Waters Corporation (WAT)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)
WAT
Waters Corporation
$355.13
+1.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.41B
WPP
WPP PLC ADR
$18.97
+1.12%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $4.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WPP PLC ADR generates 259% more annual revenue ($13.55B vs $3.77B). WAT leads profitability with a 11.9% profit margin vs -1.6%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).
WAT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
WPP
Avoid32
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-63.1%
Fair Value
$201.83
Current Price
$355.13
$153.30 premium
Margin of Safety
+75.6%
Fair Value
$75.12
Current Price
$18.97
$56.15 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 91.5% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
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
Operating margin of 2.2%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WPP
The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.
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.
Bear Case : WPP
The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WAT profiles as a growth stock while WPP is a turnaround 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.
WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (52/100 vs 32/100) and 91.5% revenue growth. WPP offers better value entry with a 75.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.
WPP PLC ADR
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA
WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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