Waters Corporation (WAT)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)
WAT
Waters Corporation
$342.64
+13.50%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $30.15B
WDC
Western Digital Corporation
$442.36
+2.51%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $152.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Western Digital Corporation generates 272% more annual revenue ($11.78B vs $3.17B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 20.3%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.87. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
WDC
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Every $100 of equity generates 86 in profit
Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%
Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 477.2% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Moderate valuation
Trading at 21.2x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WDC
The strongest argument for WDC centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WDC
The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WAT profiles as a mature stock while WDC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.16 — expect wider price swings.
WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.
WDC generates stronger free cash flow (978M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WDC scores higher overall (79/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% 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.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
Western Digital Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.
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