J.P. Morgan analyst Rachel Vatnsdal has maintained their neutral stance on WAT stock, giving a Hold rating yesterday.
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Rachel Vatnsdal’s rating is based on the recent merger announcement between Waters and Becton Dickinson’s Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions Business. This transaction, valued at $17.5 billion, presents a significant opportunity for synergy and growth. However, the success of this merger heavily depends on management’s ability to execute various strategic initiatives, such as driving instrument replacements and expanding into new markets. While the deal is expected to be accretive to earnings per share in the first year post-closing, there are substantial execution risks involved.
Furthermore, the merger will result in Waters assuming $4 billion in incremental debt, which could impact its financial flexibility. Although the combined company is projected to achieve mid-teens adjusted EPS growth and significant revenue and cost synergies by 2030, these targets are contingent on successful integration and execution. Given these factors, Rachel Vatnsdal has opted for a Hold rating, reflecting a cautious stance amid the potential benefits and risks associated with the merger.