Findlay Park Partners LLP acquired a new stake in Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD – Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 545,220 shares of the technology company’s stock, valued at approximately $231,958,000. Woodward comprises about 3.1% of Findlay Park Partners LLP’s portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest position.
Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in WWD. Farringdon Capital Ltd. purchased a new stake in Woodward during the second quarter worth $319,000. EP Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Woodward in the second quarter worth about $2,159,000. Bard Associates Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Woodward during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Ieq Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Woodward during the 2nd quarter valued at about $9,424,000. Finally, Callan Family Office LLC purchased a new position in shares of Woodward in the 2nd quarter valued at about $491,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.18% of the company’s stock.
Key Stories Impacting Woodward
Here are the key news stories impacting Woodward this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Higher long-term earnings forecasts: Zacks Research raised its FY2026 EPS estimate to $9.46 from $9.18, FY2027 to $10.35 from $10.30, and FY2028 to $12.00 from $11.55. The firm also increased estimates for several individual quarters, supporting the view that Woodward’s earnings growth may remain strong. Zacks nevertheless maintains a “Hold” rating. Woodward analyst estimates
- Positive Sentiment: Recent operating momentum provides support: Woodward’s latest quarterly results exceeded EPS expectations, with adjusted earnings of $2.52 versus the $2.44 consensus estimate. Revenue reached approximately $1.11 billion and increased 21.2% year over year, while full-year FY2026 guidance remains $9.30 to $9.50 in EPS.
- Neutral Sentiment: $450 million private debt placement: On August 19, Woodward entered an agreement to privately place $450 million of senior unsecured notes. The financing may provide capital for corporate purposes and maintain financial flexibility, but the announcement did not disclose a specific use of proceeds. Woodward privately places senior unsecured notes
- Negative Sentiment: Some quarterly estimates were reduced: Zacks trimmed its Q3 2027 EPS forecast to $2.77 from $2.82 and its Q4 2027 forecast to $2.77 from $2.86. The reductions are modest, but they temper the otherwise favorable revisions.
- Negative Sentiment: Additional interest obligations: The new senior unsecured notes will increase Woodward’s debt and future interest expense. Although the company has relatively moderate leverage, investors may view the financing as a risk if the proceeds do not generate sufficient returns.
Woodward Stock Performance
Woodward (NASDAQ:WWD – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 29th. The technology company reported $2.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.44 by $0.08. Woodward had a return on equity of 21.89% and a net margin of 13.17%.The company had revenue of $1.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.11 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.76 earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 21.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Woodward has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.300-9.500 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Woodward, Inc. will post 9.46 earnings per share for the current year.
Woodward Announces Dividend
The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Thursday, August 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.32 per share. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.4%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 20th. Woodward’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 14.24%.
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In
A number of research firms have recently commented on WWD. Zacks Research cut Woodward from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 5th. Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Woodward in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $470.00 target price on shares of Woodward in a research report on Friday, May 1st. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Woodward from $427.00 to $429.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, April 30th. Finally, TD Cowen upped their price target on shares of Woodward from $390.00 to $420.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, July 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Woodward presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $419.00.
Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on WWD
Insider Activity
In other Woodward news, EVP Shawn M. Mclevige sold 2,150 shares of Woodward stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.82, for a total value of $767,163.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 3,098 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,105,428.36. The trade was a 40.97% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Daniel G. Korte sold 14,700 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $356.05, for a total transaction of $5,233,935.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 4,434 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,578,725.70. The trade was a 76.83% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 0.71% of the company’s stock.
Woodward 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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