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MKSI vs TDY
Which Stock Would AI Choose? MKS Instruments (MKSI) vs. Teledyne Technologies (TDY) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- MKSI delivered outsized momentum recently, gaining roughly 80% year-to-date on accelerating semiconductor and AI-driven demand, while TDY posted a steadier gain near the mid-20% range over the same period.
- MKS Instruments is leveraged to the semiconductor upcycle and carries a heavier debt load, whereas Teledyne Technologies offers broader diversification across defense, aerospace, and industrial sensing with a lighter leverage profile.
- Both companies beat consensus estimates in their most recent quarters and raised forward guidance, signaling healthy demand, though their growth drivers differ materially.
- Teledyne's book-to-bill ratio above 1.0 and rising defense backlog point to durable visibility, while MKS's upside is more closely tied to wafer fab equipment (WFE) spending cycles.
- Valuation and risk profiles diverge: MKS trades at a premium multiple with higher volatility, while Teledyne trades at a more moderate multiple relative to its earnings consistency.
Introduction
Investors weighing semiconductor equipment against diversified aerospace and defense technology often compare MKS Instruments (MKSI) with Teledyne Technologies (TDY). Although both are technology-hardware suppliers serving advanced industrial markets, they occupy different positions along the growth and stability spectrum. This stock comparison is especially relevant for traders seeking to understand how AI-related semiconductor demand and rising defense spending are reshaping relative performance. By examining recent market positioning, momentum, and fundamentals, this article offers a balanced view of two high-quality names that appeal to both growth-oriented and risk-conscious investors.
MKSI Overview and Recent Performance
MKS Instruments, Inc. is a global provider of instruments, subsystems, and process-control solutions that enable advanced manufacturing across semiconductor, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial markets. Its technology supports critical steps in producing leading-edge chips, laser drilling of printed circuit boards, and precision chemistry applications.
Recent market activity has been notably strong for MKSI. The company's most recent quarterly report showed revenue of roughly $1.08 billion, up about 15% year over year, driven by semiconductor revenue growth and a sharp acceleration in electronics and packaging demand tied to AI-related applications. Management cited strengthening demand in DRAM (dynamic random-access memory), logic, and foundry segments, along with healthy order volumes. Shares have climbed dramatically in recent weeks, gaining about 80% year-to-date, with analysts at firms including Morgan Stanley and Mizuho raising price targets on the back of the beat-and-raise execution. However, MKS carries a meaningful debt load, with net leverage near 4x EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), making it more sensitive to semiconductor cyclicality.
TDY Overview and Recent Performance
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated designs and manufactures sensing, imaging, instrumentation, and engineered systems serving the defense, aerospace, industrial, and healthcare sectors. Its portfolio spans digital imaging (including FLIR thermal imaging), marine instrumentation, and aerospace and defense electronics, giving it exposure to a wide range of end markets.
Recent performance for TDY has been solid if less explosive than MKSI. The company's latest quarterly results showed sales of approximately $1.56 billion, up about 7.6% year over year, with aerospace and defense electronics growing roughly 14% on robust defense demand. Teledyne raised its full-year earnings guidance, and its overall book-to-bill ratio exceeded 1.0, indicating orders are outpacing sales. Rising global defense budgets, a recovering commercial aviation market, and strategic acquisitions such as DD-Scientific and Saab's TransponderTech business have supported sentiment. The stock has advanced approximately 23% year-to-date and trades at a more moderate valuation multiple than MKSI, though supply-chain constraints and trade-related uncertainties remain watchpoints.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two names lies in their business models and growth drivers. MKSI is a concentrated play on the semiconductor equipment cycle, offering higher growth potential when chip demand accelerates but also greater cyclical risk and leverage sensitivity. TDY is a diversified compounder whose defense, aerospace, and imaging businesses provide steadier demand and stronger cash-flow conversion, albeit with more moderate organic growth.
On recent momentum, MKSI has clearly outperformed, reflecting the market's enthusiasm for AI-driven semiconductor spending. Teledyne has moved higher as well but with a smoother trajectory, supported by record orders and a growing backlog. Sector exposure also differs: MKS is tilted toward semiconductor and advanced packaging, while Teledyne leans on defense spending and aerospace recovery. From a risk standpoint, MKS's higher leverage and premium valuation make it more vulnerable to a semiconductor slowdown, whereas Teledyne's lower leverage and diversified revenue base offer a more defensive profile. Market sentiment currently favors MKSI's upside narrative, but TDY's consistency and cash generation appeal to investors prioritizing stability.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor MKSI in the current environment. The stock exhibits stronger trend consistency and relative momentum, supported by beat-and-raise execution, accelerating AI-linked demand, and positive estimate revisions. Its catalysts appear more immediate and pronounced than those of TDY. That said, the assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: MKS's elevated volatility and leverage introduce downside risk if semiconductor spending decelerates, while Teledyne's steadier backlog and defensive diversification could outperform in a risk-off environment. An AI-driven approach would therefore weigh momentum and catalysts in MKSI's favor while acknowledging TDY's superior stability as a counterbalance.
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 MKSI is a StrongBuy and TDY is a Hold.
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 78 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 79%.
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%.
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 6 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 8 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 227 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 76%.
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 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 59 (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 (4.438) is normal, around the industry mean (1.599). P/E Ratio (30.032) is within average values for comparable stocks, (7.243). 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 60 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 63 (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 86 (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 worse than average.
Momentum Indicator for TDY turns positive, indicating new upward trend
TDY saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 12, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 90 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 52 of the 90 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for TDY just turned positive on September 18, 2026. Looking at past instances where TDY's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 22 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
TDY moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.20% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where TDY advanced for three days, in 189 of 345 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 131 of 276 cases where TDY Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 47%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 30 of 65 cases where TDY's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 46%.
The 50-day moving average for TDY moved below the 200-day moving average on October 14, 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 TDY 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 52%.
TDY broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 39 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. TDY’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to 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 74 (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 Valuation Rating of 99 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly 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 (2.675) is normal, around the industry mean (1.599). P/E Ratio (30.091) is within average values for comparable stocks, (7.243). TDY's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (42.990) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (5.470). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.446) is also within normal values, averaging (32.028).
MKSI | TDY | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 83 | 19 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 59 Fair valued | 99 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 86 | 39 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 54 | 74 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 63 | 50 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 47 | |
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 (59) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is somewhat better than the same rating for TDY (99) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that MKSI’s stock grew somewhat faster than TDY’s over the last 12 months.
TDY's Profit vs Risk Rating (39) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MKSI (86) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that TDY’s stock grew somewhat faster than MKSI’s over the last 12 months.
MKSI's SMR Rating (54) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as TDY (74) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that MKSI’s stock grew similarly to TDY’s over the last 12 months.
TDY's Price Growth Rating (50) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as MKSI (63) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that TDY’s stock grew similarly to MKSI’s over the last 12 months.
TDY's P/E Growth Rating (47) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as MKSI (60) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that TDY’s stock grew similarly to MKSI’s over the last 12 months.
| MKSI | TDY | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 87% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 46% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 58% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 3 days ago 48% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 56% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 49% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 17 days ago 78% | 3 days ago 55% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 76% | 1 day ago 52% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 40% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 47% |
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).
MKSI’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while TDY’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- MKSI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- TDY’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.
MKSI’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while TDY’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- MKSI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- TDY’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
MKSI (@Electronic Equipment/Instruments) experienced а -14.18% price change this week, while TDY (@Electronic Equipment/Instruments) price change was +0.09% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Equipment/Instruments industry was -3.55%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -13.55%, and the average quarterly price growth was -15.86%.
Reported Earning Dates
MKSI is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
TDY is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Equipment/Instruments (-3.55% 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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TDY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, TDY has been loosely correlated with ST. These tickers have moved in lockstep 50% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if TDY jumps, then ST could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To TDY | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDY | 100% | -1.53% | ||
| ST - TDY | 50% Loosely correlated | -3.74% | ||
| ESE - TDY | 50% Loosely correlated | -5.87% | ||
| KEYS - TDY | 49% Loosely correlated | -8.74% | ||
| MKSI - TDY | 47% Loosely correlated | -9.25% | ||
| VPG - TDY | 41% Loosely correlated | -17.86% | ||
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