KLA Corporation (KLAC)
NASDAQInformation TechnologySemiconductorsSnapshot 2026-09-04
$185.60+7.32%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NASDAQInformation TechnologySemiconductorsSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · KLAC
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within information technology on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks KLAC against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 3 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 3 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Information Technology names rated strong grew net income 65% of the time over the next year (vs 52% for the rest of the cohort, n=6360).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Met or beat guidance 0% of the last 8 guided quarters · -89.1% avg surprise
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Focus on leveraging AI infrastructure expansion and advanced packaging markets to accelerate business momentum and revenue growth.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Revenue grew from $3.21 billion in 2026-Q1 to $3.66 billion in 2026-Q4, reflecting strengthening trends and accelerating momentum driven by AI infrastructure and advanced packaging. Management is delivering on this growth focus.
“KLA remains uniquely positioned on the critical path of AI infrastructure expansion... driving new growth opportunities in advanced packaging.”
“KLA's critical role as a key enabler of the AI ecosystem and continued benefits from the global AI infrastructure buildout.”
“The AI infrastructure buildout represents a profound change in high performance computing... KLA's differentiated portfolio aligns exceptionally well.”
“The AI infrastructure buildout represents a profound change in high performance computing... KLA is in a unique position to benefit.”
Continue to increase quarterly cash dividends, with recent increases to $2.30 per share, reflecting confidence in durable value creation.
Stated as a priority in 5 of last 5 quarters. Quarterly dividend increased from $1.90 per share in 2025-Q2 to $2.30 per share in 2026-Q3. Dividend payments grew from $253.9 million in 2025-Q4 to $305.3 million in 2026-Q4, showing management is delivering on dividend growth.
Continue authorized stock repurchase programs, including recent $7 billion authorization, to return capital to shareholders.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Common stock repurchases increased from $425.7 million in 2025-Q4 to $571.0 million in 2026-Q4. Capital returns grew from $732.5 million in 2025-Q3 to $874.8 million in 2026-Q3. Management is delivering on share repurchase programs.
Sustain GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins in the 60-62% range to support profitability.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. GAAP gross margin guidance ranged narrowly from 60.6% to 61.8% across 2026-Q1 to 2027-Q1, indicating management's focus on maintaining strong margins. The trajectory is stable and consistent with stated targets.
“GAAP gross margin is expected to be in a range of 61.6% +/- 1.0%.”
Deliver GAAP and non-GAAP diluted EPS within or above guided ranges to meet financial performance goals.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. GAAP diluted EPS grew from $8.47 in 2026-Q1 to $9.12 in 2026-Q3, with guidance for 2027-Q1 at $1.14 +/- $0.10 (adjusted for stock split). Management is delivering EPS growth consistent with guidance.
Over the trailing year it converted 1.15x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Information Technology names rated fragile grew net income 42% of the time over the next year (vs 59% for the rest of the cohort, n=3128).
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to real (inflation-adjusted) rates, long-term interest rates, Fed net liquidity, the US dollar (low R² over the window).
19 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by capital-allocation actions. Historically, Information Technology names rated neutral grew net income 60% of the time over the next year (vs 57% for the rest of the cohort, n=3673).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Board approved increase to quarterly dividend level to $2.30 per share beginning May 2026.”
“Board declared quarterly cash dividend of $1.90 per share payable March 2026.”
“Board declared quarterly cash dividend of $1.90 per share payable March 2026.”
“Board declared quarterly cash dividend of $1.90 per share payable Sept 2025.”
“Board declared quarterly cash dividend of $1.90 per share payable Sept 2025.”
“Board approved an additional $7 billion for repurchases of our common stock.”
“Capital returns for the quarter were $876.3 million including stock repurchases.”
“Capital returns for the quarter were $799.1 million including stock repurchases.”
“Capital returns for the quarter were $799.1 million including stock repurchases.”
“GAAP gross margin is expected to be in a range of 60.72% +/- 1.00%.”
“GAAP gross margin is expected to be in a range of 60.8% +/- 1.0%.”
“GAAP gross margin is expected to be in a range of 60.8% +/- 1.0%.”
“GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be in a range of $1.14 +/- $0.10.”
“GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be in a range of $9.66 +/- $1.00.”
“GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be in a range of $8.46 +/- $0.78.”
“GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be in a range of $8.85 +/- $0.78.”