WallStSmart

Astrotech Corp (ASTC)vsMKS Instruments Inc (MKSI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MKS Instruments Inc generates 431578% more annual revenue ($4.35B vs $1.01M). MKSI leads profitability with a 10.1% profit margin vs 0.0%. ASTC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. MKSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

ASTC

Avoid

28

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 2.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: -11.09

MKSI

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.24
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ASTC.

MKSISignificantly Overvalued (-59.8%)

Margin of Safety

-59.8%

Fair Value

$162.14

Current Price

$267.31

$105.17 premium

UndervaluedFair: $162.14Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASTC2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.209/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

MKSI3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
162.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 162.0% YoY

Operating MarginProfitability
20.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.6%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.3%8/10

Revenue surging 28.3% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

ASTC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$15.01M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

MKSI3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.403/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
42.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.242/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ASTC

The strongest argument for ASTC centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.02 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MKSI

The strongest argument for MKSI centers on EPS Growth, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 28.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ASTC

The primary concerns for ASTC are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : MKSI

The primary concerns for MKSI are Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 42.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ASTC profiles as a value stock while MKSI is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

ASTC carries more volatility with a beta of 4.89 — expect wider price swings.

MKSI is growing revenue faster at 28.3% — sustainability is the question.

MKSI generates stronger free cash flow (189M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MKSI scores higher overall (69/100 vs 28/100) and 28.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Astrotech Corp

TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA

Astrotech Corporation is a science and technology development and commercialization company in the United States. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

MKS Instruments Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA

MKS Instruments, Inc. provides instruments, systems, subsystems, and process control solutions that measure, monitor, deliver, analyze, power, and control critical parameters of manufacturing processes globally. The company is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.

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