Lowe's Companies Inc (LOW)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
LOW
Lowe's Companies Inc
$236.18
+0.75%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $131.50B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$302.32
+0.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $29.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lowe's Companies Inc generates 2626% more annual revenue ($86.29B vs $3.17B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 7.7%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
LOW
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-193.3%
Fair Value
$80.51
Current Price
$236.18
$155.67 premium
Margin of Safety
-349.9%
Fair Value
$73.17
Current Price
$302.32
$229.15 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
7.7% margin — thin
Earnings declined 10.8%
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LOW
The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : LOW
The primary concerns for LOW are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOW profiles as a value stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.
LOW generates stronger free cash flow (964M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. 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.
Lowe's Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.
Visit Website →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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