KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsPhilip Morris International Inc (PM)
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,543.82
-1.43%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $205.79B
PM
Philip Morris International Inc
$165.50
+0.99%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $255.09B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Philip Morris International Inc generates 219% more annual revenue ($40.65B vs $12.74B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 27.9%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.66. PM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
KLAC
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
PM
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
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
+17.9%
Fair Value
$201.54
Current Price
$165.50
$36.04 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 4.3B 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
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
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 : PM
The strongest argument for PM centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.9% and operating margin at 32.9%.
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 : PM
The primary concerns for PM are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
KLAC is growing revenue faster at 7.2% — sustainability is the question.
PM generates stronger free cash flow (4.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. PM offers better value entry with a 17.9% margin of safety. 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 →Philip Morris International Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is a Swiss-American multinational cigarette and tobacco manufacturing company, with products sold in over 180 countries. The most recognized and best selling product of the company is Marlboro.
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