Lumentum Holdings Inc (LITE)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
LITE
Lumentum Holdings Inc
$903.80
+1.26%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $69.44B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$355.13
+1.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Waters Corporation generates 52% more annual revenue ($3.77B vs $2.49B). LITE leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs 11.9%. LITE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.63. LITE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
LITE
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
WAT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LITE.
Margin of Safety
-63.1%
Fair Value
$201.83
Current Price
$355.13
$153.30 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 90.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 71.1% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%
Revenue surging 91.5% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 76.2x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.3x book value
ROE of 5.2% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LITE
The strongest argument for LITE centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.7% and operating margin at 21.8%. Revenue growth of 90.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : LITE
The primary concerns for LITE are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 156.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 44.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LITE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.53 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.5% — sustainability is the question.
LITE generates stronger free cash flow (204M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
LITE scores higher overall (74/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 17.7% margins and 90.1% 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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