WAT Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
WAT - Waters Corp
$333.21
-1.72 (-0.51%)
▼
5d:
-4.93%
30d:
+2.15%
90d:
+4.18%
HOLD
MODERATE Confidence
Analysis Updated: May 14, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Jul 29, 2026
Smart Money Accumulation
WAT is down 4.9% this week, but smart money is accumulating calls. Top strike: $360 2026-06-18 with 7 OI. Call ratio: 80% View Scanner →
Strength: 5.5/10
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
📊 HOLD: WAT shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
📊 HOLD: WAT shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$554.32
Based on 8.6% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$344.19
3.2% Margin of Safety
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 $333.21, which is considered extended relative to its 30-day fair value range of $300.54 to $335.78. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 20.3) is in line with its historical norms (22.5). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 3.4% over the next few years. This aligns with recent fundamental challenges.
Technical Outlook: Technically, WAT is in a strong downtrend. Immediate support is located at $298.91, while resistance sits at $357.45.
Market Sentiment: WAT has a strong technical setup (75/100), with favorable trendlines, momentum, and price action for short-term traders. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $398.38 (+19.6%). The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Technical Outlook: Technically, WAT is in a strong downtrend. Immediate support is located at $298.91, while resistance sits at $357.45.
Market Sentiment: WAT has a strong technical setup (75/100), with favorable trendlines, momentum, and price action for short-term traders. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $398.38 (+19.6%). The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
EXTENDED
Historical Trading Range
$300.54 -
$335.78
Company Quality Score
61/100
(BUY)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
59.5%
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: Price extended above range
- BULLISH: Strong technical setup (75/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Trading below Wall St target ($398.38)
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$300.54 -
$335.78
Current vs Trading Range
EXTENDED
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$298.91
Resistance Level
$357.45
Current Trend
Strong Downtrend
Technical data as of
May 14, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
20.34
Wall Street Target
$398.38
(+19.6%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
91.5%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
-3.1%
Profit Margin
11.9%
Valuation Discount vs History
-3.4% cheaper
PE vs Historical
20.3 vs 22.5
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-3.4%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$321.88
(-3%)
2-Year Target
$310.94
(-7%)
3-Year Target
$300.37
(-10%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 20→23)
$332.27
(0%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 22.0, Growth: 13.1%)
$521.87
(+57%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 20.3, Growth: 13.1%)
$481.60
(+45%)
Bear:
(PE: 17.3, Growth: 13.1%)
$409.36
(+23%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (45x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (20x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 44.84 | Current EPS (TTM): $7.47
Bull Case
$736.85
(+121%)
Analyst growth 100.0%, PE expands to 49.3
Base Case
$669.86
(+101%)
Market implied 100.0%, PE stable at 44.8
Bear Case
$227.75
(-32%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 38.1
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
💡
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 20.3 to 22.5
Stabilization Target:
$368.61
(+10.6%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+10.6%
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: May 14, 2026 10:48 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 11:48 PM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 11:48 PM
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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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