Company increases dividend and implements new buyback program

  • Woodward raises quarterly dividend by nearly 14%
  • Approves new $600 million share-repurchase program
  • New dividend payout of $1.00 per year
  • Annual yield of about 0.74%
  • Increased dividend payable on March 5
  • New three-year stock buyback replaces prior program

Woodward’s board has raised the quarterly dividend by nearly 14%, to 25 cents from 22 cents, and approved a new $600 million share-repurchase program. The new payout, equal to $1.00 a year, represents an annual yield of about 0.74% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $135.56, up from 0.65%. Woodward on Thursday said the increased dividend is payable March 5 to shareholders of record Feb. 20. Woodward, which sports a market capitalization of $8.25 billion, said the new three-year stock buyback replaces a prior two-year, $800 million program under which the Fort Collins, Colo., maker of energy conversion and control solutions repurchased roughly $572 million in stock.

Public Companies: Woodward (Unknown)
Private Companies:
Key People:

Factuality Level: 8
Justification: The article provides factual information about Woodward’s board raising the quarterly dividend and approving a new share-repurchase program. The article also includes specific details such as the new dividend amount, the annual yield, and the dates of payment. There is no apparent bias or opinion presented in the article. However, the article lacks additional context or analysis about the reasons behind these decisions or the potential impact on the company.

Noise Level: 7
Justification: The article provides information about Woodward’s board raising the quarterly dividend and approving a new share-repurchase program. However, it lacks analysis, evidence, or insights into the long-term trends or consequences of these decisions. It also does not provide any information on how Woodward’s systems can withstand or benefit from shocks or unexpected events. Overall, the article is mostly focused on financial details without providing much depth or actionable insights.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Woodward

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article pertains to financial topics as it discusses Woodward’s board raising the quarterly dividend and approving a new share-repurchase program. There is no mention of an extreme event.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com