The chart below shows how POOL performed 10 days before and after its earnings report, based on data from the past quarters. Typically, POOL sees a +1.01% change in stock price 10 days leading up to the earnings, and a +0.97% change 10 days following the report. On the earnings day itself, the stock moves by +0.41%. This data can give you a slight idea of what to expect for the next quarter's release.
Positive
Earnings Per Share Beat: Pool Corporation reported an EPS of $0.984, exceeding expectations of $0.89, indicating strong financial performance.
Revenue Performance Exceeds Guidance: The company achieved $5.3 billion in revenue for the full year, slightly above guidance, showcasing solid execution despite economic pressures.
Gross Margin Improvement: Gross margin improved to 29.4% in Q4, reflecting effective management of product mix and pricing strategies.
Consistent Operating Income Margin: Operating income for the full year was $617 million, maintaining an operating margin of 11.6%, consistent with previous years, demonstrating operational efficiency.
Sales Network Expansion: The company opened ten new sales centers and added two through acquisitions, expanding its distribution network and market presence.
Chemical Sales Growth: Chemical sales increased by 2% for the year and 8% in Q4, driven by strong private label sales and post-storm cleanup efforts in Florida.
B2B Application Adoption Growth: Orders through the B2B Pool 360 application increased by 12.5% in Q4, indicating growing adoption of their technological tools.
Franchisee Sales Surge: Pinch A Penny retail sales increased by 15% in Q4, reflecting strong performance in franchisee sales, particularly in Florida.
Debt Reduction Achievement: The company reduced total debt by $103 million, showcasing effective capital management and financial health.
Shareholder Value Commitment: Pool Corporation returned $483 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, highlighting a commitment to shareholder value.
Negative
Sales Decline Analysis: Sales for the full year decreased by 4% compared to 2023, indicating a decline in overall business performance.
Pool Construction Decline: New pool construction units are expected to decline by approximately 15% in 2024, reflecting a significant downturn in the construction market.
Gross Margin Decline: Gross margin finished the year at 29.7%, down from 30% in the prior year, primarily due to a weaker product mix and competitive pressures.
Decline in Operating Income: Operating income for the fourth quarter was $60.7 million, down from $79 million in the prior year, indicating reduced profitability.
Earnings Per Share Decline: Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter was $0.98, a decrease from $1.32 in the same quarter of 2023, reflecting lower earnings performance.
Rising Operating Expenses: Operating expenses increased by 7% over the previous year, indicating rising costs that could impact profitability.
European Sales Decline: Sales in Europe declined by 9% for the full year and 5% in the fourth quarter, showing weakness in international markets.
Sales Growth Outlook: The company anticipates flat to low single-digit sales growth for 2025, indicating a lack of strong recovery in the market.
High Interest Rate Impact: Interest rates are expected to remain high, which could negatively impact consumer spending and financing for new pool construction.
Inflation and Cost Pressures: The company expects continued inflation impacts and higher operating costs, which may pressure margins and profitability.
Pool Corporation (NASDAQ:POOL) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
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