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Waters (WAT) Competitors

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$377.75 +0.44 (+0.12%)
Closing price 07/31/2026 03:59 PM Eastern
Extended Trading
$377.64 -0.11 (-0.03%)
As of 07/31/2026 07:57 PM Eastern
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WAT vs. BRKR, TECH, A, DHR, and IQV

Should you buy Waters stock or one of its competitors? MarketBeat compares Waters with other companies and stocks that may be similar based on industry, sector, market capitalization, business model, investor interest, or shared news coverage. Companies and stocks commonly compared with Waters include Bruker (BRKR), Bio-Techne (TECH), Agilent Technologies (A), Danaher (DHR), and IQVIA (IQV).

How does Waters compare to Bruker?

Waters (NYSE:WAT) and Bruker (NASDAQ:BRKR) are both healthcare companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their media sentiment, valuation, dividends, profitability, risk, earnings, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership.

Waters has a net margin of 11.91% compared to Bruker's net margin of -0.65%. Waters' return on equity of 15.60% beat Bruker's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Waters11.91% 15.60% 8.90%
Bruker -0.65%11.60%4.25%

Waters presently has a consensus price target of $401.60, suggesting a potential upside of 6.31%. Bruker has a consensus price target of $56.79, suggesting a potential downside of 9.63%. Given Waters' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Waters is more favorable than Bruker.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Waters
0 Sell rating(s)
9 Hold rating(s)
9 Buy rating(s)
3 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.71
Bruker
2 Sell rating(s)
6 Hold rating(s)
7 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.44

In the previous week, Waters had 17 more articles in the media than Bruker. MarketBeat recorded 31 mentions for Waters and 14 mentions for Bruker. Waters' average media sentiment score of 1.22 beat Bruker's score of 1.18 indicating that Waters is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Waters
22 Very Positive mention(s)
2 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Bruker
9 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
4 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Waters has a beta of 1.19, meaning that its share price is 19% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Bruker has a beta of 1.28, meaning that its share price is 28% more volatile than the broader market.

94.0% of Waters shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 79.5% of Bruker shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Waters shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 27.2% of Bruker shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Waters has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Bruker. Bruker is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Waters, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Waters$3.17B11.72$642.63M$7.8748.00
Bruker$3.44B2.78-$8.60M-$0.24N/A

Summary

Waters beats Bruker on 14 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Waters compare to Bio-Techne?

Waters (NYSE:WAT) and Bio-Techne (NASDAQ:TECH) are both large-cap healthcare companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, media sentiment, valuation and dividends.

In the previous week, Waters had 16 more articles in the media than Bio-Techne. MarketBeat recorded 31 mentions for Waters and 15 mentions for Bio-Techne. Waters' average media sentiment score of 1.22 beat Bio-Techne's score of 1.19 indicating that Waters is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Waters
22 Very Positive mention(s)
2 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Bio-Techne
11 Very Positive mention(s)
2 Positive mention(s)
2 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Waters has a beta of 1.19, indicating that its share price is 19% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Bio-Techne has a beta of 1.28, indicating that its share price is 28% more volatile than the broader market.

Waters has higher revenue and earnings than Bio-Techne. Waters is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Bio-Techne, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Waters$3.17B11.72$642.63M$7.8748.00
Bio-Techne$1.22B9.25$73.40M$0.69104.48

94.0% of Waters shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 99.0% of Bio-Techne shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Waters shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.3% of Bio-Techne shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Waters currently has a consensus target price of $401.60, indicating a potential upside of 6.31%. Bio-Techne has a consensus target price of $68.08, indicating a potential downside of 5.57%. Given Waters' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Waters is more favorable than Bio-Techne.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Waters
0 Sell rating(s)
9 Hold rating(s)
9 Buy rating(s)
3 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.71
Bio-Techne
1 Sell rating(s)
13 Hold rating(s)
3 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.12

Waters has a net margin of 11.91% compared to Bio-Techne's net margin of 9.05%. Waters' return on equity of 15.60% beat Bio-Techne's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Waters11.91% 15.60% 8.90%
Bio-Techne 9.05%13.57%10.66%

Summary

Waters beats Bio-Techne on 12 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Waters compare to Agilent Technologies?

Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A) and Waters (NYSE:WAT) are both large-cap healthcare companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, media sentiment, valuation, earnings and profitability.

Agilent Technologies has a net margin of 19.55% compared to Waters' net margin of 11.91%. Agilent Technologies' return on equity of 24.33% beat Waters' return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Agilent Technologies19.55% 24.33% 12.99%
Waters 11.91%15.60%8.90%

In the previous week, Waters had 15 more articles in the media than Agilent Technologies. MarketBeat recorded 31 mentions for Waters and 16 mentions for Agilent Technologies. Agilent Technologies' average media sentiment score of 1.33 beat Waters' score of 1.22 indicating that Agilent Technologies is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Agilent Technologies
13 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
2 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Waters
22 Very Positive mention(s)
2 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Agilent Technologies has a beta of 1.25, indicating that its stock price is 25% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Waters has a beta of 1.19, indicating that its stock price is 19% more volatile than the broader market.

87.4% of Agilent Technologies shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 94.0% of Waters shares are held by institutional investors. 0.2% of Agilent Technologies shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Waters shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Agilent Technologies has higher revenue and earnings than Waters. Agilent Technologies is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Waters, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Agilent Technologies$7.23B5.40$1.30B$4.9827.77
Waters$3.17B11.72$642.63M$7.8748.00

Agilent Technologies currently has a consensus price target of $159.35, indicating a potential upside of 15.21%. Waters has a consensus price target of $401.60, indicating a potential upside of 6.31%. Given Agilent Technologies' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Agilent Technologies is more favorable than Waters.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Agilent Technologies
0 Sell rating(s)
4 Hold rating(s)
13 Buy rating(s)
2 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.89
Waters
0 Sell rating(s)
9 Hold rating(s)
9 Buy rating(s)
3 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.71

Summary

Agilent Technologies beats Waters on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Waters compare to Danaher?

Danaher (NYSE:DHR) and Waters (NYSE:WAT) are both large-cap healthcare companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, risk, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability and media sentiment.

Danaher has a beta of 0.78, meaning that its stock price is 22% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Waters has a beta of 1.19, meaning that its stock price is 19% more volatile than the broader market.

Danaher has higher revenue and earnings than Waters. Danaher is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Waters, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Danaher$24.57B5.59$3.61B$5.6334.68
Waters$3.17B11.72$642.63M$7.8748.00

79.1% of Danaher shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 94.0% of Waters shares are held by institutional investors. 10.8% of Danaher shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Waters shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

In the previous week, Danaher had 9 more articles in the media than Waters. MarketBeat recorded 40 mentions for Danaher and 31 mentions for Waters. Danaher's average media sentiment score of 1.40 beat Waters' score of 1.22 indicating that Danaher is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Danaher
33 Very Positive mention(s)
4 Positive mention(s)
2 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Waters
22 Very Positive mention(s)
2 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Danaher has a net margin of 15.95% compared to Waters' net margin of 11.91%. Waters' return on equity of 15.60% beat Danaher's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Danaher15.95% 11.04% 6.81%
Waters 11.91%15.60%8.90%

Danaher currently has a consensus target price of $228.91, suggesting a potential upside of 17.24%. Waters has a consensus target price of $401.60, suggesting a potential upside of 6.31%. Given Danaher's stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Danaher is more favorable than Waters.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Danaher
0 Sell rating(s)
5 Hold rating(s)
19 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.84
Waters
0 Sell rating(s)
9 Hold rating(s)
9 Buy rating(s)
3 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.71

Summary

Danaher beats Waters on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Waters compare to IQVIA?

Waters (NYSE:WAT) and IQVIA (NYSE:IQV) are both large-cap healthcare companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, media sentiment, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations and profitability.

Waters presently has a consensus target price of $401.60, indicating a potential upside of 6.31%. IQVIA has a consensus target price of $241.88, indicating a potential upside of 2.89%. Given Waters' higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Waters is more favorable than IQVIA.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Waters
0 Sell rating(s)
9 Hold rating(s)
9 Buy rating(s)
3 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.71
IQVIA
0 Sell rating(s)
3 Hold rating(s)
13 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.88

Waters has a beta of 1.19, meaning that its share price is 19% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, IQVIA has a beta of 1.2, meaning that its share price is 20% more volatile than the broader market.

IQVIA has higher revenue and earnings than Waters. IQVIA is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Waters, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Waters$3.17B11.72$642.63M$7.8748.00
IQVIA$16.98B2.28$1.36B$8.0629.17

94.0% of Waters shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.6% of IQVIA shares are held by institutional investors. 0.3% of Waters shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 1.7% of IQVIA shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

In the previous week, IQVIA had 34 more articles in the media than Waters. MarketBeat recorded 65 mentions for IQVIA and 31 mentions for Waters. Waters' average media sentiment score of 1.22 beat IQVIA's score of 0.85 indicating that Waters is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Waters
22 Very Positive mention(s)
2 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
IQVIA
31 Very Positive mention(s)
7 Positive mention(s)
17 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Waters has a net margin of 11.91% compared to IQVIA's net margin of 8.10%. IQVIA's return on equity of 30.25% beat Waters' return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Waters11.91% 15.60% 8.90%
IQVIA 8.10%30.25%6.54%

Summary

IQVIA beats Waters on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

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New MarketBeat Followers Over Time

This chart shows the number of new MarketBeat users adding WAT and its top 5 competitors to their watchlist. Each company is represented with a line over a 90 day period.
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Media Sentiment Over Time

This chart shows the average media sentiment of NYSE and its competitors over the past 90 days as caculated by MarketBeat. The averaged score is equivalent to the following: Very Negative Sentiment <= -1.5, Negative Sentiment > -1.5 and <= -0.5, Neutral Sentiment > -0.5 and < 0.5, Positive Sentiment >= 0.5 and < 1.5, and Very Positive Sentiment >= 1.5.
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WAT vs. The Competition

MetricWatersLife Sciences Tools & Services IndustryHealthcare SectorNYSE Exchange
Market Cap$37.09B$9.08B$6.86B$23.66B
Dividend YieldN/A1.47%2.59%4.21%
P/E Ratio48.0059.27282.3031.00
Price / Sales11.72101.59561.3481.85
Price / Cash22.6925.6328.6018.73
Price / Book8.785.0510.984.76
Net Income$642.63M$57.47B$3.49B$1.07B
7 Day Performance1.78%-0.24%-0.60%-0.34%
1 Month Performance-0.23%-4.52%-5.20%-0.53%
1 Year Performance29.92%14.90%62.01%19.19%

Waters Competitors List

CompanyMarketRankShare PriceAnalysts' Price Target1Y Price PerformanceMarket CapRevenueP/E RatioEmployee CountIndicator(s)
WAT
Waters
3.1198 of 5 stars
$377.75
+0.1%
$401.60
+6.3%
+29.9%$37.09B$3.17B48.007,900
BRKR
Bruker
2.3706 of 5 stars
$60.05
-0.7%
$56.79
-5.4%
+65.4%$9.20B$3.44BN/A11,085
TECH
Bio-Techne
2.8322 of 5 stars
$71.62
+0.0%
$68.08
-4.9%
+31.3%$11.21B$1.22B103.803,100
A
Agilent Technologies
4.6062 of 5 stars
$138.07
-0.4%
$159.35
+15.4%
+21.9%$39.14B$6.95B27.7318,100
DHR
Danaher
4.8576 of 5 stars
$196.57
+2.6%
$228.91
+16.5%
-0.9%$134.62B$24.57B34.9260,000

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This page (NYSE:WAT) was last updated on 8/3/2026 by MarketBeat.com Staff.
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