Hayward's second quarter was shaped by strong execution in its North American aftermarket business, where demand for pool equipment and automation systems remained resilient despite broader macroeconomic headwinds. Management identified positive price realization and stable volumes as key contributors, especially in the U.S. CEO Kevin Holleran noted, "Our teams are advancing strategic initiatives to strengthen our market position and drive profitable growth even as we navigate macroeconomic, geopolitical and inflationary challenges." The company also benefited from targeted investments in product innovation and operational efficiency, which helped maintain profitability.
Is now the time to buy HAYW? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).
Hayward (HAYW) Q2 CY2026 Highlights:
- Revenue: $318.4 million vs analyst estimates of $309.7 million (6.3% year-on-year growth, 2.8% beat)
- Adjusted EPS: $0.26 vs analyst estimates of $0.24 (9.2% beat)
- Adjusted EBITDA: $92.72 million vs analyst estimates of $89.21 million (29.1% margin, 3.9% beat)
- Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $0.86 at the midpoint
- Operating Margin: 23.9%, in line with the same quarter last year
- Market Capitalization: $3.41 billion
While we enjoy listening to the management’s commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls is the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.
Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Hayward’s Q2 Earnings Call
-
W. Andrew Carter (Stifel) asked for details on channel inventory normalization and differences versus pre-COVID levels. CEO Kevin Holleran emphasized strong alignment and communication with partners, stating inventory levels are “very normal” and supply chain improvements have reduced the need for excess stocking.
-
Jeffrey Hammond (KeyBanc Capital Markets) inquired about Hayward’s market share gains amid competitor dislocation and like-for-like pool equipment replacements. Holleran cited a multi-pronged strategy including product innovation, dealer engagement, and a focus on U.S. manufacturing as drivers of share gains.
-
Hammond also asked about the trajectory for gross margins into the second half. CFO Eifion Jones clarified that margins are expected to be maintained at last year’s levels, with cost mitigation and pricing actions offsetting inflationary headwinds.
-
Brian Lee (Goldman Sachs) questioned ongoing pricing power and the industry’s capacity for further price increases. Holleran and Jones stated their confidence in passing through necessary price increases to offset costs, but acknowledged the industry’s recent large price moves and their intention to limit increases to only those that are needed.
-
Rafe Jadrosich (Bank of America) asked about potential benefits from IEEPA tariff refunds and changes in end-market demand expectations. Jones noted that refund proceeds are modest and not included in guidance, while Holleran said Hayward’s sell-out performance exceeded broader equipment category growth in Q2.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
In the coming quarters, the StockStory analyst team will be closely monitoring (1) the pace of adoption for new OmniX-enabled and automation products, (2) the company’s ability to sustain gross margin stability against inflation and tariff headwinds, and (3) whether Hayward’s North American aftermarket sales can remain resilient despite international softness. Strategic execution on supply chain improvements and dealer engagement will also be critical signposts.
Hayward currently trades at $16.09, up from $15.11 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).
The Best Stocks for High-Quality Investors
ONE MORE THING: Top 5 Growth Stocks. The biggest stock winners almost always had one thing in common before they ran. Revenue growing like crazy. Meta. CrowdStrike. Broadcom. Our AI flagged all three. They returned 315%, 314%, and 455%, respectively.
Find out which 5 stocks it’s flagging this month — FREE. Get Our Top 5 Growth Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that have made our list include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+1,154% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
