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KEYS vs MKSI
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Keysight Technologies (KEYS) vs. MKS Instruments (MKSI) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- KEYS and MKSI both serve the semiconductor and advanced-electronics ecosystem, but they occupy different positions: Keysight is a test-and-measurement leader, while MKS Instruments supplies foundational process-control and subsystem hardware.
- KEYS has reported accelerating order growth driven by AI infrastructure, wireline, and defense demand, supporting a series of analyst price-target increases.
- MKSI is actively reshaping its portfolio, agreeing to sell its Ophir Optics unit for $650 million to strengthen its balance sheet and sharpen its semiconductor focus.
- The two names carry very different risk profiles: MKSI trades with a higher beta (a measure of volatility) and heavier leverage, while KEYS offers steadier, higher-margin growth.
- Relative performance has diverged in recent weeks, with KEYS showing more consistent momentum and MKSI experiencing a post-earnings pullback from its 52-week high.
Introduction
Investors comparing KEYS and MKSI are effectively weighing two different ways to gain exposure to the semiconductor and advanced-technology cycle. Keysight Technologies provides the test, measurement, and validation equipment that chipmakers and network builders rely on, while MKS Instruments supplies vacuum, photonics, laser, and materials technologies used directly in semiconductor manufacturing. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and investors evaluating relative performance, growth catalysts, and market positioning across the broader AI-driven hardware theme. Because the two companies respond to similar end-market forces yet operate with contrasting business models and financial structures, the pair offers a useful lens on how to allocate risk within a single sector.
KEYS Overview and Recent Performance
Keysight Technologies is a global leader in electronic design, test, and measurement solutions, serving communications, aerospace and defense, semiconductors, automotive, and general electronics markets. The company has emerged as a direct beneficiary of the AI infrastructure buildout, supplying validation tools for high-speed networking, optical interconnects, and data-center workloads.
Recent market activity has reflected strong fundamentals. Keysight reported record quarterly results, with orders rising roughly 56% year over year, revenue growing about 36%, and earnings per share (EPS) up approximately 79%. Management attributed the momentum to robust AI-related wireline demand, a recovering wireless cycle, and strength across semiconductor and defense end markets, and it raised its full-year outlook. Commercial communications revenue crossed the $1 billion mark in a single quarter for the first time, and software and services now represent about a third of total revenue, supporting recurring income. Analysts have responded with a wave of price-target increases, and the consensus rating remains a Buy.
MKSI Overview and Recent Performance
MKS Instruments (now MKS Inc.) develops foundational process-control technologies used in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications. Its portfolio spans vacuum and pressure systems, lasers and photonics, precision optics, and specialty chemicals acquired through the Atotech transaction.
In recent weeks, MKS has focused on portfolio optimization and deleveraging. The company announced an agreement to sell its Ophir Optics business to TTM Technologies for $650 million in cash, a divestiture management framed as a way to monetize a non-core asset, strengthen the balance sheet, and sharpen focus on semiconductor and electronics markets. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2027. MKS has also posted solid quarterly revenue growth in recent periods, driven by semiconductor and electronics-and-packaging demand, though its shares have pulled back from their 52-week high amid post-earnings repositioning and margin concerns tied to product mix and facility ramp-ups. Unlike Keysight, MKS pays a modest quarterly dividend.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between the two companies is structural. Keysight generates high-margin revenue from selling capital equipment and software into R&D and manufacturing validation, giving it exposure to AI, networking, and defense spending without taking on semiconductor fabrication's inventory and utilization risks. MKS, by contrast, is a deeper cyclical play on wafer-fab equipment (WFE) spending, with results closely tied to chipmakers' capacity expansion.
Growth drivers also differ. Keysight's narrative is anchored in AI infrastructure validation, 1.6T Ethernet testing, and recurring software revenue, which have produced consistent, broad-based order strength. MKS's momentum rests on semiconductor and advanced-packaging demand, with the Ophir sale signaling a deliberate shift toward deleveraging and core-market concentration. On risk, MKS carries higher leverage (with net debt in the billions) and a higher beta, implying greater price volatility, while Keysight trades at a higher valuation multiple but with a cleaner balance sheet and stronger operating margins.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings momentum, balance-sheet strength, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor KEYS in the current environment. Keysight's combination of record order growth, rising margins, expanding recurring revenue, and broad-based analyst support points to a more stable and durable trend than MKSI's current setup. That said, the AI's assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: MKSI retains meaningful catalysts in semiconductor demand and its balance-sheet-strengthening divestiture, and its higher beta could appeal to traders seeking greater volatility. The favorable lean toward KEYS reflects relative stability and momentum rather than a judgment on absolute value.
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 KEYS is a Hold and MKSI is a Hold.
KEYS's RSI Indicator leaves overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Oscillator for KEYS moved out of overbought territory on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 41 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 25 of the 41 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 61%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on KEYS as a result. In 43 of 72 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for KEYS 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 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 25 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 52%.
KEYS moved below its 50-day moving average on October 15, 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 KEYS 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 59%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
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.
The 10-day moving average for KEYS crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 18, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Following a +5.66% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KEYS advanced for three days, in 205 of 325 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
KEYS 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 179 of 265 cases where KEYS Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 68%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 23 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. KEYS’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 46 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 75 (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 (8.844) is normal, around the industry mean (1.792). P/E Ratio (46.442) is within average values for comparable stocks, (7.746). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.713) is also within normal values, averaging (5.470). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (8.467) is also within normal values, averaging (32.028).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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.
MKSI in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026
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. In 31 of 37 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 84%.
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 75 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 76%.
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 38 of the 54 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 70%.
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.
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 shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 5 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 Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 7 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 229 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 77%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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.
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 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 Valuation Rating of 61 (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 (4.890) is normal, around the industry mean (1.792). P/E Ratio (33.093) is within average values for comparable stocks, (7.746). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.200) is also within normal values, averaging (5.470). Dividend Yield (0.005) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.784) is also within normal values, averaging (32.028).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 64 (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 80 (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 82, placing this stock better than average.
KEYS | MKSI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 81 | 87 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 75 Overvalued | 61 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 23 | 80 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 46 | 54 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 40 | 64 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 50 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 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 (61) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as KEYS (75) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry. This means that MKSI’s stock grew similarly to KEYS’s over the last 12 months.
KEYS's Profit vs Risk Rating (23) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MKSI (80) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that KEYS’s stock grew somewhat faster than MKSI’s over the last 12 months.
KEYS's SMR Rating (46) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is in the same range as MKSI (54) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that KEYS’s stock grew similarly to MKSI’s over the last 12 months.
KEYS's Price Growth Rating (40) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is in the same range as MKSI (64) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that KEYS’s stock grew similarly to MKSI’s over the last 12 months.
MKSI's P/E Growth Rating (50) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as KEYS (57) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry. This means that MKSI’s stock grew similarly to KEYS’s over the last 12 months.
| KEYS | MKSI | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 84% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 86% | 2 days ago 81% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 76% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 75% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 79% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 21 days ago 63% | 17 days ago 78% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 59% | 7 days ago 76% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 84% | 2 days ago 81% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 77% |
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).
KEYS’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while MKSI’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- KEYS’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- MKSI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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.
KEYS’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MKSI’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KEYS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- MKSI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
KEYS (@Electronic Equipment/Instruments) experienced а -4.55% price change this week, while MKSI (@Electronic Equipment/Instruments) price change was -7.85% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Equipment/Instruments industry was -3.39%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -13.90%, and the average quarterly price growth was -16.41%.
Reported Earning Dates
KEYS is expected to report earnings on Nov 23, 2026.
MKSI is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Equipment/Instruments (-3.39% 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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KEYS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KEYS has been loosely correlated with MKSI. These tickers have moved in lockstep 64% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if KEYS jumps, then MKSI could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To KEYS | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEYS | 100% | +2.15% | ||
| MKSI - KEYS | 64% Loosely correlated | +2.35% | ||
| COHR - KEYS | 61% Loosely correlated | +2.47% | ||
| ST - KEYS | 59% Loosely correlated | +0.67% | ||
| ESE - KEYS | 50% Loosely correlated | -0.04% | ||
| TDY - KEYS | 50% Loosely correlated | -0.33% | ||
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