Insider Transaction
On August 6, 2026, Christopher A. Kuebler, a director of Waters Corp (NASDAQ:WAT), sold 3,626 shares of the company’s common stock for a total consideration of $1,442,930, which translates to $397.94 per share. The same day, Kuebler exercised stock options to acquire an identical block of 3,626 shares at an exercise price of $136.43 per share, incurring a cash outlay of $494,695. These options, originally exercisable since January 3, 2018, are set to expire on January 3, 2027, and are no longer beneficially owned after the exercise. Following the sale and exercise, Kuebler’s direct holding in Waters Corp stands at 17,808 shares.
Market Context
At the time of the transaction, Waters Corp shares were trading near their 52‑week high of $414.15, reflecting a 45% total return over the past year. InvestingPro’s analysis notes that the stock appears overvalued relative to its fair value, despite the strong price performance.
Company Performance
Waters Corp reported its second‑quarter 2026 results, posting adjusted earnings of $3.05 per share, marginally above the consensus estimate of $3.01. Revenue for the quarter reached $1.64 billion, exceeding the forecasted $1.62 billion. Management highlighted ongoing challenges from foreign‑exchange pressures and the integration of recently acquired businesses.
Analyst Upgrade
TD Cowen upgraded Waters Corp’s rating from “Hold” to “Buy,” raising its price target to $475 from $408. The upgrade was driven by the better‑than‑expected Q2 performance and an outlook for high‑single‑digit percentage revenue growth extending into 2028.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.