WallStSmart

ASML Holding NV ADR (ASML)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ASML Holding NV ADR generates 157% more annual revenue ($33.69B vs $13.10B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 29.7%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.67. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

ASML

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 3.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.42

KLAC

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 10.0Value: 3.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASML5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$732.09B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
48.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 48 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
36.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.7%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.139/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

KLAC4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$334.96B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
80.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 80 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%

Areas to Watch

ASML4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.812/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
63.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
1465.8x2/10

Trading at 1465.8x book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.61B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.053/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.672/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
72.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
432.6x2/10

Trading at 432.6x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ASML

The strongest argument for ASML centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.7% and operating margin at 36.0%. Revenue growth of 13.2% 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 35.7% and operating margin at 41.2%. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ASML

The primary concerns for ASML are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 63.7x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 72.4x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.50 — expect wider price swings.

ASML is growing revenue faster at 13.2% — sustainability is the question.

KLAC generates stronger free cash flow (622M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

KLAC scores higher overall (66/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 35.7% margins and 11.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

ASML Holding NV ADR

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

ASML Holding NV develops, produces, markets, sells and services advanced semiconductor equipment systems consisting of lithography, metrology and inspection related systems for memory and logic chip manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands.

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?