ICON PLC (ICLR)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
ICLR
ICON PLC
$149.45
-2.19%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $11.19B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$365.36
-2.95%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
ICON PLC generates 119% more annual revenue ($8.25B vs $3.77B). WAT leads profitability with a 11.9% profit margin vs 2.8%. ICLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.48. ICLR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ICLR
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
WAT
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+61.9%
Fair Value
$349.56
Current Price
$149.45
$200.11 discount
Margin of Safety
-84.6%
Fair Value
$178.29
Current Price
$365.36
$187.07 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 91.4% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 6.4% — below average capital efficiency
2.8% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 2.9% — below average capital efficiency
Operating margin of 2.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICLR
The strongest argument for ICLR centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.48 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 91.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ICLR
The primary concerns for ICLR are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 50.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 45.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICLR profiles as a value stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ICLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.4% — sustainability is the question.
ICLR generates stronger free cash flow (623M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ICLR scores higher overall (57/100 vs 50/100) and 12.4% revenue growth. 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.
Compare with Other DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?