts and inflationary pressures, the company confirmed its annual earnings guidance range, highlighting strategic initiatives like expanding its sales center network and enhancing its digital platform. These efforts aim to strengthen its market position and customer experience, although net income and earnings per share saw a decline compared to the previous year.

Dividends
Pool Corporation Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
Positive
Feb 26, 2025

On February 26, 2025, Pool Corporation announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.20 per share, payable on March 26, 2025, to shareholders of record as of March 12, 2025. This decision reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering shareholder value and may impact its financial performance and investor relations positively.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.