Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock (MDLN)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
MDLN
Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock
$42.67
+1.52%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.68B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$302.32
+0.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $29.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock generates 798% more annual revenue ($28.43B vs $3.17B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 4.1%. WAT trades at a lower P/E of 28.1x. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
MDLN
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.7%
Fair Value
$66.92
Current Price
$42.67
$24.25 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
No standout strengths identified
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
Moderate valuation
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
4.1% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MDLN
Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : MDLN
The primary concerns for MDLN are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MDLN profiles as a value stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MDLN is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. MDLN offers better value entry with a 32.7% 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.
Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Medline Inc. manufactures med-surg products serving the hospital, surgery centers, physician offices, post-acute facilities, and nursing home sites of care in the United States and Internationally. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.
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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