WallStSmart

MKS Instruments Inc (MKSI)vsSono-Tek Corp (SOTK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MKS Instruments Inc generates 20177% more annual revenue ($4.35B vs $21.44M). MKSI leads profitability with a 10.1% profit margin vs 9.6%. SOTK trades at a lower P/E of 38.6x. MKSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

MKSI

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

SOTK

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.10
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MKSISignificantly Overvalued (-59.8%)

Margin of Safety

-59.8%

Fair Value

$162.14

Current Price

$267.31

$105.17 premium

UndervaluedFair: $162.14Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SOTK.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

SOTK2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
57.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 57.2% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

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

SOTK2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Market CapQuality
$78.90M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : SOTK

The strongest argument for SOTK centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : SOTK

The primary concerns for SOTK are P/E Ratio, Market Cap.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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.

Bottom Line

MKSI scores higher overall (69/100 vs 50/100) and 28.3% 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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Sono-Tek Corp

TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA

Sono-Tek Corporation designs and manufactures ultrasonic coating systems for application to parts and components for the global microelectronics / electronics, alternative energy, medical, industrial, and research and development / other markets. The company is headquartered in Milton, New York.

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