WallStSmart

MKS Instruments Inc (MKSI)vsSensata Technologies Holding NV (ST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MKS Instruments Inc generates 15% more annual revenue ($4.35B vs $3.78B). MKSI leads profitability with a 10.1% profit margin vs 2.4%. ST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.25. 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

ST

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 6.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.80
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MKSISignificantly Overvalued (-59.5%)

Margin of Safety

-59.5%

Fair Value

$162.45

Current Price

$252.08

$89.63 premium

UndervaluedFair: $162.45Overvalued
STUndervalued (+19.4%)

Margin of Safety

+19.4%

Fair Value

$46.17

Current Price

$41.95

$4.22 discount

UndervaluedFair: $46.17Overvalued

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

ST3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2510/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
70.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 70.7% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

ST4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.804/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
1.7%3/10

ROE of 1.7% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.4%3/10

2.4% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
68.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 : ST

The strongest argument for ST centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Price/Book. PEG of 0.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : ST

The primary concerns for ST are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 68.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MKSI profiles as a growth stock while ST 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 63/100) and 28.3% revenue growth. ST offers better value entry with a 19.4% 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.

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 →

Sensata Technologies Holding NV

TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA

Sensata Technologies Holding plc, develops, manufactures and sells sensors, sensor-based solutions, controls and other products in America, Europe, Asia and internationally. The company is headquartered in Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?