WallStSmart

KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsSociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B (SQM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KLA Corporation generates 186% more annual revenue ($13.10B vs $4.58B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 12.9%. SQM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.60. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (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

SQM

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.0Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.01
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for KLAC.

SQMUndervalued (+9.0%)

Margin of Safety

+9.0%

Fair Value

$82.67

Current Price

$91.60

$8.93 discount

UndervaluedFair: $82.67Overvalued

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%

SQM4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
52.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 52.3% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.608/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
28.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.3%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.3%8/10

Revenue surging 23.3% year-over-year

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

SQM1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
44.5x2/10

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

Bull Case : SQM

The strongest argument for SQM centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 23.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.60 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 : SQM

The primary concerns for SQM are P/E Ratio. A P/E of 44.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KLAC profiles as a mature stock while SQM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

SQM is growing revenue faster at 23.3% — sustainability is the question.

KLAC generates stronger free cash flow (622M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KLAC scores higher overall (68/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 35.7% margins and 11.5% 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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Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Sociedad Qumica y Minera de Chile SA produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals and other products and services worldwide. The company is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

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