10-Q 1 pool2q04q.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON‚ D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]  

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30‚ 2004 OR


[_]  

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________ TO ____________.


COMMISSION FILE NO.: 0-26640

SCP POOL CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
DELAWARE   36-3943363

 
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
 
109 Northpark Boulevard‚      
Covington‚ Louisiana   70433-5001

 
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
 
985-892-5521

(Registrant’s telephone number‚ including area code)
 

(former name‚ former address and former fiscal year‚ if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X NO _

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) YES X NO __

At July 23, 2004, there were 35,215,726 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.001 par value per share.


SCP POOL CORPORATION

Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2004

INDEX    

    Page
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
  Consolidated Balance Sheets
  Consolidated Statements of Income
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
  and Results of Operations
  Overview
  Results of Operations
  Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations 11 
  Liquidity and Capital Resources 12 
  Cautionary Statement 16 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
  Interest Rate Risk 19 
  Foreign Exchange Risk 19 
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 20 
 
Part II. Other Information  
 
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 21 
 
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 22 
 
Signature Page   23 
 
Index to Exhibits   24 

SCP POOL CORPORATION

Part I.   Financial Information
Item 1.   Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)   (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Note)
  June 30, June 30, December 31,
   2004 2003 2003

Assets 
Current assets 
        Cash and cash equivalents  $         21,124   $         32,185   $          12,812  
        Receivables, net  51,006   36,750   25,728  
        Receivables pledged under receivables facility  146,677   138,224   58,096  
        Product inventories, net  219,711   197,558   193,905  
        Prepaid expenses  9,494   5,797   3,991  
        Deferred income taxes  1,818   1,359   1,864  

Total current assets  $      449,830   $      411,873   $      296,396  
 
Property and equipment, net  25,499   23,870   24,643  
Goodwill  112,488   108,536   112,140  
Intangible assets, net  12,589   7,181   14,631  
Other assets, net  1,626   2,456   2,462  

Total assets  $      602,032   $      553,916   $      450,272  

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity 
Current liabilities 
        Accounts payable  $      144,029   $      156,695   $      118,312  
        Accrued and other current liabilities  50,276   48,606   24,997  
        Short-term financing  100,000   90,000   42,418  
        Current portion of long-term debt  53,980   885   40,250  

Total current liabilities  $      348,285   $      296,186   $      225,977  
 
Deferred income taxes  20,890   12,568   20,958  
Long-term debt, less current portion  3,344   65,529   3,607  
Other long-term liabilities  4,442   3,542   4,489  
 
Stockholders’ equity 
Common stock, $.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares 
        authorized; 35,215,107, 35,326,946 and 35,481,335 
        shares issued and outstanding at 6/30/04, 6/30/03 and 12/31/03, 
        respectively  35   35   35  
Additional paid-in capital  72,602   64,887   67,862  
Retained earnings  152,288   110,963   126,359  
Unearned compensation  (1,106 ) (432 ) (290 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income  1,252 638 1,275

Total stockholders’ equity  $      225,071   $      176,091   $      195,241  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $      602,032   $       553,916   $      450,272  

Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2003 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

1


SCP POOL CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)  June 30, June 30,
   2004 2003 2004 2003

Net sales  $      504,177   $      431,885   $      738,825   $      628,273  
Cost of sales  358,962   311,023   528,578   454,888  

        Gross profit  145,215   120,862   210,247   173,385  
Selling and administrative expenses  72,626   63,673   129,986   112,676  

        Operating income  72,589   57,189   80,261   60,709  
Interest expense  1,122   1,514   2,105   2,599  

Income before income taxes  71,467   55,675   78,156   58,110  
Provision for income taxes  27,872   21,712   30,481   22,663  

Net income  $       43,595   $       33,963   $       47,675   $       35,447  

Earnings per share 
Basic  $         1.23 $         0.96 $         1.35 $         1.00
Diluted  $         1.16 $         0.92 $         1.27 $         0.96

Weighted average shares outstanding 
Basic  35,375   35,309   35,443   35,326  
Diluted  37,585   36,994   37,593   36,929  

Cash dividends declared per common share  $       0.10   $       ---   $       0.10   $       ---  

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


SCP POOL CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows        

(Unaudited)   Six Months Ended
(In thousands)   June 30,  
    2004   2003

Operating activities
Net income $ 47,675   $ 35,447  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
        provided by (used in) operating activities   4,823    5,330  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
        net of effects of acquisitions
                   Receivables   (113,673 )  (101,749 )
                   Product inventories   (26,305 )  (11,616 )
                   Accounts payable   25,717    60,352  
                   Other current assets and liabilities   20,596  20,377

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   (41,167 )  8,141
 
Investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired   (348 )  (3,355 )
Purchase of property and equipment, net of sale proceeds   (3,919 )  (4,955 )

Net cash used in investing activities   (4,267 )  (8,310 )
 
Financing activities
Proceeds from revolving line of credit   169,640   98,900
Payments on revolving line of credit   (155,910 )   (160,435 )
Proceeds from asset-backed financing   66,522     90,000  
Payments on asset-backed financing   (8,940 )   ---  
Proceeds from other long-term debt   ---   1,889  
Payments on other long-term debt   (310 )   ---  
Payments on other short-term debt   ---   (2,100 )
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans   3,713     1,347  
Payment of cash dividends   (3,528 )   ---  
Purchase of treasury stock   (18,225 )   (3,336 )

Net cash provided by financing activities   52,962    26,265  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   784    957

Change in cash and cash equivalents   8,312  27,053
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   12,812    5,132  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 21,124   $ 32,185  

The accompanying Notes are integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


1. Basis of Presentation

SCP Pool Corporation (the Company, which may be referred to as we, us or our) prepared the consolidated financial statements following accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As permitted under those rules, certain footnotes or other financial information required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted. In management’s opinion, the financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are considered necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position and operating results. The results for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004.

You should also read the financial statements and notes included in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accounting policies used in preparing these financial statements are the same as those described in our Annual Report.

2. Earnings Per Share

We calculate basic earnings per share (EPS) by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effects of stock awards.

3. Stock-Based Compensation

We account for our employee stock options under the intrinsic value method described by Accounting Principles Bulletin 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Accordingly, we do not record compensation expense for options issued with an exercise price equal to the stock’s market price on the grant date. If we had accounted for our employee stock options using the fair value method described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, our net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro-forma amounts below (in thousands, except per share data):


   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
   June 30, June 30,
   2004 2003 2004 2003

Reported net income  $       43,595   $       33,963   $       47,675   $       35,447  
 
Add: Stock-based employee compensation  
         expense included in reported net
         income, net of the tax effect  69   44   143   87  
 
Deduct: Stock-based employee  
         compensation expense determined
         under the fair value method for
         all awards, net of the tax effect  (935 ) (730 ) (1,821 ) (1,490 )

Pro-forma net income  $       42,729   $       33,277   $       45,997   $       34,044  

Basic earnings per share 
        As reported  $         1.23 $         0.96 $         1.35 $         1.00
        Pro-forma  $         1.21 $         0.94 $         1.30 $         0.96
Diluted earnings per share 
        As reported  $         1.16 $         0.92 $         1.27 $         0.96
        Pro-forma  $         1.14 $         0.90 $         1.22 $         0.92

4


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)


4. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting stockholders’ equity that, under GAAP, are excluded from net income. In our case, these consist of foreign currency translation gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of related income tax effects.

Comprehensive income for the quarter was $43.3 million at June 30, 2004 and $34.4 million at June 30, 2003. For the six month period, comprehensive income was $47.7 million at June 30, 2004 and $36.0 million at June 30, 2003.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

Based on industry knowledge, management believes that we are the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and related equipment. We purchase products from a large number of manufacturers and then distribute these goods to a customer base consisting of swimming pool remodelers and builders, retail swimming pool stores and swimming pool repair and service companies.

We distribute more than 91,000 products through 198 service centers in the United States and six foreign countries. Approximately 95% of our net sales are domestic. We operate two networks: the SCP Distributors network (SCP), which consists of 141 locations, and the Superior Pool Products network (SPP), which consists of 57 locations. We adopted this strategy to offer our customers a choice of different distributors, each featuring distinctive product selections and supplier relationships, and to encourage continued improvements in customer service through healthy competition between the two networks.

As part of our distribution businesses, we have acquired three small manufacturing facilities located in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Bordeaux, France; and Quebec, Canada, which engage in the manufacturing of packaged pool panels, steps, liners and coping. Approximately 2% of our consolidated cost of sales in 2003 consisted of items we manufactured at these facilities and sold through our distribution networks, which has contributed to higher gross margins in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Our manufacturing sales to third parties accounted for approximately 1% of our net sales in 2003.

We invest significant resources to promote the growth of the swimming pool industry. Our marketing philosophy incorporates a focus on increasing consumer awareness of the benefits regarding pool ownership and the affordability and ease of maintaining a pool.

Our business is subject to significant risks, including weather, competition, general economic conditions and other risks detailed below in our “Cautionary Statement for Purpose of the ‘Safe Harbor’ Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995".

5


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Results of Operations

We currently conduct operations through 198 service centers in North America and Europe.

The following table presents information derived from the Consolidated Statements of Income expressed as a percentage of net sales.


(Note)   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  June 30, June 30,
   2004 2003 2004 2003

Net sales  100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of sales  71.2 72.0 71.5 72.4

        Gross profit  28.8 28.0 28.5 27.6
Selling and administrative expenses  14.4 14.7 17.6 17.9

        Operating income  14.4 13.2 10.9 9.7
Interest expense  0.2 0.4 0.3 0.4

Income before income taxes  14.2 12.9 10.6 9.3

Note: Due to rounding, percentages may not add to total income before income taxes.

We calculate base business growth by excluding the following service centers from the calculation for 15 months:

  • service centers acquired;
  • service centers consolidated with acquired service centers; and
  • new service centers opened in new markets.

Additionally, we allocate overhead expenses to the base business by considering base business net sales as a percentage of total net sales.

At June 30, 2004, 192 service centers were included in the base business calculations, and six service centers were excluded because they were acquired within the last 15 months.

6


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Results of Operations (continued)

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2003


(In thousands) Base Business Acquired Service Centers Total
(Unaudited) Three Months Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
  2004   2003   2004   2003   2004   2003

Net sales $ 479,441   $ 428,085   $ 24,736   $ 3,800   $ 504,177   $ 431,885  
 
Gross profit 138,826    119,490     6,389    1,372     145,215    120,862  
Gross margin 29.0 %   27.9 %   25.8 %   36.1 %   28.8 %   28.0 %
 
Selling and operating expenses 67,971    62,254     4,655    1,419     72,626    63,673  
Expenses as a % of net sales 14.2 %   14.5 %   18.8 %   37.3 %   14.4 %   14.7 %
 
Operating income (loss) 70,855    57,236     1,734  (47 )   72,589    57,189  
Operating margin 14.8 %   13.4 %   7.0 %   (1.2 )%   14.4 %   13.2 %

Net Sales


Three Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)       2004    2003    Change  

Net sales   $ 504.2   $ 431.9   $    72.3   17%  

Base business growth of 12% contributed $51.4 million to the increase in net sales in the second quarter of 2004, while acquired service centers accounted for the remaining increase. Base business net sales increased primarily due to the following:

  • a larger installed base of swimming pools resulting in increased sales of non-discretionary products;
  • the continued successful execution of our sales, marketing and service programs; and
  • 35% growth in complementary product sales.

7


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Results of Operations (continued)

Gross Profit


Three Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)       2004    2003    Change  

Gross profit   $ 145.2   $120.9   $    24.3   20%  
Gross profit as a percent of net sales         28.8%         28.0%        0.8%  

Base business gross profit growth of 16% contributed $19.3 million to the increase, while acquired service centers accounted for the remaining increase. The base business gross profit growth is primarily due to the growth in base business net sales as discussed above.

Base business gross margin improved to 29.0% in the second quarter of 2004 from 27.9% in the second quarter of 2003 primarily due to improved selling and purchasing practices.

Operating Expenses


Three Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)       2004    2003    Change  

Operating expenses   $ 72.6   $ 63.7   $    8.9   14%  
Operating expenses as a percent of net sales         14.4%         14.7%        (0.3)%  

Operating expenses relating to the base business contributed $5.7 million to the increase in the second quarter of 2004, while acquired service centers accounted for the remaining increase.

Base business operating expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 14.2% in the second quarter of 2004 from 14.5% in the second quarter of 2003 as headcount increased only slightly between periods while net sales increased 17%.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased between periods as a result of lower average outstanding debt in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003 and a decline in the effective interest rate to 2.2% in the second quarter of 2004 from 2.8% in the second quarter of 2003.

Income Taxes

The increase in income taxes is due to the $15.8 million increase in income before income taxes from the second quarter of 2003 to the second quarter of 2004. Our effective income tax rate remained unchanged at 39% at June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2004.

8


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Results of Operations (continued)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2003


(In thousands) Base Business Acquired and Consolidated Total
(Unaudited) Six Months Six Months Six Months
Ended Ended Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30,
  2004   2003   2004   2003   2004   2003

Net sales $ 700,989   $ 619,771   $ 37,836   $ 8,502   $ 738,825   $ 628,273  
 
Gross profit 200,528    170,789     9,719    2,596     210,247    173,385  
Gross margin 28.6 %   27.6 %   25.7 %   30.5 %   28.5 %   27.6 %
 
Selling and operating expenses 119,823    108,436     10,163    4,240     129,986    112,676  
Expenses as a % of net sales 17.1 %   17.5 %   26.9 %   49.9 %   17.6 %   17.9 %
 
Operating income (loss) 80,705    62,353     (444 )  (1,644 )   80,261    60,709  
Operating margin 11.5 %   10.1 %   (1.2 )%   (19.3 )%   10.9 %   9.7 %

Net Sales


Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)       2004    2003    Change  

Net sales   $ 738.8   $ 628.3   $    110.5   18%  

Base business growth of 13% contributed $81.2 million to the increase in net sales in the first six months of 2004, while acquired service centers and service centers consolidated with acquired locations accounted for the remaining increase. Base business net sales increased primarily due to the following:

  • a larger installed base of swimming pools resulting in increased sales of non-discretionary products;
  • the continued successful execution of our sales, marketing and service programs; and
  • 34% growth in complementary product sales.

9


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Results of Operations (continued)

Gross Profit


Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)       2004    2003    Change  

Gross profit   $ 210.2   $173.4   $    36.8   21%  
Gross profit as a percent of net sales         28.5%         27.6%        0.9%  

Base business gross profit growth of 17% contributed $29.7 million to the increase in the first six months of 2004, while acquired service centers and service centers consolidated with acquired locations accounted for the remaining increase. The base business gross profit growth is primarily due to the growth in base business net sales as discussed above.

Base business gross margin increased to 28.6% in the first six months of 2004 from 27.6% in the comparable 2003 period primarily due to improved selling and purchasing practices.

Operating Expenses


Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)       2004    2003    Change  

Operating expenses   $ 130.0   $ 112.7   $    17.3   15%  
Operating expenses as a percent of net sales         17.6%         17.9%        (0.3)%  

Operating expenses relating to the base business contributed $11.4 million to the increase in the first six months of 2004, while acquired service centers and service centers consolidated with acquired locations accounted for the remaining increase.

Base business operating expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 17.1% in the first six months of 2004 from 17.5% in the first six months of 2003 as headcount increased only slightly between periods while net sales increased 18%.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased between periods as a result of lower average outstanding debt in the first six months of 2004 compared to the first six months of 2003 and a decline in the effective interest rate to 2.3% in 2004 from 2.7% in 2003.

Income Taxes

The increase in income taxes is due to the $20.0 million increase in income before income taxes in the first six months of 2004 compared to the first six months of 2003. Our effective income tax rate remained unchanged at 39% at June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2004.

10


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations

Our business is highly seasonal, and weather is the principal external factor 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
 
Unseasonably cool weather or Fewer pool installations
extraordinary amounts of rain Decreased purchases of chemicals and supplies
Decreased purchases of impulse items such as
above-ground pools and accessories
 
Unseasonably early warming trends A longer pool season, thus increasing our sales
(primarily in the northern half of the US)
 
Unseasonably late warming trends A shorter pool season, thus decreasing our sales
(primarily in the northern half of the US)

In general, sales and operating income are highest during the second and third quarters, which represent the peak months of swimming pool use and installation. Sales are substantially lower during the first and fourth quarters when we may incur net losses.

We typically experience a build-up of product inventories and accounts payable during the winter months in anticipation of our 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 are typically payable in April, May and June, while our peak accounts receivable collections typically occur in June, July and August.

We expect that our quarterly operating results will continue to fluctuate depending on the timing and amount of revenue contributed by new and acquired service centers. We attempt to open new service centers at the end of the fourth quarter or the first quarter of the subsequent year to take advantage of preseason sales programs and the following peak selling season.

11


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations (continued)

The following table presents certain unaudited quarterly data for the first and second quarters of 2004 and the four quarters of 2003. 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 the swimming pool industry, the results of any one or more quarters are not necessarily an accurate indication of results for an entire fiscal year or of continuing trends.


(Unaudited)   QUARTER
(In thousands)  2004 2003
  First Second First Second Third Fourth

Net sales  $      234,648 $      504,177 $      196,388 $      431,885   $      337,611  $      189,948 
Gross profit  65,032 145,215 52,523 120,862   92,157  49,596 
Operating income (loss)  7,672 72,589 3,520 57,189   31,220  (3,903)
Net sales as a % of annual 
      net sales  N/A  N/A  17 % 37 % 29 % 17 %
Gross profit as a % of 
      annual gross profit  N/A  N/A  17 % 38 % 29 % 16 %
Operating income (loss) as 
      a % of annual operating 
      income  N/A  N/A  4 % 65 % 35 % (4 )%

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is defined as the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet current 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;
  • the timing and extent of share repurchases;
  • capital expenditures;
  • dividend payments; and
  • the ability to attract long-term capital with satisfactory terms.

Our primary capital needs are seasonal working capital obligations and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, share repurchases and dividend payments. Our primary sources of working capital are cash from operations supplemented by bank borrowings. Borrowings, together with cash from operations and seller financing, historically have been sufficient to support our growth and finance acquisitions.

Our credit agreement, which matures on November 27, 2004, allows us to borrow under a revolving line of credit (the Revolving Credit Facility). In the first quarter of 2004, we decreased our borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility to $110.0 million from $130.0 million to reduce unused commitment fees. In July 2004, we further decreased our borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility to $90.0 million.

During the six months ended June 30, 2004, we received net proceeds of $13.7 million on the Revolving Credit Facility. At June 30, 2004, there was $52.6 million outstanding and $55.0 million available for borrowing

12


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

under the Revolving Credit Facility, subject to borrowing base availability supported primarily by product inventories and to a lesser extent by trade accounts receivable. In the third quarter of 2004, we expect to begin negotiations to replace the Revolving Credit Facility with a new facility prior to the maturity date of November 27, 2004.

The average effective interest rate of the Revolving Credit Facility was approximately 2.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2004. Interest on borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility may be paid at either of the following rates, in each case depending on our leverage ratio:

  1. the agent’s corporate base rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, whichever is higher, plus a margin ranging from 0.125% to 0.375%; or

  2. the current Eurodollar Rate plus a margin ranging from 1.125% to 1.750%.

Excluding trade receivables secured under our accounts receivable securitization facility (the Receivables Facility) as discussed below, substantially all of our assets, including capital stock of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, secure our obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility has numerous restrictive covenants, which require that we maintain a minimum net worth and fixed charge coverage. As of June 30, 2004, we were in compliance with all covenants and financial ratio requirements.

In the first quarter of 2004, we renewed the Receivables Facility, which has a seasonal borrowing capacity up to $100.0 million, through March 2005. The Receivables Facility provides for the true sale of certain of our receivables as they are created to a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. This subsidiary grants an undivided security interest in the receivables to an unrelated commercial paper conduit. Because of the structure of the bankruptcy-remote subsidiary and our ability to control its activities, we include the transferred receivables and related debt in our consolidated balance sheet. We employed this arrangement because it provides us with a lower cost form of financing. At June 30, 2004, there was $100.0 million outstanding under the Receivables Facility at an average effective interest rate of 1.7%.

Cash used in operating activities was $41.2 million in the first six months of 2004 compared to cash provided by operations of $8.1 million in the same period in 2003. The use of cash is primarily due to the accelerated payment of inventory purchases as days payable outstanding decreased 15 days while the Company captured a 35% increase in term discounts between periods. The balance of cash used in operations is due to a 13% increase in accounts receivable and an 11% increase in inventory between periods, both of which are consistent with the 18% increase in net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

We believe we have adequate availability of capital to fund present operations and anticipated growth, including expansion in existing and targeted market areas. We continually evaluate potential acquisitions and hold discussions with acquisition candidates. If suitable acquisition opportunities or working capital needs arise that would require additional financing, we believe that our financial position and earnings history provide a solid base for obtaining additional financing resources at competitive rates and terms. Additionally, we may issue common or preferred stock to raise funds.

13


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Due to the seasonal nature of our business, accounts receivable increased $113.9 million to $197.7 million at June 30, 2004 from $83.8 million at December 31, 2003.

Accounts receivable increased $22.7 million, or 13%, to $197.7 million at June 30, 2004 from $175.0 million at June 30, 2003. This increase is consistent with the 18% increase in net sales between periods.

The allowance for doubtful accounts decreased to $3.7 million at June 30, 2004 from $3.8 million at December 31, 2003. The allowance represented 98% of the accounts receivable greater than 60 days past due in June 2004 compared to 54% in December 2003. Our allowance typically increases throughout the year because we accrue for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales. The majority of write-offs typically occur in the fourth quarter when the pool season has ended.

The allowance for doubtful accounts increased to $3.7 million at June 30, 2004 from $3.6 million at June 30, 2003, which is consistent with the increase in gross accounts receivable between periods. The allowance represented 98% and 96% of the accounts receivable greater than 60 days past due in June 2004 and June 2003, respectively.

Product Inventories and the Reserve for Shrink and Obsolescence

Due to the seasonal nature of our business, product inventories increased $25.8 million to $219.7 million at June 30, 2004 from $193.9 million at December 31, 2003. Inventory increased $22.1 million, or 11%, to $219.7 million at June 30, 2004 compared to $197.6 million at June 30, 2003, which is consistent with the 18% increase in net sales between periods.

The inventory reserve increased to $3.6 million at June 30, 2004 from $3.1 million at December 31, 2003, which is consistent with the increase in inventory discussed above.

The inventory reserve decreased to $3.6 million at June 30, 2004 compared to $4.0 million at June 30, 2003 and reflects improvement in our overall inventory. Our fastest moving classes of inventory (classes 1-3) increased to 71.2% of total inventory in June 2004 compared to 66.9% of total inventory in June 2003.

14


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Share Repurchase Program

In the second quarter of 2004, we repurchased 409,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of $39.32 per share. On July 23, 2004, approximately $17.6 million of the amount authorized by our Board of Directors for future share repurchases remained available. We intend to continue to repurchase shares on the open market from time to time, depending on market conditions.

The table below summarizes the repurchases of our common stock in the second quarter of 2004.






      Total number of shares Maximum approximate
  Total number of Average price purchased as part of dollar value that may yet be
Period shares purchased paid per share publicly announced plan (1) purchased under the plan





May 2004 409,000 $   39.32    409,000 $17,616,400





(1)     In July 2002, our Board of Directors authorized $50.0 million for the repurchase of shares of our common stock in the open market.

15


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. 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” 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 could be affected by one or more factors, which could cause them to differ materially. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Certain factors that may affect our business and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements include the following:

We are susceptible to adverse weather conditions.

Weather is the principal external factor affecting our business. For example, unseasonably late warming trends can decrease the length of the pool season and unseasonably cool weather or extraordinary rainfall during the peak season can decrease swimming pool use, installation and maintenance, which adversely affects sales of our products.

Our business is highly seasonal.

In 2003, approximately 66% of our net sales were generated in the second and third quarters of the year, which represent the peak months of swimming pool use, installation, remodeling and repair, and 100% of our operating income was generated in the same period. Our sales are substantially lower during the first and fourth quarters of the year, when we may incur net losses.

We face intense competition both from other leisure product alternatives and from within the pool industry.

We face competition from both outside our industry with sellers of other leisure product alternatives, such as boats and motor homes, and from within our industry with various regional and local distributors, several companies that distribute swimming pool supplies on a national basis and, to a lesser extent, mass market retailers and large pool supply retailers. New competitors may emerge as there are low barriers to entry in our industry. Some geographic markets that we serve, particularly our largest, higher density markets in Arizona, California, Texas and Florida, representing approximately 51% of our net sales, also tend to be more competitive than others.

The demand for our swimming pool and leisure related products may be adversely affected by economic downturns.

In economic downturns, the demand for swimming pool or leisure related products may decline as discretionary consumer spending, new housing construction and swimming pool construction decline. Although maintenance products and repair and replacement equipment that must be purchased by pool owners to maintain existing swimming pools account for approximately 80% of our net sales, the growth of our business depends on the expansion of the installed pool base, which may be viewed by most consumers as a discretionary, and even luxury, expenditure that may be adversely affected by economic downturns.

16


Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (continued)


The nature of our business subjects us to compliance with Environmental, Health, Transportation and Safety Regulations.

We are subject to regulation under federal, state and local environmental, health, transportation and safety requirements, which govern such things as packaging, labeling, handling, transportation, storage and sale of pool chemicals and other products. For example, we sell algaecides that are regulated as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and state pesticide laws, which primarily relate to labeling and annual registration.

Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties or the imposition of injunctive relief. Moreover, compliance with such laws and regulations in the future could prove to be costly, and there can be no assurance that we will not incur such costs in material amounts. These laws and regulations have changed substantially and rapidly over the last 20 years, and we anticipate that there will be continuing changes. The clear trend in environmental, health, transportation and safety regulation is to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that impact the environment, such as the use and handling of chemical substances. Increasingly, strict restrictions and limitations have resulted in increased operating costs for us, and it is possible that the costs of compliance with such laws and regulations will continue to increase. We will attempt to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and to plan accordingly in order to remain in compliance with changing regulations and to minimize the costs of such compliance.

We store chemicals and other combustible materials that involve fire, safety and casualty risks.

We store chemicals at our service centers and central stocking locations, including certain combustible, oxidizing compounds. A fire, explosion or flood affecting one of our facilities could give rise to fire, safety and casualty losses and related liability claims. We maintain what we believe is prudent insurance protection. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable or that our insurance coverage will be adequate to cover future claims that may arise. Successful claims for which we are not fully insured may adversely affect our working capital and profitability. In addition, changes in the insurance industry have generally led to higher insurance costs and decreased availability of coverage.

17


Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (continued)


We may not be able to continue our recent pace of rapid growth.

We have experienced substantial growth in recent years through acquisitions and the opening of new locations that have increased our size, scope and geographic distribution. Since 1999, we have opened 31 new service centers and have completed 15 acquisitions, consisting of 77 service centers (net of service center closings and consolidations). We expect to continue to open five to ten new service centers per year. While we contemplate continued growth through acquisitions and internal expansion, no assurance can be made as to our ability to:

  • penetrate new markets;
  • identify appropriate acquisition candidates;
  • complete acquisitions on satisfactory terms and successfully integrate acquired businesses;
  • obtain financing;
  • generate sufficient cash flows to support expansion plans and general operating activities;
  • maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships; and
  • identify and divest assets which do not continue to create value consistent with our objectives.

If we do not manage these potential difficulties successfully, our operating results could be adversely affected.

We depend on key personnel.

Our future success depends to a significant extent upon the continued service of Manuel Perez de la Mesa, our Chief Executive Officer, and to a lesser degree, our other executive officers and key management personnel, and on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. The loss of Mr. Perez de la Mesa in particular could have a material adverse effect on our business. Mr. Perez de la Mesa is not nearing retirement age, and we have no indication that he intends to retire in the near future. We do not currently maintain key man insurance on Mr. Perez de la Mesa.

Our distribution business is highly dependent on our ability to maintain favorable relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.

As a distribution company, maintaining favorable relationships with our suppliers is critical to the success of our business. We believe that we add considerable value to the swimming pool supply chain by purchasing products from a large number of manufacturers and distributing the products to a highly fragmented customer base on conditions that are more favorable than these customers could obtain on their own. We currently purchase products from over 1,200 manufacturers. We believe that we currently enjoy good relationships with our suppliers, who generally offer us competitive pricing, return policies and promotional allowances. However, our inability to maintain favorable relationships with our suppliers could have an adverse effect on our business.

Our largest suppliers are Pentair Corporation, Hayward Pool Products, Inc. and Bio-Lab Inc. (a subsidiary of Great Lakes Chemicals, Inc.) which accounted for approximately 16%, 11% and 7%, respectively, of the costs of products we sold in 2003. While we do not believe that the loss of any single supplier would adversely affect our business, a decision by several suppliers, acting in concert, to sell their products directly to retail customers and other end-users of their products, bypassing distribution companies like ours, would have an adverse effect on our business. We dedicate significant resources promoting the benefits and affordability of pool ownership, which we believe greatly benefits our suppliers and manufacturers.

18


Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (continued)


The growth of our business depends on effective marketing programs.

The growth of our business depends on the expansion of the installed pool base. Thus, an important part of our strategy is to promote the growth of the pool industry through our extensive advertising and promotional programs that attempt to raise consumer awareness of the benefits and affordability of pool ownership, the ease of pool maintenance and the many ways in which a pool may be enjoyed beyond swimming. These programs include media advertising, website development and public relations campaigns. We believe these programs benefit the entire supply chain from our suppliers and manufacturers to our customers.

We also promote the growth of our customers’ businesses through comprehensive support programs that offer promotional tools and marketing support to help generate increased sales for our customers. Our programs include such things as personalized websites, brochures, marketing campaigns and business development training. We also provide certain retail store customers with assistance in site selection and store layout and design. Our inability to sufficiently develop effective advertising, marketing and promotional programs to succeed in an weakened national economy and an increasingly competitive marketplace, in which we (and our entire supply chain) also compete with other luxury product alternatives, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

A terrorist attack or the threat of a terrorist attack could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001, in the U.S. were unprecedented events that have created many economic and political uncertainties, some of which may materially impact our business. Discretionary spending on leisure products such as ours is generally adversely affected during times of economic uncertainty. The potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and international responses to terrorist attacks, and other acts of war or hostility have created many economic and political uncertainties, which could adversely affect our business for the short or long-term in ways that cannot presently be predicted.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


Interest Rate Risk

There have been no material changes from what we reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Foreign Exchange Risk

There have been no material changes from what we reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

19


Item 4.   Controls and Procedures


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 recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified. As of June 30, 2004, management, including the CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that as of June 30, 2004, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at ensuring that material information related to us or our consolidated subsidiaries is made known to them and is disclosed on a timely basis in our reports filed under the Act.

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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Based on the most recent evaluation, we have concluded that no significant changes 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.

20


Part II. Other Information


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 6, 2004, the following proposals were adopted by the margins indicated:

1.  

To elect a Board of Directors to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified.


    Number of Shares
   For  Withheld
Andrew W. Code  32,664,497   860,588  
James J. Gaffney  32,969,329   555,756  
George T. Haymaker  33,142,221   382,864  
Manuel J. Perez de la Mesa  32,664,493   860,592  
Harlan F. Seymour  32,886,941   638,144  
Wilson B. Sexton  32,642,620   882,465  
Robert C. Sledd  32,988,531   536,554  
John E. Stokely  32,916,139   608,946  

2.  

To approve an amendment to our Amended Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of our Common Stock from 40,000,000 to 100,000,000.


For   29,343,630  
Against  4,166,032  
Abstain  15,421  

3.  

To approve an amendment to our 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the maximum number of shares of our Common Stock authorized for issuance thereunder from 1,050,000 to 1,800,000.


For   27,450,143  
Against  2,082,951  
Abstain  19,217  

4.  

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, certified public accountants, as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004.


For   33,183,433  
Against  320,662  
Abstain  20,990  

21


SCP POOL CORPORATION

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)   Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K  

Exhibit      
Number   Document Description  
3.1   Composite Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.  
3.2   Composite Bylaws of the Company. (1)  
4.1   Form of certificate representing shares of common stock of the Company. (2)  
10.1   Lease(Mandeville Service Center) entered into as of October 19, 1999, by and between S&C Development Company, LLC and South Central Pool Supply, Inc, as amended by Lease Agreement Amendment No. One, entered into as of May 26, 2000, by and between S&C Development Company, LLC and South Central Pool Supply, Inc, as amended by Lease Agreement(Warehouse) entered into as of January 16, 2002, by and between S&C Development Company, LLC and SCP Distributors, LLC, as amended by First Amendment entered into as of February 11, 2002 by and between S&C Development Company, LLC and SCP Distributors, LLC.  
10.2   Lease(Oklahoma Service Center) entered into as of January 15, 2001, by and between Dave Cook, individually and SCP Pool Corporation, as amended by First Amendment, entered into as of October 24, 2001 by and between S&C Development, LLC and SCP Pool Corporation, as amended by First Amendment, entered into as of December 5, 2001, by and between S&C Development, LLC and SCP Pool Corporation.  
10.3   Tax Reimbursement Arrangement.(3)  
10.4   2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated (3)  
31.1   Certification by Craig K. Hubbard pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
31.2   Certification by Manuel J. Perez de la Mesa pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  
32.1   Certification by Manuel J. Perez de la Mesa and Craig K. Hubbard pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K  
    None  

Items 1, 2, 3 and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.

_________________

1.

Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003.

2.

Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement No. 33-92738.

3.

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


22


SCP POOL CORPORATION

Signature Page


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on July 30, 2004.

  SCP POOL CORPORATION
   
  By:  /s/ Craig K. Hubbard
  Craig K. Hubbard
  Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
and duly authorized signatory on behalf of the Registrant

23


SCP POOL CORPORATION

Index to Exhibits


3.1   Composite Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
3.2   Composite Bylaws of the Company. (1)
4.1   Form of certificate representing shares of common stock of the Company. (2)
10.1   Lease(Mandeville Service Center) entered into as of October 19, 1999, by and between S&C Development Company, LLC and South Central Pool Supply, Inc, as amended by Lease Agreement Amendment No. One, entered into as of May 26, 2000, by and between S&C Development Company, LLC and South Central Pool Supply, Inc, as amended by Lease Agreement (Warehouse)entered into as of January 16, 2002, by and between S&C Development Company, LLC and SCP Distributors, LLC, as amended by First Amendment entered into as of February 11, 2002 by and between S&C Development Company, LLC and SCP Distributors, LLC.
10.2   Lease(Oklahoma Service Center) entered into as of January 15, 2001, by and between Dave Cook, individually and SCP Pool Corporation, as amended by First Amendment, entered into as of October 24, 2001 by and between S&C Development, LLC and SCP Pool Corporation, as amended by First Amendment, entered into, as of December 5, 2001 by and between S&C Development, LLC and SCP Pool Corporation.
10.3   Tax Reimbursement Arrangement. (3)
10.4   2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated (3)
31.1   Certification by Craig K. Hubbard pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
31.2   Certification by Manuel J. Perez de la Mesa pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
32.1   Certification by Manuel J. Perez de la Mesa and Craig K. Hubbard pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906  
    of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
1.

Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003.

2.

Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement No. 33-92738.

3.

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

24