WallStSmart

Waters Corporation (WAT)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

WPP PLC ADR generates 328% more annual revenue ($13.55B vs $3.17B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs -1.6%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).

WAT

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

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

WPP

Avoid

35

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 3.0Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

WATSignificantly Overvalued (-349.9%)

Margin of Safety

-349.9%

Fair Value

$73.17

Current Price

$302.32

$229.15 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.17Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WPP.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Earnings declined 3.1%

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.3%2/10

ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : WAT

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

Bear Case : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WAT profiles as a mature stock while WPP is a turnaround 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.

WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 35/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Waters Corporation

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.

WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?