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Sifting through countless of stocks in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry can be tedious, and sometimes two stocks are just too similar to judge which is the better investment. If you’re on the fence about investing in MKS Inc., First Solar or Inc. because you’re not sure how they measure up, it’s important to compare them on a few factors before making your decision.
Read on to learn how MKS Inc., First Solar and Inc. compare based on key financial metrics to determine which better meets your investment needs.
About MKS Inc., First Solar and Inc.
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. 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 fiber optic temperature and position sensing. 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, 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. MKS Inc. was formerly known as MKS Instruments, Inc. and changed its name to MKS Inc. in May 2025. The company was incorporated in 1961 and is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.
First Solar, Inc., a solar technology company, provides photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions in the United States, France, India, Chile, and internationally. The company manufactures and sells PV solar modules with a thin film semiconductor technology that provides a lower-carbon alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV solar modules. It also designs, manufactures, and sells cadmium telluride solar modules that converts sunlight into electricity. The company’s residual business operations include project development activities, operations and maintenance services, and the sale of PV solar power systems to third-party customers. It serves developers and operators of systems, utilities, independent power producers, commercial and industrial companies, and other system owners. The company was formerly known as First Solar Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to First Solar, Inc. in 2006. First Solar, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.
Latest Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment and MKS Inc., First Solar, Inc. Stock News
As of November 6, 2025, MKS Inc. had a $10.4 billion market capitalization, compared to the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment median of $2.6 million. MKS Inc.’s stock is up 43% in 2025, up 3.9% in the previous five trading days and up 55.92% in the past year.
Currently, MKS Inc.’s price-earnings ratio is 39.3. MKS Inc.’s trailing 12-month revenue is $3.7 billion with a 7.3% net profit margin. Year-over-year quarterly sales growth most recently was 9.7%. Analysts expect adjusted earnings to reach $7.165 per share for the current fiscal year. MKS Inc. currently has a 0.6% dividend yield.
As of November 6, 2025, First Solar, Inc. had a $29.2 billion market cap, putting it in the 90th percentile of all stocks. First Solar, Inc.’s stock is up 47.7% in 2025, down 2.5% in the previous five trading days and up 28.12% in the past year.
Currently, First Solar, Inc.’s price-earnings ratio is 20.9. First Solar, Inc.’s trailing 12-month revenue is $5.1 billion with a 27.7% net profit margin. Year-over-year quarterly sales growth most recently was 79.7%. Analysts expect adjusted earnings to reach $14.586 per share for the current fiscal year. First Solar, Inc. does not currently pay a dividend.
How We Compare MKS Inc., First Solar and Inc. Stock Grades
Stock evaluation requires access to huge amounts of data and the knowledge and time to sift through it all, make sense of financial ratios, read income statements and analyze recent stock movements. AAII created A+ Investor, a robust data suite that condenses data research in an actionable and customizable way suitable for investors of all knowledge levels, to help investors streamline and work through such data.
AAII’s proprietary stock grades come with A+ Investor. These offer intuitive A‐F grades for each of five key investing factors: value, growth, momentum, earnings estimate revisions and quality. Here, we’ll take a closer look at MKS Inc., First Solar and Inc.’s stock grades to see how they measure up against one another.
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