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West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) is one of the 10 best life sciences stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On February 17, the governing body of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the buyback of up to $1 billion of its common stock. The firm highlighted that the previous repurchase program had been fully utilized ahead of its December 31, 2025, expiration. The new authorization reflects continued capital return initiatives and p ...

In this article, we will take a look at the 13 Best Strong Buy Dividend Stocks to Invest In.In uncertain times, large companies that pay strong dividends tend to attract more attention, as these businesses generate profits supported by steady cash flows, which help sustain dividend payments even during moderate economic slowdowns. That consistency matters, and it reflects financial strength and careful management. Companies that commit to maintaining or increasing dividends must stay disciplined. They canno ...

Shares of West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) have gained 1.9% over the past four weeks to close the last trading session at $241.12, but there could still be a solid upside left in the stock if short-term price targets of Wall Street analysts are any indication. Going by the price targets, the mean estimate of $319.07 indicates a potential upside of 32.3%.The average comprises 14 short-term price targets ranging from a low of $265.00 to a high of $375.00, with a standard deviation of $28.52. While the lowes ...

Conestoga Capital Advisors, an asset management company, released its fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In Q4 2025, Conestoga Capital Advisors Mid Cap Strategy returned -5.75% net of fees compared to the Russell Midcap Growth Index’s -3.70% return. The underperformance was driven by negative stock selection in the Technology and Industrials sectors, while positive sector allocation effects partially eased underperformance. The Mid Cap Composite returned -4.73% ...

FORM 10-K (Mark One) ☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Pennsylvania 23-1210010 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 530 Herman O ...

West Announces Quarterly Dividend and Share Repurchase Program [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationEXTON, Pa., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 16, 2026, the Board of Directors of [West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.](NYSE: WST), a global leader in innovative solutions for injectable drug administration, declared its regular quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share on the Company's common stock. The dividend is payable on May 6, 2026 to shareholders of record on April 29, 2026.On February 17, 2026 ...

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Sc ...

Core Viewpoint - West Pharmaceutical Services has consistently increased its dividend over the past decade, but the current yield of 0.34% raises questions about its attractiveness for income-focused investors [2][3]. Dividend Profile: Small Yield, Steady Growth - The current dividend yield of 0.34% is below the S&P 500 average, making it less appealing for immediate income seekers [3]. - The company has raised its dividend for over 10 consecutive years, with the annual payout increasing from $0.49 in 2016 to $0.85 in 2025, representing a 73% increase and a compound annual growth rate of approximately 9.5% [4]. Cash Flow Analysis - In 2024, West Pharmaceutical paid out $59.1 million in dividends, which is modest compared to its operating cash flow of $653.4 million, resulting in a payout ratio of 9% [5]. - The free cash flow coverage decreased to 4.68x in 2024 from 7.27x in 2023, indicating a decline in cash generation despite remaining above the 2x safety threshold [6]. Capital Expenditures and Operational Insights - Capital expenditures rose to $377 million in 2024, accounting for 57.7% of operating cash flow, while operating cash flow itself fell by 15.8% year-over-year [7]. - The increase in capital intensity alongside declining cash generation suggests potential operational challenges or a shift towards a heavier investment cycle [8]. - The expansion of the company's facility in Greenfield, Indiana, approved for tax abatement in February 2026, indicates management's commitment to long-term growth [8]. Capital Allocation - In 2024, West Pharmaceutical allocated $566.6 million for share buybacks compared to $59.1 million for dividends, highlighting a preference for repurchases in capital allocation [9].

Core Viewpoint - West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) offers a modest dividend yield of 0.34% but has increased its dividends by 73% since 2016, indicating a strong growth trajectory despite recent cash flow challenges [1][2] Dividend Profile - The current dividend yield of 0.34% is below the S&P 500 average, but WST has consistently increased its dividend for over a decade, with annual payouts rising from $0.49 in 2016 to $0.85 in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of approximately 9.5% [1] - In 2024, WST paid out $59.1 million in dividends, which is only 9% of its operating cash flow of $653.4 million, leaving room for future increases [1] Cash Flow Analysis - Free cash flow coverage decreased to 4.68x in 2024 from 7.27x in 2023, primarily due to a 15.8% decline in operating cash flow and a rise in capital expenditures to $377 million, which constituted 57.7% of operating cash flow [1] - The decline in cash flow raises questions about potential operational challenges or a shift towards a heavier investment cycle, although management's expansion plans suggest a focus on long-term growth [1] Capital Allocation - In 2024, WST allocated $566.6 million to share repurchases, significantly overshadowing the dividend payout, which indicates a preference for buybacks as the primary method of returning capital to shareholders [1] - This strategy may benefit dividend growth over time by reducing share count, but it also suggests that dividends are a secondary priority for management [1] Business Fundamentals - WST reported Q4 2025 adjusted earnings of $2.04 per share, exceeding consensus estimates, with revenue of $805 million driven by growth in the High-Value Product Components segment [1] - The company provided 2026 guidance of earnings between $7.85 and $8.20 per share, with revenue expectations of $3.215 to $3.275 billion, indicating a projected organic sales growth of 5-7% [1] Price Performance - WST shares have declined by 23.53% over the past year and 10.66% year-to-date, reflecting volatility typical of growth-oriented healthcare stocks [2] - Despite a 10-year return of 362.45%, recent stock performance suggests a reassessment of the company's growth prospects or valuation multiples by investors [2]