Across the recent three months, 6 analysts have shared their insights on Waters (NYSE:WAT), expressing a variety of opinions spanning from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $379.0, with a high estimate of $460.00 and a low estimate of $350.00. A negative shift in sentiment is evident as analysts have decreased the average price target by 2.67%.
Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis
The standing of Waters among financial experts is revealed through an in-depth exploration of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derik De Bruin | B of A Securities | Raises | Neutral | $375.00 | $370.00 |
| Catherine Ramsey | Baird | Raises | Outperform | $374.00 | $355.00 |
| Elizabeth Garcia | UBS | Lowers | Neutral | $360.00 | $415.00 |
| Catherine Ramsey | Baird | Lowers | Outperform | $355.00 | $407.00 |
| Luke Sergott | Barclays | Lowers | Equal-Weight | $350.00 | $400.00 |
| Paul Knight | Keybanc | Announces | Overweight | $460.00 | - |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Waters. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
- Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Waters compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Waters's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
Stay up to date on Waters analyst ratings.
Unveiling the Story Behind Waters
Water sells liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis tools. These analytical instruments provide essential information on various products, such as their molecular structures and physical properties, to help clients enhance the health and well-being of end users. As a percentage of sales in 2024, Waters generated 58% from biopharmaceutical customers, 31% from industrial clients, and 11% from academic/government institutions.
Waters's Financial Performance
Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position.
Revenue Growth: Waters displayed positive results in 3M. As of 31 March, 2025, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 3.9%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Net Margin: Waters's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 18.34% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Waters's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 6.4% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 2.65%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.78.
What Are Analyst Ratings?
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in Benzinga Pro.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.