ESCO Technologies Inc (ESE)vsMKS Instruments Inc (MKSI)
ESE
ESCO Technologies Inc
$292.64
+0.23%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $8.13B
MKSI
MKS Instruments Inc
$420.56
-8.65%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $24.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MKS Instruments Inc generates 226% more annual revenue ($4.07B vs $1.25B). ESE leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 8.0%. MKSI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. MKSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
ESE
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MKSI
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ESE.
Margin of Safety
-74.5%
Fair Value
$148.46
Current Price
$420.56
$272.10 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 33.5% year-over-year
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 53.2% YoY
15.2% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 10.1x book value
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 Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 15.5%. Revenue growth of 33.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MKSI
The strongest argument for MKSI centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.2% 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 61.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MKSI
The primary concerns for MKSI are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 74.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MKSI carries more volatility with a beta of 2.00 — expect wider price swings.
ESE is growing revenue faster at 33.5% — sustainability is the question.
MKSI generates stronger free cash flow (28M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ESE scores higher overall (61/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 33.5% revenue growth. Both earn "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.
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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