KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,543.82
-1.43%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $205.79B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$691.21
+1.33%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $97.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 229% more annual revenue ($41.95B vs $12.74B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 10.0%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.66. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
KLAC
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
NOC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+3.9%
Fair Value
$1605.71
Current Price
$1543.82
$61.89 discount
Margin of Safety
+24.9%
Fair Value
$904.35
Current Price
$691.21
$213.14 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%
Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Generating 3.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 37.0x book value
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 35.8% and operating margin at 41.3%.
Bull Case : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.
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 : NOC
The primary concerns for NOC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC profiles as a mature stock while NOC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
NOC is growing revenue faster at 9.6% — sustainability is the question.
NOC generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. NOC offers better value entry with a 24.9% 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.
Visit Website →Northrop Grumman Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS Stocks
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