Universal Corporation (UVV)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
UVV
Universal Corporation
$51.95
+1.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.32B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$302.32
+0.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $29.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Waters Corporation generates 6% more annual revenue ($3.17B vs $2.99B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 3.7%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. UVV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
UVV
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+74.6%
Fair Value
$207.79
Current Price
$51.95
$155.84 discount
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 32.0% YoY
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.7% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : UVV
The strongest argument for UVV centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
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 : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
UVV 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.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
UVV scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100). 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.
Universal Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
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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