Back to top

Image: Bigstock

KLA Stock Price Increases 15% YTD: How Should You Play It Now?

Read MoreHide Full Article

KLA Corporation’s (KLAC - Free Report) shares have gained 15.4% year to date, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s decline of 7.9% and the Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry’s slip of 0.7%.

KLAC has also outperformed its industry peers, including Garmin (GRMN - Free Report) , Flex (FLEX - Free Report) and Rockwell Automation (ROK - Free Report) , in the same period.

Year to date, Garmin shares have returned 1.9%, while Flex and Rockwell Automation declined 5.2% and 9.5%, respectively.

The momentum in KLAC shares is driven by robust growth at the leading edge, led by increased customer investments in AI and high-performance computing (HPC). Continued strength in advanced packaging, a resilient services segment and a differentiated portfolio position KLAC to capitalize on rising semiconductor demand, driving its stock performance.

KLA Corporation Price and Consensus

 

KLA Corporation Price and Consensus

KLA Corporation price-consensus-chart | KLA Corporation Quote

KLAC’s Strong Portfolio Secures Competitive Advantage

KLA's differentiated portfolio is designed to address the escalating complexities in semiconductor manufacturing, effectively supporting customers amid rising global demand.

A significant contributor to this success is KLAC’s focus on advanced packaging solutions. The company's advanced packaging revenues grew to approximately $500 million in the calendar year 2024. The metric is projected to exceed $800 million in calendar 2025, reflecting strong demand in this segment.

A notable component of KLA's portfolio is its advanced inspection and metrology systems. These tools are critical for detecting and characterizing defects at the nanometer scale, ensuring the production of high-quality semiconductor devices. By providing precise measurements and analyses, KLAC’s systems help manufacturers maintain stringent quality standards.

KLA's Estimates Trend Upward

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter fiscal 2025 revenues is pegged at $3.01 billion, indicating 27.40% year-over-year growth.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter fiscal 2025 non-GAAP earnings is pegged at $8.07 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days. This indicates growth of 53.42% on a year-over-year basis.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 revenues is pegged at $11.91 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 21.35%.

The consensus mark for fiscal 2025 earnings is pegged at $31.59 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days, implying a 33.07% year-over-year increase.

The company’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the trailing three quarters, the average surprise being 6.35%.

Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.

Export Restrictions & Tax Hikes Challenge KLAC’s Growth

The newly imposed U.S. export restrictions on China are set to create significant financial challenges for KLA in 2025. The company anticipates a revenue reduction of $500 million, with China-related sales projected to decline 20% year over year. These regulatory changes implemented late in the quarter present a substantial headwind, affecting KLAC’s near-term growth prospects.

The company anticipates its effective tax rate to rise to 14% in the second half of 2025 due to global tax policy changes. This increase may pressure net income, impacting overall profitability and shareholder returns.

Zacks Rank

Currently, KLA carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) - free report >>

KLA Corporation (KLAC) - free report >>

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) - free report >>

Flex Ltd. (FLEX) - free report >>

Published in