WallStSmart

KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsKinder Morgan Inc (KMI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Kinder Morgan Inc generates 33% more annual revenue ($16.94B vs $12.74B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 18.0%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.66. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

KLAC

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

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

KMI

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KLACUndervalued (+3.9%)

Margin of Safety

+3.9%

Fair Value

$1605.71

Current Price

$1543.82

$61.89 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1605.71Overvalued
KMIUndervalued (+51.0%)

Margin of Safety

+51.0%

Fair Value

$64.12

Current Price

$33.98

$30.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $64.12Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

KMI5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Operating MarginProfitability
30.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.3%

Market CapQuality
$75.49B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
49.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 49.3% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.58B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

KMI1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.862/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : KMI

The strongest argument for KMI centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.0% and operating margin at 30.3%. Revenue growth of 13.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : KMI

The primary concerns for KMI are PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

KMI is growing revenue faster at 13.1% — sustainability is the question.

KMI generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. KMI offers better value entry with a 51.0% margin of safety. 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.

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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Kinder Morgan Inc

ENERGY · OIL & GAS MIDSTREAM · USA

Kinder Morgan, Inc. is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. The company specializes in owning and controlling oil and gas pipelines and terminals.

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