Home 
Today's Top Picks 
Top Performers 
Watchlist 
My Robo Portfolios 
ETF Zone 
Help & Tutorial 
Cancel anytime
- Chart
- Upturn Summary
- Highlights
- Revenue
- Valuation
- Analyst Ratings
Upturn AI SWOT - About
WAT 
Waters Corporation (WAT)
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- Pass (Skip investing)
Stock price based on last close (see disclosures)
- ALL
- YEAR
- MONTH
- WEEK
Upturn Advisory Summary
04/01/2025: WAT (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
AI Based Fundamental Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -9.25% | Avg. Invested days 42 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  2.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 04/01/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 21.15B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 33.18 | 1Y Target Price 402.69 |
Price to earnings Ratio 33.18 | 1Y Target Price 402.69 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 488290 | Beta 1 | 52 Weeks Range 279.24 - 423.56 | Updated Date 04/1/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 279.24 - 423.56 | Updated Date 04/1/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 10.73 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 21.56% | Operating Margin (TTM) 32.54% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 11.4% | Return on Equity (TTM) 42.82% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 33.18 | Forward PE 28.01 | Enterprise Value 22527922176 | Price to Sales(TTM) 7.4 |
Enterprise Value 22527922176 | Price to Sales(TTM) 7.4 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 7.74 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 22.09 | Shares Outstanding 59410900 | Shares Floating 59284990 |
Shares Outstanding 59410900 | Shares Floating 59284990 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.08 | Percent Institutions 96.67 |
Analyst Ratings
Rating 3.29 | Target Price 386.85 | Buy - | Strong Buy 4 |
Buy - | Strong Buy 4 | ||
Hold 15 | Sell 2 | Strong Sell - | |
Strong Sell - |
Upturn AI SWOT
Waters Corporation
Company Overview
History and Background
Waters Corporation was founded in 1958 by James Logan Waters. Initially focused on liquid chromatography, it has grown to become a global leader in analytical instruments and software. Significant milestones include developing the first commercial gel permeation chromatograph and expanding into mass spectrometry.
Core Business Areas
- Waters Division: Focuses on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) systems, columns, and consumables.
- TA Instruments Division: Specializes in thermal analysis, rheology, and microcalorimetry instruments.
- Mass Spectrometry: Develops and markets mass spectrometry instruments used in various applications.
Leadership and Structure
The leadership team includes the CEO, CFO, and various VPs heading different divisions. The organizational structure is divisional, aligning with its core business areas.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- ACQUITY UPLC System: A leading UPLC system used for separating and analyzing complex mixtures. Market share in the UPLC market is estimated at 30-35%. Competitors include Agilent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Shimadzu.
- Xevo TQ-S Mass Spectrometer: A high-performance tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer used for quantitative analysis. Market share in tandem mass spectrometry is estimated at 20-25%. Competitors include Agilent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Sciex.
- TRIOS Software: Software for controlling TA Instruments thermal analysis systems and analyzing data. This is typically sold bundled, therefore it's difficult to determine the revenue specifically.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The analytical instruments industry is driven by pharmaceutical, environmental, food, and chemical analysis needs. Growth is fueled by increasing regulatory requirements, advancements in technology, and rising R&D spending.
Positioning
Waters Corporation holds a leading position in chromatography and mass spectrometry. Its competitive advantages include strong brand recognition, technological innovation, and a large installed base.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global analytical instrumentation market is expected to reach $90 billion by 2028. Waters is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of this market through its diverse product portfolio and strong market presence.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand reputation
- Technological innovation
- Large installed base
- Global presence
- Diverse product portfolio
Weaknesses
- High product prices
- Dependence on pharmaceutical industry
- Exposure to currency fluctuations
Opportunities
- Expanding into emerging markets
- Developing new applications for existing technologies
- Acquiring complementary businesses
- Increased regulatory requirements
Threats
- Intense competition
- Economic downturns
- Technological obsolescence
- Price pressures
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- Agilent Technologies (A)
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO)
- Shimadzu Corp. (SHIMADZU.JP)
Competitive Landscape
Waters' advantages include strong brand recognition and UPLC technology. Disadvantages include higher prices compared to some competitors.
Major Acquisitions
Elution Technologies
- Year: 2024
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 250
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded consumable and service offerings to their customer base. This should yield improved results in the long-term.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Historical growth has been driven by organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.
Future Projections: Analysts project continued moderate growth, supported by new product launches and expansion into emerging markets.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include expanding its offerings in biopharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
Summary
Waters Corporation is a leader in analytical instruments with a strong brand and innovative technology, particularly in chromatography and mass spectrometry. While its high product prices and dependence on the pharmaceutical industry pose challenges, it has opportunities for growth in emerging markets and through strategic acquisitions. The company maintains a healthy financial position, but does not offer a dividend. It must carefully manage competition and technological obsolescence to maintain its market leadership.
Similar Companies
- A
- TMO
- DHR
- MTD
- ILMN
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Waters Corporation Investor Relations
- SEC Filings
- Market Research Reports
- Analyst Estimates
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market conditions and company performance can change rapidly, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Waters Corporation
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Milford, MA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1995-11-16 | President, CEO & Director Dr. Udit Batra Ph.D. | ||
Sector Healthcare | Industry Diagnostics & Research | Full time employees 7600 | Website https://www.waters.com |
Full time employees 7600 | Website https://www.waters.com | ||
Waters Corporation 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 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. In addition, the company offers MS technology are used in drug discovery and development comprising clinical trial testing, the analysis of proteins in disease processes, nutritional safety analysis, and environmental testing. Further, the company provides 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 clinical, pharmaceutical, biochemical, industrial, nutritional safety, environmental, academic, and governmental customers working in research and development, quality assurance, and other laboratory applications. The company was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
Upturn is now on iOS and Android!
Experience Upturn on your mobile. Install it now!
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.