WAT Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
WAT - Waters Corp
$410.70
6.01 (1.49%)
â˛
5d:
-0.36%
30d:
+7.4%
90d:
+20.44%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Aug 21, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Aug 04, 2026
0d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: WAT is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At 3.2% expected growth, valuation appears fair. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: WAT is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At 3.2% expected growth, valuation appears fair. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$566.82
Based on 8.8% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$351.95
Trading above historical range
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 22.5x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: WAT is currently trading at $410.70, which is considered slightly high relative to its 30-day fair value range of $371.64 to $407.14. From a valuation perspective, the stock is trading at a premium (Forward PE: 24.8) compared to its historical average (22.5). At these levels, the market is pricing in 3.2% annual earnings growth.
Technical Outlook: Technically, WAT is in a strong uptrend. The price is approaching resistance at $421.74. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation.
Market Sentiment: WAT scores 28/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge. Note this measures entry quality, not trend direction — a low score can mean the chart is extended after a strong run (don't chase) or still falling without stabilization; better entries typically come after a pullback toward the 20-day average. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Technical Outlook: Technically, WAT is in a strong uptrend. The price is approaching resistance at $421.74. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation.
Market Sentiment: WAT scores 28/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge. Note this measures entry quality, not trend direction — a low score can mean the chart is extended after a strong run (don't chase) or still falling without stabilization; better entries typically come after a pullback toward the 20-day average. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
SLIGHTLY HIGH
Historical Trading Range
$371.64 -
$407.14
Company Quality Score
51/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
41.4%
Protect Your Profits
Holding WAT? Use our AI-powered strategies to protect your downside while keeping your long-term position.
View Profit Protection PlanAll Signals
- BEARISH: Weak technical setup (28/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- NEUTRAL: Near Wall St target ($436.00)
- BULLISH: Expecting earnings turnaround to 3.2% growth with 113.4% revenue growth
- WARNING: Composite score 51/100 in the bottom quintile â this cohort historically lags the market
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$371.64 -
$407.14
Current vs Trading Range
SLIGHTLY HIGH
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$396.00
Resistance Level
$421.74
Current Trend
Strong Uptrend
Technical data as of
Aug 21, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
24.79
Wall Street Target
$436.00
(+6.2%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
113.4%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
-3.1%
Profit Margin
3.6%
Valuation Premium vs History
+3.2% premium
PE vs Historical
24.8 vs 22.5
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
+3.2%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$423.84
(+3%)
2-Year Target
$437.41
(+7%)
3-Year Target
$451.40
(+10%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 25â23)
PE COMPRESSION
$409.64
(0%)
Earnings growth offset by PE compression
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 24.8, Growth: 13.6%)
$602.81
(+47%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 20.1, Growth: 13.6%)
$487.96
(+19%)
Bear:
(PE: 17.1, Growth: 13.6%)
$414.76
(+1%)
đ
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (29x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (25x PE) as earnings recover.
Forward PE: 28.65 | Forward EPS (Implied): $14.33
Bull Case
$495.92
(+21%)
Analyst growth 15.0%, PE expands to 30.1
Base Case
$410.70
(0%)
Market implied 0.0%, PE stable at 28.7
Bear Case
$314.19
(-24%)
Severe decline -15.0%, PE contracts to 25.8
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: August 22, 2026 11:03 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 12:03 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 12:03 AM
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Technical Signals Check
Is WAT showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
2
Buys
0
Sells
+
Net
INSIDERS BUYING
Recent Transactions
Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr.
BUY
2026-03-18
Wei Jiang
BUY
500 shares
2026-03-16
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