POOL Valuation - Is Pool Corporation Over or Undervalued?

Comprehensive analysis of Pool Corporation valuation metrics including P/E, P/B, P/S, and EV/EBITDA ratios

-6 min read-View Full Analysis

Current Stock Price

$261.98

Market Cap

$9.78B

Valuation Date

Jan 14, 2026

Valuation Verdict

-

Potentially Overvalued

Based on valuation multiples, POOL appears expensive relative to fundamentals. 2 key metrics suggest premium pricing.

Key Valuation Metrics

These four fundamental valuation ratios help determine if POOL is trading at a fair price relative to its earnings, assets, revenue, and cash flow generation.

P/E Ratio (Price-to-Earnings)
Good
23.90x
Near market average
Investors pay $23.90 for every $1 of annual earnings
P/B Ratio (Price-to-Book)
High
6.98x
Premium to book value
Stock trades at 6.98x its book value per share
P/S Ratio (Price-to-Sales)
Good
1.85x
Low relative to sales
Market values each $1 of revenue at $1.85
EV/EBITDA
High
17.07x
Premium valuation
Enterprise value is 17.07x EBITDA

How to Interpret These Metrics

P/E Ratio: Lower P/E often indicates better value, but compare against industry peers. High-growth companies typically have higher P/E ratios. Market average is 15-20x.
P/B Ratio: Values below 1.0 suggest the stock trades below its net asset value, which could indicate undervaluation or fundamental problems. Technology companies often trade at higher P/B ratios.
P/S Ratio: Useful for unprofitable companies or comparing revenue efficiency. Lower is generally better, but high-margin businesses can justify higher P/S ratios.
EV/EBITDA: Accounts for debt and excludes non-cash expenses, making it ideal for comparing companies with different capital structures. Values under 10x often indicate good value.

How POOL Compares to Peers

What This Means for Investors

Premium Valuation Alert

Pool Corporation (POOL) is trading at premium valuation multiples, suggesting the market has high expectations for future growth. While this doesn't automatically mean the stock will decline, it does indicate limited margin of safety. Investors should carefully evaluate whether the company's growth prospects justify the current valuation or if they're paying too much for the stock.

Bullish Considerations

  • Attractive price-to-sales multiple

Bearish Considerations

  • High premium to book value
  • High EV/EBITDA suggests premium valuation
  • Multiple metrics indicate overvaluation

Complete Your Analysis

Valuation is just one piece of the puzzle. Get the complete picture of POOL with our comprehensive analysis tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is POOL's P/E ratio and what does it mean?

POOL has a P/E (Price-to-Earnings) ratio of 23.90. This means investors are paying $23.90 for every $1 of annual earnings. A lower P/E generally suggests better value, but it's important to compare against industry peers and growth prospects. The market average P/E is typically 15-20x.

Is POOL stock overvalued or undervalued?

Based on our analysis of key valuation metrics (P/E, P/B, P/S, EV/EBITDA), POOL appears potentially overvalued. Based on valuation multiples, POOL appears expensive relative to fundamentals. 2 key metrics suggest premium pricing. However, valuation is just one factor to consider alongside growth prospects, competitive position, and market conditions.

What is a good P/E ratio for POOL?

There's no single "good" P/E ratio as it varies by industry and growth stage. For Pool Corporation, compare the current P/E of 23.90 against: (1) Industry peers, (2) Historical average P/E for POOL, (3) Expected earnings growth rate. High-growth companies often justify higher P/E ratios, while mature companies typically trade at lower multiples.

How do I use valuation ratios to make investment decisions?

Valuation ratios are screening tools, not buy/sell signals. Use them to: (1) Compare POOL against competitors, (2) Identify potential over/undervaluation, (3) Understand what you're paying for earnings, assets, or sales. Combine valuation analysis with fundamental research, growth prospects, and technical analysis for comprehensive decision-making.

What is EV/EBITDA and why does it matter?

EV/EBITDA (Enterprise Value to EBITDA) is 17.07 for POOL. This ratio is useful because it accounts for debt and excludes non-cash expenses, making it better for comparing companies with different capital structures. Lower EV/EBITDA generally indicates better value. It's particularly useful for comparing companies in capital-intensive industries.

Disclaimer: This valuation analysis is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Valuation metrics are just one factor in investment decisions. Always conduct comprehensive research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Past performance and current valuations do not guarantee future results.

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