Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) vs MKS Inc. (MKSI)

A side-by-side comparison of Gen Digital Inc. and MKS Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnGEN vs MKSI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
GEN +44.6% (+3.8%/yr)MKSI +494.3% (+19.5%/yr)MKSI compounded faster over this window
2004006008001kStart $10020182020202220242026$145$594
GEN MKSI

GEN vs MKSI: by the numbers

  • GEN is the larger company ($18.11B vs $18.06B market cap).
  • GEN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.59 vs 42.63 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • GEN converts more revenue to profit (20.73% vs 10.12% net margin).
  • GEN grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.11% vs 10.04% CAGR).
  • GEN pays the higher dividend yield (1.67% vs 0.37%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGENMKSI
P/E ratio17.5942.63
Forward P/E10.3320.35
P/S ratio3.574.15
P/B ratio6.826.04
EV / EBITDA9.7820.41
FCF yield8.55%2.51%

Profitability

MetricGENMKSI
Gross margin78.01%44.12%
Operating margin42.09%16.49%
Net margin20.73%10.12%
ROE39.65%14.73%
ROIC11.20%8.17%

Dividends

MetricGENMKSI
Dividend yield1.67%0.37%
Payout ratio29.07%15.47%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGENMKSI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.11%10.04%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.08%-7.12%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.44%3.03%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.05%12.86%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, GEN or MKSI?
GEN has the lower trailing P/E: GEN trades at 17.59 and MKSI at 42.63. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, GEN or MKSI?
Over the past five years, GEN grew revenue faster — GEN at a 14.11% CAGR versus MKSI at 10.04%.
Does GEN or MKSI pay a bigger dividend?
GEN yields 1.67% and MKSI yields 0.37% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GEN or MKSI more profitable?
GEN runs the higher net margin — GEN at 20.73% versus MKSI at 10.12%.
How have GEN and MKSI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, GEN delivered 3.95% and MKSI delivered 19.80% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 September 11, 2026.