WallStSmart

Lumentum Holdings Inc (LITE)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Waters Corporation generates 50% more annual revenue ($3.17B vs $2.11B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 11.9%. LITE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. LITE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

LITE

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 4.7Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.58

WAT

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.92
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LITESignificantly Overvalued (-255.6%)

Margin of Safety

-255.6%

Fair Value

$161.46

Current Price

$777.17

$615.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $161.46Overvalued
WATSignificantly Overvalued (-349.9%)

Margin of Safety

-349.9%

Fair Value

$73.17

Current Price

$302.32

$229.15 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.17Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LITE5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
65.5%10/10

Revenue surging 65.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
71.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 71.1% YoY

Market CapQuality
$57.26B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.978/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

WAT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

LITE3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
232.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
65.5x2/10

Trading at 65.5x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.582/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WAT2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Earnings declined 3.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LITE

The strongest argument for LITE centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 65.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.97 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : WAT

The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : LITE

The primary concerns for LITE are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 232.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : WAT

The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LITE profiles as a growth stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

LITE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

LITE is growing revenue faster at 65.5% — sustainability is the question.

WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LITE scores higher overall (69/100 vs 60/100) and 65.5% revenue growth. 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.

Lumentum Holdings Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Lumentum Holdings Inc. manufactures and sells optical and photonic products in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.

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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