Pool Corporation (NASDAQ/GSM:POOL) today reported record results for the third quarter of 2016 and the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

“We experienced a solid third quarter with results that were slightly better than our expectations. It is at this time of the year, when our customers are working to get as much as possible done before the season ends, that our service is most critical. Our results reflect our ability to continually improve execution and provide exceptional service. The breadth and depth of our product and service offerings, coupled with the commitment of our people, continue to positively distinguish us in the marketplace,” said Manuel Perez de la Mesa, President and CEO.

Net sales for the third quarter of 2016 increased 7% to a record $691.4 million compared to $645.8 million in the third quarter of 2015, with base business sales up 5% for the period. Our sales continue to benefit from market share gains and stronger consumer discretionary spending evidenced by our increase in sales of pool construction materials and ancillary equipment and supplies, as consumers continue to invest in enhancing their outdoor living spaces.

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2016 increased 8% to a record $199.6 million from $184.3 million in the same period of 2015. Base business gross profit improved 6% over the third quarter of last year. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales (gross margin) increased 40 basis points to 28.9% compared to the third quarter of 2015. This increase reflects gains from supply chain management initiatives this year compared to last.

Selling and administrative expenses (operating expenses) increased approximately 6% to $125.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the third quarter of 2015, with base business operating expenses up 3% over the comparable 2015 period. While the overall increase in operating expenses includes expenses from our recent acquisitions, the increase in base business operating expenses was primarily due to higher growth-driven labor and freight expenses.

Operating income for the third quarter increased 13% to a record $74.2 million compared to the same period in 2015. Operating income as a percentage of net sales (operating margin) was 10.7% for the third quarter of 2016compared to 10.1% in the third quarter of 2015.

Net income attributable to Pool Corporation increased 13% to a record $44.5 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to $39.4 million for the third quarter of 2015. Earnings per share increased to a record $1.03 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2016 versus $0.90 per diluted share for the comparable period in 2015.

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased 9% to a record $2,125.6 million from $1,948.1 million in the comparable 2015 period, with much of this growth coming from the 7% improvement in base business sales. Gross margin improved approximately 30 basis points to 28.9% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same period last year.

Operating expenses increased 6% compared to the first nine months of 2015, with base business operating expenses up 4%. Operating income for the first nine months of 2016 increased 17% to $246.1 million compared to$210.2 million in the same period last year.

Earnings per share for the first nine months of 2016 increased 20% to a record $3.39 per diluted share on Net income attributable to Pool Corporation of $146.3 million, compared to $2.83 per diluted share on Net income attributable to Pool Corporation of $125.8 million in the comparable 2015 period.

On the balance sheet, total net receivables increased 6% while inventory levels grew 10% compared to September 30, 2015. Total debt outstanding at September 30, 2016 was $390.2 million, a $3.2 million decrease from total debt at September 30, 2015.

Cash provided by operations was $143.2 million for the first nine months of 2016 compared to $78.0 million for the first nine months of 2015. The improvement in cash provided by operations is primarily related to our net income growth and the deferral of our third quarter estimated tax payments as allowed for areas affected by severe storms and flooding in Louisiana. Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the addendum to this release) was $83.0 million and $72.1 million for the third quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $269.9 million and $229.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively.

“As we transition to what is traditionally a slower quarter for us, we are confident that our momentum will continue and we will have a strong finish to 2016. To that end, we are updating our 2016 earnings guidance to a range of $3.40 to $3.46 per diluted share, from our previous range of $3.30 to 3.45 per diluted share. Looking ahead to 2017, we are excited to employ the tools, products and resources uniquely available to us to provide exceptional value to our customers,” said Perez de la Mesa.

POOLCORP is the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related backyard products. Currently, POOLCORP operates 346 sales centers in North America, Europe, South America and Australia, through which it distributes more than 160,000 national brand and private label products to roughly 100,000 wholesale customers. For more information, please visit www.poolcorp.com.