Alcon AG (ALC)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
ALC
Alcon AG
$70.99
+1.11%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $33.70B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$348.76
+0.24%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $24.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Alcon AG generates 220% more annual revenue ($10.63B vs $3.33B). WST leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 7.7%. ALC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
ALC
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
WST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-25.0%
Fair Value
$63.50
Current Price
$70.99
$7.49 premium
Margin of Safety
-47.9%
Fair Value
$166.45
Current Price
$348.76
$182.31 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 22.5%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 3.7% — below average capital efficiency
7.7% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 8.3x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALC
The strongest argument for ALC centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.
Bull Case : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.0% and operating margin at 22.5%. Revenue growth of 13.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ALC
The primary concerns for ALC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 41.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 43.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALC profiles as a value stock while WST is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.
WST is growing revenue faster at 13.8% — sustainability is the question.
ALC generates stronger free cash flow (274M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins and 13.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Alcon AG
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Alcon, Inc., an eye care company, researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells eye care products for eye care professionals and their patients around the world. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Visit Website →West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.
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