Story
WD-40 Stock Soars Over 23% on Strong Earnings Beat and Raised Forecast
Summary
Shares of WD-40 Company surged to a new 52-week high after the company reported fiscal third-quarter earnings that significantly beat analyst expectations and raised its full-year financial guidance.
WD-40 Company (NASDAQ: WDFC) stock surged more than 23% in morning trading on July 10, reaching a new 52-week high of $298.90. The dramatic rally was triggered by a fiscal third-quarter 2026 earnings report that far surpassed Wall Street estimates, coupled with an upgraded full-year outlook and a new share buyback plan.
Earnings Beat Drives Rally
In its report released after the market close on July 9, WD-40 disclosed strong growth and operating leverage. The results significantly exceeded analyst forecasts, providing the primary catalyst for the stock's upward move.
- Non-GAAP EPS: $2.33, nearly 48% above the consensus estimate of approximately $1.57.
- Net Sales: $195.1 million, representing a 24% year-over-year increase and beating estimates by over $20 million.
- Operating Income: Jumped 47% to $40.3 million.
- Net Income: Rose 44% to $30.2 million.
CEO Steve Brass attributed the strong performance to double-digit sales growth across all three of the company's geographic trade blocs and the successful execution of its core business strategies.
Upgraded Outlook and Analyst Confidence
AdBeyond the strong quarterly results, management provided an optimistic forecast for the remainder of the fiscal year. The company raised its full-year 2026 guidance for net sales to a range of $675 million to $690 million and its non-GAAP EPS forecast to between $6.05 and $6.35, both ahead of prior guidance and consensus.
Adding to investor confidence, the board authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program, set to begin in September 2026. In response to the report, D.A. Davidson raised its price target on WDFC shares to $305 from $270, maintaining a Buy rating. The firm cited topline strength, gross margin upside, and some customer orders being pulled forward ahead of planned price increases as drivers for the beat.
Market Context
The significant gains in WD-40 stock stood in sharp contrast to the broader market, which was largely flat for the session. With the S&P 500 and Nasdaq showing minimal change, the move in WDFC shares was almost entirely company-specific, underscoring strong investor reaction to the fundamental news.