WD-40 Stock Surges Over 23% to 52-Week High on Earnings Beat and Raised Outlook

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 move followed the release of fiscal third-quarter 2026 results that far exceeded Wall Street estimates, coupled with an upgraded financial outlook and a new share buyback plan.

Decisive Earnings Beat

In its report delivered after the market close on July 9, WD-40 disclosed strong growth and operating leverage. The key figures significantly outpaced market consensus:

• Non-GAAP EPS: $2.33, nearly 48% above the analyst consensus of approximately $1.57.
• Net Sales: $195.1 million, a 24% year-over-year increase that topped 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 successful execution of its core business strategy.

Raised Guidance and Shareholder Returns

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Management's increased confidence was reflected in its updated full-year fiscal 2026 guidance. The company now projects net sales between $675 million and $690 million and non-GAAP EPS in the range of $6.05 to $6.35. Both targets were raised from previous guidance and are ahead of analyst consensus.

Further bolstering investor sentiment, WD-40's board of directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program, which is scheduled to take effect in September 2026.

Market Reaction and Context

The market's reaction was swift and pronounced. In response to the report, analysts at DA Davidson raised their price target on WDFC shares to $305 from $270, maintaining a Buy rating. The firm cited the strong sales, gross margin improvements, and some customer orders being pulled forward ahead of planned price increases as drivers for the beat.

The stock's powerful rally was entirely company-specific, standing in stark contrast to the broader market. As WDFC shares soared, the S&P 500 was up just 0.1% and the Nasdaq was flat, underscoring that the move was driven by the company's fundamental performance rather than a market-wide trend.