Waters Corporation
NYSE: WAT · HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH
Updated 2026-04-29
Waters Corporation (WAT) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for WAT.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
WAT historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in WAT's own 5Y range.
WAT intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Standard discounted cash flow models produce unreliable output for unprofitable or near-breakeven companies. Revenue-based multiples such as P/S and EV/Sales, combined with the historical valuation position above, give a more reliable read for this stock.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
WAT valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 27.12x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 9.06x
Is WAT overvalued in 2026?
Waters Corporation (WAT) currently trades at $292.13 per share with a market capitalization of $28,677,085,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 60/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 27.1x, below its 5-year median of 29.7x. The PEG ratio of 1.31 points to a price that reasonably reflects expected earnings growth.
Looking at its own history, WAT is currently trading cheaper than 72% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 28th percentile of its historical range, a reasonable but unremarkable position.
A standard DCF model does not produce reliable output for WAT under current conditions. For unprofitable or near-breakeven companies, revenue-based multiples such as EV/Sales and historical P/S percentile are more informative than intrinsic value calculations.
The Piotroski F-Score of 4/9 puts financial quality in a middling range, neither a standout strength nor an obvious red flag.
Bottom line: WAT trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 60/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is WAT overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 60/100, WAT is fairly valued. Price reasonably reflects current fundamentals with limited cushion in either direction.
What is WAT's fair value?
Standard DCF is unreliable for WAT due to its current profitability profile. Revenue-based approaches such as EV/Sales or historical P/S percentile are more informative for this stock.
What P/E ratio does WAT trade at?
WAT trades at a P/E of 27.1x on trailing twelve-month earnings, compared to its 5-year median of 29.7x.
Is WAT a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 60/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile is balanced. Best suited for investors with an existing thesis.
How does WAT's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, WAT currently sits in the 28th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is below its long-run median relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is WAT's Smart Value Score?
WAT's Smart Value Score is 60/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.