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.
IDXX
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
$515.30HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 21, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
WAT
Waters Corporation
$423.92HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 21, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — IDXX vs WAT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yIDXX +383.2% (+17.1%/yr)WAT +154.2% (+9.8%/yr)IDXX compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | IDXX | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 36.49 | 105.72 |
| Forward P/E | 34.89 | 29.09 |
| P/S ratio | 8.93 | 8.96 |
| P/B ratio | 25.21 | 2.74 |
| EV / EBITDA | 25.76 | 49.94 |
| FCF yield | 3.08% | 0.96% |
Profitability
| Metric | IDXX | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 62.45% | 50.78% |
| Operating margin | 32.03% | 28.22% |
| Net margin | 25.03% | 3.58% |
| ROE | 70.67% | 1.09% |
| ROIC | 41.33% | 1.34% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | IDXX | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
IDEXX Laboratories P/E ratioWaters P/E ratioIDEXX Laboratories ROEWaters ROEIDEXX Laboratories operating marginWaters operating marginIDEXX Laboratories revenue growthWaters revenue growthIDEXX Laboratories free cash flowWaters free cash flow
IDEXX Laboratories & Waters appear in these rankings
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.