WallStSmart

KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsQualcomm Incorporated (QCOM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Qualcomm Incorporated generates 240% more annual revenue ($44.49B vs $13.10B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 22.3%. QCOM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.82. QCOM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (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

QCOM

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 6.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.17
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for KLAC.

QCOMUndervalued (+8.0%)

Margin of Safety

+8.0%

Fair Value

$220.25

Current Price

$219.09

$1.16 discount

UndervaluedFair: $220.25Overvalued

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%

QCOM6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$230.92B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
173.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 173.0% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Profit MarginProfitability
22.3%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.828/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

QCOM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
10.2x4/10

Trading at 10.2x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.5%2/10

Revenue declined 3.5%

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 : QCOM

The strongest argument for QCOM centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.3% and operating margin at 22.1%. PEG of 0.82 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : QCOM

The primary concerns for QCOM are Price/Book, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KLAC profiles as a mature stock while QCOM is a declining 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.

QCOM generates stronger free cash flow (1.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

QCOM scores higher overall (71/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 22.3% 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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Qualcomm Incorporated

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA

Qualcomm is an American multinational corporation headquartered in San Diego, California, and incorporated in Delaware. It creates semiconductors, software, and services related to wireless technology. It owns patents critical to the 5G, 4G, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA and WCDMA mobile communications standards.

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