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Research Alert: Pool: Q1 Beat On Maintenance Strength; Maintains Full-year Guidance

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CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

POOL posted Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.43, up 8.4%, beating the $1.37 consensus estimate. Revenue of $1,138.0M, up 6.2%, beat the $1,098M estimate due to momentum in maintenance products and gradual improvement in discretionary purchases. We believe guidance is achievable given easier year-over-year comparisons and stabilization signs in discretionary spending. POOL maintained full-year EPS guidance of $10.87-$11.17, with the midpoint in line with consensus and implying 3% EPS growth, the first growth since 2022. Gross margins declined 20bps to 29.0% due to seasonal mix headwinds, though operating leverage from slower SG&A growth maintained stable 7.3% operating margins. Inventory levels rose 14% to $1.7B, reflecting higher purchase levels, an important metric to monitor as elevated levels could signal either anticipated demand improvement or potential margin pressure. We view continued macroeconomic volatility and housing market weakness as key risks that could pressure discretionary purchases.

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