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 30y
KLAC +20101.6%LRCX +35861.8%LRCX compounded faster
010k20k30kStart $100200120062011201620212026$20,202$35,962
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 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueLRCX(lower P/E)
GrowthKLAC(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeKLAC(higher dividend yield)
QualityKLAC(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricKLACLRCX
P/E ratio72.0569.21
Forward P/E45.79
P/S ratio25.6121.27
P/B ratio57.5243.57
PEG ratio0.060.54
EV / EBITDA57.5657.60
FCF yield1.20%1.40%

Profitability

MetricKLACLRCX
Gross margin61.75%49.98%
Operating margin42.08%34.26%
Net margin35.66%30.94%
ROE80.11%63.38%
ROIC38.11%34.00%

Dividends

MetricKLACLRCX
Dividend yield3.14%0.28%
Payout ratio262.04%24.22%

Growth (annualized)

MetricKLACLRCX
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.

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.