ICON PLC (ICLR)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
ICLR
ICON PLC
$99.99
-1.27%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $7.88B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$302.32
+0.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $29.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
ICON PLC generates 156% more annual revenue ($8.10B vs $3.17B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 7.4%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
ICLR
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-163.8%
Fair Value
$50.46
Current Price
$99.99
$49.53 premium
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
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
0.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 6.3% — below average capital efficiency
7.4% margin — thin
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICLR
The strongest argument for ICLR centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
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 : ICLR
The primary concerns for ICLR are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICLR profiles as a value stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ICLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
ICLR generates stronger free cash flow (352M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. 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.
ICON PLC
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
ICON Public Limited Company, a clinical research organization, provides outsourced marketing and development services in Ireland, the rest of Europe, the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
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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