ONE LEVEL DEEPER
KLAC
Warren Buffett frameworkThe Owner-OperatorBenjamin Graham frameworkThe Value ArchitectMichael Mauboussin frameworkThe Expectations EngineerHoward Marks frameworkThe Cycle WhispererPeter Lynch frameworkThe Everyday Edge

Growing revenue 17.6% with expanding 41.3% margins, yet insiders sold $27 million worth while the PEG stretched above 1.0.

cautiousLeaning Bullishconviction

This framework sees a fast grower executing perfectly but now priced for perpetual perfection with no room for error.

THE LENSES
THE CLASSIFICATIONexceptional

What kind of company is this, and what should I expect?

Revenue growing 17.6% TTM with Q4'25 at $3.3 billion
EPS growth of 29% in 2025, qualifying as fast grower
Operating margins expanded from 35.4% to 41.3% over 8 quarters
Defect Inspection dominates at 51% of revenue mix

This framework classifies KLA as a fast grower with strong execution, the category where Lynch found his biggest winners. Revenue and earnings growth both exceed 20% thresholds, while margins are expanding despite heavy R&D investment.

Revenue
THE PEG RATIOstretched

Am I paying a fair price for the growth I'm getting?

P/E ratio at 34.9x with 29% earnings growth yields PEG of 1.2
Reverse DCF implies 8.17% perpetual growth vs 17.6% actual
Earnings yield compressed to 0.72%, 8th percentile over 10 years
39 consecutive earnings beats with diminishing 1.02% average reaction

Applying this lens shows a PEG slightly above 1.0, suggesting fair but full valuation for the growth. The market's muted reaction to perfect execution indicates growth expectations are already baked into the price.

P/E Ratio
THE GROWTH STORYcompelling

Can I explain in one sentence why this company grows?

They make the inspection equipment that ensures semiconductor chips work properly
Defect Inspection revenue at 51% of mix, critical for advanced chips
Foundry/logic customers at 59% exposure benefit from AI infrastructure boom
Geographic revenue shows 33.3% from China, 26.4% from Taiwan

This framework finds a crystal-clear growth story: as chips get smaller and more complex, manufacturers need KLA's inspection equipment to maintain yields. The AI boom only amplifies this need for quality control in advanced manufacturing.

Revenue by Segment
WHERE IN THE STORYmature

Are we in the early, middle, or late innings of this growth story?

Revenue hit all-time high of $3.3 billion in Q4'25
Operating margins at 41.3%, near 10-year peak
Stock fell -11.66% on most recent earnings beat
EV/Sales at 49.63x, 98th percentile over 10 years

This framework suggests middle-to-late innings. Growth remains strong but valuation multiples at historic highs and negative reaction to beats signal the easy gains are behind us. The story is well-known and fully priced.

Operating Margin
KEY NUMBERS
VERDICT

Applying this framework reveals a textbook fast grower executing flawlessly but now priced for perpetual perfection. The growth story remains compelling and margins prove the moat, yet insiders are selling while institutions buy at record valuations. Lynch would admire the business but question the entry point. At what earnings yield does even a great growth story become too expensive?

This analysis applies Peter Lynch's published investment framework to publicly available financial data. It is not authored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with Peter Lynch. Educational purposes only. Not financial advice.

OTHER PERSPECTIVES
Warren Buffett framework
The Owner-Operator
Bullish
Michael Mauboussin framework
The Expectations Engineer
Bullish
Benjamin Graham framework
The Value Architect
Leaning Bearish
Howard Marks framework
The Cycle Whisperer
Leaning Bearish
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