WallStSmart

Applied Materials Inc (AMAT)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)

VS
⚡

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Applied Materials Inc generates 113% more annual revenue ($30.84B vs $14.51B). KLAC leads profitability with a 36.2% profit margin vs 30.0%. AMAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.83. AMAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

AMAT

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.98

KLAC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.95

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AMAT6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$309.57B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
30.0%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

KLAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$205.75B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
80.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 81 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.9%8/10

Revenue surging 28.9% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
39.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 39.3% YoY

Areas to Watch

AMAT2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

KLAC3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.514/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
39.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
27.7x2/10

Trading at 27.7x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AMAT

The strongest argument for AMAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.0% and operating margin at 33.7%. Revenue growth of 24.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : KLAC

The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.2% and operating margin at 45.0%. Revenue growth of 28.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AMAT

The primary concerns for AMAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AMAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.59 — expect wider price swings.

KLAC is growing revenue faster at 28.9% — sustainability is the question.

AMAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AMAT scores higher overall (78/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 30.0% margins and 24.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Applied Materials Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Applied Materials, Inc. is an American corporation that supplies equipment, services and software for the manufacture of semiconductor (integrated circuit) chips for electronics, flat panel displays for computers, smartphones and televisions, and solar products. The company also supplies equipment to produce coatings for flexible electronics, packaging and other applications. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, in Silicon Valley.

Visit Website →

KLA Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

KLA Corporation is a capital equipment company based in Milpitas, California. It supplies process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry and other related nanoelectronics industries. The company's products and services are intended for all phases of wafer, reticle, integrated circuit (IC) and packaging production, from research and development to final volume manufacturing.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?