Illumina Inc (ILMN)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
ILMN
Illumina Inc
$162.32
-3.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $24.35B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$365.36
-2.95%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illumina Inc generates 17% more annual revenue ($4.39B vs $3.77B). ILMN leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs 11.9%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. ILMN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
ILMN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WAT
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+58.0%
Fair Value
$276.80
Current Price
$162.32
$114.48 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
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Revenue surging 91.4% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Trading at 9.2x book value
4.8% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : ILMN
The strongest argument for ILMN centers on Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.4% and operating margin at 18.3%.
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 : ILMN
The primary concerns for ILMN are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
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
ILMN profiles as a value stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ILMN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.4% — sustainability is the question.
ILMN generates stronger free cash flow (251M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ILMN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 19.4% 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.
Illumina Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Illumina, Inc. is an American company. Incorporated on April 1, 1998, Illumina develops, manufactures, and markets integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function. The company provides a line of products and services that serves the sequencing, genotyping and gene expression, and proteomics markets. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California.
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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