Head-To-Head Comparison: MKS (NASDAQ:MKSI) vs. NOVONIX (NASDAQ:NVX)

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

Risk and Volatility

MKS has a beta of 1.98, indicating that its share price is 98% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, NOVONIX has a beta of 2.52, indicating that its share price is 152% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares MKS and NOVONIX”s top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
MKS	$4.07 billion	5.19	$295.00 million	$4.78	65.51
NOVONIX	$5.62 million	24.38	-$92.72 million	N/A	N/A

MKS has higher revenue and earnings than NOVONIX.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings for MKS and NOVONIX, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
MKS	1	2	10	2	2.87
NOVONIX	1	0	0	0	1.00

MKS currently has a consensus price target of $318.77, indicating a potential upside of 1.79%. Given MKS’s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe MKS is more favorable than NOVONIX.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

99.8% of MKS shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.1% of NOVONIX shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.6% of MKS shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 23.7% of NOVONIX shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

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

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
MKS	8.06%	21.49%	6.54%
NOVONIX	N/A	N/A	N/A

Summary

MKS beats NOVONIX on 10 of the 13 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 NOVONIX

NOVONIX Limited provides battery materials and development technology for battery manufacturers, materials companies, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and consumer electronics manufacturers in North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. It operates through Battery Materials and Battery Technology segments. The Battery Materials segment develops and manufactures battery anode materials. The Battery Technology segment develops battery cell testing equipment, performs consulting services, and carries out research and development in battery development. The company is involved in the investment and real estate borrowing activities; and offers battery technology, battery testing hardware equipment, and battery testing and development consulting services. The company was formerly known as Graphitecorp Limited and changed its name to NOVONIX Limited in July 2017. NOVONIX Limited was incorporated in 2012 and is based in Brisbane, Australia.