Pool Corporation (NASDAQ:POOL), the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and related backyard products, delivered a solid start to 2026 with record first-quarter revenue.
The Covington, Louisiana-based company reported net sales of $1.1 billion, representing a 6% increase over the prior-year period.
Profitability metrics remained stable as the company navigated minor margin compression.
Operating income rose 7% to $82.6 million, while diluted earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.45.
On an adjusted basis, EPS stood at $1.43, slightly ahead of conservative analyst projections.
Gross margin saw a marginal decline of 20 basis points to 29%, primarily due to shifting product mix and the normalization of supply chain costs.
Meanwhile, the company’s balance sheet reflected a more aggressive posture toward inventory and capital return.
Total inventory rose 14% to $1.7 billion, a strategic move aimed at ensuring product availability ahead of the peak summer season.
Additionally, total debt increased by $222.6 million to $1.2 billion, a rise largely attributed to the funding of significant share repurchases during the quarter.
In light of the quarterly performance, Pool Corp confirmed its full-year 2026 earnings guidance.
The company expects diluted EPS to fall between $10.87 and $11.17, a range that includes a $0.02 year-to-date tax benefit.