poolq10810q.htm


 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008
 
or
 
¨     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission File Number: 0-26640

 
 
POOL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
 
36-3943363
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
     
109 Northpark Boulevard,
Covington, Louisiana
 
 
70433-5001
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
985-892-5521
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
    Large accelerated filer x                                                                                                                          Accelerated filer ¨

    Non-accelerated filer ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)                                          Smaller reporting company o 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES  ¨    NOx
 
At April 25, 2008, there were 47,809,711 outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock, $.001 par value per share.

 
 

 

POOL CORPORATION
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2008


INDEX
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
       
   
1
   
2
   
3
   
4
     
 
7
     
 
17
     
 
17
   
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
 
18
     
 
22
     
 
22
   
23
   
24


 
 

 

 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
POOL CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net sales
$
338,215
 
$
373,706
 
Cost of sales
 
242,861
   
270,221
 
Gross profit
 
95,354
   
103,485
 
Selling and administrative expenses
 
93,157
   
94,853
 
Operating income
 
2,197
   
8,632
 
Interest expense, net
 
5,024
   
4,519
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity losses
 
(2,827
)
 
4,113
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
(1,089
)
 
1,588
 
Equity losses in unconsolidated investments, net
 
(1,446
)
 
(1,171
)
Net income (loss)
$
(3,184
)
$
1,354
 
             
Earnings (loss) per share:
           
Basic
$
(0.07
)
$
0.03
 
Diluted
$
(0.07
)
$
0.03
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
           
Basic
 
47,538
   
50,201
 
Diluted
 
47,538
   
52,462
 
             
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.12
 
$
0.105
 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements

 
1

 

POOL CORPORATION
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share data)
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2007
 
                   
Assets
                 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,476
 
$
30,555
 
$
15,825
 
Receivables, net
 
42,266
   
51,104
   
45,257
 
Receivables pledged under receivables facility
 
163,921
   
179,930
   
95,860
 
Product inventories, net
 
476,758
   
413,161
   
379,663
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
10,241
   
9,383
   
8,265
 
Deferred income taxes
 
9,139
   
7,676
   
9,139
 
Total current assets
 
708,801
   
691,809
   
554,009
 
                   
Property and equipment, net
 
34,957
   
34,551
   
34,223
 
Goodwill
 
167,398
   
155,231
   
155,247
 
Other intangible assets, net
 
15,465
   
17,763
   
14,504
 
Equity interest investments
 
31,551
   
30,522
   
33,997
 
Other assets, net
 
24,774
   
17,753
   
22,874
 
Total assets 
$
982,946
 
$
947,629
 
$
814,854
 
                   
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
                 
Current liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable
$
333,104
 
$
325,448
 
$
194,178
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
30,704
   
24,515
   
37,216
 
Short-term financing
 
66,812
   
102,300
   
68,327
 
Current portion of other long-term liabilities
 
3,152
   
4,350
   
3,439
 
Total current liabilities
 
433,772
   
456,613
   
303,160
 
                   
Deferred income taxes
 
15,305
   
13,867
   
17,714
 
Long-term debt
 
326,298
   
253,222
   
279,525
 
Other long-term liabilities
 
6,221
   
5,639
   
5,664
 
Total liabilities
 
781,596
   
729,341
   
606,063
 
                   
Stockholders’ equity:
                 
Common stock, $.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares
                 
authorized; 47,785,466, 49,328,083 and 47,516,989
                 
shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008,
                 
March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2007, respectively
 
47
   
49
   
47
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
177,650
   
156,364
   
171,996
 
Retained earnings
 
18,863
   
57,261
   
29,044
 
Treasury stock
 
   
(886
)
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
4,790
   
5,500
   
7,704
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
201,350
   
218,288
   
208,791
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
982,946
 
$
947,629
 
$
814,854
 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
2

 
POOL CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
   
2008
     
2007
 
               
Operating activities
             
Net income (loss)
$
(3,184
)
 
$
1,354
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
             
Depreciation
 
2,387
     
2,184
 
Amortization
 
1,064
     
1,220
 
Share-based compensation
 
2,270
     
1,543
 
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
 
(1,540
)
   
(2,834
)
Equity losses in unconsolidated investments
 
2,446
     
1,987
 
Other
 
(2,612
)
   
(1,920
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
             
Receivables
 
(60,100
)
   
(76,398
)
Product inventories
 
(80,964
)
   
(80,453
)
Accounts payable
 
136,197
     
147,859
 
Other current assets and liabilities
 
(11,404
)
   
(7,849
)
Net cash used in operating activities
 
(15,440
)
   
(13,307
)
               
Investing activities
             
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 
(32,742
)
   
(842
)
Purchase of property and equipment, net of sale proceeds
 
(1,835
)
   
(3,073
)
Proceeds from sale of investment
 
     
75
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(34,577
)
   
(3,840
)
               
Financing activities
             
Proceeds from revolving line of credit
 
74,948
     
87,716
 
Payments on revolving line of credit
 
(27,425
)
   
(121,900
)
Proceeds from asset-backed financing
 
12,655
     
39,779
 
Payments on asset-backed financing
 
(14,170
)
   
(11,765
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
 
     
100,000
 
Payments on long-term debt and other long-term liabilities
 
(785
)
   
(773
)
Payments of capital lease obligations
 
(251
)
   
(257
)
Payments of deferred financing costs
 
(22
)
   
(377
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
 
1,540
     
2,834
 
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans
 
1,861
     
2,921
 
Payments of cash dividends
 
(5,734
)
   
(5,248
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 
(1,263
)
   
(61,788
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
41,354
     
31,142
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(686
)
   
(174
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
 
(9,349
)
   
13,821
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
15,825
     
16,734
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
6,476
   
$
30,555
 
 
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 
3

 
 
POOL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Pool Corporation (the Company, which may be referred to as POOL, we, us or our) prepared the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements following accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial information. As permitted under those rules, certain footnotes and other financial information required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  In management’s opinion, the financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are considered necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position and operating results including the elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions among our wholly owned subsidiaries.

A description of our significant accounting policies is included in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes in our Annual Report.  The results for the three month period ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the twelve months ending December 31, 2008.
 
In January 2008, we converted a $1.8 million gross trade accounts receivable balance to a note receivable and were assigned a separate $1.4 million note receivable upon the sale of one of our large retail customer’s business to a new owner.  We have reclassified the trade accounts receivable and the associated reserve to the other non-current assets line item on the balance sheet. We intend to use a cost recovery method of accounting for the assigned note receivable.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS  157). SFAS 157 addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition and disclosure purposes under generally accepted accounting principles. SFAS 157 requires the fair value of an asset or liability to be based on market-based measures that reflect our credit risk. SFAS 157 also expands disclosure requirements to include the methods and assumptions used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measures on earnings. We adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008 and we do not expect this pronouncement to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 161).  SFAS 161 is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures that will provide a better understanding of their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  The provisions of SFAS 161 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008.  We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of SFAS 161.
 
4

 
POOL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 2 – Earnings (Loss) Per Share

We calculate basic earnings (loss) per share (EPS) by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effects, if any, of stock option and restricted stock awards.

The table below presents the reconciliation of basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding and the related EPS calculation (in thousands, except EPS):

     
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
       
2008
   
2007
 
             
 Net income (loss)
$
(3,184
)
$
1,354
 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
           
 
Basic
 
47,538
   
50,201
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
           
   
Stock options
 
   
2,228
 
   
Restricted stock awards
 
   
32
 
   
Employee stock purchase plan
 
   
1
 
 
Diluted
 
47,538
   
52,462
 
               
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.07
)
$
0.03
 
               
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.07
)
$
0.03
 

The weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2007 exclude stock options to purchase 586,000 shares, which are considered anti-dilutive because they have exercise prices that are higher than the average market price of our common stock.

Since we reported a net loss for the first quarter of 2008, there is no difference between the basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period.  Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive, meaning that the loss per share would decrease.  For informational purposes, the amounts we have excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding are shown in the table below:

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
   
 
Basic
 
47,538
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
   
   
Stock options
 
762
   
Restricted stock awards
 
51
   
Employee stock purchase plan
 
2
 
Diluted
 
48,353

The weighted average diluted shares outstanding in this computation also exclude stock options to purchase 2,962,598 shares, which are considered anti-dilutive because they have exercise prices that are higher than the average market price of our common stock.
 
5

 
POOL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 3 – Acquisitions

In March 2008, we acquired National Pool Tile Group, Inc. (NPT), a leading wholesale distributor of pool tile and composite pool finishes serving professional contractors in the swimming pool refurbish and construction markets through 15 distribution sales centers.  As of March 31, 2008, we had consolidated four of the acquired sales centers into our existing sales centers.  We have included the results of operations for NPT in our Consolidated Financial Statements since the acquisition date.  The purchase price allocations for our acquisition of NPT have been completed on a preliminary basis, subject to adjustments in accordance with the purchase agreement and other adjustments should new or additional facts about the business become known.  We expect to finalize the allocations by the first quarter of 2009.  This acquisition did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Also in March 2008, we acquired Canswim Pools (Canswim), a manufacturer of in-ground swimming pools and a distributor of in-ground swimming pools and supplies with one sales center location in Ontario, Canada.  We have included the results of operations for Canswim in our Consolidated Financial Statements since the acquisition date.  The purchase price allocations for our acquisition of Canswim have been completed on a preliminary basis, subject to adjustments in accordance with the purchase agreement and other adjustments should new or additional facts about the business become known.  We expect to finalize the allocations by the first quarter of 2009.  This acquisition did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Note 4 – Debt

In March 2007, we renewed our accounts receivable securitization facility (the Receivables Facility), which provides a seasonal borrowing capacity of up to $150.0 million, through March 2008.  On March 21, 2008, we amended the Receivables Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) under the Receivables Facility to extend the termination date to May 21, 2008.  We expect to renew the Receivables Facility in May 2008 with comparable or similar terms to the Agreement.

Our unsecured syndicated senior credit facility includes a $60.0 million term loan (the Term Loan), which matures on December 20, 2010.  In December 2005, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on the Term Loan.  This swap agreement terminates on December 31, 2008 and we have designated this swap as a cash flow hedge.  In March 2008, we entered into a separate interest rate swap agreement to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates for the remaining outstanding period of the Term Loan.  This swap will be in effect as of December 31, 2008 when the original swap agreement terminates and will terminate when the Term Loan matures on December 20, 2010.
 
Note 5 – Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments and the unrealized gain or loss on interest rate swaps.  Comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is presented below:

     
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     
2008
 
2007
 
             
 Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(6,098
)
$
639
 
                 
 
 
6

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis included in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

OVERVIEW

Financial Results

While it is still relatively early in the 2008 season, we are encouraged by our results given the challenging market conditions in our industry. We improved gross margins despite the tough competitive pricing environment and realized further progress in managing expenses through cost control measures.  The new pool and irrigation construction markets are facing unprecedented conditions created by the combination of significant declines in the real estate and mortgage-backed financing markets.  As a result, our sales were negatively impacted with a more pronounced effect on our irrigation business and complementary product sales. 

Net sales for the seasonally slow first quarter decreased compared to the first quarter of 2007.  Base business sales declined approximately 11% (compared to 4% growth in the first quarter of 2007 over the first quarter of 2006) on soft demand for pool and irrigation construction products.  Complementary product sales continue to be negatively impacted by the decline in new pool construction and decreased 16% compared to the first quarter of 2007.  Unfavorable weather also had an adverse effect on our results for the quarter.   

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales (gross margin) improved 50 basis points to 28.2% in the first quarter of 2008 from the first quarter of 2007.  Improved pricing discipline and favorable product mix changes contributed to this increase, which was partially offset by the impact of competitive pricing pressures resulting from the current market environment. 

Selling and administrative expenses (operating expenses) decreased 2% compared to the first quarter of 2007.  This decrease is primarily attributable to the impact of cost control initiatives, which offset increased expenses related to sales centers opened and expanded during 2007 and higher freight costs. 

Operating income decreased to $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 while operating income as a percentage of net sales (operating margin) decreased to 0.6% from 2.3% in the first quarter of 2007.  Interest expense increased 11% during the quarter due to higher average debt levels, which were partially offset by a lower weighted average effective interest rate compared to the first quarter of 2007.  Loss per share for the first quarter of 2008 was $0.07 per diluted share on a net loss of $3.2 million, compared to earnings of $0.03 per diluted share in the same period in 2007.

Financial Position and Liquidity

Total net receivables decreased 11% to $206.2 million at March 31, 2008 from $231.0 million at March 31, 2007 due to the decrease in sales.  Our allowance for doubtful accounts balance was $9.4 million at March 31, 2008, an increase of $4.6 million over March 31, 2007.  We increased the allowance for doubtful accounts during the last nine months of 2007 to reflect slower payments from customers in markets that have been adversely impacted by the decline in new pool and irrigation construction.  The allowance for doubtful accounts has decreased approximately $0.5 million from December 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008, primarily due to write offs of certain large accounts that were fully reserved.  Days sales outstanding (DSO) increased between periods to 36.4 days at March 31, 2008 compared to 35.3 days at March 31, 2007.

Our inventory levels increased 15% to $476.8 million as of March 31, 2008 compared to $413.2 million as of March 31, 2007.  This increase reflects higher inventory levels attributable to the decline in first quarter sales and $17.1 million of acquired inventory, primarily related to National Pool Tile.  Our inventory turns, as calculated on a trailing twelve month basis, have decreased to 3.5 times as of March 31, 2008 compared to 3.9 times as of March 31, 2007.

7

 
Approximately 98% of the increase in our inventory levels compared to March 31, 2007 is attributable to our North American pool operations. Of this increase, approximately 97% is related to products in our fastest-turning inventory classes of stock keeping units (SKUs).  We believe that our fully stocked inventory levels provide a competitive advantage that helps us gain market share and realize gross margin improvements in a market where our competitors lack our working capital flexibility.  We will be working throughout the season to reduce our inventory to more normalized levels and expect to show progress in the second quarter on a comparative basis.

Total debt outstanding increased to $396.1 million at March 31, 2008 compared to $358.5 million at March 31, 2007.  This increase is attributable to increased borrowings to fund our 2007 share repurchase activities and our first quarter 2008 acquisitions.  Our current ratio increased to 1.6 as of March 31, 2008 compared to 1.5 as of March 31, 2007.

Current Trends

Current economic trends that have carried over from 2007 include a slowdown in the domestic housing market, with lower housing turnover, a sharp drop in new home construction, home value deflation in many markets, decreases in short-term interest rates and a tightening of consumer and commercial credit.  Some of the factors that help mitigate the impact of these trends on our business include the following: 

·  
the majority of our business is driven by the ongoing maintenance and repair of existing pools and landscaped areas, with less than 40% of our sales tied to new pool or irrigation construction;
·  
we estimate that only 10% to 20% of new pools are constructed along with new home construction;
·  
we have a low market share with the largest pool builders who we believe are more heavily tied to new home construction; and
·  
we believe our service-oriented model helps us gain market share.

Despite these mitigating factors, these negative trends have significantly impacted a number of our key markets, including Florida, Arizona and parts of California.  We believe these trends, along with unfavorable weather conditions, resulted in a decrease in new pool construction of approximately 50,000 units, or 25%, in 2007. This followed a decrease of approximately 10,000 units, or 5%, in 2006, representing the first back to back decrease in recent industry history.  Since these trends worsened throughout 2007 and into the first quarter of 2008, they had a more pronounced impact on our first quarter results compared to the same period in 2007. A further continuation or worsening of these trends may have an even greater impact on new pool construction and consumer spending on outdoor living spaces, which could negatively impact our sales and earnings.

Outlook

We remain focused on our 2008 objectives, which include:

·  
continuing to execute on our business strategies that we believe will provide long-term value to our customers, suppliers and shareholders; and
·  
exploiting business improvement opportunities available to us while maintaining tight control over our expenses. 

Based on our first quarter results and the current external environment, we project full year 2008 earnings per share will be in the range of $1.20 to $1.50 per diluted share. The assumptions that were used to develop our low end of the range include a decrease in net sales of 5% from the prior year combined with flat gross margins. The higher end of the range was based on net sales consistent with the prior year and achieving a 50 basis point improvement in gross margins. Both scenarios include the assumption that base business expenses will be flat with 2007 levels, excluding management incentives which will vary with performance.

We believe that our sales will continue to be pressured by adverse impacts on new pool and irrigation construction caused by the significant declines experienced in the real estate and mortgage-backed financing markets.  We expect sales comparisons relative to 2007 to be more favorable as the remainder of the year unfolds based on our weaker sales performance from June 2007 through the end of the 2007 pool season compared to the same periods in 2006.

8

 
We expect to generate sufficient cash flow and have adequate access to capital to both fund our business objectives and provide a direct return to our shareholders in the form of dividend payments.

The forward-looking statements in this outlook section are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including sensitivity of our business to weather conditions, our ability to maintain favorable relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, competition from other leisure product alternatives and mass merchants, changes in the economy and the housing market and other risks detailed in Part II - Item 1A “Risk Factors” and our “Cautionary Statement for Purpose of the ‘Safe Harbor’ Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995”.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

As of March 31, 2008, we conducted operations through 291 sales centers in North America and Europe.

The following table presents information derived from the Consolidated Statements of Income expressed as a percentage of net sales:
 
  
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2007
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Cost of sales
71.8
   
72.3
 
Gross profit
28.2
   
27.7
 
Selling and administrative expenses
27.5
   
25.4
 
Operating income
0.6
   
2.3
 
Interest expense, net
1.5
   
1.2
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity losses
(0.8
)
 
1.1
 

Note:    
Due to rounding, percentages may not add to operating income or income (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings.

Our discussion of consolidated operating results includes the operating results from acquisitions in 2008, 2007 and 2006.  We accounted for these acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting, and we have included the results of operations in our consolidated results since the respective acquisition dates.


 
9

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

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 Business
Excluded
Total
(In thousands)
 
Three Months
Three Months
Three Months
   
Ended
Ended
Ended
   
March 31,
March 31,
March 31,
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net sales
$
332,346
 
$
371,812
 
$
5,869
 
$
1,894
 
$
338,215
 
$
373,706
 
                                     
Gross profit
 
93,547
   
103,035
   
1,807
   
450
   
95,354
   
103,485
 
Gross margin
 
28.1
%
 
27.7
%
 
30.8
%
 
23.8
%
 
28.2
%
 
27.7
%
                                     
Selling and administrative expenses
 
90,873
   
93,671
   
2,284
   
1,182
   
93,157
   
94,853
 
Expenses as a % of net sales
 
27.3
%
 
25.2
%
 
38.9
%
 
62.4
%
 
27.5
%
 
25.4
%
                                     
Operating income (loss)
 
2,674
   
9,364
   
(477
)
 
(732
)
 
2,197
   
8,632
 
Operating income (loss) margin
 
0.8
%
 
2.5
%
 
(8.1
)%
 
(38.7
)%
 
0.6
%
 
2.3
%

We exclude the following sales centers from our base business results for a period of 15 months (parenthetical numbers for each category indicate the number of sales centers excluded as of March 31, 2008):

·  
acquired sales centers (13 -­ see table below);
·  
new sales centers opened in new markets (2);
·  
closed sales centers (3); and
·  
consolidated sales centers in cases where we do not expect to maintain the majority of the existing business (1).

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 and new market sales centers in the base business calculation including the comparative prior year period.

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

 
 
Acquired
 
 
Acquisition
Date
 
Net
Sales Centers Acquired
 
 
Period
Excluded
National Pool Tile (NPT) (1)
 
March 2008
 
11
 
March 2008
Canswim Pools
 
March 2008
 
1
 
March 2008
Tor-Lyn, Limited
 
February 2007
 
1
 
February – March 2007 and January – March 2008

The table below summarizes the changes in our sales centers during the quarter ended March 31, 2008:

December 31, 2007
281
  Acquired, net of consolidations (1)
 12
  Consolidated
  (1)
  Closed
  (1)
March 31, 2008
291

              (1)  We consolidated 4 of the 15 acquired NPT sales centers with existing sales centers at the end of March 2008.


 
10

 

Net Sales

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)
 
 2008
 
2007
   
Change
 
Net sales
 
$
338.2
 
$
373.7
 
$
(35.5
)
(9
)%

The decrease in net sales is primarily due to the impact of the prolonged domestic housing market downturn.  The demand for new pool and irrigation construction products continued to lag due to the significant declines in new pool construction permits.  This impact remains more concentrated in markets that had the greatest run-up in real estate values between 2000 and 2006, which includes a number of our larger markets in Florida, Arizona and parts of California.  Complementary product sales were negatively impacted by the decline in new pool construction and decreased 16% compared to the first quarter of 2007.  Unfavorable weather conditions also had a negative effect on sales during the quarter as extended winter conditions delayed the start of the pool season in the Midwest and Northeast. 

The overall decrease in net sales was partially offset by increases due to the following: 

·  
moderate sales growth for maintenance, repair and replacement products;
·  
moderate sales growth for our European operations;
·  
sales related to our acquisitions and new sales centers; and
·  
estimated average price increases of 1% to 3% that we passed through the supply chain.

Gross Profit

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)
 
 2008
 
2007
   
Change
 
Gross profit
 
$
95.4
 
$
103.5
 
$
(8.1
)
(8
)%
Gross margin
   
28.2
%
 
27.7
%
       

Despite the tough competitive pricing environment, gross margin increased 50 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2007.   This improvement is primarily attributable to our focus on pricing discipline at the sales center level and a favorable shift in product mix due to a decline in lower margin construction related sales.

Operating Expenses

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions)
 
 2008
 
2007
   
Change
 
Operating expenses
 
$
93.2
 
$
94.9
 
$
(1.7
)
(2
)%
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales
   
27.5
%
 
25.4
%
       

Compared to the first quarter of 2007, operating expenses decreased 2% as the impact of cost control initiatives offset higher costs related to the following:

·  
sales centers opened and expanded during 2007;
·  
additional expenses related to our first quarter acquisition of NPT;
·  
higher product delivery costs; and
·  
inflation in wages and other costs.

Our cost control initiatives include tighter management of discretionary costs, the consolidation or closing of seven sales centers since November 2007 and selective personnel reductions over the last nine months.  Based on our first quarter loss, operating expenses also reflect lower incentive expenses compared to the first quarter of 2007.  Total operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 27.5% in the first quarter of 2008 from 25.4% in the same period in 2007 due to the decrease in net sales.  

11

 
Interest Expense

Interest expense increased 11% between periods as our higher average debt outstanding balance more than offset the impact of a decrease in our weighted average effective interest rate for the period.  Average debt outstanding was 24% higher in the first quarter of 2008 due to increased borrowings that funded our 2007 share repurchase activities and our first quarter 2008 acquisitions.  The weighted average effective interest rate decreased to 5.2% in the first quarter of 2008 from 5.9% in the same period in 2007.

Income Taxes

The decrease in income taxes is due to the decrease in income (loss) before income taxes and equity losses.  Our effective income tax rate was 38.50% at March 31, 2008 and 38.61% at March 31, 2007. 

Net Income (Loss) and Earnings (Loss) Per Share

We had a net loss of $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to net income of $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2007.  This decrease includes a $0.3 million increase in net equity losses from our investment in LAC. 

Our net loss of $0.07 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2008 compared to earnings of $0.03 per diluted share in the same period in 2007.  Both periods include impact of approximately $0.02 per share related to higher interest expense due to borrowings for share repurchases. While the reduction in the weighted average share balances due to these share repurchases slightly offset the earnings per share impact of higher interest expense in the first quarter of 2007, there was no such benefit in the first quarter of 2008 since we had a loss.  We expect that our 2007 share repurchases will provide an accretive impact for the full year 2008.


 
12

 

Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations

Our business is highly seasonal.  In general, sales and operating income are highest during the second and third quarters, which represent the peak months of both swimming pool use and installation and landscape installations and maintenance.  Sales are substantially lower during the first and fourth quarters when we may incur net losses.

We typically experience a build-up of product inventories and accounts payable during the winter months in anticipation of the peak selling season.  Excluding borrowings to finance acquisitions and share repurchases, our peak borrowing usually occurs during the second quarter, primarily because extended payment terms offered by our suppliers typically are payable in April, May and June, while our peak accounts receivable collections typically occur in June, July and August.

The following table presents certain unaudited quarterly data for the first quarter of 2008, the four quarters of 2007 and the second, third and fourth quarters of 2006.  We have included income statement and balance sheet data for the most recent eight quarters to allow for a meaningful comparison of the seasonal fluctuations in these amounts.  In our opinion, this information reflects all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of this data.  Due to the seasonal nature of our industry, the results of any one or more quarters are not necessarily an accurate indication of results for an entire fiscal year or of continuing trends.

(Unaudited)
 
QUARTERS
 
(in thousands)
   
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
     
First
 
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
 
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
Statement of Income Data
                                   
Net sales
 
$
338,215
$
300,755
$
527,434
$
726,472
$
373,706
$
318,486
$
537,017
$
705,703
 
Gross profit
   
95,354
 
79,436
 
139,803
 
207,922
 
103,485
 
82,905
 
149,995
 
209,000
 
Operating income (loss)
   
2,197
 
(12,796
)
39,505
 
98,433
 
8,632
 
(4,070
)
53,092
 
103,338
 
Net income (loss)
   
(3,184
)
(11,589
)
21,835
 
57,794
 
1,354
 
(5,001
)
31,493
 
62,110
 
                                     
Balance Sheet Data
                                   
Total receivables, net
 
$
206,187
$
141,117
$
200,534
$
301,265
$
231,034
$
154,937
$
211,589
$
295,722
 
Product inventories, net
   
476,758
 
379,663
 
317,110
 
388,364
 
413,161
 
332,069
 
283,930
 
367,096
 
Accounts payable
   
333,104
 
194,178
 
127,889
 
229,691
 
325,448
 
177,544
 
111,349
 
207,727
 
Total debt
   
396,110
 
350,852
 
406,465
 
425,599
 
358,522
 
265,443
 
257,974
 
303,000
 

We expect that our quarterly results of operations will continue to fluctuate depending on the timing and amount of revenue contributed by new and acquired sales centers.  Based on our peak summer selling season, we generally open new sales centers and close or consolidate sales centers, when warranted, either in the first quarter before the peak selling season starts or in the fourth quarter after the peak selling season ends.

 
13

 

Weather is one of the principal external factors affecting our business.  The table below presents some of the possible effects resulting from various weather conditions.

Weather
 
Possible Effects
Hot and dry
Increased purchases of chemicals and supplies
   
for existing swimming pools
 
Increased purchases of above-ground pools and
   
irrigation products
 
 
 
Unseasonably cool weather or extraordinary amounts of rain
Fewer pool and landscape installations
 
Decreased purchases of chemicals and supplies
 
Decreased purchases of impulse items such as
 
 
above-ground pools and accessories
     
Unseasonably early warming trends in spring/late cooling trends in fall
A longer pool and landscape season, thus increasing our sales
(primarily in the northern half of the US)
   
 
 
 
Unseasonably late warming trends in spring/early cooling trends in fall
A shorter pool and landscape season, thus decreasing our sales
(primarily in the northern half of the US)
   

In the first quarter of 2008, our sales were negatively impacted by unfavorable weather conditions which included several late winter storms in the Midwest and Northeast and much cooler March temperatures across most of the country compared to 2007.  While the start of the 2007 pool season was delayed by extended winter conditions in the Northeast, near record snowfall throughout most of our northern markets delayed the start of the 2008 pool season even further. Our first quarter sales did benefit from more favorable weather in Texas and Oklahoma, which had been significantly impacted by ice storms in 2007.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity is defined as the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet short-term and long-term cash needs.  We assess our liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund our operating activities, taking into consideration the seasonal nature of our business.  Significant factors which could affect our liquidity include the following:

·  
cash flows generated from operating activities;
·  
the adequacy of available bank lines of credit;
·  
acquisitions;
·  
the timing and extent of share repurchases;
·  
capital expenditures;
·  
dividend payments; and
·  
the ability to attract long-term capital with satisfactory terms.
 
 
14

 

Our primary capital needs are seasonal working capital obligations and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, share repurchases and dividend payments.  Our primary sources of working capital are cash from operations supplemented by bank borrowings, which combined with seller financing have historically been sufficient to support our growth and finance our acquisitions.  We prioritize our use of cash based on investing in our business, returning money to our shareholders and maintaining a prudent debt structure.  Our specific priorities for the use of cash are as follows:

·  
maintenance and new sales center capital expenditures estimated at 0.5% to 0.75% of net sales;
·  
strategic acquisitions executed opportunistically;
·  
payment of cash dividends as and when declared by the Board of Directors;
·  
repurchase of common stock at Board-defined parameters; and
·  
repayment of debt.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The following table summarizes our cash flows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31,
   
 2008
 
2007
Operating activities
$
(15,440
)
$
(13,307
)
Investing activities
 
(34,577
)
 
(3,840
)
Financing activities
 
41,354
   
31,142
 

Cash flow used in operations decreased $2.1 million in the first three months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  This decrease is primarily due to the reduction in net income.  During the first three months of 2008, the increase in cash provided by financing activities reflects borrowings used to fund our NPT acquisition in March 2008.  While we had higher net borrowings in the first quarter of 2007, the majority of these borrowings were used to fund share repurchase activities.

Future Sources and Uses of Cash

As amended on December 20, 2007, our unsecured syndicated senior credit facility (the Credit Facility) provides for $300.0 million in borrowing capacity including a $240.0 million five-year revolving credit facility (the Revolver) and a $60.0 million term loan (the Term Loan). The Term Loan matures on December 20, 2010 and the Revolver matures on December 20, 2012.  The Credit Facility includes sublimits for the issuance of swingline loans and standby letters of credit.  Pursuant to an accordion feature, the aggregate maximum principal amount of the commitments under the Revolver may be increased from time to time, by up to $75.0 million, to a total of $315 million.

At March 31, 2008, there was $173.0 million outstanding and $64.3 million available for borrowing under the Revolver. The weighted average effective interest rate on the Revolver was approximately 4.9% for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

At March 31, 2008, there was $56.3 million outstanding under the Term Loan of which $3.0 million is classified as current. In December 2005, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The swap agreement converts our variable rate Term Loan to a fixed-rate basis until its termination on December 31, 2008. We have designated this swap as a cash flow hedge. The weighted average effective interest rate of the Term Loan was approximately 5.7% for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.  In March 2008, we entered into a separate interest rate swap agreement to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates for the remaining outstanding period of the Term Loan.  This swap will be in effect as of December 31, 2008 when the original swap agreement terminates and will terminate when the Term Loan matures on December 20, 2010.

15

 
In March 2007, we renewed our accounts receivable securitization facility (the Receivables Facility), which provides a seasonal borrowing capacity of up to $150.0 million, through March 2008.  On March 21, 2008, we amended the Receivables Purchase Agreement under the Receivables Facility to extend the termination date to May 21, 2008.  We expect to renew the Receivables Facility in May 2008 with comparable or similar terms, and we do not have any reason to believe that we will not be able to do so.

The Receivables Facility provides for the true sale of certain of our receivables as they are created to a wholly owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. This subsidiary grants an undivided security interest in the receivables to an unrelated commercial paper conduit. Because of the structure of the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary and our ability to control its activities, we include the transferred receivables and related debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We continue to employ this arrangement because it provides us with a lower cost form of financing. At March 31, 2008, there was $66.8 million outstanding under the Receivables Facility at a weighted average effective interest rate of 4.8%.

On February 12, 2007, we issued and sold $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Senior Notes (the Notes) in a private placement offering pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement. The Notes are due February 12, 2012 and accrue interest on the unpaid principal balance at a floating rate equal to a spread of 0.600% over the three-month LIBOR, as adjusted from time to time. We used the net proceeds from the placement to pay down borrowings under the Credit Facility. In February 2007, we also entered into an interest rate swap agreement to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on the Notes. The swap agreement converts the Notes’ variable interest rate to a fixed rate of 5.088% on the initial notional amount of $100.0 million, which will decrease to a notional amount of $50.0 million in 2010.

As of March 31, 2008, we were in compliance with all covenants and financial ratio requirements related to our Credit Facility, our Notes and our Receivables Facility. For additional information regarding our debt arrangements, see Note 5 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” included in Item 8 of our 2007 Form 10-K.

Our Board increased the authorization for the repurchase of shares of our common stock in the open market during 2007, including an increase to $100.0 million in August 2007.  As of April 25, 2008, $55.0 million of the authorized amount remained available. We intend to continue to repurchase shares on the open market from time to time, depending on market conditions. We may use cash flows from operations to fund these purchases, or we may incur additional debt.

We believe we have adequate availability of capital to fund present operations and anticipated growth, including expansion in existing and targeted market areas. We continually evaluate potential acquisitions and hold discussions with acquisition candidates. If suitable acquisition opportunities or working capital needs arise that would require additional financing, we believe that our financial position and earnings history provide a solid base for obtaining additional financing resources at competitive rates and terms. Additionally, we may issue common or preferred stock to raise funds.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures.  Management identifies critical accounting estimates as:

·  
those that require the use of assumptions about matters that are inherently and highly uncertain at the time the estimates are made; and
·  
those for which changes in the estimate or assumptions, or the use of different estimates and assumptions, could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.  For a description of our critical accounting estimates that require us to make the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.  We have not changed these policies from those previously disclosed.

 
16

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

There have been no material changes from what we reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Foreign Exchange Risk

There have been no material changes from what we reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Act).  The rules refer to the controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified.  As of March 31, 2008, management, including the CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that as of March 31, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

We maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting that is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Based on the most recent evaluation, we have concluded that no change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
 


 
17

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Our disclosure and analysis in this report contains forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our forward-looking statements express our current expectations or forecasts of possible future results or events, including projections of future performance, statements of management’s plans and objectives, future contracts, and forecasts of trends and other matters.  This includes statements under the heading “Overview – Outlook” in Part 1, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-Q.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this filing, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts and often use words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “believe,” “will likely result,” “outlook,” “project” and other words and expressions of similar meaning. No assurance can be given that the results in any forward-looking statements will be achieved and actual results could be affected by one or more factors, which could cause them to differ materially. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Risk Factors

Certain factors that may affect our business and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements include the following:

The demand for our swimming pool and related outdoor lifestyle products may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic conditions.

In economic downturns, the demand for swimming pool or leisure related products may decline as discretionary consumer spending, the growth rate of pool eligible households and swimming pool construction decline.  Although maintenance products and repair and replacement equipment that must be purchased by pool owners to maintain existing swimming pools account for more than 60% of our gross profits, the growth of this portion of our business depends on the expansion of the installed pool base and could also be adversely affected by decreases in construction activities similar to the trends in 2007 and the first quarter of 2008.  In addition, even in generally favorable economic conditions, severe and/or prolonged downturns in the housing market could have a material adverse impact on our financial performance.  Such downturns expose us to certain additional risks, including but not limited to the risk of customer closures or bankruptcies, which could shrink our potential customer base and inhibit our ability to collect on those customers’ receivables.

We are susceptible to adverse weather conditions.

Weather is one of the principal external factors affecting our business. For example, unseasonably late warming trends in the spring or early cooling trends in the fall can shorten the length of the pool season. Also, unseasonably cool weather or extraordinary rainfall during the peak season can decrease swimming pool use, installation and maintenance, as well as landscape installations and maintenance. These weather conditions adversely affect sales of our products. For a discussion regarding seasonality and weather, see Part 1, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations,” of this Form 10-Q.

Our distribution business is highly dependent on our ability to maintain favorable relationships with suppliers.

As a distribution company, maintaining favorable relationships with our suppliers is critical to the success of our business. We believe that we add considerable value to the swimming pool supply chain and landscape supply chain by purchasing products from a large number of manufacturers and distributing the products to a highly fragmented customer base on conditions that are more favorable than these customers could obtain on their own. We believe that we currently enjoy good relationships with our suppliers, who generally offer us competitive pricing, return policies and promotional allowances. However, our inability to maintain favorable relationships with our suppliers could have an adverse effect on our business.

18

 
Our largest suppliers are Pentair Corporation, Hayward Pool Products, Inc. and Zodiac Pool Care, Inc., which accounted for approximately 15%, 11% and 9%, respectively, of the costs of products we sold in 2007. A decision by several suppliers, acting in concert, to sell their products directly to retail customers and other end-users of their products, bypassing distribution companies like ours, would have an adverse effect on our business. Additionally, the loss of a single supplier could also adversely affect our business. We dedicate significant resources to promote the benefits and affordability of pool ownership, which we believe greatly benefits our swimming pool customers and suppliers.

We face intense competition both from within our industry and from other leisure product alternatives.

We face competition from both inside and outside of our industry. Within our industry, we compete against various regional and local distributors and, to a lesser extent, mass market retailers and large pool or landscape supply retailers. Outside of our industry, we compete with sellers of other leisure product alternatives, such as boats and motor homes, and with other companies who rely on discretionary homeowner expenditures, such as home remodelers. New competitors may emerge as there are low barriers to entry in our industry. Some geographic markets that we serve, particularly our largest, higher density markets in California, Florida, Texas and Arizona, representing approximately 54% of our net sales in 2007, also tend to be more competitive than others.

More aggressive competition by mass merchants and large pool or landscape supply retailers could adversely affect our sales.
 
Mass market retailers today carry a limited range of, and devote a limited amount of shelf space to, merchandise and products targeted to our industry. Historically, mass market retailers have generally expanded by adding new stores and product breadth, but their product offering of pool and landscape related products has remained relatively constant.  Should mass market retailers increase their focus on the pool or professional landscape industries, or increase the breadth of their pool and landscape related product offerings, they may become a more significant competitor for direct and end-use customers which could have an adverse impact on our business. We may face additional competitive pressures if large pool or landscape supply retailers look to expand their customer base to compete more directly within the distribution channel.

We depend on key personnel.

We consider our employees to be the foundation for our growth and success. As such, our future success depends in large part on our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, including our executive officers and key management personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain key personnel, our operating results could be adversely affected.

Specifically, our future success depends to an extent upon the continued service of Manuel Perez de la Mesa, our President and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of Mr. Perez de la Mesa in particular could have a material adverse effect on our business. Mr. Perez de la Mesa is not nearing retirement age, and we have no indication that he intends to retire in the near future. We do not currently maintain key man insurance on Mr. Perez de la Mesa.


 
19

 

Past growth may not be indicative of future growth.

We have experienced substantial sales growth through acquisitions and new sales center openings that have increased our size, scope and geographic distribution. During the past five fiscal years, we have opened 39 new sales centers and have completed 13 acquisitions. These acquisitions have added 76 sales centers, net of sales center closings and consolidations, and a centralized shipping location to our distribution networks. While we contemplate continued growth through acquisitions and internal expansion, no assurance can be made as to our ability to:

·  
penetrate new markets;
·  
identify appropriate acquisition candidates;
·  
complete acquisitions on satisfactory terms and successfully integrate acquired businesses;
·  
obtain financing;
·  
generate sufficient cash flows to support expansion plans and general operating activities;
·  
maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships; and
·  
identify and divest assets which do not continue to create value consistent with our objectives.

If we do not manage these potential difficulties successfully, our operating results could be adversely affected.

The growth of our business depends on effective marketing programs.

The growth of our business depends on the expansion of the installed pool base. Thus, an important part of our strategy is to promote the growth of the pool industry through our extensive advertising and promotional programs that attempt to raise consumer awareness regarding the benefits and affordability of pool ownership, the ease of pool maintenance and the many ways in which a pool may be enjoyed beyond swimming. These programs include media advertising, website development such as www.swimmingpool.com™ and public relations campaigns. We believe these programs benefit the entire supply chain from our suppliers to our customers.

We also promote the growth of our customers’ businesses through comprehensive support programs that offer promotional tools and marketing support to help generate increased sales for our customers. Our programs include such things as personalized websites, brochures, marketing campaigns and business development training. We also provide certain retail store customers with assistance in site selection, store layout and design and business management system implementation. Our inability to sufficiently develop effective advertising, marketing and promotional programs to succeed in a weakened economic environment and an increasingly competitive marketplace, in which we (and our entire supply chain) also compete with other luxury product alternatives, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our business is highly seasonal.

In 2007, approximately 65% of our net sales and over 100% of our operating income were generated in the second and third quarters of the year, which represent the peak months of swimming pool use, installation, remodeling and repair. Our sales are substantially lower during the first and fourth quarters of the year, when we may incur net losses.

The nature of our business subjects us to compliance with Environmental, Health, Transportation and Safety Regulations.

We are subject to regulation under federal, state and local environmental, health, transportation and safety requirements, which govern such things as packaging, labeling, handling, transportation, storage and sale of chemicals and fertilizers. For example, we sell algaecides and pest control products that are regulated as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and various state pesticide laws. These laws are primarily related to labeling, annual registration and licensing.

Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties or the imposition of injunctive relief. Moreover, compliance with such laws and regulations in the future could prove to be costly, and there can be no assurance that we will not incur such costs in material amounts. These laws and regulations have changed substantially and rapidly over the last 20 years and we anticipate that there will be continuing changes. The clear trend in environmental, health, transportation and safety regulation is to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that impact the environment, such as the use and handling of chemical substances. Increasingly, strict restrictions and limitations have resulted in higher operating costs for us and it is possible that the costs of compliance with such laws and regulations will continue to increase. We will attempt to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and we will plan accordingly to remain in compliance with changing regulations and to minimize the costs of such compliance.

20

 
We store chemicals, fertilizers and other combustible materials that involve fire, safety and casualty risks.

We store chemicals and fertilizers, including certain combustible, oxidizing compounds, at our sales centers. A fire, explosion or flood affecting one of our facilities could give rise to fire, safety and casualty losses and related liability claims. We maintain what we believe is prudent insurance protection. However, we cannot guarantee that our insurance coverage will be adequate to cover future claims that may arise or that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable. Successful claims for which we are not fully insured may adversely affect our working capital and profitability. In addition, changes in the insurance industry have generally led to higher insurance costs and decreased availability of coverage.

We conduct business internationally, which exposes us to additional risks.

Our international operations expose us to certain additional risks, including:

·  
difficulty in staffing international subsidiary operations;
·  
different political and regulatory conditions;
·  
currency fluctuations;
·  
adverse tax consequences; and
·  
dependence on other economies.

We source certain products we sell, including our private label products, from Asia and other international sources. There is a greater risk that we may not be able to access products in a timely and efficient manner, and we may also be subject to certain trade restrictions that prevent us from obtaining products. Fluctuations in other factors relating to international trade, such as tariffs, currency exchange rates, transportation costs and inflation are additional risks for our international operations.

A terrorist attack or the threat of a terrorist attack could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Discretionary spending on leisure product offerings such as ours is generally adversely affected during times of economic or political uncertainty. The potential for terrorist attacks, the national and international responses to terrorist attacks, and other acts of war or hostility could create these types of uncertainties and negatively impact our business for the short or long-term in ways that cannot presently be predicted.
 
 
 
 

 

 
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Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The table below summarizes the repurchases of our common stock in the first quarter of 2008:

               
Maximum approximate
           
Total number of shares
 
dollar value of shares
   
Total number of
 
Average price
 
purchased as part of
 
that may yet be
Period
 
shares purchased(1)
 
paid per share
 
publicly announced plan(2)
 
purchased under the plan(3)
January 1-31, 2008
 
763
 
$
20.20
 
 
$
54,968,410
February 1-29, 2008
 
63,527
 
$
19.64
 
 
$
54,968,410
March 1-31, 2008
 
 
$
 
 
$
54,968,410
Total
 
64,290
 
$
19.65
 
     


(1)  
Consists of shares of our common stock surrendered to us by employees in order to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations in connection with certain exercises of employee stock options and/or the exercise price of such options granted under our share based compensation plans.
(2)  
In July 2002, our Board authorized $50.0 million for the repurchase of shares of our common stock in the open market. In August 2004, November 2005 and August 2006, our Board increased the authorization for the repurchase of shares of our common stock in the open market to a total of $50.0 million from the amounts remaining at each of those dates. In November 2006 and August 2007, our Board increased the authorization for the repurchase of shares of our common stock in the open market to a total of $100.0 million from the amounts remaining at each of those dates.
(3)  
As of April 25, 2008, $55.0 million of the authorized amount remained available under our share repurchase program.

Item 6.  Exhibits
 
Exhibits filed as part of this report are listed in the Index to Exhibits appearing on page 24.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Signature Page
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on April 30, 2008.

   
POOL CORPORATION
     
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Mark W. Joslin
   
Mark W. Joslin
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and duly authorized signatory on behalf of the Registrant

 
 
 
 

 
 
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Index to Exhibits

 
           
Incorporated by Reference
 
No.
 
Description
 
Filed with this Form 10-Q
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Date Filed
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
     
10-Q
 
000-26640
 
08/09/2006
3.2
 
Restated Composite Bylaws of the Company.
     
10-Q
 
000-26640
 
08/09/2006
4.1
 
Form of certificate representing shares of common stock of the Company.
     
8-K
 
 
000-26640
 
05/19/2006
                     
 
Certification by Mark W. Joslin pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
X
           
 
Certification by Manuel J. Perez de la Mesa pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
X
           
 
Certification by Manuel J. Perez de la Mesa and Mark W. Joslin pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
X
           

 
 
 
 

 

 
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