Bill Gates Foundation Sells Microsoft Shares, Invests in West Pharmaceutical Services
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 02 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Gates Foundation Sells Microsoft: Bill Gates has gradually sold off his Microsoft shares over 25 years, completing the final sale in Q1 2023, which may impact the stability of his investment portfolio as he exits a major tech position.
- New Investment Emerges: The foundation initiated a position in West Pharmaceutical Services last quarter, a leading manufacturer of injectable drug delivery systems, indicating confidence in its potential to become a future Dividend King, reflecting a strategic shift in investment focus.
- Earnings Growth Forecast: West Pharmaceutical is projected to report earnings per share (EPS) of $8.62 and $9.55 in 2026 and 2027, respectively, representing a 14% to 15% growth compared to the forecast EPS of $7.29 for 2025, showcasing its resilience in a recession-resistant industry.
- Dividend Growth Potential: Although the current dividend yield is under 0.3%, West has increased its dividend for 32 consecutive years, suggesting that strong earnings growth and a potential resurgence in dividend growth could yield significant total returns for both dividend and growth investors in the long run.
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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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- 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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