Cognex Corporation (CGNX)vsMKS Instruments Inc (MKSI)
CGNX
Cognex Corporation
$64.22
+4.10%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $10.47B
MKSI
MKS Instruments Inc
$267.31
+2.09%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $17.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MKS Instruments Inc generates 299% more annual revenue ($4.35B vs $1.09B). CGNX leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs 10.1%. MKSI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. MKSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
CGNX
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
MKSI
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+49.3%
Fair Value
$84.85
Current Price
$64.22
$20.63 discount
Margin of Safety
-59.8%
Fair Value
$162.14
Current Price
$267.31
$105.17 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 79.2% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%
16.9% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 162.0% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 20.6%
Revenue surging 28.3% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CGNX
The strongest argument for CGNX centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 29.4%. Revenue growth of 16.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : CGNX
The primary concerns for CGNX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 59.9x leaves little room for execution misses.
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
MKSI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.97 — 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.
Monitor SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MKSI scores higher overall (69/100 vs 60/100) and 28.3% revenue growth. CGNX offers better value entry with a 49.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Cognex Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA
Cognex Corporation offers machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks globally. The company is headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS Stocks
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