WallStSmart

Qiagen NV (QGEN)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Waters Corporation generates 51% more annual revenue ($3.17B vs $2.09B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 20.3%. QGEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. QGEN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

QGEN

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.58

WAT

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.92
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

QGENUndervalued (+40.2%)

Margin of Safety

+40.2%

Fair Value

$85.35

Current Price

$40.63

$44.72 discount

UndervaluedFair: $85.35Overvalued
WATSignificantly Overvalued (-349.9%)

Margin of Safety

-349.9%

Fair Value

$73.17

Current Price

$302.32

$229.15 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.17Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

QGEN5 strengths · Avg: 8.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.9% YoY

WAT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

QGEN1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% revenue growth

WAT2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Earnings declined 3.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : QGEN

The strongest argument for QGEN centers on Profit Margin, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 27.4%. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : QGEN

The primary concerns for QGEN are Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : WAT

The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

QGEN profiles as a value 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.

WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

QGEN scores higher overall (69/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.

Qiagen NV

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

QIAGEN NV provides sample-to-knowledge solutions that transform biological materials into molecular knowledge globally. The company is headquartered in Venlo, the Netherlands.

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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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