Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW)

In the past six months, Hayward Holdings (HAYW) stock has experienced fluctuations influenced by earnings reports and market sentiment. Hayward reported solid growth for Q4 and full fiscal year 2025, with net sales up 7% and net income up 25% for the quarter, but the stock had fallen 14.1% since early December of the prior year. Hayward reported an "outstanding" first quarter of fiscal year 2026, with net sales increasing 12% year-over-year and net income increasing 63%, and subsequently increased its full-year 2026 net sales guidance, but the stock dipped slightly after the announcement. A securities class action lawsuit against Hayward Holdings, Inc. and its executives, alleging false and misleading statements, has moved forward.

Demand for Hayward Holdings' products and services exhibits seasonality, primarily driven by the nature of the swimming pool industry. The first quarter of the fiscal year is a critical period as pool owners prepare for the upcoming swimming season. Hayward's business model is predominantly driven by the aftermarket, which represents approximately 85% of its net sales. While aftermarket demand provides resilience, the overall demand for pool equipment can be cyclical and sensitive to interest rates. Hayward's focus on smart pool technology and energy-efficient systems helps drive demand.

Hayward Holdings, Inc. is a global designer, manufacturer, and marketer of residential and commercial swimming pool equipment and related outdoor living products, operating within the Industrials sector. The company's product portfolio includes pumps, filters, heaters, sanitization systems, automation controls, lighting, cleaners, accessories, and industrial flow control products. Hayward emphasizes energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable products, with aftermarket sales representing approximately 85% of their net sales.

Hayward Holdings, Inc. has a global presence with facilities across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company's global headquarters is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. The company's two reportable segments are North America and Europe & Rest of World.

Hayward Holdings has a reputation as a leading brand in the pool equipment industry, known for innovation, quality, and a focus on energy-efficient and sustainable solutions. Hayward is recognized as a global leader in pool technology and emphasizes creating energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable products. Hayward develops pool products with safety in mind, complying with relevant safety standards. A securities class action lawsuit, which successfully moved forward in June 2025, alleges that Hayward's executives made false and misleading statements.

Hayward Holdings, Inc. has a diverse ownership structure, with significant institutional and individual holdings. As of May 2026, Hayward Holdings has 288 institutional owners holding a total of 221,287,613 shares. Insiders hold 4.73% of the stock. In the past three months, insiders have sold significantly more company stock than they have bought.