Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

As a seasoned investor, have you defintely considered the long-term resilience of the pool and outdoor living sector, and specifically, the financial engine of Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW)? This company, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is far more than just pumps and filters; it's a technology play with a strong aftermarket model, projecting full-year 2025 Net Sales guidance between $1.095 billion and $1.110 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $292 million to $297 million. We need to understand how a century-old business maintains this kind of growth, especially with its shift toward IoT-enabled SmartPad™ technology and its strong institutional ownership, including a significant stake held by Blackrock Inc.. Let's dive into the history, ownership structure, and the mechanics of how Hayward Holdings makes money to map out its near-term risks and opportunities.

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) History

Given Company's Founding Timeline

Year established

The company's story begins a century ago, tracing its origins back to 1925.

Original location

The initial operation was a small metalworks company, a foundry in Brooklyn, New York, focused on industrial valves and flow-control products. For a period, it was also located in Hartford, Connecticut, before a major strategic shift.

Founding team members

The company was founded by engineer Irving M. Hayward. He set the stage for the company's long-term success, though the pivot to pool equipment came decades later under new leadership.

Initial capital/funding

Honestly, the specific details on the initial capital or funding from 1925 are not publically available. Like most early ventures, we can assume it started with personal savings and perhaps a small circle of investors, but the true financial transformation came later through acquisitions and private equity.

Given Company's Evolution Milestones

Given Company's Transformative Moments

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s trajectory is defined by three major strategic shifts: the pivot to pool equipment, the move to innovative materials, and the recent embrace of smart technology and public ownership. The most critical decision came in 1964 when Oscar Davis acquired the company and recognized the explosive growth of the residential swimming pool market.

Here's the quick math on that pivot: by the mid-1960s, the company abandoned heavy metal components for injection-molded thermoplastics. This made equipment lighter, more durable, and corrosion-resistant, which fundamentally changed the cost and longevity of pool ownership.

The second major transformation was the March 2021 IPO. This move raised capital and shifted the company's focus toward digital and energy-efficient solutions. The IPO involved the sale of 40,277,778 shares of common stock at $17.00 per share. Since then, the strategy has been clear:

• Acquire companies like Water Works Technologies Group, LLC to enhance offerings for the SmartPad™ system.
• Focus on energy-efficient products, securing awards like the ENERGY STAR® for the TriStar® pump line.
• Move the corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, centralizing strategic functions.

Looking at the full-year 2025 guidance, this strategy is paying off, with net sales expected to be between $1.095 billion and $1.110 billion, and Adjusted EBITDA projected between $292 million and $297 million. This shows a clear growth trajectory from the 2024 net sales of $1,051.6 million. If you want a deeper look at the numbers, you should check out Breaking Down Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) Ownership Structure

Hayward Holdings, Inc. operates as a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol HAYW. However, its ownership structure is characterized by a significant block of shares held by affiliated insiders and private equity interests, which gives this group substantial influence over the company's strategic direction, even with a large institutional investor base.

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s Current Status

The company is a publicly held entity, having completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in March 2021. This status means its financial and operational data is subject to public disclosure, providing transparency for investors. For the fiscal year 2025, Hayward Holdings reported a trailing 12-month revenue of approximately $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2025, with a market capitalization of around $3.34 billion as of late October 2025. This public listing allows for capital raising and liquidity, but the large insider holdings mean decision-making is not purely driven by the public float.

If you want to dig deeper into the numbers, you should check Breaking Down Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s Ownership Breakdown

The company's ownership is heavily concentrated between institutional investors and a core group of insiders, including affiliated private equity funds. This structure is a direct result of its history, and it means a few key players hold the majority of voting power. Here's the quick math on the major shareholder types:

The key takeaway here is that the insider and affiliated private equity group, led by firms like MSD Partners LP, retains a substantial stake, which is defintely a factor in long-term strategy and governance.

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s Leadership

The company is steered by a seasoned executive team, many of whom have been appointed in 2024 and 2025, signaling a focus on operational excellence and innovation. The average tenure for the current management team is about 3.5 years, suggesting a blend of company experience and fresh perspectives.

The core leadership, as of November 2025, includes:

• Kevin Holleran: President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director. He has held the CEO role since August 2019.
• Eric Sejourne: Senior Vice President and Chief Global Operations Officer. He joined in April 2024 to oversee worldwide operations.
• Kevin Gallagher: Vice President and Chief Engineering Officer. Appointed in May 2024, he spearheads global engineering and innovation initiatives.
• Raymond H. Lewis: Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. He took on this role in May 2024, focusing on the global people strategy.
• Darío Vicario: Vice President and General Manager, Europe & Rest of World. He manages the company's European and international markets, starting in May 2024.

This team structure shows a clear emphasis on core functions-operations, engineering, and human capital-all reporting directly to CEO Kevin Holleran. This tight reporting line helps to ensure strategic alignment across the different global segments.

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) Mission and Values

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) stands for more than just selling pool equipment; its purpose is to transform the experience of water through smart, sustainable solutions, which is reflected in a full-year 2025 net sales guidance of up to $1.110 billion. This cultural DNA drives their focus on innovation and environmental stewardship, not just profit.

You're looking for the bedrock of this company, the non-financial drivers. Honestly, the mission and values explain why they invest in energy-efficient products, like variable-speed pumps, which have resulted in 2.4 billion kWh of energy savings for pool owners. That's a concrete example of their purpose in action.

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s Core Purpose

The company's core purpose centers on empowering the ultimate swimming pool experience, moving beyond basic functionality to deliver peace of mind and well-being. This commitment to the customer experience is a key factor in their strong market share, especially in the North American residential pool market.

Official Mission Statement

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s mission is clear and focused on the customer and the environment. It is about delivering an elevated experience, not just a product.

• Deliver exceptional products, outstanding service, and innovative solutions.
• Transform the experience of water.
• Provide environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products.

To be fair, this mission is directly tied to their financial performance; the aftermarket, which represents approximately 85% of net sales, depends on the quality and longevity of their installed base.

Vision Statement

The vision statement maps out their long-term aspiration, focusing on the emotional and practical benefits of their technology. It's a compelling goal: to inspire happiness and well-being.

• Inspire happiness and well-being through safe, smart, and sustainable solutions.
• Be the leading global designer, manufacturer, and marketer of pool equipment.

This vision is supported by their 2025 capital allocation plan, which emphasizes strategic growth investments and manufacturing asset investments to maintain their technology leadership. They defintely put their money where their vision is.

Hayward Holdings, Inc. Slogan/Tagline

While a single, universally-used tagline isn't always present in corporate filings, the company's messaging consistently highlights the core benefit they provide to pool owners and partners.

• Share in bringing pool owners peace of mind.
• Transforming the Experience of Water.

This focus on 'peace of mind' is more than just marketing; it's a commitment to safety, which was underscored by their 2025 100th Anniversary $100,000 donation to the Step Into Swim initiative, aiming to create more swimmers. You can read more about how these principles guide their strategy here: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW).

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) How It Works

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) operates as a leading global technology provider for the pool and outdoor living sector, making money primarily through the sale of equipment that keeps existing pools running and smart. Its business model is resilient because roughly 80% of its historical net sales come from the non-discretionary aftermarket, meaning pool owners must replace or repair equipment every 8 to 11 years regardless of new pool construction trends.

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s Product/Service Portfolio

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s Operational Framework

The company generates value by tightly controlling its supply chain and focusing on high-margin, technology-driven products that feed the massive installed base of pools. This operational model is split geographically into two reporting segments: North America (NAM) and Europe & Rest of World (E&RW).

• Value Creation: Focus on selling replacement and upgrade parts to the existing pool population, which is a less cyclical, higher-margin business than new pool construction.
• Geographic Mix: North America is the dominant segment, driving the majority of sales. For the third quarter of fiscal 2025, NAM net sales were $208.2 million, while E&RW net sales were $36.1 million.
• Margin Focus: Operational efficiencies, disciplined cost management, and positive net pricing drove the gross profit margin to a robust 51.2% for Q3 2025.
• Cash Generation: Strong cash flow from operations for the nine months ended September 27, 2025, was $283.0 million, allowing for a reduction in net leverage to 1.8x-the lowest in over three years.

The aftermarket is defintely the cash engine. For a deeper dive into how these numbers impact the balance sheet, you should look at Breaking Down Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s Strategic Advantages

Hayward Holdings, Inc.'s market success stems from a combination of brand strength, technology leadership, and an entrenched distribution network that is difficult for competitors to replicate quickly. Here's the quick math: with an estimated 33% market share in the North American residential pool market, their brand recognition is a significant barrier to entry.

• Technology Leadership: Driving the shift toward SmartPad™ and automation systems, which are inherently more energy-efficient and attract a higher price point. Approximately 90% of their products are associated with sustainability themes.
• Trade Channel Loyalty: Long-standing relationships with pool builders, distributors, and service professionals create a strong preference for the Hayward brand, locking in future aftermarket sales.
• Aftermarket Resiliency: The high mix of non-discretionary replacement sales shields the company from the volatility of new pool construction, which tends to slow down during economic downturns or high-interest rate environments.
• Scale and Efficiency: Operating seven manufacturing facilities worldwide allows for agile manufacturing and cost management, contributing to the strong Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $292 million to $297 million for the full fiscal year 2025.

Technology and trade relationships keep the moat wide.

Finance: Review Q4 2025 guidance against the updated net sales range of $1.095 billion to $1.110 billion by the end of the week.

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) How It Makes Money

Hayward Holdings, Inc. generates the vast majority of its revenue by selling essential equipment-pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems-that keep the world's pools running. The business model is deeply resilient because it is built on the existing pool base, where the need for replacement parts and upgrades is a constant, non-discretionary expense for pool owners.

The company's financial engine is geared toward the 'aftermarket,' which is the sale of replacement and repair parts for the millions of pools already installed. This focus provides a stable, high-margin revenue stream, insulating the company somewhat from the cyclical volatility of new pool construction. Honestly, that aftermarket stability is the core of the investment thesis here.

Hayward Holdings' Revenue Breakdown

You can see the stability I'm talking about in the breakdown of their sales. The aftermarket is the clear dominant force, making up nearly 85% of their business. This split is critical to understanding their financial health, especially when new construction slows down.

Business Economics

Hayward Holdings operates with a high-margin structure, fueled by a large installed base and a strategic focus on premium, technology-driven products. Their gross profit margin hit a strong 51.2% in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, which is a significant improvement of 150 basis points year-over-year.

• Pricing Power: They have successfully implemented positive net pricing to offset inflation and tariffs, demonstrating a strong brand and value proposition that allows them to pass costs to the customer.
• Technology as a Moat: Products like their IoT-enabled SmartPad™ automation systems command premium pricing and drive the adoption of other high-margin, energy-efficient components, like variable-speed pumps.
• Aftermarket Cycle: The aftermarket is less discretionary, meaning pool owners will replace a broken pump regardless of the economy. This constant demand for replacements and upgrades drives the majority of their revenue, making it a very defintely sticky business.

To be fair, the new construction segment, which represents about 15% of sales, is more vulnerable to housing and economic cycles. Still, the company is focused on increasing its share of that new pool equipment business with its smart technology bundles.

Hayward Holdings' Financial Performance

The company's financial trajectory in 2025 shows a solid rebound and margin expansion, reinforcing the strength of their aftermarket model despite broader economic headwinds. Management confidence is high, leading to an upward revision of their full-year guidance in October 2025.

• Net Sales: Hayward Holdings raised its full-year 2025 net sales guidance to between $1.095 billion and $1.110 billion. This represents a solid increase of approximately 4% to 5.5% over the prior fiscal year.
• Adjusted EBITDA: They also increased their Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) guidance for fiscal year 2025 to a range of $292 million to $297 million. This is a key measure of operational profitability, showing an expected increase of approximately 5% to 7% year-over-year.
• Liquidity and Debt: The company generated a robust $283.0 million in cash flow from operations in the first nine months of 2025, allowing them to significantly reduce their net leverage to 1.8x, the lowest level in over three years.

This combination of expanding margins and strong cash generation is what you want to see. It means they're not just growing sales; they're growing profits more quickly, which is the sign of a healthy, well-managed business. For a deeper dive into who is betting on this performance, you should check out Exploring Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) Investor Profile: Who's Buying and Why?

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW) Market Position & Future Outlook

Hayward Holdings is positioned as a technology leader in the pool and outdoor living sector, projecting strong full-year 2025 net sales between $1.095 billion and $1.110 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $292 million to $297 million, driven by its resilient aftermarket model and focus on smart products. The company's future trajectory is tied directly to the accelerating adoption of connected pool equipment and sustained demand for backyard upgrades across the US Sunbelt.

Competitive Landscape

The North American residential pool equipment market is a tight oligopoly, with Hayward Holdings, Pentair, and Fluidra dominating the landscape. Hayward holds a significant share, estimated at approximately 33% of the North American residential pool market, leveraging its strong brand and focus on the high-margin aftermarket.

Opportunities & Challenges

You need to see the near-term landscape clearly, so here is the quick math on where Hayward can win, and where the risks lie. The biggest opportunity is definitely in the connected home space, but supply chain issues are still a defintely real headwind.

Industry Position

Hayward Holdings is a co-leader in the fragmented global pool equipment market, which is projected to be valued around $14.2 billion in 2025. The company's strength is its aftermarket model, which provides a predictable, recurring revenue stream from replacement cycles that typically run every 8 to 11 years. This stability is a key differentiator against competitors more exposed to new pool construction cycles.

• Lead with innovation: The company's focus on variable-speed pumps and automation systems aligns with new energy-efficiency regulations and consumer demand for smart-home integration.
• Financial health: Net leverage was successfully reduced to 1.8x by the end of Q3 2025, the lowest level in over three years, strengthening the balance sheet for future growth or acquisitions.
• Global footprint: While North America accounts for approximately 85% of net sales, Hayward is also growing its presence in the Europe & Rest of World segment, which saw an 11% rise in net sales in Q3 2025.

To understand the foundational principles guiding this strategy, you should review the Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW).