# Pool Corp: Form 10-Q for the period ended Sep 30, 2013

- Company: [Pool Corp](/companies/pool.md) (CIK 945841)
- Form: 10-Q
- Filed: 2013-10-31
- Accepted by EDGAR: Oct 31, 2013, 17:13 ET
- Period: 2013-09-30
- Accession: 0000945841-13-000119
- Inline XBRL: yes
- Main document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/945841/000094584113000119/pool-2013930x10q.htm
- All documents and exhibits: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/945841/000094584113000119/

## Figures reported in this filing

Standardized XBRL line items for the period ended 2013-09-30.

| Line item | Period | Value | XBRL concept |
| --- | --- | ---: | --- |
| Revenue | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | $578.2m | us-gaap:SalesRevenueNet |
| Revenue | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $1.74bn | us-gaap:SalesRevenueNet |
| Cost of revenue | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | $415.6m | us-gaap:CostOfRevenue |
| Cost of revenue | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $1.24bn | us-gaap:CostOfRevenue |
| Gross profit | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | $162.6m | us-gaap:GrossProfit |
| Gross profit | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $495.5m | us-gaap:GrossProfit |
| Selling, general and administrative | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | $109.2m | us-gaap:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense |
| Selling, general and administrative | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $323.2m | us-gaap:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense |
| Operating income | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | $53.4m | us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss |
| Operating income | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $172.3m | us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss |
| Income tax | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | $19.5m | us-gaap:IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit |
| Income tax | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $64.8m | us-gaap:IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit |
| Net income | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | $32.3m | us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss |
| Net income | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $102.3m | us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss |
| Diluted EPS | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | $0.68 | us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted |
| Diluted EPS | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $2.14 | us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted |
| Basic EPS | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | $0.70 | us-gaap:EarningsPerShareBasic |
| Basic EPS | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $2.20 | us-gaap:EarningsPerShareBasic |
| Diluted shares (weighted) | 3 months, 2013-07-01 to 2013-09-30 | 47,598,000 shares | us-gaap:WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding |
| Diluted shares (weighted) | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | 47,720,000 shares | us-gaap:WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding |
| Operating cash flow | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $53.8m | us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities |
| Capital expenditure | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $14.4m | us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment |
| Dividends paid | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $25.1m | us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividends |
| Share repurchases | 9 months, 2013-01-01 to 2013-09-30 | $53.0m | us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock |
| Cash and equivalents | at 2013-09-30 | $24.2m | us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue |
| Current assets | at 2013-09-30 | $583.9m | us-gaap:AssetsCurrent |
| Total assets | at 2013-09-30 | $826.9m | us-gaap:Assets |
| Current liabilities | at 2013-09-30 | $207.5m | us-gaap:LiabilitiesCurrent |
| Total liabilities | at 2013-09-30 | $491.0m | us-gaap:Liabilities |
| Long-term debt | at 2013-09-30 | $260.4m | us-gaap:LongTermDebtNoncurrent |
| Shareholders' equity | at 2013-09-30 | $335.8m | us-gaap:StockholdersEquity |

## Management's discussion and analysis

As filed, 44,047 characters.

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis included in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

For a discussion of our base business calculations, see the RESULTS OF OPERATIONS section below.

In our discussion of results of operations below, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS for all periods exclude the Goodwill impairment line item on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We have provided these adjusted amounts because we believe they help investors assess our year-over-year operating performance.

### 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. 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,” “should” 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 may differ materially due to one or more 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 our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

### OVERVIEW

### Financial Results

As the 2013 season came to a close, we realized solid sales and gross profit growth, leading to record third quarter results. We noted strong demand for discretionary products in both our seasonal and year-round markets, as weather returned to more normal conditions in the third quarter. Although we saw some improving margin trends in the quarter compared to earlier quarters, customer, product and geographic mix changes continued to adversely impact gross margins.

Net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 increased 10% compared to the third quarter of 2012, with base business sales up 9% for the period. As weather normalized in the third quarter, sales growth of 7% in our seasonal markets more closely aligned with sales growth of 11% in our largest, year-round markets. Irrigation product sales were up 12%, reflecting benefits from the recovery in the housing market. Net sales for the third quarter of 2013 also benefited from one additional selling day versus the third quarter of last year.

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2013 increased 7% versus the same period in 2012. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales (gross margin) declined 60 basis points to 28.1% in the third quarter of 2013. The lower gross margin in the quarter continues to reflect a shift in consumer spending to lower margin, discretionary products such as pumps, heaters, lighting products, irrigation systems and landscape equipment, all of which experienced double-digit sales growth rates. This growth outpaced our sales of higher margin, non-discretionary product lines generally associated with basic pool maintenance and minor repair activity. In addition, the higher sales growth rates in our lower margin year-round markets continued to negatively impact gross margins.

Selling and administrative expenses (operating expenses) increased 5% in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, with base business operating expenses also up 5% for the period. The net sales growth in the third quarter of 2013, as well as the additional selling day, are the main contributors to the increase.

In the third quarter of 2012, we performed an interim goodwill impairment analysis for our United Kingdom reporting unit and recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge equal to the total goodwill carrying amount of $6.9 million, which had a $0.14 negative impact on diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Adjusted operating income, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS for all periods exclude goodwill impairment and are provided in this filing because we believe these amounts are useful to investors in assessing year-over-year operating performance.

Operating income for the quarter increased 30% compared to the same period in 2012, and 11% compared to adjusted operating income for the third quarter of 2012. Operating income as a percentage of net sales (operating margin) was 9.2% for the third quarter of 2013 compared to 7.8% for the same period in 2012. Adjusted operating margin for the same period in 2012 was 9.1%.

Net income increased 51% to $32.3 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the same period last year. Compared to adjusted net income of $28.3 million for the same period in 2012, net income for the quarter increased 14%. Earnings per share was up $0.23 to $0.68 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.59 for the same period in 2012, diluted earnings per share was up $0.09.

### Financial Position and Liquidity

Total net receivables at September 30, 2013 increased 4% versus September 30, 2012. Our allowance for doubtful accounts balance was $4.5 million at September 30, 2013, a decrease of $1.0 million and $0.3 million compared to December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012, respectively. This decrease primarily reflects write-offs of certain fully reserved balances as well as sustained improvements in our aging categories. Days sales outstanding (DSO) improved between periods to 28.3 days at September 30, 2013 compared to 29.0 days at September 30, 2012.

Net inventory levels were up 5% from September 30, 2012 to $365.6 million at September 30, 2013. The inventory reserve was $8.7 million at September 30, 2013 compared to $9.6 million at September 30, 2012. Our inventory turns, as calculated on a trailing twelve month basis, increased to 3.4 times at September 30, 2013 compared to 3.3 times at September 30, 2012.

Total debt outstanding was $260.4 million at September 30, 2013, up $46.1 million or 22% compared to September 30, 2012.

### Current Trends and Outlook

For a detailed discussion of trends, see the Current Trends and Outlook section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in Item 7 of our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Based on our results through the third quarter as well as our fourth quarter expectations, we tightened our 2013 earnings guidance to a range of $2.03 to $2.08 per diluted share from our most recent guidance of $2.03 to $2.13 per diluted share.

We expect sales growth to be in the mid to upper single digits during the fourth quarter. We believe our fourth quarter gross margin will continue to track lower than 2012 due to adverse customer, product and geographic mix. Sales growth attributable to lower margin, discretionary products and in our year-round markets should continue to increase at greater rates than sales growth for higher margin, non-discretionary products and in our seasonal markets. For the full year, we anticipate sales growth of 5% to 6% and gross profit growth of 3% to 4%.

Our year to date base business expense growth was under 2%. We expect similar expense growth rates for both the fourth quarter and the full year.

For 2013, we project our effective income tax rate will be approximately 38.5%. Our effective tax rate is dependent upon the results of operations and may change if actual results are different from our current expectations, specifically any significant changes in our geographic mix.

We expect cash provided by operations will be in line with net income for fiscal 2013 and we anticipate that share repurchase activity will continue during the fourth quarter.

### RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

As of September 30, 2013, we conducted operations through 323 sales centers in North America, South 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 September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Net sales | **100.0%** | 100.0% | **100.0%** | 100.0% |
| Cost of sales | **71.9** | 71.3 | **71.5** | 71.0 |
| Gross profit | **28.1** | 28.7 | **28.5** | 29.0 |
| Operating expenses | **18.9** | 19.6 | **18.6** | 19.2 |
| Goodwill impairment | **—** | 1.3 | **—** | 0.4 |
| Operating income | **9.2** | 7.8 | **9.9** | 9.4 |
| Interest expense, net | **0.3** | 0.3 | **0.3** | 0.3 |
| Income before income taxes and equity (loss) earnings | **9.0%** | 7.4% | **9.6%** | 9.1% |

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

We have included the results of operations from acquisitions in 2013 and 2012 in our consolidated results since the respective dates of these acquisitions.

### Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

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

*(Unaudited)*

*(in thousands)*

|  | Base Business Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Excluded Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Total Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Net sales | **$576,057** | $527,974 | **$2,100** | $53 | **$578,157** | $528,027 |
| Gross profit | **162,021** | 151,480 | **536** | 21 | **162,557** | 151,501 |
| Gross margin | **28.1%** | 28.7% | **25.5%** | 39.6% | **28.1%** | 28.7% |
| Operating expenses | **108,625** | 103,434 | **557** | 110 | **109,182** | 103,544 |
| Expenses as a % of net sales | **18.9%** | 19.6% | **26.5%** | 207.5% | **18.9%** | 19.6% |
| Goodwill impairment | **—** | 6,946 | **—** | — | **—** | 6,946 |
| Operating income (loss) | **53,396** | 41,100 | **(21)** | (89) | **53,375** | 41,011 |
| Operating margin | **9.3%** | 7.8% | **(1.0)%** | (167.9)% | **9.2%** | 7.8% |

In our calculation of base business results, we have excluded the following acquisitions for the periods identified:

| Acquired (1) | Acquisition Date | Net Sales Centers Acquired | Periods Excluded |
| --- | --- | ---: | --- |
| B. Shapiro Supply, LLC | May 2013 | 1 | July - September 2013 |
| Swimming Pool Supply Center, Inc. | March 2013 | 1 | July - September 2013 |

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

We exclude sales centers that are acquired, closed or opened in new markets from base business results 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. There was one sales center opened in a new market that was excluded from base business as of September 30, 2013.

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 centers in the first nine months of 2013:

|  |  |
| --- | ---: |
| December 31, 2012 | 312 |
| Acquired | 2 |
| New locations | 9 |
| September 30, 2013 | 323 |

12

### Net Sales

*(in millions)*

|  | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Change |  |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Net sales | **$578.2** | $528.0 | $50.2 | 10% |

Net sales for the third quarter of 2013 increased 10% from the third quarter of 2012, with a 9% increase in base business net sales. The base business sales increase reflects a 9% increase from swimming pool product sales and a 12% increase from irrigation product sales. In local currencies, net sales in Europe increased approximately 10% in the third quarter of 2013, including a 9% increase in France.

The overall base business sales increase reflects the impact of the following (listed in order of estimated magnitude):

- continued improvement in consumer discretionary expenditures, including some market recovery in remodeling and replacement activity, as evidenced by sales growth rates for product offerings such as building materials (see discussion below), heaters, pumps, and lighting;
- market share gains attributed to continued improvements in customer service levels and increased construction and renovation activity consistent with the improvements in the housing market, as evidenced by sales growth rates for irrigation systems and landscape equipment product offerings;
- better weather comparisons in the third quarter relative to the first half of 2013, resulting in an uptick in sales in our seasonal markets, supported by continued growth in our largest, year-round markets (net sales growth of 7% in our seasonal markets more closely aligned with sales growth of 11% in our largest, year-round markets);
- one additional selling day (approximately 1% to 2%); and
- inflationary product cost increases (estimated at approximately 1% to 2%).

Sales of building materials and tile grew by 27% compared to the third quarter of 2012, although collectively these products only accounted for approximately 10% of our total sales. Chemical sales increased by close to 2% while chemical pricing remained relatively flat.

### Gross Profit

*(in millions)*

|  | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Change |  |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Gross profit | **$162.6** | $151.5 | $11.1 | 7% |
| Gross margin | **28.1%** | 28.7% |  |  |

Gross margin for the third quarter of 2013 declined approximately 60 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2012 primarily due to unfavorable product mix, customer mix and geographic mix.

The following items collectively impacted gross margin in the third quarter of 2013:

- changes in our product mix, as double-digit sales growth for higher value, lower margin products such as heaters, variable speed pumps, LED lighting, irrigation systems and landscape equipment positively contributed to sales and gross profit dollars but negatively impacted our margins;
- growth in sales to larger, lower margin customers, primarily those focused on remodeling and construction activities;
- higher sales growth rates in our lower margin, year-round markets compared to our seasonal markets; and
- increased presence of Internet retailers who set low industry reference prices for certain products.

### Operating Expenses

*(in millions)*

|  | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Change |  |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Operating expenses | **$109.2** | $103.5 | $5.7 | 5% |
| Operating expenses as a % of net sales | **18.9%** | 19.6% |  |  |

Operating expenses, as well as base business operating expenses, increased 5% compared to the third quarter of 2012. This increase primarily represents higher variable expenses required to support sales growth and the impact of one additional selling day.

### Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net declined compared to the third quarter of 2012 due to a decline in interest rates on borrowings and benefits related to our accounting for uncertain tax positions. The weighted average effective interest rate decreased to 2.4% for the third quarter of 2013 from 2.6% for the third quarter of 2012 on average outstanding debt of $262.3 million and $256.1 million for the respective periods. In addition, we reverse any accrued interest related to the release of our federal income tax reserves when we file our federal income tax return and the statutes of limitations expire for another period, which occurred in the third quarter.

### Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 37.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 45.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2012. Excluding the impact of last year's $6.9 million goodwill impairment charge, which resulted in a significant increase in our foreign net operating loss valuation allowance, our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was 38.8%. The remaining decline versus the third quarter of last year reflects the impact of our accounting for uncertain tax positions as discussed above.

### Net Income and Earnings Per Share

Net income for the third quarter of 2013 increased 51% to $32.3 million compared to the third quarter of 2012. Compared to adjusted net income for the third quarter of last year of $28.3 million, net income for the quarter increased 14%.

Earnings per diluted share increased $0.23 to $0.68 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2013. Compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.59 for the same period in 2012, diluted earnings per share was up $0.09.

### Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

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

*(Unaudited)*

*(in thousands)*

|  | Base Business Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Excluded Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Total Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Net sales | **$1,727,856** | $1,642,211 | **$11,055** | $4,945 | **$1,738,911** | $1,647,156 |
| Gross profit | **492,469** | 476,984 | **3,015** | 1,485 | **495,484** | 478,469 |
| Gross margin | **28.5%** | 29.0% | **27.3%** | 30.0% | **28.5%** | 29.0% |
| Operating expenses | **319,525** | 314,315 | **3,659** | 2,042 | **323,184** | 316,357 |
| Expenses as a % of net sales | **18.5%** | 19.1% | **33.1%** | 41.3% | **18.6%** | 19.2% |
| Goodwill impairment | **—** | 6,946 | **—** | — | **—** | 6,946 |
| Operating income (loss) | **172,944** | 155,723 | **(644)** | (557) | **172,300** | 155,166 |
| Operating margin | **10.0%** | 9.5% | **(5.8)%** | (11.3)% | **9.9%** | 9.4% |

In our calculation of base business results, we have excluded the following acquisitions for the periods identified:

| Acquired (1) | Acquisition Date | Net Sales Centers Acquired | Periods Excluded |
| --- | --- | ---: | --- |
| B. Shapiro Supply, LLC | May 2013 | 1 | May - September 2013 |
| Swimming Pool Supply Center, Inc. | March 2013 | 1 | March - September 2013 |
| CCR Distribution | March 2012 | 1 | January - May 2013 and March - May 2012 |
| Ideal Distributors Ltd. | February 2012 | 4 | January - April 2013 and February - April 2012 |
| G.L. Cornell Company | December 2011 | 1 | January - February 2013 and January - February 2012 |
| Poolway Schwimmbadtechnik GmbH | November 2011 | 1 | January - February 2013 and January - February 2012 |

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

For a more detailed explanation of how we calculated base business results and a summary of the changes in our sales centers since December 31, 2012, please refer to page 12 under the heading “Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2012.”

### Net Sales

*(in millions)*

|  | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Change |  |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Net sales | **$1,738.9** | $1,647.2 | $91.7 | 6% |

Net sales for the first nine months of 2013 increased 6% compared to the same period of last year. Throughout the first half of 2013, sales growth suffered from comparatively difficult weather versus the first half of 2012. Sales through May of 2012 benefited from unusually favorable weather, especially across the Eastern half of North America. Record warm temperatures in the Northeast and Midwest spurred an earlier than normal start to remodeling projects and new pool construction in the 2012 season. In 2013, later than normal pool openings in our seasonal markets further added to these challenging comparisons. Weather normalized in the third quarter resulting in net sales growth in our seasonal markets that was more in line with net sales growth in our year-round markets.

Base business sales growth of 5% for the first nine months of 2013 is comprised of a 5% sales increase in swimming pool products and a 12% sales increase in irrigation products. The overall base business sales increase also reflects the impact of the following (listed in order of estimated magnitude):

- market share gains attributed to continued improvements in customer service levels, sales growth rates for certain product offerings such as building materials (see discussion below), heaters, pumps and lighting and higher base business sales growth for irrigation systems and landscape equipment due in part to the gradual recovery of the housing market in some of our key states;
- continued improvement in consumer discretionary expenditures, including some market recovery in remodeling activity; and
- inflationary product cost increases (estimated at approximately 1% to 2%).

Sales of building materials and tile grew by 19% compared to the first nine months of 2012, although collectively these products only accounted for approximately 10% of our total sales. Chemical sales declined by 2%, reflecting lower volume due to delayed pool openings compared to 2012, while chemical pricing remained relatively flat.

### Gross Profit

*(in millions)*

|  | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Change |  |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Gross profit | **$495.5** | $478.5 | $17.0 | 4% |
| Gross margin | **28.5%** | 29.0% |  |  |

Gross margin declined approximately 50 basis points in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period last year. This decrease is primarily due to unfavorable product, customer and geographic mix as well as competitive pricing pressures. Double‑digit sales growth of higher value, lower margin discretionary products such as variable speed pumps, heaters, LED lighting, irrigation systems and landscape equipment positively contributed to sales and gross profit dollars but negatively impacted our margins. This growth outpaced our sales of higher margin, non-discretionary product lines generally associated with basic pool maintenance and minor repair activity. Additionally, as a result of the slower start to the 2013 season, geographic regions with generally higher margins contributed a proportionally smaller share of our total sales growth.

### Operating Expenses

*(in millions)*

|  | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Change |  |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Operating expenses | **$323.2** | $316.4 | $6.8 | 2% |
| Operating expenses as a % of net sales | **18.6%** | 19.2% |  |  |

Operating expenses, as well as base business operating expenses, for the first nine months of 2013 increased slightly compared to the first nine months of 2012. Increases in overall compensation-related costs, driven by inflationary salary increases and headcount increases to support new sales centers, were partially offset by a reduction in employee incentive costs.

### Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net for the first nine months of 2013 was consistent with the first nine months of 2012. Average outstanding debt was $263.8 million for the first nine months of 2013 versus $270.9 million in the same period of 2012. The weighted average effective interest rate was 2.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012.

### Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 38.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to 40.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Excluding the impact of last year's $6.9 million goodwill impairment charge, our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 38.3%. Our provision for income taxes for the first three months of 2013 included a benefit of $0.2 million related to the temporary lapse in 2012 of the controlled foreign corporation income exclusion. Comparatively, our provision for income taxes for the first three months of 2012 included a benefit of approximately $0.7 million related to the expiration of statutes of limitations for income tax returns filed in the first quarter of 2009.

### Net Income and Earnings Per Share

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased 14% to $102.3 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012, while earnings per diluted share increased $0.27 from the same period of last year to $2.14 per diluted share. This represents a 6% increase over adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.01 on adjusted net income of $96.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

### 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 maintenance and installation. Sales are substantially lower during the first and fourth quarters, when we may incur net losses. In 2012, we generated approximately 66% of our net sales and over 100% of our operating income in the second and third quarters of the year.

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, second and third quarters of 2013, the four quarters of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2011. 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 a good indication of results for an entire fiscal year or of continuing trends.

*(Unaudited)*

*(in thousands)*

| Statement of Income (Loss) Data | QUARTER 2013 Third | Second | First | 2012 Fourth | Third | Second | First | 2011 Fourth |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Net sales | **$578,157** | $790,392 | $370,362 | $306,818 | $528,027 | $757,175 | $361,954 | $270,422 |
| Gross profit | **162,557** | 228,166 | 104,761 | 88,938 | 151,501 | 222,405 | 104,563 | 80,835 |
| Operating income (loss) | **53,375** | 111,993 | 6,932 | (10,297) | 41,011 | 108,134 | 6,021 | (14,343) |
| Net income (loss) | **32,332** | 66,533 | 3,440 | (7,997) | 21,375 | 64,943 | 3,651 | (10,115) |
| **Balance Sheet Data** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Receivables, net | **$180,898** | $281,064 | $188,294 | $113,859 | $174,385 | $269,060 | $200,640 | $109,273 |
| Product inventories, net | **365,596** | 424,679 | 494,321 | 400,308 | 349,325 | 402,266 | 462,810 | 386,924 |
| Accounts payable | **142,777** | 239,976 | 338,026 | 199,787 | 163,543 | 267,990 | 319,462 | 177,437 |
| Total debt | **260,432** | 300,426 | 278,542 | 230,882 | 214,328 | 309,813 | 299,011 | 247,300 |

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 begins or in the fourth quarter after the peak selling season ends.

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 positively impacting our sales |
| (primarily in the northern half of the U.S. and Canada) |  |  |
| Unseasonably late warming trends in spring/early cooling trends in fall | • | A shorter pool and landscape season, thus negatively impacting our sales |
| (primarily in the northern half of the U.S. and Canada) |  |  |

More normalized weather in the first quarter of 2013 sharply contrasted with the mild winter experienced in the same period last year. In the first quarter of 2012, above average temperatures surfaced throughout the Eastern half of North America, with record warm temperatures in the Northeast and the Midwest. More normal temperatures in 2013 resulted in delayed pool openings in comparison to last year, which directly affected first quarter sales in most seasonal markets as evidenced by the sales growth variations between our year-round and seasonal markets. Our largest year-round swimming pool markets delivered growth of approximately 10% in the first quarter of 2013, whereas our more seasonal markets experienced close to 10% declines compared to the first quarter of 2012.

In the first quarter 2012, temperatures were also much higher than normal across the Southeast and Southwest, resulting in incremental sales of certain maintenance products as many swimming pool owners opened their pools earlier than normal and swimming pool use increased in year-round markets. Weather did not have a significant impact on our first quarter 2013 sales along the West Coast, where temperatures were close to historical averages and similar to the same period last year.

Weather turned unfavorable in the second quarter of 2013 with unusually cool and wet conditions in our seasonal markets. We observed above normal precipitation across nearly the entire United States with the exception of California, Texas, the Southwest and the Rockies. Below normal temperatures in the Central and Southeast United States and in Europe differed significantly from the above normal temperatures experienced in the second quarter of 2012. These conditions resulted in even further delayed pool openings in comparison to last year, which directly affected our second quarter sales in most seasonal markets.

Weather trends in our seasonal markets largely normalized in the third quarter of 2013, although weather conditions were still mixed throughout North America. The Northeast and Western portions of the United States experienced above average temperatures during the quarter, while temperatures in the Southeast were much cooler than usual. Florida and the West Coast also experienced considerable rainfall. As weather conditions normalized in the third quarter, sales growth of 7% in our seasonal markets more closely aligned with sales growth of 11% in our largest, year-round markets.

### 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;
- scheduled debt payments;
- dividend payments;
- capital expenditures;
- the timing and extent of share repurchases; and
- the ability to attract long-term capital with satisfactory terms.

Our primary capital needs are seasonal working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, dividend payments and share repurchases. Our primary sources of working capital are cash from operations supplemented by borrowings, which have historically been sufficient to support our growth and finance acquisitions. The same principle applies to funds used for capital expenditures and share repurchases.

We prioritize our use of cash based on investing in our business, maintaining a prudent debt structure and returning money to our shareholders. Our specific priorities for the use of cash are as follows:

- maintenance and new sales center capital expenditures;
- strategic acquisitions executed opportunistically;
- payment of cash dividends as and when declared by our Board of Directors (Board);
- repurchase of common stock at Board-defined parameters; and
- repayment of debt.

Capital expenditures, which historically have averaged 0.5% to 1.0% of net sales, were below and at the bottom of this range between 2008 and 2010 due to lower capacity expansion. In 2011, capital expenditures increased to 1.1% of net sales because we began purchasing rather than leasing new vehicles and forklifts. In 2012, capital expenditures were 0.8% of net sales. In 2013 and going forward, we project annual capital expenditures will be relatively consistent with our historical average.

### Sources and Uses of Cash

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

|  | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 |
| --- | ---: | ---: |
| Operating activities | **$53,846** | $124,530 |
| Investing activities | **(15,575)** | (18,546) |
| Financing activities | **(25,954)** | (94,032) |

The $70.7 million decline in cash from operating activities for the first nine months of 2013 is mostly attributable to timing differences in our estimated federal income tax payments and in purchases of and payments for product inventories. In 2012, we were allowed to defer payment of our third quarter estimated tax payment to the fourth quarter due to Hurricane Isaac, whereas we made our 2013 payment in the third quarter. We expect these timing differences to largely correct in the fourth quarter, with cash flows from operations approximating net income for the full year.

Cash used in investing activities declined between periods due to lower acquisition payments. Cash used in financing activities was lower during the first nine months of 2013 due primarily to changes in our net borrowings. We had $29.5 million of net proceeds from our debt arrangements for the first nine months of 2013, compared to net payments of $33.0 million for the first nine months of 2012. In addition, common stock issuance proceeds and excess tax benefits from stock option exercises added $7.7 million to cash from financing activities compared to the prior year.

### Future Sources and Uses of Cash

On September 20, 2013, we entered into a Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement (the Amendment) among us, as US Borrower, SCP Distributors Canada Inc., as Canadian Borrower, SCP Pool B.V., as Dutch Borrower, our subsidiary guarantors, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and certain other lenders. The Amendment amends certain terms of our existing unsecured syndicated senior credit facility (the Credit Facility) including extending the maturity date to September 20, 2018, increasing the borrowing capacity to $465.0 million from $430.0 million and providing additional capacity under certain negative covenants, including indebtedness, liens, investments, sale of assets and dividends. The Amendment replaces JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as syndication agent with each of Bank of America N.A. and Union Bank, N.A. It also replaces JPMorgan Securities LLC as a joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner with each of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Union Bank, N.A. Regions Bank and Capital One, N.A., each remain as a documentation agent. 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 Credit Facility may be increased at our request and with agreement by the lenders by up to $75.0 million, to a total of $540.0 million.

At September 30, 2013, there was $260.4 million outstanding and $201.3 million available for borrowing under the Credit Facility. We currently have five interest rate swap contracts in place that reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on the Credit Facility. These swap contracts convert the Credit Facility’s variable interest rate to fixed rates of 1.185% on notional amounts totaling $50.0 million, 1.100% on a notional amount of $50.0 million, 1.050% on a notional amount of $25.0 million and 0.990% on a notional amount of $25.0 million. Interest expense related to the notional amounts under these swaps is based on the fixed rates plus the applicable margin on the Credit Facility. All five swap contracts will terminate on October 19, 2016. The weighted average effective interest rate for the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2013 was approximately 1.9%, excluding commitment fees.

Financial covenants on the Credit Facility include maintenance of a maximum average total leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, which are our most restrictive financial covenants. As of September 30, 2013, the calculations of these two covenants are detailed below:

- *Maximum Average Total Leverage Ratio*. On the last day of each fiscal quarter, our average total leverage ratio must be less than 3.25 to 1.00. Average Total Leverage Ratio is the ratio of the trailing twelve months (TTM) Average Total Funded Indebtedness plus the TTM Average Accounts Securitization Proceeds divided by the TTM EBITDA (as those terms are defined in the Credit Facility). As of September 30, 2013, our average total leverage ratio equaled 1.39 (compared to 1.41 as of June 30, 2013) and the TTM average total debt amount used in this calculation was $255.8 million.
- *Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio*. On the last day of each fiscal quarter, our fixed charge ratio must be greater than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00. Fixed Charge Ratio is the ratio of the TTM EBITDAR divided by TTM Interest Expense paid or payable in cash plus TTM Rental Expense (as those terms are defined in the Credit Facility). As of September 30, 2013, our fixed charge ratio equaled 4.21 (compared to 4.06 as of June 30, 2013) and TTM Rental Expense was $49.2 million.

The Credit Facility also limits the declaration and payment of dividends on our common stock to no more than 50% of the preceding year’s Net Income (as defined in the Credit Facility), provided no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing, or would result from the payment of dividends. Additionally, we may declare and pay quarterly dividends notwithstanding that the aggregate amount of dividends paid would be in excess of the 50% limit described above so long as (i) the amount per share of such dividends does not exceed the amount per share paid during the most recent fiscal year in which we were in compliance with the 50% limit and (ii) our Average Total Leverage Ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.00 both immediately before and after giving pro forma effect to such dividends. Further, dividends must be declared and paid in a manner consistent with our past practice.

Under the Credit Facility, we may repurchase shares of our common stock provided no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing, or would result from the repurchase of shares, and our maximum average total leverage ratio (determined on a pro forma basis) is less than 2.50 to 1.00. Other covenants include restrictions on our ability to grant liens, incur indebtedness, make investments, merge or consolidate, and sell or transfer assets. Failure to comply with any of our financial covenants or any other terms of the Credit Facility could result in penalty payments, higher interest rates on our borrowings or the acceleration of the maturities of our outstanding debt.

As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants and financial ratio requirements. We believe we will remain in compliance with all covenants and financial ratio requirements throughout the rest of the year. For additional information regarding our debt arrangements, see Note 5 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Item 8 of our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On October 11, 2013, we and certain of our subsidiaries closed a new, two-year accounts receivable securitization facility with a peak seasonal funding capacity of up to $120.0 million between March 1 and August 31 and up to $80.0 million between September 1 and February 28. An additional seasonal facility limit of up to $40.0 million may be available between April 1 and June 30.

We believe we have adequate availability of capital to fund present operations and the current capacity to finance any working capital needs that may arise. We continually evaluate potential acquisitions and hold discussions with acquisition candidates. If suitable acquisition opportunities arise that would require financing, we believe that we have the ability to finance any such transactions.

As of October 25, 2013, $31.5 million of the current Board authorized amount under our share repurchase program remained available. We expect to repurchase additional shares on the open market from time to time depending on market conditions. We plan to fund these repurchases with cash provided by operations and borrowings under the Credit Facility.

### CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which require 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, 2012. We have not changed these policies from those previously disclosed.

## Market risk

As filed, 347 characters.

### Interest Rate Risk

There have been no material changes from what we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 that affect fiscal 2013.

### Currency Risk

There have been no material changes from what we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 that affect fiscal 2013.

## Controls and procedures

As filed, 1,543 characters.

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 (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of September 30, 2013, 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 September 30, 2013, 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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.

## Risk factors

As filed, 173 characters.

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Filed Oct 31, 2013.
Source: SEC EDGAR, the filing index for accession 0000945841-13-000119. Last ingested by Listed: Nov 2, 2026, 16:44 ET. No prices; not investment advice.