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West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (WST), founded in 1923 and based in Exton, Pennsylvania, specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality injectable drug delivery and containment systems. With a market cap of $16.1 billion, West Pharmaceutical’s operations span the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific.
Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as "large-cap stocks," West Pharmaceutical fits right into that category, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, reflecting its substantial size, influence, and dominance in the medical instruments & supplies industry. It holds a leading 15–16% share in the global injectable packaging and delivery market, supported by a strong IP portfolio. Its consistent R&D investment of over $180 million annually drives innovation and supports long-term growth.
However, the stock has dropped 36.3% from its 52-week high of $352.33 recorded on Oct. 24, 2024. The stock has plunged 2.5% over the past three months, underperforming the broader Nasdaq Composite’s ($NASX) 11% rise over the same time frame.
The stock has underperformed over the long term, dropping 31.5% in 2025 and 32.7% over the past year, sharply lagging behind the NASDAQ’s 2% year-to-date gain and 11.4% annual return.
WST has traded below its 200-day moving average since early February but has climbed above its 50-day moving average since early June.
WST stock declined 3.5% on Apr. 24, following the release of its Q1 earnings. Its revenues rose marginally year over year to $698 million (2.1% organically), while adjusted EPS came in at $1.45, beating expectations of $1.23. Management also raised full‑year guidance, revenue to $2.945–2.975 billion and adjusted EPS to $6.15–6.35, while factoring in $20–25 million in tariff impacts
In the dynamic healthcare industry, WST’s top rival, ResMed Inc. (RMD), has surpassed it, with a 10.1% rise this year and an 18.9% return over the past 52 weeks.
Nevertheless, the stock has a consensus “Strong Buy” rating among the 12 analysts covering it. The mean price target of $283 represents a 26.2% premium to current price levels.
On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
