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ASML vs KLAC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) vs. KLA Corporation (KLAC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) specializes in advanced lithography systems critical for semiconductor manufacturing, while KLA Corporation (KLAC) focuses on process control and inspection equipment that supports yield optimization across chip production.
- Both companies benefit from AI-driven demand for advanced chips, with ASML raising its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to €36–40 billion amid stronger-than-expected tool orders.
- Recent market activity shows ASML shares trading near $1,769 with solid year-to-date gains exceeding 65% in some measures, supported by upcoming Q2 2026 earnings on July 15.
- KLAC shares trade around $221 following a 10-for-1 stock split effective in June 2026, with the company reporting robust prior-quarter revenue growth of approximately 11% year-over-year.
- ASML faces greater exposure to geopolitical export restrictions, particularly regarding China, while KLAC maintains a more diversified U.S.-centric operational profile with recurring aftermarket revenue streams.
- Relative performance in recent weeks reflects sector volatility, with both stocks exhibiting premium valuations tied to semiconductor capital expenditure cycles.
Introduction
ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) and KLA Corporation (KLAC) represent two leading providers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment essential to the production of advanced chips powering artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. This comparison examines their business models, recent performance trends, and market positioning to assist investors and traders evaluating exposure within the semiconductor equipment sector. The analysis draws on verifiable data from financial filings and market reports, highlighting contrasts in growth drivers, risk profiles, and operational focus for those monitoring relative performance amid evolving technology demand.
ASML Overview and Recent Performance
ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) develops and supplies photolithography systems, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology that enables the most advanced semiconductor nodes. The company reported first-quarter 2026 net sales of €8.8 billion and net income of €2.8 billion, prompting an upward revision of its 2026 revenue guidance to a range of €36–40 billion. In recent market activity, shares have traded near $1,769, reflecting continued investor interest in AI-related capital spending. Sentiment has been supported by strong demand signals from major chipmakers, though tempered by ongoing export policy considerations affecting certain markets. Broader timeframe references indicate year-to-date advances consistent with sector recovery, with upcoming second-quarter results scheduled for July 15 serving as a near-term catalyst.
KLAC Overview and Recent Performance
KLA Corporation (KLAC) provides process control and yield management solutions, including inspection and metrology tools that help semiconductor manufacturers maintain production efficiency. The company completed a 10-for-1 forward stock split effective June 12, 2026, and reported prior-quarter revenue of approximately $3.42 billion, representing year-over-year growth near 11%. Shares recently closed around $221, following periods of volatility linked to broader semiconductor market movements. Recent market activity includes dividend increases and analyst attention ahead of fiscal fourth-quarter earnings. Performance in recent weeks has been influenced by sector-wide dynamics, with the firm benefiting from recurring service revenue and diversified exposure across technology nodes.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) operates with a concentrated focus on lithography equipment that creates high technological barriers, whereas KLA Corporation (KLAC) emphasizes inspection and process control tools that generate recurring aftermarket revenue. Growth for both stems from AI chip complexity, yet ASML contends with more pronounced geopolitical risks tied to export controls, while KLAC offers broader node and end-market diversification. Recent momentum data indicates varying short-term returns, with KLAC exhibiting stronger percentage gains in certain monthly periods compared with ASML’s steadier but occasionally policy-sensitive trajectory. Valuation multiples remain elevated for both, reflecting expectations of continued semiconductor capital expenditures, though trade-offs exist between ASML’s specialized moat and KLAC’s margin profile and stability advantages.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors including trend consistency, earnings visibility, and relative positioning within the semiconductor equipment sector, Tickeron’s AI models would currently assign a modest probabilistic preference to KLA Corporation (KLAC). This assessment considers KLAC’s demonstrated resilience following its stock split, recurring revenue characteristics, and diversified operational base, which may support more stable performance signals amid sector fluctuations. ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) remains competitive due to its technological leadership and raised outlook, yet faces additional variables related to international policy developments. The evaluation reflects data-driven pattern recognition rather than directional forecasts.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ASML is a Hold and KLAC is a Hold.
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ASML’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green whileKLAC’s FA Score has 4 green FA rating(s).
- ASML’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- KLAC’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ASML’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while KLAC’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ASML’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
- KLAC’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ASML (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а +1.58% price change this week, while KLAC (@Electronic Production Equipment) price change was -1.71% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Production Equipment industry was -0.42%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.51%, and the average quarterly price growth was +73.87%.
Reported Earning Dates
ASML is expected to report earnings on Jul 15, 2026.
KLAC is expected to report earnings on Jul 23, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Production Equipment (-0.42% weekly)The electronic production equipment industry makes equipment used to produce semiconductors. Such equipment includes wafer fabrication, plasma etching and photo-resist processing equipment. The industry also makes chemical vapor deposition processing systems and photomasks, which are high-purity quartz plates that contain patterns to define integrated circuits layouts. Applied Materials, Inc., Lam Research Corporation, and KLA-Tencor Corporation are examples of electronic production equipment manufacturing companies.
| ASML | KLAC | ASML / KLAC | |
| Capitalization | 689B | 302B | 228% |
| EBITDA | 11.9B | 6.06B | 196% |
| Gain YTD | 68.809 | 95.789 | 72% |
| P/E Ratio | 61.03 | 65.57 | 93% |
| Revenue | 33.7B | 13.1B | 257% |
| Total Cash | 8.38B | 613M | 1,366% |
| Total Debt | 2.71B | 6.15B | 44% |
ASML | KLAC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 85 Overvalued | 91 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 18 | 16 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 19 | 13 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 38 | 4 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 10 | 10 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ASML's Valuation (85) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as KLAC (91). This means that ASML’s stock grew similarly to KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's Profit vs Risk Rating (16) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as ASML (18). This means that KLAC’s stock grew similarly to ASML’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's SMR Rating (13) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as ASML (19). This means that KLAC’s stock grew similarly to ASML’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's Price Growth Rating (4) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ASML (38). This means that KLAC’s stock grew somewhat faster than ASML’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's P/E Growth Rating (10) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as ASML (10). This means that KLAC’s stock grew similarly to ASML’s over the last 12 months.
| ASML | KLAC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 76% | 3 days ago 65% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 77% | 3 days ago 86% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 75% | 3 days ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 84% | 3 days ago 61% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 77% | 3 days ago 60% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 75% | 3 days ago 80% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 73% | 3 days ago 78% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 66% | 11 days ago 57% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 65% | 3 days ago 67% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 75% | 3 days ago 78% |
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| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| MFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| GGGPX | 46.84 | 0.15 | +0.32% |
| Goldman Sachs Large Cap Equity P | |||
| SUIRX | 73.41 | 0.20 | +0.27% |
| DWS CROCI International R6 | |||
| QDISX | 21.04 | 0.03 | +0.14% |
| FI Instl Group Stock for Ret Plns | |||
| FSAAX | 18.66 | 0.02 | +0.11% |
| Fidelity Advisor Asset Manager 60% A | |||
| VSSVX | 11.55 | -0.03 | -0.26% |
| VALIC Company I Small Cap Core | |||
ASML and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ASML has been closely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 82% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ASML jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ASML | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASML | 100% | -0.38% | ||
| LRCX - ASML | 82% Closely correlated | -0.80% | ||
| AMAT - ASML | 79% Closely correlated | +2.35% | ||
| KLAC - ASML | 79% Closely correlated | +0.88% | ||
| NVMI - ASML | 76% Closely correlated | +0.40% | ||
| UCTT - ASML | 66% Closely correlated | +0.08% | ||
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