Head-To-Head Comparison: Expion360 (NASDAQ:XPON) and MKS (NASDAQ:MKSI)

MKS (NASDAQ:MKSI) and Expion360 (NASDAQ:XPON) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, profitability, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations and risk.

Profitability

This table compares MKS and Expion360’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
MKS	7.25%	20.80%	5.88%
Expion360	-21.76%	-48.80%	-21.77%

Volatility and Risk

MKS has a beta of 1.92, suggesting that its share price is 92% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Expion360 has a beta of 0.26, suggesting that its share price is 74% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares MKS and Expion360″s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
MKS	$3.59 billion	4.41	$190.00 million	$4.12	57.14
Expion360	$5.62 million	1.36	-$13.48 million	($0.68)	-1.16

MKS has higher revenue and earnings than Expion360. Expion360 is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than MKS, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for MKS and Expion360, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
MKS	1	2	10	1	2.79
Expion360	1	0	0	0	1.00

MKS currently has a consensus target price of $231.50, indicating a potential downside of 1.66%. Given MKS’s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe MKS is more favorable than Expion360.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

99.8% of MKS shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 34.5% of Expion360 shares are held by institutional investors. 0.6% of MKS shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.6% of Expion360 shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

MKS beats Expion360 on 14 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About MKS

MKS Instruments, Inc. provides foundational technology solutions to semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications in the United States, Germany, China, South Korea, and internationally. It operates through Vacuum Solutions Division (VSD), Photonics Solutions Division (PSD), and Material Solutions Division (MSD) segments. The VSD segment provides foundational technology solutions, including pressure measurement and control, flow measurement and control, gas and vapor delivery, gas composition analysis, electronic control technology, reactive gas generation and delivery, power generation and delivery, and vacuum technology. The PSD segment offers range of solutions, which include lasers, beam measurement and profiling, precision motion control, vibration isolation systems, photonics instruments, temperature sensing, opto-mechanical components, optical elements, systems for flexible PCB laser processing, and laser-based systems, as well as high density interconnect PCB and package manufacturing. The MSD segment develops, process, and manufactures technologies comprising advanced surface modification, electroless and electrolytic plating, and surface finishing for chemistry, equipment, software, and services markets, as well as high-technology applications. In addition, the company sells its products and services through direct sales, network of independent distributors, and sales representatives, as well as websites, including product catalogs. The company was incorporated in 1961 and is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.

About Expion360

Expion360 Inc. designs, assembles, manufactures, and sells lithium iron phosphate batteries and supporting accessories under the VPR 4EVER name for recreational vehicles, marine, golf, industrial, residential, and off-the-grid applications. It provides battery monitors; direct current battery chargers; various models of industrial tie-downs; power generators AURA POWERCAP; terminal blocks; and bus bars. The company also engages in the development of e360 Home Energy Storage systems; e360 SmartTalk mobile application. It serves dealers, wholesalers, private label customers, and original equipment manufacturers in the United States and internationally. The company was formerly known as Yozamp Products Company, LLC and changed its name to Expion360 Inc. in November 2021. Expion360 Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Redmond, Oregon.