Merck & Company, Inc. vs Waters Corporation — Stock Comparison
Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) and Waters Corporation (WAT) are both listed on US exchanges. This page compares their Q·Score ratings, key fundamentals (P/E, margins, growth), and Wall Street analyst consensus side by side. Data sourced from Yahoo Finance and updated on each page load.
Merck & Company, Inc. narrowly edges Waters Corporation on Q·Score (7 vs 6.9 out of 10), led by Quality (7.7 vs 4) and Sentiment (7.1 vs 6.7). Waters Corporation scores higher on Health, reflecting stronger balance sheet strength. Analyst price targets imply similar upside for both: +13.9% for MRK and +12.6% for WAT.
Price Performance
Normalised to 100 at period start — shows relative performance.
Q·Score Breakdown
High-quality business with 19% return on equity and 14% profit margins.
Clean balance sheet with low leverage (0.4× debt-to-equity).
⚠ weak profitability metrics drag quality score.
Analyst Consensus
Fundamentals
Frequently Asked Questions
MRK vs WAT: which stock scores better overall?
Based on Q·Score, Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores 7/10 versus Waters Corporation (WAT) at 6.9/10. The Q·Score measures five dimensions: Quality, Health, Growth, Valuation, and Sentiment. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.
Which has better revenue growth: MRK or WAT?
Waters Corporation (WAT) scores higher on Growth (7.7/10 vs 6.2/10). Merck & Company, Inc. reports revenue growth (4.9% YoY) while Waters Corporation reports (91.4% YoY). Growth scores reflect revenue and earnings momentum relative to sector peers.
Is MRK or WAT more attractively valued?
Waters Corporation (WAT) scores higher on Valuation (7.5/10 vs 6.7/10). MRK trades at 11.9× P/E versus WAT at 21.6×. Valuation is assessed using P/E ratio, analyst price targets, and 52-week range positioning relative to sector peers.
What do analysts say about MRK vs WAT?
There are 27 analysts covering MRK with a consensus price target of $129.74, and 22 analysts covering WAT with a consensus target of $400.27. Analyst consensus ratings are aggregated from Wall Street research and do not constitute investment advice.
Which is more profitable: MRK or WAT?
Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Quality (7.7/10 vs 4/10). Net profit margin: MRK at 13.6%, WAT at 11.9%. Quality scores reflect profit margins, return on equity, and free cash flow generation.
Which has stronger financial health: MRK or WAT?
Waters Corporation (WAT) scores higher on Financial Health (9.1/10 vs 7/10). Market beta: MRK at 0.22, WAT at 1.20. Health scores consider beta, debt-to-equity, and current ratio. All investments carry risk — this is not investment advice.
What are the market caps of MRK and WAT?
Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) has a market capitalisation of $281.2B, while Waters Corporation (WAT) has a market cap of $34.9B. Market cap data is sourced from Yahoo Finance and reflects the most recent available figures.
Do MRK or WAT pay dividends?
MRK pays a dividend yield of 2.95%, while WAT does not currently pay a dividend. Dividend yields fluctuate with share price and company payout decisions.
Related Comparisons
Q·Score is an educational tool and is not financial advice. Data provided by Yahoo Finance. Updated on each page load. How it's calculated →