West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (WST)

In the past six months, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. stock price has experienced significant volatility and a notable decline. As of June 13, 2025, the stock price was $221.91, representing a decline of 33.97% from June 17, 2024. Key events impacting the stock include weak 2025 guidance and Q4 2024 earnings, destocking by customers, a securities fraud investigation, analyst downgrades, and tax-loss selling. Despite these challenges, analyst sentiment remains largely positive, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average 12-month target price of $320.00.

While specific quarterly demand seasonality is not explicitly provided, West Pharmaceutical Services has historically shown healthy stock price growth in November and December. The company has experienced a deceleration in sales growth due to post-COVID demand normalization and destocking by customers. The main driver of the company's long-term revenue outlook is the growth of the injectables market, which benefits from secular growth trends. Stricter regulations requiring higher-quality packaging also incentivize demand for West's products.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a global manufacturer specializing in technologically advanced containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products. The company operates primarily within the Healthcare sector, specifically in the Medical Instruments & Supplies and Medical Specialties industries. The company's major products and services include proprietary products such as elastomers, drug delivery devices, and contract-manufactured products such as complex devices for pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and medical device companies. West Pharmaceutical Services serves 25 of the top 25 pharmaceutical companies.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. has a significant global presence, with its headquarters in Exton, Pennsylvania, US. The company operates across 50 sites worldwide with approximately 10,000 employees, including 26 manufacturing facilities across multiple continents. Net sales are distributed as follows: 42% in the United States, 13.8% in Germany, 9.7% in Ireland, 9.6% in France, 13.1% in Europe (excluding Germany, Ireland, and France), and 11.8% in other regions.

West Pharmaceutical Services has a strong brand reputation as a trusted partner in the pharmaceutical packaging industry, built on quality, safety, regulatory compliance, technological advancements, and supply chain expertise. The company's reputation has faced potential challenges due to a securities fraud investigation and stock price decline. However, the company's long-standing commitment to quality and its critical role in the pharmaceutical supply chain are strong foundational elements of its brand.

The ownership structure of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is primarily dominated by institutional investors, who own approximately 54.41% to 95.67% of the company's stock. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc. and BlackRock, Inc. Insiders own approximately 0.57% to 3.76% of the stock, while retail investors hold around 0.57% to 14.59%. The largest individual shareholder is Donald E. Morel Jr., owning 1.12% of the company.