Charles P. Blankenship, chairman and chief executive officer of Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD), completed a series of stock transactions on March 9 and March 10, 2026, that together totaled approximately $2.85 million in sales. The dispositions were carried out under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, with execution prices spanning $364.43 to $386.75 per share.
On March 9, Blankenship sold 3,605 shares of Woodward common stock across multiple transactions priced between $364.43 and $369.98, generating proceeds of $1,324,798. The following day, March 10, he sold an additional 2,525 shares at prices ranging from $380.51 to $386.75, resulting in $956,670 in aggregate value.
In addition to the sales, Blankenship exercised stock options to acquire 7,625 shares at an exercise price of $83.24 per share, for a total outlay of $634,705. After these actions, his direct holdings in Woodward stand at 65,854 shares, with an additional 407 shares held indirectly through the Woodward Retirement Savings Plan.
These insider transactions come as Woodward shares trade close to a 52-week high of $403.31. Over the past year the stock has produced a total return of 118%.
Market valuation signals are mixed. According to InvestingPro analysis cited in company coverage, Woodward currently appears overvalued on a Fair Value basis. For those seeking deeper company analysis, InvestingPro offers a Pro Research Report covering WWD and more than 1,400 other U.S. equities.
Separately, Woodward recently announced an agreement to acquire Valve Research & Manufacturing (VRM), a Florida-based firm that builds high-precision flow control valves for aerospace applications. The deal, which is structured to include all outstanding shares, VRMs manufacturing assets and associated real estate, is expected to close in the first half of 2026. Woodward said the acquisition is intended to broaden its aerospace controls portfolio with precision electromagnetic valve solutions.
Following strong quarterly results and a guidance raise across all business segments, UBS raised its price target for Woodward to $417 and maintained a Buy rating. Jefferies also reiterated a Buy rating and set a $450 price target after the acquisition announcement.
At Woodwards recent annual meeting, shareholders elected three directors to three-year terms: David Hess, Mary Petryszyn and Tana Utley.
Taken together, the insider sales, option exercise, strategic acquisition and analyst target adjustments depict a company in a period of active capital and corporate development, with shares trading at elevated levels. The factual record above reflects current ownership levels, transaction values and announced corporate actions as reported.