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Leslie’s, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

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Leslie’s (NASDAQ: LESL) reported fiscal Q1 2026 results on Feb 17, 2026: sales $147.1M (-16.0% YoY), gross profit $27.1M (-43.3% YoY) and adjusted EBITDA $(40.3)M. The company recorded $10.1M non-cash impairment for 80 store and one DC closures and reiterated full-year FY26 guidance of $1.10B–$1.25B sales and $55M–$75M adjusted EBITDA.

Inventories improved, down ~22.5% YoY to $210.0M; cash was $3.6M with total liquidity of $128.3M. Management reiterated seasonal second-half strength and a pricing/marketing push for the 2026 pool season.

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Positive

  • Full-year FY26 guide: $1.10B–$1.25B sales range
  • Full-year FY26 adjusted EBITDA guidance: $55M–$75M
  • Inventories reduced ~22.5% year-over-year to $210.0M

Negative

  • Q1 sales down 16.0% to $147.1M
  • Gross profit down 43.3%, gross margin fell to 18.4%
  • Recorded $10.1M non-cash impairment for 80 stores and one DC
  • Adjusted EBITDA loss of $(40.3)M and adjusted net loss $48.7M

Market Reaction

-7.50% $1.11
15m delay 10 alerts
-7.50% Since News
-20.0% Trough in 9 min
$1.11 Last Price
$1.00 $1.25 Day Range
-$906K Valuation Impact
$11M Market Cap
0.1x Rel. Volume

Following this news, LESL has declined 7.50%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -20.0% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner has triggered 10 alerts so far, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. The stock is currently trading at $1.11. This price movement has removed approximately $906K from the company's valuation.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus (15 min delayed). Upgrade to Silver for real-time data.

Key Figures

Q1 2026 Sales: $147.1 million Comparable sales change: -15.5% Gross margin: 18.4% +5 more
8 metrics
Q1 2026 Sales $147.1 million Fiscal first quarter 2026; down 16.0% vs. $175.2 million prior year
Comparable sales change -15.5% Fiscal first quarter 2026 comparable sales versus prior year period
Gross margin 18.4% Q1 2026 gross margin vs. 27.2% prior year, impacted by $6.4M impairment
Net loss $83.0 million Q1 2026 net loss vs. $44.6 million prior year
Adjusted EBITDA $(40.3) million Q1 2026 adjusted EBITDA vs. $(29.3) million prior year
Inventory $210.0 million Inventories as of January 3, 2026; down $61.1M or 22.5% year-over-year
Store closures 80 stores Underperforming stores closed during Q1 2026 plus one distribution center impaired
FY 2026 Sales Guidance $1,100 million to $1,250 million Reiterated full-year fiscal 2026 net sales outlook

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.12 Vol: Volume 171,472 is 41% abo...
normal vol
$1.12 Last Close
Volume Volume 171,472 is 41% above the 20-day average of 122,037 ahead of this earnings release. normal
Technical Shares at $1.12 trade below the 200-day MA $6.49 and sit at the 52-week low, down 96.79% from the high.

Peers on Argus

Pre-news data show LESL’s indicated direction as up, while the only peer in the ...
1 Down

Pre-news data show LESL’s indicated direction as up, while the only peer in the momentum scanner, BARK, was down 4.92%. Broader peers were mixed, suggesting stock-specific dynamics rather than a sector-wide move.

Previous Earnings Reports

5 past events · Latest: Dec 02 (Negative)
Same Type Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment Move Catalyst
Dec 02 Q4 & FY25 results Negative +21.4% Weak FY25 results with large impairment but detailed FY2026 guidance and cost actions.
Aug 06 Q3 2025 results Negative -17.8% Q3 2025 sales and earnings declined sharply; guidance cut amid operational headwinds.
Jul 28 Prelim Q3 2025 Negative -36.0% Preliminary Q3 showed double‑digit sales decline and withdrawn FY2025 guidance.
Feb 06 Q1 2025 results Negative -26.8% Off‑season Q1 loss, margin pressure, and reduced FY2025 outlook weighed on sentiment.
Nov 25 Q4 & FY24 results Negative -30.2% FY2024 sales declines, net loss, and weaker comps overshadowed inventory and cash gains.
Pattern Detected

Earnings releases have typically pressured the stock, with an average move of -17.9% and 4 of 5 past events showing negative price reactions to generally weak results.

Recent Company History

Recent earnings for Leslie’s have highlighted sales declines, margin compression, and mounting net losses, including a large $183.8M impairment and strategic actions like closing 80–90 underperforming stores and a distribution center. Guidance was reset to $1.10B–$1.25B of sales and $55M–$75M of adjusted EBITDA for FY2026. This Q1 2026 report continues that transformation narrative, with weaker sales and profitability but reiterated full‑year guidance and significant inventory reduction.

Historical Comparison

-17.9% avg move · Across the last five earnings‑tagged releases, LESL saw an average move of -17.9%, with mostly negat...
earnings
-17.9%
Average Historical Move earnings

Across the last five earnings‑tagged releases, LESL saw an average move of -17.9%, with mostly negative reactions to weak sales, margin pressure, and guidance resets.

Earnings updates show a progression from comp declines and margin compression in FY2024 to deeper losses, impairments, and store closures in FY2025, with FY2026 framed as a transformation period targeting $1.10B–$1.25B of sales and $55M–$75M adjusted EBITDA.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock is down -7.5% following this news. A negative reaction despite reiterated guidance fits th...
Analysis

The stock is down -7.5% following this news. A negative reaction despite reiterated guidance fits the pattern of past earnings, where the average move was -17.9%. Q1 2026 brought a $83.0M net loss, gross margin compression to 18.4%, and adjusted EBITDA of $(40.3)M, alongside 80 store closures. Even with inventory reduced to $210.0M and FY2026 targets reaffirmed, investors have often focused on near-term earnings pressure and impairments.

Key Terms

adjusted EBITDA, comparable store sales, gross margin, capital expenditures, +2 more
6 terms
adjusted EBITDA financial
"Sales and adjusted EBITDA in-line with Company expectations, reiterates full year guide"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
comparable store sales financial
"we are seeing encouraging momentum with positive comparable store sales in January."
Comparable store sales measure the change in revenue generated by stores that have been open for a certain period, typically at least one year. It helps assess how well a business is growing by showing whether existing stores are attracting more customers and sales, rather than just counting new store openings. Investors use this figure to gauge the true health and performance of a company's core operations over time.
gross margin financial
"Gross margin decreased to 18.4% compared to 27.2% in the prior year period"
Gross margin is the difference between how much money a company makes from selling its products and how much it costs to produce them, expressed as a percentage of sales. It shows how efficiently a company is turning sales into profit before other expenses like marketing or salaries. Higher gross margin means the company keeps more money from each sale, which is a good sign of financial health.
capital expenditures financial
"Capital expenditures totaled $4.3 million in the period ended January 3, 2026"
Capital expenditures are the money a company spends to buy or improve big assets like buildings, equipment, or machines that will last a long time. These investments matter because they help the company grow and operate more efficiently, similar to how upgrading a home’s appliances or adding a new room can make it better and more valuable.
credit facility financial
"Total liquidity of $128.3 million from cash on-hand and borrowings available under the credit facility."
A credit facility is a flexible loan arrangement that allows a borrower to access funds up to a set limit whenever needed, similar to a company having an overdraft option on a bank account. It matters to investors because it indicates how easily a business can secure cash when required, affecting its ability to manage expenses, invest, or respond to financial challenges.
diluted loss per share financial
"Diluted loss per share was $8.92 compared to $4.82 in the prior year period."
Diluted loss per share shows how much money a company lost for each share of stock, assuming all potential shares from things like stock options are also counted. It helps investors understand the worst-case scenario of a company's losses if all possible shares were in circulation, providing a more cautious measure of profitability or loss. This figure is important because it offers a clearer picture of a company's financial health, especially when future shares might increase.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Sales and adjusted EBITDA in-line with Company expectations, reiterates full year guide

80 underperforming stores closed during Q1 2026

Improved inventory efficiency with ~23% reduction year-over-year

PHOENIX, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leslie’s, Inc. (NASDAQ: LESL), the largest and most trusted direct-to-customer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry serving residential customers and pool professionals nationwide, today announced its financial results for the fiscal first quarter 2026.

Jason McDonell, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Leslie’s transformation journey is gaining momentum as we execute with precision and urgency. Our first quarter results met our expectations, and we’ve made meaningful optimization progress across stores, distribution, SKUs, and costs. While Q1 and Q2 historically represent approximately 25% of annual revenue, to start Q2, we are seeing encouraging momentum with positive comparable store sales in January. This, coupled with the progress we’re making on our transformation initiatives, gives us conviction in delivering our full-year commitments.”

McDonell added, “As we move into the 2026 pool season, we are implementing a strategic pricing transformation, a fundamental shift to value pricing supported by our ‘New Low Prices, Same Great Quality’ campaign launching to coincide with pool season. This strategy positions our field organization to leverage our proprietary 10-point AccuBlue® water testing, enabling a consultative in-store approach that drives consumer engagement, conversion, basket size, and loyalty. Through renewed pricing and revitalized marketing, we are well positioned to grow our active customer file by re-engaging lapsed consumers and attracting new customers.” 

“Our four strategic pillars: customer centricity, convenience, asset utilization, and cost optimization continue to guide our unwavering commitment to becoming America’s one-stop shop for pool care, positioning Leslie’s for sustainable, profitable future growth. I want to thank our teams nationwide and all stakeholders for their support on Leslie’s transformation journey,” concluded McDonell.

Fiscal First Quarter Ended January 3, 2026 Results

  • Sales were $147.1 million, a decrease of 16.0% compared to $175.2 million in the prior year period. Comparable sales decreased 15.5%.
  • Gross profit was $27.1 million, a decrease of 43.3% compared to $47.7 million in the prior year period. Gross margin decreased to 18.4% compared to 27.2% in the prior year period due to $6.4 million of non-cash impairment relating to the closure of 80 stores and overall lower product margin on core chemicals.
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $85.7 million compared to $87.4 million in the prior year period.
  • Non-cash impairment charge of $10.1 million, comprised of asset write-offs related to the closure of 80 underperforming stores and one distribution center. No impairment charges were recorded in the comparable prior year period.
  • Net loss was $83.0 million compared to $44.6 million in the prior year period mainly driven by the non-cash impairment charges relating to the closure of 80 stores during the period.
  • Adjusted net loss was $48.7 million compared to $40.7 million in the prior year period.
  • Diluted loss per share was $8.92 compared to $4.82 in the prior year period. Adjusted diluted loss per share was $5.24 compared to $4.40 in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $(40.3) million compared to $(29.3) million in the prior year period.

Balance Sheet Highlights

  • Capital expenditures totaled $4.3 million in the period ended January 3, 2026 compared to $4.7 million in the period ended December 28, 2024.
  • Cash and cash equivalents totaled $3.6 million as of January 3, 2026, a decrease of $8.0 million, compared to $11.6 million as of December 28, 2024.
  • Inventories totaled $210.0 million as of January 3, 2026, a decrease of $61.1 million or 22.5%, compared to $271.1 million as of December 28, 2024.
  • Total liquidity of $128.3 million from cash on-hand and borrowings available under the credit facility.

Full Year Fiscal 2026 Expectations

The company reiterated its outlook for the full year fiscal 2026.

As is typical of our business, we anticipate generating the majority of our sales and earnings during the second half of the year driven by the seasonal nature of our industry. The guide provided is for the 52-week period of Fiscal Year 2026 and includes the impact on revenue of the store closures noted above as well as the addback of expected costs incurred with these closures.

Sales $1,100 million to $1,250 million
Adjusted EBITDA $55 million to $75 million
Capital Expenditures $20 million to $25 million
   

*Note: A reconciliation of non-GAAP guidance measures to corresponding GAAP measures is not available on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty of expenses that may be incurred in the future, although it is important to note that these factors could be material to our results computed in accordance with GAAP.

Conference Call Details

The company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on February 17, 2026 to discuss the financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 as well as progress against the company’s strategic transformation initiatives. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available online at https://ir.lesliespool.com/.

A replay of the conference call will be available within approximately three hours of the conclusion of the call and will be available on the company’s Investor Relations website for 180 days.

About Leslie’s

Founded in 1963, Leslie’s is the largest and most trusted direct-to-customer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry serving residential customers and pool professionals nationwide. The company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The company operates an integrated ecosystem of approximately 950 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie’s consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Operating Measures

In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), we use certain non-GAAP financial measures and other operating measures, including comparable sales growth, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net loss, and Adjusted diluted loss per share, to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, to make budgeting decisions, and to compare our performance against that of other peer companies using similar measures. These non-GAAP financial measures and other operating measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for our results as reported under GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures and other operating measures are not calculated in the same manner by all companies, and accordingly, are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and may not be appropriate measures for performance relative to other companies.

Comparable Sales Growth

We measure comparable sales growth as the increase or decrease in sales recorded by the comparable base in any reporting period, compared to sales recorded by the comparable base in the prior reporting period. The comparable base includes sales through our locations and through our e-commerce websites and third-party marketplaces. Comparable sales growth is a key measure used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest (including amortization of debt issuance costs), taxes, depreciation and amortization, equity-based compensation expense, executive transition costs, severance, strategic project costs, merger and acquisition costs, and other non-recurring, non-cash or discrete items. Adjusted EBITDA is a key measure used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is also frequently used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry, when considered alongside other GAAP measures. We use Adjusted EBITDA to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies, to make budgeting decisions, and to compare our performance against that of other companies using similar measures.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized measure of financial performance under GAAP but is used by some investors to determine a company’s ability to service or incur indebtedness. Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated in the same manner by all companies, and accordingly, is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for performance relative to other companies. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an indicator of a company’s operating performance in isolation from, or as a substitute for, net loss, cash flows from operations or cash flow data, all of which are prepared in accordance with GAAP. We have presented Adjusted EBITDA solely as supplemental disclosure because we believe it allows for a more complete analysis of results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to represent, and should not be considered more meaningful than, or as an alternative to, measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. In the future, we may incur expenses or charges such as those added back to calculate Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by these items.

Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Diluted Loss per Share

Adjusted net loss and Adjusted diluted loss per share are additional key measures used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. Adjusted net loss and Adjusted diluted loss per share are also frequently used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry, when considered alongside other GAAP measures.

Adjusted net loss is defined as net loss adjusted to exclude equity-based compensation expense, executive transition costs, severance, strategic project costs, merger and acquisition costs, change in valuation allowance for deferred taxes, and other non-recurring, non-cash, or discrete items. Adjusted diluted loss per share is defined as Adjusted net loss divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations or financial condition, business strategy, strategic transformation plan, value proposition, dispositions, legal proceedings, competitive advantages, market size, growth opportunities, industry expectations, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “deliver,” “well-positioned,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Our actual results or outcomes, or the timing of our results or outcomes, could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, among others:

  • our ability to execute on our growth and cost optimization strategies, including our strategic pricing transformation;
  • our expectations regarding our cash resources and cash generation from normal operations;
  • supply disruptions or increased costs, including as a result of trade policies;
  • our ability to maintain favorable relationships with suppliers and manufacturers;
  • our ability to maintain the integrity of our supply chain without disruption;
  • our ability to successfully streamline our operations and improve long-term profitability, including through the closure of underperforming U.S. stores;
  • competition from mass merchants, online platforms and specialty retailers;
  • impacts on our business from the sensitivity of our business to weather conditions, changes in the economy (including high interest rates, recession fears, inflationary pressures and changes in trade policies, including tariffs or other trade restrictions or the threat of such actions), consumer purchasing patterns and cost consciousness, geopolitical events or conflicts, and the housing market;
  • disruptions in the operations of our manufacturing facilities and distribution centers;
  • our ability to implement technology initiatives that deliver the anticipated benefits, without disrupting our operations;
  • our ability to execute on our management transition plans and to attract and retain senior management and other qualified personnel;
  • regulatory changes and developments affecting our current and future products including evolving legal standards, regulations and stakeholder expectations concerning environmental, and sustainability matters;
  • our ability to timely service, pay off or refinance existing debt and incur additional debt on terms and at rates acceptable to us;
  • our ability to obtain additional capital to finance operations;
  • commodity price inflation and deflation;
  • impacts on our business from epidemics, pandemics, or natural disasters;
  • impacts on our business from cyber incidents and other security threats or disruptions;
  • our ability to regain and maintain compliance or comply with Nasdaq listing standards;
  • our ability to remediate material weaknesses or other deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting or to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; and 
  • other risks and uncertainties, including those listed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this press release primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, and operating results. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 4, 2025 and in our other filings with the SEC. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release The results, outcomes, events, and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur, and actual results or outcomes, or the timing of results and outcomes, could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this press release, and, while we believe that information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, that information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on events or circumstances as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information, changed expectations, the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise, except as required by law. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, outcomes, or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments.

 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
    
  Three Months Ended 
  January 3, 2026  December 28, 2024 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Sales $147,128  $175,228 
Cost of merchandise and services sold  120,059   127,511 
Gross profit  27,069   47,717 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  85,669   87,417 
Impairment  10,148   - 
Operating loss  (68,748)  (39,700)
Interest expense  13,536   15,763 
Net loss before taxes  (82,284)  (55,463)
Income tax expense (benefit)  687   (10,899)
Net loss $(82,971) $(44,564)
Loss per share:      
Basic $(8.92) $(4.82)
Diluted $(8.92) $(4.82)
Weighted average shares outstanding:      
Basic  9,297   9,251 
Diluted  9,297   9,251 
         


 
Other Financial Data(1)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
    
  Three Months Ended 
  January 3, 2026  December 28, 2024 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Adjusted EBITDA $(40,286) $(29,319)
Adjusted net loss $(48,699) $(40,737)
Adjusted diluted loss per share $(5.24) $(4.40)

_________________________________

(1) See section titled “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
   


 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
          
  January 3, 2026  October 4, 2025  December 28, 2024 
Assets (Unaudited)  (Audited)  (Unaudited) 
Current assets         
Cash and cash equivalents $3,622  $64,340  $11,615 
Accounts and other receivables, net  15,855   23,217   29,803 
Inventories, net  210,006   207,983   271,087 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  37,548   33,249   29,117 
Total current assets  267,031   328,789   341,622 
Property and equipment, net  82,394   92,544   96,045 
Operating lease right-of-use assets  233,979   252,988   260,835 
Goodwill and other intangibles, net  29,871   30,732   214,219 
Deferred tax assets        16,121 
Other assets  36,164   36,422   38,151 
Total assets $649,439  $741,475  $966,993 
Liabilities and stockholders’ deficit         
Current liabilities         
Accounts payable $45,227  $51,894  $56,208 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  68,952   82,447   71,528 
Operating lease liabilities  73,860   74,720   65,063 
Income taxes payable        1,180 
Total current liabilities  188,039   209,061   193,979 
Deferred tax liabilities  296   287   - 
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent  170,617   185,076   197,853 
Revolving Credit Facility  25,000      40,000 
Long-term debt, net  752,389   752,055   750,610 
Other long-term liabilities  2,948   2,988   4,589 
Total liabilities  1,139,289   1,149,467   1,187,031 
Commitments and contingencies         
Stockholders’ deficit         
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized and 9,315,970, 9,290,311, and 9,260,400 issued and outstanding as of January 3, 2026, October 4, 2025, and December 28, 2024.  9   9   9 
Additional paid-in capital  114,287   113,174   108,722 
Retained deficit  (604,146)  (521,175)  (328,769)
Total stockholders’ deficit  (489,850)  (407,992)  (220,038)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit $649,439  $741,475  $966,993 
             


 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
    
  Three Month Ended 
  January 3, 2026  December 28, 2024 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Operating Activities      
Net loss $(82,971) $(44,564)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization  7,840   8,237 
Equity-based compensation  1,115   1,709 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts  551   541 
Impairment  10,148    
Inventory impairment  6,371    
Provision for credit losses  25   284 
Deferred income taxes  9   (11,953)
Loss on asset dispositions  (10)  (45)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts and other receivables  7,337   15,380 
Inventories, net  (8,394)  (36,804)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (4,289)  5,062 
Other assets  186   1,439 
Accounts payable  (6,667)  (11,414)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  (11,280)  (33,148)
Income taxes payable     53 
Operating lease assets and liabilities, net  (1,105)  145 
Net cash used in operating activities  (81,134)  (105,078)
Investing Activities      
Purchases of property and equipment  (4,327)  (4,678)
Proceeds from asset dispositions     30 
Net cash used in investing activities  (4,327)  (4,648)
Financing Activities      
Borrowings on revolving credit facility  25,000   40,000 
Repayment of long-term debt     (27,025)
Payments on finance leases  (110)  (105)
Payment of deferred financing costs  (145)   
Payments of employee tax withholdings related to restricted stock vesting  (2)  (34)
Net cash provided by financing activities  24,743   12,836 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (60,718)  (96,890)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  64,340   108,505 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $3,622  $11,615 
Supplemental Information:      
Cash paid for interest $13,553  $15,694 
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received  3    
         


 
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
    
  Three Months Ended 
  January 3, 2026  December 28, 2024 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Net loss $(82,971) $(44,564)
Interest expense  13,536   15,763 
Income tax expense (benefit)  687   (10,899)
Impairment(1)  16,519   - 
Depreciation and amortization expense(2)  7,840   8,237 
Equity-based compensation expense(3)  1,119   1,741 
Strategic project costs(4)  2,775   172 
Executive transition costs and other(5)  209   231 
Adjusted EBITDA $(40,286) $(29,319)
       
  Three Months Ended 
  January 3, 2026  December 28, 2024 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Net loss $(82,971) $(44,564)
Impairment(1)  16,519    
Equity-based compensation expense(3)  1,119   1,741 
Strategic project costs(4)  2,775   172 
Executive transition costs and other(5)  209   231 
Change in valuation allowance(6)  18,806   2,219 
Tax effects of these adjustments(7)  (5,156)  (536)
Adjusted net loss(8) $(48,699) $(40,737)
       
Diluted loss per share $(8.92) $(4.82)
Adjusted diluted loss per share $(5.24) $(4.40)
Weighted average shares outstanding      
Basic  9,297   9,251 
Diluted  9,297   9,251 
         

_________________________________

(1) Represents non-cash charges related asset write offs for certain underperforming stores and certain inventory related to the store and distribution center closings.
(2) Includes depreciation related to our distribution centers and store locations, which is reported in cost of merchandise and services sold and SG&A in our consolidated statements of operations.
(3) Represents charges related to equity-based compensation and our related payroll tax expense, which are reported in SG&A in our consolidated statements of operations.
(4) Represents non-recurring costs, such as third-party consulting costs related to first-generation technology initiatives, replacements of systems that are no longer supported by our vendors, investment in and development of new products outside of the course of continuing operations, or other discrete strategic projects that are infrequent or unusual in nature and potentially distortive to continuing operations. Also included are costs related to the closure of the 80 stores and one distribution center announced, and substantially completed, in the first quarter of 2026. These items are reported in SG&A in our consolidated statements of operations.
(5) Includes certain senior executive transition costs and severance associated with completed corporate restructuring activities across the organization, losses on asset dispositions, merger and acquisition costs, and other non-recurring, non-cash, or discrete items as determined by management. Amounts are reported in SG&A in our consolidated statements of operations.
(6) Represents a non-cash change in valuation allowance for deferred taxes. This item is reported in income tax expense (benefit) in our consolidated statements of operations.
(7) Represents the tax effect of the total adjustments based on our combined U.S. federal and state statutory tax rates. Amounts are reported in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The prior period amount has been corrected for an immaterial error reported for the period ended December 28, 2024.
(8) Amount reported for the three months ended December 28, 2024 reflects a correction of an immaterial error in the “tax effects of these adjustments” amount reported in the first quarter of 2025.
   




Contact

Tom Filandro
Partner, ICR
Lesliesir@icrinc.com

FAQ

What were Leslie’s (LESL) sales and comparable sales in Q1 2026?

Leslie’s reported $147.1 million in Q1 2026 sales, a 16.0% decline. According to the company, comparable sales decreased 15.5%, reflecting softer demand and store optimization impacts versus prior year.

Why did Leslie’s (LESL) gross profit decline sharply in Q1 2026?

Gross profit fell to $27.1 million, down 43.3% year-over-year. According to the company, the decline reflected lower product margins on core chemicals and a $6.4M non-cash impairment related to store closures.

How did store closures affect Leslie’s (LESL) Q1 2026 results and charges?

Leslie’s recorded a $10.1 million non-cash impairment tied to closing 80 underperforming stores and one distribution center. According to the company, these actions drove part of the larger reported net loss in Q1 2026.

What is Leslie’s (LESL) full-year fiscal 2026 guidance after Q1 results?

The company reiterated FY26 guidance of $1.10B–$1.25B in sales and $55M–$75M adjusted EBITDA. According to the company, the guide reflects seasonality and the impact of store closures on revenue.

How strong is Leslie’s (LESL) liquidity position after Q1 2026?

At quarter end, Leslie’s had $3.6M cash and $128.3M total liquidity including available borrowings. According to the company, liquidity supports operations through the seasonal ramp into the second half.

What operational improvements did Leslie’s (LESL) cite for 2026 pool season?

Leslie’s plans a value-pricing campaign and renewed marketing to drive engagement and reactivation. According to the company, initiatives include pricing changes, AccuBlue® water testing and targeted in-store consultative selling to grow active customers.
Leslie'S, Inc.

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