Waters Corporation Delivers Robust Q1 2025 Financial Results and Raises Full-Year Guidance
Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), a global leader in analytical instruments and technologies, announced its financial results for the first quarter (Q1) ending on March 29, 2025. The company reported strong sales growth at the high end of its guidance range, demonstrating remarkable resilience and operational excellence despite challenges in the external environment.
Net sales reached \(662 million, a 4% increase compared to \)637 million in Q1 2024 and a 7% increase on a constant currency basis.
Instrument sales surged by 11% in constant currency, driven primarily by strong demand in the pharmaceutical and industrial markets.
Earnings per share (EPS): GAAP diluted EPS was \(2.03, up from \)1.72 in Q1 2024, while non-GAAP EPS grew 2% to $2.25, despite facing about five percentage points of unfavorable foreign exchange impact.
CEO Dr. Udit Batra credited the growth to the company’s focus on resilient downstream applications and innovative product portfolio. Particularly, the pharma and industrial sectors showed robust performance, contributing to the double-digit instrument sales growth. Waters’ exposure to these markets helps mitigate macroeconomic uncertainties.
Operating income rose to \(151.7 million from \)133.8 million a year earlier.
Net income increased 19% to \(121.4 million from \)102.2 million.
The company’s operating margin expanded to 22.9% from 21.0%.
Cash and cash equivalents were \(382.9 million at quarter-end, up 18% from \)325.4 million at the end of 2024.
Asia sales increased 13% on a constant currency basis, supported by growing investments in pharma and industrial sectors.
Americas sales grew 6%, reflecting steady demand.
Europe showed modest 1% constant currency growth amid challenging macroeconomic conditions.
Waters is optimistic about its full-year 2025 performance and raised its guidance: - Full-year sales growth is now expected between 5% and 7% on a constant currency basis, up from prior guidance. - Non-GAAP EPS guidance is raised to \(12.75 - \)13.05, implying a year-over-year growth of approximately 8% to 10%, or 10% to 12% on a constant currency basis. - For Q2 2025, constant currency sales growth is projected at 5% to 7%, and non-GAAP EPS is expected between \(2.88 and \)2.98, representing an approximate 10% to 13% increase year-over-year.
In line with previous quarters’ earnings calls, Waters continues to emphasize operational excellence, innovations in instrument technologies, and resilient pharma and industrial market exposure. Their proactive measures to mitigate tariff impact and foreign exchange volatility through operational strategies are evident in their raised guidance. This strategic positioning underscores their competitive advantage in an uncertain global economic landscape.
Compared to the fiscal year 2024 Q4 balance sheet, Waters’ increase in cash and cash equivalents by approximately $57.5 million (an 18% rise) strengthens liquidity and financial flexibility. The rise in net income by 19% signals solid profitability improvements. These factors combined with raised EPS guidance suggest a positive operational momentum for the remainder of 2025.
CEO Dr. Udit Batra stated, “Thanks to the focus and dedication of our teams, the momentum in our business has remained strong despite a very dynamic external environment. Our first-quarter results exceeded expectations, driven by double-digit instrument growth, strength in pharma, and the continued traction of our innovative product portfolio.”
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For more detailed information and financial tables, refer to the official 8-K report from the SEC.