Cognex (CGNX) vs MKS (MKSI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
MKS (MKSI) has outperformed Cognex (CGNX) over the past year, gaining 97.0% versus a gain of 35.1%. Over five years, MKSI leads with a +82.8% price change compared with -27.8% for CGNX. MKS is the larger company by market cap ($17.88 billion vs $10.58 billion), about 1.7 times the size.
On valuation, MKS trades at a lower forward P/E (15.1x vs 31.0x for Cognex). Cognex offers the higher dividend yield (0.53% vs 0.36%). Cognex converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.5% versus 7.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CGNX | MKSI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $62.92 | $264.50 |
| Market cap | $10.58B | $17.88B |
| 1-day change | +3.30% | +1.58% |
| YTD return | +74.87% | +65.52% |
| 1-year return | +35.11% | +97.01% |
| 5-year return | -27.84% | +82.83% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 60.50 | 41.39 |
| Forward P/E | 31.04 | 15.07 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.04 | $6.39 |
| Dividend yield | 0.53% | 0.36% |
| Annual dividend | $0.335 | $0.94 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $994.36M | $3.93B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.73% | +9.62% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $114.44M | $295.00M |
| Gross margin | 66.92% | 46.73% |
| Operating margin | 16.35% | 13.43% |
| Net margin | 11.51% | 7.50% |
| 52-week high | $72.88 | $447.62 |
| 52-week low | $34.60 | $126.92 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.67% | -40.91% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +25.73% | +55.33% |
| Average volume | 1.89M | 1.34M |
| Shares outstanding | 168.22M | 67.62M |
| Employees | 2,745 | 10,200 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- MKSI has outperformed CGNX by 61.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Cognex trades at a higher earnings multiple (60.5x vs 41.4x trailing P/E).
About Cognex
CGNX stock →Cognex Corporation provides machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks in the United States, Europe, Greater China, and internationally. Its machine vision products are used to automate the manufacture and distribution of discrete items, such as mobile phones, automotive components, and e-commerce packages, by locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring them.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 2,745 employees
About MKS
MKSI stock →MKS Inc. provides foundational technology solutions to semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications in the United States, China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and internationally.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 10,200 employees
CGNX vs MKSI FAQ
Which is bigger, Cognex or MKS?
MKS (MKSI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $17.88B compared with $10.58B for Cognex (CGNX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CGNX or MKSI?
MKSI returned +97.01% over the past 12 months, compared with +35.11% for CGNX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CGNX or MKSI?
MKSI has the lower trailing P/E at 41.4, versus 60.5 for CGNX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Cognex or MKS?
Cognex has the higher yield at 0.53%, compared with 0.36% for MKS.
Are Cognex and MKS in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.