Altria Group (MO)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
MO
Altria Group
$63.78
-0.84%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $107.97B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$302.32
+0.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $29.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Altria Group generates 536% more annual revenue ($20.14B vs $3.17B). MO leads profitability with a 34.5% profit margin vs 20.3%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
MO
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-135.3%
Fair Value
$28.02
Current Price
$63.78
$35.76 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
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 3.2B in free cash flow
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
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 0.5%
Earnings declined 62.9%
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.5% and operating margin at 57.1%.
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 : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MO profiles as a declining stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
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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