Pool Corporation (NASDAQ/GSM: POOL) is the largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related backyard products. Incorporated in 1993, POOL has grown to over 280 sales center locations in North America and Europe. The Company has approximately 3,400 employees supporting the distribution of more than 100,000 national brand and private label products to roughly 70,000 wholesale customers. POOL offers its customers a comprehensive selection of pool equipment, chemicals, replacement parts, and complementary items, as well as a full array of irrigation and landscape products through its Horizon division.
Net sales grew from $236.9 million in 1996 to $1.78 billion in 2008, while net income grew from $4.4 million in 1996 to $57.0 million in 2008. Earnings per share increased to $1.18 per diluted share in 2008 from $0.09 per diluted share in 1996. POOL expects to continue its growth strategy by opening sales centers in new and existing geographic markets, increasing sales at existing sales centers and completing strategic acquisitions.
We employ three long-term strategies to support our mission, which is:
"To provide exceptional value to our customers and suppliers, in order to provide exceptional return to our shareholders, while providing exceptional opportunities for our employees."
The first strategy is to promote the growth of the industry. In order to increase the consumer's awareness of the positive attributes of owning a pool, POOL invests significantly to raise the profile of the pool industry.
Our second strategy is to promote the growth of our customers' businesses. POOL's new dealer marketing programs, training and enhanced support services will assist our customers in realizing business growth and increased profitability. POOL will expand its product breadth to better serve its customers and truly become "Everything But The Water" for its customers.
The third strategy is to continuously strive to operate more effectively. This involves ongoing improvements including development programs for our employees, technology investments and constant re-evaluation of methods and processes.
To make it all happen, POOL's success rests with its dedicated employees who truly care about their customers and POOL.
