MKS (MKSI) has drawn fresh attention after a period of mixed short term returns, with the stock down 4.2% over the past day but up about 20% over the past month.

That 4.2% one day pullback sits against a stronger backdrop, with a 30 day share price return of 19.89%, a 90 day share price return of 42.12%, and a 1 year total shareholder return of 98.19%. This suggests momentum has been firm rather than fading.

If MKS has caught your eye, this could be a good moment to widen your search across the sector and see how it stacks up beside other high growth tech and AI stocks.

With MKS up strongly over the past year and trading only about 6% below the average analyst price target, the real question is whether the current price still leaves upside on the table or if the market is already factoring in future growth.

Most Popular Narrative: 21.6% Overvalued

Compared with the most followed fair value estimate of $180.92, MKS at $220 looks rich, which raises questions about what expectations are baked into the price.

The analysts have a consensus price target of $122.308 for MKS based on their expectations of its future earnings growth, profit margins and other risk factors. However, there is a degree of disagreement amongst analysts, with the most bullish reporting a price target of $160.0, and the most bearish reporting a price target of just $92.0.

Want to see what kind of earnings ramp, margin profile, and future P/E multiple would support this richer valuation? The full narrative lays out a detailed earnings path, shifting profit mix, and a valuation framework that leans heavily on medium term growth assumptions.

Result: Fair Value of $180.92 (OVERVALUED)

However, this richer price still depends on assumptions that wafer fab equipment demand remains steady and that high leverage does not start to restrict MKS’s flexibility.

Build Your Own MKS Narrative

If this view does not line up with your own, or you prefer to test the numbers yourself, you can build a custom thesis in just a few minutes: Do it your way.

A great starting point for your MKS research is our analysis highlighting 2 key rewards and 1 important warning sign that could impact your investment decision.

Looking for more investment ideas?

If you stop with just one stock, you risk missing other opportunities that could fit your style even better, so broaden your view before you commit.

• Spot potential value by scanning these 867 undervalued stocks based on cash flows that align with your approach to balancing price and underlying cash flows.
• Tap into growth themes with these 29 AI penny stocks that are tied to real business models rather than hype alone.
• Target income potential through these 11 dividend stocks with yields > 3% that offer yields above 3% for a more cash focused approach.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.