Is WAT a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 42.4/100. It is ranked #1,974 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 50/100, Momentum 32/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for WAT?

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 42.4 ranks it #1,974 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is WAT in?

WATERS CORP /DE/ operates in the Technology sector (Measuring And Control Equipment industry) with a market cap of $29.42 billion. It is classified as a large-cap stock.

Does WAT pay a dividend?

WAT does not currently pay a regular dividend. The company may be reinvesting profits for growth.

What is WAT's P/E ratio?

WAT has a trailing P/E ratio of 52.09x. The Technology sector average is 45.3x. This above-average P/E reflects growth expectations or premium valuation.

How profitable is WAT?

WAT's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 58.7%. ROE: 22.6% vs sector average -1.4%. High margins suggest pricing power and competitive moats.

How is WAT valued compared to peers?

WAT's value factor score is 50/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 52.1x, EV/EBITDA 42.5x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is WAT's debt level?

WAT's debt-to-equity ratio is 55%. Sector average: 43%. Moderate leverage is normal for established companies.

WAT has a beta of 1.01, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 63/100.

Does WAT have high short interest?

WAT's short interest factor score is 29/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

WAT Stock Analysis: Hold (Score 42.4/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
WAT	+0.74%	+5.18%	+6.80%	-15.75%	+1.70%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLK	+0.39%	+4.88%	+2.05%	-0.94%	-26.62%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	+0.81%	+1.58%	+6.46%	-15.39%	-27.83%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.35%	+0.30%	+4.75%	-14.81%	+28.32%	-	-	-

Metric	WAT	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	52.1x	+15%
EV/EBITDA	42.5x	+232%
Price / Book	11.8x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
VRSN VERISIGN INC/CA	56	79	59	40	30.7x	-41.1%	88.0%	50.6%	8.3%	-87.0x	$23.0B	VS
IHS IHS Holding Ltd	55	42	63	63	-	-616.0%	48.0%	-96.1%	-	365.0x	$2.8B	VS
LHX L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. /DE/	55	50	52	66	37.5x	9.0%	25.5%	8.1%	10.3%	110.0x	$66.1B	VS
ESP ESPEY MFG & ELECTRONICS CORP	53	48	44	71	25.8x	12.8%	29.0%	17.1%	-11.7%	66.0x	$169M	VS
NYAX Nayax Ltd.	52	38	46	78	-	-13.6%	44.6%	-1.8%	-	30.0x	$2.2B	VS
ESE ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC	52	49	40	69	65.6x	7.4%	40.8%	10.4%	16.3%	9.0x	$7.6B	VS
INTT INTEST CORP	52	50	32	72	-	-3.2%	43.1%	-3.1%	-22.8%	46.0x	$179M	VS
KARO Karooooo Ltd.	49	50	72	53	-	117.1%	69.5%	20.3%	-	10.0x	$1.6B	VS
MTC MMTec, Inc.	47	32	40	96	-	-1,370.8%	81.6%	-4,879.7%	-	120.0x	$136M	VS
CCLD CareCloud, Inc.	47	38	71	60	12.4x	18.5%	48.0%	9.6%	10.6%	47.0x	$154M	VS
WAT WATERS CORP /DE/	42	50	50	32	52.1x	22.6%	58.7%	19.5%	12.9%	55.0x	$29.4B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%
Operating Margin %	0.2%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
EBITDA Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
Net Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.0%	0.2%
FCF Margin %	-0.4%	-	-	-	-	-	26.1%	19.9%	21.0%	26.5%	25.3%
ROE %	0.2%	0.3%	0.3%	0.6%	1.4%	1.9%	2.2%	-273.8%	0.4%	0.0%	0.2%
ROA %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.0%	0.1%
ROIC %	0.2%	16.0%	18.9%	18.4%	33.1%	34.4%	44.3%	49.6%	30.4%	14.6%	13.6%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.6%

Operating Margin %

0.2%

0.3%

EBITDA Margin %

0.3%

Net Margin %

0.2%

0.0%

0.2%

FCF Margin %

-0.4%

26.1%

19.9%

21.0%

26.5%

25.3%

ROE %

0.2%

0.3%

0.6%

1.4%

1.9%

2.2%

-273.8%

0.4%

0.0%

0.2%

ROA %

0.1%

0.2%

0.0%

0.1%

ROIC %

0.2%

16.0%

18.9%

18.4%

33.1%

34.4%

44.3%

49.6%

30.4%

14.6%

13.6%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$3.0B	$3.2B	$3.0B	$3.0B	$3.0B	$2.8B	$2.4B	$2.4B	$2.4B	$2.3B	$2.2B	$2.0B
	—	$1.3B	$1.2B	$1.2B	$1.2B	$1.2B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.7B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$1.8B	$1.7B	$1.6B	$1.4B	$1.4B	$1.4B	$1.4B	$1.3B	$1.2B
Gross Margin	58.7%	59.3%	59.4%	59.6%	58.0%	58.5%	57.4%	58.0%	59.0%	59.0%	58.9%	58.7%
	—	$830M	$690M	$736M	$658M	$627M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Research & Development	—	$196M	$183M	$175M	$176M	$168M	$141M	$143M	$143M	$138M	$125M	$122M
Depreciation	—	—	—	—	—	—	$125M	$105M	$108M	$106M	$96M	$90M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$1.1B	$932M	$944M	$850M	$808M	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$743M	$803M	$826M	$818M	$873M	$822M	$645M	$708M	$740M	$662M	$625M	$567M
EBIT	$743M	$803M	$826M	$818M	$873M	$822M	$645M	$708M	$740M	$662M	$625M	$567M
EBITDA	$743M	$803M	$826M	$818M	$873M	$822M	$769M	$810M	$800M	$768M	$721M	$657M
Operating Margin	25.0%	25.4%	27.9%	27.7%	29.4%	29.5%	27.3%	29.4%	30.6%	28.7%	28.8%	27.8%
EBITDA Margin	25.0%	25.4%	27.9%	27.7%	29.4%	29.5%	32.5%	33.7%	33.1%	33.3%	33.3%	32.2%
	—	$70M	$90M	$99M	$49M	$45M	$49M	$49M	$49M	$57M	$45M	$36M
	—	$755M	$755M	$736M	$838M	$806M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$112M	$117M	$94M	$130M	$113M	$89M	$86M	$88M	$621M	$79M	$73M
	$579M	$643M	$638M	$642M	$708M	$693M	$522M	$592M	$594M	$20M	$522M	$469M
Net Margin	19.5%	20.3%	21.6%	21.7%	23.8%	24.9%	22.1%	24.6%	24.5%	0.9%	24.1%	23.0%
	$10.80	$10.80	$10.75	$10.87	$11.80	$11.25	$8.40	$8.76	$7.71	$0.25	$6.46	$5.70
Diluted EPS	$10.80	$10.76	$10.71	$10.84	$11.73	$11.17	$8.40	$8.76	$7.71	$0.25	$6.46	$5.70
Weighted Avg Basic	—	60M	59M	59M	60M	62M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	60M	60M	59M	60M	62M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$3.0B

$3.2B

$3.0B

$2.8B

$2.4B

$2.3B

$2.2B

$2.0B

—

$1.3B

$1.2B

—

$1.7B

$1.9B

$1.8B

$1.7B

$1.6B

$1.4B

$1.3B

$1.2B

Gross Margin

58.7%

59.3%

59.4%

59.6%

58.0%

58.5%

57.4%

58.0%

59.0%

58.9%

58.7%

—

$830M

$690M

$736M

$658M

$627M

—

Research & Development

—

$196M

$183M

$175M

$176M

$168M

$141M

$143M

$138M

$125M

$122M

Depreciation

—

$125M

$105M

$108M

$106M

$96M

$90M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$1.1B

$932M

$944M

$850M

$808M

—

$743M

$803M

$826M

$818M

$873M

$822M

$645M

$708M

$740M

$662M

$625M

$567M

EBIT

$743M

$803M

$826M

$818M

$873M

$822M

$645M

$708M

$740M

$662M

$625M

$567M

EBITDA

$743M

$803M

$826M

$818M

$873M

$822M

$769M

$810M

$800M

$768M

$721M

$657M

Operating Margin

25.0%

25.4%

27.9%

27.7%

29.4%

29.5%

27.3%

29.4%

30.6%

28.7%

28.8%

27.8%

EBITDA Margin

25.0%

25.4%

27.9%

27.7%

29.4%

29.5%

32.5%

33.7%

33.1%

33.3%

32.2%

—

$70M

$90M

$99M

$49M

$45M

$49M

$57M

$45M

$36M

—

$755M

$736M

$838M

$806M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$112M

$117M

$94M

$130M

$113M

$89M

$86M

$88M

$621M

$79M

$73M

$579M

$643M

$638M

$642M

$708M

$693M

$522M

$592M

$594M

$20M

$522M

$469M

Net Margin

19.5%

20.3%

21.6%

21.7%

23.8%

24.9%

22.1%

24.6%

24.5%

0.9%

24.1%

23.0%

$10.80

$10.75

$10.87

$11.80

$11.25

$8.40

$8.76

$7.71

$0.25

$6.46

$5.70

Diluted EPS

$10.80

$10.76

$10.71

$10.84

$11.73

$11.17

$8.40

$8.76

$7.71

$0.25

$6.46

$5.70

Weighted Avg Basic

—

60M

59M

60M

62M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

60M

59M

60M

62M

—

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does WATERS CORP /DE/ Do?

Waters Corporation, a specialty measurement company, provides analytical workflow solutions in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. It operates through two segments, Waters and TA. The company designs, manufactures, sells, and services high and ultra-performance liquid chromatography, as well as mass spectrometry (MS) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products, and post-warranty service plans. It also designs, manufactures, sells, and services thermal analysis, rheometry, and calorimetry instruments; and develops and supplies software-based products that interface with its instruments, as well as other manufacturers' instruments. Its MS technology instruments are used in drug discovery and development comprising clinical trial testing, the analysis of proteins in disease processes, nutritional safety analysis, and environmental testing. The company offers thermal analysis, rheometry, and calorimetry instruments for use in predicting the suitability and stability of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water, polymers, metals, and viscous liquids for various industrial, consumer good, and healthcare products, as well as for life science research. Its products are used by life science, pharmaceutical, biochemical, industrial, nutritional safety, environmental, academic, and governmental customers working in research and development, quality assurance, and other laboratory applications. Waters Corporation was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts. WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) is classified as a large-cap stock in the Technology sector, specifically within the Measuring And Control Equipment industry. The company is led by CEO Udit Batra and employs approximately 8,200 people, headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts. With a market capitalization of $29.4B, WAT is one of the prominent companies in the Technology sector.

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, WATERS CORP /DE/ receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 42.4/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.WAT ranks #1,974 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Technology sector, WATERS CORP /DE/ ranks #220 of 584 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Technology peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

WAT Stock Price and 52-Week Range

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) currently trades at $320.00. The stock gained $2.35 (0.7%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for WAT is $414.15, which means the stock is currently trading -22.7% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $275.05, putting the stock 16.3% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 857K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is WAT Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) carries a value factor score of 50/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 52.09x, compared to the Technology sector average of 45.27x — a premium of 15%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 11.77x, versus the sector average of 3.16x. The price-to-sales ratio is 10.14x, compared to 1.06x for the average Technology stock. On an enterprise value basis, WAT trades at 42.47x EV/EBITDA, versus 12.79x for the sector.

Overall, WAT's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

WATERS CORP /DE/ Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 22.6%, compared to the Technology sector average of -1.4%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 11.4% versus the sector average of -1.0%.

On a margin basis, WATERS CORP /DE/ reports gross margins of 58.7%, compared to 50.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 25.0% (sector: -0.5%). Net profit margin stands at 19.5%, versus -1.5% for the average Technology stock. Revenue growth is running at 12.9% on a trailing basis, compared to 14.2% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

WAT Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

WATERS CORP /DE/ has a debt-to-equity ratio of 55.0%, compared to the Technology sector average of 43.0%. Leverage is within a manageable range for the industry, though investors should monitor debt trends over time. The current ratio is 1.73x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $1.41B. Cash and equivalents stand at $459M.

WAT has a beta of 1.01, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for WATERS CORP /DE/ is 63/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

WATERS CORP /DE/ Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, WATERS CORP /DE/ reported revenue of $2.97B and earnings per share (EPS) of $10.80. Net income for the quarter was $579M. Gross margin was 58.7%. Operating income came in at $743M.

In FY 2025, WATERS CORP /DE/ reported revenue of $3.17B and earnings per share (EPS) of $10.80. Net income for the quarter was $643M. Gross margin was 59.3%. Revenue grew 7.0% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $803M.

In Q3 2025, WATERS CORP /DE/ reported revenue of $800M and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.50. Net income for the quarter was $149M. Gross margin was 59.0%. Revenue grew 8.0% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $192M.

In Q2 2025, WATERS CORP /DE/ reported revenue of $771M and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.47. Net income for the quarter was $147M. Gross margin was 58.3%. Revenue grew 8.9% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $188M.

Over the past 8 quarters, WATERS CORP /DE/ has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $709M to $2.97B. Investors analyzing WAT stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

WAT Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) does not currently pay a dividend. This is common among growth-oriented companies in the Measuring And Control Equipment industry that prefer to reinvest cash flows into business expansion rather than returning capital to shareholders. Income-focused investors looking for Technology dividend stocks may want to explore other Technology stocks or use the stock screener to filter by dividend yield.

WAT Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) has a momentum factor score of 32/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 28/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 29/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

WAT vs Competitors — Technology Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Technology sector, WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) ranks #220 out of 584 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places WAT in the upper half of all Technology stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include IHS Holding Ltd (IHS) with a score of 55.0/100, VERISIGN INC/CA (VRSN) with a score of 56.0/100, ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC (ESE) with a score of 51.7/100, CareCloud, Inc. (CCLD) with a score of 46.9/100, and MMTec, Inc. (MTC) with a score of 47.4/100.

Comparing WAT against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full WAT vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how WATERS CORP /DE/ stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

WAT Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy WAT? — Investment Thesis Summary

WATERS CORP /DE/ presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. Momentum is weak at 32/100, a headwind for near-term performance. Low volatility (stability score 63/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 42.4/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on WAT stock.

Related Resources for WAT Investors

Explore more research and tools: WAT vs S&P 500 comparison, top Technology stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare WAT head-to-head with peers: WAT vs IHS, WAT vs VRSN, WAT vs ESE.

Business quality

Valuation edge

Market alpha

Unlock Investment Thesis

Unlock Performance & Technicals

Unlock Valuation Tools

Institutional peer matrix

Dispersion: efficiency vs. valuation

Lateral intelligence network

Unlock Financial Statements

Unlock Ownership & Management

Intelligence Feed

US FDA approves Waters' at‑home cervical cancer screening kit

Here are Monday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Netflix, Carvana, Tyson Foods, Twilio & more

A Look At Waters (WAT) Valuation After Recent Share Price Rebound And Mixed Signals

Global Metabolomics Market Poised for Strong Growth as Advancements in Precision Medicine and Biomarker Discovery Accelerate Adoption: Verified Market Research

Is Waters (WAT) Price Around US$317 Offering A Compelling Opportunity Today?

Unlock Earnings Transcripts

Institutional Intelligence FAQ

Related Research & Tools

Related Technology Stocks

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does WATERS CORP /DE/ Do?

WATERS CORP /DE/ (WAT) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

WAT Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is WAT Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

WATERS CORP /DE/ Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

WAT Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

WATERS CORP /DE/ Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

WAT Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

WAT Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

WAT vs Competitors — Technology Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

WAT Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy WAT? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for WAT Investors

Comments

Institutional Benchmarks

Related research

Get alerted on rating changes

Intelligence Feed

US FDA approves Waters' at‑home cervical cancer screening kit

Here are Monday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Netflix, Carvana, Tyson Foods, Twilio & more

A Look At Waters (WAT) Valuation After Recent Share Price Rebound And Mixed Signals

Global Metabolomics Market Poised for Strong Growth as Advancements in Precision Medicine and Biomarker Discovery Accelerate Adoption: Verified Market Research

Is Waters (WAT) Price Around US$317 Offering A Compelling Opportunity Today?