IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
IQV
IQVIA Holdings Inc
$228.20
-2.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $38.68B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$396.08
+5.69%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $37.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
IQVIA Holdings Inc generates 350% more annual revenue ($16.98B vs $3.77B). WAT leads profitability with a 11.9% profit margin vs 8.1%. IQV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. IQV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
IQV
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
WAT
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+11.9%
Fair Value
$201.09
Current Price
$228.20
$27.11 discount
Margin of Safety
-81.9%
Fair Value
$180.97
Current Price
$396.08
$215.11 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 91.4% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 0.6%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 2.9% — below average capital efficiency
Operating margin of 2.8%
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IQV
The strongest argument for IQV centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.98 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 91.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : IQV
The primary concerns for IQV are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.58 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. A P/E of 48.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IQV profiles as a value stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.4% — sustainability is the question.
IQV generates stronger free cash flow (491M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
IQV scores higher overall (55/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
IQVIA Holdings Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
IQVIA, formerly Quintiles and IMS Health, Inc., is an American multinational company serving the combined industries of health information technology and clinical research. It is a provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services, focused primarily on Phase I-IV clinical trials and associated laboratory and analytical services, including consulting services.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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