Woodward Announces $1.8B Buyback as Shares Jump 4%
Woodward (WWD) shares surged 4% on November 20 after unveiling a $1.8 billion stock repurchase program spanning three years. The aerospace components manufacturer completed its prior $600 million buyback ahead of schedule, underscoring robust cash flow.
The Colorado-based industrial firm has returned $2 billion to shareholders via dividends and buybacks over the past decade—equivalent to 78% of net earnings during that period. Though not a consumer brand, Woodward's turbine and aircraft engine parts make it a key industrial supplier.
Notably, Woodward ranks among billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller's top five holdings. The stock has gained over 50% YTD, outpacing many industrial peers. This latest capital return initiative signals management's confidence in sustained growth.
