Waters (WAT) Competitors

Waters logo
$356.82 -1.43 (-0.40%)
As of 03:58 PM Eastern

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 life sciences tools & services companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, media sentiment, profitability and risk.

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$3.17B11.07$642.63M$7.8745.34
Bruker$3.44B2.44-$8.60M-$0.24N/A

Waters currently has a consensus price target of $394.56, indicating a potential upside of 10.58%. Bruker has a consensus price target of $51.31, indicating a potential downside of 6.90%. 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)
6 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.40

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%

In the previous week, Waters had 1 more articles in the media than Bruker. MarketBeat recorded 5 mentions for Waters and 4 mentions for Bruker. Bruker's average media sentiment score of 1.55 beat Waters' score of 0.50 indicating that Bruker is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Waters
1 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
3 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Bruker
4 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
0 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Very Positive

94.0% of Waters shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 79.5% of Bruker shares are held by institutional investors. 0.3% of Waters shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 27.2% of Bruker shares are held by 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.

Waters has a beta of 1.21, suggesting that its stock price is 21% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Bruker has a beta of 1.31, suggesting that its stock price is 31% more volatile than the broader market.

Summary

Waters beats Bruker on 13 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Waters compare to Bio-Techne?

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

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
Bio-Techne$1.22B7.22$73.40M$0.6981.54
Waters$3.17B11.07$642.63M$7.8745.34

Bio-Techne currently has a consensus price target of $65.15, indicating a potential upside of 15.81%. Waters has a consensus price target of $394.56, indicating a potential upside of 10.58%. Given Bio-Techne's higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Bio-Techne is more favorable than Waters.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Bio-Techne
1 Sell rating(s)
4 Hold rating(s)
9 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.67
Waters
0 Sell rating(s)
9 Hold rating(s)
9 Buy rating(s)
3 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.71

Bio-Techne has a beta of 1.37, suggesting that its stock price is 37% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Waters has a beta of 1.21, suggesting that its stock price is 21% more volatile than the broader market.

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

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
Bio-Techne9.05% 13.57% 10.66%
Waters 11.91%15.60%8.90%

In the previous week, Waters had 1 more articles in the media than Bio-Techne. MarketBeat recorded 5 mentions for Waters and 4 mentions for Bio-Techne. Bio-Techne's average media sentiment score of 0.81 beat Waters' score of 0.50 indicating that Bio-Techne is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Bio-Techne
1 Very Positive mention(s)
3 Positive mention(s)
0 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Waters
1 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
3 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Summary

Waters beats Bio-Techne on 9 of the 16 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 medical companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, valuation, media sentiment, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and profitability.

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

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, Agilent Technologies had 11 more articles in the media than Waters. MarketBeat recorded 16 mentions for Agilent Technologies and 5 mentions for Waters. Agilent Technologies' average media sentiment score of 0.78 beat Waters' score of 0.50 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
5 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
10 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Waters
1 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
3 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Agilent Technologies has a beta of 1.26, indicating that its stock price is 26% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Waters has a beta of 1.21, indicating that its stock price is 21% more volatile than the broader market.

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$6.95B5.16$1.30B$4.9825.49
Waters$3.17B11.07$642.63M$7.8745.34

Agilent Technologies currently has a consensus target price of $160.93, suggesting a potential upside of 26.77%. Waters has a consensus target price of $394.56, suggesting a potential upside of 10.58%. Given Agilent Technologies' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities 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)
3 Hold rating(s)
13 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.88
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 11 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 medical companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, media sentiment, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings, profitability, risk and analyst recommendations.

Danaher has a net margin of 14.89% 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
Danaher14.89% 10.91% 6.94%
Waters 11.91%15.60%8.90%

In the previous week, Danaher had 7 more articles in the media than Waters. MarketBeat recorded 12 mentions for Danaher and 5 mentions for Waters. Danaher's average media sentiment score of 0.87 beat Waters' score of 0.50 indicating that Danaher is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Danaher
9 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
1 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Waters
1 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
3 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

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$24.57B5.17$3.61B$5.1734.71
Waters$3.17B11.07$642.63M$7.8745.34

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 insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Waters shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Danaher has a beta of 0.81, suggesting that its share price is 19% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Waters has a beta of 1.21, suggesting that its share price is 21% more volatile than the broader market.

Danaher currently has a consensus target price of $233.61, indicating a potential upside of 30.19%. Waters has a consensus target price of $394.56, indicating a potential upside of 10.58%. Given Danaher's stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly 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 medical companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations, media sentiment, earnings and institutional ownership.

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$3.17B11.07$642.63M$7.8745.34
IQVIA$16.31B1.75$1.36B$8.0721.22

Waters has a net margin of 11.91% compared to IQVIA's net margin of 8.33%. IQVIA's return on equity of 30.50% beat Waters' return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Waters11.91% 15.60% 8.90%
IQVIA 8.33%30.50%6.53%

In the previous week, IQVIA had 5 more articles in the media than Waters. MarketBeat recorded 10 mentions for IQVIA and 5 mentions for Waters. IQVIA's average media sentiment score of 0.70 beat Waters' score of 0.50 indicating that IQVIA is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Waters
1 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
3 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
IQVIA
4 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
4 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Waters presently has a consensus target price of $394.56, suggesting a potential upside of 10.58%. IQVIA has a consensus target price of $222.56, suggesting a potential upside of 29.99%. Given IQVIA's stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe IQVIA is more favorable than Waters.

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)
12 Buy rating(s)
2 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.94

94.0% of Waters shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.6% of IQVIA shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.3% of Waters shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.7% of IQVIA shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Waters has a beta of 1.21, indicating that its share price is 21% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, IQVIA has a beta of 1.21, indicating that its share price is 21% more volatile than the broader market.

Summary

IQVIA beats Waters on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

Get Waters News Delivered to You Automatically

Sign up to receive the latest news and ratings for WAT and its competitors with MarketBeat's FREE daily newsletter.

Subscribe Now
SMS is currently available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. By entering your phone number and clicking the sign-up button, you agree to receive periodic text messages from MarketBeat at the phone number you submitted, including texts that may be sent using an automatic telephone dialing system. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary. Messages will consist of stock alerts, news stories, and partner advertisements/offers. Consent is not a condition of the purchase of any goods or services. Text HELP for help/customer support. Unsubscribe at any time by replying "STOP" to any text message that you receive from MarketBeat or by visiting our mailing preferences page. Read our full terms of service and privacy policy.

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.
Skip Chart

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.
Skip Chart

WAT vs. The Competition

MetricWatersMED INSTRUMENTS IndustryMedical SectorNYSE Exchange
Market Cap$35.18B$7.05B$6.45B$23.27B
Dividend YieldN/A1.28%2.69%4.07%
P/E Ratio45.3448.6524.9231.08
Price / Sales11.0776.52529.0121.85
Price / Cash21.5524.7844.8224.45
Price / Book8.307.1310.794.64
Net Income$642.63M$159.20M$3.56B$1.07B
7 Day Performance-1.12%-1.41%1.67%-1.04%
1 Month Performance4.08%-1.97%0.43%0.18%
1 Year Performance4.05%7.94%32.84%24.25%

Waters Competitors List

CompanyMarketRankShare PriceAnalysts' Price Target1Y Price PerformanceMarket CapRevenueP/E RatioEmployee CountIndicator(s)
WAT
Waters
2.26 of 5 stars
$356.82
-0.4%
$394.56
+10.6%
+4.6%$35.18B$3.17B45.347,900
BRKR
Bruker
2.8567 of 5 stars
$56.63
+4.4%
$51.31
-9.4%
+48.5%$8.26B$3.44BN/A11,085
TECH
Bio-Techne
3.5671 of 5 stars
$56.17
+4.0%
$65.15
+16.0%
+11.5%$8.45B$1.22B81.413,100
A
Agilent Technologies
4.968 of 5 stars
$130.52
+0.5%
$160.93
+23.3%
+9.3%$36.67B$6.95B26.2118,100
DHR
Danaher
4.6972 of 5 stars
$181.04
+0.5%
$233.61
+29.0%
-9.2%$127.47B$24.57B35.0260,000

Related Companies and Tools


This page (NYSE:WAT) was last updated on 6/23/2026 by MarketBeat.com Staff.
From Our Partners