Labcorp Holdings Inc. (LH) vs Waters Corporation (WAT)

A side-by-side comparison of Labcorp Holdings Inc. and Waters Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnLH vs WAT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
LH +200.7% (+11.6%/yr)WAT +154.2% (+9.8%/yr)LH compounded faster over this window
100150200250300Start $10020182020202220242026$301$254
LH WAT

LH vs WAT: by the numbers

  • WAT is the larger company ($30.54B vs $25.55B market cap).
  • LH trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.77 vs 101.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • LH converts more revenue to profit (6.99% vs 3.58% net margin).
  • WAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.70% vs -2.62% CAGR).
  • LH pays a dividend (0.94% yield), while WAT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLHWAT
P/E ratio25.77101.83
Forward P/E16.9828.02
P/S ratio1.786.58
P/B ratio2.972.01
EV / EBITDA13.9037.99
FCF yield4.52%1.30%

Profitability

MetricLHWAT
Gross margin27.85%50.78%
Operating margin11.27%28.22%
Net margin6.99%3.58%
ROE11.65%1.09%
ROIC8.02%1.34%

Dividends

MetricLHWAT
Dividend yield0.94%N/A
Payout ratio23.82%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricLHWAT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-2.62%11.70%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-8.00%5.16%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-16.45%-9.10%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.61%-0.83%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, LH or WAT?
LH has the lower trailing P/E: LH trades at 25.77 and WAT at 101.83. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, LH or WAT?
Over the past five years, WAT grew revenue faster — LH at a -2.62% CAGR versus WAT at 11.70%.
Does LH or WAT pay a bigger dividend?
LH pays a dividend (0.94% yield), while WAT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is LH or WAT more profitable?
LH runs the higher net margin — LH at 6.99% versus WAT at 3.58%.
How have LH and WAT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, LH delivered 10.81% 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 11, 2026.