Hayward(NYSE) HAYW

Hayward helps people maintain and enjoy swimming pools with specialized equipment. It makes pumps, filters, and smart controls for home and business pools. These products serve both homeowners and commercial facility managers worldwide.

What's in the Pool?

• Residential pool: Pumps, filters, cleaners, and lighting for home pools; generated $223.8 million in net sales in Q1 2026.
• Commercial pool: Water treatment and saline chlorination systems for public facilities; generated $17.9 million in net sales in Q1 2026.
• Flow control: Industrial equipment and parts used to manage fluid movement; generated $13.5 million in net sales in Q1 2026.

Strategic Splashes

• Acquired ChlorKing on June 26, 2024 to add saline chlorinators and ultraviolet disinfection systems to its commercial portfolio.
• Authorized a $450 million share repurchase program in July 2025 to return value to stockholders through mid-2028.
• Repurchased 350,000 shares of common stock for approximately $5.9 million during the first quarter of 2026.

The Market Edge

The company maintains seven manufacturing facilities globally and holds a 33% share of the North American residential pool market. It generates roughly 85% of its North American residential sales from recurring aftermarket repairs and upgrades.

Diving Into the Data

• Net sales rose to $255.2 million in Q1 2026, up 11.5% from the previous year.
• Net income reached $23.4 million in Q1 2026, up 63% year-over-year.
• North American sales hit $209.8 million in Q1 2026, a 12.1% increase from the prior year.
• Free cash flow hit -$157.8 million in Q1 2026, which worsened by 1218.9% year-over-year.
• Accounts receivable rose to $430.9 million as of March 28, 2026, from $280.2 million at year-end 2025.

The Final Word

Hayward has transitioned toward energy-efficient and smart technology to capture recurring maintenance and upgrade spending. Its large installed base and aftermarket focus provide a steady foundation for its global operations.