West Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST, Financial) has recently garnered attention from the investment community, buoyed by its solid financial performance. With a current share price of $361.36, the company has enjoyed a daily increase of 2.02% and a notable three-month appreciation of 10.47%. An in-depth evaluation using the GF Score indicates that West Pharmaceutical Services Inc is on a trajectory for significant growth, positioning it as a compelling prospect for investors.
What Is the GF Score?
The GF Score is a proprietary ranking system from GuruFocus, designed to predict stock performance by evaluating five key aspects of valuation. This system has been backtested from 2006 to 2021, revealing a strong correlation between high GF Scores and superior long-term stock returns. A GF Score can range from 0 to 100, with 100 indicating the highest potential for outperformance. Stocks with higher GF Scores are generally considered more attractive investment opportunities.
- Financial strength rank: 9/10
- Profitability rank: 9/10
- Growth rank: 10/10
- GF Value rank: 6/10
- Momentum rank: 10/10
Each component of the GF Score is individually ranked, with each rank demonstrating a positive correlation with long-term stock performance. The overall GF Score is a weighted average of these components, reflecting their varying impacts on stock price performance. With high ranks in financial strength, profitability, growth, and momentum, and a slightly lower rank in GF Value, GuruFocus has assigned West Pharmaceutical Services Inc a GF Score of 97 out of 100, signaling a strong potential for market outperformance.
Understanding West Pharmaceutical Services Inc's Business
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc is a Pennsylvania-based company that plays a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and generic drug industries. With a market capitalization of $26.74 billion and annual sales of $2.93 billion, the company boasts an operating margin of 23.85%. West Pharmaceutical Services Inc specializes in the development, manufacture, and distribution of elastomer-based products essential for injectable drug containment and delivery, such as syringes, stoppers, and plungers, as well as more complex devices like auto-injectors. The company operates through two segments: proprietary products, accounting for 82% of 2021 sales, and contract-manufactured products, making up the remaining 18%. With 55% of its revenue generated from international markets and 45% from the United States, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc's global footprint is a testament to its industry significance.
Financial Strength Breakdown
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc's Financial Strength rating is a testament to its resilient balance sheet and adept capital management. The company's Interest Coverage ratio stands at an impressive 73.48, far exceeding the benchmark of 5 set by the esteemed investor Benjamin Graham. This indicates a strong ability to meet interest obligations. Furthermore, with an Altman Z-Score of 21.2, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc is well-protected against financial distress, showcasing its financial stability. The company's strategic debt management is reflected in its favorable Debt-to-Revenue ratio of 0.11, further solidifying its financial health.
Profitability Rank Breakdown
The Profitability Rank highlights West Pharmaceutical Services Inc's exceptional ability to generate profits relative to its industry peers. The company's Operating Margin has seen a significant increase over the past five years, with figures rising from 16.24% in 2019 to 25.70% in 2023. This upward trend is indicative of West Pharmaceutical Services Inc's growing efficiency in converting revenue into profit. The company's Gross Margin also reflects a consistent improvement, further emphasizing its profitability prowess.
Growth Rank Breakdown
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc's high Growth Rank underscores its dedication to business expansion. The company's 3-Year Revenue Growth Rate of 16% surpasses 70.1% of companies in the Medical Devices & Instruments industry. Additionally, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc has demonstrated a robust increase in EBITDA, with a three-year growth rate of 25.8 and a five-year rate of 23.7, highlighting its sustained growth capabilities.
Conclusion: A Strong Investment Prospect
Considering West Pharmaceutical Services Inc's formidable financial strength, impressive profitability, and consistent growth metrics, the GF Score underscores the company's exceptional position for potential outperformance. Investors seeking companies with similar robust financial indicators can explore more options using the GF Score Screen. With such a strong foundation, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc is poised to continue its trajectory of success, making it a noteworthy consideration for value investors.
This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.
