IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
IQV
IQVIA Holdings Inc
$183.45
-1.84%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $30.29B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$365.36
-2.95%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
IQVIA Holdings Inc generates 341% more annual revenue ($16.63B vs $3.77B). WAT leads profitability with a 11.9% profit margin vs 8.3%. IQV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.73. IQV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
IQV
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
WAT
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+9.1%
Fair Value
$194.83
Current Price
$183.45
$11.38 discount
Margin of Safety
-84.6%
Fair Value
$178.29
Current Price
$365.36
$187.07 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
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 2.9% — below average capital efficiency
Operating margin of 2.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IQV
The strongest argument for IQV centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.73 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : IQV
The primary concerns for IQV are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 45.2x 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.
IQV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — 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 (66/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Strong 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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