Stock price when the opinion was issued
WAT vs. TMO vs. DHR Not performing as well as Thermo Fisher or Danaher. Cash from operations has been flat in the last 4 years, whereas the other two have doubled, which is reflected in the stock price. Market share, operating margins, and pricing power impact the business model. Compare these when assessing competitors in an industry.
Life sciences suffered post-Covid after rallying during Covid. WAT is a major player. Last Wednesday they reperted a clean top/bottom line beat, but issued a cautious earnings forecast, so the market gave a muted reaction. Likes them, because they have few competitors at at time when the economy is slowing down.