WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MKS Instruments Inc generates 19150% more annual revenue ($3.93B vs $20.42M). SOTK leads profitability with a 7.7% profit margin vs 7.5%. SOTK trades at a lower P/E of 39.8x. MKSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

MKSI

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.20

SOTK

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MKSISignificantly Overvalued (-64.0%)

Margin of Safety

-64.0%

Fair Value

$158.01

Current Price

$243.68

$85.67 premium

UndervaluedFair: $158.01Overvalued
SOTKSignificantly Overvalued (-34.5%)

Margin of Safety

-34.5%

Fair Value

$3.06

Current Price

$3.98

$0.92 premium

UndervaluedFair: $3.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MKSI0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

SOTK0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

Areas to Watch

MKSI4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
7.5%3/10

7.5% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.763/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
55.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.202/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SOTK4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Market CapQuality
$62.53M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
7.7%3/10

7.7% margin — thin

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.6%2/10

Revenue declined 3.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MKSI

Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : SOTK

SOTK has a balanced fundamental profile.

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.

Bear Case : SOTK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

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

Bottom Line

MKSI scores higher overall (55/100 vs 34/100) and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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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