H2O America (HTO)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
HTO
H2O America
$57.60
-0.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.37B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$349.53
+1.98%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $30.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Waters Corporation generates 288% more annual revenue ($3.17B vs $816.28M). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 12.9%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
HTO
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.5%
Fair Value
$76.99
Current Price
$57.60
$19.39 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WAT.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%
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
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Trading at 8.1x book value
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HTO
The strongest argument for HTO centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
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 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : HTO
The primary concerns for HTO are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HTO 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.
HTO is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. HTO offers better value entry with a 32.5% margin of safety. Both earn "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.
H2O America
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
H2O America, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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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