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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 holds a unique monopoly in EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography, the essential technology for making the most advanced chips, while KLAC leads in process control, inspection, and metrology equipment used to catch defects during manufacturing.
- Both companies are riding accelerating AI-driven semiconductor investment, but ASML's revenue is heavily concentrated in high-value lithography systems, whereas KLA benefits from rising "process-control intensity" across logic, memory, and advanced packaging.
- ASML recently raised its full-year revenue outlook on strong AI demand, while KLA reported record quarterly revenue and lifted its wafer-equipment market forecast to the low-$150 billion range.
- Valuation and volatility differ: both stocks trade at elevated multiples after strong runs, with KLA showing higher weekly volatility and ASML carrying concentration and export-control risks tied to China.
- For deeper context on each name, explore ASML Major News and ASML Today's Price Move, along with KLAC Major News and KLAC Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated systems are positioning across this sector, explore the Trending AI Robots page for curated, currently active trading strategies.
Introduction
ASML and KLAC are two of the most important companies in the semiconductor supply chain, yet they occupy very different roles. ASML designs and sells the lithography machines that print circuit patterns onto silicon, and it is the world's only supplier of EUV systems. KLAC, by contrast, provides the inspection and measurement tools that help chipmakers detect defects and maintain yields. Both are direct beneficiaries of the same AI-driven capital-spending cycle, which makes a side-by-side comparison useful for investors weighing exposure to semiconductor equipment. This stock comparison examines business models, recent performance, and market positioning to help traders and investors assess relative performance between these two industry leaders.
ASML Overview and Recent Performance
ASML, headquartered in the Netherlands, is Europe's most valuable technology company and the sole commercial supplier of EUV lithography systems, which are required for leading-edge chip production. In recent weeks the company reported strong third-quarter results, with revenue rising roughly 55% year over year and gross margin expanding, driven by demand tied to AI chip manufacturing. Management raised its full-year revenue outlook to between €44 billion and €45 billion, citing sustained customer demand and pricing power for its newest tools.
Recent market activity has been shaped by several factors. Intel began high-volume production using ASML's next-generation High NA EUV systems, reinforcing the technology's commercial readiness, while Samsung and TSMC have signaled commitments to advanced lithography. At the same time, concerns around China exposure persist: US-led export restrictions limit sales of the most advanced tools to China, and Chinese companies are developing domestic DUV (deep ultraviolet) alternatives. Despite these risks, ASML's shares have climbed substantially over the past year, and analyst consensus remains firmly positive.
KLAC Overview and Recent Performance
KLAC, or KLA Corporation, is a US-based leader in semiconductor process control, supplying inspection, metrology, and yield-management systems that help manufacturers identify defects on wafers and reticles. In its most recent fiscal quarter, KLA reported record revenue of roughly $3.66 billion, up about 15% year over year, supported by accelerating AI infrastructure investment and rising process-control requirements in high-bandwidth memory and advanced packaging.
The company also raised its calendar-year forecast for the wafer fabrication equipment market to the low-$150 billion range and highlighted advanced packaging as a fast-growing opportunity, with related process-control revenue expected to approach $1.1 billion. KLA completed a 10-for-1 stock split in mid-2026, and its shares have delivered strong returns over the past year. Near-term pressures include memory-component costs, tariff headwinds, and margin considerations, but a growing backlog and broad-based demand across logic, DRAM, and NAND have supported a generally constructive outlook.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page showcases a curated selection of automated trading systems drawn from a much larger library of AI trading bots. Tickeron hosts hundreds of these bots, which collectively trade thousands of different tickers, but only a subset earns a place in the Trending section—those judged most suitable for current market conditions. Each bot operates with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and target universe of tickers, so no two are identical. This diversity lets traders explore systems that align with different risk profiles, from short-term momentum approaches to longer-horizon trend strategies. If you are evaluating how automated intelligence is positioning across names like ASML and KLAC, the Trending AI Robots page offers a practical starting point.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most sharply in their roles within chipmaking. ASML's value rests on a near-monopoly in EUV lithography, giving it exceptional pricing power but also making it highly dependent on a small number of leading-edge customers and on geopolitical decisions over export controls. KLA's process-control franchise is broader in application, spanning logic, memory, and advanced packaging, which can make its demand base more diversified, though it still moves with the cyclical swings of wafer-fab equipment spending.
On growth drivers, both benefit from AI infrastructure buildouts, but the mechanics differ: ASML's growth is tied to unit sales of very expensive systems plus a growing, higher-margin service stream, while KLA's is tied to rising inspection intensity as chips become more complex. In terms of recent momentum, both have posted strong gains, though KLA has exhibited notably higher share-price volatility in recent months. Risk profiles also diverge—ASML faces concentrated exposure to China and technology-export policy, whereas KLA faces margin pressure from memory-component pricing and tariffs, alongside execution risk from its capacity expansion plans. From a market-sentiment standpoint, analyst consensus on ASML leans toward a "Strong Buy," while KLA carries a "Buy" consensus, reflecting slightly different confidence levels across the two names.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor ASML in the current environment, though the edge is not absolute. ASML's structural monopoly, expanding gross margin, rising full-year guidance, and recently confirmed commercial deployment of High NA EUV provide a relatively stable, catalyst-rich foundation. KLA offers compelling growth in advanced packaging and a diversified process-control franchise, but its higher volatility and nearer-term margin and execution concerns introduce more variability into its trend profile. In probabilistic terms, the AI would probably lean toward ASML for trend consistency and positioning strength, while still recognizing KLA's attractive demand momentum as a meaningful alternative.
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 Buy and KLAC is a Buy.
ASML's RSI Indicator ascends from oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for ASML moved out of oversold territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 24 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 21 of the 24 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 88%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +2.45% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ASML advanced for three days, in 227 of 315 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
ASML may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 46 of 60 cases where ASML's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 30, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on ASML as a result. In 70 of 90 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 78%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ASML turned negative on October 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 43 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 43 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 79%.
ASML moved below its 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ASML crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ASML declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 68%.
The Aroon Indicator for ASML entered a downward trend on October 30, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 8 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 20 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 23 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ASML’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 88 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: ASML's P/B Ratio (27.558) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (6.452). P/E Ratio (61.553) is within average values for comparable stocks, (89.445). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.086) is also within normal values, averaging (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.005) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (15.175) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
KLAC's RSI Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for KLAC moved out of oversold territory on October 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 12 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 11 of the 12 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 48 of 60 cases where KLAC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Following a +8.96% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KLAC advanced for three days, in 268 of 345 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
KLAC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on KLAC as a result. In 70 of 100 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for KLAC turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 36 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 73%.
KLAC moved below its 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for KLAC crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where KLAC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 59%.
The Aroon Indicator for KLAC entered a downward trend on October 30, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. KLAC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 89 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: KLAC's P/B Ratio (32.453) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (6.452). P/E Ratio (42.910) is within average values for comparable stocks, (89.445). KLAC's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.809) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (16.260) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
ASML | KLAC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 88 Overvalued | 89 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 23 | 49 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 20 | 15 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 52 | 61 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 8 | 28 | |
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 (88) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as KLAC (89). This means that ASML’s stock grew similarly to KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
ASML's Profit vs Risk Rating (23) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as KLAC (49). This means that ASML’s stock grew similarly to KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's SMR Rating (15) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as ASML (20). This means that KLAC’s stock grew similarly to ASML’s over the last 12 months.
ASML's Price Growth Rating (52) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as KLAC (61). This means that ASML’s stock grew similarly to KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
ASML's P/E Growth Rating (8) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as KLAC (28). This means that ASML’s stock grew similarly to KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
| ASML | KLAC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 88% | 3 days ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 77% | 3 days ago 80% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 78% | 3 days ago 70% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 79% | 3 days ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 72% | 3 days ago 77% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 70% | 3 days ago 70% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 72% | 4 days ago 78% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 19 days ago 68% | 10 days ago 59% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 78% | 3 days ago 82% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 60% | 3 days ago 59% |
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 overvalued. 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 while KLAC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- ASML’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- KLAC’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ASML’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 7 bearish.
- KLAC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
ASML (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а -0.25% price change this week, while KLAC (@Electronic Production Equipment) price change was +8.45% 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 -24.06%, and the average quarterly price growth was -28.86%.
Reported Earning Dates
ASML is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
KLAC is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
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.
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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 85% 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% | -6.55% | ||
| LRCX - ASML | 85% Closely correlated | -6.01% | ||
| AMAT - ASML | 82% Closely correlated | -7.49% | ||
| KLAC - ASML | 81% Closely correlated | -5.69% | ||
| NVMI - ASML | 80% Closely correlated | -6.68% | ||
| ONTO - ASML | 75% Closely correlated | -9.16% | ||
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KLAC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KLAC has been closely correlated with AMAT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KLAC jumps, then AMAT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To KLAC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KLAC | 100% | -5.69% | ||
| AMAT - KLAC | 88% Closely correlated | -7.49% | ||
| LRCX - KLAC | 88% Closely correlated | -6.01% | ||
| NVMI - KLAC | 84% Closely correlated | -6.68% | ||
| ONTO - KLAC | 82% Closely correlated | -9.16% | ||
| ASML - KLAC | 81% Closely correlated | -6.55% | ||
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