Novartis AG ADR (NVS)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$137.16
-0.23%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $260.70B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$408.34
+1.67%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $39.56B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Novartis AG ADR generates 1121% more annual revenue ($56.69B vs $4.64B). NVS leads profitability with a 22.5% profit margin vs 3.6%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. NVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
WAT
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-47.0%
Fair Value
$93.29
Current Price
$137.16
$43.87 premium
Margin of Safety
-46.3%
Fair Value
$225.08
Current Price
$408.34
$183.26 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 34.6%
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 5.6B in free cash flow
Revenue surging 113.4% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
0.8% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 1.1% — below average capital efficiency
3.6% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.5% and operating margin at 34.6%.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 113.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 102.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NVS profiles as a value stock while WAT is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 113.4% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NVS scores higher overall (51/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 22.5% 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.
Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
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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