Waters rises before open as earnings lift its full-year outlook
Earnings results
- EPS comparison not verified
Actual: $4.1 (adjusted)
- Revenue comparison not verified
Actual: $1.767 (reported, billions)
- Guidance
Raised FY2026 revenue outlook to $6.479–$6.497 billion, up $43 million at the midpoint; adjusted EPS outlook $14.60–$14.70.
Earnings and the stock move
Waters raised its full-year revenue outlook after third-quarter earnings showed stronger demand in its existing laboratory business. The company increased its revenue guidance midpoint by $43 million and reported 9% sales growth excluding acquired businesses. These developments improve the sales outlook; the shares advanced before open following the release. Acquired operations contributed more than half of quarterly revenue, so total growth should not be read as growth of the existing business alone.
Q3 2026 ended October 3 earnings recap
Waters rose 3.9% before open on November 3, 2026, after earnings and a higher full-year outlook. Stronger laboratory demand helped the company raise its sales expectations.
- Third-quarter revenue reached $1.77 billion. The existing business grew sales 9%, excluding revenue from acquired businesses.
- The acquired Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions businesses contributed $896 million. Acquisitions explain much of the increase in total sales from a year earlier.
- Adjusted EPS, or profit per share, was $4.1, versus $0.82 under GAAP accounting rules. Acquisition accounting, deal costs and restructuring explain part of the gap.
- Full-year revenue guidance rose to $6.48–$6.5 billion, up $43 million at the midpoint. Adjusted profit-per-share guidance is now $14.6–$14.7.
- Analytical Sciences sales grew 8%, supported by instruments and testing supplies. More recurring supply purchases can make revenue less dependent on large equipment orders.
- Waters also completed its acquisition of MOBILion, adding technology that separates molecules for analysis. Turning that technology into profitable growth requires execution.
Watch the earnings call for the starting 2027 growth outlook. Integrating acquisitions, laboratory spending and the large gap between adjusted and GAAP profit remain important risks.
Financials and technicals
Charts through Nov 2, 2026. The session move above may reflect later news.
Technical setup and risks
The November 2 close of $449.53 was near the 20-day average and above the 50-day average. Sustained closes above the recent $480–$483 high area would strengthen the rise; closes below $446–$450 would weaken it. Confirm with trading volume. Pre-market gains can reverse.
AI-assisted research with source and calculation checks. Prices may be delayed. Technical charts use the stated completed session, which can precede the quoted intraday move. Educational information; investing involves risk.