WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ASML Holding NV ADR generates 164% more annual revenue ($33.69B vs $12.74B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 29.7%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.01. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

ASML

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0

KLAC

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 3.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASML4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$554.61B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
52.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 52 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

KLAC5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$238.64B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
100.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.8%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
40.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

ASML4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.144/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
47.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
1240.9x2/10

Trading at 1240.9x book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.61B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.014/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
51.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
41.4x2/10

Trading at 41.4x 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 35.8% and operating margin at 41.3%.

Bear Case : ASML

The primary concerns for ASML are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 47.4x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 51.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — 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 (68/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. 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.

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