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.
LH
Labcorp Holdings Inc.
$311.54HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
WAT
Waters Corporation
$408.34HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — LH vs WAT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yLH +200.7% (+11.6%/yr)WAT +154.2% (+9.8%/yr)LH compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | LH | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.77 | 101.83 |
| Forward P/E | 16.98 | 28.02 |
| P/S ratio | 1.78 | 6.58 |
| P/B ratio | 2.97 | 2.01 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.90 | 37.99 |
| FCF yield | 4.52% | 1.30% |
Profitability
| Metric | LH | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 27.85% | 50.78% |
| Operating margin | 11.27% | 28.22% |
| Net margin | 6.99% | 3.58% |
| ROE | 11.65% | 1.09% |
| ROIC | 8.02% | 1.34% |
Dividends
| Metric | LH | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.94% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 23.82% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LH | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Labcorp P/E ratioWaters P/E ratioLabcorp dividend yieldLabcorp ROEWaters ROELabcorp operating marginWaters operating marginLabcorp revenue growthWaters revenue growthLabcorp free cash flowWaters free cash flow
Labcorp & 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 11, 2026.