WallStSmart

Seagate Technology PLC (STX)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Seagate Technology PLC generates 218% more annual revenue ($10.06B vs $3.17B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 19.6%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.67. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

STX

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 8.7Quality: 5.0

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

STXUndervalued (+1.9%)

Margin of Safety

+1.9%

Fair Value

$415.12

Current Price

$411.23

$3.89 discount

UndervaluedFair: $415.12Overvalued
WATSignificantly Overvalued (-349.9%)

Margin of Safety

-349.9%

Fair Value

$73.17

Current Price

$298.99

$225.82 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.17Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

STX6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
67.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 67.7% YoY

Market CapQuality
$97.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.678/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
29.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.5%8/10

Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year

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

STX2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
49.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
195.8x2/10

Trading at 195.8x book value

WAT2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Earnings declined 3.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : STX

The strongest argument for STX centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.6% and operating margin at 29.9%. Revenue growth of 21.5% 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 : STX

The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 49.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : WAT

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

STX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.65 — expect wider price swings.

STX is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.

STX generates stronger free cash flow (618M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

STX scores higher overall (72/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins and 21.5% 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.

Seagate Technology PLC

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.

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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