WallStSmart

MKS Instruments Inc (MKSI)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Microsoft Corporation generates 7714% more annual revenue ($318.27B vs $4.07B). MSFT leads profitability with a 39.3% profit margin vs 8.0%. MSFT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

MKSI

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.24

MSFT

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.51
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MKSISignificantly Overvalued (-74.5%)

Margin of Safety

-74.5%

Fair Value

$148.46

Current Price

$420.56

$272.10 premium

UndervaluedFair: $148.46Overvalued
MSFTSignificantly Overvalued (-77.9%)

Margin of Safety

-77.9%

Fair Value

$213.30

Current Price

$367.34

$154.04 premium

UndervaluedFair: $213.30Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MKSI2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
53.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 53.2% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.2%8/10

15.2% revenue growth

MSFT6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$2.97T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$15.80B10/10

Generating 15.8B in free cash flow

Debt/EquityHealth
0.149/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

MKSI4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
10.1x4/10

Trading at 10.1x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.533/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
74.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.242/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MSFT0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : MSFT

The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.3% and operating margin at 46.3%. Revenue growth of 18.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : MSFT

No major red flags identified for MSFT, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MKSI carries more volatility with a beta of 2.00 — expect wider price swings.

MSFT is growing revenue faster at 18.3% — sustainability is the question.

MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (15.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MSFT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 39.3% margins and 18.3% revenue growth. 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.

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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Microsoft Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.

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