WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 3318% more annual revenue ($435.62B vs $12.74B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 27.0%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.66. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

AAPL

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 8.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

KLAC

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 8.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AAPLUndervalued (+11.8%)

Margin of Safety

+11.8%

Fair Value

$285.39

Current Price

$252.62

$32.77 discount

UndervaluedFair: $285.39Overvalued
KLACUndervalued (+3.9%)

Margin of Safety

+3.9%

Fair Value

$1605.71

Current Price

$1543.82

$61.89 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1605.71Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$3.70T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
35.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$51.55B10/10

Generating 51.6B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.0%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

KLAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$205.79B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
100.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.8%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
40.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.26B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AAPL4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.244/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
1.5%3/10

ROE of 1.5% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.664/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
45.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
37.0x2/10

Trading at 37.0x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAPL

The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.0% and operating margin at 35.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : KLAC

The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 41.3%.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.6x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.

AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (51.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

Apple Inc

TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

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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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