tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
MKS (MKSI)
NASDAQ:MKSI

MKS (MKSI) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
951 Followers

Top Page

MKSI

MKS

(NASDAQ:MKSI)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$288.00
▲(22.43% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:02/18/26
MKSI scores a 69 primarily on improving financial performance (profitability and free cash flow recovery with much lower leverage) supported by strong technical uptrend signals. The score is moderated by expensive valuation (high P/E and low yield) and momentum indicators that look stretched, while earnings-call guidance and refinancing actions add a positive but secondary boost.
Positive Factors
Market leadership in semiconductors & packaging
MKS's broad technology portfolio and strong end-market share in semiconductor and advanced packaging generate durable revenue streams tied to secular WFE and packaging trends. High OEM integration and aftermarket content create sticky demand and structural exposure to AI-driven capex growth.
Robust free cash flow generation
Consistent, sizable free cash flow supports reinvestment, targeted capex (~4%-5% of revenue), dividend increases and debt prepayments. Strong cash generation improves financial flexibility to fund capacity expansion and withstand cyclical downturns without eroding core operations.
Capital structure refinancing & interest savings
Refinancing shifts debt to longer-dated unsecured notes, lowers margins, and reduces annual cash interest. Extended maturities and diversified facilities materially reduce near-term refinancing risk and free up cash for deleveraging, capex and shareholder returns over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Elevated net leverage
Despite meaningful paydowns, leverage remains elevated, constraining strategic flexibility. High net leverage increases sensitivity to cyclical revenue dips and interest rate moves, forcing prioritization of debt reduction over more aggressive M&A, R&D or capacity expansion during downturns.
Gross margin headwinds
Tariffs and zero-margin palladium pass-through structurally compress reported margins and add volatility. If these external cost pressures persist or expand, they limit operating leverage and could force recurring price actions, margin dilution or squeezed reinvestment capacity over the medium term.
Cyclical end-market exposure & timing risk
Heavy exposure to semiconductor WFE and cyclical specialty-industrial segments makes revenue and margins sensitive to unpredictable capex cycles. Uncertain ramp timing complicates capacity planning and inventory cadence, risking under/over-investment and interim margin volatility across quarters.

MKS (MKSI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

MKS Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMKS Inc. provides instruments, systems, subsystems, and process control solutions that measure, monitor, deliver, analyze, power, and control critical parameters of manufacturing processes worldwide. Its Vacuum & Analysis segment offers pressure and vacuum control solutions, including direct and indirect pressure measurement; materials delivery solutions comprising flow and valve technologies, as well as integrated pressure measurement and control subsystems, which provide customers with precise control capabilities; power solutions products, such as microwave, power delivery systems, radio frequency matching networks, and metrology products used in providing energy to etching, stripping, and deposition processes; and plasma and reactive gas products. Its Light & Motion segment offers laser products, such as continuous wave and pulsed nanosecond, diode and diode-pumped solid-state, and fiber laser technologies; and photonics products comprising motion control, optical tables and vibration isolation systems, photonic instruments, optics and optical assemblies, opto-mechanical components, temperature sensing products for wafer fabrication systems, and laser and LED measurement products, including laser power and energy meters, laser beam profilers, and optical and photonic subsystems. Its Equipment & Solutions segment provides laser-based systems for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, including flexible interconnect PCB processing systems and high-density interconnect solutions for rigid PCB manufacturing and substrate processing, and multi-layer ceramic capacitor test systems. It serves semiconductor, industrial technologies, life and health sciences, research, and defense markets. It sells its products and services through its direct sales organization, independent distributors, and sales representatives, as well as through its websites and product catalogs. The company was incorporated in 1961 and is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.
How the Company Makes MoneyMKS generates revenue through the sale of its products and services, which are primarily focused on the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The company earns money by providing high-precision instruments and control systems that enable manufacturers to improve their production processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. Key revenue streams include the sale of new equipment, ongoing service agreements, and maintenance contracts. MKS also benefits from strategic partnerships with major players in the semiconductor and industrial equipment sectors, which help to expand its market reach and drive sales. Additionally, the company focuses on innovation and product development to meet the evolving needs of its customers, contributing to consistent revenue growth.

MKS Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 17, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 28, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlighted broad-based top-line growth across all three end markets (10% revenue growth, strong semiconductor and Electronics & Packaging performance), improved free cash flow (+21% YoY), active deleveraging and favorable capital structure moves that reduce interest expense. The company also provided constructive near-term guidance and outlined capacity investments to support an anticipated industry upcycle. Headwinds include year-over-year margin pressure from tariffs and palladium pass-through, softness in the automotive portion of specialty industrial, and an elevated but improving leverage profile. On balance, the positive operational execution, cash generation, and refinancing actions outweigh the described headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Quarterly and Full-Year Revenue Growth
Q4 revenue of $1.03 billion, up 5% sequentially and 10% year-over-year; full-year 2025 revenue of $3.9 billion, up 10% year-over-year.
Semiconductor Outperformance
Q4 semiconductor revenue of $435 million, up 5% sequentially and 9% year-over-year; full-year semiconductor revenue of $1.7 billion, up 13% year-over-year; company noted it outperformed estimated WFE growth for 2025.
Electronics & Packaging Momentum
Q4 E&P revenue of $303 million, up 5% sequentially and 19% year-over-year; full-year E&P revenue of $1.1 billion, up 20% year-over-year. Chemistry sales rose 16% in Q4 (excluding FX and palladium pass-through) and 11% for the full year (excluding FX and palladium).
Profitability and Margin Highlights
Q4 gross margin of 46.4% (above guidance midpoint), Q4 operating margin ~21%, Q4 adjusted EBITDA $249 million with a 24.1% margin; full-year gross margin of 46.7% and operating margin of 20.7%.
Strong Free Cash Flow and Cash Generation
Full-year 2025 operating cash flow of $645 million and free cash flow of $497 million, up 21% year-over-year; healthy conversion of non-GAAP net earnings to cash.
Deleveraging and Liquidity Improvements
Net debt at year-end $3.6 billion with net leverage of 3.7x (based on adjusted EBITDA of $966 million). Paid down over $1 billion of debt since Feb 2024, including $400 million ordinary prepayments in 2025 and an additional $100 million voluntary prepayment in Feb 2026; liquidity of ~$1.4 billion (cash $675M + undrawn revolver $675M).
Capital Structure Actions and Interest Savings
Completed EUR 1 billion senior unsecured notes issuance and term loan repricing/increases to revolver; company expects to reduce annual interest expense run-rate by approximately $27 million.
Operational Investments and Capacity Expansion
Ramping a new supercenter factory in Malaysia in H2 2026 to add capacity and resiliency; continued capacity preparation across supply chain and factories for an anticipated WFE-led industry upcycle.
Shareholder Returns
Paid a dividend of $0.22 per share ($15 million) in the quarter and Board authorized a 14% increase in the next dividend.
Positive 1Q 2026 Guidance
Q1 revenue guidance of $1.04 billion +/- $40 million; segment guidance: semiconductor ~$150M +/- $15M, E&P ~$305M +/- $15M, specialty industrial ~$285M +/- $10M; Q1 adjusted EBITDA ~$251M +/- $24M; Q1 EPS $2.00 +/- $0.28; capex expected ~4%-5% of revenue through 2026.
Negative Updates
Gross Margin Pressure Year-over-Year
Full-year gross margin declined 90 basis points year-over-year to 46.7%, driven by tariffs, product mix (record chemistry equipment sales) and higher palladium costs (palladium pass-through at zero margin). Management noted tariffs continue to impact gross margin by ~50 basis points going forward.
Specialty Industrial Weakness (Automotive)
Full-year specialty industrial revenue declined 4% year-over-year to $1.1 billion, with softness concentrated in the automotive segment; Q1 specialty industrial revenue expected to decline low to mid-single digits sequentially due to Lunar New Year seasonality.
Elevated Leverage Despite Progress
Net debt remains at $3.6 billion with a net leverage ratio of 3.7x—improved but still elevated; company continues to prioritize deleveraging.
Operating Expenses Slightly Above Guidance
Q4 operating expenses were $263 million, slightly above guidance primarily due to higher variable compensation tied to stronger results.
Palladium Pass-Through and Tariff Impacts
Higher palladium prices are passed through at zero margin and tariffs increased costs—both are headwinds to reported gross margin and require mitigation actions.
Seasonal and Near-Term Mix Risk
Company expects sequentially lower chemistry sales in Q1 due to Lunar New Year, which pressures near-term margin and revenue mix; consumer electronics softness could weigh on certain chemistry demand.
Uncertainty on Timing and Magnitude of WFE Ramp
While management is constructive on an industry upcycle (customers citing mid-teens to ~20% WFE growth), timing and magnitude remain uncertain and revenue/shipments could accelerate faster than current guidance in a typical ramp scenario (risk/uncertainty acknowledged).
Company Guidance
MKS guided first-quarter revenue of $1.04 billion ± $40 million (semiconductor $150M ± $15M; Electronics & Packaging $305M ± $15M; Specialty Industrial $285M ± $10M), Q1 gross margin of 4%–6% ±100 bps, operating expenses of $270M ± $5M, adjusted EBITDA of $251M ± $24M, capex of ~4%–5% of revenue through 2026, a Q1 tax rate of ~21% (FY tax rate 18%–20%), and Q1 diluted EPS of $2.00 ± $0.28; they also noted ~$1.4B liquidity (cash $675M, undrawn revolver $675M), year-end net debt of $3.6B and net leverage of 3.7x on FY2025 adjusted EBITDA of $966M, expected annual interest savings of ~$27M from recent refinancing, and dividend actions (paid $0.22/sh; next dividend up 14%).

MKS Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials show a clear TTM rebound with revenue growth (~2.6%), solid profitability (about 46.8% gross margin; ~7.5% net margin), improved leverage (debt-to-equity ~0.11) and healthy free cash flow ($496M). The score is held back by multi-year volatility (notably a severe 2023 loss), shifting capital structure, and only decent cash conversion (FCF/NI ~0.77) with coverage below 1 in recent periods.
Income Statement
72
Positive
TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) shows a clear recovery with revenue up ~2.6% and profitability back to solid levels (about 46.8% gross margin and ~7.5% net margin). The business has regained positive operating earnings after a severe 2023 loss, but the multi-year record is volatile: 2021–2022 were strong, 2023 was deeply negative, and margins in TTM remain below the peak years, suggesting earnings quality and stability are still rebuilding.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
Leverage has improved dramatically in TTM, with debt low relative to equity (debt-to-equity ~0.11) and equity supporting the asset base. Returns on equity have normalized to ~11.4% in TTM versus negative in 2023. The main watchout is the sharp year-over-year swing in leverage versus 2024 (very high debt-to-equity), which points to recent balance sheet restructuring and raises questions about sustainability and consistency of capital structure.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
TTM operating cash flow and free cash flow are healthy in absolute terms ($645M and $496M), supporting reinvestment and flexibility. However, free cash flow is down ~6.4% versus the prior period and cash generation remains less than net income (free cash flow to net income ~0.77), indicating conversion is decent but not best-in-class. Cash flow coverage remains below 1 across recent periods, suggesting cash generation relative to obligations could be stronger.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.93B3.59B3.62B3.55B2.95B
Gross Profit1.59B1.71B1.64B1.55B1.38B
EBITDA860.00M870.00M-1.11B832.00M794.00M
Net Income295.00M190.00M-1.84B333.00M551.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets8.80B8.59B9.12B11.49B4.54B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments675.00M714.00M875.00M910.00M1.04B
Total Debt4.69B4.78B5.02B5.17B1.03B
Total Liabilities6.08B6.27B6.65B7.01B1.65B
Stockholders Equity2.72B2.32B2.47B4.48B2.89B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow497.00M410.00M232.00M365.00M552.80M
Operating Cash Flow645.00M528.00M319.00M529.00M639.50M
Investing Cash Flow-145.00M-117.00M-84.00M-4.55B-204.60M
Financing Cash Flow-562.00M-549.00M-259.00M3.97B-65.00M

MKS Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price235.23
Price Trends
50DMA
215.74
Positive
100DMA
181.63
Positive
200DMA
142.33
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
6.18
Positive
RSI
48.66
Neutral
STOCH
18.55
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For MKSI, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 235.23 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 247.16, above the 50-day MA of 215.74, and above the 200-day MA of 142.33, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 6.18 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 48.66 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 18.55 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for MKSI.

MKS Risk Analysis

MKS disclosed 32 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. MKS reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

MKS Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$5.71B13.4335.39%0.26%1.76%4.10%
71
Outperform
$8.81B46.067.61%0.89%10.23%25.53%
71
Outperform
$7.53B42.409.74%7.40%13.79%
69
Neutral
$15.64B36.4611.74%0.54%8.13%780.20%
69
Neutral
$4.22B13.9619.38%0.14%14.12%
68
Neutral
$5.15B155.81-0.92%1.43%-8.07%63.50%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MKSI
MKS
235.23
153.30
187.12%
CGNX
Cognex
53.17
20.81
64.31%
ITRI
Itron
92.29
-13.90
-13.09%
SANM
Sanmina-Sci
139.55
63.89
84.44%
ST
Sensata
34.95
7.53
27.47%
VNT
Vontier
40.53
6.63
19.55%

MKS Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
MKS Refinances Debt and Extends Credit Facility Maturities
Positive
Feb 5, 2026

On February 4, 2026, MKS Inc. completed a €1.0 billion private offering of 4.250% senior notes due 2034 placed with institutional investors under Rule 144A and Regulation S, and used the proceeds, together with cash on hand, to prepay approximately $1.3 billion of its existing $2.2 billion U.S. dollar tranche B term loan. On the same date, the company executed a sixth amendment to its credit agreement, refinancing its prior $2.2 billion U.S. dollar tranche B term loan, €587 million euro tranche B term loan and $675 million revolving credit facility into a new $914 million U.S. dollar tranche B term loan, a €587 million euro tranche B term loan and a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility, while extending maturities on the term loan facility to 2033 and the revolver to 2031, lowering margins on both term loans and the revolver, and eliminating the SOFR credit spread adjustment on the revolving facility; collectively, these moves diversify MKS’s capital structure, shift a portion of debt from secured to unsecured, extend its debt maturity profile and reduce interest expense, with the company citing an expected meaningful reduction in annual cash interest costs based on current rates.

The most recent analyst rating on (MKSI) stock is a Buy with a $263.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on MKS stock, see the MKSI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
MKS Prices €1 Billion Senior Notes to Refinance Debt
Positive
Jan 28, 2026

On January 26, 2026, MKS Inc. announced plans for a private offering of €1.0 billion in senior unsecured notes due 2034, followed on January 28, 2026, by the announcement of pricing for the issue, which is being placed with qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and with non-U.S. investors under Regulation S. The company expects to receive roughly €985 million in net proceeds and, together with proceeds from previously announced refinancings of its $2.2 billion U.S. dollar tranche B term loan and €587 million euro tranche B term loan plus cash on hand, intends to prepay about $1.3 billion of and fully refinance the U.S. dollar tranche B facility and fully refinance the euro tranche B facility, with the note offering scheduled to close on February 4, 2026, subject to customary conditions, in a move that will significantly reshape and extend the company’s debt profile and could reduce its reliance on term-loan financing.

The most recent analyst rating on (MKSI) stock is a Buy with a $260.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on MKS stock, see the MKSI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
MKS Plans Comprehensive Capital Structure Refinancing With Lenders
Positive
Jan 21, 2026

MKS Inc. plans to meet with existing and prospective lenders on January 22, 2026 to discuss a comprehensive refinancing of its capital structure, including replacing its existing $2.2 billion term loan with a new approximately $0.9 billion term loan maturing in 2033, refinancing its existing €0.6 billion term loan with a new facility also maturing in 2033, and enlarging its revolving credit facility from $675 million to $1 billion while extending that facility’s maturity to 2031. The contemplated transactions, which are subject to market conditions and may not close, are designed to be leverage-neutral while extending debt maturities and reducing interest expense, and the company’s accompanying lender presentation emphasizes the use of non-GAAP financial metrics to analyze ongoing business trends and compares past periods, underscoring management’s focus on capital structure optimization amid its exposure to cyclical semiconductor and industrial end markets and risks linked to its Atotech chemicals technology acquisition.

The most recent analyst rating on (MKSI) stock is a Buy with a $227.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on MKS stock, see the MKSI Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 18, 2026