Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) vs KLA Corporation (KLAC)

A side-by-side comparison of Applied Materials, Inc. and KLA Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAMAT vs KLAC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AMAT +1609.6% (+32.8%/yr)KLAC +2976.1% (+40.9%/yr)KLAC compounded faster over this window
01k2k3k4kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,710$3,076
AMAT KLAC

AMAT vs KLAC: by the numbers

  • AMAT is the larger company ($375.38B vs $246.86B market cap).
  • AMAT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (39.20 vs 50.64 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • KLAC converts more revenue to profit (35.57% vs 30.05% net margin).
  • KLAC grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.44% vs 8.81% CAGR).
  • KLAC pays the higher dividend yield (0.45% vs 0.42%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAMATKLAC
P/E ratio39.2050.64
Forward P/E35.4950.03
P/S ratio11.8018.04
P/B ratio14.2038.57
EV / EBITDA36.6741.19
FCF yield1.55%1.54%

Profitability

MetricAMATKLAC
Gross margin49.40%61.30%
Operating margin30.50%41.69%
Net margin30.05%35.57%
ROE36.16%76.08%
ROIC23.58%35.75%

Dividends

MetricAMATKLAC
Dividend yield0.42%0.45%
Payout ratio16.47%22.92%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAMATKLAC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.81%14.44%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.13%22.23%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.66%14.04%
Total return CAGR (5Y)28.38%41.61%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AMAT or KLAC?
AMAT has the lower trailing P/E: AMAT trades at 39.20 and KLAC at 50.64. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AMAT or KLAC?
Over the past five years, KLAC grew revenue faster — AMAT at a 8.81% CAGR versus KLAC at 14.44%.
Does AMAT or KLAC pay a bigger dividend?
AMAT yields 0.42% and KLAC yields 0.45% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AMAT or KLAC more profitable?
KLAC runs the higher net margin — AMAT at 30.05% versus KLAC at 35.57%.
How have AMAT and KLAC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AMAT delivered 32.62% and KLAC delivered 40.92% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 8, 2026.