WallStSmart

Alcon AG (ALC)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KLA Corporation generates 23% more annual revenue ($12.74B vs $10.40B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 9.4%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.66. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

ALC

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 4/9

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

ALCSignificantly Overvalued (-489.8%)

Margin of Safety

-489.8%

Fair Value

$13.46

Current Price

$75.26

$61.80 premium

UndervaluedFair: $13.46Overvalued
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

ALC2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.249/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

ALC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.704/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
37.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
4.5%3/10

ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.2%2/10

Earnings declined 22.2%

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 : ALC

The strongest argument for ALC centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.

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 : ALC

The primary concerns for ALC 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

ALC profiles as a value 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.

ALC is growing revenue faster at 8.6% — sustainability is the question.

KLAC generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. 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.

Alcon AG

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

Alcon, Inc., an eye care company, researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells eye care products for eye care professionals and their patients around the world. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

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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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