Tearsheet

KLA (KLAC)


Market Price (12/21/2025): $1249.8 | Market Cap: $164.7 Bil
Sector: Information Technology | Industry: Semiconductor Materials & Equipment

KLA (KLAC)


Market Price (12/21/2025): $1249.8
Market Cap: $164.7 Bil
Sector: Information Technology
Industry: Semiconductor Materials & Equipment

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Which of these 2 stories sounds closer for this stock?

1. Generates cash flow

The stock generated 4% or more of the share price (called cash flow yield), and shows moderate 10-15% or more growth.

2. Riding a trend

Think Tesla during the pandemic of 2020 when EVs were riding a cultural high, or Nvidia in the current AI boom, or even Figma. These companies don’t have enough yield, or, enough growth, or both - however - they are riding a trend. They have momentum. These can be more volatile - they don’t have the floor of strong cash flow


0 Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 42%
Trading close to highs
Dist 52W High is 0.0%, Dist 3Y High is 0.0%
Key risks
KLAC key risks include [1] its substantial revenue from China being threatened by U.S. Show more.
1 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 34%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 31%, CFO LTM is 4.2 Bil, FCF LTM is 3.9 Bil
  
2 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 43%
  
3 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Artificial Intelligence, Automation & Robotics, Advanced Materials, and 5G & Advanced Connectivity. Show more.
  
0 Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 42%
1 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 34%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 31%, CFO LTM is 4.2 Bil, FCF LTM is 3.9 Bil
2 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 43%
3 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Artificial Intelligence, Automation & Robotics, Advanced Materials, and 5G & Advanced Connectivity. Show more.
4 Trading close to highs
Dist 52W High is 0.0%, Dist 3Y High is 0.0%
5 Key risks
KLAC key risks include [1] its substantial revenue from China being threatened by U.S. Show more.

Valuation, Metrics & Events

KLAC Stock


Why The Stock Moved


Qualitative Assessment

AI Generated Analysis | Feedback

The KLA (KLAC) stock experienced a significant movement of 43.1% between August 31, 2025, and December 21, 2025, driven by several key factors:

1. Strong Fiscal Q1 2026 Earnings and Positive Guidance: KLA Corporation reported robust financial results for its first quarter of fiscal year 2026, which ended on September 30, 2025. The company announced GAAP net income of $1.12 billion and GAAP diluted EPS of $8.47 on revenues of $3.21 billion, exceeding guidance midpoints. Non-GAAP diluted EPS was $8.81, beating Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.04%. Total revenues increased 13% year-over-year. The company also provided positive guidance for Q2 Fiscal 2026, expecting revenues in a range of $3.225 billion +/- $150 million and non-GAAP diluted EPS in a range of $8.70 +/- $0.78.

2. Accelerated Demand from AI Infrastructure Buildout: KLA's strong performance was significantly attributed to the increasing demand from the AI infrastructure buildout. The complexity of advanced AI chips is directly driving the demand for KLA's inspection and process control solutions. KLA is in a unique position to benefit from this trend due to its industry-leading portfolio addressing challenges in leading-edge foundry/logic, memory, and advanced packaging markets.

Show more

Stock Movement Drivers

Return vs. Risk


Price Returns Compared

 202020212022202320242025Total [1]
Returns
KLAC Return48%68%-11%56%9%96%637%
Peers Return39%66%-39%74%-2%48%254%
S&P 500 Return16%27%-19%24%23%16%112%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
KLAC Win Rate67%75%42%67%42%58% 
Peers Win Rate60%68%33%65%48%62% 
S&P 500 Win Rate58%75%42%67%75%73% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
KLAC Max Drawdown-36%0%-38%-5%-6%-8% 
Peers Max Drawdown-40%-1%-50%-6%-10%-33% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-31%-1%-25%-1%-2%-15% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] Peers: AMAT, LRCX, ONTO, VECO, MKSI. See KLAC Returns vs. Peers.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2025 data is for the year up to 12/19/2025 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

Unique KeyEventKLACS&P 500
2022 Inflation Shock2022 Inflation Shock  
2022 Inflation Shock% Loss% Loss-40.8%-25.4%
2022 Inflation Shock% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven69.1%34.1%
2022 Inflation ShockTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven221 days464 days
2020 Covid Pandemic2020 Covid Pandemic  
2020 Covid Pandemic% Loss% Loss-37.5%-33.9%
2020 Covid Pandemic% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven60.1%51.3%
2020 Covid PandemicTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven75 days148 days
2018 Correction2018 Correction  
2018 Correction% Loss% Loss-33.6%-19.8%
2018 Correction% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven50.7%24.7%
2018 CorrectionTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven87 days120 days
2008 Global Financial Crisis2008 Global Financial Crisis  
2008 Global Financial Crisis% Loss% Loss-75.6%-56.8%
2008 Global Financial Crisis% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven309.8%131.3%
2008 Global Financial CrisisTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven1,790 days1,480 days

Compare to LRCX, AMAT, ADI, Q, KLAC


In The Past

KLA's stock fell -40.8% during the 2022 Inflation Shock from a high on 1/14/2022. A -40.8% loss requires a 69.1% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth over time.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About KLA (KLAC)

Better Bets than KLA (KLAC)

Trade Ideas

Select past ideas related to KLAC. For more, see Trefis Trade Ideas.

Unique KeyDateTickerCompanyCategoryTrade Strategy6M Fwd Rtn12M Fwd Rtn12M Max DD
ENPH_11302025_Dip_Buyer_High_CFO_Margins_ExInd_DE11302025ENPHEnphase EnergyDip BuyDB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow Margins
Buying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap
15.3%15.3%-0.9%
PD_11262025_Dip_Buyer_High_FCF_Yield_ExInd_DE_RevG11262025PDPagerDutyDip BuyDB | FCF Yield | Low D/EDip Buy with High Free Cash Flow Yield
Buying dips for companies with significant free cash flow yield (FCF / Market Cap) and reasonable debt / market cap
10.2%10.2%0.0%
CRM_11212025_Dip_Buyer_FCFYield11212025CRMSalesforceDip BuyDB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High Margin
Buying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin
14.6%14.6%-0.1%
HUBS_11212025_Dip_Buyer_High_CFO_Margins_ExInd_DE11212025HUBSHubSpotDip BuyDB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow Margins
Buying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap
9.6%9.6%0.0%
FIVN_11212025_Dip_Buyer_High_FCF_Yield_ExInd_DE_RevG11212025FIVNFive9Dip BuyDB | FCF Yield | Low D/EDip Buy with High Free Cash Flow Yield
Buying dips for companies with significant free cash flow yield (FCF / Market Cap) and reasonable debt / market cap
8.4%8.4%0.0%
KLAC_11212025_Quality_Momentum_RoomToRun_10%11212025KLACKLAQualityQ | Momentum | UpsideQuality Stocks with Momentum and Upside
Buying quality stocks with strong momentum but still having room to run
13.5%13.5%0.0%
KLAC_9302022_Dip_Buyer_FCFYield09302022KLACKLADip BuyDB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High Margin
Buying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin
32.8%53.5%-13.0%
Unique KeyDateTickerCompanyCategoryTrade Strategy6M Fwd Rtn12M Fwd Rtn12M Max DD
ENPH_11302025_Dip_Buyer_High_CFO_Margins_ExInd_DE11302025ENPHEnphase EnergyDip BuyDB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow Margins
Buying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap
15.3%15.3%-0.9%
PD_11262025_Dip_Buyer_High_FCF_Yield_ExInd_DE_RevG11262025PDPagerDutyDip BuyDB | FCF Yield | Low D/EDip Buy with High Free Cash Flow Yield
Buying dips for companies with significant free cash flow yield (FCF / Market Cap) and reasonable debt / market cap
10.2%10.2%0.0%
CRM_11212025_Dip_Buyer_FCFYield11212025CRMSalesforceDip BuyDB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High Margin
Buying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin
14.6%14.6%-0.1%
HUBS_11212025_Dip_Buyer_High_CFO_Margins_ExInd_DE11212025HUBSHubSpotDip BuyDB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow Margins
Buying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap
9.6%9.6%0.0%
FIVN_11212025_Dip_Buyer_High_FCF_Yield_ExInd_DE_RevG11212025FIVNFive9Dip BuyDB | FCF Yield | Low D/EDip Buy with High Free Cash Flow Yield
Buying dips for companies with significant free cash flow yield (FCF / Market Cap) and reasonable debt / market cap
8.4%8.4%0.0%
KLAC_11212025_Quality_Momentum_RoomToRun_10%11212025KLACKLAQualityQ | Momentum | UpsideQuality Stocks with Momentum and Upside
Buying quality stocks with strong momentum but still having room to run
13.5%13.5%0.0%
KLAC_9302022_Dip_Buyer_FCFYield09302022KLACKLADip BuyDB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High Margin
Buying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin
32.8%53.5%-13.0%

Recent Active Movers

Recent Active Movers

More From Trefis

Peer Comparisons for KLA

Peers to compare with:

Financials

KLACAMATLRCXONTOVECOMKSIMedian
NameKLA Applied .Lam Rese.Onto Inn.Veeco In.MKS  
Mkt Price1,245.67256.41172.27156.3629.29159.56165.92
Mkt Cap164.1203.8217.87.71.810.787.4
Rev LTM12,52428,36819,5921,0026813,8318,178
Op Inc LTM5,2318,4706,466169695532,892
FCF LTM3,8735,6985,550261555302,201
FCF 3Y Avg3,4136,9264,964205473921,903
CFO LTM4,2487,9586,384289736792,464
CFO 3Y Avg3,7378,4455,531233685112,124

Growth & Margins

KLACAMATLRCXONTOVECOMKSIMedian
NameKLA Applied .Lam Rese.Onto Inn.Veeco In.MKS  
Rev Chg LTM22.1%4.4%25.7%6.4%-3.9%8.1%7.3%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg8.7%3.2%4.0%1.4%2.0%6.4%3.6%
Rev Chg Q13.0%-3.5%27.7%-13.5%-10.2%10.3%3.4%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM3.0%-0.9%6.3%-3.3%-2.7%2.5%0.8%
Op Mgn LTM41.8%29.9%33.0%16.8%10.1%14.4%23.3%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg38.9%29.2%30.2%17.7%10.5%13.3%23.4%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM0.5%-0.3%1.0%-2.1%-1.7%-0.1%-0.2%
CFO/Rev LTM33.9%28.1%32.6%28.9%10.7%17.7%28.5%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg34.0%30.9%32.5%24.8%10.0%13.7%27.9%
FCF/Rev LTM30.9%20.1%28.3%26.1%8.0%13.8%23.1%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg31.1%25.4%29.3%21.7%7.0%10.5%23.5%

Valuation

KLACAMATLRCXONTOVECOMKSIMedian
NameKLA Applied .Lam Rese.Onto Inn.Veeco In.MKS  
Mkt Cap164.1203.8217.87.71.810.787.4
P/S13.17.211.17.62.62.87.4
P/EBIT31.821.432.545.432.820.032.1
P/E38.729.137.543.835.738.538.0
P/CFO38.625.634.126.524.115.826.1
Total Yield3.2%4.1%3.2%2.3%2.8%3.1%3.2%
Dividend Yield0.6%0.7%0.5%0.0%0.0%0.5%0.5%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg3.6%4.9%4.4%2.8%2.7%5.3%4.0%
D/E0.00.00.00.00.10.40.0
Net D/E0.0-0.0-0.0-0.1-0.10.4-0.0

Returns

KLACAMATLRCXONTOVECOMKSIMedian
NameKLA Applied .Lam Rese.Onto Inn.Veeco In.MKS  
1M Rtn13.0%16.4%23.6%24.8%11.0%15.2%15.8%
3M Rtn19.4%35.1%36.2%27.5%2.6%24.2%25.9%
6M Rtn47.1%52.0%91.1%63.2%48.6%76.5%57.6%
12M Rtn99.6%58.3%142.2%-6.5%9.1%55.4%56.9%
3Y Rtn223.3%148.7%296.9%120.3%55.3%92.3%134.5%
1M Excs Rtn3.8%6.2%13.1%16.5%3.5%8.0%7.1%
3M Excs Rtn14.4%26.0%28.7%18.1%-1.7%22.8%20.5%
6M Excs Rtn32.6%36.4%75.3%53.3%35.1%60.5%44.8%
12M Excs Rtn78.9%39.1%110.5%-22.2%-8.4%33.5%36.3%
3Y Excs Rtn144.8%69.2%208.6%35.4%-23.8%20.7%52.3%

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment

$ Mil20252024202320222021
Semiconductor Process Control8,7349,3247,9255,7354,745
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and Component Inspection552632832813727
Specialty Semiconductor Process529543457369330
Corporate allocations and effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates-3-3-210
Other   14
Total9,81210,4969,2126,9195,806


Price Behavior

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date11282025
Short Interest: Shares Quantity3,304,319
Short Interest: % Change Since 11152025-10.9%
Average Daily Volume1,110,507
Days-to-Cover Short Interest2.98
Basic Shares Quantity131,757,000
Short % of Basic Shares2.5%

Earnings Returns History

Expand for More

 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
10/29/2025-1.7%-0.7%-6.2%
7/31/20250.9%3.8%-0.6%
4/30/2025-3.8%-1.2%8.0%
1/30/2025-0.6%2.6%-6.7%
10/30/2024-3.7%-3.2%-6.2%
7/24/20240.9%8.9%5.8%
4/25/20244.9%1.4%16.0%
1/25/2024-6.6%-6.6%6.8%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive141615
# Negative1089
Median Positive4.0%4.5%11.9%
Median Negative-3.7%-3.2%-6.2%
Max Positive9.0%15.7%33.9%
Max Negative-6.9%-6.6%-11.9%

SEC Filings

Expand for More

Report DateFiling DateFiling
93020251031202510-Q 9/30/2025
6302025808202510-K 6/30/2025
3312025501202510-Q 3/31/2025
12312024131202510-Q 12/31/2024
93020241031202410-Q 9/30/2024
6302024805202410-K 6/30/2024
3312024426202410-Q 3/31/2024
12312023126202410-Q 12/31/2023
93020231027202310-Q 9/30/2023
6302023804202310-K 6/30/2023
3312023428202310-Q 3/31/2023
12312022127202310-Q 12/31/2022
93020221028202210-Q 9/30/2022
6302022805202210-K 6/30/2022
3312022429202210-Q 3/31/2022
12312021128202210-Q 12/31/2021