AMAT vs KLAC: AI Stock Comparison

Applied Materials, Inc. vs KLA Corporation: AI exposure, key metrics, next earnings dates, upcoming catalysts and risks — every number linked to its source.

Tie: both score 3/5 on AI exposure under our rubric; compare the catalysts and risks below. The score measures how directly each business is tied to AI, not which stock to buy.
⏱ Next catalyst: Not enough tracked catalysts to compare.
$AMAT
Applied Materials, Inc.
The largest maker of chipmaking equipment.
$KLAC
KLA Corporation
Inspection and metrology tools that keep chip yields up.
AI exposure score⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ 3/5⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ 3/5
Shares outstanding793.6M
as of 2026-07-26 · 10-Q cover page · SEC filing
1.30B
as of 2026-10-26 · 10-Q cover page · SEC filing
CategoryMemory & semicapMemory & semicap
Key metrics
Revenue (latest quarter) $9.12B
10-Q period ended 2026-07-26; +25% y/y · SEC filing
Gross margin 50.3%
Gross profit / revenue, same quarter · SEC filing
Operating income $3.08B
Same quarter; 34% operating margin · SEC filing
Revenue (latest quarter) $4.14B
10-Q period ended 2026-09-30; +29% y/y · SEC filing
Net income $1.55B
Same quarter · SEC filing
Next earnings
Nov 12, 2026 confirmed
Applied Materials, Inc. quarterly earnings · source
Not yet announced / not on our calendar
Next catalyst
Nov 12, 2026 confirmed
Applied Materials, Inc. quarterly earnings · source
Not yet announced / not on our calendar
Upcoming catalysts
Nov 12, 2026 confirmed
Applied Materials, Inc. quarterly earnings · source
None tracked
Most recent reportedNot yet announced / not on our calendar
Oct 28, 2026
KLA Corporation reports quarterly results · source
Process-control tools; read on leading-edge and advanced-packaging spend. Revenue: $4.14B (+29% y/y), per 10-Q.
Key risks
  • “Global trade issues and changes in and uncertainties with respect to trade policies and export regulations, including import and export license requirements, trade sanctions, tariffs and…” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2025-12-12) · source
  • “Supply chain disruptions, manufacturing interruptions or delays, or the failure to accurately forecast customer demand, could affect our ability to meet customer demand, lead to higher…” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2025-12-12) · source
  • “We operate in industries that have historically been cyclical, including the semiconductor industry, and customer purchasing decisions are highly dependent on local and global economic…” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2026-08-06) · source
  • “Ongoing changes in the technology industry, including AI-related developments and changes in semiconductor manufacturing processes, customer investment patterns and end-market demand, could…” — 10-K risk factor (filed 2026-08-06) · source
AI angle

Applied Materials sells deposition, etch and other tools used to build leading-edge logic, DRAM and HBM. AI chip demand drives foundry and memory capex, its key end market; export rules on China are a recurring risk.

KLA's process-control tools become more critical as AI chips move to complex nodes and advanced packaging. Its demand follows foundry and memory capex cycles.

Full analysis: $AMAT →Full analysis: $KLAC →

The morning brief

Today's AI-stock catalysts in your inbox before the open. Free, 2-minute read.

Related matchups

Deep dives: AMAT next earnings & catalysts · KLAC next earnings & catalysts · AI earnings this week