Waters Corp Expects Q1 Profit Below Estimates Amid Revenue Decline
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 09 2026
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Should l Buy WAT?
Source: Newsfilter
Waters Corporation's stock fell 3.10% as it hit a 20-day low, reflecting investor concerns following its Q1 profit forecast.
The company anticipates Q1 earnings per share between $2.25 and $2.35, which is below analysts' average estimate of $2.51. This disappointing outlook has raised concerns about future performance, despite the strategic importance of its $17.5 billion acquisition of Becton Dickinson's bioscience and diagnostics business, which is expected to drive overall profit growth in 2026.
The merger with Becton Dickinson is expected to enhance Waters' market position, projecting a 5.3% sales increase. However, the immediate reaction from investors indicates a cautious sentiment as they weigh the implications of the revenue decline against the potential benefits of the acquisition.
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Analyst Views on WAT
Wall Street analysts forecast WAT stock price to rise
13 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 299.630
Low
350.00
Averages
414.08
High
480.00
Current: 299.630
Low
350.00
Averages
414.08
High
480.00
About WAT
Waters Corporation offers analytical instruments, separations technologies, and software, serving the life, materials, food, and environmental sciences. The Company's segments include Waters and TA. The Company primarily designs, manufactures, sells and services high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC and together with HPLC, referred to as LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products and comprehensive post-warranty service plans. The Company designs, manufactures, sells and services thermal analysis, rheometry and calorimetry instruments through its TA Instruments (TA) product line. The Company is also a developer and supplier of advanced software-based products that interface with the Company’s instruments, as well as other manufacturers’ instruments. It operates directly in over 35 countries and has products available in more than 100 countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Market Opportunity: Waters shares traded as low as $295.02 on Wednesday, 3.7% below Fearon's purchase price, presenting a relatively low entry point for investors, despite the stock being down about 1.2% on the day.
- Arvinas Insider Purchase: Arvinas' Director Briggs Morrison purchased 20,000 shares at $13.40 each for a total investment of $268,070, reflecting his positive outlook on the company's prospects.
- Historical Purchase Comparison: Prior to this purchase, Morrison had bought 227,010 shares at $7.57 each in the past year, demonstrating his sustained confidence in Arvinas, even as the stock fell approximately 3.2% on Wednesday.
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- Replay Availability: A replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days post-event, allowing investors who missed the live session to catch up, thereby improving information accessibility and engagement.
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- Analyst Rating Changes: RBC Capital Markets reduced its price target for Becton Dickinson from $210 to $172, citing FY26 as a transition year with an expected organic revenue growth of 2.5%, which may impact investor confidence moving forward.
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Insider Buying by Waters and Arvinas Directors
- Waters Insider Purchase: Waters' Director Richard H. Fearon bought 1,000 shares at $306.34 each for a total of $306,340, marking his first purchase in the past year, indicating confidence in the company's future.
- Market Opportunity: Waters shares traded as low as $295.02 on Wednesday, 3.7% below Fearon's purchase price, presenting a relatively low entry point for investors, despite the stock being down about 1.2% on the day.
- Arvinas Insider Purchase: Arvinas' Director Briggs Morrison purchased 20,000 shares at $13.40 each for a total investment of $268,070, reflecting his positive outlook on the company's prospects.
- Historical Purchase Comparison: Prior to this purchase, Morrison had bought 227,010 shares at $7.57 each in the past year, demonstrating his sustained confidence in Arvinas, even as the stock fell approximately 3.2% on Wednesday.
See More
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- Conference Participation: Waters Corporation's CEO, Dr. Udit Batra, will participate in the TD Cowen Healthcare Conference on March 2, 2026, at 11:10 AM ET, highlighting the company's leadership in life sciences.
- Live Webcast: The event will be streamed live on the 'Events & Presentations' section of Waters' Investor Relations website, ensuring global investors can access real-time updates and enhancing corporate transparency.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days post-event, allowing investors who missed the live session to catch up, thereby improving information accessibility and engagement.
- Company Background: Waters Corporation focuses on life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating scientific innovation through analytical technologies and informatics, driving the release of high-quality medicines and early disease detection, showcasing its global market influence.
See More
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- Earnings Guidance Cut: The company lowered its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings guidance from $14.75-$15.05 per share to $12.35-$12.65, below the consensus of $14.72, reflecting pressures and uncertainties in future business operations.
- Analyst Rating Changes: RBC Capital Markets reduced its price target for Becton Dickinson from $210 to $172, citing FY26 as a transition year with an expected organic revenue growth of 2.5%, which may impact investor confidence moving forward.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Becton Dickinson's shares fell by 17.44% to $171.23, indicating investor concerns regarding the company's growth potential, especially in light of multiple business headwinds.
See More
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- Ongoing Rally: The rally in real assets continues as investors anticipate a series of important economic data releases in the coming days.
See More
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- Precious Metals Surge: Mining stocks rallied as gold prices increased by 2% and silver surged over 6%, with Coeur Mining and Hecla Mining gaining more than 7% and 5% respectively, highlighting the positive impact of strong performance in the precious metals market on related stocks.
- Earnings Season Insights: More than half of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings, with 79% exceeding expectations, and Q4 earnings growth projected at 8.4%, which is likely to further boost market sentiment and enhance investor confidence.
- Economic Data Focus: The market will closely watch upcoming economic data releases, including the employment cost index and retail sales figures, which are expected to significantly influence future monetary policy and market trends.
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