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West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (WST)
NYSE:WST
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West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) AI Stock Analysis

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WST

West Pharmaceutical Services

(NYSE:WST)

Rating:78Outperform
Price Target:
$318.00
▲(29.16% Upside)
West Pharmaceutical Services' overall score is driven by robust financial performance and positive earnings guidance, despite some valuation concerns. Technical indicators and earnings call sentiment suggest strong near-term prospects, but valuation and long-term resistance warrant caution.
Positive Factors
Earnings
West Pharmaceutical Services reported revenue of $766.5 million, surpassing both internal and consensus estimates.
Guidance
Guidance for 2025 was raised with expectations of increased total reported revenue and organic growth.
Leadership
The appointment of Bob McMahon as the new CFO is viewed positively due to his 34 years of industry experience and strong track record.
Negative Factors
Market Challenges
The company is currently facing several headwinds, including industry-specific challenges like tariffs and company-specific issues like the roll-off of contracts.
Product Challenges
The SmartDose device is currently dilutive to margins, and management recognizes it as a problem but is constrained by contractual obligations with a key customer.
Profit Margin
Operating profit margin contracted to 15.3% from 17.7%, impacted by restructuring charges and a shift in product mix away from higher-margin components.

West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

West Pharmaceutical Services Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWest 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 MoneyWest Pharmaceutical Services generates revenue primarily through the sale of its products and services related to injectable drug delivery systems. The company's key revenue streams include the manufacture and sale of rubber stoppers, prefilled syringes, and other container closure systems, which are critical components in the pharmaceutical packaging industry. Additionally, West has established significant partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies, providing tailored solutions that enhance drug delivery efficiency. The company also benefits from ongoing demand for its products due to the growing global focus on biologics and complex drug formulations, which require advanced delivery technologies. Furthermore, West invests in research and development to innovate and expand its product offerings, thereby driving future revenue growth.

West Pharmaceutical Services Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 24, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 8.40%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 23, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected strong performance in key growth areas like HVP components and delivery devices, leading to upward revisions in revenue and EPS guidance for 2025. However, challenges such as slow growth in Standard Products, persistent destocking in generics, and tariff uncertainties remain concerns.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Revenue Growth
Net sales increased 9.2% in Q2 2025, and 6.8% on an organic basis, driven by robust GLP-1 elastomer growth and HVP components. Adjusted diluted EPS increased by 21.1% compared to Q2 2024.
Proprietary Products Segment Performance
Proprietary Products segment saw an 8.4% organic growth, with HVP components increasing 11.3% in the quarter.
HVP Delivery Devices Growth
Revenues from HVP Delivery Devices increased by 30% in Q2 2025, driven by Daikyo Crystal Zenith containment and administration systems.
Upgraded Guidance for 2025
Full-year 2025 revenue guidance increased to $3.04 billion to $3.06 billion from the previous range of $2.945 billion to $2.975 billion.
Improving Gross Profit Margins
Gross profit margin increased by 290 basis points year-over-year to 35.7% in Q2 2025.
Positive Currency Impact
A favorable foreign currency environment contributed a $16.5 million tailwind to revenue in Q2 2025.
Negative Updates
Standard Products Segment Slow Growth
Standard Products revenues were up only 0.4%, indicating slower growth compared to other segments.
Persistent Destocking in Generics
Continued destocking effects in the generics market are expected to persist into the second half of 2025.
Tariff-Related Concerns
Estimated tariffs impact is projected to be $15 million to $20 million for FY 2025, adding uncertainty to cost structures.
Company Guidance
During the Q2 2025 earnings call, West Pharmaceutical Services provided several key metrics and guidance updates for the fiscal year. The company reported a 9.2% increase in net sales, with a 6.8% rise on an organic basis, driven by robust growth in GLP-1 elastomer products, which accounted for 8% of total revenues in the quarter. The Proprietary Products segment saw an 8.4% organic growth, bolstered by an 11.3% increase in HVP components. West's Contract Manufacturing segment experienced a 0.5% organic revenue increase, with total net sales reaching $766.5 million. The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance, now expecting net sales between $3.04 billion and $3.06 billion, and adjusted diluted EPS in the range of $6.65 to $6.85. This upward revision is attributed to strong Q2 performance, ongoing momentum in HVP components, and a favorable foreign exchange environment. Adjusted gross profit margin improved by 290 basis points year-over-year to 35.7%, with adjusted operating profit margin up by 230 basis points to 20.3%. Additionally, full-year CapEx guidance remains at $275 million, with expected tariffs estimated to impact the business by $15 million to $20 million in 2025.

West Pharmaceutical Services Financial Statement Overview

Summary
West Pharmaceutical Services exhibits strong financial health with solid profit margins, low leverage, and robust cash flow generation. Revenue growth is moderate, but stable EBIT and EBITDA margins indicate efficient operations.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
West Pharmaceutical Services demonstrates a strong financial performance with solid gross and net profit margins. The TTM gross profit margin stands at 35.27%, with a net profit margin of 16.47%. Although revenue growth has been moderate with a 2.32% increase from the previous year, the company has maintained stable EBIT and EBITDA margins, reflecting efficient operations.
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
The balance sheet is robust with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, indicating low leverage and financial stability. The company also shows a healthy equity ratio of 74.09%, suggesting strong financial backing. Return on equity is decent at 16.65%, reflecting efficient use of shareholders' funds.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
West Pharmaceutical Services has shown growth in free cash flow by 24.44% over the previous year, indicating strong cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.39, and the free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.71, suggesting adequate cash flow coverage of earnings.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.96B2.89B2.95B2.89B2.83B2.15B
Gross Profit1.04B998.50M1.13B1.14B1.18B767.80M
EBITDA759.60M743.80M844.10M808.40M879.40M518.60M
Net Income487.70M492.70M593.40M585.90M661.80M346.20M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.95B3.64B3.83B3.62B3.31B2.79B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments509.70M484.60M853.90M894.30M762.60M615.50M
Total Debt303.30M302.30M309.00M317.90M325.30M325.70M
Total Liabilities1.02B961.10M948.50M931.90M978.40M939.30M
Stockholders Equity2.93B2.68B2.88B2.68B2.34B1.85B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow344.00M276.40M414.50M439.40M330.60M298.10M
Operating Cash Flow676.70M653.40M776.50M724.00M584.00M472.50M
Investing Cash Flow-333.40M-378.70M-368.70M-288.20M-253.10M-179.50M
Financing Cash Flow-295.20M-622.60M-459.60M-293.60M-168.10M-137.10M

West Pharmaceutical Services Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price246.20
Price Trends
50DMA
229.94
Positive
100DMA
221.01
Positive
200DMA
259.93
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
4.34
Positive
RSI
58.00
Neutral
STOCH
75.02
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 246.2 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 242.54, above the 50-day MA of 229.94, and below the 200-day MA of 259.93, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 4.34 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 58.00 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 75.02 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WST.

West Pharmaceutical Services Risk Analysis

West Pharmaceutical Services disclosed 34 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. West Pharmaceutical Services reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

West Pharmaceutical Services Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$17.70B36.8817.72%0.34%2.88%-5.50%
75
Outperform
$15.08B28.1311.38%1.28%-17.73%
71
Outperform
$9.14B23.9315.36%1.30%1.51%21.70%
58
Neutral
$7.00B-0.68%8.73%-245.82%
54
Neutral
$12.42B136.07-3.30%3.31%-27.41%67.01%
51
Neutral
$7.70B-0.29-46.01%2.24%23.07%-0.65%
51
Neutral
$8.36B116.65-20.54%-8.36%-669.36%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services
246.20
-54.55
-18.14%
ATR
AptarGroup
138.72
-6.59
-4.54%
BAX
Baxter International
24.18
-11.44
-32.12%
HOLX
Hologic
67.81
-13.54
-16.64%
MASI
Masimo
153.87
31.79
26.04%
RGEN
Repligen
124.34
-29.48
-19.17%

West Pharmaceutical Services Corporate Events

DividendsFinancial Disclosures
West Pharmaceutical Services Reports Strong Q2 2025 Results
Positive
Jul 24, 2025

On July 24, 2025, West Pharmaceutical Services announced its second-quarter 2025 financial results, highlighting a 9.2% increase in net sales to $766.5 million and a rise in diluted EPS to $1.82. The company also raised its full-year 2025 net sales and adjusted-diluted EPS guidance, reflecting strong performance in high-value products and favorable foreign exchange rates. The Board approved a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.22 per share, to be paid on November 19, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (WST) stock is a Buy with a $345.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on West Pharmaceutical Services stock, see the WST Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
West Pharmaceutical Appoints New CFO Robert McMahon
Positive
Jul 21, 2025

On July 21, 2025, West Pharmaceutical Services announced the appointment of Robert McMahon as the new Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, effective August 4, 2025. McMahon, who previously served as CFO at Agilent Technologies, brings extensive experience in finance and leadership within the healthcare industry. He will succeed Bernard Birkett, who will retire and transition to a Senior Advisor role until the end of 2025. This strategic appointment is expected to enhance West’s financial strategies and contribute to long-term shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (WST) stock is a Buy with a $345.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on West Pharmaceutical Services stock, see the WST Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jul 30, 2025