KLA Corporation logo

KLA Corporation(KLAC)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL
4-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$152.99
11/10/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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  • BUY Advisory
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Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for KLAC

11/10/2026: KLAC (4-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

KLA Corporation is a key player in the semiconductor equipment industry, specializing in essential inspection and metrology tools. By helping chipmakers improve manufacturing yield, the company has built a high-margin business with a stable base of recurring service revenue. Its primary investment story centers on the increasing complexity of semiconductor architectures, which drives continuous demand for its advanced solutions. However, investors must monitor risks related to industry cyclicality, customer concentration, and geopolitical export regulations. The stock is generally well-suited for growth investors seeking exposure to secular chip manufacturing trends, and its dividend history may also appeal to income-oriented shareholders.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorStrong fitThe company benefits from long-term secular growth in semiconductor complexity and AI infrastructure.
Momentum investorStrong fit while signal remains positiveThe stock often trends strongly with the broader semiconductor equipment sector during periods of industry expansion.
Value investorMixed fitValuation can fluctuate significantly based on industry cycles, potentially limiting value opportunities.
Dividend investorStrong fitKLA offers a reliable and growing dividend supported by a robust business model.
Low-risk investorMixed fitExposure to cyclical industry volatility and geopolitical risks makes the stock less suitable for purely risk-averse investors.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMedium / highThe stock is susceptible to swings based on semiconductor cycle sentiment.
Valuation riskMediumHigh expectations for growth can lead to valuation premiums during market peaks.
Competition risk (semiconductor equipment)MediumStrong incumbents like AMAT and ASML compete for share in critical manufacturing steps.
Business qualityStrongKLA possesses a high-margin, sticky business model with significant intellectual property.
Dividend incomeLowWhile consistent, the dividend yield is generally modest compared to high-yield sectors.
Execution riskMediumMaintaining leadership in defect detection requires continuous, complex R&D execution.

Price Behavior

Rolling Over
PRICE PATH

Rolling Over

The price momentum is slowing down and beginning to turn downward.

Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Choppy

The stock has experienced frequent reversals and pronounced short-term price swings.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 67.75%
Avg. Invested days 45
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 4.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 3.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/10/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
KLAC receives a 4-star rating, supported by strong unit economics, solid company fundamentals, and strong analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
KLAC has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with strong financial health, solid growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2026 versus FY2025, solid earnings growth (+18.9%) and strong cash generation (FCF margin 27.7%) are partially offset by very low insider ownership of 0.11%.

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
KLAC's financial health is supported by strong cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation of $3.8B (27.7% of revenue). Operating efficiency is solid (4 stars), which helps explain the 5-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Earnings growth is KLAC's strongest growth driver at +18.9% FY2026 versus FY2025 (solid, 4 stars). Revenue growth (+11.7%, solid) and free-cash-flow growth (+0.7%, moderate) are also constructive, though not equally high across every growth measure.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 94.1% and approximately 99.8% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership is only 0.11%, which materially reduces the ownership score.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 9.69%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 6.55%
State Street Corp 4.83%
Capital World Investors 3.48%
Amvescap Plc. 3.44%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
KLAC generates approximately $613 of gross profit, $417 of operating income, and $277 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2026 results. Strong margins, cash conversion, and capital efficiency support the rating.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 13.83%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
KLAC has a high-quality, large-cap, liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while soft valuation.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Quality TiltHigh VolatilityLarge / Mega Cap StabilityHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Large-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 197.24B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 34.64
1Y Target Price 219.62
Price to earnings Ratio 34.64
1Y Target Price 219.62
Volume (30-day avg) 12.8M shares
Beta 1.5
52 Weeks Range 106.80 - 307.03
Updated Date 11/09/2026
52 Weeks Range 106.80 - 307.03
Updated Date 11/09/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 0.61%
Basic EPS (TTM) 4.37

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Semiconductor Process ControlInspection and metrology equipment sales.This is the primary engine of the company, selling high-precision tools essential for making chips.
Services and SupportMaintenance, software, and spare parts.This provides stable, recurring revenue from the massive number of machines already in use.
Specialty Semiconductor ProcessEquipment for power, RF, and compound semiconductors.This area captures growth from non-standard chips used in EVs and other specialized electronics.
Geography (Global)Revenue distribution across Asia, US, and Europe.The company has significant global exposure, with heavy reliance on manufacturing hubs in Asia.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-28
When After Market
Estimate 1.18
Actual 1.22

Profitability

Profit Margin 36.25%
Operating Margin (TTM) 45.01%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 22.27%
Return on Equity (TTM) 91.38%

Valuation

Trailing PE 34.64
Forward PE 24.15
Enterprise Value 181.70B
Price to Sales(TTM) 13.6
Enterprise Value 181.70B
Price to Sales(TTM) 13.6
Enterprise Value to Revenue 12.53
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 26.74
Shares Outstanding 1.30B
Shares Floating 1.30B
Shares Outstanding 1.30B
Shares Floating 1.30B
Percent Insiders 0.11
Percent Institutions 94.12

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.