KLA CORP (NASDAQ:KLAC) stands out as an affordable growth candidate based on its fundamentals. The company, a key player in semiconductor process control and yield management, demonstrates strong growth potential while maintaining reasonable valuation metrics.
Growth Prospects
Revenue and Earnings Growth: KLAC has delivered impressive growth, with revenue increasing by 20.33% over the past year and earnings per share (EPS) rising by 35.37%. Over the last five years, EPS growth has averaged 22.88% annually.
Future Expectations: Analysts project continued growth, with EPS expected to expand by 14.06% and revenue by 9.66% annually in the coming years.
Valuation
P/E Ratio: At 26.36, KLAC’s P/E ratio is below the industry average of 48.51, suggesting a more attractive valuation relative to peers.
PEG Ratio: The low PEG ratio indicates that the stock’s price accounts for its expected earnings growth, making it reasonably priced for investors seeking growth opportunities.
Profitability and Financial Health
High Profit Margins: KLAC boasts a profit margin of 31.99%, outperforming 92.73% of its industry peers. Its operating margin of 41.73% is also well above average.
Strong Returns: The company’s return on invested capital (ROIC) of 37.60% highlights efficient capital use.
Debt Considerations: While KLAC carries a higher debt-to-equity ratio (1.47), its strong free cash flow coverage mitigates concerns, with debt repayable in just 1.68 years based on current cash flows.
KLA CORP (NASDAQ:KLAC) offers strong growth potential with reasonable valuation, solid profitability, and manageable debt, making it a candidate for growth-focused investors.