WallStSmart

Applied Materials Inc (AMAT)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Applied Materials Inc generates 127% more annual revenue ($30.84B vs $13.58B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.6% profit margin vs 30.0%. AMAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. AMAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

AMAT

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.98

KLAC

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.95

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AMAT6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$362.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
30.0%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

KLAC5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$236.01B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
76.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
42.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.2%8/10

15.2% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

AMAT2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
14.4x4/10

Trading at 14.4x book value

KLAC3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.694/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
49.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
38.7x2/10

Trading at 38.7x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AMAT

The strongest argument for AMAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.0% and operating margin at 33.7%. Revenue growth of 24.8% 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 35.6% and operating margin at 42.5%. Revenue growth of 15.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AMAT

The primary concerns for AMAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 49.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AMAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.60 — expect wider price swings.

AMAT is growing revenue faster at 24.8% — sustainability is the question.

AMAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AMAT scores higher overall (78/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 30.0% margins and 24.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Applied Materials Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

Applied Materials, Inc. is an American corporation that supplies equipment, services and software for the manufacture of semiconductor (integrated circuit) chips for electronics, flat panel displays for computers, smartphones and televisions, and solar products. The company also supplies equipment to produce coatings for flexible electronics, packaging and other applications. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, in Silicon Valley.

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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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