ESCO Technologies Inc (ESE)vsMKS Instruments Inc (MKSI)
ESE
ESCO Technologies Inc
$288.77
+4.31%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $7.17B
MKSI
MKS Instruments Inc
$243.68
+0.05%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $16.38B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MKS Instruments Inc generates 236% more annual revenue ($3.93B vs $1.17B). ESE leads profitability with a 26.0% profit margin vs 7.5%. MKSI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. MKSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ESE
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
MKSI
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-763.9%
Fair Value
$32.78
Current Price
$288.77
$255.99 premium
Margin of Safety
-64.0%
Fair Value
$158.01
Current Price
$243.68
$85.67 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 10.0%
7.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ESE
The strongest argument for ESE centers on Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.0% and operating margin at 8.8%.
Bull Case : MKSI
Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ESE
The primary concerns for ESE are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MKSI
The primary concerns for MKSI are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 55.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESE profiles as a mature stock while MKSI is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MKSI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.92 — expect wider price swings.
MKSI is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.
MKSI generates stronger free cash flow (91M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MKSI scores higher overall (55/100 vs 48/100) and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
ESCO Technologies Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA
ESCO Technologies Inc. produces and supplies products and systems designed for the industrial and commercial markets worldwide. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
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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