MKS (MKSI) vs Watsco (WSO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 22, 2026.
Summary
MKS (MKSI) has outperformed Watsco (WSO) over the past year, gaining 53.6% versus a loss of 19.6%. Over five years, MKSI leads with a +44.0% price change compared with +5.3% for WSO. MKS is the larger company by market cap ($14.61 billion vs $12.58 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, MKS trades at a lower forward P/E (12.3x vs 23.0x for Watsco). Watsco offers the higher dividend yield (4.03% vs 0.43%). MKS converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 7.5% versus 6.9%.
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 | MKSI | WSO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $216.10 | $305.03 |
| Market cap | $14.61B | $12.58B |
| 1-day change | +2.35% | +1.05% |
| YTD return | +35.23% | -9.47% |
| 1-year return | +53.56% | -19.55% |
| 5-year return | +44.02% | +5.34% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 33.56 | 26.14 |
| Forward P/E | 12.29 | 22.99 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.44 | $11.67 |
| Dividend yield | 0.43% | 4.03% |
| Annual dividend | $0.94 | $12.30 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.93B | $7.24B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.62% | -4.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $295.00M | $496.99M |
| Gross margin | 46.73% | 28.05% |
| Operating margin | 13.43% | 9.95% |
| Net margin | 7.50% | 6.87% |
| 52-week high | $447.62 | $459.00 |
| 52-week low | $132.28 | $277.34 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -51.72% | -33.54% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +88.80% | +14.71% |
| Average volume | 1.39M | 531.12K |
| Shares outstanding | 67.62M | 35.59M |
| Employees | 10,200 | 6,950 |
| Sector | Industrials | Consumer Discretionary |
| 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 WSO by 73.1 percentage points over the past year.
- MKS trades at a higher earnings multiple (33.6x vs 26.1x trailing P/E).
- Watsco offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.03% vs 0.43%).
- MKS grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+9.62% vs -4.98%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: MKS in Industrials and Watsco in Consumer Discretionary.
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
About Watsco
WSO stock →Watsco, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It distributes equipment, including residential ducted and ductless air conditioners, such as gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment systems; and other specialized equipment.
Consumer Discretionary · Industrial Machinery/Components · 6,950 employees
MKSI vs WSO FAQ
Which is bigger, MKS or Watsco?
MKS (MKSI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $14.61B compared with $12.58B for Watsco (WSO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MKSI or WSO?
MKSI returned +53.56% over the past 12 months, compared with -19.55% for WSO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MKSI or WSO?
WSO has the lower trailing P/E at 26.1, versus 33.6 for MKSI. 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, MKS or Watsco?
Watsco has the higher yield at 4.03%, compared with 0.43% for MKS.
Are MKS and Watsco in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.