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

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Leslie’s (NASDAQ: LESL) reported fiscal third quarter 2026 sales of $458.5 million, down 8.4% year over year, with comparable sales down 6.2%. Gross profit fell 15.5% to $167.1 million and gross margin declined to 36.5% from 39.6%. SG&A decreased to $106.4 million, improving 270 bps as a percentage of sales.

Net income for the quarter rose to $47.8 million from $21.7 million, with diluted EPS of $5.01. However, Adjusted EBITDA declined to $55.7 million from $81.6 million. For the nine months, sales fell 7.3% to $790.4 million and net loss widened to $(87.7) million. The company recorded $8.3 million of impairments tied to closing 80 underperforming stores and one distribution center. Leslie’s reported inventories of $233.4 million (down 14.6%) and total liquidity of $207.1 million, and is exploring strategic alternatives, including a potential deleveraging transaction. The company withdrew its prior full-year 2026 outlook.

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Positive

  • Q3 net income increased to $47.8 million from $21.7 million
  • Q3 diluted EPS rose to $5.01 from $2.34 year over year
  • Q3 SG&A reduced to $106.4 million; 270 bps improvement as % of sales
  • Inventories decreased 14.6% year over year to $233.4 million
  • Total liquidity was $207.1 million as of July 4, 2026
  • Capital expenditures reduced to $10.5 million from $19.1 million period over period

Negative

  • Q3 sales declined 8.4% to $458.5 million; comps down 6.2%
  • Q3 gross margin fell 310 bps to 36.5%
  • Q3 Adjusted EBITDA declined to $55.7 million from $81.6 million
  • Nine‑month sales decreased 7.3% to $790.4 million
  • Nine‑month net loss widened to $(87.7) million from $(74.2) million
  • Store rationalization drove $8.3 million impairment for 80 stores and one distribution center
  • Full‑year 2026 outlook withdrawn amid macroeconomic softness and demand uncertainty
  • Stockholders’ deficit deepened to $(492.7) million with long‑term debt about $753.4 million

News Explained

No financing or deleveraging transaction is completed; as of July 4, Leslie’s reported $207.1 million total liquidity, including $45.9 million cash.

Leslie’s has begun exploring strategic alternatives with certain financial stakeholders, potentially including a deleveraging transaction and one or more financing transactions, so the disclosure starts a process rather than documenting a completed restructuring.

A financing that issued additional shares would increase total share count and reduce existing holders’ percentage ownership absent offsetting changes.

As of July 4, 2026, the company reported $45.9 million of cash and $207.1 million of total liquidity.

The next financing or deleveraging announcement would establish the consideration, funding source, debt changes, and any equity issuance that determine the company’s and existing holders’ structural position.

Market Reaction – LESL

-41.67% $0.77 5.2x vol
15m delay
-41.67% Vs previous close
$0.77 Last Price
$0.70 $1.70 Day Range
$7.21M Market Cap
5.2x Rel. Volume

Following this news, LESL has declined 41.67%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction. Our momentum scanner has triggered 72 alerts so far, indicating high trading interest and price volatility. The stock is currently trading at $0.77. Trading volume is exceptionally heavy at 5.2x the average, suggesting significant selling pressure.

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Market Context

Historical earnings reactions ranged from -36.02% to 144.76% over 24 hours, with both negative and p...
Analysis

Historical earnings reactions ranged from -36.02% to 144.76% over 24 hours, with both negative and positive outcomes recorded. That record adds context to this announcement, while moderate short positioning remained a sourced volatility risk.

Key Figures

Sales: $458.5 million Comparable sales: -6.2% Gross margin: 36.5% +5 more
8 metrics
Sales $458.5 million Fiscal Q3 2026; down 8.4% from $500.3 million
Comparable sales -6.2% Fiscal Q3 2026
Gross margin 36.5% Fiscal Q3 2026 vs. 39.6% prior year
Net income $47.8 million Fiscal Q3 2026 vs. $21.7 million prior year
Adjusted EBITDA $(11.4) million Fiscal nine months ended July 4, 2026 vs. $16.2 million
Cash and equivalents $45.9 million As of July 4, 2026; up $3.2 million year over year
Total liquidity $207.1 million Cash on hand and available credit facility borrowings as of July 4, 2026
Full-year outlook Withdrawn Fiscal 2026 expectations

Previous Earnings Reports

5 past events · Latest: May 13 (Positive)
Same Type Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment 24h Move Catalyst
May 13 Q2 earnings report Positive +144.8% Sales and comparable sales growth, margin expansion, and reiterated full-year guidance drove positive response.
Feb 17 Q1 earnings report Negative -17.0% Sales and gross profit declined; impairment and losses accompanied guidance reiteration.
Dec 02 Q4 earnings report Negative -20.9% Large impairment, annual loss, store closures, and reduced outlook pressured shares.
Aug 06 Q3 earnings report Negative -17.8% Sales, net income, and adjusted EBITDA declined amid strategic review.
Jul 28 Preliminary earnings report Negative -36.0% Sales declined, guidance was withdrawn, and strategic review continued.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Tag-specific earnings events historically showed price reactions aligned with the reported positive or negative direction.

Key Terms

adjusted ebitda, gaap, non-gaap financial measures, bps, +1 more
5 terms
adjusted ebitda financial
"Adjusted EBITDA was $55.7 million compared to $81.6 million"
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.
gaap financial
"accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”)"
GAAP, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, are a set of standardized rules and guidelines that companies follow when preparing their financial statements. They ensure consistency, transparency, and comparability across different companies, making it easier for investors to understand and compare financial information accurately. This helps investors make informed decisions based on trustworthy and uniform financial reports.
View in glossary
non-gaap financial measures financial
"We use certain non-GAAP financial measures and other operating measures"
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
bps financial
"As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased 270 basis points (“bps”)."
bps stands for "basis points," a unit equal to one hundredth of a percentage point (0.01%). Investors and analysts use bps to describe small changes in interest rates, yields, fees, or margins without confusing decimals — for example, a 50 bps move means a 0.50% change. Using bps makes it easier to compare and communicate tiny but meaningful shifts that can significantly affect bond prices, loan costs, or investment returns.
deleveraging transaction financial
"Such strategic alternatives may include but are not limited to a deleveraging transaction"
A deleveraging transaction is a corporate action taken to reduce a company’s debt load, such as selling assets, paying down loans, converting debt to equity, or refinancing on better terms. It matters to investors because lowering debt changes a company’s risk profile, cash flow needs and potential returns—like paying down a credit card to free up monthly cash or giving up some ownership to eliminate a loan—affecting credit ratings, interest costs, and future earnings available to shareholders.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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PHOENIX, Aug. 12, 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 third quarter 2026.

"We continued to advance our strategic transformation in the third quarter, taking decisive action to right-size our cost structure and supply chain, realign our pricing strategy, and invest in omnichannel capabilities. Despite this progress, the macroenvironment remains challenging. We have begun exploring strategic alternatives with certain of our financial stakeholders to provide the incremental financial flexibility needed to continue to deliver on our strategic priorities and drive sustainable growth. Such strategic alternatives may include but are not limited to a deleveraging transaction, potentially combined with one or more financing transactions," said Jason McDonell, Chief Executive Officer. 

McDonell added: "While this work is underway, we are focused on driving traffic to our stores and digital platforms as we optimize our business model. We continue to have meaningful liquidity and are operating our business in the normal course. We are encouraged by the feedback received from customers on the new pricing strategy and will continue to refine the strategy with additional input and data."

Fiscal Third Quarter Ended July 4, 2026 Results

  • Sales were $458.5 million, a decrease of 8.4% compared to $500.3 million in the prior year period. Comparable sales decreased 6.2%.
  • Gross profit was $167.1 million, a decrease of 15.5% compared to $197.9 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 36.5% compared to 39.6% in the prior year period.
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $106.4 million compared to $129.6 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased 270 basis points (“bps”).
  • Non-cash impairment was $(0.7) million, comprised of non-cash lease gains due to lease terminations on stores that were closed and impaired during the first quarter of 2026. No impairment charges were recorded in the comparable prior year period.
  • Net income increased by $26.1 million to $47.8 million compared to $21.7 million in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted net income was $37.8 million compared to $25.2 million in the prior year period.
  • Diluted earnings per share was $5.01 compared to $2.34 in the prior year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $3.96 compared to $2.72 the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $55.7 million compared to $81.6 million in the prior year period.

Fiscal Nine Months Ended July 4, 2026 Results

  • Sales were $790.4 million, a decrease of 7.3% compared to $852.7 million in the prior year period. Comparable sales decreased 5.5%.
  • Gross profit was $247.5 million, a decrease of 14.5% compared to $289.6 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 31.3% compared to 34.0% in the prior year period.
  • SG&A decreased by $25.1 million to $284.2 million compared to $309.3 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased 30 bps.
  • Non-cash impairment was $8.3 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 $(87.7) million compared to net loss of $(74.2) million in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted net loss was $(79.7) million compared to adjusted net loss of $(66.0) million in the prior year period.
  • Diluted loss per share was $(9.40) compared to $(8.01) in the prior year period. Adjusted diluted loss per share was $(8.55) compared to $(7.13) in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $(11.4) million compared to $16.2 million in the prior year period.

Balance Sheet Highlights

  • Capital expenditures totaled $10.5 million in the period ended July 4, 2026 compared to $19.1 million in the period ended June 28, 2025.
  • Cash and cash equivalents totaled $45.9 million as of July 4, 2026, an increase of $3.2 million, compared to $42.7 million as of June 28, 2025.
  • Inventories totaled $233.4 million as of July 4, 2026, a decrease of $39.8 million or 14.6% compared to inventories of $273.2 million as of June 28, 2025.
  • Total liquidity was $207.1 million from cash on-hand and borrowings available under the credit facility as of July 4, 2026.

Full Year Fiscal 2026 Expectations

Given macroeconomic softness and the uncertainty around the company’s ability to continue to drive consumer behavior, the company is withdrawing its prior full year outlook and not updating it at this time.

Conference Call Details

The company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on August 12, 2026 to discuss the financial results for the third 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 consumers 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 over 900 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 every single Leslie’s customer with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and thoroughly 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 income (loss), and Adjusted diluted earnings (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 Income (Loss) and Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share

Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share are additional key measures used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted diluted earnings (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 income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) adjusted to exclude 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 diluted earnings (loss) per share is defined as Adjusted net income (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, liquidity, business strategy, strategic transformation plan, our exploration of strategic alternatives and discussions with financial stakeholders, including potential results thereof, potential deleveraging or other balance sheet transactions, 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, and any restructuring efforts;
  • our expectations regarding our cash resources and cash generation from normal operations;
  • our ability to continue as a going concern;
  • our ability to timely service, pay off, refinance, restructure or extend our existing debt obligations and otherwise satisfy our liquidity requirements, including our Term Loan prior to its maturity, as well as our ability to incur additional debt on terms and at rates acceptable to us;
  • our ability to enter into and successfully complete a deleveraging transaction or other balance sheet transaction and the terms thereof;
  • our ability to obtain additional capital to finance operations and investment in growth;
  • the impact of our indebtedness, debt service obligations and debt covenants, and our exposure to variable rate indebtedness;
  • the impact of discussions and negotiations with our financial stakeholders, including our debtholders;
  • the deterioration of our credit profile and credit rating, including its impact on our access to commercial credit;
  • supply disruptions or increased costs, including as a result of trade policies, geopolitical conflicts and related impacts on commodity prices;
  • 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;
  • successful reactivation of lapsed residential and commercial customers;
  • potential demographic shifts, including a larger percentage of “do-it-for-me” pool owners vs. prior historical patterns;
  • impacts from the sensitivity of our business to weather conditions, changes in the economy (including higher interest rates, economic contractions or recessions, inflationary pressures and changes in trade policies, including tariffs, other trade restrictions or the threat thereof, and our success or lack of success, as the case may be, in recouping funds from policies later deemed invalid), bifurcated consumer income and purchasing patterns, cost consciousness, geopolitical events or conflicts (including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the conflicts in the Middle East and the related impacts on commodity prices, including the price of oil), respective changes in new or existing pool construction and renovation, and the broader housing market;
  • disruptions in the operations of our manufacturing facilities and distribution centers;
  • our ability to implement technology initiatives that deliver 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;
  • commodity price inflation and deflation, including volatility in the price of crude oil and associated commodities;
  • 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 maintain compliance 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, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, 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.

Contact

Tom Filandro
Partner, ICR
Lesliesir@icrinc.com

Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  July 4, 2026  June 28, 2025  July 4, 2026  June 28, 2025 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Sales $458,493  $500,347  $790,365  $852,709 
Cost of merchandise and services sold  291,368   302,457   542,825   563,156 
Gross profit  167,125   197,890   247,540   289,553 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  106,372   129,572   284,247   309,313 
Impairment  (708)     8,266    
Operating income (loss)  61,461   68,318   (44,973)  (19,760)
Interest expense  14,145   15,764   42,045   47,425 
Income (loss) before taxes  47,316   52,554   (87,018)  (67,185)
Income tax expense (benefit)  (478)  30,824   656   6,969 
Net income (loss) $47,794  $21,730  $(87,674) $(74,154)
Earnings (loss) per share:            
Basic $5.10  $2.34  $(9.40) $(8.01)
Diluted $5.01  $2.34  $(9.40) $(8.01)
Weighted average shares outstanding:            
Basic  9,363   9,275   9,329   9,263 
Diluted  9,542   9,275   9,329   9,263 


Other Financial Data (1)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  July 4, 2026  June 28, 2025  July 4, 2026  June 28, 2025 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Adjusted EBITDA $55,704  $81,570  $(11,401) $16,193 
Adjusted net income (loss) (2) $37,800  $25,241  $(79,720) $(66,000)
Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share $3.96  $2.72  $(8.55) $(7.13)
_________________________________
(1) See section titled “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation”
(2) The prior period comparative reconciliation has been updated to conform to the current period presentation.


Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

  July 4, 2026  October 4, 2025  June 28, 2025 
  (Unaudited)  (Audited)  (Unaudited) 
Assets         
Current assets         
Cash and cash equivalents $45,911  $64,340  $42,684 
Accounts and other receivables, net  32,174   23,217   34,794 
Inventories, net  233,425   207,983   273,192 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  39,734   33,249   34,460 
Total current assets  351,244   328,789   385,130 
Property and equipment, net  75,421   92,544   94,143 
Operating lease right-of-use assets  232,130   252,988   260,925 
Goodwill and other intangibles, net  28,172   30,732   212,407 
Other assets  35,225   36,422   36,888 
Total assets $722,192  $741,475  $989,493 
Liabilities and stockholders’ deficit         
Current liabilities         
Accounts payable $111,023  $51,894  $91,587 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  80,045   82,447   104,629 
Operating lease liabilities  69,150   74,720   65,755 
Total current liabilities  260,218   209,061   261,971 
Deferred tax liabilities  295   287   1,549 
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent  168,945   185,076   197,375 
Revolving Credit Facility  30,000      20,000 
Long-term debt, net  753,364   752,055   751,547 
Other long-term liabilities  2,108   2,988   3,218 
Total liabilities  1,214,930   1,149,467   1,235,660 
Commitments and contingencies         
Stockholders’ deficit         
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized and 9,365,475, 9,290,311, and 9,278,924 issued and outstanding as of July 4, 2026, October 4, 2025, and June 28, 2025.  9   9   9 
Additional paid-in capital  116,102   113,174   112,183 
Retained deficit  (608,849)  (521,175)  (358,359)
Total stockholders’ deficit  (492,738)  (407,992)  (246,167)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit $722,192  $741,475  $989,493 


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)

  Nine Months Ended 
  July 4, 2026  June 28, 2025 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Operating Activities      
Net loss $(87,674) $(74,154)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization  22,966   25,080 
Equity-based compensation  2,934   5,194 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts  1,690   1,619 
Impairment  8,266    
Inventory impairment  5,363    
Provision for credit losses  274   574 
Deferred income taxes  8   5,717 
Loss on asset dispositions  271   1,044 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts and other receivables  (9,231)  10,099 
Inventories, net  (30,805)  (38,909)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (6,485)  (281)
Other assets  961   2,561 
Accounts payable  59,129   23,965 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  (1,481)  (1,049)
Income taxes payable     (1,127)
Operating lease assets and liabilities, net  (3,784)  269 
Net cash used in operating activities  (37,598)  (39,398)
Investing Activities      
Purchases of property and equipment  (10,540)  (19,064)
Proceeds from asset dispositions  127   117 
Net cash used in investing activities  (10,413)  (18,947)
Financing Activities      
Borrowings on revolving credit facility  115,000   159,500 
Payments on revolving credit facility  (85,000)  (139,500)
Repayment of long-term debt     (27,025)
Payments on finance leases  (267)  (392)
Payment of deferred financing costs  (145)   
Payments of employee tax withholdings related to restricted stock vesting  (6)  (59)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  29,582   (7,476)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (18,429)  (65,821)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  64,340   108,505 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $45,911  $42,684 
Supplemental Information:      
Cash paid for interest $40,889  $46,462 
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received  506   3,556 


GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  July 4, 2026  June 28, 2025  July 4, 2026  June 28, 2025 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Net income (loss) $47,794  $21,730  $(87,674) $(74,154)
Interest expense  14,145   15,764   42,045   47,425 
Income tax expense (benefit)  (478)  30,824   656   6,969 
Impairment (1)  (857)     13,629    
Depreciation and amortization expense (2)  7,566   8,572   22,966   25,080 
Equity-based compensation expense (3)  798   1,581   2,940   5,242 
Strategic project costs (4)  3,728   1,056   10,334   1,836 
Legal settlement gain (5)  (17,504)     (17,504)   
Executive transition costs and other (6)  512   2,043   1,207   3,795 
Adjusted EBITDA $55,704  $81,570  $(11,401) $16,193 
             
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  July 4, 2026  June 28, 2025  July 4, 2026  June 28, 2025 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Net income (loss) $47,794  $21,730  $(87,674) $(74,154)
Impairment (1)  (857)     13,629    
Equity-based compensation expense (3)  798   1,581   2,940   5,242 
Strategic project costs (4)  3,728   1,056   10,334   1,836 
Legal settlement gain (5)  (17,504)     (17,504)   
Executive transition costs and other (6)  512   2,043   1,207   3,795 
Tax effects of these adjustments (7)  3,329   (1,169)  (2,652)  (2,719)
Adjusted net income (loss) (8) $37,800  $25,241  $(79,720) $(66,000)
             
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $5.01  $2.34  $(9.40) $(8.01)
Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share $3.96  $2.72  $(8.55) $(7.13)
Weighted average shares outstanding            
Basic  9,363   9,275   9,329   9,263 
Diluted  9,542   9,275   9,329   9,263 
_________________________________
(1) Represents non-cash charges related to 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) In June 2026, the Company entered into a settlement agreement to resolve certain credit card interchange fee litigation matters in which we were a plaintiff. As a result of this settlement, we recorded a gain of $17.5 million, net of legal fees. Amounts are reported in SG&A in our consolidated statements of operations.
(6) 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.
(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 (benefit) in our consolidated statements of operations. The prior period amounts have been corrected for a calculation error reported for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2025.
(8) The prior period comparative reconciliation has been updated to conform to the current period presentation.

FAQ

How did Leslie’s (NASDAQ: LESL) perform in fiscal Q3 2026?

Leslie’s reported Q3 2026 sales of $458.5 million, down 8.4% year over year, but net income rose to $47.8 million. According to the company, comparable sales declined 6.2%, gross margin fell to 36.5%, and Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $55.7 million.

What were Leslie’s (LESL) year-to-date results for the nine months ended July 4, 2026?

For the nine months ended July 4, 2026, Leslie’s posted sales of $790.4 million, down 7.3% year over year, and a net loss of $(87.7) million. According to Leslie’s, Adjusted EBITDA turned negative at $(11.4) million and comparable sales decreased 5.5%.

Why is Leslie’s (LESL) exploring strategic alternatives in 2026?

Leslie’s is exploring strategic alternatives to gain incremental financial flexibility amid a challenging macroenvironment. According to the company, potential options may include a deleveraging transaction, possibly combined with one or more financing transactions, to support its strategic transformation and longer-term growth priorities.

What is Leslie’s liquidity and balance sheet position as of July 4, 2026?

As of July 4, 2026, Leslie’s reported $45.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and total liquidity of $207.1 million. According to the company, inventories were $233.4 million and long-term debt was about $753.4 million, plus $30 million drawn on its revolving credit facility.

Did Leslie’s (LESL) change its fiscal 2026 guidance after Q3 results?

Yes. Leslie’s withdrew its prior full-year fiscal 2026 outlook following Q3 2026 results. According to the company, macroeconomic softness and uncertainty around its ability to continue to drive consumer behavior led management to suspend guidance and refrain from providing updated full-year expectations.

How did store closures impact Leslie’s (LESL) 2026 financials?

Leslie’s recorded $8.3 million of non-cash impairments for the nine months ended July 4, 2026, related to closing 80 underperforming stores and one distribution center. According to the company, these actions are part of its strategic transformation and cost-structure right-sizing efforts.

What non-GAAP measures did Leslie’s (LESL) highlight in its Q3 2026 report?

Leslie’s highlighted non-GAAP metrics including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income (loss), and Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share. According to the company, Q3 2026 Adjusted EBITDA was $55.7 million and Adjusted diluted EPS was $3.96, used alongside GAAP results to assess performance.