West Announces Quarterly Dividend and Share Repurchase Program
Rhea-AI Summary
West (NYSE: WST) declared a $0.22 per share regular quarterly dividend payable May 6, 2026, to shareholders of record on April 29, 2026. The board also authorized a new $1.0 billion share repurchase program on February 17, 2026, with no expiration date.
Repurchases may occur on the open market, via pre-set trading plans, in negotiated transactions, or other lawful methods; the program is discretionary and may be suspended or terminated. The prior program was fully utilized before its December 31, 2025 expiration.
Positive
- Quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share declared
- $1.0 billion authorized share repurchase program
- Repurchase program has no expiration date, offering flexibility
Negative
- Repurchases are discretionary and not guaranteed
- No specified timeline or minimum repurchase amount could delay impact
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
WST gained 2.82% while peers were mixed: BAX up 6%, RMD up 2.18%, COO up 1.18%, HOLX roughly flat, SOLV down 1.27%. The move appears stock-specific rather than a broad sector shift.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 12 | Earnings results | Positive | -1.0% | Reported strong Q4 and FY2025 growth with higher sales, EPS, and cash flow. |
| Jan 29 | Earnings call setup | Positive | -1.4% | Announced timing and access details for Q4 and FY2025 earnings call. |
| Jan 20 | Product launch | Positive | -3.6% | Introduced Synchrony S1 prefillable syringe system with multiple configuration options. |
| Jan 12 | Asset sale | Positive | -0.9% | AbbVie agreed to acquire West’s Tempe device facility and related IP. |
| Jan 12 | Asset sale | Positive | -0.9% | Agreed to sell SmartDose 3.5mL manufacturing and supply rights to AbbVie. |
Recent positive corporate news (earnings, product, asset deals) has often been followed by modest negative price reactions, indicating a tendency for the stock to dip on good news.
Over the past few months, West reported strong Q3 2025 and FY2025 results, with growing net sales, EPS, and cash flow, and actively used cash for dividends and $134.0M of buybacks. It also announced the sale of its SmartDose 3.5mL system and an Arizona facility to AbbVie, plus the commercial launch of the Synchrony S1 syringe system. Despite these generally constructive updates, shares often traded lower after the news, suggesting a pattern of cautious investor reactions that provides context for today’s capital return actions.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights continued capital returns via a regular $0.22 quarterly dividend and a new authorization to repurchase up to $1 billion of common stock, following full utilization of the prior program by December 31, 2025. Together with recently reported earnings strength and cash generation, it underscores an ongoing commitment to returning cash to shareholders. Investors may watch execution of the repurchase program and future dividend actions alongside operating performance.
Key Terms
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
On February 17, 2026, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for the purchase of up to
The number of shares to be repurchased and the timing of any repurchases will depend on factors such as the stock price, economic and market conditions, and corporate and regulatory requirements. The Company may repurchase shares of its common stock from time to time on the open market (including via pre-set trading plans), in privately negotiated transactions, or through other transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock, has no expiration date, and it may be suspended or terminated at any time.
The Company's previous share repurchase program was fully utilized prior to its December 31, 2025, expiration.
About West
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative, high-quality injectable solutions and services. As a trusted partner to established and emerging drug developers, West helps ensure the safe, effective containment and delivery of life saving and life enhancing medicines for patients. With over 10,000 team members across 50 sites including 25 manufacturing facilities worldwide, West helps support our customers by delivering over 41 billion components and devices each year.
Headquartered in
All trademarks and registered trademarks used in this release are the property of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or its subsidiaries, in the United States and other jurisdictions, unless otherwise noted.
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SOURCE West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
FAQ
What dividend did West (WST) declare on February 16, 2026?
How large is West's (WST) new share repurchase program announced February 17, 2026?
When will West (WST) pay the declared dividend in 2026?
Does West's (WST) $1.0 billion buyback program have an end date?
How might West (WST) execute share repurchases under the new program?
