IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (IDXX) vs Waters Corporation (WAT)

A side-by-side comparison of IDEXX Laboratories, 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 returnIDXX vs WAT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
IDXX +383.2% (+17.1%/yr)WAT +154.2% (+9.8%/yr)IDXX compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$483$254
IDXX WAT

IDXX vs WAT: by the numbers

  • WAT is the larger company ($41.62B vs $40.65B market cap).
  • IDXX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (36.49 vs 105.72 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • IDXX converts more revenue to profit (25.03% vs 3.58% net margin).
  • WAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.70% vs 8.37% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIDXXWAT
P/E ratio36.49105.72
Forward P/E34.8929.09
P/S ratio8.938.96
P/B ratio25.212.74
EV / EBITDA25.7649.94
FCF yield3.08%0.96%

Profitability

MetricIDXXWAT
Gross margin62.45%50.78%
Operating margin32.03%28.22%
Net margin25.03%3.58%
ROE70.67%1.09%
ROIC41.33%1.34%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIDXXWAT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.37%11.70%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.07%5.16%
FCF CAGR (5Y)12.49%-9.10%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-5.83%-0.83%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IDXX or WAT?
IDXX has the lower trailing P/E: IDXX trades at 36.49 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, IDXX or WAT?
Over the past five years, WAT grew revenue faster — IDXX at a 8.37% CAGR versus WAT at 11.70%.
Is IDXX or WAT more profitable?
IDXX runs the higher net margin — IDXX at 25.03% versus WAT at 3.58%.
How have IDXX and WAT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IDXX delivered 16.45% 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.