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Hayward Holdings, Inc.: Q1 FY2026 earnings call

What management said about Q1 FY2026, from the documents filed with the SEC on 29 April 2026: press release. Guidance figures: 2 raised. The quarter’s numbers.

Key takeaways

  • Net sales rose 12% to $255.2 million: Net sales were $255.2 million against $228.8 million a year earlier, up 12%. Source
  • Operating income rose 27%: Operating income was $42.5 million, or 16.6% of net sales, up 200 basis points from 14.6% a year earlier. Source
  • Adjusted diluted EPS rose 30%: Diluted EPS was $0.11, up 83%. Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.13, up 30% from $0.10. Source
  • Gross margin rose 50 basis points: Gross profit rose 13% to $118.7 million; margin was 46.5%, up 50 basis points, mainly on positive net price and operating efficiencies. Source
  • Volume growth and price realization: The CEO credited further price realization and positive volume growth for the 12% increase in net sales. Source
  • Operating cash outflow widened: Net cash used in operations was $150.6 million, against $5.9 million a year earlier, a change of $144.8 million. Source
  • Full-year guidance raised: Management raised 2026 guidance on solid execution, positive price realization and continued technology adoption. Source

“Hayward delivered an outstanding first quarter highlighted by double-digit net sales growth and increased profitability,”

Kevin Holleran, Hayward’s President and Chief Executive Officer

Guidance

AreaPeriodFigureAgainst last quarter
Net sales growth SourceFiscal Year 2026, growth versus Fiscal Year 2025approximately 5%Raised from approximately 4%
Adjusted diluted EPS SourceFiscal Year 2026$0.84 to $0.87Raised from $0.82 to $0.86

What changed from last quarter

  • Guidance raised: Net sales growth guidance for fiscal 2026 raised to approximately 5% from approximately 4%. Source
  • Guidance raised: Adjusted diluted EPS guidance for fiscal 2026 raised to $0.84 to $0.87 from $0.82 to $0.86. Source

Results and growth drivers

  • Net sales rose 12% to $255.2 million: Net sales were $255.2 million against $228.8 million a year earlier, up 12%. Source
  • Operating income rose 27%: Operating income was $42.5 million, or 16.6% of net sales, up 200 basis points from 14.6% a year earlier. Source
  • Net income rose 63%: Net income was $23.4 million, up from $14.3 million, with net margin at 9.2%, up 290 basis points. Source
  • Adjusted diluted EPS rose 30%: Diluted EPS was $0.11, up 83%. Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.13, up 30% from $0.10. Source
  • Adjusted EBITDA rose 15%: Adjusted EBITDA was $56.4 million against $49.1 million a year earlier; the margin was 22.1%, up 60 basis points. Source

Segments and regions

  • North America sales rose 12%: North America net sales were $209.8 million, up 12% year-over-year. Source
  • Europe and Rest of World sales rose 9%: Europe & Rest of World net sales were $45.4 million, up 9%, mainly on currency translation and net price. Source
  • Segment income rose in both segments: Segment income was $50.5 million in North America, up 16%, and $8.3 million in Europe & Rest of World, up 27%. Source
  • Segment margins widened in both: Segment income margin was 24.1% in North America, against 23.2%, and 18.2% in Europe & Rest of World, against 15.7%. Source

“We achieved another quarter of margin expansion while making targeted investments in new product innovation and customer service.”

Kevin Holleran, Hayward’s President and Chief Executive Officer

Costs, margins and pricing

  • Gross margin rose 50 basis points: Gross profit rose 13% to $118.7 million; margin was 46.5%, up 50 basis points, mainly on positive net price and operating efficiencies. Source
  • SG&A grew 10% but fell as share of sales: SG&A was $62.6 million, up 10%, on timing of sales expenses, trade show and new customer advertising, and software costs. Source
  • Restructuring termination costs of $0.5 million: Acquisition and restructuring expense was $0.5 million, against $1.9 million a year earlier, mainly termination benefits for restructuring several teams. Source
  • Effective tax rate of 22.4%: The effective tax rate was 22.4%, against a normalized rate of 23.3% used for adjusted figures; stock-based compensation benefits were the main driver. Source

Demand and volume

  • Volume growth and price realization: The CEO credited further price realization and positive volume growth for the 12% increase in net sales. Source
  • Secular pool demand trends cited: Management pointed to a growing installed base of pools, sunbelt migration, outdoor living and technology adoption as continuing demand supports. Source

“Based on our strong start to the year, we are increasing our full year guidance and remain confident in our ability to deliver continued profitable growth and stockholder value.”

Kevin Holleran, Hayward’s President and Chief Executive Officer

Cash and balance sheet

  • Operating cash outflow widened: Net cash used in operations was $150.6 million, against $5.9 million a year earlier, a change of $144.8 million. Source
  • Cash and investments declined: Cash was $135.8 million, down from $329.6 million at December 31, 2025; short-term investments were $94.9 million. Source
  • Net interest expense fell 16%: Net interest expense was $11.5 million, down 16%, on higher interest income on cash deposits and lower net interest on bank debt. Source
  • Share purchases and tax payments on awards: Purchases of common stock were $5.9 million, with $1.7 million paid for net share settlement of equity awards; no purchases were made a year earlier. Source

Strategy, products and guidance

  • Full-year guidance raised: Management raised 2026 guidance on solid execution, positive price realization and continued technology adoption. Source
  • SmartPad adoption continues: Management said it is driving adoption of SmartPad pool equipment in new construction and the aftermarket. Source
  • R&D spending rose 13%: RD&E expense was $6.8 million, up 13%, and 2.6% of net sales in both periods, reflecting new product development and performance work. Source
  • Confident in long-term profitable growth: Management said it is confident in long-term profitable growth and cash flow, citing technology, operations, brand, installed base and multi-channel capabilities. Source

Figures management reported

FigureReported
Aftermarket share of net sales Sourceapproximately 85%

Risks management discussed

  • External: Tariffs and inflation raised cost of sales in the quarter, partly offsetting the gross margin gain. Source
  • Demand: Europe & Rest of World volume declined modestly in the quarter. Source
  • Regulatory: The securities class action was settled in principle at $4.3 million over the last twelve months; costs beyond that are subject to insurance recoveries. Source

Earlier plans management reported on

  • Not stated: A $0.2 million expense reduction in the last twelve months reflects finalizing the corporate office relocation to Charlotte. Source

Other quarters

Summarised with AI from the documents the company filed with the SEC. Every point is checked against the filing before it is shown: management’s own words word for word, figures against the line or table row they come from. A point that fails the check is left out. Source opens the filing at that line.