WallStSmart

KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsNova Ltd (NVMI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KLA Corporation generates 1347% more annual revenue ($12.74B vs $880.58M). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 29.4%. NVMI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. 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

NVMI

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 4.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.69
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
NVMISignificantly Overvalued (-40.5%)

Margin of Safety

-40.5%

Fair Value

$338.56

Current Price

$481.28

$142.72 premium

UndervaluedFair: $338.56Overvalued

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

NVMI5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
23.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
29.4%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.4% YoY

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

NVMI2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
11.6x4/10

Trading at 11.6x book value

P/E RatioValuation
60.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 : NVMI

The strongest argument for NVMI centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.4% and operating margin at 27.7%. Revenue growth of 14.3% 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 : NVMI

The primary concerns for NVMI are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 60.6x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NVMI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.83 — expect wider price swings.

NVMI is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — 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 68/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. 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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Nova Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. designs, develops, produces, and sells process control systems used in semiconductor manufacturing in Israel, Taiwan, the United States, China, Korea, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Rehovot, Israel.

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