Key Points
Woodward, Inc. (WWD) opened strong and sustained a decisive advance, with shares rising from a previous close of $261.18 to $285.97. The stock finished the session up 9.49%, gaining $24.79, marking a notable display of positive momentum and investor conviction. Trading activity was constructive throughout the day, with steady buyers supporting the tape and bids holding higher levels as the session progressed. While turnover ran below-average volume, the consistent accumulation tone added to the quality of the move.
Today’s surge places WWD at a fresh high-water mark for the year, now effectively aligned with, and eclipsing, its prior 52-week high of $274.50. Moves to or through prior highs are often read as constructive, especially when accompanied by improving fundamentals and supportive forward expectations. Price action was orderly, with buyers absorbing supply and maintaining upward pressure into the close, a signal that demand remains in control.
From a near-term perspective, this follow-through suggests improving sentiment and a willingness to pay up for quality Industrial technology exposure. The magnitude of the gain — combined with the stock’s ability to hold intraday advances — indicates confidence in the company’s earnings power and multi-year outlook. While lighter-than-usual volume can sometimes temper the signal, the breadth and persistence of buying interest point to favorable positioning into year-end. Overall, WWD’s advance underscores strengthening momentum, with the stock demonstrating leadership characteristics and a constructive trajectory as investors gravitate toward companies delivering profitable growth and resilience.
Why Woodward, Inc. Price is Moving Higher
Woodward, Inc. is trading at $285.97 after a powerful breakout that reflects bullish momentum and reinforcing fundamentals. The move has pushed shares beyond the prior 52-week high of $274.50, supported by strong earnings execution and a constructive outlook. Volume registered 246,588 shares versus a 90-day average of 520,969, indicating demand outpaced supply even on lighter activity. With a market cap of $15.66B and EPS (TTM) of $6.32, investors are pricing in continued gains from aerospace and industrial exposure and operational leverage.
The catalyst was a robust fourth-quarter earnings report on November 24, 2025. Adjusted EPS of $2.09 beat the $1.86 consensus and rose 48% year over year from $1.41. Revenue climbed 16.5% to $995 million, topping estimates near $933.9 million. Aerospace unit sales advanced nearly 20% to $661 million, while the industrial business rose 10% to $334 million. Management cited strong demand for LEAP and GTF engine components and ongoing maintenance for legacy platforms, pointing to healthy aftermarket dynamics and a durable backlog.
Looking ahead, Woodward raised fiscal 2026 guidance, targeting 7%–12% revenue growth and adjusted EPS of $7.50–$8.00, signaling confidence in multi-year expansion. Strategic actions add to the bullish case: the acquisition of Safran’s North American Electromechanical Actuation business enhances the aerospace portfolio, while a $1.8 billion share repurchase program supports shareholder returns. Wolfe Research reiterated an Outperform view and lifted its price target to $315, reflecting the improved earnings trajectory. Together, these drivers explain the upside breakout — a fundamentals-led move consistent with favorable positioning and accelerating earnings power.
What is the Woodward, Inc. Rating - Should I Buy?
Weiss Ratings assigns WWD a B rating. Current recommendation is Buy.
The rating is built on six key indices: the Excellent Growth Index aligns with 7.99% revenue growth and improving earnings power, while the Excellent Efficiency Index is consistent with an 11.31% profit margin and a 16.76% ROE that speaks to strong capital deployment. The Excellent Solvency Index reflects a solid balance sheet. The Fair Total Return Index recognizes mixed historical price performance, the Good Volatility Index indicates manageable swings, and the Weak Dividend Index reflects the modest 0.43% yield.
At a 41.33 P/E ratio, valuation embeds expectations for continued execution, which the company’s recent results and guidance support. The B (Buy) rating synthesizes these factors into a favorable risk-adjusted view, emphasizing quality operations, durable demand, and balance sheet strength, while acknowledging a smaller income component.
Sector peers include GE (B), CAT (B), and RTX (B). Within this high-quality group, WWD compares well on operational momentum and operating discipline, offering a similar risk-reward profile with specialized exposure to aerospace and industrial end markets. For investors seeking quality Industrials with improving fundamentals, WWD’s positioning stands out among B-rated peers.
Overall, WWD earns a B because excellent growth, efficiency, and solvency outweigh a weaker income profile and only fair historical total return. The mix supports a constructive outlook: solid profitability, prudent risk, and positive execution trends underpin the rating, while the valuation is backed by improving earnings and multi-year opportunities in core aerospace and industrial applications.
About Woodward, Inc.
Woodward, Inc. is a designer, manufacturer, and service provider of control system solutions for energy and aerospace applications. Operating within the Industrials sector and the Capital Goods industry, the company focuses on technologies that optimize the performance, efficiency, and reliability of propulsion and power systems across aircraft, industrial engines, and turbines.
In aerospace, Woodward supplies fuel metering units, fuel pumps, fuel controls, electromechanical and hydraulic actuation, and electronic control systems used on commercial, business, and military aircraft. Its content spans engine control (including FADEC components), airframe actuation, and power distribution, helping customers improve thrust management, emissions, durability, and maintenance outcomes. The company’s products support leading engine programs, as well as aftermarket services that extend the life and performance of installed fleets through repairs, spares, and upgrades.
In industrial markets, Woodward provides combustion control, valve and actuator solutions, and control electronics for large reciprocating engines, industrial gas turbines, and distributed energy and power generation systems. Its offerings assist in precise fuel delivery, emissions control, load sharing, and grid-integration functions, serving applications such as oil and gas, marine, transportation, and backup or prime power. Woodward’s core competency lies in integrating mechanical systems with electronics and software, yielding robust, safety-critical solutions.
The company’s competitive advantages include deep domain expertise in mission-critical controls, long-standing relationships with OEMs and operators, a sizable installed base that supports recurring aftermarket revenue, and global engineering and manufacturing capabilities that enable reliable, high-specification products across demanding operating environments.
Investor Outlook
With a B (Buy) rating and strengthening fundamentals, WWD enters the next leg with favorable momentum and a supportive earnings backdrop. Continued execution in aerospace and industrial markets, alongside disciplined capital allocation, positions the company for sustained value creation.
See full rankings of all B-rated Industrials stocks inside the Weiss Stock Screener.