Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
EL
Estee Lauder Companies Inc
$86.20
+1.07%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $30.86B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$355.13
+1.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Estee Lauder Companies Inc generates 293% more annual revenue ($14.83B vs $3.77B). WAT leads profitability with a 11.9% profit margin vs -1.7%. EL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).
EL
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
WAT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+35.7%
Fair Value
$163.80
Current Price
$86.20
$77.60 discount
Margin of Safety
-63.1%
Fair Value
$201.83
Current Price
$355.13
$153.30 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Revenue surging 91.5% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
4.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -6.0% — below average capital efficiency
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
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EL
PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : EL
The primary concerns for EL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EL profiles as a turnaround stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
EL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.5% — sustainability is the question.
EL generates stronger free cash flow (310M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (52/100 vs 38/100) and 91.5% revenue growth. EL offers better value entry with a 35.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Estee Lauder Companies Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, based in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The company owns a diverse portfolio of brands, distributed internationally through both digital commerce and retail channels.
Visit Website →Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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