Introduction and Overview
This report focuses on KLA Corporation (KLAC), a major player in the Semiconductor Equipment & Materials industry within the Technology sector. As of May 02, 2025, KLAC trades at $704.09, reflecting its current strength relative to its moving averages. The company holds a market capitalization of approximately $93.56 B.
This detailed analytical report aims to predict stock prices along with technical examinations while providing future forecasting for 2025-2026. This report combines both historical price-related technical indicators and fundamental data examination for creating an extensive market performance forecast.
Brief Overview
KLA Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of process control, process-enabling, and yield management solutions for the semiconductor and related electronics industries worldwide. It operates through three segments: Semiconductor Process Contro…
Key Metrics and Forecast Summary
The 1-Year forecast of $776.79 (+10.3%) suggests modest potential upside. The 68.8% annualized volatility indicates high risk (price fluctuation). Price is above both SMA50 ($673.02) and SMA200 ($682.32), signaling bullish trends.
Price Forecast Chart
Recent actual average prices vs. forecasted price range (Low, Average, High).
Detailed Forecast Table
The table below outlines the forecasted price range (Minimum, Average, Maximum) for KLAC stock on a month basis. ‘Potential ROI’ (Return on Investment) is calculated by comparing the forecasted ‘Average’ price against the current stock price ($704.09). ‘Action Signal’ provides a simplified interpretation based on this ROI: ‘Buy’ if ROI > +2%, ‘Short’ if ROI < -2%, and 'Hold' otherwise. The signals originate from the forecast model prediction data exclusively.
Over the forecast period, the price is projected to fluctuate between approximately $677.93 and $881.12.
The widening forecast range from $690.20 – $690.20 initially to $753.69 – $802.86 towards the end of the forecast period reflects increasing uncertainty or expected volatility over time.
| Month | Min. Price | Avg. Price | Max. Price | Potential ROI | Action Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-05 | $690.20 | $690.20 | $690.20 | ▼ -2.0% | Hold |
| 2025-06 | $774.83 | $821.98 | $872.29 | ▲ 16.7% | Buy |
| 2025-07 | $800.48 | $845.95 | $881.12 | ▲ 20.1% | Buy |
| 2025-08 | $785.34 | $824.93 | $865.79 | ▲ 17.2% | Buy |
| 2025-09 | $745.24 | $791.92 | $833.64 | ▲ 12.5% | Buy |
| 2025-10 | $695.29 | $744.92 | $801.81 | ▲ 5.8% | Buy |
| 2025-11 | $677.93 | $722.51 | $755.33 | ▲ 2.6% | Buy |
| 2025-12 | $684.17 | $715.62 | $750.26 | ▲ 1.6% | Hold |
| 2026-01 | $681.40 | $723.05 | $775.41 | ▲ 2.7% | Buy |
| 2026-02 | $740.95 | $780.51 | $826.33 | ▲ 10.9% | Buy |
| 2026-03 | $761.54 | $798.47 | $850.56 | ▲ 13.4% | Buy |
| 2026-04 | $733.13 | $776.79 | $835.47 | ▲ 10.3% | Buy |
| 2026-05 | $753.69 | $768.75 | $802.86 | ▲ 9.2% | Buy |
Company Profile
Business Summary
KLA Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of process control, process-enabling, and yield management solutions for the semiconductor and related electronics industries worldwide. It operates through three segments: Semiconductor Process Control; Specialty Semiconductor Process; and PCB and Component Inspection. The company offers inspection and review tools to identify, locate, characterize, review, and analyze defects on various surfaces of patterned and unpatterned wafers; metrology systems that are used to measure pattern dimensions, film thickness, film stress, layer-to-layer alignment, pattern placement, surface topography, and electro-optical properties for wafers; chemical process control equipment; wired and wireless sensor wafers and reticles; wafer defect inspection, review, and metrology systems; reticle inspection and metrology systems; and semiconductor software solutions that provide run-time process control, defect excursion identification, process corrections, and defect classification to accelerate yield learning rates and reduce production risk. It also provides etch, plasma dicing, deposition, and other wafer processing technologies and solutions for the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. In addition, the company offers direct imaging, inspection, optical shaping, inkjet and additive printing, UV laser drilling, and computer-aided manufacturing and engineering solutions for the PCB market; inspection and electrical testing systems to identify and classify defects, as well as systems to repair defects for the display market; and inspection and metrology systems for quality control and yield improvement in advanced and traditional semiconductor packaging markets. The company was formerly known as KLA-Tencor Corporation and changed its name to KLA Corporation in July 2019. KLA Corporation was incorporated in 1975 and is headquartered in Milpitas, California.
Total Valuation
Total valuation metrics provide a broader view of the company’s worth, including debt and cash.
With an Enterprise Value of $95.42 B against its Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) revenue, KLAC’s EV/Revenue ratio stands at 7.92x, which is currently above the estimated industry average (~2.5x), suggesting a potential premium valuation.
Important upcoming dates: Next Earnings around 2025-04-30, Last Ex-Dividend Date was 2025-02-24.
| Market Cap | $93.56 B |
| Enterprise Value (EV TTM) | $95.42 B |
| EV/Revenue (TTM) | 7.92x |
| EV/EBITDA (TTM) | 18.18x |
| Next Earnings Date | 2025-04-30 |
| Ex-Dividend Date | 2025-02-24 |
Valuation Metrics
Stock valuation metrics enable investors to determine the price value relationship between stock market worth and earnings along with sales, book value and anticipated growth potential.
Forward P/E of 21.45x Price/Book of 23.31x Mentoring these financial metrics to industry standards as well historical company values generates deeper understanding.
Note: P/FCF (Price to Free Cash Flow) of 36.38x is another key valuation indicator. EV/EBITDA is often used for comparing companies with different capital structures.
| Trailing P/E | 25.64x |
| Forward P/E | 21.45x |
| Price/Sales (TTM) | 8.10x |
| Price/Book (MRQ) | 23.31x |
| EV/Revenue (TTM) | 7.92x |
| EV/EBITDA (TTM) | 18.18x |
| Price/FCF (TTM) | 36.38x |
Financial Health
Companies need financial health indicators to determine their capability of handling short-term financial commitments (liquidity) and their ability to repay long-term debt (solvency) as well as their equity and asset return ratios.
- Debt/Equity ratio of 146.91x signals high leverage, indicating elevated financial risk.
- Current Ratio (2.54x) suggests adequate short-term liquidity. The Quick Ratio (1.58x) confirms reasonable liquidity.
- Return on Equity (ROE) of 104.10% indicates the company’s profitability relative to shareholder investments.
- Operating Cash Flow (TTM) stands at $3.81 B, demonstrating cash generated from core operations.
These metrics act as point-in-time measurements yet understanding long-term trends delivers better understanding. ROA (Return on Assets) does not appear frequently in these financial reports.
| Return on Equity (ROE TTM) | 104.10% |
| Return on Assets (ROA TTM) | 19.23% |
| Debt/Equity (MRQ) | 146.91x |
| Total Cash (MRQ) | $4.03 B |
| Total Debt (MRQ) | $5.88 B |
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 2.54x |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 1.58x |
| Operating Cash Flow (TTM) | $3.81 B |
| Levered Free Cash Flow (TTM) | $2.57 B |
Financial Efficiency
Financial efficiency ratios evaluate organizational asset management and working capital control (such as inventory and receivables) for generating revenue and profits.
- Specific financial efficiency metrics were not readily available.
ROIC stands as an important measurement of total capital efficiency but analysts need full financial statements to generate this metric. Monitoring should focus on equal groups in the same market sector.
| No specific data available for this section. |
Profitability and Growth
Profitability margins show how much profit is generated per dollar of sales at different stages (Gross, Operating, Net). Growth rates track the expansion of revenue and earnings over time.
- Strong recent growth (Revenue: 29.80%, Earnings: 84.20%) indicates positive business momentum.
- Gross Margin (60.56%) appears strong, while Operating Margin (42.45%) is strong. Analyzing margin trends over time is important.
Business owners should measure margins by comparing them against industry competitors and past performance records. Stock value development depends heavily on sustainable growth.
| Profit Margin (TTM) | 31.99% |
| Operating Margin (TTM) | 42.45% |
| Gross Margin (TTM) | 60.56% |
| EBITDA Margin (TTM) | 43.60% |
| Revenue (TTM) | $11.55 B |
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 29.80% |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $7.00 B |
| EBITDA (TTM) | $5.04 B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $3.70 B |
| Earnings Growth (YoY) | 84.20% |
Dividends and Shareholder Returns
Stock dividends together with share repurchases constitute major methods that corporations use to redistribute wealth to their shareholders. Investors who focus on income require a thorough analysis of both yield ratios and dividend sustainability.
- Dividend Yield (Forward) is 101.00%.
- Payout Ratio of 22.92% indicates a low, suggesting significant capacity for future increases.
- This dividend profile may appeal most to primarily growth (low current yield likely) investors.
- Share buybacks (Yield: N/A) also contribute to total shareholder return.
Shareholders obtain a yield consisting of dividends and buybacks according to the equation Total Shareholder Yield = Dividend Yield + Buyback Yield. Raising dividends to full potential may temporarily restrict future dividend expansion possibilities. Check Ex-Dividend Date for eligibility.
| Dividend Rate (Fwd) | $6.80 |
| Dividend Yield (Fwd) | 101.00% |
| Trailing Dividend Rate | $6.30 |
| Trailing Dividend Yield | 0.93% |
| 5 Year Avg Dividend Yield | 1.1% |
| Payout Ratio | 22.92% |
| Ex-Dividend Date | 2025-02-24 |
| Last Split Date | 2000-01-19 |
| Last Split Factor | 2:1 |
Technical Analysis
Summary based on data up to 2025-05-02. Detailed charts follow.
- Trend: Bullish Trend (Price > SMA50 & SMA200). Current Price: $704.09.
- Momentum (RSI): 71.4 (Overbought), suggesting potential pullback risk.
- Momentum (MACD): Line (9.47) above Signal (4.37) (Bullish Signal). Histogram is Positive (Strengthening Bullish).
- Volatility (BBands): Price within Bands, indicating normal volatility range.
- Support/Resistance (30d): ~$551.33 / ~$721.84.
Moving Average Values
Technical indicators analyze past price trends, not future guarantees.
Bollinger Bands Analysis
RSI Analysis
MACD Analysis
Historical Price & Volume
Historical closing price and volume. Range typically shows last 3 years.
Stock Price Statistics
The statistics helps you to understand the stock’s volatility along with market-related Beta value and performance range and trading liquidity.
- Beta is reported as 1.36x.
- Recent Volatility (30d Annualized) is 68.8%.
- The 52-Week Change of -2.91% reflects long-term price momentum.
Note: Beta > 1 indicates higher volatility than the market; Beta < 1 indicates lower. Average Volume shows typical daily trading activity.
| Beta | 1.36x |
| 52 Week Change | -2.91% |
| S&P500 52-Week Change | 9.29% |
| 52 Week High | $896.32 |
| 52 Week Low | $551.33 |
| 50-Day Moving Average | $686.59 |
| 200-Day Moving Average | $712.95 |
| Average Volume (10 day) | 1,092,040 |
| Average Volume (3 month) | 1,179,829 |
| Volatility (30d Ann.) | 68.8% |
Short Selling Information
Short selling data indicates the level of bearish bets against the stock.
- Short interest at 2.28% of float suggests minimal bearish pressure.
- This level indicates low short squeeze risk.
- The Short Ratio (Days To Cover) is 2.2x, meaning it would take about that many days of average volume to cover all short positions.
Note: High short interest can increase volatility. The Short Ratio helps gauge how quickly short positions could theoretically be covered. Data as of 2025-04-15.
| Shares Short | $3 M |
| Short Ratio (Days To Cover) | 2.2x |
| Short % of Float | 2.28% |
| Shares Short (Prior Month) | $3 M |
| Short Date | 2025-04-15 |
Risk Factors
Investing in KLAC involves various risks. This section outlines potential factors identified through data analysis and general market considerations. It is not exhaustive.
- ⚠️ RSI (71.4) is high (>70), suggesting potential overbought conditions.
- ⚠️ High Debt-to-Equity ratio (146.91x) indicates significant financial leverage risk.
- ⚠️ General market fluctuations and economic conditions can impact stocks in the Technology sector.
Analyst Insights and Consensus
Wall Street analysts provide ratings and price targets based on their assessment of the company’s prospects.
- The consensus recommendation from 26 analysts is ▲ Buy.
- Analysts’ mean target price of $786.44 implies potential 11.7% change from the current price ($704.09), suggesting analyst neutral outlook.
Note: Analyst opinions are subjective and can change. Look at the range of estimates (High/Low Target) and any recent revisions for more context.
Recent News and Developments
Recent news and developments can significantly impact stock performance and investor sentiment.
Conclusion and Outlook
Short-Term Outlook
- ▲Overall Technical Sentiment: Strong Bullish.
- ▲Price above key SMAs (50, 200), indicating bullish short/long-term trends.
- ⚠️Overbought (RSI: 71.4), potential for pullback.
- ▲MACD indicator shows Bullish momentum signal.
- ●Price is currently within normal volatility range.
- ℹ️Key levels to watch: Support ~$551.33, Resistance ~$721.84.
Long-Term Outlook (1 Year)
- ▲Model forecasts ~+10.3% average change over 1 year to ≈$776.79.
- ●Valuation appears moderate (Fwd P/E: 21.45x). (Needs peer comparison).
- ▼Fundamental health appears Weak (ROE: 104.10%, Debt/Equity: 146.91x).
- ▲Positive recent growth (Rev: 29.80%, Earn: 84.20%).
- ▲Analyst consensus: Buy.
- 💸Offers a dividend yield of 101.00%.
Overall Assessment:
Overall assessment requires careful consideration of all factors. Technicals currently show Strong Bullish signals. Fundamentals appear Weak. The forecast suggests Potential Upside. Consider risks before investing.
This is an analysis report and not investment advice. Review all data and consult a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KLAC stock forecast for the next year?
The current 1-year average price forecast for KLAC is approximately $776.79. This represents a potential change of +10.3% from the current price of $704.09. Keep in mind this is an estimate, and the actual price could fall within the forecast range (see table) or outside it due to market factors.
Will KLAC stock go up or down?
The 1-year forecast (+10.3% potential change) suggests the stock might go up on average. However, short-term movements can differ significantly based on technical factors (Strong Bullish) and market news. Refer to the detailed forecast table for projected monthly ranges.
Is KLAC a good stock to buy now?
Current technical sentiment is Strong Bullish (positive leaning). The stock is currently ⚠️ overbought (RSI: 71.4). The forecast shows a +10.3% potential 1-year change. However, 3 potential risk factor(s) were identified (see Risk section). This is not investment advice. Evaluate risks, fundamentals (like valuation, debt), and your own investment strategy. Consider consulting a financial advisor.
How volatile is KLAC stock?
The recent annualized volatility for KLAC is calculated at ⚠️ 68.8%, indicating high price fluctuations compared to typical market averages. Check the ‘Stock Price Statistics’ section for Beta comparison if available.
Is KLAC considered expensive based on P/E ratio?
The Trailing P/E ratio is ⚠️ 25.64x. This is considered moderately high relative to typical benchmarks. Refer to the ‘Valuation Metrics’ section for Forward P/E and other ratios, ideally compared to industry peers for full context.
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