West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) AI Stock Analysis

• Market Cap: $15.61B
• Dividend Yield: 0.38%
• Average Volume (3M): 929.92K
• Price to Earnings (P/E): 34.0
• Beta (1Y): 0.72
• Revenue Growth: -1.14%
• EPS Growth: -16.35%
• Country: US
• Employees: 10,600
• Sector: Healthcare
• Sector Strength: 41
• Industry: Medical - Instruments & Supplies
• EPS (TTM): 1.45
• Shares Outstanding: 71,845,370
• 10 Day Avg. Volume: 633,954
• 30 Day Avg. Volume: 929,925
• PEG Ratio: -6.75
• Price to Book (P/B): 5.76
• Price to Sales (P/S): 0.00
• P/FCF Ratio: 49.88
• Enterprise Value/Market Cap: 0.97
• Enterprise Value/Revenue: 1.32
• Enterprise Value/Gross Profit: 15.18
• Enterprise Value/Ebitda: 5.12
• 1Y Price Target: $293.75
• Price Target Upside: 35.23% Upside
• Rating Consensus: Strong Buy
• Number of Analyst Covering: 6

West Pharmaceutical Services presents a robust financial foundation and positive earnings guidance, contributing to a solid overall score. However, technical indicators show bearish sentiment, and valuation metrics indicate overvaluation, which tempers the overall outlook. The earnings call highlighted strategic advancements but also pointed out operational challenges and leadership transitions, which introduce some risk.

Positive Factors

Earnings

First-quarter results came in above consensus estimates across all key metrics, and guidance was raised across the board.

Market Growth

The company has a significant presence in the biologics market, which is experiencing strong growth, contributing to potential margin improvements.

Market Position

WST is a leading pharma packaging company with a market share of over 70%.

Negative Factors

Cost Management

No mitigations to offset $20 million-$25 million tariff costs have been announced.

FY25 Guidance

The FY25 guidance surprised investors due to one-off issues, raising concerns about short-term performance.

West Pharmaceutical Services Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in two segments, Proprietary Products and Contract-Manufactured Products. The Proprietary Products segment offers stoppers and seals for injectable packaging systems; syringe and cartridge components, including custom solutions for the needs of injectable drug applications, as well as administration systems that enhance the safe delivery of drugs through advanced reconstitution, mixing, and transfer technologies; and films, coatings, washing, and vision inspection and sterilization processes and services to enhance the quality of packaging components. It also provides drug containment solutions, including Crystal Zenith, a cyclic olefin polymer in the form of vials, syringes, and cartridges; and self-injection devices, as well as a range of integrated solutions, including analytical lab services, pre-approval primary packaging support and engineering development, regulatory expertise, and after-sales technical support. This segment serves biologic, generic, and pharmaceutical drug companies. The Contract-Manufactured Products segment is involved in the design, manufacture, and automated assembly of devices used in surgical, diagnostic, ophthalmic, injectable, and other drug delivery systems, as well as consumer products. It serves pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and medical device companies. The company distributes its products through its sales force and distribution network, as well as contract sales agents and regional distributors. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. was incorporated in 1923 and is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.

How the Company Makes Money

West Pharmaceutical Services generates revenue through the sale of its proprietary products and services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. The company’s revenue streams are primarily derived from its two main business segments: Proprietary Products and Contract-Manufactured Products. The Proprietary Products segment focuses on the sale of West's branded packaging components and systems, which are critical in maintaining drug stability and efficacy. The Contract-Manufactured Products segment involves the manufacturing of components for third-party healthcare and consumer companies. Additionally, West benefits from long-term partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, which often result in recurring revenue from ongoing supply agreements. The company’s emphasis on innovation and quality, along with its global manufacturing and distribution network, significantly contributes to its financial performance.

West Pharmaceutical Services Financial Statement Overview

Summary

West Pharmaceutical Services demonstrates strong financial health with consistent profitability and a solid balance sheet. Despite slight revenue and profit fluctuations, the company maintains efficient operations and prudent leverage management. The cash flow position is stable, supporting long-term growth and financial flexibility.

Income Statement

West Pharmaceutical Services exhibits stable revenue with a slight decline in recent periods. The gross profit margin remains strong, indicating efficient cost management, while net profit margins show a slight decrease. The EBIT and EBITDA margins demonstrate healthy operational efficiency despite recent fluctuations in revenue.

Balance Sheet

The company maintains a solid balance sheet with a low debt-to-equity ratio, indicating prudent leverage management. Return on equity is stable, reflecting consistent profitability. The equity ratio is robust, underscoring a strong equity position relative to assets.

Cash Flow

Operating cash flow is strong, supporting the company's ability to generate cash. While free cash flow has seen some decline, the company's cash flow ratios indicate a healthy conversion of net income to cash, with sufficient free cash flow to support investments and financing activities.

Breakdown
TTM	Dec 2024	Dec 2023	Dec 2022	Dec 2021	Dec 2020
Income Statement		Total Revenue
2.90B	2.89B	2.95B	2.89B	2.83B	2.15B
	Gross Profit
1.00B	998.50M	1.13B	1.14B	1.18B	767.80M
	EBIT
558.70M	569.90M	676.00M	734.00M	752.30M	406.90M
	EBITDA
729.50M	743.80M	844.10M	887.90M	895.20M	531.70M
	Net Income Common Stockholders
467.20M	492.70M	593.40M	585.90M	661.80M	346.20M
Balance Sheet		Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
601.80M	484.60M	853.90M	894.30M	762.60M	615.50M
	Total Assets
3.60B	3.64B	3.83B	3.62B	3.31B	2.79B
	Total Debt
306.60M	302.30M	309.00M	317.90M	325.30M	325.70M
	Net Debt
-295.20M	-182.30M	-544.90M	-576.40M	-437.30M	-289.80M
	Total Liabilities
921.70M	961.10M	948.50M	931.90M	978.40M	939.30M
	Stockholders Equity
2.68B	2.68B	2.88B	2.68B	2.34B	1.85B
Cash Flow		Free Cash Flow
306.90M	276.40M	414.50M	439.40M	330.60M	298.10M
	Operating Cash Flow
664.60M	653.40M	776.50M	724.00M	584.00M	472.50M
	Investing Cash Flow
-359.40M	-378.70M	-368.70M	-288.20M	-253.10M	-179.50M
	Financing Cash Flow
-498.60M	-622.60M	-459.60M	-293.60M	-168.10M	-137.10M

West Pharmaceutical Services Technical Analysis

• Technical Analysis Sentiment: Positive
• Last Price: 217.22
• 50DMA: Positive
• 100DMA: Negative
• 200DMA: Negative
• MACD: Negative
• RSI: Neutral
• STOCH: Neutral

Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WST, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 217.22 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 213.17, above the 50-day MA of 216.32, and below the 200-day MA of 282.17, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.55 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 52.75 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 64.72 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WST.

West Pharmaceutical Services Peers Comparison

Name	Overall Rating	Market Cap	P/E Ratio	ROE	Dividend Yield	Revenue Growth	EPS Growth
ATR	78 Outperform	$10.44B	28.71	15.15%	1.12%	0.34%	17.27%
WST	70 Outperform	$15.61B	34.02	17.42%	0.38%	-1.14%	-16.35%
HOLX	66 Neutral	$12.58B	23.83	11.77%	―	1.66%	21.95%
MASI	58 Neutral	$8.41B	116.65	-23.93%	―	-0.12%	-713.82%
BAX	56 Neutral	$16.25B	136.07	-8.96%	2.90%	-20.17%	-138.32%
RGEN	56 Neutral	$7.09B	―	-1.16%	―	4.88%	-196.93%
Sector *	52 Neutral	$5.19B	3.04	-44.64%	2.82%	16.45%	-0.53%

West Pharmaceutical Services Corporate Events

West Pharmaceutical Services Hosts 2025 Shareholder Meeting

West Pharmaceutical Services held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders virtually on May 6, 2025, where shareholders voted on five proposals. The proposals included the election of directors, approval of executive compensation, amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, and the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the accounting firm for 2025. Significant shareholder participation was noted, with 89.93% of common shares represented at the meeting.

Spark’s Take on WST Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, WST is a Outperform.

West Pharmaceutical Services scores well due to its strong financial health and positive earnings guidance. However, technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and the valuation metrics indicate potential overvaluation. Earnings call insights reveal both strategic successes and challenges, contributing to a balanced but cautiously optimistic outlook.

To see Spark’s full report on WST stock, click here.

West Pharmaceutical Services Reports Q1 2025 Financial Results

On April 24, 2025, West Pharmaceutical Services announced its first-quarter 2025 financial results, reporting net sales of $698.0 million, a slight increase from the previous year. The company also raised its full-year 2025 net sales and adjusted-diluted EPS guidance, reflecting confidence in its operational performance and market positioning. Despite a decline in reported-diluted EPS, the company’s strategic focus on high-value products and self-injection devices has driven growth in the Proprietary Products Segment. Additionally, West Pharmaceutical declared a third-quarter 2025 dividend, indicating a positive outlook for stakeholders.

Spark’s Take on WST Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, WST is a Neutral.

West Pharmaceutical Services exhibits a solid financial foundation with strong profitability and a debt-free balance sheet. However, the current technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and valuation metrics indicate potential overvaluation. The earnings call highlighted both strategic successes and significant challenges in product revenues and margins. Overall, the stock reflects moderate risk and potential for improvement with ongoing strategic initiatives.

To see Spark’s full report on WST stock, click here.

West Pharmaceutical Announces Leadership Changes Amid Succession Planning

West Pharmaceutical Services announced significant leadership changes as part of its succession planning. Bernard Birkett, the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will retire later in 2025, with a search for his successor already underway. Shane Campbell has been appointed as the Senior Vice President, Chief Proprietary Segment Officer, effective May 5, 2025, bringing extensive global management experience to the role. These changes are expected to support West’s strategic goals and long-term growth.

Spark’s Take on WST Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, WST is a Neutral.

West Pharmaceutical Services exhibits a solid financial foundation with strong profitability and a debt-free balance sheet. However, the current technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and valuation metrics indicate potential overvaluation. The earnings call highlighted both strategic successes and significant challenges in product revenues and margins. Overall, the stock reflects moderate risk and potential for improvement with ongoing strategic initiatives.

To see Spark’s full report on WST stock, click here.

West Pharmaceutical Announces Departure of Senior Executive

On March 7, 2025, West Pharmaceutical Services announced the departure of Cindy Reiss-Clark, former Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. As part of her severance, she will receive salary continuation, welfare benefits, a pro-rated incentive payment, and outplacement services, in exchange for releasing claims against the company and adhering to noncompetition and nonsolicitation covenants.

Spark’s Take on WST Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, WST is a Neutral.

West Pharmaceutical Services has a solid financial foundation with strong profitability and a debt-free balance sheet, though revenue and cash flow challenges persist. Technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, while valuation metrics indicate a potentially high valuation. Despite some challenges, the company’s strategic direction and positive guidance provide optimism for future growth.

To see Spark’s full report on WST stock, click here.

West Pharmaceutical Announces Leadership Transition

On March 7, 2025, West Pharmaceutical Services announced the departure of Cindy Reiss-Clark, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately. Her responsibilities will be temporarily managed by Aileen Kinsella, indicating a transitional phase in the company’s leadership structure.