First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) vs MKS Inc. (MKSI)

FSLR leads on 14 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of First Solar, Inc. and MKS Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 18, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare
First Solar, Inc. logo
FSLR
First Solar, Inc.
$22.78B
$211.99TechnologyAt close: Jul 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
MKS Inc. logo
MKSI
MKS Inc.
$21.93B
$324.69TechnologyAt close: Jul 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET

Total return — FSLR vs MKSI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 20y
FSLR +756.9%MKSI +1761.1%MKSI compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $10020102014201820222026$857$1,861
FSLR MKSI

FSLR vs MKSI: by the numbers

  • •FSLR is the larger company ($22.78B vs $21.93B market cap).
  • •FSLR trades at the lower earnings multiple (13.69 vs 67.93 P/E).
  • •FSLR converts more revenue to profit (30.73% vs 8.03% net margin).
  • •FSLR grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.69% vs 10.35% CAGR).
  • •MKSI pays a dividend (0.29% yield) while FSLR does not currently pay one.

Which is better, FSLR or MKSI?

Metric tally: FSLR 14 · MKSI 2

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueFSLR(lower P/E)
GrowthFSLR(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityFSLR(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFSLRMKSI
P/E ratio13.69●67.93
Forward P/E11.98●27.65
P/S ratio4.21●5.67
P/B ratio2.31●8.21
PEG ratio1.010.65●
EV / EBITDA8.89●28.37
FCF yield7.31%●1.74%

Profitability

MetricFSLRMKSI
Gross margin41.73%43.61%●
Operating margin33.17%●14.76%
Net margin30.73%●8.03%
ROE16.86%●11.63%
ROIC14.42%●6.92%

Dividends

MetricFSLRMKSI
Dividend yield—0.29%
Payout ratio—21.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFSLRMKSI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.69%●10.35%
EPS CAGR (5Y)30.54%●-7.12%
FCF CAGR (5Y)55.54%●3.03%
Total return CAGR (5Y)20.48%●16.42%

Frequently asked

Which is better, FSLR or MKSI?
It depends on your goal. value: FSLR (lower P/E); growth: FSLR (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: FSLR (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FSLR leads 14 to 2.
Is FSLR or MKSI cheaper?
On trailing earnings, FSLR is cheaper: FSLR trades at a 13.69 P/E and MKSI at 67.93.
Which has grown faster, FSLR or MKSI?
Over the past five years, FSLR grew revenue faster — FSLR at a 12.69% CAGR versus MKSI at 10.35%.
Does FSLR or MKSI pay a bigger dividend?
MKSI pays a dividend (0.29% yield) while FSLR does not currently pay one.
Is FSLR or MKSI more profitable?
FSLR runs the higher net margin — FSLR at 30.73% versus MKSI at 8.03%.
Which has been the better investment, FSLR or MKSI?
Over the past 10-year, MKSI delivered the higher annualized total return — FSLR at 16.07% versus MKSI at 22.56%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Go deeper

Full FSLR analysisFull MKSI analysisInteractive comparison tool

Dig into the metrics

First Solar P/E ratioMKS P/E ratioFirst Solar dividend yieldMKS dividend yieldFirst Solar ROEMKS ROEFirst Solar operating marginMKS operating marginFirst Solar revenue growthMKS revenue growthFirst Solar free cash flowMKS free cash flow

First Solar & MKS appear in these rankings

Highest Operating Margin StocksHighest FCF Yield StocksBest 10-Year Total Return StocksLowest P/E Ratio Stocks

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 18, 2026.