IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
IQV
IQVIA Holdings Inc
$264.88
+0.41%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $45.35B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$453.08
-3.11%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $47.14B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
IQVIA Holdings Inc generates 273% more annual revenue ($17.31B vs $4.64B). IQV leads profitability with a 8.1% profit margin vs 3.6%. IQV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. IQV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
IQV
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
WAT
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.7%
Fair Value
$205.31
Current Price
$264.88
$59.57 discount
Margin of Safety
-44.6%
Fair Value
$227.71
Current Price
$453.08
$225.37 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 113.4% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
3.6% margin — thin
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 113.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : IQV
The primary concerns for IQV are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 121.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IQV profiles as a value stock while WAT is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
IQV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 113.4% — sustainability is the question.
IQV generates stronger free cash flow (360M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
IQV scores higher overall (59/100 vs 43/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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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