Gates Foundation Trust Sells Off Microsoft Stock
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 02 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Microsoft Exit: The Gates Foundation Trust completed its final sale of Microsoft stock in Q1 2023, marking the end of a long-term investment in the tech giant and indicating a strategic shift in asset allocation.
- New Investment: The foundation added West Pharmaceutical Services to its $31 billion portfolio, a lesser-known healthcare stock that presents promising dividend growth potential, appealing to long-term investors seeking stability.
- Earnings Growth Forecast: West Pharmaceutical is projected to achieve earnings per share of $8.62 and $9.55 in 2026 and 2027, respectively, reflecting a 14% to 15% growth from the 2025 forecast of $7.29, suggesting a potential earnings growth surge ahead.
- Dividend Growth Potential: Although West's current forward dividend yield is under 0.3%, its 32-year history of increasing dividends indicates strong return potential, with future earnings growth likely to enhance dividend payouts significantly.
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Analyst Views on WST
Wall Street analysts forecast WST stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
10 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 323.590
Low
285.00
Averages
348.70
High
375.00
Current: 323.590
Low
285.00
Averages
348.70
High
375.00
About WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. is a global manufacturer in the design and production of technologically advanced, integrated containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products. Its segments include Proprietary Products and West Vantage. Its Proprietary Products segment offers proprietary packaging, containment solutions and drug delivery systems, along with analytical lab services and other integrated services and solutions, primarily for biologic, generic and pharmaceutical drug customers. Its West Vantage segment serves as a fully integrated business, focused on the design, manufacture, and automated assembly of complex devices, as well as combination product assembly and packaging, primarily for pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and medical device customers. It also maintains collaborations to share technologies and market products with affiliates in Japan and Mexico. Its customers include generic, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and medical device companies.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Fundamental Improvement: Analyst Luke Sergott noted that previous overestimations of potential headwinds from multi-dose vials and new oral GLP-1 drugs are not expected to pose significant threats in the coming years, suggesting a more favorable outlook.
- Leadership Advantage: The leadership of newly appointed CEO Michel Lagarde and CFO Bob McMahon, who joined last year, is highlighted as a key factor that could facilitate the company's growth and diversification over the next few years.
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See More
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See More
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