Algert Global LLC grew its position in Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD – Free Report) by 117.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 83,771 shares of the technology company’s stock after purchasing an additional 45,303 shares during the period. Algert Global LLC owned approximately 0.14% of Woodward worth $21,170,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.
Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Ameriflex Group Inc. acquired a new position in Woodward during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Woodward in the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. lifted its position in shares of Woodward by 1,766.7% in the third quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 112 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares in the last quarter. Financial Perspectives Inc bought a new stake in shares of Woodward in the third quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Kilter Group LLC acquired a new position in Woodward during the second quarter worth $39,000. 81.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In
Several brokerages have issued reports on WWD. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Woodward in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Jefferies Financial Group restated a “buy” rating and set a $450.00 price objective on shares of Woodward in a research note on Sunday, February 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on Woodward from $362.00 to $408.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. UBS Group reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Woodward in a report on Thursday. Finally, Zacks Research raised Woodward from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $354.80.
Woodward Price Performance
NASDAQ:WWD opened at $356.80 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.36, a current ratio of 2.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $360.55 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $300.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 44.94, a P/E/G ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.96. Woodward, Inc. has a 12-month low of $146.82 and a 12-month high of $403.31.
Woodward (NASDAQ:WWD – Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, February 2nd. The technology company reported $2.17 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.65 by $0.52. Woodward had a return on equity of 19.07% and a net margin of 12.89%.The company had revenue of $996.45 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $901.92 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.35 EPS. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 28.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Woodward has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.200-8.600 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Woodward, Inc. will post 6.15 earnings per share for the current year.
Woodward Increases Dividend
The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 19th were given a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 19th. This is a boost from Woodward’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.4%. Woodward’s payout ratio is currently 16.12%.
Woodward declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a share buyback program on Thursday, November 20th that permits the company to buyback $1.80 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the technology company to buy up to 11.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically an indication that the company’s management believes its shares are undervalued.
Insider Buying and Selling
In other news, COO Thomas G. Cromwell sold 5,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $297.88, for a total transaction of $1,489,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 15,135 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,508,413.80. This trade represents a 24.83% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Eileen P. Paterson sold 5,200 shares of Woodward stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $378.15, for a total transaction of $1,966,380.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 2,538 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $959,744.70. The trade was a 67.20% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last three months, insiders sold 31,925 shares of company stock valued at $11,692,560. 0.71% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.
Woodward Company Profile
Woodward, Inc (NASDAQ: WWD) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and service of control systems and components for the aerospace and industrial markets. Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, the company specializes in motion control, fuel systems, actuation, and digital control solutions. Its offerings enable precision management of flow, pressure and motion in critical applications ranging from aircraft engines and power turbines to hydraulic systems.
Woodward’s product portfolio is organized into two primary segments: Aerospace and Industrial.
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