KLA Corporation (KLAC) vs Lam Research Corporation (LRCX)
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 October 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$206.89TechnologyDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
LRCX
Lam Research Corporation
$347.49TechnologyDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — KLAC vs LRCX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yKLAC +3193.6% (+41.8%/yr)LRCX +3779.1% (+44.2%/yr)LRCX compounded faster over this window
KLAC LRCX
KLAC vs LRCX: by the numbers
- •LRCX is the larger company ($434.56B vs $270.26B market cap).
- •KLAC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (56.45 vs 60.33 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •KLAC converts more revenue to profit (35.57% vs 31.27% net margin).
- •KLAC grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.44% vs 11.25% CAGR).
- •KLAC pays the higher dividend yield (0.41% vs 0.30%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KLAC | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 56.45 | 60.33 |
| Forward P/E | 37.60 | 36.68 |
| PEG ratio | 2.53 | 3.67 |
| P/S ratio | 19.90 | 18.70 |
| P/B ratio | 42.56 | 34.85 |
| EV / EBITDA | 45.38 | 50.12 |
| FCF yield | 1.39% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | KLAC | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 61.30% | 50.47% |
| Operating margin | 41.69% | 35.29% |
| Net margin | 35.57% | 31.27% |
| ROE | 76.08% | 58.26% |
| ROIC | 35.75% | 40.77% |
Dividends
| Metric | KLAC | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.41% | 0.30% |
| Payout ratio | 22.92% | 18.06% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KLAC | LRCX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 14.44% | 11.25% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 22.23% | 16.30% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 14.04% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 45.30% | 45.00% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, KLAC or LRCX?
- KLAC has the lower trailing P/E: KLAC trades at 56.45 and LRCX at 60.33. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, KLAC or LRCX?
- Over the past five years, KLAC grew revenue faster — KLAC at a 14.44% CAGR versus LRCX at 11.25%.
- Does KLAC or LRCX pay a bigger dividend?
- KLAC yields 0.41% and LRCX yields 0.30% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is KLAC or LRCX more profitable?
- KLAC runs the higher net margin — KLAC at 35.57% versus LRCX at 31.27%.
- How have KLAC and LRCX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, KLAC delivered 42.56% and LRCX delivered 45.25% annualized total return. 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 October 3, 2026.