Altria Group (MO)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
MO
Altria Group
$68.12
-1.33%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $115.29B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$355.13
+1.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Altria Group generates 440% more annual revenue ($20.38B vs $3.77B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs 11.9%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. MO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
WAT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-37.3%
Fair Value
$48.02
Current Price
$68.12
$20.10 premium
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
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%
Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 91.5% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
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 : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.5% and operating margin at 62.3%.
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 : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
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
MO profiles as a mature stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.5% — sustainability is the question.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 39.5% margins. Both earn "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.
Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
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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