Highlights

  • Third quarter 2026 sales were $976 million, down 4 percent, and GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.91.
  • Adjusted EPS was $1.18 compared with $1.24 a year earlier, and the results include approximately $8 million of IEEPA refunds.
  • Pool sales were down 18 percent, and Pool reportable segment income of $72 million was down 38 percent.
  • The company expects fourth quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of approximately $1.15 and reported sales up approximately 7 percent to 9 percent.

Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR) shares were trading at USD 62.10 on October 27, 2026, up 12.46%, with a relative volume at time of 5.01. The water solutions company paid a regular quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share in the third quarter, completed its Taco Group Holdings acquisition on October 1, 2026, and on October 27 reported third quarter 2026 results and updated guidance.

Pentair is incorporated in Ireland, and its principal executive offices are in London, United Kingdom. The company helps move, improve and enjoy water, with residential and commercial water solutions and industrial water management. It reports three segments: Flow, Water Solutions and Pool. Pentair had revenue in 2025 of approximately $4.2 billion. It employs approximately 9,000 people globally and serves customers in more than 150 countries. Its fiscal year ends December 31.

Third Quarter 2026 Results

Sales were $976 million, down 4 percent from the third quarter of 2025. Core sales, which exclude currency translation, acquisitions and divestitures, declined 5 percent. GAAP earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $0.91, compared with $1.12 in the third quarter of 2025, a 19 percent decrease. Adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP measure, was $1.18, compared with $1.24, a 5 percent decrease.

Operating income was $196 million, down 15 percent, and return on sales was 20.1 percent, a decrease of 260 basis points. Adjusted operating income was $242 million, down 8 percent, with adjusted return on sales of 24.8 percent, a decrease of 90 basis points. The company said its results include approximately $8 million of International Emergency Economic Powers Act refunds received during the quarter.

Segment Performance

Flow sales were up 4 percent, and core sales grew 1 percent. Reportable segment income was $69 million, up 15 percent, with return on sales of 26.2 percent.

Water Solutions sales were up 1 percent, and core sales grew 1 percent. Reportable segment income was $121 million, up 16 percent, with return on sales of 28.7 percent.

Pool sales were down 18 percent, and core sales declined 18 percent. Reportable segment income was $72 million, down 38 percent, and return on sales was 24.6 percent, a decrease of 820 basis points. The company said third quarter Pool performance reflected the completion of the inventory realignment with its major channel partners.

Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns

Net cash provided by operating activities was $169 million for the quarter, compared with $196 million in the third quarter of 2025. Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, was $153 million, compared with $179 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2026, repurchases of ordinary shares were $350.0 million. Long-term debt was $1,484.1 million at September 30, 2026.

Pentair announced on September 21, 2026 a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share, payable November 6, 2026 to shareholders as of the close of business on October 23, 2026. The company said this year marks the 50th consecutive year in which it has increased its dividend.

Outlook

Pentair updated its estimated 2026 GAAP EPS from continuing operations to approximately $3.76 and reaffirmed the midpoint of its previous adjusted EPS guidance at approximately $4.70. It updated estimated full year 2026 sales to be down approximately 3 percent on a reported basis. The company said its full year guidance includes the right-sizing of channel inventory in preparation for the 2027 pool season and the acquisition of Taco.

The company introduced fourth quarter 2026 guidance of approximately $1.07 for GAAP EPS from continuing operations and approximately $1.15 for adjusted EPS. It expects fourth quarter sales to be up approximately 7 percent to 9 percent on a reported basis compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.