KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,929.20
+8.73%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $334.96B
STX
Seagate Technology PLC
$925.99
+0.39%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $230.51B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
KLA Corporation generates 19% more annual revenue ($13.10B vs $11.01B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 21.6%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
KLAC
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
STX
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 80 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 217 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%
Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 432.6x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 189.8x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 : STX
The strongest argument for STX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : KLAC
The primary concerns for KLAC are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 72.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : STX
The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 97.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC profiles as a mature stock while STX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
STX carries more volatility with a beta of 2.08 — expect wider price swings.
STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.
STX generates stronger free cash flow (953M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STX scores higher overall (77/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% 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.
Visit Website →Seagate Technology PLC
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.
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