Elevance Health Inc (ELV)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
ELV
Elevance Health Inc
$296.09
+1.98%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $64.08B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$302.32
+0.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $29.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Elevance Health Inc generates 6191% more annual revenue ($199.13B vs $3.17B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 2.8%. ELV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. ELV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
ELV
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+74.9%
Fair Value
$1179.36
Current Price
$296.09
$883.27 discount
Margin of Safety
-349.9%
Fair Value
$73.17
Current Price
$302.32
$229.15 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 36.3% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.5%
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ELV
The strongest argument for ELV centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Market Cap. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ELV
The primary concerns for ELV are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ELV profiles as a value stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
ELV is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ELV scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Elevance Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Elevance Health Inc. is a health benefits company. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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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