Pentair sales fall 4% as Pool slumps 18%; adjusted EPS midpoint reaffirmed

Pentair's third-quarter sales fell 4% to $976 million as its Pool segment slumped 18%, and the water products company trimmed its full-year GAAP EPS guidance while reaffirming its adjusted earnings midpoint.

GAAP EPS from continuing operations fell 19% to $0.91 from $1.12, and adjusted EPS slipped 5% to $1.18 from $1.24, according to the earnings release attached to its 8-K on Tuesday. Core sales, which exclude currency and acquisitions, declined 5%. Results included about $8 million of tariff refunds under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Pool weighs

Pool sales dropped 18%, and segment income fell 38% to $72 million. Pentair said Pool's performance reflected the completion of an inventory realignment with its major channel partners.

"Our teams executed well during the quarter and responded with focus and urgency following a challenging second quarter in our Pool segment," President and CEO John L. Stauch said. He said the company's actions are positioning it "for significant growth in 2027."

Operating income fell 15% to $196 million, a 20.1% return on sales. Adjusted operating income declined 8% to $242 million, for an adjusted margin of 24.8%.

Operating cash flow was $169 million, down from $196 million, and free cash flow was $153 million versus $179 million.

Guidance

Pentair now expects 2026 GAAP EPS of about $3.76 and reaffirmed its previous full-year adjusted EPS midpoint of about $4.70.

By the numbers

• Q3 sales: $976 million, down 4%
• Pool sales: down 18%
• Adjusted EPS: $1.18 vs. $1.24
• Adjusted return on sales: 24.8%
• 2026 adjusted EPS midpoint: about $4.70

Sources

1. PENTAIR plc, Form 8-K with third quarter 2026 earnings release, filed Oct. 27, 2026 (accession 0000077360-26-000055)

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