Hayward Holdings Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings and Upgraded Outlook
Hayward Holdings Inc. experienced a price drop of 5.57% as it hit a 5-day low, despite reporting significant growth in its Q1 fiscal 2026 results.
The company announced a 12% year-over-year increase in net sales to $255.2 million, driven by strong price realization and volume growth. Net income surged by 63% to $23.4 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose by 15% to $56.4 million. Furthermore, Hayward raised its FY 2026 net sales growth forecast from 4% to approximately 5%, reflecting confidence in future growth.
Despite the stock's decline, the strong earnings report and upgraded outlook indicate robust operational performance and financial health, which may attract investor interest moving forward.
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- Share Reduction Details: Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn disclosed a sale of 1,491,557 shares of Hayward Holdings in Q1 2026, valued at approximately $23.21 million, indicating a cautious outlook on the company's growth prospects.
- Value Decline: The position's quarter-end value decreased by $23.62 million due to both the share sale and price fluctuations, reflecting market concerns despite a 12% year-over-year sales increase in Q1.
- Performance Metrics: Hayward reported Q1 sales of $255.2 million, with net income soaring 63% to $23.4 million; however, its stock price has fallen about 5% over the past year, highlighting relative weakness in the market.
- Market Outlook: Management raised full-year guidance, noting that approximately 85% of revenue comes from the aftermarket, yet investors may seek clearer signs of accelerating demand before committing to significant stock purchases.

Share Sale Announcement: Kevin Holleran, an officer at Hayward Holdings (HAW.US), plans to sell 304,780 shares of the company's common stock on May 5, with an estimated market value of around $4.43 million.
Reduction in Holdings: Since March 2, 2026, Holleran has reduced his shareholding in Hayward Holdings by 104,780 shares, valued at approximately $1.53 million.
- Significant Sales Growth: Hayward Holdings reported net sales of $255 million in Q1, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase that exceeded market expectations, indicating strong performance and sustained customer demand in the market.
- Enhanced Profitability: Adjusted EBITDA rose by 15% and adjusted diluted EPS increased by 30%, demonstrating the company's ability to improve profitability despite cost pressures, thereby boosting investor confidence.
- Improved Financial Leverage: Despite Q1 typically being a seasonally low cash flow quarter, Hayward reduced its net leverage from 2.8x to 2.4x, showcasing effective financial management and flexibility.
- Upgraded Full-Year Guidance: The company raised its 2026 net sales growth forecast from 4% to 5% and expects adjusted diluted EPS to range between $0.84 and $0.87, reflecting management's confidence in future market performance.
- Earnings Beat: Hayward Holdings reported a Q1 2026 non-GAAP EPS of $0.13, beating expectations by $0.02, indicating a sustained enhancement in profitability.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenues of $255.2 million in Q1, an 11.5% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $16.04 million, reflecting strong market performance and rising customer demand.
- Net Income Surge: Net income for Q1 rose 63% to $23.4 million, with net income margin increasing by 290 basis points to 9.2%, demonstrating effective strategies in cost control and profitability.
- Adjusted EBITDA Improvement: Adjusted EBITDA increased by 15% to $56.4 million, with adjusted EBITDA margin rising by 60 basis points to 22.1%, showcasing ongoing improvements in operational efficiency and profitability.
- Sales Revenue Growth: Hayward's net sales for Q1 FY 2026 increased by 12% year-over-year to $255.2 million, primarily driven by strong price realization and volume growth, underscoring the company's competitive position in the water management sector.
- Significant Net Income Increase: Net income surged by 63% to $23.4 million, with a net income margin rising to 9.2%, reflecting the company's success in cost control and operational efficiency, thereby enhancing shareholder value.
- Adjusted EBITDA Growth: Adjusted EBITDA rose by 15% year-over-year to $56.4 million, with an EBITDA margin increasing to 22.1%, indicating ongoing improvements in profitability and operational efficiency.
- Upgraded Full-Year Outlook: Based on a strong start, Hayward has raised its FY 2026 net sales growth forecast from 4% to approximately 5%, expecting adjusted diluted EPS to increase by 9% to 13%, demonstrating confidence in future growth.
- Earnings Release Schedule: Hayward Holdings, Inc. will report its Q1 2026 earnings on April 29, 2026, showcasing its latest performance and developments in pool and outdoor living technology.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, the company will hold a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results, with investors able to listen via a webcast on the company's Investor Relations website.
- Replay Availability: For those unable to attend the live call, a replay will be available approximately three hours after the call, accessible until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 13, 2026, via specified phone numbers.
- Company Overview: Hayward Holdings is a leading global water management company focused on designing and manufacturing pool and outdoor living technology products, committed to providing efficient and sustainable water treatment solutions through its smart platform.








