Waters Corporation (WAT) Price Target Analysis
Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated May 1, 2026
Current Price
$349.53
Price Target
$402.57
Target Range
$350.00 — $480.00
Analyst Rating
Hold
Forward P/E24.3x
Trailing P/E32.5x
Forward PEG4.69
Implied Growth+163.0%
Median Target$400.00
Analyst Spread32.3%
Price Forecast (1 Year)
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
Bear Case
$350
+0.1%
Consensus
$403
+15.2%
Bull Case
$480
+37.3%
Valuation Model TargetsConfidence: 67/100
Bear$356
Base$430
Bull$589
WAT Price Target Analysis
Updated May 7, 2026As of May 7, 2026, Waters Corporation (WAT) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $402.57, based on estimates from 34 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $349.53, this represents a potential upside of +15.2%. The company has a market capitalization of $22.78B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $350.00 to a high of $480.00, representing a 32% spread in expectations. The median target of $400.00 aligns closely with the consensus average.
The current analyst consensus rating is Hold, with 10 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,21 rating it Hold, and 3 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The bearish sentiment suggests caution about the stock at current levels.
From a valuation perspective, WAT trades at a trailing P/E of 32.5x and forward P/E of 24.3x. The forward PEG ratio of 4.69 reflects a premium valuation. Analysts expect EPS to grow +163.0% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $429.50, with bear and bull scenarios of $355.63 and $588.78 respectively. Model confidence stands at 67/100, reflecting moderate uncertainty in projections.
Investment Context: Price targets represent analyst expectations for the next 12 months and should be considered alongside your own research. Targets are based on analysts' assumptions about earnings growth, margins, and market conditions which may change. For sector-specific context, view other Healthcare stocks.
Analyst Sentiment Comparison
Industry Peer AnalysisAvg Peer Upside+34.1%
Avg Forward P/E33.1x
Peers with Coverage10 / 10
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 AAgilent Technologies, Inc. | $33.3B | $117.69 | $166.00 | +41.0% | Buy | 19.7x | 38 |
 BRKRBruker Corporation | $6.4B | $42.30 | $52.13 | +23.2% | Buy | 20.0x | 32 |
 MTSIMACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. | $23.2B | $309.81 | $254.00 | -18.0% | Buy | 69.2x | 23 |
 SHIMShimmick Corporation Common Stock | $204M | $5.67 | $6.00 | +5.8% | Hold | — | 2 |
 TMOThermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | $175.8B | $472.95 | $654.67 | +38.4% | Buy | 19.0x | 42 |
 DHRDanaher Corporation | $123.8B | $174.92 | $247.00 | +41.2% | Buy | 20.7x | 42 |
 RGENRepligen Corporation | $7.1B | $125.76 | $168.00 | +33.6% | Buy | 63.9x | 23 |
 AZTAAzenta, Inc. | $847M | $18.38 | $44.67 | +143.0% | Buy | 23.4x | 12 |
 FELEFranklin Electric Co., Inc. | $4.5B | $100.98 | $100.00 | -1.0% | Hold | 22.0x | 11 |
 IDXXIDEXX Laboratories, Inc. | $46.1B | $579.23 | $773.13 | +33.5% | Buy | 39.9x | 22 |
Upside Potential Comparison
AZTADHRATMORGENIDXXBRKRSHIMFull WAT Stock Analysis
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Start ComparisonWAT — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying WAT stock.
What is the WAT stock price target for 2026?
Waters Corporation (WAT) has a consensus 12-month price target of $402.57, implying 15.2% upside from $349.53. The 34 analysts covering WAT see moderate appreciation potential.
Is WAT a buy, sell, or hold?
WAT has a consensus rating of "Hold" based on 34 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is mixed, with 21 Hold ratings making up the largest segment. The consensus 12-month price target of $402.57 implies 15.2% upside from current levels.
Is WAT stock overvalued or undervalued?
WAT trades at a forward P/E of 24.3026x, representing a moderate valuation. With analysts targeting $402.57 (15.2% implied move), the stock appears reasonably valued with upside.
How high can WAT stock go?
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $480 for WAT, while the most conservative target is $350. The consensus of $402.57 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $589 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
How many analysts cover WAT stock?
WAT is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 34 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 10 have Buy ratings, 21 recommend Hold, and 3 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
What is the WAT stock forecast?
The 12-month WAT stock forecast based on 34 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $402.57, with estimates ranging from $350 (bear case) to $480 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Hold". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $430, with bear/bull scenarios of $356/$589.
What is WAT's fair value based on fundamentals?
Our quantitative valuation model calculates WAT's fair value at $430 (base case), with a bear case of $356 and bull case of $589. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 67/100.
What is WAT's forward P/E ratio?
WAT trades at a forward P/E ratio of 24.3x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 32.5x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Should I buy WAT stock?
Wall Street analysts are optimistic on WAT, with a "Hold" consensus rating and $402.57 price target (15.2% upside). 10 of 34 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Why do WAT price targets vary so much?
WAT analyst price targets range from $350 to $480, a 32% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $402.57 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $356-$589 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.