WallStSmart

KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

WPP PLC ADR generates 6% more annual revenue ($13.55B vs $12.74B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs -1.6%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

KLAC

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 8.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70

WPP

Avoid

35

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.5Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KLACUndervalued (+1.6%)

Margin of Safety

+1.6%

Fair Value

$1592.14

Current Price

$1566.19

$25.95 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1592.14Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WPP.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KLAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
100.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.8%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%

Market CapQuality
$196.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
40.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.26B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
44.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
37.6x2/10

Trading at 37.6x book value

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.3%2/10

ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KLAC

The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 41.3%.

Bull Case : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 44.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KLAC profiles as a mature stock while WPP is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

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.

WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KLAC scores higher overall (69/100 vs 35/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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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WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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