/Waters%20Corp_%20phone%20logo%20and%20site-by%20T_Schneider%20via%20Shutterstock.jpg)
Milford, Massachusetts-based Waters Corporation (WAT) provides analytical workflow solutions. With a market cap of $21 billion, the company designs, manufactures, sells, and services high and ultra-performance liquid chromatography, as well as mass spectrometry (MS) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products, and post-warranty service plans. The global analytical instrumentation leader is expected to announce its fiscal second-quarter earnings for 2025 before the market opens on Monday, Aug. 4.
Ahead of the event, analysts expect WAT to report a profit of $2.92 per share on a diluted basis, up 11% from $2.63 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has consistently surpassed Wall Street’s EPS estimates in its last four quarterly reports.
For the full year, analysts expect WAT to report EPS of $12.90, up 8.8% from $11.86 in fiscal 2024. Its EPS is expected to rise 10.2% year over year to $14.21 in fiscal 2026.
WAT stock has outperformed the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 12.1% gains over the past 52 weeks, with shares up 17.1% during this period. Similarly, it outperformed the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLV) 8.3% dip over the same time frame.
WAT's impressive performance can be attributed to its success in pharmaceutical markets, strong growth in instrument sales, and the ongoing popularity of its innovative product offerings.
On May 6, WAT shares closed down more than 2% after reporting its Q1 results. Its adjusted EPS of $2.25 surpassed Wall Street expectations of $2.22. The company’s revenue was $661.7 million, topping Wall Street forecasts of $654.6 million. The company expects full-year adjusted EPS in the range of $12.75 to $13.05.
Analysts’ consensus opinion on WAT stock is reasonably bullish, with a “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Out of 18 analysts covering the stock, seven advise a “Strong Buy” rating, and 11 give a “Hold.” WAT’s average analyst price target is $394.11, indicating a potential upside of 11.7% from the current levels.
On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
