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ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES INC vs MKS INSTRUMENTS INC — Side-by-side quantitative comparison
MKSI and AWI are remarkably close in our quantitative rankings. MKS INSTRUMENTS INC holds a slight edge with a composite score of 65.5/100 (Buy) versus ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES INC at 64.8/100 (Hold). With a spread of just 0.7 points, the difference is marginal — investors should weigh qualitative factors like management quality, competitive positioning, and industry outlook to make a final decision.
For the Quality factor — which measures profitability and business quality through metrics like ROE, gross margins, and capital efficiency — AWI leads at 74/100, while MKSI trails at 56/100 (AWI: 74/100, MKSI: 56/100). The 18-point gap indicates a meaningful difference in quality characteristics between these stocks.
On the Value factor, which evaluates whether a stock is cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, book value, and cash flows, these stocks are closely matched (MKSI: 71/100, AWI: 70/100). The narrow 0-point spread suggests similar value profiles, so this factor alone is unlikely to be a decisive differentiator.
For the Momentum factor — which captures price trends and institutional sentiment over the trailing 3-12 months — MKSI leads at 88/100, while AWI trails at 56/100 (MKSI: 88/100, AWI: 56/100). The 32-point gap indicates a meaningful difference in momentum characteristics between these stocks.
For the Investment factor — which assesses capital allocation quality including reinvestment rates and asset growth — AWI leads at 40/100, while MKSI trails at 27/100 (AWI: 40/100, MKSI: 27/100). The 13-point gap indicates a meaningful difference in investment characteristics between these stocks.
For the Stability factor — which measures financial health through leverage ratios and price volatility — AWI leads at 90/100, while MKSI trails at 47/100 (AWI: 90/100, MKSI: 47/100). The 43-point gap indicates a meaningful difference in stability characteristics between these stocks.
On the Short Interest factor, which tracks institutional bearish positioning and potential risk from elevated short selling, these stocks are closely matched (MKSI: 75/100, AWI: 71/100). The narrow 4-point spread suggests similar short interest profiles, so this factor alone is unlikely to be a decisive differentiator.
Based on our 6-factor model, MKS INSTRUMENTS INC (MKSI) is utilizing a stronger overall profile than AWI, with a Composite Score of 66 vs 65. The comparison is extremely close. While MKSI leads slightly on Momentum, AWI remains a competitive alternative.
| Overall Rating | ||
| Composite Score | 66 | 65 |
| Rank | #268 | #292 |
| Stars | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Action | Buy | Hold |
| Factor Scores | ||
| Quality | 56 | 74 |
| Value | 71 | 70 |
| Momentum | 88 | 56 |
| Stability | 47 | 90 |
| Investment | 27 | 40 |
| Short Interest | 75 | 71 |
| Valuation | ||
| P/E Ratio | 28.08 | 24.56 |
| P/B Ratio | 3.20 | 9.54 |
| P/S Ratio | 2.10 | 4.99 |
| EV/EBITDA | 9.07 | 14.34 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Profitability | ||
| ROE | 17.0% | 42.5% |
| ROA | 3.2% | 17.6% |
| Gross Margin | 46.7% | 42.0% |
| Operating Margin | 14.0% | 27.6% |
| Net Margin | 7.5% | 20.3% |
| Growth & Risk | ||
| Revenue Growth | 10.3% | 10.0% |
| Debt/Equity | 166.00 | 46.00 |
| Beta | 2.47 | 0.85 |
| Market | ||
| Market Cap | $8.31B | $8.48B |
Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, MKSI currently has the higher composite score (65.5/100, Buy) and ranks #268 in our universe. However, the "better" stock depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. We recommend reviewing the full factor breakdown above before making a decision.
Our comparison analyzes six quantitative factors: Quality (profitability and business strength, 30% weight), Momentum (price trends, 25%), Value (valuation attractiveness, 15%), Investment (capital allocation, 10%), Stability (financial health, 10%), and Short Interest (institutional positioning, 10%). Each factor is scored 0-100 and combined into a composite score.
MKSI has the higher value score at 71/100 compared to AWI at 70/100. A higher value score indicates the stock trades at a more attractive valuation relative to its earnings, book value, and cash flows.
Our stock rankings and comparisons are updated daily using the latest available market data, financial statements, and price information. Factor scores reflect the most recent quarterly filings and trailing price data.