Universal Corporation (UVV)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
UVV
Universal Corporation
$53.70
-0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.34B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$325.92
+1.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $22.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc generates 11% more annual revenue ($3.22B vs $2.91B). WST leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 2.9%. WST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.89. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
UVV
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
WST
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+33.4%
Fair Value
$79.32
Current Price
$53.70
$25.62 discount
Margin of Safety
-32.4%
Fair Value
$185.95
Current Price
$325.92
$139.97 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 56.1% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%
Revenue surging 21.0% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
2.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : UVV
The strongest argument for UVV centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
Bull Case : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 21.7%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
UVV profiles as a value stock while WST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
WST is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.
UVV generates stronger free cash flow (95M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WST scores higher overall (67/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. UVV offers better value entry with a 33.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
Universal Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
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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