MKS Instruments, Inc. (MKSI) AI Stock Analysis
MKSI AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchMKS Instruments, Inc. (MKSI) is a global provider of instruments, systems, and process control solutions for advanced manufacturing. Over the trailing twelve months, revenue reached $4.35B with an operating margin of 20.6%. The company carries $4.19B in total debt and returned 56.6% over the past year.
- Market cap
- $14.53B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $4.35B
- P/E
- 34.2x fwd 10.4x
- 1Y return
- 56.6% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $408.00 89.9% vs last close
Bull case
- Quarterly revenue grew 28.3% and quarterly earnings rose 162.0% year-over-year in the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
- The stock trades at a forward P/E of 10.4x, well below the US-listed Technology peer median of 18.8x.
- Analysts maintain a mean price target of $408.00, which is 89.9% above the last close of $214.83.
Bear case
- Total debt of $4.19B exceeds cash and short-term investments of $611.0M, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40.
- The shares trade 22.3% below their 200-day average and have a volatile beta of 2.02.
- Share count has expanded by 30.5% over the past 5 years.
What MKS Instruments does
Established in 1961 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, MKS Instruments, Inc. provides instruments, systems, and process control solutions used in worldwide manufacturing processes. The company operates across multiple segments. Its Vacuum & Analysis segment delivers pressure and vacuum control systems, measurement technologies, and materials delivery systems. The Light & Motion segment provides advanced lasers—including continuous wave, pulsed nanosecond, diode-pumped solid-state, and fiber lasers—along with photonics products such as motion control systems and optical assemblies. The Equipment & Solutions segment supplies laser-based systems for flexible and rigid printed circuit board (PCB) processing and multi-layer ceramic capacitor test systems, serving industries like semiconductor, industrial technologies, life and health sciences, research, and defense.
Growth and profitability
MKS Instruments grew revenue from $2.95B in FY2021 to $3.93B in FY2025, recording a 5-year revenue CAGR of 11.0%. Annual revenue fell 1.0% in FY2024 to $3.59B before rebounding 9.6% in FY2025. Operating margin was 23.7% in FY2021, fell to -42.9% in FY2023 with a net income of -$1.84B, and recovered to 14.4% in FY2025 with net income of $295.0M. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 28.3% year-over-year, and quarterly earnings grew 162.0%. Over the trailing twelve months, revenue was $4.35B, profit margin was 10.1%, and diluted EPS stood at $6.29.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, MKS Instruments held $611.0M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $4.19B, leaving net debt at $3.58B. Shareholders' equity was $2.99B, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 1.14. In FY2025, operating cash flow was $645.0M and free cash flow was $497.0M. Capital expenditures totaled $148.0M, while capital returns included $45.0M for share buybacks and $59.0M for dividends paid.
Valuation and performance
MKS Instruments trades at a trailing P/E of 34.2x, which is above the 28.1x median of its US-listed Technology peers. However, its forward P/E of 10.4x sits below the peer median of 18.8x. Enterprise value stands at $21.18B, reflecting an EV/EBITDA of 20.7x compared to the peer median of 16.6x, and price-to-sales is 3.3x versus the peer median of 2.8x. Over the past year, the stock gained 56.6%, outperforming the S&P 500 (SPY) return of 16.8%, but its 5-year return of 54.1% trailed SPY's 83.0%.
MKSI dividend
MKS Instruments pays a quarterly dividend with an annual forward payout of $1.00 per share, yielding 0.47% as of October 16, 2026. The payout ratio is 9.7%, and the company has paid dividends for 16 consecutive years. The 5-year annualized dividend growth rate is 1.9%, and the most recent ex-dividend date was August 25, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street coverage includes 9 Strong Buy, 3 Buy, 1 Hold, and 1 Strong Sell ratings. The mean price target is $408.00, representing an 89.9% upside from the last close of $214.83. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, consensus estimates project revenue of $5.08B and EPS of $13.15, implying 66.8% EPS growth. The company beat EPS estimates in each of the last 4 quarters. The next earnings release is scheduled for November 4, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- High net debt of $3.58B as of June 30, 2026, could limit financial flexibility.
- Historical earnings volatility is marked by an operating margin drop to -42.9% and a net loss of -$1.84B in FY2023.
- Elevated short interest is reflected by a short percentage of float at 8.6%.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this MKSI AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of MKS Instruments, Inc. (MKSI). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: MKSI income statement, MKSI balance sheet, MKSI key metrics, MKSI analyst forecast, MKSI chart. See the MKSI stock overview for the latest quote and news.
MKSI AI stock analysis FAQ
What was MKS Instruments' revenue and EPS in FY2025?
In FY2025, MKS Instruments reported revenue of $3.93B, up 9.6% year-over-year, and diluted EPS of $7.88.
Does MKS Instruments pay a dividend?
Yes. MKSI pays a quarterly dividend with an annual forward amount of $1.00 per share, representing a dividend yield of 0.47% and a payout ratio of 9.7%.
What is the consensus analyst target for MKSI stock?
The mean analyst price target is $408.00, which sits 89.9% above the closing price of $214.83 on October 16, 2026.
How much debt does MKS Instruments hold?
As of June 30, 2026, the company had $4.19B in total debt and $611.0M in cash and short-term investments, resulting in net debt of $3.58B.