Significant Options Activity on Tuesday: SLM, PLAB, HAYW
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 09 2025
0mins
Should l Buy HAYW?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Photronics, Inc. Options Activity: Photronics, Inc. (PLAB) has seen a trading volume of 4,083 options contracts today, which is about 59.3% of its average daily trading volume, with significant activity in the $25 strike call option expiring January 16, 2026.
Hayward Holdings Inc. Options Activity: Hayward Holdings Inc. (HAYW) reported an options trading volume of 8,079 contracts, approximately 57.1% of its average daily volume, with notable trading in the $16 strike call option expiring January 16, 2026.
Options Trading Insights: The article highlights the trading volumes for both PLAB and HAYW options, indicating a strong interest in specific strike prices and expiration dates.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Nasdaq, Inc.
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Analyst Views on HAYW
Wall Street analysts forecast HAYW stock price to rise
4 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 15.580
Low
15.00
Averages
17.00
High
19.00
Current: 15.580
Low
15.00
Averages
17.00
High
19.00
About HAYW
Hayward Holdings, Inc. is a global designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad portfolio of pool and outdoor living technology. The Company offers a full line of energy-efficient and sustainable residential and commercial pool equipment including pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, sanitizers, light emitting diode (LED) lighting, and water features, all digitally connected through its Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled SmartPad. Its products are connected through OmniLogic, its mobile application. It operates through two segments: North America (NAM) and Europe & Rest of World (E&RW). The NAM segment manufactures and sells a complete line of residential and commercial swimming pool equipment and supplies in the United States and Canada and manufactures and sells flow control products. The E&RW segment manufactures and sells residential and commercial swimming pool equipment and supplies in Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, Australia, and other Asia Pacific countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Hayward Exceeds Expectations in FY 2025 Results
- Significant Sales Growth: Hayward reported net sales of $1.12 billion for FY 2025, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase that exceeded company expectations, primarily driven by a 5% price increase and contributions from the ChlorKing acquisition, indicating strong market performance.
- Margin Improvement: The gross margin for Q4 reached 48.5%, a record high for the quarter, with gross profit increasing by 10% to $169 million, demonstrating successful cost control and pricing strategies that enhanced profitability.
- Strong Cash Flow: Free cash flow increased by 20% in 2025, representing nearly 150% of net income, while net leverage decreased to 1.9x, enhancing liquidity and providing financial flexibility for future investments and acquisitions.
- Optimistic Outlook: Hayward anticipates approximately 4% net sales growth for 2026, with adjusted diluted EPS guidance of $0.82 to $0.86, reflecting confidence in future market demand, particularly supported by the aftermarket segment.
See More
Hayward Holdings Exceeds Q4 2025 Expectations with Strong Financial Performance
- Strong Performance: Hayward's Q4 2025 net sales rose 7% to $349 million, with gross profit increasing 10% to $169 million and gross margin improving to 48.5%, reflecting the company's robust market performance and enhanced profitability.
- Investment in Innovation: The company continues to invest in innovation and operational excellence, with 2026 net sales expected to grow approximately 4% and adjusted diluted EPS guidance set at $0.82 to $0.86, indicating management's confidence in future growth and positive market demand response.
- Market Expansion: Hayward's aftermarket model accounts for 85% of total sales, achieving 8% and 10% sales growth in North America and Canada, respectively, while sales and margins in Europe and the Rest of World have recovered due to organizational realignment, showcasing the company's competitive strength in global markets.
- Strong Cash Flow: Free cash flow for FY 2025 increased by 20%, with net leverage reduced to 1.9x, indicating the company's ability to maintain financial health while supporting future capital expenditures and innovation projects, further enhancing shareholder value creation.
See More
HAYW Stock 52-Week Range Analysis
- Price Fluctuation Analysis: HAYW's 52-week low is $11.10 per share, with a high of $17.73, and the last trade at $15.09 indicates significant price volatility, reflecting cautious market sentiment towards the stock.
- Technical Indicator Observation: The current price of $15.09 is close to the 52-week low, raising concerns among investors about its future performance, particularly against a backdrop of overall market underperformance, which may impact investor confidence.
- Market Trend Impact: HAYW's stock performance is closely tied to its 200-day moving average, with several stocks recently crossing below this average, potentially signaling a shift in market sentiment that investors should monitor closely.
- Investor Sentiment Assessment: While the current stock price remains within the 52-week range, investors must carefully evaluate the potential risks and rewards, especially amid increasing market volatility that could influence investment decisions.
See More
Hayward Holdings Q4 Earnings Beat Expectations with Strong Guidance for 2026
- Earnings Beat: Hayward's Q4 Non-GAAP EPS of $0.29 exceeded expectations by $0.01, indicating robust profitability and effective operational execution.
- Revenue Growth: The company reported Q4 revenue of $349.4 million, a 6.8% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $16.56 million, reflecting strong demand and sales execution.
- Net Income Increase: Net income rose 25% year-over-year to $68.4 million, showcasing successful cost control and operational efficiency, which enhances investor confidence.
- 2026 Guidance: Hayward anticipates a 4% increase in net sales for 2026 compared to 2025, with adjusted diluted EPS projected between $0.82 and $0.86, demonstrating confidence in future growth and a positive market outlook.
See More
Hayward Holdings Reports Q4 Earnings Growth
- Earnings Growth: Hayward Holdings reported a profit of $68.41 million in Q4, translating to $0.31 per share, which marks a 24% increase from last year's $54.73 million or $0.25 per share, indicating a significant enhancement in the company's profitability.
- Adjusted Earnings: Excluding special items, the company reported adjusted earnings of $64.31 million or $0.29 per share, reflecting a solid performance in its core business operations.
- Revenue Increase: The company's revenue rose by 6.8% year-over-year to $349.37 million, up from $327.07 million last year, demonstrating sustained strong market demand.
- Market Positioning: The growth in earnings and revenue not only boosts investor confidence but also helps Hayward Holdings solidify its leadership position in a highly competitive market.
See More
Hayward to Report Q4 and Full Year 2025 Earnings on February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Hayward Holdings, Inc. will report its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings on February 25, 2026, enhancing financial transparency and allowing investors to better assess the company's performance.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, the company will hold a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, enabling investors to dial in or access via the website, which strengthens investor engagement and communication.
- Webcast Availability: Investors can listen to the live conference call through the Investor Relations section of Hayward's website, ensuring timely information dissemination and improving communication efficiency with stakeholders.
- Replay Service: For those unable to attend the live call, a replay will be available approximately three hours after the call until March 11, 2026, ensuring all investors have access to key information and enhancing the company's transparency.
See More
Hayward Exceeds Expectations in FY 2025 Results
- Significant Sales Growth: Hayward reported net sales of $1.12 billion for FY 2025, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase that exceeded company expectations, primarily driven by a 5% price increase and contributions from the ChlorKing acquisition, indicating strong market performance.
- Margin Improvement: The gross margin for Q4 reached 48.5%, a record high for the quarter, with gross profit increasing by 10% to $169 million, demonstrating successful cost control and pricing strategies that enhanced profitability.
- Strong Cash Flow: Free cash flow increased by 20% in 2025, representing nearly 150% of net income, while net leverage decreased to 1.9x, enhancing liquidity and providing financial flexibility for future investments and acquisitions.
- Optimistic Outlook: Hayward anticipates approximately 4% net sales growth for 2026, with adjusted diluted EPS guidance of $0.82 to $0.86, reflecting confidence in future market demand, particularly supported by the aftermarket segment.
See More
Hayward Holdings Exceeds Q4 2025 Expectations with Strong Financial Performance
- Strong Performance: Hayward's Q4 2025 net sales rose 7% to $349 million, with gross profit increasing 10% to $169 million and gross margin improving to 48.5%, reflecting the company's robust market performance and enhanced profitability.
- Investment in Innovation: The company continues to invest in innovation and operational excellence, with 2026 net sales expected to grow approximately 4% and adjusted diluted EPS guidance set at $0.82 to $0.86, indicating management's confidence in future growth and positive market demand response.
- Market Expansion: Hayward's aftermarket model accounts for 85% of total sales, achieving 8% and 10% sales growth in North America and Canada, respectively, while sales and margins in Europe and the Rest of World have recovered due to organizational realignment, showcasing the company's competitive strength in global markets.
- Strong Cash Flow: Free cash flow for FY 2025 increased by 20%, with net leverage reduced to 1.9x, indicating the company's ability to maintain financial health while supporting future capital expenditures and innovation projects, further enhancing shareholder value creation.
See More
HAYW Stock 52-Week Range Analysis
- Price Fluctuation Analysis: HAYW's 52-week low is $11.10 per share, with a high of $17.73, and the last trade at $15.09 indicates significant price volatility, reflecting cautious market sentiment towards the stock.
- Technical Indicator Observation: The current price of $15.09 is close to the 52-week low, raising concerns among investors about its future performance, particularly against a backdrop of overall market underperformance, which may impact investor confidence.
- Market Trend Impact: HAYW's stock performance is closely tied to its 200-day moving average, with several stocks recently crossing below this average, potentially signaling a shift in market sentiment that investors should monitor closely.
- Investor Sentiment Assessment: While the current stock price remains within the 52-week range, investors must carefully evaluate the potential risks and rewards, especially amid increasing market volatility that could influence investment decisions.
See More
Hayward Holdings Q4 Earnings Beat Expectations with Strong Guidance for 2026
- Earnings Beat: Hayward's Q4 Non-GAAP EPS of $0.29 exceeded expectations by $0.01, indicating robust profitability and effective operational execution.
- Revenue Growth: The company reported Q4 revenue of $349.4 million, a 6.8% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $16.56 million, reflecting strong demand and sales execution.
- Net Income Increase: Net income rose 25% year-over-year to $68.4 million, showcasing successful cost control and operational efficiency, which enhances investor confidence.
- 2026 Guidance: Hayward anticipates a 4% increase in net sales for 2026 compared to 2025, with adjusted diluted EPS projected between $0.82 and $0.86, demonstrating confidence in future growth and a positive market outlook.
See More
Hayward Holdings Reports Q4 Earnings Growth
- Earnings Growth: Hayward Holdings reported a profit of $68.41 million in Q4, translating to $0.31 per share, which marks a 24% increase from last year's $54.73 million or $0.25 per share, indicating a significant enhancement in the company's profitability.
- Adjusted Earnings: Excluding special items, the company reported adjusted earnings of $64.31 million or $0.29 per share, reflecting a solid performance in its core business operations.
- Revenue Increase: The company's revenue rose by 6.8% year-over-year to $349.37 million, up from $327.07 million last year, demonstrating sustained strong market demand.
- Market Positioning: The growth in earnings and revenue not only boosts investor confidence but also helps Hayward Holdings solidify its leadership position in a highly competitive market.
See More
Hayward to Report Q4 and Full Year 2025 Earnings on February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Hayward Holdings, Inc. will report its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings on February 25, 2026, enhancing financial transparency and allowing investors to better assess the company's performance.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, the company will hold a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, enabling investors to dial in or access via the website, which strengthens investor engagement and communication.
- Webcast Availability: Investors can listen to the live conference call through the Investor Relations section of Hayward's website, ensuring timely information dissemination and improving communication efficiency with stakeholders.
- Replay Service: For those unable to attend the live call, a replay will be available approximately three hours after the call until March 11, 2026, ensuring all investors have access to key information and enhancing the company's transparency.
See More
