Pentair Q1 2026 Sales Up 3% to $1.037 Billion

By Chris Stiles • Tuesday, April 28 11:41 • Permanent Link

Pentair reported first-quarter 2026 sales of $1.037 billion, up 3% from a year earlier, as core sales rose 1%.

Earnings climbed as well. Diluted EPS from continuing operations increased 5% to $0.98 from $0.93 in the first quarter of 2025. On an adjusted basis, EPS rose 10% to $1.22 from $1.11.

Operating income was $210 million, up 3% from the prior-year quarter. Return on sales improved to 20.3% from 20.1%, a gain of 20 basis points. Adjusted operating income increased 7% to $259 million, and adjusted return on sales widened 100 basis points to 25.0%.

By segment, flow sales increased 11% and core sales rose 2%. Segment income jumped 22% to $61 million, while return on sales improved 210 basis points to 23.7%.

Water solutions sales slipped 1%, though core sales still grew 1%. Segment income rose 6% to $100 million, and return on sales expanded 160 basis points to 25.5%.

Pool sales increased 1%, with core sales also up 1%. Segment income edged up 2% to $128 million, and return on sales improved 30 basis points to 33.1%.

Cash generation weakened in the quarter. Net cash used in operating activities was $67 million, compared with $39 million used a year ago. Free cash flow used was $86 million, versus $56 million in the prior-year quarter.

Pentair returned cash to shareholders by repurchasing 2.0 million shares for $200 million. It also paid a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share and said it has increased its dividend for 50 straight years.

The company raised its full-year 2026 outlook. It now expects sales to rise 2% to 4% for the year, compared with its prior-year baseline, and sees GAAP EPS of $4.83 to $4.93, up 23% to 25% from last year. Adjusted EPS guidance was lifted to $5.30 to $5.40, up 8% to 10%.

For the second quarter, Pentair forecast sales up about 1% and GAAP EPS of $1.39 to $1.42, up 54% to 58% from the year-ago period. Adjusted EPS is projected at $1.47 to $1.50, up 6% to 8%. Today the company's shares have moved 1.4% to a price of $91.75. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.

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