Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (EW) vs Waters Corporation (WAT)
A side-by-side comparison of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and Waters Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
$86.29HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
WAT
Waters Corporation
$433.54HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — EW vs WAT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yEW +130.6% (+8.7%/yr)WAT +154.2% (+9.8%/yr)WAT compounded faster over this window
EW WAT
EW vs WAT: by the numbers
- •EW is the larger company ($49.69B vs $42.57B market cap).
- •EW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (49.59 vs 108.11 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •EW converts more revenue to profit (15.43% vs 3.58% net margin).
- •WAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.70% vs 5.75% CAGR).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | EW | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 49.59 | 108.11 |
| Forward P/E | 28.75 | 29.75 |
| P/S ratio | 7.63 | 9.17 |
| P/B ratio | 4.68 | 2.80 |
| EV / EBITDA | 23.80 | 50.96 |
| FCF yield | 2.89% | 0.94% |
Profitability
| Metric | EW | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 77.98% | 50.78% |
| Operating margin | 28.09% | 28.22% |
| Net margin | 15.43% | 3.58% |
| ROE | 9.46% | 1.09% |
| ROIC | 10.22% | 1.34% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | EW | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.75% | 11.70% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 6.87% | 5.16% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 6.41% | -9.10% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -6.94% | -0.83% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, EW or WAT?
- EW has the lower trailing P/E: EW trades at 49.59 and WAT at 108.11. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, EW or WAT?
- Over the past five years, WAT grew revenue faster — EW at a 5.75% CAGR versus WAT at 11.70%.
- Is EW or WAT more profitable?
- EW runs the higher net margin — EW at 15.43% versus WAT at 3.58%.
- How have EW and WAT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, EW delivered 8.24% and WAT delivered 10.36% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.