KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsMastercard Inc (MA)
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,869.19
+6.01%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $230.33B
MA
Mastercard Inc
$495.48
-1.09%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $442.62B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 159% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $13.10B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 35.7%. MA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.57. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
KLAC
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 95 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 232 in profit
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 60.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
15.8% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 44.8x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 57.3x book value
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KLAC
The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.7% and operating margin at 41.2%. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MA
The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.9% and operating margin at 60.8%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : KLAC
The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 50.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MA
The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC profiles as a mature stock while MA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.50 — expect wider price swings.
MA is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — sustainability is the question.
MA generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 45.9% margins and 15.8% 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.
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.
Visit Website →Mastercard Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Mastercard Incorporated is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in the Mastercard International Global Headquarters in Purchase, New York. The Global Operations Headquarters is located in O'Fallon, Missouri, a municipality of St. Charles County, Missouri. Throughout the world, its principal business is to process payments between the banks of merchants and the card-issuing banks or credit unions of the purchasers who use the Mastercard brand debit, credit and prepaid cards to make purchases. Mastercard Worldwide has been a publicly traded company since 2006.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS Stocks
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