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KLA (KLAC)
NASDAQ:KLAC

KLA (KLAC) AI Stock Analysis

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KLAC

KLA

(NASDAQ:KLAC)

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Outperform 77 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$1,378.00
▲(8.88% Upside)
KLA's strong financial performance and positive earnings call are the most significant factors driving the score. The company's robust growth in advanced packaging and service revenue, along with record cash flow, position it well for future growth. However, the high P/E ratio and potential risks from U.S. export controls on China slightly temper the overall outlook.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
The significant growth in advanced packaging revenue indicates strong demand and market position, supporting long-term revenue expansion.
Cash Flow Generation
Record cash flow and high free cash flow margins demonstrate efficient cash management, providing financial flexibility for future investments.
Service Business Growth
The growth in service revenue reflects strong demand for ongoing support and maintenance, enhancing long-term customer relationships and recurring revenue.
Negative Factors
High Debt Levels
High debt levels can limit financial flexibility and increase risk, potentially impacting the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities.
China Export Controls Impact
Export controls impacting China could reduce revenue from a key market, affecting growth prospects and market share in the region.
Mixed Segment Performance
Reduced demand in certain segments may lead to uneven performance, potentially affecting overall revenue growth and market positioning.

KLA (KLAC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

KLA Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKLA Corporation (KLAC) is a leading global supplier of process control and yield management solutions for the semiconductor and related industries. The company operates primarily in two segments: Semiconductor Process Control and Specialty Semiconductor Process. KLA's core products include advanced inspection and metrology systems, which help manufacturers optimize their production processes and improve yield rates. Additionally, KLA provides software solutions and services that enhance the performance and reliability of semiconductor manufacturing.
How the Company Makes MoneyKLA generates revenue primarily through the sale of its semiconductor equipment and related services. The company's key revenue streams include the sale of inspection and metrology tools, which are critical for ensuring quality and precision in semiconductor manufacturing. KLA also earns revenue from software solutions that aid in data analysis and process optimization, as well as from service contracts that provide ongoing support and maintenance for its equipment. Significant partnerships with leading semiconductor manufacturers and technology companies further bolster KLA's earnings by integrating their solutions into high-volume production environments. Additionally, ongoing advancements in semiconductor technology and increasing demand for chips in various applications, such as AI and IoT, contribute positively to KLA's revenue growth.

KLA Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Geography
Revenue by Geography
Breaks down revenue across different regions, revealing where the company is strongest and where it may face risk or growth potential due to local economic conditions or market share shifts.
Chart InsightsKLA's revenue in China and Taiwan is surging, driven by strong demand in advanced packaging and high-bandwidth memory, aligning with the company's earnings call highlighting growth in these areas. Despite global trade uncertainties impacting margins, KLA's market share in process control remains robust. North America and Japan show fluctuating trends, but recent upticks suggest potential recovery. The company's strategic focus on advanced packaging and services is paying off, with both segments showing resilience and growth, which is crucial given the challenges posed by export controls and tariffs.
Data provided by:The Fly

KLA Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 29, 2025
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 22, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
KLA's earnings call reflects a strong financial performance with significant growth in advanced packaging and service revenue. The company also reported record cash flow and robust capital returns. While there are concerns regarding the impact of extended export controls on China, the overall outlook remains positive, with expectations of growth in 2026.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
KLA delivered strong results with revenue of $3.21 billion and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $8.81. GAAP diluted EPS was $8.47. Gross margin was 62.5%, driven by a stronger product mix and manufacturing efficiencies.
Advanced Packaging Revenue Growth
Advanced packaging-related revenue is expected to exceed $925 million for calendar year 2025, up approximately 70% year-over-year.
Service Business Growth
Service revenue grew to $745 million in the September quarter, up 6% sequentially and 16% year-over-year.
Record Cash Flow
Strong cash flow in the quarter was at a record of $1.066 billion. Over the past 12 months, free cash flow was $3.9 billion, with a free cash flow margin of 31%.
Capital Returns
Total capital return in the September quarter was $799 million, consisting of $545 million in share repurchases and $254 million in dividends. Total capital return over the past 12 months was $3.09 billion.
Positive Outlook for 2026
KLA anticipates mid- to high single-digit growth in WFE for 2025 and expects 2026 to be a growth year with a broader spending profile for both WFE and advanced packaging.
Negative Updates
Impact of China Export Controls
KLA estimates the revenue impact due to extended export controls from the U.S. government affecting certain customers in China to be approximately $300 million to $350 million through calendar 2026.
Mixed Segment Performance
While leading-edge logic and DRAM are expected to perform well, KLA anticipates a reduction in demand from domestic China and the legacy market.
Company Guidance
During KLA Corporation's September Quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided a robust set of financial metrics and guidance for the upcoming quarters. Revenue for the September quarter was reported at $3.21 billion, with a non-GAAP diluted EPS of $8.81 and a GAAP diluted EPS of $8.47. The company highlighted strong growth in its advanced packaging segment, expecting related revenue to exceed $925 million for the calendar year 2025, reflecting a 70% year-over-year increase. Service revenue also saw significant growth, reaching $745 million, up 6% sequentially and 16% year-over-year. The company achieved a record cash flow of $1.066 billion for the quarter, contributing to a free cash flow of $3.9 billion over the past 12 months, with a free cash flow margin of 31%. For the December quarter, KLA forecasted revenue of $3.225 billion, with an expected gross margin of 62%. Looking ahead to 2026, KLA anticipates a growth year for the industry, driven by investments in advanced packaging and leading-edge logic, despite the anticipated impact of U.S. export controls on certain customers in China.

KLA Financial Statement Overview

Summary
KLA exhibits strong financial health with excellent profitability and cash flow metrics. The income statement shows robust revenue growth and high margins, while the cash flow statement indicates efficient cash management. However, the high debt-to-equity ratio on the balance sheet poses a potential risk.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
KLA's income statement shows strong profitability with a consistent gross profit margin above 60% and a net profit margin around 33%. The company has demonstrated positive revenue growth, particularly in the TTM period, indicating a robust growth trajectory. EBIT and EBITDA margins are also healthy, reflecting efficient operational management.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reveals a relatively high debt-to-equity ratio, which poses a potential risk. However, the return on equity is impressive, indicating effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio suggests moderate leverage, but the high debt levels warrant caution.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
KLA's cash flow statement is strong, with positive free cash flow growth and a high operating cash flow to net income ratio, indicating good cash generation relative to earnings. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also robust, suggesting efficient cash management.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue12.52B12.16B9.81B10.50B9.21B6.92B
Gross Profit7.72B7.58B5.88B6.28B5.62B4.15B
EBITDA5.56B5.34B3.90B4.50B4.01B2.85B
Net Income4.24B4.06B2.76B3.39B3.32B2.08B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets16.32B16.07B15.43B14.07B12.60B10.27B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.68B4.49B4.50B3.24B2.71B2.49B
Total Debt6.09B6.09B6.82B6.06B6.77B3.55B
Total Liabilities11.33B11.38B12.07B11.15B11.20B6.90B
Stockholders Equity4.99B4.69B3.37B2.92B1.40B3.38B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow3.87B3.74B3.03B3.33B3.01B1.95B
Operating Cash Flow4.25B4.08B3.31B3.67B3.31B2.19B
Investing Cash Flow-441.43M-202.48M-1.48B-486.87M-876.46M-500.40M
Financing Cash Flow-3.83B-3.79B-1.78B-2.83B-2.26B-1.50B

KLA Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price1265.66
Price Trends
50DMA
1176.57
Positive
100DMA
1070.18
Positive
200DMA
923.99
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
20.77
Negative
RSI
60.95
Neutral
STOCH
77.18
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KLAC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 1265.66 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1204.10, above the 50-day MA of 1176.57, and above the 200-day MA of 923.99, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 20.77 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 60.95 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 77.18 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for KLAC.

KLA Risk Analysis

KLA disclosed 39 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. KLA reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

KLA Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$134.38B60.126.57%1.44%16.89%39.29%
77
Outperform
$163.67B39.1199.17%0.58%22.27%45.32%
77
Outperform
$203.32B29.6135.51%0.69%4.47%0.48%
77
Outperform
$216.38B37.9662.26%0.56%25.66%46.68%
73
Outperform
$347.47B106.235.32%31.83%80.45%
64
Neutral
$175.63B3,431.130.19%-1.49%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KLAC
KLA
1,265.66
619.56
95.89%
AMD
Advanced Micro Devices
214.95
88.66
70.20%
ADI
Analog Devices
275.82
61.27
28.56%
AMAT
Applied Materials
259.01
92.31
55.37%
INTC
Intel
36.37
15.97
78.28%
LRCX
Lam Research
175.26
102.10
139.56%

KLA Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder MeetingsDividends
KLA Announces Cash Dividend Amid Shareholder Meeting
Positive
Nov 7, 2025

On November 5, 2025, KLA held its annual meeting of stockholders where three proposals were considered, including the election of ten directors, ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent auditor, and approval of executive compensation. Notably, Emiko Higashi and Gary Moore ended their terms, with Michael McMullen appointed as Chair of the Compensation and Talent Committee. Additionally, on November 6, 2025, KLA announced a cash dividend of $1.90 per share, payable on December 2, 2025, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 09, 2025