KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsSociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B (SQM)
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,543.82
-1.43%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $205.79B
SQM
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B
$79.16
+2.89%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $21.98B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
KLA Corporation generates 178% more annual revenue ($12.74B vs $4.58B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 12.9%. SQM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
KLAC
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
SQM
Strong Buy66
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
+22.0%
Fair Value
$96.41
Current Price
$79.16
$17.25 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 52.3% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 28.3%
Revenue surging 23.3% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 37.0x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : SQM
The strongest argument for SQM centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 23.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : SQM
The primary concerns for SQM are P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC profiles as a mature stock while SQM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
SQM is growing revenue faster at 23.3% — sustainability is the question.
KLAC generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. SQM offers better value entry with a 22.0% 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 →Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA ADR B
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Sociedad Qumica y Minera de Chile SA produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals and other products and services worldwide. The company is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.
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