CleaRank Financial AI • AI-powered analysis using real-time market data from TwelveData
Analysis reviewed by Anthony Beachey, Financial Journalist. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) is trading at $374.65, above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($356.79 and $306.22), indicating a generally positive trend. The company has a 'Buy' consensus rating from 17 analysts, with a median price target of $410, suggesting a 9.4% upside potential. Fundamentally, WST exhibits strong profitability with a net profit margin of 16.98% and a return on equity of 19.09%, outperforming sector averages in ROE. Its revenue growth of 13.8% also surpasses the sector median of 8.1%. The company's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11 is well below the sector average, indicating a healthy balance sheet. However, recent insider activity shows a moderate selling signal, with $6.6 million in sales versus no reported purchases, which warrants attention.
WST at a glance
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST): Buy, 79/100 on CleaRank's AI score.
TrendUp: the price is above both its 50- and 200-day moving averages ($356.79 and $306.22).
InsidersInsiders sold $6.6M and made no open-market purchases over the last 18 months.
ValuationP/E of 47.1 against 31.9 for the Healthcare sector: a premium to peers (+48%).
As of October 14, 2026, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) trades at $374.65. Wall Street's consensus target is $410.00 across 17 analysts. The 14-day RSI (daily closes) is 59, in neutral territory, and the price is above its 50-day simple moving average of $356.79.
Figures as of October 14, 2026.
Only on CleaRank
Figures we compute ourselves from WST's own price, earnings and insider-filing history. Tap one to see it in context.
Trading at a significant premium to sector peers (+48%), suggesting market expectations for superior growth or market position.
WST Financial Performance
Revenue vs. Earnings
Annual
Quarterly
Earnings Reality Check
In the last 2 quarters, WST beat the analyst estimate 2 times; the stock fell in the first session after 1 of those beats.
WST earnings surprises and the stock's reaction
Report
EPS estimate
EPS actual
Surprise
First session
5 sessions
Jul 23, 2026
$2.08
$2.37
+13.94%
-7.67%
-4.47%
Feb 12, 2026
$1.83
$2.04
+11.48%
+2.82%
-1.02%
The first session is the first full trading day on the news: the report day itself for a report before the open, the next day for one after the close. Surprise is actual EPS against the consensus estimate.
As of October 14, 2026, WST has beaten the analyst EPS estimate in 2 of its last 2 reported quarters and fell in the first trading session after 1 of those beats; its latest report, on July 23, 2026, came in 13.94% above the estimate and the stock moved -7.67% in the first session.
WST Analysis
Company's Health4/5
12-Month Analyst Target+9.44% above price
Median of 17 analysts (12-month)
$410.00
AI Analyst Consensus ScoreBuy
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) is currently trading above its 50-day SMA of $356.79 and its 200-day SMA of $306.22, signaling an upward trend. The 14-day RSI is at 59.35, indicating neutral momentum, neither overbought nor oversold. The stock's price is also above its 20-day EMA of $366.98. Key support levels can be inferred from the moving averages, with the 50-day SMA acting as a near-term floor. Volume on the latest trading day was slightly below its average, suggesting moderate investor interest. The overall technical picture suggests a stock in a healthy uptrend with room for further appreciation.
ProTips
Monitor insider selling activity closely, as $6.6 million in sales have been reported recently, indicating a moderate sell signal.
The stock is trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($356.79 and $306.22), suggesting a positive trend, but the 14-day RSI at 59.35 indicates neutral momentum.
Given the premium valuation (P/E of 47.07), consider position sizing carefully and look for confirmation of continued strong earnings growth to justify the current price.
Key Catalysts
BullishConsistent Earnings Beats
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) has a history of beating analyst EPS estimates, most recently by 13.94% in Q3 2026, signaling operational strength and effective execution.
Source: Earnings Reports
BullishStrong Forward Growth Estimates
Analysts project strong earnings growth for WST, with an average estimate of $9.99 EPS for next year and an estimated 5-year average annual growth rate of 7.71%.
Source: Analyst Estimates
BullishSuperior Profitability Metrics
WST's net profit margin of 16.98% and return on equity of 19.09% significantly outperform sector averages, indicating efficient operations and strong financial health.
Source: Company Fundamentals
BearishModerate Insider Selling Signal
Insiders have sold approximately $6.6 million worth of WST stock with no reported purchases, generating a moderate sell signal that warrants investor attention.
Source: Insider Transactions
BearishPremium Valuation
The stock's P/E ratio of 47.07 is considerably higher than the Healthcare sector average of 31.9, suggesting it may be overvalued and vulnerable to pullbacks if growth expectations are not met.
Source: Valuation Analysis
Market Outlook
The base case scenario for West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) anticipates continued growth, supported by its strong market position in medical packaging and delivery systems. The company's strong profitability and healthy balance sheet provide a solid foundation for future expansion. Key catalysts for upside include continued innovation in drug delivery solutions and expansion into emerging markets. Conversely, a significant slowdown in revenue growth, increased competition from new entrants, or a broader market downturn could pressure the stock. The moderate insider selling also warrants close observation as a potential indicator of future price action.
Key Statistics
Market Cap
26.37B
P/E Ratio
47.07
EPS (TTM)
7.81
Dividend Yield
0.23%
52 Week High
386.00
52 Week Low
223.83
As of October 14, 2026, WST trades at $374.65, with a market value of $26.37B, a P/E ratio of 47.07 and a dividend yield of 0.23%.
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) trades at a P/E ratio of 47.07, which is higher than the Healthcare sector average of 31.9, suggesting a premium valuation. However, its Price-to-Sales ratio of 7.78 is also above the sector average of 3.7, consistent with its premium valuation. The company's strong profitability is evident in its net profit margin of 16.98% and return on equity of 19.09%, significantly exceeding sector medians. Its debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11 is very low, indicating a strong balance sheet with minimal leverage. Despite the higher P/E, the company's superior profitability and growth metrics may justify the premium valuation.
Earnings & Growth Analysis
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) recently reported earnings on July 23, 2026, with an EPS of $2.37, beating the estimate of $2.08 by 13.94%. This followed a previous beat on February 12, 2026, where EPS was $2.04 against an estimate of $1.83. The stock experienced a -7.67% price drop after the most recent earnings report, despite the beat, while the prior report saw a 2.82% increase. The company is expected to continue its positive earnings trajectory with an average EPS estimate of $8.96 for the current year and $9.99 for the next year.
Key Risks
A primary risk for West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) is its elevated valuation, with a P/E ratio of 47.07 significantly above the sector average. Additionally, recent insider selling, totaling $6.6 million, indicates a moderate sell signal that investors should monitor for potential future implications. While the company demonstrates strong financial health and growth, any slowdown in its projected revenue growth of 10.00% for the current year could impact its premium valuation. Competitive pressures within the medical instruments and supplies sector also represent an ongoing risk.
Technical Indicators i
RSI (14-day)
59.35
MACD (12, 26)
4.09
SMA (50-day)
356.79
SMA (200-day)
306.22
Technical RatingBullish
RSI
Neutral
SMA Cross
Bullish
Price vs SMA
Bullish
MACD
Bullish
Golden Cross in effect with the 50-day SMA ($356.79) above the 200-day SMA ($306.22), price action is firmly bullish above key moving averages.
As of October 14, 2026, with WST at $374.65, its 14-day RSI is 59.4 (neutral territory), its 50-day simple moving average is $356.79 and its 200-day is $306.22.
Calculated by CleaRank on daily closes as of October 14, 2026: Wilder's 14-day RSI, 50- and 200-day simple moving averages, MACD line (12, 26).
Market Correlations
How this stock moves relative to other assets
Based on 1 year of daily price data. Correlations may vary over different time periods.
S&P 500 (SPY)+0.16
Weak correlation
Nasdaq 100 (QQQ)+0.12
Weak correlation
Bitcoin (BTC)+0.13
Weak correlation
Gold (XAU)+0.01
Weak correlation
As of October 14, 2026, WST's 1-year correlation of daily returns is +0.16 with S&P 500 (SPY), +0.12 with Nasdaq 100 (QQQ), +0.13 with Bitcoin (BTC) and +0.01 with gold (XAU).
Check Custom Correlation
How does any other asset move with WST? One year of daily closes, Pearson correlation.
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WST Wall Street View
12-month price targets
Low $340.00Median $410.00 (+9.4%)High $459.00
Ratings
Buy 16Hold 1Sell 03 months ago: 14 of 16 buy
Recent rating actions
Recent analyst rating actions on WST
Date
Firm
Action
Rating
Oct 7, 2026
Barclays
Maintains
Overweight
Sep 22, 2026
Morgan Stanley
Upgrade
Overweight
Sep 9, 2026
UBS
Maintains
Buy
Aug 3, 2026
Citigroup
Maintains
Buy
Jul 27, 2026
Evercore ISI Group
Maintains
Outperform
Jul 13, 2026
BNP Paribas
Initiates
Outperform
As of October 14, 2026, 17 Wall Street analysts cover WST: 16 rate it a buy or strong buy, 1 a hold and 0 a sell or strong sell. Their 12-month price targets range from $340.00 to $459.00, with a median of $410.00, 9.4% above the price of $374.65.
Source: TwelveData analyst consensus. Targets and ratings belong to the analysts, not to CleaRank.
WST Trade Plans
Specific entry, exit, and risk management levels
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative2%Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
Position Size: Enter portfolio size →
Long entry pick an entry style
Conservative
$367.16
2% below current price (Pullback entry)
Lower risk, wait for pullback
Aggressive
$374.65
Buy at current price
Higher risk, immediate entry
Risk Management
STOP LOSS
$356.14
MAX LOSS
-3.0%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on RSI (59.4) and current market volatility
These levels come from WST's moving averages and recent volatility, not from a forecast. Educational levels, not financial advice; the full disclaimer is at the foot of the page.
Growth of $10,000
A $10,000 investment in WST in October 2016 would be worth about $51,046 today, compared with about $36,506 for the same investment in the S&P 500 benchmark. This is price change only; dividends paid along the way would add to it.
Compare with Another Ticker
WST Drawdowns & Recovery
Worst fall, last 10 years
-56.9%
December 2021 to April 2025
Recovery
Not yet
still 19.9% below the December 2021 peak
From the 10-year high
-19.9%
highest close, December 2021
1-year holds that gained
67%
of every 1-year window
As of October 14, 2026, WST's worst peak-to-trough fall over the last 10 years was -56.9% (December 2021 to April 2025); it is still 19.9% below that peak, and 67% of 1-year holding periods ended with a gain.
From weekly closing values. A drawdown is the fall from the highest value reached so far to a later low.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
CleaRank's 10-year Monte Carlo simulation projects that a $10,000 investment in WST today could grow to about $25,546 by 2036 in the base case, with a 90th-percentile outcome near $108,642 and a 10th-percentile outcome around $6,007. The simulation models price only; at today's 0.23% yield, dividends would add to these figures. Projections are statistical simulations, not guarantees.
WST Stock Price Prediction: 2030
CleaRank's simulation projects a price near $545 for WST by 2030 in the base case, from $375 today (1.5x over 4 years). The 10th-percentile path ends near $218. These are outcomes of a Monte Carlo simulation run on WST's historical return distribution, not price targets, and they assume no dividends are reinvested.
WST simulated price paths by year
Year
10th percentile
Base case
90th percentile
2027
$260
$411
$650
2028
$237
$452
$863
2029
$225
$496
$1,097
2030
$218
$545
$1,362
2031
$215
$599
$1,667
Method: a lognormal simulation of WST's own volatility and capped historical trend, re-run daily; base case is the median path, the outer columns the 10th and 90th percentiles.
As of October 14, 2026, WST insiders reported 4 open-market sales worth $6.6M and no open-market purchases over the last 18 months; grants and option exercises are not counted.
Recent insider transactions in WST
Date
Insider
Type
Shares
Value
Sep 15, 2026
FAVORITE ANNETTE F
Officer
Sell
7.5K
$2.7M
Sep 15, 2026
FAVORITE ANNETTE F
Officer
Option
7.5K
$674.5K
Sep 8, 2026
FAVORITE ANNETTE F
Officer
Sell
8.1K
$2.8M
Sep 8, 2026
FAVORITE ANNETTE F
Officer
Option
8.1K
$694.5K
Aug 11, 2026
MCMAHON ROBERT W
Chief Financial Officer
Grant
7.1K
-
May 12, 2026
CAMPBELL SHANE ALDEN
Officer
Grant
769
-
May 4, 2026
BUTHMAN MARK A
Director
Grant
791
-
May 4, 2026
FEEHERY WILLIAM F.
Director
Grant
791
-
May 4, 2026
FRIEL ROBERT F
Director
Grant
791
-
May 4, 2026
HAUGEN JANET BRUTSCHEA
Director
Grant
791
-
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Frequently Asked Questions
How has West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. performed in its recent earnings reports?
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) has a track record of beating earnings estimates, most recently reporting $2.37 EPS on July 23, 2026, surpassing expectations by 13.94%. Despite this beat, the stock saw a price decline of -7.67% following the report.
What are the key risks facing West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.?
The primary risks for West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) include its premium valuation, with a P/E ratio of 47.07, and recent moderate insider selling totaling $6.6 million. A slowdown in projected revenue growth or increased competition could also negatively impact the stock.
How does West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. compare to its sector averages?
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) demonstrates superior return on equity (19.09% vs. 6.9%) and revenue growth (13.8% vs. 8.1%) compared to the Healthcare sector averages. However, its P/E ratio (47.07 vs. 31.9) and P/S ratio (7.78 vs. 3.7) are higher, indicating a premium valuation.
What is the current technical outlook for West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. stock?
Technically, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) is trading above its key moving averages (50-day SMA, 200-day SMA, 20-day EMA), indicating a positive trend. The 14-day RSI is neutral at 59.35, suggesting no immediate overbought or oversold conditions.
What is the dividend policy for West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.?
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST) pays an annual dividend rate of $0.88, resulting in a dividend yield of approximately 0.23%. This indicates a modest income component for investors.
What are the forward-looking growth estimates for West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.?
Analysts project strong growth for West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST), with estimated earnings per share of $9.99 for next year and revenue growth of 6.00%. The company's 5-year average annual growth rate is estimated at 7.71%.
Are insiders buying or selling WST?
Selling, on balance. In the last 18 months, WST's officers, directors and large holders reported 4 sales worth $6.6M and no open-market purchases. Grants and option exercises are not counted as buying.
What is the analyst price target for WST?
As of October 14, 2026, the 17 Wall Street analysts covering WST have 12-month targets from $340.00 to $459.00, with a median of $410.00, 9.4% above the current price of $374.65. 16 rate it a buy or strong buy, 1 a hold and 0 a sell or strong sell. Three months ago 14 of 16 rated it a buy.
What is WST's biggest drop in the last 10 years?
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (WST)'s worst peak-to-trough fall over the last 10 years was -56.9%, from December 2021 to April 2025. It has not regained that peak yet and is still 19.9% below it. Over the same period, 67% of 1-year holding periods ended with a gain.
What are WST's best and worst months?
Over the last 10 years, April has been WST's strongest month on average (+7.03%, rising in 7 of 10 years) and February its weakest (-3.25%, rising in 6 of 10 years). Seasonal averages describe the past and do not predict a given year.
