最新ニュース KLA (NASDAQ:KLAC) 株価情報

KLA is one of the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturers in the world. It specializes in the market segment of semiconductor process control, wherein machines inspect semiconductor wafers during research and development and manufacturing for defects and verify precise measurements. In this section of the market, KLA holds a majority share. It also has a small exposure to the etch and deposition segments of the WFE market. It counts as top customers the largest chipmakers in the world, including TSMC and Samsung.

KLA Corp

Wall Street is struggling to find risk-on momentum, with major indexes stuck near the flatline at midday as investors assess the latest earnings reports from mega-cap tech stocks and weaker-than-expected U.S. economic growth in the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43336153/us-economy-grows-below-q4-estimates-as-consumer-spending-hits-7-quarter-high"> final quarter of 2024.</a>
After Tuesday's rally — which followed a selloff triggered by DeepSeek&#8217;s impact earlier in the week — caution has taken hold, signaling the wounds from the downturn are still fresh.
Microsoft Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NYSE">MSFT</a>) is among the hardest-hit stocks, plunging more than 6%, which could mark its worst daily decline<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43333060/msft-stock-declines-over-4-in-premarket-after-q2-results-ceo-satya-nadella-says-deepseek-has-some-r"> since October 2022</a>.
Despite reporting overall stronger-than-expected earnings, Microsoft&#8217;s cloud segment, Azure, fell short of growth expectations, and the company slightly missed its revenue guidance for the ongoing quarter.
In contrast, Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) climbed 1.7% post-earnings, reaching new all-time highs.
Another major laggard was United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>), which plummeted 15%, potentially heading for its worst single-day drop <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43335015/ups-q4-earnings-major-customer-volume-cut-raises-jitters-stock-tanks">since going public in 2002</a>.
UPS Chief Financial Officer Brian Dykes revealed during the earnings call the company reached an agreement in principle with Amazon.com (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) to significantly cut the volume of packages it handles for the e-commerce giant, aiming for a 50% reduction by the second half of 2026.
The U.S. dollar and bond yields remained stable following the Federal Reserve's decision Wednesday to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.25%-4.5%.
Among commodities, precious metals stood out, with gold rising 1.4% to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/01/43348204/gold-hits-record-high-as-central-banks-ease-stance-5-mining-stocks-rally">new all-time highs </a>and silver climbing 2.4%.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) edged up 1% to around $105,000.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,306.29</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Dow Jones</td>
<td>44,866.30</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,054.43</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>21,420.81</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:50 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent012925&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;inched 0.2% higher to $603.10.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) edged up by 0.2% to $448.22.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;edged 0.1% lower to $521.30.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) rose 1.2% to $228.50.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) outperformed, up 1.7%; the&nbsp;Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>), lagged down 0.4%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) rose 4.4% in reaction to quarterly earnings results. </li>
<li>Other stocks reacting to earnings include:
<ul>
<li>ServiceNow Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>) down 12.6%</li>
<li>International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) up 12.3%</li>
<li>Lam Research Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) up 7.96%</li>
<li>Raymond James Financial Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RJF#NYSE">RJF</a>) down 1.15%</li>
<li>Ameriprise Financial Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMP#NYSE">AMP</a>) down 3.08%</li>
<li>Waste Management Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WM#NYSE">WM</a>) up 4.53%</li>
<li>Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LVS#NYSE">LVS</a>) up 10.4%</li>
<li>Lazard Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAZ#NYSE">LAZ</a>) up 3.58%</li>
<li>Kirby Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KEX#NYSE">KEX</a>) up 7.22%</li>
<li>Flagstar Financial Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLG#NYSE">FLG</a>) up 16.46%</li>
<li>Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>) down 4.43%</li>
<li>Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) down 2.04%</li>
<li>Dow Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOW#NYSE">DOW</a>) down 6.09%</li>
<li>Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VLO#NYSE">VLO</a>) down 2.5%, </li>
<li>Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) down 8.46%,</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Major companies slated to report earnings after the close are Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Visa Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>), Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), KLA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>), PPG Industries Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPG#NYSE">PPG</a>), ResMed Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RMD#NYSE">RMD</a>), Baker Hughes Co. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKR#NASDAQ">BKR</a>), Deckers Outdoor Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DECK#NYSE">DECK</a>) and LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LPLA#NASDAQ">LPLA</a>). </li>
</ul>
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Photo via Shutterstock.

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Earnings Scheduled For January 30, 2025

KLA's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NYSE">KLAC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 3.31% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 3.13 million shares sold short, which is 2.34% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.65 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>KLA Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738161912_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for KLA has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing KLA's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, KLA's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 9.09%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Trading Ideas

How Is The Market Feeling About KLA?

BofA Securities analyst Vivek Arya previewed fourth-quarter earnings for semiconductor capital equipment&nbsp;(semicap), where reporting kicks off with ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>), Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) on January 29 and&nbsp;&nbsp;KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) on January 30.
Subsector sentiment has broadly improved year-to-date, but Arya noted multiple nuances further complicated by the fallout from DeepSeek&#8217;s possible breakthrough. On one hand, the analyst noted risks like lower AI-related spending if DeepSeek&#8217;s R1 translates to lower compute demand for LLMs, capex cuts across memory (Micron Technology, Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mu#NASDAQ">MU</a>), SK Hynix, Samsung) and Samsung Foundry and consensus estimates still appear high relative to industry growth expectations.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43200948/slm-growth-drivers-expense-control-and-market-share-gains-highlighted-by-analysts" rel="noreferrer noopener">SLM&#8217;s Loan Growth And Expense Control In Focus, Analysts Adjust Price Forecasts</a>
However, and more positively, he noted if DeepSeek means inference is more economical to perform at the edge, it could catalyze a PC/smartphone device upgrade cycle, which would support leading-edge Wafer Fab Equipment (WFE), December&#8217;s China export restrictions less onerous than expected, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) calendar 2025 capex beat &amp; long-term AI sales CAGR of +40% (positive for complexity drivers), and Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) capex plans intact.
Amidst these moving parts, Arya noted that his $105 billion WFE view for calendar 2025 still holds and that he expects more alignment on these issues with upcoming reports. Given constructive recent data points for leading-edge foundry/logic and HBM spend, Arya raised his price targets for KLA Corp to $840 from $800, Nova Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVMI#NASDAQ">NVMI</a>) to $270 from $245, and Camtek Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAMT#NASDAQ">CAMT</a>) to $100 from $95, and reiterated his positive thesis for the cohort given tech inflection-led growth and strong free cash flow generation.
Arya also raised China WFE this year to $31.5 billion (now down -15% Y/Y) as local Chinese semicaps gain share. The analyst noted that leading-edge foundry/logic and HBM spending are the most robust and favor exposure there.
Consensus estimates for the top 5 semicaps model 10% Y/Y combined growth for calendar 2025 versus 12% Y/Y in early December. While expectations appear more reasonable, this is still above Arya&#8217;s +5% WFE forecast. Ex-ASML, top semicap growth is 8% (versus 11% prior). The analyst&#8217;s combined forecast for Applied Materials, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>), Lam Research and KLA Corp are +7.2% Y/Y.
Even after the DeepSeek sell-off, semicap stocks have outperformed the sector year-to-date with Nova Ltd (+13%), KLA Corp (+12%), Applied Materials (+10%), Camtek Ltd (+6%), and Lam Research (+5%) all ahead of the SOX (down 3% year-to-date).
Valuation ranging from 19-30 times NTM P/E has been re-rated to catch up with emerging anticipations for WFE growth, but it is still attractive given that $150 billion WFE by calendar 2030-32 implies +7.5% long-term CAGR, tech inflection-led growth accelerates calendar 2025, and superior 20%- 36% FCF margins versus a median of 14% for S&amp;P 500 industrial companies.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43197956/qualcomm-gains-2-billion-boost-from-samsung-s25-chipset-deal-analyst-highlights-growth-in-handsets-and-beyond" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qualcomm Gains $2 Billion Boost From Samsung S25 Chipset Deal, Analyst Highlights Growth in Handsets and Beyond</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

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CAMT

NVMI

DeepSeek Sell-off Offers Opportunities On Semicaps, Analyst Bumps Up Price Forecasts For KLA, Nova And Camtek

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in KLAC usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 9 extraordinary options activities for KLA. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 33% leaning bullish and 55% bearish. Among these notable options, 5 are puts, totaling $275,538, and 4 are calls, amounting to $175,280.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $300.0 to $780.0 for KLA during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for KLA options trades today is 62.71 with a total volume of 166.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for KLA's big money trades within a strike price range of $300.0 to $780.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>KLA Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737991834_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$38.4</td>
<td>$34.7</td>
<td>$36.0</td>
<td>$700.00</td>
<td>$86.4K</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$37.5</td>
<td>$34.8</td>
<td>$36.0</td>
<td>$700.00</td>
<td>$72.0K</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$92.8</td>
<td>$84.9</td>
<td>$87.9</td>
<td>$680.00</td>
<td>$61.5K</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$37.6</td>
<td>$33.3</td>
<td>$36.0</td>
<td>$700.00</td>
<td>$50.4K</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$417.0</td>
<td>$409.0</td>
<td>$417.0</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$41.7K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About KLA</h3>
KLA is one of the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturers in the world. It specializes in the market segment of semiconductor process control, wherein machines inspect semiconductor wafers during research and development and manufacturing for defects and verify precise measurements. In this section of the market, KLA holds a majority share. It also has a small exposure to the etch and deposition segments of the WFE market. It counts as top customers the largest chipmakers in the world, including TSMC and Samsung.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding KLA, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Where Is KLA Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 324,001, the price of KLAC is down -4.99% at $712.44. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 3 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About KLA</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $737.8.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays has decided to maintain their Equal-Weight rating on KLA, which currently sits at a price target of $700. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo persists with their Overweight rating on KLA, maintaining a target price of $795. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS has decided to maintain their Neutral rating on KLA, which currently sits at a price target of $780. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Goldman Sachs has decided to maintain their Buy rating on KLA, which currently sits at a price target of $759. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Susquehanna persists with their Neutral rating on KLA, maintaining a target price of $655. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest KLA options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

KLA Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

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Shares of major semiconductor companies are trading lower amid comments from an Nvidia supplier suggesting the global chips market has an uncertain outlook in 2025. Additionally, Elon Musk has expressed doubt about the Stargate project which may be weighing on sentiment.

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on KLA.
Looking at options history for KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) we detected 17 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 41% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 47% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $444,070 and 11, calls, for a total amount of $873,824.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $680.0 and $920.0 for KLA, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for KLA's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across KLA's significant trades, within a strike price range of $680.0 to $920.0, over the past month.
<h3>KLA Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737576026_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$74.2</td>
<td>$72.5</td>
<td>$72.5</td>
<td>$840.00</td>
<td>$174.0K</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$84.1</td>
<td>$79.7</td>
<td>$84.1</td>
<td>$880.00</td>
<td>$168.2K</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$29.5</td>
<td>$27.6</td>
<td>$28.55</td>
<td>$750.00</td>
<td>$142.7K</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$60.4</td>
<td>$57.5</td>
<td>$57.61</td>
<td>$820.00</td>
<td>$115.3K</td>
<td align="right">131</td>
<td align="right">21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$56.9</td>
<td>$53.1</td>
<td>$55.8</td>
<td>$760.00</td>
<td>$111.3K</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About KLA</h3>
KLA is one of the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturers in the world. It specializes in the market segment of semiconductor process control, wherein machines inspect semiconductor wafers during research and development and manufacturing for defects and verify precise measurements. In this section of the market, KLA holds a majority share. It also has a small exposure to the etch and deposition segments of the WFE market. It counts as top customers the largest chipmakers in the world, including TSMC and Samsung.
Having examined the options trading patterns of KLA, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>KLA's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 396,051, with KLAC's price up by 0.98%, positioned at $774.77.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 8 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for KLA</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $737.8.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Overweight rating on KLA with a target price of $795. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Equal-Weight rating for KLA, targeting a price of $700. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Susquehanna persists with their Neutral rating on KLA, maintaining a target price of $655. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Goldman Sachs keeps a Buy rating on KLA with a target price of $759. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from UBS keeps a Neutral rating on KLA with a target price of $780. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest KLA options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Check Out What Whales Are Doing With KLAC

On Tuesday, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/21/jim-crame-taiwan-semis-bullish-earnings-revives-optimism.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNBC&#8217;s&nbsp;Jim Cramer</a> called out the market reaction to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43099745/taiwan-semiconductor-touts-1-5-billion-in-us-subsidies-confident-trump-will-maintain-chips-act-backing" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarterly print</a>. The sector, especially capital equipment companies, got a boost from the chipmaker&#8217;s report and guidance.
Taiwan Semiconductor reported&nbsp;fourth-quarter revenue&nbsp;of $26.88 billion, up by 39%, topping the analyst consensus of $26.28 billion.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/01/43110913/apples-iphone-dependence-remains-but-services-wearables-offer-growth-potential-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s iPhone Dependence Remains, But Services, Wearables Offer Growth Potential: Analyst</a>
The gross margin was 59%, up 600 bps, backed by its 3-nm and 5-nm technologies.
The company expects first-quarter 2025 revenue of $25.0 billion—$25.8 billion, compared to the&nbsp;$24.97 billion consensus estimate. It has also earmarked $38 billion—$42 billion in fiscal 2025 capex versus the actual fiscal 2024 capex of $29.8 billion.&nbsp;
Taiwan Semiconductor shared plans to boost manufacturing capabilities, marking its focus on advanced process technologies.
Cramer correlated advanced process technologies with equipment catering to Nvidia Corp&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) GPUs and other accelerators. Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s plan to boost capex on equipment triggered a rally in its supplier stocks, including&nbsp;Applied Materials, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>),&nbsp;Lam Research&nbsp;Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>), and&nbsp;KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>), Cramer reasoned. However, the rally reflected investor conviction on the companies&#8217; prospects.
Cramer also attributed the rally to investor expectations that the Trump administration would soften some of the Biden government&#8217;s advanced semiconductor technology embargo as the former took charge on Monday.
Taiwan Semiconductor won a $1.5 billion grant from the U.S. for its semiconductor facilities in Arizona, where the chipmaker has invested over $65 billion.
Trump verbally attacked Taiwan Semi during&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43053982/taiwan-semiconductor-chief-calls-us-semiconductor-sanctions-manageable-to-skip-trump-inauguration" rel="noreferrer noopener">his presidential campaign</a> for allegedly&nbsp;undermining America&#8217;s chip industry. He also criticized the U.S. CHIPS Act and promised to slap tariffs on Taiwanese chips.
Recently, Taiwan Semiconductor chief C.C. Wei dismissed concerns over U.S. AI sanctions, calling them &#8220;manageable.&#8221; He voiced the chipmaker&#8217;s focus on advanced packaging, citing that non-AI sectors like automotive and crypto mining remain unaffected by sanctions.
Bernstein analyst Rupal Agarwal reiterated an Outperform rating on Taiwan Semiconductor with a $258.00 price target, marking it as the firm&#8217;s 2025 top pick.
Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged over 93% in the last 12 months.
Price Action: TSM stock traded higher by 2.41% to $223.97 at the last check on Wednesday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43065280/intel-gains-8-on-speculation-of-buyout-details-remain-unclear" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel Stock Gains On Speculative Buyout Report, Details Remain Unclear</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by wakamatsu.h via Shutterstock

Media

Taiwan Semiconductor's Capex Plans Boost These Chip Stocks, Jim Cramer Says

Susquehanna analyst Mehdi Hosseini maintains KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $620 to $655.

Susquehanna Maintains Neutral on KLA, Raises Price Target to $655

UBS analyst Timothy Arcuri maintains KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $665 to $780.

UBS Maintains Neutral on KLA, Raises Price Target to $780

Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley maintains KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $750 to $700.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on KLA, Lowers Price Target to $700

KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) shares are ripping higher on Thursday. They are trading in sympathy with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), which reported earnings ahead of estimates.
But KLA Corporation may be about to reverse and head lower. This is why our team of technical analysts has made it our Stock of the Day.
Momentum is a measurement of how far a stock has moved up or down in a given period of time. Most of the time, a stock will stay in its typical or usual trading range.
If sellers are aggressive and push the price below this range, traders say it is oversold. If buyers push the price above the range, traders say it is overbought.
These are important dynamics. Many trading strategies are based on the concept of reversion to the mean. Stocks that are overbought or oversold tend to reverse back into their average trading ranges.
There are dozens and maybe even hundreds of different ways to measure a stock's momentum. These are called momentum indicators or oscillators.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="550" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16144506/KLACorp-1024x550.png" alt="" class="wp-image-737613" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16144506/KLACorp-1024x550.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16144506/KLACorp-300x161.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16144506/KLACorp-768x412.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16144506/KLACorp.png 1527w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43036902/tesla-stock-valuation-analyst-flags-long-term-growth-opportunities-robotaxis-fsd">Tesla Stock &#8216;Valuation Is Full&#8217;: Analyst Flags Long-Term Growth Opportunities With Robotaxis, FSD</a>
Some new traders make the mistake of using too many of these indicators. They believe that the more they study, the better their results will be.
But sometimes a trader would be better off just using a few and mastering them.
The lower part of the chart is the Relative Strength Momentum Indicator (RSI). This is a popular indicator. When the blue line is higher than the horizontal red line, it indicates overbought conditions.  As you can see, that is the case now.
The red line on the price chart is called a Bollinger Band. It is another popular way to measure momentum.
The line is two standard deviations above the 20-day moving average. Statistics and probability theory suggest that 95% of trading should occur within two standard deviations of the mean.
If the stock exceeds this threshold, it is considered to be overbought. As you can see, that is the case now.
The last two times <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KLAC">KLA Corporation</a> was shown to be overbought simultaneously by both of these indicators, a sell-off followed soon after. It may be about to happen again.
Read Next: • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/25/01/43036258/polar-vortex-brings-winters-coldest-air-for-trumps-inauguration-day-what-it-means-for-utilities-retailers-energy-stocks">Polar Vortex Brings Winter&#8217;s Coldest Air For Trump&#8217;s Inauguration Day: What It Means For Utilities, Retailers, Energy Stocks</a>
Photo: JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock

Technicals

Stock Of The Day: Is KLA Corporation's Rally About To End?

AEHR

ATOM

HIMX

INDI

QCOM

SMTC

SYNA

Shares of semiconductor companies are trading higher amid overall market strength after CPI data was in line with estimates and core CPI rose by less than expected.

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on KLA. Our analysis of options history for KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) revealed 14 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 28% of traders were bullish, while 50% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 6 were puts, with a value of $395,190, and 8 were calls, valued at $1,431,673.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $600.0 to $710.0 for KLA over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for KLA options trades today is 170.5 with a total volume of 1,180.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for KLA's big money trades within a strike price range of $600.0 to $710.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>KLA Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1736798424_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$91.6</td>
<td>$87.9</td>
<td>$89.1</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$267.3K</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
<td align="right">191</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$87.8</td>
<td>$86.9</td>
<td>$87.8</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$263.4K</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
<td align="right">151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$89.3</td>
<td>$82.4</td>
<td>$85.9</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$257.7K</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
<td align="right">90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$87.3</td>
<td>$84.8</td>
<td>$87.3</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$253.1K</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
<td align="right">60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KLAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$80.0</td>
<td>$73.4</td>
<td>$76.6</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$229.8K</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About KLA</h3>
KLA is one of the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturers in the world. It specializes in the market segment of semiconductor process control, wherein machines inspect semiconductor wafers during research and development and manufacturing for defects and verify precise measurements. In this section of the market, KLA holds a majority share. It also has a small exposure to the etch and deposition segments of the WFE market. It counts as top customers the largest chipmakers in the world, including TSMC and Samsung.
Having examined the options trading patterns of KLA, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Present Market Standing of KLA</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 591,675, the price of KLAC is down -1.22% at $674.71. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 17 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About KLA</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $777.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on KLA, which currently sits at a price target of $795. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Goldman Sachs keeps a Buy rating on KLA with a target price of $759. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest KLA options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Smart Money Is Betting Big In KLAC Options

Analysts' ratings for KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) over the last quarter vary from bullish to bearish, as provided by 8 analysts.
The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $766.5, a high estimate of $850.00, and a low estimate of $703.00. Experiencing a 5.17% decline, the current average is now lower than the previous average price target of $808.25. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1736798421_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive KLA is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Quatrochi</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$795.00</td>
<td>$800.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toshiya Hari</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$759.00</td>
<td>$850.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Quatrochi</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$800.00</td>
<td>$870.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Moore</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$703.00</td>
<td>$746.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krish Sankar</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$725.00</td>
<td>$760.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tom O'Malley</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$750.00</td>
<td>$800.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Edward Yang</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$850.00</td>
<td>$750.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sidney Ho</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$750.00</td>
<td>$890.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to KLA. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of KLA compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of KLA's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of KLA's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KLAC/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on KLA analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About KLA</h2>
KLA is one of the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturers in the world. It specializes in the market segment of semiconductor process control, wherein machines inspect semiconductor wafers during research and development and manufacturing for defects and verify precise measurements. In this section of the market, KLA holds a majority share. It also has a small exposure to the etch and deposition segments of the WFE market. It counts as top customers the largest chipmakers in the world, including TSMC and Samsung.
<h3>Understanding the Numbers: KLA's Finances</h3>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
Revenue Growth: KLA's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 18.55%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Information Technology sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: KLA's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 33.29% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 27.3%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): KLA's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 6.08%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 1.92, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.
<h2>What Are Analyst Ratings?</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Beyond The Numbers: 8 Analysts Discuss KLA Stock

Wells Fargo analyst Joseph Quatrochi maintains KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $800 to $795.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on KLA, Lowers Price Target to $795

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and peer chip stocks, including Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) and Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), are trading lower Friday as the chip companies <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42897081/nvidia-and-ai-chip-stocks-brace-for-impact-as-biden-administration-considers-new-china-export-ban-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">remain susceptible to</a> potential sanctions on China regarding artificial intelligence chip exports.
The Biden administration could restrict Nvidia&#8217;s AI chip shipments with three-tier export rules favoring allies like Taiwan and barring Tier 3 nations like China.
The Chinese semiconductor equipment industry was estimated to reach $230 billion in 2024, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1345380/china-size-of-the-semiconductor-equipment-market/" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to</a> Statista.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42900314/nvidia-teams-up-with-dutch-government-to-build-cutting-edge-ai-supercomputer-facility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia Teams Up with Dutch Government to Build Cutting-Edge AI Supercomputer Facility</a>
Also on Friday, Taiwan Semiconductor <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42907937/taiwan-semiconductor-hits-26-3-billion-q4-revenue-reportedly-ends-powerair-deal-over-huawei-chip-breach-amid-us-sanctions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported consolidated revenue</a> of 2.89 trillion New Taiwan dollars between January and December 2024 (up by 33.9% year-on-year), implying it made a consolidated revenue of 868.46 billion New Taiwan dollars ($26.3 billion versus a consensus of $26.2 billion) for the December quarter, up from $19.62 billion a year ago.
Goldman Sachs analyst Toshiya Hari pointed out that the semiconductor and semiconductor capital equipment sectors offer significant potential for generating alpha in 2024, particularly among companies supporting the build-out of AI infrastructure.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Performers in AI Infrastructure</h3>
Several stocks in the sector have greatly outperformed the broader market, delivering strong returns:
<ul>
<li>Credo Technology Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRDO#NASDAQ">CRDO</a>) +245%</li>
<li>Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) +171%</li>
<li>Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) +108%</li>
<li>Marvell Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) +83%</li>
<li>Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>) +64%</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Underperformers in Analog, MCU, and Power</h3>
In contrast, stocks in the Analog, MCU, and Power sectors have significantly underperformed, with notable declines in:
<ul>
<li>Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCHP#NASDAQ">MCHP</a>) -36%</li>
<li>Qorvo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QRVO#NASDAQ">QRVO</a>) -38%</li>
<li>ON Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>) -25%</li>
<li>Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWKS#NASDAQ">SWKS</a>) -21%</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Weak Performance in Semiconductor Capital Equipment</h3>
Similarly, stocks in the Semiconductor Capital Equipment and Materials segments also lagged behind, including:
<ul>
<li>Cohu, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COHU#NASDAQ">COHU</a>) -25%</li>
<li>Entegris, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENTG#NASDAQ">ENTG</a>) -17%</li>
<li>Lam Research Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) -8%</li>
<li>Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) +&lt;1%</li>
<li>KLA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) +8%</li>
</ul>
In 2025, Hari recommended investors to own industry leaders in AI and cyclical names as he expected the magnitude of AI earnings beats to moderate, while he envisioned earnings revisions in broad-based semiconductors to turn positive in the latter half of the year. Hari&#8217;s Buy-rated ideas include Nvidia, Broadcom, Lam Research, Micron Technology, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), Teradyne, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TER#NASDAQ">TER</a>) (also on the Conviction List) and Entegris.
Hari noted Nvidia&#8217;s GPU as the industry standard, which is supported by the company&#8217;s large installed base, robust developer ecosystem, and presence in all major Clouds. Nvidia and its partners&#8217; ability to innovate will help them preserve their moat.
Broadcom is favorably positioned alongside Nvidia, backed by continued growth in the AI Semiconductor business with a potential acceleration in Networking, a recovery in the cyclical parts of its Semiconductor portfolio, sustained revenue growth, and margin expansion in Software.
In 2025, although challenging supply-demand dynamics in conventional DRAM and NAND are likely to keep a lid on Street estimates and Micron&#8217;s valuation multiple in the near term, Hari expects share gains in HBM and enterprise SSD, together with a gradually improving supply-demand backdrop in conventional DRAM and NAND, to catalyze positive EPS revisions and, in turn, better relative stock price performance.
Hari expects Lam Research to outperform its immediate peers in 2025. In addition to a quarterly recovery in the overall Wafer Fab Equipment market, he expects idiosyncratic drivers such as the adoption of Gate-All-Around transistors in leading-edge Foundry/Logic and the resumption of technology transitions in 3D NAND to support revenue growth that exceeds the overall WFE market.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hari expects Teradyne to benefit from share gains in Compute SoC test, HBM test, recovery in Mobile SoC test and stabilization and /acceleration in Robotics revenue growth.
The analyst also upgraded NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXPI#NASDAQ">NXPI</a>) from Neutral to Buy and downgraded AMD from Buy to Neutral.
The NXP upgrade reflects the analyst&#8217;s belief that the Automotive MCUs market will begin to price in a cyclical recovery in 2025. Additionally, NXP is taking sufficient strategic steps, mainly its growing focus on the Chinese OEMs, to gain a share in the Automotive semiconductor market over the medium to long run. There is ample potential for NXP&#8217;s gross and operating margins to expand on a cross-cycle basis.
Although Hari remains constructive on the company&#8217;s ability to take share from Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) in x86-based computing across PCs and traditional servers, the analyst is increasingly concerned that the rise of Arm-based custom CPUs coupled with the competitive intensity in accelerated computing will weigh on AMD&#8217;s revenue growth relative to peers, exert upward pressure on AMD&#8217;s operating expenditure profile and, in turn, weigh on the stock&#8217;s multiple. 
The underperformance reflects weakness in PC and traditional end-demand and, more recently, slower-than-expected growth in Data Center GPUs.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42896233/japanese-chipmaker-rapidus-sets-sights-on-broadcom-to-emulate-taiwan-semiconductors-market-dominance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Japanese Chipmaker Rapidus Sets Sight on Broadcom to Emulate Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Market Dominance</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

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Nvidia, Broadcom Among Goldman Highlights For AI Opportunities

Goldman Sachs analyst Toshiya Hari maintains KLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $850 to $759.

Goldman Sachs Maintains Buy on KLA, Lowers Price Target to $759

5 Ideal Buys From 14 'Safer' January Dividends On Bloomberg 2025 Watch List Of 50

Susquehanna analyst Mehdi Hosseini raised the firm's price target on KLA Corp. (KLAC) to $655 from $620 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. T...

KLA Corp. price target raised to $655 from $620 at Susquehanna

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Press Releases

KLA Announces Upcoming Investor Webcasts

KLA Announces Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings Date

KLA Corporation Reports Fiscal 2024 Fourth Quarter Results and Full Year Results

Dividends

KLA Declares Regular Cash Dividend

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KLA Corporation Announces Increase in Quarterly Dividend Level to $1.70 per share

KLA Unveils Comprehensive IC Substrate Portfolio for a New Era of Advanced Semiconductor Packaging

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