Hayward Holdings is a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient swimming pool equipment and pool automation systems... Show more
Hayward Holdings, Inc. is a leading global designer, manufacturer, and marketer of pool equipment and outdoor living technology, along with industrial flow control products. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company went public in March 2021 and serves residential and commercial pool markets primarily through distributors, retailers, and pool professionals.
Its portfolio spans energy-efficient pumps, filters, heaters, sanitizers, LED lighting, cleaners, water features, and automation controls, increasingly integrated through connected platforms such as the Omni automation system. Hayward's business is tied to the large installed base of swimming pools, aftermarket replacement demand, and new pool construction, which in turn respond to housing conditions, consumer discretionary spending, and interest rates. Investors follow the stock for its brand strength, product innovation, connected-automation growth, and disciplined capital allocation.
Over the last 30 days, HAYW declined approximately 11.4%, falling from a close of $14.25 in late August to $12.63 as of September 25, 2026. The move was broadly downward, with shares grinding lower through most of September and touching the lower end of their 52-week range of roughly $12.63 to $17.73.
The longer-term picture is more pronounced. Over the past quarter, the stock has fallen about 23%, sliding from levels above $16 in late June to its current range. This sustained decline has left shares trading below their 50-day moving average near $14.37 and their 200-day moving average near $14.56, underscoring the negative momentum that has persisted through the period.
Several factors contributed to the recent slide. On the analyst front, Wolfe Research initiated coverage with a "Peer Perform" rating in mid-September, a cautious stance reflecting a wait-and-see approach. The broader sell-side consensus remains a "Hold," with seven hold ratings and two buy ratings and an average 12-month price target of $17.50 — well above the current share price.
Insider activity has also drawn attention. The CEO sold 50,000 shares in early September, and a senior vice president and chief legal officer sold 3,500 shares in mid-September under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. In total, insiders sold roughly $4.4 million worth of stock over the trailing 90 days, a pattern some investors interpret as a cautionary signal even though such sales can reflect diversification or tax planning.
Additionally, a stockholder complaint filed in Delaware Chancery Court in early September alleged that the company and certain current and former directors concealed an inventory glut and weakening demand. Macroeconomic and sector pressures — including elevated interest rates, housing-market softness, and lingering input-cost inflation — also continued to weigh on the consumer-discretionary-linked pool equipment category.
The quarterly decline reflects a de-rating of the stock even as underlying fundamentals stayed resilient. In late July, Hayward reported second-quarter net sales of $318 million, up 6% year over year, with adjusted diluted EPS of $0.26, up 8% and above consensus. North America sales rose 9%, while Europe and Rest of World fell 8% on macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures.
However, gross margin declined 50 basis points to 48.7% as specialty metals, freight, and resin costs rose, and adjusted EBITDA margin slipped 40 basis points to 29.1%. Management cited tariffs, commodity inflation, and higher transportation costs as persistent headwinds, and noted that channel inventory is expected to build as the year progresses. Combined with seasonal factors — the third quarter is typically a lower-leverage period for pool equipment — these pressures contributed to the stock's downward drift from its summer peak.
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Looking ahead, investors are likely to focus on Hayward's next quarterly earnings release and any updates to full-year guidance, which currently calls for net sales growth of approximately 5% and adjusted diluted EPS growth of 9% to 13%. Key areas to monitor include North American aftermarket demand and the repair-versus-replace dynamic, channel inventory levels, and the pace of input-cost and tariff inflation.
Macroeconomic factors — particularly interest rates, housing activity, and consumer discretionary spending — will remain important demand drivers. The trajectory of the Europe and Rest of World segment, which has been pressured by geopolitical disruption, and any developments in the pending shareholder litigation also warrant attention. Analyst rating changes, insider transaction trends, and institutional positioning may continue to influence sentiment in the near term.
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The RSI Oscillator for HAYW moved into overbought territory on September 28, 2026. Be on the watch for a price drop or consolidation in the future -- when this happens, think about selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HAYW just turned positive on September 25, 2026. Looking at past instances where HAYW's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Following a +2.13% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HAYW advanced for three days, in 193 of 284 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
HAYW may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The 50-day moving average for HAYW moved below the 200-day moving average on September 04, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HAYW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
The Aroon Indicator for HAYW entered a downward trend on September 28, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 59 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.658) is normal, around the industry mean (7.719). P/E Ratio (17.389) is within average values for comparable stocks, (57.218). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.092) is also within normal values, averaging (2.909). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.005) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.460) is also within normal values, averaging (8.080).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 69 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. HAYW’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. HAYW’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock worse than average.
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
Industry ElectricalProducts