WAT stock forecast: what analysts expect
Wall Street analysts covering Waters Corporation currently rate the stock a Buy on average, with a mean 12-month price target of $436.00 — +4.8% versus the last price of $416.15. Targets reflect analyst opinion, not a guarantee.
WAT historical returns
Based on monthly dividend-adjusted prices. See the full breakdown on what if you had invested in WAT.
WAT annual returns by year
Congress trading in WAT
6 members of Congress have disclosed trading WAT — 5 purchases and 1 sale worth an estimated $64,000. Most recent disclosure: Feb 9, 2026.
Insider activity in WAT
WAT's own executives and directors have made 0 open-market purchases ($0) and 1 sale ($1.4M) in the last 90 days, per SEC Form 4 filings. Most recent: Aug 6, 2026.
| Aug 6, 2026 | Kuebler Christopher A | Director | Sell | $1.4M |
About Waters Corporation
Waters Corporation provides analytical workflow solutions in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The company operates through two segments, Waters and TA. The company designs, manufactures, sells, and services liquid chromatography, as well as mass spectrometry (MS) technology systems and supports products, including chromatography columns, and other consumable products. It also designs, manufactures, sells, and services thermal analysis, rheometry, and calorimetry instruments for use in predicting the suitability and stability of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, water, polymers, metals, and viscous liquids for various industrial, consumer goods, and healthcare products, as well as for life science research; and develops and supplies software-based products that interface with its instruments, as well as other manufacturers' instruments. In addition, the company offers MS technology, which is used in drug discovery and development comprising clinical trial testing, the analysis of proteins in disease processes, nutritional safety analysis, and environmental testing. Its products are used by clinical, pharmaceutical, biochemical, industrial, nutritional safety, environmental, academic, and governmental customers working in research and development, quality assurance, and other laboratory applications. The company was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
WAT Key Statistics
WAT in plain English
- P/E ratio (105.4) — how many dollars you pay for each $1 of WAT's yearly profit. That's high, so the market expects strong growth (and you're paying up for it).
- ROE (1.92%) — how efficiently the company turns shareholders' money into profit. This is a middling level.
- Profit margin (3.59%) — of every $1 in sales, this is what's left as profit after all costs.
- Dividend — WAT doesn't pay a meaningful dividend; the return here comes from the share price, not cash payouts.
WAT stock: frequently asked questions
What is Waters Corporation's stock price today?
Waters Corporation (WAT) last traded at $416.15 on the NYSE. Over the past 52 weeks the stock has traded between $282.77 and $416.62.
Is WAT stock a buy or a sell?
Wall Street analysts' consensus rating on WAT is "Buy", with an average 12-month price target of $436.00 — about +4.8% versus the current price of $416.15. Analyst targets are opinions, not guarantees; always do your own research.
How much would $1,000 invested in WAT 10 years ago be worth today?
A $1,000 investment in Waters Corporation made 10 years ago would be worth about $2,645 today (dividends reinvested) — a total return of 165%, or 10.2% per year.
Does WAT pay a dividend?
No — Waters Corporation does not currently pay a meaningful dividend. Returns for shareholders come from changes in the share price.
What is WAT's P/E ratio?
WAT trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 105.4, and 25.1 times expected forward earnings. The P/E ratio tells you how many dollars investors pay for each $1 of the company's annual profit.
Do members of Congress trade WAT stock?
Yes — 6 members of Congress have disclosed trades in WAT under the STOCK Act, totaling 5 purchases and 1 sales worth an estimated $64,000.
What is Waters Corporation's ticker symbol?
Waters Corporation trades under the ticker symbol WAT on the NYSE.
Compare WAT with peers
Data last refreshed from public sources. Figures may be delayed. Not investment advice.