KLA Corporation (KLAC) vs Lam Research Corporation (LRCX)
KLAC leads on 10 of 15 compared metrics, though LRCX is the cheaper stock.
A side-by-side comparison of KLA Corporation and Lam Research Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — KLAC vs LRCX
growth of $100 · last 30yKLAC +20101.6%LRCX +35861.8%LRCX compounded faster
KLAC LRCX
KLAC vs LRCX: by the numbers
- •LRCX is the larger company ($458.72B vs $332.50B market cap).
- •LRCX trades at the lower earnings multiple (69.21 vs 72.05 P/E).
- •KLAC converts more revenue to profit (35.66% vs 30.94% net margin).
- •KLAC grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.21% vs 10.31% CAGR).
- •KLAC pays the higher dividend yield (3.14% vs 0.28%).
Which is better, KLAC or LRCX?
Metric tally: KLAC 10 · LRCX 5It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueLRCX(lower P/E)
GrowthKLAC(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeKLAC(higher dividend yield)
QualityKLAC(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | KLAC | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 72.05 | 69.21● |
| Forward P/E | — | 45.79 |
| P/S ratio | 25.61 | 21.27● |
| P/B ratio | 57.52 | 43.57● |
| PEG ratio | 0.06● | 0.54 |
| EV / EBITDA | 57.56 | 57.60 |
| FCF yield | 1.20% | 1.40%● |
Profitability
| Metric | KLAC | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 61.75%● | 49.98% |
| Operating margin | 42.08%● | 34.26% |
| Net margin | 35.66%● | 30.94% |
| ROE | 80.11%● | 63.38% |
| ROIC | 38.11%● | 34.00% |
Dividends
| Metric | KLAC | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.14%● | 0.28% |
| Payout ratio | 262.04% | 24.22% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KLAC | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 15.21%● | 10.31% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 31.52%● | 21.72% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.49% | 19.28%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 67.17%● | 43.19% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, KLAC or LRCX?
- It depends on your goal. value: LRCX (lower P/E); growth: KLAC (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: KLAC (higher dividend yield); quality: KLAC (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, KLAC leads 10 to 5.
- Is KLAC or LRCX cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, LRCX is cheaper: KLAC trades at a 72.05 P/E and LRCX at 69.21.
- Which has grown faster, KLAC or LRCX?
- Over the past five years, KLAC grew revenue faster — KLAC at a 15.21% CAGR versus LRCX at 10.31%.
- Does KLAC or LRCX pay a bigger dividend?
- KLAC yields 3.14% and LRCX yields 0.28% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is KLAC or LRCX more profitable?
- KLAC runs the higher net margin — KLAC at 35.66% versus LRCX at 30.94%.
- Which has been the better investment, KLAC or LRCX?
- Over the past 10-year, KLAC delivered the higher annualized total return — KLAC at 67.44% versus LRCX at 48.10%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
KLA P/E ratioLam Research P/E ratioKLA dividend yieldLam Research dividend yieldKLA ROELam Research ROEKLA operating marginLam Research operating marginKLA revenue growthLam Research revenue growthKLA free cash flowLam Research free cash flow
KLA & Lam Research appear in these rankings
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 June 14, 2026.