WallStSmart

KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsNasdaq Inc (NDAQ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KLA Corporation generates 142% more annual revenue ($13.10B vs $5.42B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 35.3%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. NDAQ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

KLAC

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70

NDAQ

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KLAC4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$230.33B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
95.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 95 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%

NDAQ4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
35.3%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.4%

Market CapQuality
$50.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.934/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
50.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
44.8x2/10

Trading at 44.8x book value

NDAQ2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.324/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
26.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

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 35.7% and operating margin at 41.2%. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NDAQ

The strongest argument for NDAQ centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.3% and operating margin at 48.4%. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 50.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : NDAQ

The primary concerns for NDAQ are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NDAQ is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.

NDAQ generates stronger free cash flow (629M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

NDAQ scores higher overall (69/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 35.3% margins and 13.7% 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.

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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Nasdaq Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Nasdaq, Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation that owns and operates stock exchanges in the United States and Europe. It is headquartered in New York City.

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