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COHR vs MKSI
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Coherent Corp. (COHR) vs. MKS Instruments (MKSI) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both COHR and MKSI are leveraged to the artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure build-out, but through different parts of the technology supply chain.
- Coherent is a photonics and optical components leader riding accelerating AI datacenter demand, while MKS Instruments supplies semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging equipment and process solutions.
- COHR has shown stronger momentum, with a roughly 167% one-year return versus about 115% for MKSI, though both have far outpaced the broader market.
- MKS Instruments trades at a meaningfully lower forward valuation and pays a dividend, while Coherent carries higher beta and a richer multiple reflecting faster growth expectations.
- Their relative positioning reflects a trade-off between pure-play optical AI exposure and more diversified semiconductor equipment and chemistry exposure.
Introduction
Investors screening the semiconductor and AI infrastructure landscape frequently encounter two names that, while related, operate at different layers of the ecosystem: COHR (Coherent Corp.) and MKSI (MKS Instruments). Both companies have seen their shares re-rate substantially over the past year as capital spending on advanced computing accelerates. This stock comparison is relevant for growth-oriented traders assessing relative performance and market positioning, as well as for investors weighing a high-momentum optical play against a more diversified, cash-generative equipment supplier. Understanding where these two businesses overlap—and where they diverge—can clarify which profile better matches a given risk and return objective.
COHR Overview and Recent Performance
Coherent Corp. develops and manufactures lasers, transceivers, and other optical and optoelectronic components used across datacenter, communications, industrial, and instrumentation markets. The company's Datacenter & Communications segment has become its primary growth engine, driven by surging demand for high-speed optical connectivity in AI clusters. In recent weeks, Coherent has introduced new integrated optics platforms and expanded its pluggable optical line systems portfolio, underscoring its effort to capture share as networks shift toward photonic links.
Recent market activity has been strong: the stock has posted a one-year return near 167% and a roughly 56% year-to-date gain, supported by sequential revenue acceleration and expanding gross margins. Sentiment has been reinforced by a consensus "Buy" rating and rising analyst price targets tied to AI datacenter spending. At the same time, COHR carries a high beta (around 2.1) and a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio well above the market, reflecting both strong growth expectations and greater sensitivity to shifts in AI capex (capital expenditure) trends.
MKSI Overview and Recent Performance
MKS Instruments provides foundational technology solutions—instruments, subsystems, process control systems, and specialty chemicals—serving semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications. The company, which expanded into chemistry technology through its acquisition of Atotech, is positioned across the production stack for advanced chips and packaging rather than as a direct component vendor to datacenters.
Recent performance has been robust. MKS reported double-digit year-over-year revenue growth in its latest quarter, led by AI-fueled semiconductor and advanced packaging demand, while management guided for further expansion and highlighted record chemistry equipment demand. The stock has delivered a one-year return near 115% and a year-to-date gain above 65%. Relative to COHR, MKSI trades at a lower forward P/E, pays a modest dividend, and operates with higher debt leverage—a legacy of its Atotech acquisition—yet generates healthier free cash flow.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two companies is where they sit in the value chain. COHR is a concentrated bet on optical connectivity, selling directly into the datacenter upgrade cycle and benefiting from rapid adoption of 800G and co-packaged optics. Its growth is faster but narrower, making it more sensitive to any pause in AI networking investment. MKSI, by contrast, derives revenue across semiconductor equipment, advanced packaging, chemistry, and specialty industrial markets, offering broader diversification but with less direct exposure to the highest-growth optical segment.
On valuation, MKS Instruments appears cheaper on a forward earnings basis and offers a dividend, while Coherent commands a premium multiple that assumes sustained hyper-growth. Risk profiles also differ: Coherent's higher beta signals greater volatility, whereas MKSI's elevated debt-to-equity ratio introduces balance-sheet considerations. From a market sentiment standpoint, both enjoy analyst support, but Coherent's momentum and concentration in AI optics have made it the more favored momentum vehicle in recent months.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative momentum, and catalyst positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward COHR in the current environment. The stock has demonstrated a more persistent upward trend, stronger one-year relative performance, and a clearer near-term catalyst in the form of accelerating AI optical demand and new product launches. That said, the assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: MKSI offers a more balanced, cash-generative profile at a lower valuation, which may appeal to a different risk posture. The AI framework generally favors consistency of trend and momentum strength, and on those metrics Coherent currently holds the edge.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is COHR is a Hold and MKSI is a Hold.
Momentum Indicator for COHR turns negative, indicating new downward trend
COHR saw its Momentum Indicator move below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new downward move. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 85 similar instances where the indicator turned negative. In 71 of the 85 cases, the stock moved further down in the following days. The odds of a decline are at 84%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for COHR turned negative on October 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 40 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 83%.
COHR moved below its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for COHR crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 13 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where COHR declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 79%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator entered the oversold zone -- be on the watch for COHR's price rising or consolidating in the future. That's also the time to consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +17.11% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where COHR advanced for three days, in 290 of 344 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 84%.
COHR may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 244 of 274 cases where COHR Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 89%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. COHR’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 72 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.074) is normal, around the industry mean (4.255). P/E Ratio (68.556) is within average values for comparable stocks, (88.653). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.330) is also within normal values, averaging (5.470). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.004) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (7.955) is also within normal values, averaging (32.028).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
MKSI sees its 50-day moving average cross bearishly below its 200-day moving average
The 50-day moving average for MKSI moved below the 200-day moving average on October 08, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on MKSI as a result. In 73 of 99 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 74%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for MKSI turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 54 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 41 of the 54 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 76%.
MKSI moved below its 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MKSI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 76%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 4 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +0.81% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MKSI advanced for three days, in 251 of 320 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
MKSI may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 234 of 297 cases where MKSI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 79%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 51 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.848) is normal, around the industry mean (4.255). P/E Ratio (41.143) is within average values for comparable stocks, (88.653). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.200) is also within normal values, averaging (5.470). Dividend Yield (0.004) settles around the average of (0.004) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.784) is also within normal values, averaging (32.028).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. MKSI’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 78 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. MKSI’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock better than average.
COHR | MKSI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 88 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 72 Overvalued | 51 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 52 | 78 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 73 | 54 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 62 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 97 | 16 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
MKSI's Valuation (51) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as COHR (72) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry. This means that MKSI’s stock grew similarly to COHR’s over the last 12 months.
COHR's Profit vs Risk Rating (52) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is in the same range as MKSI (78) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that COHR’s stock grew similarly to MKSI’s over the last 12 months.
MKSI's SMR Rating (54) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as COHR (73) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry. This means that MKSI’s stock grew similarly to COHR’s over the last 12 months.
COHR's Price Growth Rating (60) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is in the same range as MKSI (62) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that COHR’s stock grew similarly to MKSI’s over the last 12 months.
MKSI's P/E Growth Rating (16) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is significantly better than the same rating for COHR (97) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry. This means that MKSI’s stock grew significantly faster than COHR’s over the last 12 months.
| COHR | MKSI | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 85% | 3 days ago 77% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 90% | 3 days ago 66% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 84% | 3 days ago 74% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 83% | 3 days ago 76% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 79% | 3 days ago 75% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 78% | 3 days ago 79% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 17 days ago 84% | 13 days ago 78% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 79% | 3 days ago 76% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 86% | 3 days ago 74% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 89% | 3 days ago 79% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
COHR’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while MKSI’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- COHR’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- MKSI’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
COHR’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MKSI’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- COHR’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- MKSI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
COHR (@Electronic Equipment/Instruments) experienced а -25.50% price change this week, while MKSI (@Electronic Equipment/Instruments) price change was -18.78% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Equipment/Instruments industry was -7.21%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.51%, and the average quarterly price growth was -13.85%.
Reported Earning Dates
COHR is expected to report earnings on Nov 11, 2026.
MKSI is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Equipment/Instruments (-7.21% weekly)This industry manufactures electronic products used in various critical and sophisticated technologies, including laser-based systems, circuit and continuity testers, electro-optical measuring instruments and high-speed precision weighing and inspection equipment. Some major companies operating in this business are Canon Inc., Keysight Technologies Inc., and Fortive Corp.
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COHR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, COHR has been closely correlated with MKSI. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if COHR jumps, then MKSI could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To COHR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COHR | 100% | -7.06% | ||
| MKSI - COHR | 74% Closely correlated | -5.99% | ||
| KEYS - COHR | 61% Loosely correlated | -3.18% | ||
| ST - COHR | 49% Loosely correlated | -1.77% | ||
| VPG - COHR | 47% Loosely correlated | -5.71% | ||
| ESE - COHR | 40% Loosely correlated | -1.40% | ||
More | ||||
MKSI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MKSI has been closely correlated with COHR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MKSI jumps, then COHR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To MKSI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKSI | 100% | -5.99% | ||
| COHR - MKSI | 73% Closely correlated | -7.06% | ||
| ESE - MKSI | 52% Loosely correlated | -1.40% | ||
| CGNX - MKSI | 51% Loosely correlated | -3.02% | ||
| ITRN - MKSI | 50% Loosely correlated | -0.51% | ||
| BKSY - MKSI | 39% Loosely correlated | -6.12% | ||
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