Pool Corporation Reports Record Second Quarter Results


Highlights

  • Net sales growth of 8% with base business net sales growth of 7% for Q2 2017
  • Q2 2017 diluted EPS increased 12% to $2.21, with year to date diluted EPS up 16% to a record $2.73
  • Affirms 2017 earnings guidance range of $4.12 - $4.32 per diluted share

COVINGTON, La., July 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pool Corporation (NASDAQ:POOL) today reported record results for the second quarter of 2017.

“Our second quarter results show solid sales and earnings growth, founded on strong execution.  Our continued focus on improving operational leverage enabled us to create real value for our customers and suppliers.  As we pass the halfway mark of 2017, we are pleased to affirm that we are on track to meet expectations,” said Manuel Perez de la Mesa, President and CEO.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2017 increased 8% to a record $988.2 million compared to $918.9 million in the second quarter of 2016.  We realized base business sales growth of 7% over the same period last year, with increases in swimming pool repair and remodel activities, including major pool refurbishment and replacement of key pool equipment.

Gross profit for the second quarter of 2017 increased 7% to a record $289.7 million from $270.7 million in the same period of 2016.  Base business gross profit improved 6% over the second quarter of last year.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales (gross margin) was 29.3% for the second quarter of 2017 compared to 29.5% for the second quarter of 2016.  Gross margin decreased approximately 15 basis points from the second quarter of 2016, which comes on top of a 30 basis point increase in the first quarter of 2017.

Selling and administrative expenses (operating expenses) increased approximately 6% to $135.5 million in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016, with base business operating expenses up 5% over the comparable 2016 period. The increase in operating expenses is in line with the increase in sales growth, which resulted in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales of 14% for both the second quarter of 2017 and 2016.  The increase includes seasonally higher growth-driven labor and freight expenses, as well as higher employee-related insurance costs. 

Operating income for the second quarter increased 8% to a record $154.2 million compared to the same period in 2016.  Operating income as a percentage of net sales (operating margin) was 15.6% for the second quarter of 2017 compared to 15.5% for the second quarter of 2016. 

During the first quarter of 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, on a prospective basis.  This adoption resulted in a tax benefit recorded in our provision for income taxes, which positively impacted our net income and earnings per share.  The net income impact on our earnings per share was offset by an increase of approximately 550,000 diluted weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate our earnings per diluted share.  Net income attributable to Pool Corporation, including the tax benefit of $1.9 million from the impact of adopting ASU 2016-09, was $94.9 million in the second quarter of 2017 compared to $85.4 million for the second quarter of 2016.  Earnings per share, including a favorable $0.02 per diluted share impact from the adoption of this accounting pronouncement, increased 12% to a record $2.21 per diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2017 versus $1.98 per diluted share for the same period in 2016.

Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2017 increased 7% to a record $1,534.6 million from $1,434.1 million in the comparable 2016 period, with much of this growth coming from the 6% improvement in base business sales.  Gross margin remained flat compared to the same period last year and was 28.9% in both the first half of 2017 and 2016.

Operating expenses increased 7% compared to the first half of 2016, with base business operating expenses up 6%.  Operating income for the first six months of 2017 increased 8% to $185.2 million compared to $172.0 million in the same period last year.

Earnings per share for the first six months of 2017, including a favorable $0.14 per diluted share impact from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 as discussed above, increased 16% to a record $2.73 per diluted share versus $2.35 per diluted share for the first six months of 2016.  Net income attributable to Pool Corporation for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $117.2 million, including the tax benefit of $7.4 million from the impact the new accounting guidance, compared to Net income attributable to Pool Corporation of $101.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.

On the balance sheet at June 30, 2017, total net receivables, including pledged receivables, increased 5% while inventory levels grew 10% compared to June 30, 2016.  Total debt outstanding at June 30, 2017 was $553.5 million, a $52.9 million increase from total debt at June 30, 2016.

Cash used in operations was $41.3 million for the first six months of 2017 compared to $13.8 million for the first six months of 2016.  In addition to reflecting growth-related increases in inventories and receivables, the increase in cash used in operations includes the normal scheduled payment of our second quarter 2017 estimated taxes, whereas our second quarter 2016 estimated tax payments were deferred as allowed for areas affected by severe storms and flooding in Louisiana.  Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the addendum to this release) was $163.8 million and $150.3 million for the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $203.6 million and $186.9 million for the first six months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

“We are pleased with our results for the first half of the year, and we affirm our previously communicated earnings guidance range of $4.12 to $4.32 per diluted share.  Our season is in full swing, and we are just hitting our stride.  Our team continues to exemplify the energy and passion for providing the best quality service, which is what truly differentiates us during the busiest times of the year and is a key factor to our continued success,” said Perez de la Mesa.

POOLCORP is the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related backyard products.  As of June 30, 2017, POOLCORP operated 345 sales centers in North America, Europe, South America and Australia, through which it distributes more than 160,000 national brand and private label products to roughly 100,000 wholesale customers.  For more information, please visit www.poolcorp.com.

This news release includes “forward-looking” statements that involve risk and uncertainties that are generally identifiable through the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “should”  and similar expressions and include projections of earnings.  The forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur.  Actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, including the sensitivity of our business to weather conditions, changes in the economy and the housing market, our ability to maintain favorable relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, competition from other leisure product alternatives and mass merchants and other risks detailed in POOLCORP’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


POOL CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
    
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net sales$988,163  $918,889  $1,534,603  $1,434,139 
Cost of sales698,499  648,153  1,091,318  1,020,380 
Gross profit289,664  270,736  443,285  413,759 
Percent29.3% 29.5% 28.9% 28.9%
        
Selling and administrative expenses135,478  128,316  258,101  241,809 
Operating income154,186  142,420  185,184  171,950 
Percent15.6% 15.5% 12.1% 12.0%
        
Interest and other non-operating expenses, net3,952  4,001  7,599  6,965 
Income before income taxes and equity earnings150,234  138,419  177,585  164,985 
Provision for income taxes (1)55,654  53,209  60,772  63,437 
Equity earnings in unconsolidated investments, net40  37  78  62 
Net income94,620  85,247  116,891  101,610 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest283  188  294  196 
Net income attributable to Pool Corporation$94,903  $85,435  $117,185  $101,806 
        
Earnings per share:       
Basic$2.30  $2.03  $2.84  $2.42 
Diluted$2.21  $1.98  $2.73  $2.35 
Weighted average shares outstanding:       
Basic41,349  42,030  41,271  42,128 
Diluted42,985  43,152  42,937  43,230 
        
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.37  $0.31  $0.68  $0.57 

(1)  Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09, we were required to recognize all excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to share-based compensation as a component of our income tax provision on our Consolidated Statements of Income, rather than a component of stockholders’ equity on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017 on a prospective basis, and as such, our prior year presentation has not changed.


POOL CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
  June 30,
 June 30,
 Change 
   2017  2016  $ % 
             
Assets           
Current assets:           
 Cash and cash equivalents$26,666  $30,551  $(3,885) (13)%
 Receivables, net (1) 112,802   119,113   (6,311) (5) 
 Receivables pledged under receivables facility 257,483   231,899   25,584  11  
 Product inventories, net (2) 542,805   493,254   49,551  10  
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 15,514   13,044   2,470  19  
 Deferred income taxes (3)    5,533   (5,533) (100) 
Total current assets 955,270   893,394   61,876  7  
             
Property and equipment, net 106,787   85,387   21,400  25  
Goodwill 186,124   186,092   32    
Other intangible assets, net 13,430   14,058   (628) (4) 
Equity interest investments 1,158   1,119   39  3  
Other assets (3) 16,367   15,613   754  5  
Total assets$1,279,136  $1,195,663  $83,473  7 %
             
Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest
and stockholders’ equity
           
Current liabilities:           
 Accounts payable$273,309  $265,349  $7,960  3 %
 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (3) 98,225   114,993   (16,768) (15) 
 Short-term borrowings and current portion of
long-term debt and other long-term liabilities
 14,901   6,823   8,078  118  
Total current liabilities 386,435   387,165   (730)   
             
Deferred income taxes (3) 28,445   28,239   206  1  
Long-term debt, net 538,579   493,783   44,796  9  
Other long-term liabilities 22,418   17,875   4,543  25  
Total liabilities 975,877   927,062   48,815  5  
Redeemable noncontrolling interest    2,511   (2,511) (100) 
Total stockholders’ equity 303,259   266,090   37,169  14  
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling
interest and stockholders’ equity
$1,279,136  $1,195,663  $83,473  7 %

(1)  The allowance for doubtful accounts was $3.6 million at June 30, 2017 and $3.3 million at June 30, 2016.
(2)  The inventory reserve was $8.1 million at June 30, 2017 and $8.6 million at June 30, 2016.
(3)  Upon adoption of ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, we were required to reclassify all of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We adopted this guidance on a prospective basis, and as such, our prior year balances or classifications have not changed.


POOL CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
  Six Months Ended    
  June 30,    
 2017
 2016
 Change
 
Operating activities         
Net income$116,891  $101,610  $15,281  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities:         
 Depreciation 11,617   9,743   1,874  
 Amortization 743   735   8  
 Share-based compensation 6,299   4,850   1,449  
 Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation (1)    (3,203)  3,203  
 Equity earnings in unconsolidated investments, net (78)  (62)  (16) 
 Other 2,122   2,270   (148) 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:         
 Receivables (199,055)  (187,526)  (11,529) 
 Product inventories (53,546)  (14,481)  (39,065) 
 Prepaid expenses and other assets (2,389)  (1,729)  (660) 
 Accounts payable 38,673   15,041   23,632  
 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 37,378   58,995   (21,617) 
Net cash used in operating activities (41,345)  (13,757)  (27,588) 
          
Investing activities         
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (3,296)  (19,211)  15,915  
Purchases of property and equipment, net of sale proceeds (34,495)  (25,779)  (8,716) 
Payments to fund credit agreement    (2,232)  2,232  
Collections from credit agreement    2,475   (2,475) 
Other investments, net 3   17   (14) 
Net cash used in investing activities (37,788)  (44,730)  6,942  
          
Financing activities         
Proceeds from revolving line of credit 606,623   629,351   (22,728) 
Payments on revolving line of credit (641,752)  (604,470)  (37,282) 
Proceeds from asset-backed financing 156,600   145,000   11,600  
Payments on asset-backed financing (20,100)  (2,800)  (17,300) 
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, long-term debt and other long-term liabilities 22,609   12,110   10,499  
Payments on short-term borrowings, long-term debt and other long-term liabilities (8,813)  (6,987)  (1,826) 
Payments of deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (199)     (199) 
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest (2,573)     (2,573) 
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation (1)    3,203   (3,203) 
Proceeds from stock issued under share-based compensation plans 7,502   5,699   1,803  
Payments of cash dividends (28,108)  (23,957)  (4,151) 
Purchases of treasury stock (8,672)  (80,478)  71,806  
Net cash provided by financing activities 83,117   76,671   6,446  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 726   (870)  1,596  
Change in cash and cash equivalents 4,710   17,314   (12,604) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 21,956   13,237   8,719  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$26,666  $30,551  $(3,885) 

(1)  Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09, the excess tax benefit from share-based compensation is no longer reclassified out of operating income tax cash flows, and no longer reported as a financing activity.  We adopted this guidance on a prospective basis, and as such, our prior year presentation has not changed.

ADDENDUM

Base Business

The following table breaks out our consolidated results into the base business component and the excluded component (sales centers excluded from base business):

(Unaudited)Base BusinessExcludedTotal
(in thousands)Three Months EndedThree Months EndedThree Months Ended
 June 30,June 30,June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net sales$973,861  $909,899  $14,302  $8,990  $988,163  $918,889 
            
Gross profit285,267  267,859  4,397  2,877  289,664  270,736 
Gross margin29.3% 29.4% 30.7% 32.0% 29.3% 29.5%
            
Operating expenses132,432  126,467  3,046  1,849  135,478  128,316 
Expenses as a % of net sales13.6% 13.9% 21.3% 20.6% 13.7% 14.0%
            
Operating income152,835  141,392  1,351  1,028  154,186  142,420 
Operating margin15.7% 15.5% 9.4% 11.4% 15.6% 15.5%


(Unaudited)Base BusinessExcludedTotal
(in thousands)Six Months EndedSix Months EndedSix Months Ended
 June 30,June 30,June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net sales$1,512,146  $1,424,005  $22,457  $10,134  $1,534,603  $1,434,139 
            
Gross profit436,361  410,642  6,924  3,117  443,285  413,759 
Gross margin28.9% 28.8% 30.8% 30.8% 28.9% 28.9%
            
Operating expenses253,123  239,525  4,978  2,284  258,101  241,809 
Expenses as a % of net sales16.7% 16.8% 22.2% 22.5% 16.8% 16.9%
            
Operating income183,238  171,117  1,946  833  185,184  171,950 
Operating margin12.1% 12.0% 8.7% 8.2% 12.1% 12.0%


We have excluded the following acquisitions from base business for the periods identified:


Acquired (1)
 Acquisition
Date
 Net
Sales Centers
Acquired
 Periods
Excluded
Lincoln Aquatics April 2017 2 May - June 2017
Metro Irrigation Supply Company Ltd. April 2016 8 January - June 2017 and
April - June 2016
The Melton Corporation November 2015 2 January 2017 and January 2016
Seaboard Industries, Inc. October 2015 3 January 2017 and January 2016

(1)  We acquired certain distribution assets of each of these companies.

When calculating our base business results, we exclude sales centers that are acquired, closed or opened in new markets for a period of 15 months.  We also exclude consolidated sales centers when we do not expect to maintain the majority of the existing business and existing sales centers that are consolidated with acquired sales centers.

We generally allocate corporate overhead expenses to excluded sales centers on the basis of their net sales as a percentage of total net sales.  After 15 months of operations, we include acquired, consolidated and new market sales centers in the base business calculation including the comparative prior year period.

The table below summarizes the changes in our sales center count in the first six months of 2017.

December 31, 2016344  
Acquired locations    2  
New location1  
Closed locations(2) 
June 30, 2017345  

Adjusted EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or net loss plus interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation, goodwill and other non-cash impairments and equity earnings or loss in unconsolidated investments.  Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of cash flow or liquidity as determined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  We have included Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental disclosure because we believe that it is widely used by our investors, industry analysts and others as a useful supplemental liquidity measure in conjunction with cash flows provided by or used in operating activities to help investors understand our ability to provide cash flows to fund growth, service debt and pay dividends as well as compare our cash flow generating capacity from year to year.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income or loss, net income or loss, cash flows provided by or used in operating, investing and financing activities or other income statement or cash flow statement line items reported in accordance with GAAP.  Other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, which may limit its usefulness as a comparative measure.

The table below presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.

(Unaudited) Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
(In thousands) June 30,  June 30, 
   2017  2016  2017  2016 
Net income$94,620  $85,247  $116,891  $101,610  
 Add:            
 Interest and other non-operating expenses (1) 3,952   4,001   7,599   6,965  
 Provision for income taxes 55,654   53,209   60,772   63,437  
 Share-based compensation 3,296   2,570   6,299   4,850  
 Equity earnings in unconsolidated investments (40)  (37)  (78)  (62) 
 Depreciation 6,060   5,007   11,617   9,743  
 Amortization (2) 242   262   471   378  
Adjusted EBITDA$163,784  $150,259  $203,571  $186,921  

(1)  Shown net of interest income and includes amortization of deferred financing costs as discussed below.
(2)  Excludes amortization of deferred financing costs of $136 and $134 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively and $272 and $357 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

The table below presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities.  Please see page 5 for our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

(Unaudited) Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
(In thousands) June 30,  June 30, 
   2017  2016  2017  2016 
Adjusted EBITDA$163,784  $150,259  $203,571  $186,921  
 Add:            
 Interest and other non-operating expenses, net of interest income (3,816)  (3,867)  (7,327)  (6,608) 
 Provision for income taxes (55,654)  (53,209)  (60,772)  (63,437) 
 Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation    (423)     (3,203) 
 Other 275   (64)  2,122   2,270  
 Change in operating assets and liabilities (113,510)  (66,700)  (178,939)  (129,700) 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(8,921) $25,996  $(41,345) $(13,757) 

            

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