Medline Inc. (MDLN) vs Waters Corporation (WAT)
A side-by-side comparison of Medline Inc. and Waters Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
MDLN
Medline Inc.
$34.48HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 7, 2026, 9:35 AM EDT
WAT
Waters Corporation
$397.65HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 7, 2026, 9:35 AM EDT
Total return — MDLN vs WAT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 1yMDLN -10.6%WAT +1.0%WAT compounded faster
MDLN WAT
MDLN vs WAT: by the numbers
- •WAT is the larger company ($29.74B vs $29.16B market cap).
- •MDLN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.31 vs 99.68 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •WAT converts more revenue to profit (3.58% vs 3.31% net margin).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MDLN | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 30.31 | 99.68 |
| Forward P/E | 24.21 | 27.53 |
| P/S ratio | 1.04 | 8.45 |
| P/B ratio | 2.68 | 2.58 |
| PEG ratio | N/A | 75.61 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.63 | 47.20 |
| FCF yield | 5.04% | 1.01% |
Profitability
| Metric | MDLN | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 24.04% | 50.78% |
| Operating margin | 7.04% | 28.22% |
| Net margin | 3.31% | 3.58% |
| ROE | 8.55% | 1.09% |
| ROIC | 5.69% | 17.57% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MDLN | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 11.70% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 5.16% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -9.19% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 0.21% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MDLN or WAT?
- MDLN has the lower trailing P/E: MDLN trades at 30.31 and WAT at 99.68. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Is MDLN or WAT more profitable?
- WAT runs the higher net margin — MDLN at 3.31% versus WAT at 3.58%.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Medline P/E ratioWaters P/E ratioMedline dividend yieldWaters dividend yieldMedline ROEWaters ROEMedline operating marginWaters operating marginMedline revenue growthWaters revenue growthMedline free cash flowWaters free cash flow
Medline & 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 August 6, 2026.