Illumina Inc (ILMN)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
ILMN
Illumina Inc
$126.20
+0.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $19.30B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$302.32
+0.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $29.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illumina Inc generates 37% more annual revenue ($4.34B vs $3.17B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 19.6%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. ILMN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ILMN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.4%
Fair Value
$255.06
Current Price
$126.20
$128.86 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
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Earnings expanding 86.4% 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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ILMN
The strongest argument for ILMN centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.6% and operating margin at 19.7%.
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 : ILMN
The primary concerns for ILMN are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ILMN profiles as a value stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ILMN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.50 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
ILMN generates stronger free cash flow (267M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ILMN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 19.6% 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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