WallStSmart

KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsKulicke and Soffa Industries Inc (KLIC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KLA Corporation generates 1754% more annual revenue ($12.74B vs $687.58M). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs -9.4%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.66. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

KLAC

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 8.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70

KLIC

Hold

37

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 6.7Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.69
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KLACUndervalued (+3.9%)

Margin of Safety

+3.9%

Fair Value

$1605.71

Current Price

$1543.82

$61.89 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1605.71Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for KLIC.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KLAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$205.79B10/10

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

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.26B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

KLIC2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.6910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.2%8/10

Revenue surging 20.2% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.664/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
45.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
37.0x2/10

Trading at 37.0x book value

KLIC4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.384/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-7.2%2/10

ROE of -7.2% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-78.8%2/10

Earnings declined 78.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-11.61M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : KLIC

The strongest argument for KLIC centers on Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 20.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.6x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : KLIC

The primary concerns for KLIC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KLAC profiles as a mature stock while KLIC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

KLIC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.60 — expect wider price swings.

KLIC is growing revenue faster at 20.2% — sustainability is the question.

KLAC generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 37/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

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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Kulicke and Soffa Industries Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures and sells capital equipment and tools for assembling semiconductor devices. The company is headquartered in Singapore.

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