Waters Corporation (WAT)

Waters Corp. stock has been influenced by Q3 earnings exceeding estimates, the release of fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results, and raised full-year 2025 sales growth and EPS guidance. A proposed merger with the biosciences & diagnostics unit of Becton Dickinson led to shareholder lawsuits. Waters' stock performance has seen a decline, with a 52-week range between $275.05 and $417.10, and a closing stock price of $381.29 as of February 6, 2026.

Waters experienced a return to revenue growth across all end markets in the second half of 2024, with China showing positive growth in the fourth quarter of 2024. India has been identified as a fast-growing end market. Demand is influenced by new product launches, market recoveries in specific regions, and ongoing service needs, rather than a strictly seasonal pattern.

Waters Corporation is a global leader in analytical instruments and software, specializing in workflow solutions involving liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), laboratory informatics, and rheometry. Its products and services are utilized across diverse industries for research and development, quality assurance, and various laboratory functions.

Waters Corporation has a significant global presence, operating directly in over 35 countries and serving customers in more than 100 countries. The company maintains primary manufacturing facilities in 9 locations across the United States and 11 international locations, including key regions such as Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Sales in Asia, the Americas, and Europe all saw growth in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Waters Corporation has maintained a strong brand reputation, particularly in its service and customer satisfaction, with its service team recognized for delivering the highest service satisfaction scores. The company leads the industry in net promoter scores and has consistently delivered top-tier value to shareholders. However, the proposed merger with BD Biosciences & Diagnostics has led to shareholder lawsuits, which could potentially impact the company's reputation.

Waters Corporation's ownership is predominantly institutional, with approximately 53.56% to 94.01% of the company's stock owned by institutional investors. Insiders own about 0.13%, and public companies and individual investors hold the remaining 46.31% to 28.38%. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and Fundsmith LLP.