Pool Corporation Explained

Pool Corporation
Trade Name:POOLCORP
Type:Public
Industry:Swimming pools
Founded: in Metairie, Louisiana, U.S.
Founder:Frank St. Romain
Hq Location:Covington, Louisiana, U.S.
Key People:Peter D. Arvan, President and CEO
John E. Stokely, Chairman
Melanie M. Housey Hart, CFO
Num Employees:Approximately 6,000 (2023)
Owner:Berkshire Hathaway (1%)
Footnotes:[1]

Pool Corporation, doing business as POOLCORP, is the largest distributor of supplies, equipment, and machinery for swimming pools worldwide. The company is organized in Delaware and headquartered in Covington, Louisiana. It serves approximately 125,000 customers and operates 439 sales centers in North America, Europe and Australia. The company receives over half of its revenue from the California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona markets and has benefited from population shifts to warmer climates. In 2023, the company received 62% of its revenue from maintenance and minor repair products, 24% of its revenue from products used in pool renovations, and 14% of its revenue from products used in pool construction.[1]

History

Pool Corporation was founded in 1980 as South Central Pool Supply by Frank J. St. Romain.[2]

In 1993, the company was purchased by Code Hennessey's & Simmons. In 1995, the company was renamed SCP Pool Corporation and became a public company via an initial public offering. The company was renamed Pool Corporation on May 16, 2006.[3]

In 1999, the company acquired Benson Pump Company, Pratts Plastics Limited, certain assets of Garden Leisure Products, and Jean Albouy, S.A. for a total of $25.5 million.[2]

The company's business improved significantly during the COVID-19 lockdowns due to an increase in pool construction. However, sales slowed when the lockdowns ended.[4] [5]

In 2021, the company acquired Porpoise Pool & Patio, the largest franchisor of pool and outdoor living stores in the U.S.[6] [7]

Controversies

In 2011, the company was accused by the Federal Trade Commission of antitrust practices by pressuring its suppliers to not conduct business with its competitors. In January 2012, the company settled with a consent order which prohibited the company from continuing the practice.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pool Corporation Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023 . . February 27, 2024.
  2. Web site: Pool Corporation Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1999 . . February 29, 2000.
  3. Web site: POOLCORP History .
  4. News: This Swimming-Pool Stock Got a Big Covid Boost. Why It’s Still Worth Buying. . . December 28, 2020 . subscription.
  5. News: Pool Corp. Can Regain Buoyancy . Spencer . Jakab . . December 19, 2022 . subscription.
  6. News: Pool Corp. to acquire major pool franchisor, creates new growth opportunities . Boone . Timothy . . November 11, 2021.
  7. News: Louisiana company acquires Pinch A Penny parent company . Alexis . Muellner . . November 11, 2021.
  8. Web site: Pool Corporation . .