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KLAC vs NXPI
Which Stock Would AI Choose? KLA Corporation (KLAC) vs. NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different semiconductor niches: KLAC supplies process-control equipment used to make chips, while NXPI designs chips for automotive, industrial, and communications end markets.
- Momentum contrast: KLAC's revenue growth has accelerated for three straight quarters, while NXPI's recovery is steadier but its recent outlook underwhelmed Wall Street.
- Valuation gap: KLAC trades at a premium multiple reflecting its AI-driven process-control franchise, whereas NXPI carries a more modest earnings multiple relative to the broader market.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Between the two, the AI favors KLAC, citing stronger trend consistency, accelerating revenue, and a record order backlog.
- For more context, explore KLAC Major News and KLAC Today's Price Move, plus NXPI Major News and NXPI Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated systems are positioning across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors comparing two semiconductor names often face a subtle but important choice: whether to bet on the companies that build the tools of chip production or the companies that design the chips themselves. That is precisely the contrast between KLAC, whose inspection and metrology equipment underpins advanced chip manufacturing, and NXPI, a leading supplier of mixed-signal chips for cars, industrial systems, and data centers. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and long-term investors evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and exposure to the artificial intelligence (AI) investment cycle within the broader semiconductor sector.
KLAC Overview and Recent Performance
KLA Corporation (KLAC) develops process-control and process-enabling solutions that help chipmakers detect defects and improve manufacturing yields. Its inspection and metrology tools are critical as semiconductors grow more complex, making it a direct beneficiary of rising AI infrastructure spending, leading-edge logic, high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and advanced packaging.
Recent market activity has reflected strong fundamentals alongside elevated expectations. In its most recent quarter, KLAC reported revenue above $4 billion, up roughly 29% year over year, with management describing accelerated growth for the second half of the calendar year. The company also raised its outlook for the wafer fabrication equipment market, citing a record backlog of about $12.6 billion and customer shipment visibility extending into 2027 and, in some cases, early 2028. Despite this momentum, KLAC shares pulled back sharply in recent weeks, partly as investors reassessed near-term margins pressured by higher memory-component costs and tariff-related headwinds, as well as broader sector-wide volatility.
NXPI Overview and Recent Performance
NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) designs high-performance mixed-signal semiconductors, with a leading position in automotive microcontrollers, radars, and battery-management systems, plus exposure to industrial and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, mobile, and communications infrastructure. The company has increasingly emphasized software-defined vehicles, data center infrastructure, and "physical AI" as long-term growth drivers.
NXPI's recent performance shows a firming recovery. Its latest quarter delivered revenue of roughly $3.79 billion, up about 19% year over year, with expanding gross and operating margins and a new $5 billion share-repurchase authorization. However, the stock came under pressure because the company's forward revenue and operating-income guidance landed slightly below consensus, stoking concerns about the pace of the recovery and intensifying competition. Over the past year, NXPI has outperformed the broader market, but it remains below its 52-week high after a sharp post-earnings decline in recent weeks.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies occupy different layers of the semiconductor value chain, and that distinction shapes their risk profiles. KLAC is effectively a capital-equipment franchise whose revenue depends on chipmakers' capacity expansion, giving it powerful leverage to the AI buildout but also cyclical sensitivity to swings in fab investment. NXPI, by contrast, is tied more closely to end demand in automotive and industrial markets, which tend to move with vehicle production cycles and global manufacturing activity.
On growth, KLAC has shown clearer acceleration, with double-digit year-over-year revenue gains and a rapidly expanding backlog, while NXPI is transitioning out of an inventory correction and back toward end-demand growth. On valuation, KLAC trades at a notable premium to the sector, reflecting higher expectations, whereas NXPI's more moderate multiple offers a different risk-reward profile. Both face common headwinds—tariffs, China-related policy uncertainty, and memory-component cost pressures—but KLAC's exposure is concentrated in equipment demand, while NXPI carries greater geographic and end-market diversification.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, revenue momentum, backlog visibility, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI currently leans toward KLAC over NXPI. KLAC's accelerating top-line growth, record order book, and direct exposure to the AI-driven expansion of chip manufacturing present a comparatively stronger and more consistent trend profile. NXPI's improving fundamentals are balanced by softer forward guidance and post-earnings selling pressure. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting current conditions rather than a forecast of future returns.
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 KLAC is a StrongBuy and NXPI is a Buy.
KLAC's RSI Indicator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for KLAC moved out of oversold territory on November 06, 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. 49 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 82%.
Following a +10.47% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KLAC advanced for three days, in 264 of 342 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
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 November 10, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on KLAC as a result. In 69 of 101 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 68%.
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 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 36 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 72%.
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 10 of 15 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 67%.
The 50-day moving average for KLAC moved below the 200-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
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 60%.
The Aroon Indicator for KLAC entered a downward trend on November 10, 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 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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.
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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 53 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 76, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 63 (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 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: KLAC's P/B Ratio (28.462) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (5.670). P/E Ratio (37.633) is within average values for comparable stocks, (68.795). KLAC's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.809) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.801). Dividend Yield (0.007) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (16.260) is also within normal values, averaging (27.897).
Momentum Indicator for NXPI turns positive, indicating new upward trend
NXPI saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 93 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 71 of the 93 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for NXPI just turned positive on October 21, 2026. Looking at past instances where NXPI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
NXPI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for NXPI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Following a +5.34% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NXPI advanced for three days, in 190 of 293 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 152 of 211 cases where NXPI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 72%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for NXPI moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 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 32 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 23 of the 32 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 72%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 42 of 59 cases where NXPI's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NXPI 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 67%.
NXPI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 35 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NXPI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 79, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 58 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (5.493) is normal, around the industry mean (5.443). P/E Ratio (21.059) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.640). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.470) is also within normal values, averaging (3.803). Dividend Yield (0.016) settles around the average of (0.014) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.219) is also within normal values, averaging (46.468).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 68 (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 | NXPI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 12 | 15 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 88 Overvalued | 58 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 53 | 55 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 15 | 35 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 63 | 44 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 47 | 68 | |
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.
NXPI's Valuation (58) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as KLAC (88) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that NXPI’s stock grew similarly to KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's Profit vs Risk Rating (53) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as NXPI (55) in the Semiconductors industry. This means that KLAC’s stock grew similarly to NXPI’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's SMR Rating (15) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as NXPI (35) in the Semiconductors industry. This means that KLAC’s stock grew similarly to NXPI’s over the last 12 months.
NXPI's Price Growth Rating (44) in the Semiconductors industry is in the same range as KLAC (63) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry. This means that NXPI’s stock grew similarly to KLAC’s over the last 12 months.
KLAC's P/E Growth Rating (47) in the Electronic Production Equipment industry is in the same range as NXPI (68) in the Semiconductors industry. This means that KLAC’s stock grew similarly to NXPI’s over the last 12 months.
| KLAC | NXPI | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 72% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 82% | 2 days ago 71% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 76% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 71% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 60% | 10 days ago 67% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 88% | 2 days ago 70% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 6 days ago 72% |
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).
KLAC’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while NXPI’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- KLAC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- NXPI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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.
KLAC’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NXPI’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KLAC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 7 bearish.
- NXPI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
KLAC (@Electronic Production Equipment) experienced а -2.06% price change this week, while NXPI (@Semiconductors) price change was -0.47% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Production Equipment industry was +6.98%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -17.32%, and the average quarterly price growth was -31.40%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Semiconductors industry was +6.13%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -11.41%, and the average quarterly price growth was -25.58%.
Reported Earning Dates
KLAC is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
NXPI is expected to report earnings on Feb 01, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Production Equipment (+6.98% 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.
@Semiconductors (+6.13% 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.
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KLAC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KLAC has been closely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 89% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KLAC jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To KLAC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KLAC | 100% | +1.06% | ||
| LRCX - KLAC | 89% Closely correlated | +0.49% | ||
| AMAT - KLAC | 89% Closely correlated | +0.53% | ||
| NVMI - KLAC | 84% Closely correlated | -2.26% | ||
| ONTO - KLAC | 83% Closely correlated | +1.79% | ||
| ASML - KLAC | 83% Closely correlated | -0.36% | ||
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NXPI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NXPI has been closely correlated with ENTG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NXPI jumps, then ENTG could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NXPI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NXPI | 100% | +2.00% | ||
| ENTG - NXPI | 78% Closely correlated | -1.06% | ||
| LRCX - NXPI | 77% Closely correlated | +0.49% | ||
| MCHPP - NXPI | 77% Closely correlated | -1.73% | ||
| MCHP - NXPI | 76% Closely correlated | -1.89% | ||
| KLAC - NXPI | 76% Closely correlated | +1.06% | ||
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