Leslie’s Poolmart Shows 14% Profit Gain in ’96

Leslie’s Poolmart posted a 14% increase in its net income for 1996 while its sales rose 18%.

The Chatsworth-based swimming pool supplies chain had net income of $3.9 million last year, compared to a profit of $3.4 million in 1995. Sales for all of last year were $191.6 million, compared to $150.3 million in 1995.

In the fourth quarter that ended in December, Leslie’s posted a loss of $4.4 million, compared to a loss of $3.7 million in the same period a year earlier. Sales in the latest quarter rose 15% to $21.1 million from $18.3 million.

The company is in the process of being purchased by an investment group led by Leslie’s chief executive, Brian McDermott. His group will pay $14.50 per share, or about $100 million, to buy the company.