KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsUniversal Corporation (UVV)
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,869.19
+6.01%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $230.33B
UVV
Universal Corporation
$53.70
-0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
KLA Corporation generates 350% more annual revenue ($13.10B vs $2.91B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 2.9%. 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-
UVV
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for KLAC.
Margin of Safety
+33.4%
Fair Value
$79.32
Current Price
$53.70
$25.62 discount
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%
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
2.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : UVV
The strongest argument for UVV centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
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 : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC profiles as a mature stock while UVV 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 45/100), backed by strong 35.7% margins and 11.5% revenue growth. UVV offers better value entry with a 33.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Universal Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
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