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A vs WAT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Agilent Technologies (A) vs. Waters Corporation (WAT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both A and WAT are leaders in analytical laboratory instruments, yet their recent trajectories diverge sharply: Waters has been transformed by a major acquisition, while Agilent is compounding through steady operational gains.
- Waters has delivered stronger near-term revenue momentum, driven by its acquisition of BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions businesses, while Agilent is benefiting from an extended instrument replacement cycle and disciplined margin expansion.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Waters Corporation (WAT) is the current favored ticker, reflecting its stronger relative momentum, near-record share price, and visible GLP-1-related demand catalysts.
- Agilent counters with greater earnings consistency, a ten-quarter streak of book-to-bill above one (orders exceeding revenue), and lower acquisition-integration risk.
- For more information, explore A Major News and A Today's Price Move, as well as WAT Major News and WAT Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI-powered strategies are positioning across these and other names, explore the Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Agilent Technologies (A) and Waters Corporation (WAT) sit at the heart of the life-sciences tools industry, supplying instruments, consumables, and software that pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostics laboratories rely on daily. Because they share overlapping end markets, this stock comparison is especially relevant for investors weighing two distinct strategies: Agilent's broad, diversified portfolio versus Waters' bold, acquisition-driven expansion. Both companies have shown notable strength in recent months, yet their growth engines, balance-sheet profiles, and risk factors differ meaningfully. This analysis examines their recent performance and market positioning to help traders and investors understand which name may be better suited to the current environment.
A Overview and Recent Performance
Agilent Technologies is a global provider of analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, operating across life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets. In recent weeks, the company has maintained positive momentum, with shares trading near the upper end of their 52-week range and delivering a roughly 27% return over a recent 90-day span. Fiscal third-quarter results showed revenue of about $1.88 billion, with core revenue growth of 7.3% that exceeded guidance, and earnings per share (EPS) that rose double digits year over year.
Several catalysts are shaping sentiment. Agilent's "Ignite" operating program has expanded operating margins by more than 200 basis points (2 percentage points) year over year, while an instrument replacement cycle has driven low-double-digit growth in liquid chromatography (LC) and improving gas chromatography (GC) demand. The company has also reported meaningful GLP-1-related revenue growth and early orders tied to pharmaceutical reshoring. A streak of ten consecutive quarters with book-to-bill above one underscores consistent underlying demand.
WAT Overview and Recent Performance
Waters Corporation specializes in analytical workflow solutions for chemistry, physics, and biology, with a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments. Its recent story is dominated by a transformative transaction: the February 2026 acquisition of Becton, Dickinson's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business, which roughly doubled the company's revenue base. First-quarter 2026 revenue surged 91.5% year over year to about $1.27 billion, and adjusted EPS rose 20% to $2.70.
Momentum continued into the second quarter, with total revenue of roughly $1.65 billion, organic growth of 7% (9% in constant currency), and adjusted EPS of $3.05. Management highlighted GLP-1 testing growth exceeding 40%, strength in pharma and academic markets, and early success integrating the acquired units. Shares have climbed toward record levels in recent weeks, reflecting optimism about synergy realization, though the acquisition also introduced integration costs and a heavier debt load that pushed reported results into a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) loss.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page showcases a curated selection of the platform's AI trading bots, drawn from a broader library of hundreds of automated strategies that trade thousands of different tickers. Because market conditions shift constantly, only the bots best suited to the current environment earn a place in this section. These bots vary widely in trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and the specific tickers they follow, giving users a range of approaches from short-term momentum to longer-horizon positioning. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, the page helps traders evaluate which automated strategies are presently demonstrating strength. Investors comparing names like A and WAT may find value in exploring how AI-driven models are interpreting current signals. Visit the Trending AI Robots page to review the latest selections.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies share a common foundation but pursue different paths. Agilent (A) offers a broader, more diversified portfolio spanning instruments, consumables, diagnostics, and services, and its growth relies on organic execution, margin discipline, and a multi-year replacement cycle. Waters (WAT) has concentrated its expansion around a single large acquisition, rapidly scaling revenue and adding diagnostics exposure but also taking on integration complexity and elevated leverage.
From a growth-driver standpoint, Waters currently shows the more explosive top-line trajectory, while Agilent's growth is steadier and more evenly distributed. Risk profiles also contrast: Agilent faces less balance-sheet strain, whereas Waters must execute on cost synergies, contract remediation, and pricing discipline to justify its expanded footprint. In terms of sector exposure, both are leveraged to pharmaceutical and biotech spending and to GLP-1-related testing, but Waters' new diagnostics segment adds a distinct clinical-revenue stream. Market sentiment has favored both, yet Waters' climb toward record highs signals stronger recent momentum relative to Agilent's more measured advance.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor WAT in the current environment. Waters' shares have exhibited stronger relative momentum and proximity to all-time highs, backed by tangible catalysts including the BD integration, raised full-year guidance, and accelerating GLP-1 testing demand. Its transformed revenue base creates a larger platform for synergy-driven earnings growth. That said, Agilent (A) offers a steadier, lower-risk profile with consistent book-to-bill performance and durable margin expansion. The AI's preference for Waters is probabilistic rather than definitive: it reflects Waters' current momentum and catalyst profile, while acknowledging that Agilent's stability makes it a compelling alternative for investors prioritizing consistency over speed.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is A is a Hold and WAT is a Hold.
Aroon Indicator for A shows an upward move is likely
A's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on October 28, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 209 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 137 of the 209 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 66%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +3.01% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where A advanced for three days, in 187 of 302 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for A moved out of overbought territory on October 16, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 28 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 28 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 71%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 44 of 69 cases where A's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on A as a result. In 57 of 86 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for A turned negative on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 26 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 59%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where A declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
A broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 10 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. A’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 24 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (6.784) is normal, around the industry mean (66.911). P/E Ratio (34.807) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.514). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.447) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.910) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 70 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. A’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock better than average.
WAT's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WAT turned positive on October 21, 2026. Looking at past instances where WAT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on WAT as a result. In 60 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Following a +4.02% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WAT advanced for three days, in 179 of 279 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 119 of 207 cases where WAT Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for WAT moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 34 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 18 of the 34 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 53%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 47 of 70 cases where WAT's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WAT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
WAT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 14 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. WAT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 88 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.023) is normal, around the industry mean (66.911). WAT has a moderately high P/E Ratio (117.487) as compared to the industry average of (2.514). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.649) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.752) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 89 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
A | WAT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 78 | 21 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 24 Undervalued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 70 | 50 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 45 | 89 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 10 | 14 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 2 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
A's Valuation (24) in the Biotechnology industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WAT (88) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that A’s stock grew somewhat faster than WAT’s over the last 12 months.
WAT's Profit vs Risk Rating (50) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as A (70) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that WAT’s stock grew similarly to A’s over the last 12 months.
A's SMR Rating (45) in the Biotechnology industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WAT (89) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that A’s stock grew somewhat faster than WAT’s over the last 12 months.
A's Price Growth Rating (10) in the Biotechnology industry is in the same range as WAT (14) in the Medical Specialties industry. This means that A’s stock grew similarly to WAT’s over the last 12 months.
WAT's P/E Growth Rating (2) in the Medical Specialties industry is somewhat better than the same rating for A (46) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that WAT’s stock grew somewhat faster than A’s over the last 12 months.
| A | WAT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 53% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 67% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 65% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 69% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 63% | 4 days ago 62% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 57% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
A’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while WAT’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- A’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- WAT’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
A’s TA Score shows that 2 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WAT’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- A’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 6 bearish.
- WAT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
A (@Medical Specialties) experienced а -2.37% price change this week, while WAT (@Medical Specialties) price change was -1.95% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical Specialties industry was -9.05%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.17%, and the average quarterly price growth was +36.11%.
Reported Earning Dates
A is expected to report earnings on Nov 23, 2026.
WAT is expected to report earnings on Feb 17, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Medical Specialties (-9.05% weekly)Medical specialties are companies that make equipment used by the health care industry. Equipment manufactured and distributed by these companies include dialysis machines, blood analysis equipment, surgical equipment, dental instruments, and diagnostic tools, among other items. Large companies typically aim to produce and distribute high-quality products across a broad market spectrum. Smaller firms are more likely to specialize in a particular market segment. Due to the industry’s close association with medical treatments, they typically have low sensitivity to macroeconomic fluctuations. Within this industry, Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic Plc and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are some of the companies with multi-billion market capitalizations in the U.S. stock markets.
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WAT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WAT has been loosely correlated with A. These tickers have moved in lockstep 66% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if WAT jumps, then A could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WAT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAT | 100% | +1.67% | ||
| A - WAT | 66% Loosely correlated | +0.97% | ||
| RVTY - WAT | 60% Loosely correlated | -2.48% | ||
| TMO - WAT | 58% Loosely correlated | +1.12% | ||
| BRKR - WAT | 58% Loosely correlated | +12.90% | ||
| CRL - WAT | 57% Loosely correlated | -7.27% | ||
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