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: 327.530
Low
350.00
Averages
414.08
High
480.00
Current: 327.530
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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