KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsNasdaq Inc (NDAQ)
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,543.82
-1.43%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $205.79B
NDAQ
Nasdaq Inc
$83.74
-0.64%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $49.33B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
KLA Corporation generates 143% more annual revenue ($12.74B vs $5.25B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 34.1%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.66. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
KLAC
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
NDAQ
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+3.9%
Fair Value
$1605.71
Current Price
$1543.82
$61.89 discount
Margin of Safety
+44.4%
Fair Value
$144.61
Current Price
$83.74
$60.87 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%
Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 47.6%
Earnings expanding 47.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 37.0x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : NDAQ
The strongest argument for NDAQ centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.1% and operating margin at 47.6%. Revenue growth of 13.4% 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 : NDAQ
The primary concerns for NDAQ are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
NDAQ is growing revenue faster at 13.4% — sustainability is the question.
KLAC generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. NDAQ offers better value entry with a 44.4% margin of safety. 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.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS Stocks
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