WallStSmart

KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KLA Corporation generates 19% more annual revenue ($13.10B vs $11.01B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 21.6%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

KLAC

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70

STX

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KLAC4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$226.82B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
95.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 95 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%

STX6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.5010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
44.1%10/10

Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
108.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY

Market CapQuality
$163.00B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.6%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
48.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
41.1x2/10

Trading at 41.1x book value

STX2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
69.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
351.7x2/10

Trading at 351.7x book value

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 35.7% and operating margin at 41.2%. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : STX

The strongest argument for STX centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 48.8x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : STX

The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 69.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KLAC profiles as a mature stock while STX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.

STX generates stronger free cash flow (953M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

STX scores higher overall (76/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% 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.

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Seagate Technology PLC

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.

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