Shares of Worthington Enterprises (WOR) plummeted 15.61% in pre-market trading on Wednesday, despite the company reporting better-than-expected fiscal first-quarter earnings and sales. The stark contrast between the positive financial results and the negative market reaction has left investors puzzled.

Worthington, a maker of building and consumer products, posted net sales of $303.7 million for the quarter, marking an impressive 18% increase from the same period last year. The company's recent acquisition of Elgen Manufacturing contributed significantly to this growth, adding approximately $21 million in sales during the period. These results exceeded analysts' expectations, typically a cause for celebration among investors.

However, the market's severe negative reaction suggests that investors may have had even higher expectations or harbor concerns about the company's future outlook. It's possible that while the results were strong, they might not have been as spectacular as some had hoped, given the current economic climate and industry trends. Additionally, investors might be wary of potential challenges in sustaining this growth rate in the coming quarters, or they could be reacting to other factors not immediately apparent in the earnings report, such as guidance or management commentary during the earnings call.