Zacks Research Downgrades Woodward (NASDAQ:WWD) to Hold

Woodward (NASDAQ:WWD) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Zacks Research from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Woodward’s FY2027 earnings at $9.67 EPS.

WWD has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $450.00 price objective on shares of Woodward in a research report on Sunday, February 8th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Woodward from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. UBS Group reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Woodward in a research report on Thursday, March 12th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on Woodward from $350.00 to $390.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Melius Research upgraded Woodward from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Woodward currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $385.91.

Woodward Stock Performance

WWD opened at $366.48 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 46.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.98. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $379.22 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $325.82. The company has a quick ratio of 1.36, a current ratio of 2.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. Woodward has a 12-month low of $171.90 and a 12-month high of $407.00.

Woodward (NASDAQ:WWD) last released its earnings results on Monday, February 2nd. The technology company reported $2.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.65 by $0.52. Woodward had a return on equity of 19.07% and a net margin of 12.89%.The firm had revenue of $996.45 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $901.92 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.35 EPS. The company’s revenue was up 28.8% on a year-over-year basis. Woodward has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.200-8.600 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Woodward will post 8.51 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Charles P. Blankenship sold 5,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $367.40, for a total transaction of $1,837,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 65,854 shares in the company, valued at $24,194,759.60. This trade represents a 7.06% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Shawn M. Mclevige sold 1,850 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $384.37, for a total value of $711,084.50. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 3,095 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,189,625.15. This trade represents a 37.41% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 26,925 shares of company stock worth $10,203,160 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.71% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Woodward

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Ameriflex Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Woodward during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Woodward during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. lifted its position in shares of Woodward by 1,766.7% during the 3rd quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 112 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 106 shares during the period. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd bought a new position in shares of Woodward during the 4th quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, Financial Perspectives Inc bought a new position in shares of Woodward during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Institutional investors own 81.18% of the company’s stock.

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.