KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,869.19
+6.01%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $230.33B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$549.52
-0.50%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $78.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 223% more annual revenue ($42.37B vs $13.10B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 10.8%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
KLAC
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
NOC
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for KLAC.
Margin of Safety
-60.9%
Fair Value
$421.87
Current Price
$549.52
$127.65 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 95 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Earnings expanding 84.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 44.8x book value
4.4% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 35.7% and operating margin at 41.2%. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
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 : NOC
The primary concerns for NOC are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC profiles as a mature stock while NOC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.50 — expect wider price swings.
KLAC is growing revenue faster at 11.5% — sustainability is the question.
KLAC generates stronger free cash flow (622M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KLAC scores higher overall (68/100 vs 63/100), 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.
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 →Northrop Grumman Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS Stocks
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