Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) ranks among billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller’s 10 best stock picks. UBS reaffirmed its Buy rating on Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) but increased the company’s price target from $378 to $417 on February 3. The hike came after Woodward’s impressive quarterly results and guidance increases across all divisions, despite management’s cautious forecast for the second through fourth fiscal quarters. UBS stated that growth is strong in both the aerospace and industrial end markets, wit ...

Core Insights - Woodward, Inc. is a key player in the aerospace and industrial equipment markets, focusing on energy conversion and control solutions, and is committed to a clean future through innovative products [1] Financial Performance - For the quarter ending February 2, 2026, Woodward reported earnings per share (EPS) of $2.17, exceeding the estimated $1.65 by 31.35%, and showing a year-over-year increase from $1.35 [2][6] - The company achieved revenues of approximately $996.5 million, surpassing estimates of $893.2 million by 10.11%, and up from $773 million in the same period last year [3][6] Segment Performance - The Aerospace segment benefited from a higher mix of commercial services activity and strong demand from defense OEMs, while the Industrial segment showed strength in power generation and transportation sectors [3] Financial Health - Woodward maintains a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.096, indicating a conservative approach to leveraging equity, and a current ratio of about 2.08, suggesting good short-term financial health [4] - The company increased its quarterly cash dividend by 14%, raising it from $0.28 to $0.32 per share [4][6] Valuation Metrics - Woodward's valuation metrics include a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 44.35 and a price-to-sales ratio of about 5.50, indicating that investors are willing to pay a premium for its earnings and sales [5] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is approximately 5.48, while the enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is around 41.49, reflecting the company's valuation relative to its sales and cash flow from operations [5]

Core Viewpoint - Woodward, Inc. has declared a cash dividend of $0.32 per share, marking a 14% increase from the previous quarter's dividend of $0.28 per share, with payment scheduled for March 5, 2026 [1] Company Overview - Woodward, Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for aerospace and industrial equipment markets [2] - The company's mission is to provide energy control solutions that contribute to a clean future, with systems designed to perform in harsh environments [2] - Woodward is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA [2]

Core Viewpoint - Woodward, Inc. is set to announce its fiscal 2026 first quarter financial results on February 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET, followed by a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The company will release its fiscal 2026 first quarter financial results on February 2, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET [1]. - A news release will accompany the financial results announcement [1]. - The conference call will provide an overview of the company's business and financial performance [2]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - The conference call can be accessed live via the company's website [2]. - Participants can also join the call by dialing specific phone numbers for U.S. domestic and international listeners [3]. - The Conference ID for the call is 4675940, and participants are encouraged to call in prior to the start time for registration [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Woodward, Inc. is a global leader in energy conversion and control solutions for aerospace and industrial equipment markets [4]. - The company focuses on designing and delivering energy control solutions aimed at powering a clean future [4]. - Woodward's systems are designed to perform in harsh environments, showcasing its innovative capabilities [4].

Core Viewpoint - Woodward, Inc. is winding down its on-highway natural gas truck business in China as part of a strategy to optimize its Industrial segment and product portfolio [1][2]. Group 1: Business Strategy - The decision to wind down the China on-highway (OH) business aligns Woodward's Industrial portfolio with priority end-markets and long-term growth opportunities [2]. - This strategic move allows the company to realign resources and focus on delivering leading control solutions across Transportation, Power Generation, and Oil & Gas markets [2]. Group 2: Operational Impact - The wind-down will involve closing a small manufacturing facility in China and reducing a limited number of sales, engineering, and product support staff [3]. - The decision is specific to the China OH business and does not affect other segments of Woodward [3]. Group 3: Financial Performance - The China OH business has not significantly contributed to Woodward's overall financial performance consistently [4]. - In fiscal year 2025, Woodward achieved record sales and earnings, driven by strong results in its Industrial and Aerospace segments [4].

Core Insights - Major U.S. stock market indices closed positively on January 9, 2026, following December jobs data, with unemployment rate decreasing to 4.4% but job additions missing expectations [1] Group 1: Market Trends - Investors are shifting towards dividend-growth stocks due to a preference for quality and visibility amid economic uncertainty, as these stocks signal robust cash flows [2][9] - Stocks with a strong history of year-over-year dividend growth are seen as better investments for capital appreciation compared to simple dividend-paying stocks [3][6] Group 2: Characteristics of Dividend Growth Stocks - Dividend growth stocks belong to mature companies, providing a hedge against market volatility and economic uncertainty while offering downside protection through consistent payout increases [4] - These stocks typically exhibit superior fundamentals, including sustainable business models, profitability, rising cash flows, good liquidity, and strong balance sheets [5] Group 3: Selected Dividend Growth Stocks - Woodward Inc. (WWD): Expected revenue growth of 11.2% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 15.20%, and annual dividend yield of 0.35% [10][11] - Cardinal Health (CAH): Projected revenue growth of 16.2% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 13.90%, and annual dividend yield of 1.02% [12] - Fox Corp. (FOX): Anticipated revenue growth of 3.6% for fiscal 2027, long-term earnings growth rate of 10.10%, and annual dividend yield of 0.84% [13] - Kinross Gold (KGC): Expected revenue growth of 11% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 36.5%, and annual dividend yield of 0.45% [14] - Donaldson (DCI): Projected revenue growth of 3.5% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 10%, and annual dividend yield of 1.26% [15]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market experienced a slight decline on December 26, 2025, primarily due to low trading volume following the Christmas holiday, with many institutional investors absent for the year [1] - Major indexes such as the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq saw small dips, ending short winning streaks observed earlier in the week [1][9] Investment Strategy - During the holiday season, equity investors may favor dividend-growth stocks over high price-growth stocks, as companies with a consistent history of dividend increases often exhibit strong financial health [2] - Dividend-growth stocks provide a defensive hedge against economic uncertainty and market volatility, making them attractive during periods of low market activity [4] Dividend Growth Stocks - Stocks with a strong history of year-over-year dividend growth are considered healthier investments, offering greater potential for capital appreciation compared to simple dividend-paying stocks [3][6] - Five selected dividend-growth stocks include: - Woodward Inc. (WWD): Expected revenue growth of 11.1% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 15.20%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.36% [10] - Enersys (ENS): Projected revenue growth of 4% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 15%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.70% [11] - Donaldson (DCI): Anticipated revenue growth of 3.5% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 10%, and an annual dividend yield of 1.31% [12] - Rockwell Automation (ROK): Expected revenue growth of 5.8% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 12.4%, and an annual dividend yield of 1.38% [13] - Vertiv Holdings (VRT): Projected revenue growth of 27.5% for fiscal 2025, long-term earnings growth rate of 30.2%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.15% [14] Stock Selection Criteria - Stocks selected for their strong fundamentals include criteria such as: - 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth Greater Than Zero [6] - 5-Year Historical Sales Growth Greater Than Zero [7] - 5-Year Historical EPS Growth Greater Than Zero [7] - Next 3-5 Year EPS Growth Rate Greater Than Zero [7] - Price/Cash Flow Less Than Industry Median [8] - 52-Week Price Change Greater Than S&P 500 [8]

Core Insights - Woodward (WWD) reported net sales of $3.6 billion for Q4 fiscal 2025, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase, and annual per-share earnings of $7.19, up from $6.01 the previous year [1] - The company returned over $238 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, contributing to a 90% increase in WWD shares this year [1] - Institutional investor demand has been strong, indicating significant support for WWD stock, as evidenced by unusual trading volumes [2][3] Financial Performance - WWD has demonstrated robust sales and earnings growth, with a 3-year sales growth rate of 14.6% and a 3-year EPS growth rate of 39.5% [5] - EPS is projected to increase by 17% this year, further attracting investor interest [3] Market Dynamics - The stock has been recognized as a top-rated investment by MoneyFlows, indicating unusual buy pressure and strong fundamentals [4] - WWD has made the Outlier 20 report 17 times since 2001, with 12 occurrences in the past seven months, highlighting its strong market performance [6] Investment Outlook - Given the historical gains and strong fundamentals, WWD is considered a potential candidate for a diversified investment portfolio [7]

Core Insights - Woodward, Inc. has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Companies for 2026, ranking among the top 300 U.S. public companies based on a comprehensive assessment across 11 categories and over 60 metrics [1][3] - The evaluation criteria included public trust, employee satisfaction, customer sentiment, workforce stability, financial strength, and cybersecurity [1][3] Company Performance - Woodward's revenues exceeded $3 billion for the first time in fiscal year 2024, indicating significant growth [2] - The company employs more than 10,000 members globally, showcasing its extensive workforce [2] Leadership and Values - Chip Blankenship, Chairman and CEO of Woodward, emphasized the recognition reflects the passion and commitment of team members in delivering shareholder value and fulfilling the company's purpose [2] - Woodward's core values include Integrity, Respectful and Accountable, and Humble and Driven, which are demonstrated by its members in serving Aerospace and Industrial customers [2] Evaluation Process - Forbes evaluated over 2,000 U.S.-based companies from various industries before selecting the top companies, ensuring an independent research process [3] - Woodward did not pay a fee for the evaluation, although it purchased rights to use the name and logo [3]

Core Insights - WWD, a leader in energy conversion and control solutions, reported an 8% increase in net sales to $915 million and a 6% increase in net earnings to $108 million for Q3 fiscal 2025, with raised sales guidance of up to $3.5 billion [1] - The stock has seen a 60% increase this year, driven by significant institutional investor interest [1][2] - WWD has demonstrated strong sales and earnings growth, with an estimated 18% increase in EPS this year [3] Financial Performance - The company has a 3-year sales growth rate of 14.2% and a 3-year EPS growth rate of 27.9% [5] - WWD has made the Outlier 20 report 14 times since 2001, with nine occurrences in the past six months, indicating strong demand from institutional investors [6] Market Sentiment - Institutional support is evident, as indicated by unusual trading volumes in WWD shares, suggesting a robust fundamental story [2][3] - The stock is ranked highly at MoneyFlows, reflecting unusual buy pressure and growing fundamentals [4] Investment Outlook - Given the historical gains and strong fundamentals, WWD is considered a potential candidate for a diversified investment portfolio [7]