Humana Inc. (HUM) vs Waters Corporation (WAT)

A side-by-side comparison of Humana Inc. 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.

Compare

Total returnHUM vs WAT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
HUM +148.6% (+9.5%/yr)WAT +161.7% (+10.1%/yr)WAT compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$249$262
HUM WAT

HUM vs WAT: by the numbers

  • HUM is the larger company ($45.39B vs $41.62B market cap).
  • HUM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (35.80 vs 105.72 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • WAT converts more revenue to profit (3.58% vs 0.88% net margin).
  • HUM grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.61% vs 11.70% CAGR).
  • HUM pays a dividend (0.86% yield), while WAT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHUMWAT
P/E ratio35.80105.72
Forward P/E41.3029.09
P/S ratio0.318.96
P/B ratio2.362.74
EV / EBITDA19.0249.94
FCF yieldN/A0.96%

Profitability

MetricHUMWAT
Gross margin13.65%50.78%
Operating margin1.39%28.22%
Net margin0.88%3.58%
ROE6.65%1.09%
ROIC4.52%1.34%

Dividends

MetricHUMWAT
Dividend yield0.86%N/A
Payout ratio33.52%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricHUMWAT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.61%11.70%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-17.27%5.16%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-17.19%-9.10%
Total return CAGR (5Y)1.39%-0.83%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, HUM or WAT?
HUM has the lower trailing P/E: HUM trades at 35.80 and WAT at 105.72. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, HUM or WAT?
Over the past five years, HUM grew revenue faster — HUM at a 12.61% CAGR versus WAT at 11.70%.
Does HUM or WAT pay a bigger dividend?
HUM pays a dividend (0.86% yield), while WAT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is HUM or WAT more profitable?
WAT runs the higher net margin — HUM at 0.88% versus WAT at 3.58%.
How have HUM and WAT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, HUM delivered 9.71% and WAT delivered 10.36% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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.