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ASX vs KLAC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? ASE Technology Holding (ASX) vs. KLA Corporation (KLAC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different links in the same chain: ASX (ASE Technology Holding) provides semiconductor packaging and testing, while KLAC (KLA Corporation) supplies process-control and inspection equipment used to manufacture chips.
- Momentum leadership: ASX has rallied far more aggressively over the past year, while KLAC has recently pulled back on near-term margin and valuation concerns.
- Margin profile differs sharply: KLAC operates with structurally higher margins and stronger cash generation, whereas ASX is expanding margins from a lower base as its advanced-packaging business scales.
- Both are leveraged to AI, but differently: ASX benefits from advanced packaging demand, and KLAC from rising process-control intensity across leading-edge logic and memory.
- For deeper coverage of these names, explore ASX Major News, ASX Today's Price Move, KLAC Major News, and KLAC Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated systems are positioning across this comparison, visit the curated Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Semiconductor stocks have become a focal point for investors tracking the artificial intelligence buildout, and ASX and KLAC represent two distinct, complementary ways to gain exposure. ASE Technology Holding is a leading provider of outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (commonly called OSAT), while KLA Corporation supplies the inspection and metrology tools that manufacturers need to produce advanced chips. Although both companies are riding the same AI-driven investment cycle, their business models, margin structures, and recent stock behavior differ meaningfully. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing relative performance, market positioning, and risk exposure across the semiconductor value chain.
ASX Overview and Recent Performance
ASE Technology Holding is one of the world's largest providers of semiconductor assembly, packaging, and testing services. Its core Assembly, Testing, and Materials (ATM) business is a key beneficiary of rising demand for advanced packaging, which combines multiple chips and high-bandwidth memory into a single package. This segment, branded internally as Leading-Edge Advanced Packaging (LEAP), has driven accelerating revenue growth and margin expansion in recent quarters.
Recent market activity has been notably strong for ASX. The stock has surged well over 200% in the past year and roughly 80% over six months, reflecting investor enthusiasm for AI-related packaging demand. ATM gross margin has climbed to the high-20% range from the low-20% range a year earlier, and management has signaled further improvement as utilization rises. To meet demand, the company raised its capital expenditure plan to roughly $10.5 billion, funding multiple new facilities. This aggressive expansion supports growth but also introduces execution and cash-flow considerations.
KLAC Overview and Recent Performance
KLA Corporation is a leading supplier of process-control, inspection, and metrology equipment that semiconductor manufacturers use to monitor and improve yields. Because AI chips are more complex and expensive to produce, manufacturers rely more heavily on KLA's tools, a dynamic the company calls rising process-control intensity. This has translated into record revenue and strong order visibility, with advanced-packaging-related process-control revenue expected to grow more than 70% year over year.
In contrast to ASX's sharp momentum, KLAC has pulled back in recent weeks. After a strong run earlier in the year—punctuated by a 10-for-one stock split and a dividend increase—shares have slipped as investors weighed near-term margin pressure from higher component costs, tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainty. Still, the company's backlog is up roughly 60% year over year, and it raised its outlook for the wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) market, indicating durable underlying demand despite the stock's recent softness.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
At the business-model level, the two companies occupy different positions in the semiconductor supply chain. ASX is a services and capacity play: its growth depends on adding packaging and testing capacity quickly enough to satisfy AI demand, and its margins are expanding but still moderate relative to equipment makers. KLAC, by contrast, is an equipment and intellectual-property play, generating structurally higher margins and stronger free cash flow, with a services business providing recurring revenue.
Growth drivers also diverge. ASX is leveraged to advanced packaging, chip-on-wafer-on-substrate (CoWoS) technology, and high-bandwidth memory integration. KLAC is leveraged to rising process-control intensity, leading-edge logic and foundry investment, and memory expansion. On momentum, ASX has been the stronger performer recently and trades above key moving averages, while KLAC has consolidated following a steep rally. On risk, ASX faces execution risk from heavy capital spending and capacity ramp-up, while KLAC faces valuation sensitivity, margin pressure from input costs, and exposure to China-related trade restrictions.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, relative positioning, and recent catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward ASX in the current environment. The stock has maintained a steadier uptrend, trades above its longer-term moving averages, and is supported by accelerating revenue, expanding margins, and upward estimate revisions. That said, the verdict is probabilistic rather than absolute. KLAC retains superior margins, stronger cash generation, and deeper backlog visibility, which could reassert leadership if its near-term margin and valuation concerns ease. The AI's preference reflects momentum and trend consistency more than a fundamental judgment on either company's long-term quality.
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 ASX is a Buy and KLAC is a Buy.
ASX in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026
ASX may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 30 of 32 cases where ASX's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +5.92% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ASX advanced for three days, in 271 of 353 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ASX moved out of overbought territory on October 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 45 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 32 of the 45 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 71%.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
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 ASX as a result. In 53 of 88 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ASX turned negative on October 14, 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 33 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 67%.
ASX moved below its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ASX crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 17 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 53%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ASX 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 58%.
The Aroon Indicator for ASX 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 13 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 76, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 19 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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: P/B Ratio (0.264) is normal, around the industry mean (6.106). P/E Ratio (1.433) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.186). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.210) is also within normal values, averaging (3.803). ASX has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.036) as compared to the industry average of (0.012). P/S Ratio (3.791) is also within normal values, averaging (46.468).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ASX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating 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 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average 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.
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).
ASX | KLAC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 19 Undervalued | 89 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 13 | 49 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 50 | 15 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 37 | 61 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 97 | 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.
ASX's Valuation (19) in the Semiconductors industry is significantly better than the same rating for KLAC (89) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that ASX’s stock grew significantly faster than KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
ASX's Profit vs Risk Rating (13) in the Semiconductors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KLAC (49) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that ASX’s stock grew somewhat faster than KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's SMR Rating (15) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ASX (50) in the Semiconductors industry. This means that KLAC’s stock grew somewhat faster than ASX’s over the last 12 months.
ASX's Price Growth Rating (37) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as KLAC (61) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that ASX’s stock grew similarly to KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's P/E Growth Rating (28) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is significantly better than the same rating for ASX (97) in the Semiconductors industry. This means that KLAC’s stock grew significantly faster than ASX’s over the last 12 months.
| ASX | KLAC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 71% | 3 days ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 64% | 3 days ago 80% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 60% | 3 days ago 70% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 67% | 3 days ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 77% | 3 days ago 77% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 54% | 3 days ago 70% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 77% | 4 days ago 78% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 17 days ago 58% | 10 days ago 59% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 90% | 3 days ago 82% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 51% | 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).
ASX’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while KLAC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- ASX’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
ASX’s TA Score shows that 2 TA indicator(s) are bullish while KLAC’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ASX’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 8 bearish.
- KLAC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
ASX (@Semiconductors) experienced а +2.09% 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 @Semiconductors industry was -0.34%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -18.87%, and the average quarterly price growth was -16.09%.
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
ASX is expected to report earnings on Feb 11, 2027.
KLAC is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Semiconductors (-0.34% weekly)The semiconductor industry manufacturers all chip-related products, including research and development. These chips are used in innumerable electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, smartphones, and GPSs. Intel Corporation, NVIDIA Corp., and Broadcomm are some of the prominent players in this industry. Semiconductor companies usually tend to do well during periods of healthy economic growth, thereby inducing further research and development in the industry – which in turn augurs well for productivity and growth in the economy. In the near future, demand for semiconductor products (and possibly innovation within the segment) should only expand further, with the proliferation of 5G, autonomous vehicles, IoT, and various AI-driven electronics set to herald a new, advanced chapter in the technology-driven world as we know it. With burgeoning prospects comes great competition. In 2015, SIA estimated that U.S. semiconductor industry ranks as the second most competitive U.S. industry out of 2882 U.S. industries designated manufacturers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
@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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ASX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ASX has been closely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ASX jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ASX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASX | 100% | -11.34% | ||
| LRCX - ASX | 75% Closely correlated | -6.01% | ||
| AMKR - ASX | 74% Closely correlated | -4.15% | ||
| KLAC - ASX | 74% Closely correlated | -5.69% | ||
| AMAT - ASX | 73% Closely correlated | -7.49% | ||
| TSM - ASX | 73% Closely correlated | -5.95% | ||
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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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