KLA Corporation (KLAC) Share Price

Tech (Ecommerce, Social Media, etc.) - Chipset held over rush hour traffic by Jae Young Ju via iStock
Semiconductor stocks have helped fuel the market rally, led by Nvidia (NVDA), since specialized chips are an essential piece of architecture needed to support the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. However, after Nvidia's forecast for slower - but still robust - revenue growth in its late August earnings report, semiconductor stocks faltered as a group amid growth concerns.

But, just as Fed Chairman Jerome Powell characterized the central bank's 50-basis point rate cut as a “recalibration” of policy, rather than a reaction to a softening economy, the recent pullback in chips could simply present an opportunity to buy stocks at a more reasonable price - rather than signaling the start of a serious fundamental weakening in the market.

The long-term outlook for semiconductors remains strong, with industry data showing strong demand. That said, analysts at Citi caution that the semiconductor equipment sector may see further corrections in the first half of 2025 due to changing market dynamics affecting demand in key segments such as PCs, smartphones, and autos.

Despite these headwinds, the firm notes that semiconductor stocks KLA Corporation (KLAC), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) should hold up well in this environment. All three stocks have pulled back from their highs, and offer relatively higher exposure to the foundry and logic corners of the market - which, according to Citi, leaves them well-positioned to ride out any cyclical choppiness in the industry.

#1. KLA Corporation

Based in California, KLA Corporation (KLAC) is a leading provider of process control and yield management systems for the chip-making and electronics industries worldwide. The company develops advanced inspection and metrology tools used in the production of integrated circuits, helping manufacturers improve quality and efficiency their chip fabrication processes.

Valued at $103.9 billion, shares of the semiconductor firm have rallied 67.8% over the past year, outpacing the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) gain of 29.5%.

However, KLAC has pulled back about 15% from its July highs, which means it's still possible to buy the dip in this outperforming stock. Shares of KLAC trade at around 25 times forward adjusted earnings, which is in line with its sector peers. This suggests that KLAC is reasonably valued at current levels.


www.barchart.com
Over the last 14 years, the semiconductor company has consistently increased dividends, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% in the last five years. Currently, KLAC pays an annualized dividend of $5.80, maintaining a yield of 0.75%.

In its fiscal fourth quarter, KLAC outperformed Wall Street's estimates by hitting revenue of $2.57 billion, marking 9% growth year-over-year and surpassing estimates by $54 million. Among its many critical hardware segments, a large portion of revenue came through the Defect Inspection segment, which brought in $1.17 billion, underscoring the growing demand for its inspection tools and systems.

Net income grew to $836 million, with a gross profit margin of 60%, which is quite impressive in the semiconductor sector. On an adjusted basis, KLAC's adjusted EPS edged past analysts' estimates at $6.60 per share, up 15% year over year.

Looking ahead, analysts anticipate KLAC's EPS to grow 22% to $29.09 this fiscal year, with revenue projected to grow to $11.45 billion.

Overall, Wall Street analysts have a consensus rating of "moderate buy" for KLAC stock, with a mean price target of $863.41. This implies an expected upside potential of 13.7% over Friday's close.

KLAC new 52 week hi

KLAC new 52 week high

KLAC new 52=week high

KLAC new 52 week high

KLAC new 52 week high

KLAC new 52 week high

KLAC new 52 week high

KLAC new 52 week high

KLAC new 52 week high

Alert: KLA Corp $KLAC Nears Technical Short Level


Shares of KLA Corp (KLAC) have surged since June from a pivot low of $101 to its current $125.50. Technical signals are now entering extreme overbought but pro traders think there is one more push higher. The technical short signal is at $128.50. At this level ($3 away) KLA Corp will tag a major gap fill and double top. This will trigger the highest reward/lowest risk short trade for investors. Note the chart below.




Nick Santiago
InTheMoneyStocks

$KLAC KLA-Tencor Corporation to Change Name to KLA Corporation to Represent the Company's Broader Scope and Optimistic Vision

Source: PR Newswire (US)
MILPITAS, Calif., Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- KLA-Tencor Corporation (NASDAQ: KLAC), the leading provider of advanced process control solutions, today announced that it will be changing its name to KLA Corporation. At the same time, the company is rebranding and adopting the tagline Keep Looking Ahead™, to indicate KLA's optimistic view of technology's impact on the world.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806571/KLA_Corporation_Logo.jpg

"Our old name and identity have served us well since KLA and Tencor merged in 1997," said Rick Wallace, president and CEO of KLA. "Our new, simplified name and more contemporary identity will better reflect and more effectively communicate our vision of the future to new employees and new customers—while retaining the strength of our industry-leading brand. Our new brand is designed to signify our confidence in technology's ability to drive positive change in the world, lifting global society through many avenues including IoT, AI, and other technologies that connect us. KLA's products and solutions play a key role in enabling these devices and experiences."

About KLA:
KLA Corporation develops industry-leading equipment and services that enable innovation throughout the electronics industry. We provide advanced process control solutions for manufacturing wafers and reticles, integrated circuits and packaging. In close collaboration with leading customers across the globe, our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers design solutions that move the world forward. Additional information may be found at www.kla.com (KLAC-F).

Forward Looking Statements:
Statements in this press release other than historical facts, such as statements regarding the change in KLA's name, are forward-looking statements, and are subject to the Safe Harbor provisions created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The actual timing of the name change is not expected to be immediate and may not occur prior to the start of the company's new fiscal year in July 2019, as KLA updates its systems and processes to reflect the new name. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such statements.



Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kla-tencor-corporation-to-change-name-to-kla-corporation-to-represent-the-companys-broader-scope-and-optimistic-vision-300776106.html

SOURCE KLA Corporation


Copyright 2019 PR Newswire

$KLAC Is Getting Clocked, Here's My Swing Trade Level

This morning, the leading semiconductor equipment stocks are tumbling lower. Leading stocks such as KLA-Tencor Corp (NASDAQ:KLAC), Applied Materials Inc (NASDAQ:AMAT) and Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:LRCX) are all trading down by 3.0 percent or more.



The big loser in the industry group is KLA-Tencor Corp (NASDAQ:KLAC). The stock is falling lower by 8.65 percent to $108.56 a share. The stock has very solid daily chart support around the $107.30 level, this area was successfully tested earlier today. Should KLAC stock fail to hold this support area on a daily chart closing basis then it would signal another decline in the near term for the shares. The next key support area for KLAC stock would be around the $103.00 level. This support area was where the stock was defended in late July and will likely be defended again if retested. I will be watching this level closely for a long trade in the next few weeks.




Nicholas Santiago
InTheMoneyStocks

$KLAC Daily and Weekly Chart

$KLAC Daily Chart

$KLAC Daily & Weekly Charts

$KLAC Daily and Weekly Chart

$KLAC Daily & Weekly Chart

$KLAC Daily & Weekly Chart

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Technical alerts: Expansion Breakout, Gilligan's Island Sell Setup, Stochastic Sell Signal, Lizard Bearish, http://swingtradebot.com/equities/KLAC

KLAC X Div info


Declaration Date Nov 19, 2014

Ex-Dividend Date Nov 26, 2014

Record Date Dec 01, 2014

Payable Date Dec 09, 2014

Dividend $ Amount $16.50

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/kla-tencor-declares-special-cash-003000289.html


KLA-Tencor Declares Special Cash Dividend, Announces Planned Redemption of Senior Notes due 2018, and Updates Outlook for Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2015 Resulting from Previously Announced Leveraged Recapitalization Transaction

MILPITAS, Calif., Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- KLA-Tencor Corporation (KLAC) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a special cash dividend of $16.50 per share on its common stock payable on December 9, 2014 to KLA-Tencor stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 1, 2014. KLA-Tencor's Board of Directors has also authorized the redemption of $750.0 million outstanding principal amount of KLA-Tencor's 6.900% Senior Notes due 2018.

"We are pleased with the successful completion of the financing of our leveraged recapitalization transaction, and the declaration of our special cash dividend of $16.50 per share," said Rick Wallace, President and Chief Executive Officer of KLA-Tencor. "This is a major step forward for the Company in executing our capital allocation strategies in support of our strategic objectives, and fueling strong stockholder returns."

The company also revised its outlook for the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 following the closing of its previously announced registered offering of approximately $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes under an effective Registration Statement (including a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The revised outlook for the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 also reflects the impact of the planned redemption of $750.0 million outstanding principal amount of KLA-Tencor's 6.900% Senior Notes due 2018 (including the payment of associated redemption premiums, accrued interest and related fees and expenses), borrowings of $750.0 million under term loans provided under a credit agreement and a $500.0 million unfunded revolving credit facility.

Special Cash Dividend of $16.50 per Share

The special cash dividend was approved by KLA-Tencor's Board of Directors on November 19, 2014 and will be payable on December 9, 2014 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2014. Of the $16.50 per share distribution, KLA-Tencor currently expects between $11.50 to $12.50 per share to be characterized as a dividend, and the remaining amount of the distribution to be characterized as a return of capital. The ultimate tax characterization of the distribution will be reported to stockholders on a Form 1099-DIV shortly after the end of the calendar year. Stockholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax effects of the special cash dividend to them.

Redemption of $750.0 million Principal Amount of KLA-Tencor's 6.900% Senior Notes due 2018

KLA-Tencor will redeem $750.0 million outstanding principal amount of KLA-Tencor's 6.900% Senior Notes due 2018 on December 19, 2014 ("Redemption Date"). The redemption price will be equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to the Redemption Date), discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis, at a rate equal to the sum of the treasury rate plus 50 basis points, plus the accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the Redemption Date.

Revised Outlook for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2015

For the second quarter of fiscal year 2015 ending December 31, 2014, GAAP diluted earnings is expected to be in the range of $(0.19) to $0.05 per share. Other income and expense for the second quarter of 2015 (including incremental interest expense from the issuance of new borrowings described above) is expected to be a net expense of approximately $30 million. Additionally the estimated loss on extinguishment of $750.0 million outstanding principal amount of KLA-Tencor's 6.900% Senior Notes due 2018 is expected to be approximately $131 million.

Non-GAAP diluted earnings is expected to be in the range of $0.37 to $0.61 per share. In addition to the regular non-GAAP adjustments related to the effects of amortization of acquired intangible assets and restructuring, severance and other related charges, which have an impact of approximately $0.02 per share each, the revised guidance excludes approximately $0.80 per share related to the estimated loss on extinguishment of $750.0 million outstanding principal amount of KLA-Tencor's 6.900% Senior Notes due 2018, and approximately $0.01 per share for third-party expenses related to the leveraged recapitalization, partially offset by an approximately $(0.29) per share benefit related to the income tax effects of all of the revised items noted above.

Adjustment to Certain Outstanding Equity Awards

In connection with the special cash dividend, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors have approved a proportionate and equitable adjustment to outstanding equity awards (restricted stock units and stock options), as required under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, subject to the vesting requirements of the underlying awards

Wowza - special cash dividend of $16.50 per share, representing approximately 23% of the Company's common stock price as of October 22, 2014, or an aggregate value of approximately $2.75 billion.

KLAC reported 4th quarter 2014 earnings of $0.8 per share on July 24, 2014. This missed the $0.86 consensus expectations of the 18 analysts following the company
Zack Investment Research downgrade KLAC –KLA TENCOR Corporation to UNDERPERFORM
Columbine Capital Services downgrade KLAC –KLA TENCOR Corporation to UNDERPERFORM
Ford Equity Research downgrade KLAC –KLA TENCOR Corporation to SELL
INSIDE TRANSACTION -Negative
Bell Bobby R. - Executive Vice President Sell on 08/08 /2014 5,740 price $71.72
Kirk Michael D. Executive Vice President Sell on 08/07/2014 1596 price $72.30
Martin Brian M. General Counsel Sell 6975 price on 08/07/2014 $72.30
Kirloskar Virendra A. Chief Accounting Officer Sell on 08/07/2014 6632 price $72.30
Kirloskar Virendra A. Chief Accounting Officer Sell on 08/06/2014 3088 price $70.91
Martin Brian M. General Counsel Sell 6178 price on 08/06/2014 $70.91

Kla-Tencor has the Highest Operating Margin in the Semiconductor Equipment Industry (KLAC, GTAT, UTEK)

KLA-Tencor prices $750 million offering of senior notes
Wednesday April 30, 5:49 pm ET
KLA-Tencor prices $750 million senior notes offering, proceeds to be used for general purposes

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- KLA-Tencor Corp., which sells microchip testing equipment, priced $750 million in a senior notes offering Wednesday.

The company said the notes will be due May 1, 2018, with a coupon of 6.9 percent. Proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes, which could include buyouts and stock buybacks.

Merrill Lynch & Co. is acting as the sole book-running manager of the offering.

Shares of KLA-Tencor rise $2.05, or 4.7 percent, to $45.73 in after-hours trading after falling $2.05, or 4.5 percent to close at $43.68 during the regular trading session.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080430/kla_tencor_notes_offering.html?.v=1

KLA-Tencor assigned 'BBB' corporate credit rating with stable outlook - S&P
04.29.08, 2:37 AM ET

MUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it assigned its 'BBB' corporate credit rating to California-based microchip testing equipment manufacturer KLA-Tencor Corp, with a stable outlook.

The ratings agency also assigned its 'BBB' rating to the company's proposed senior notes, which will be issued in two tranches and be used for general corporate purposes.

'Our ratings on KLA reflect the company's leading position in the semiconductor metrology and inspection equipment industry, good profitability, and moderate leverage,' S&P said.

These factors are offset partially by substantial industry cyclicality and technology risks, it added.

Sector Snap: Chip makers waver after weak AMD results
Friday April 18, 1:15 pm ET
Shares of semiconductor stocks waver after weak AMD results, worrying equipment sales data


NEW YORK (AP) -- Semiconductor stocks wavered Friday, missing the technology sector boost provided by strong Google Inc. results as Advanced Micro Devices Inc. reported a weak quarter.
Furthermore, an industry trade group published discouraging data on sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

The chip sector, as measured by the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, slid 2.74 points to 368.28 in midday trading, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.3 percent.

Oppenheimer & Co. analyst Rick Schafer said in an investor note that AMD's results point to continued market share los for the chip maker. He advocated a cautious stance on AMD, noting "strong momentum from a revitalized Intel."

AMD shares slipped 4 cents to $6.15, while shares of leading chip maker Intel rose 43 cents to $22.54.

Elsewhere, shares of Emcore Corp. lost 2 cents to $6.97 following the chip maker's analyst day.

Oppenheimer & Co. analyst Sam Dubinsky said in an interview that the stock is now in "show me mode" and that it's time for the company to delivery on numbers, particular in its solar sector.

Meanwhile, trade association Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International reported that in the three months ended in March, orders for North American chip manufacturing equipment fell 18 percent year over year amid economic uncertainty.

Shares of the world's largest supplier of chip manufacturing equipment, Applied Materials Inc., edged up 15 cents to $19.32. KLA-Tencor Corp. added 29 cents to $42.84 and Novellus Systems Inc. rose 36 cents to $22.49.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008 - 10:10 AM PDT
KLA-Tencor plans to buy Belgian company
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal

KLA-Tencor Corp. said Tuesday it launched a tender offer for ICOS Vision Systems Corp.

The San Jose-based semiconductor testing equipment maker (NASDAQ:KLAC) said the bid price is the equivalent of about $57.33 per share, $51.46 for each 2002 warrant and $8.80 for each 2007 option.

Leuven, Belgium-based ICOS makes inspection equipment for semiconductor packaging and other uses. The tender offer ends May 19.

KLA-Tencor said it expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of this year.

The transaction will takes place only if it meets certain conditions "including the offer acceptance by holders of at least 85 percent of ICOS's outstanding shares, not distributing any new dividend before the completion of the bid and the absence of any material adverse change with respect to ICOS," the company said.

KLA-Tencor Shares Rise After Upgrade
Thursday March 27, 4:44 pm ET
KLA-Tencor Shares Climb After Analyst Upgrades Company and Sector on Stock Correction

NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of KLA-Tencor are up modestly in afternoon trading after a Friedman Billings Ramsey analyst upgraded the maker of semiconductor testing equipment.

Friedman's Mehdi Hosseini upgraded the San Jose, Calif.-based company to "Outperform" from "Market Perform," along with several other companies in the sector. He lifted his view of the semiconductor capital equipment sector to "Overweight."

"Following a 30 percent correction in stocks in the coverage universe since our early October downgrade, we now have incremental confidence to conclude that most of the 'bad' news is already in stocks and that fundamentals should start to improve by the fourth quarter of 2008," he wrote in a note to clients.

He added that investors should begin buying shares of select companies in the sector, and said he would consider any pullback in share price as a buying opportunity.

KLA-Tencor stock advanced 13 cents to finish at $37.13.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080327/kla_tencor_mover.html?.v=3

KLA-Tencor Announces Resignation of Chief Financial Officer

SAN JOSE, Calif., Mar 03, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- KLA-Tencor Corporation today announced that Jeffrey Hall will resign from his position as senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective March 31, 2008, to pursue an opportunity closer to his mid-western hometown.

The KLA-Tencor Board of Directors has appointed John Kispert, who is KLA-Tencor's president and chief operating officer, as the interim chief financial officer, effective March 31, 2008. Kispert will also retain his duties as president and chief operating officer. In addition, the Board of Directors appointed Virendra Kirloskar, currently vice president and corporate controller of KLA-Tencor, as the company's chief accounting officer, effective March 31, 2008.

"Jeff has made significant contributions to KLA-Tencor and specifically within our finance organization, of which we are very appreciative. We are fortunate to have John Kispert, previously the CFO at KLA-Tencor, step in during our search for a replacement to ensure a smooth transition," said Rick Wallace, chief executive officer of KLA-Tencor.

About KLA-Tencor

KLA-Tencor is the world leader in yield management and process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing and related industries. Headquartered in San Jose, California, the company has sales and service offices around the world. An S&P 500 company, KLA-Tencor is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol KLAC. Additional information about the company is available at http://www.kla-tencor.com.

SOURCE: KLA-Tencor Corporation

KLA Tencor affirms forecast for bookings decline
Tue Mar 4, 2008 12:07pm EST

SAN FRANCISCO, March 4 (Reuters) - KLA Tencor Corp (KLAC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday reiterated its forecast for fiscal third-quarter orders to be flat to 20 percent lower compared with the December period.

The semiconductor tools maker also affirmed its January forecast for revenue of $575 million to $595 million for the current quarter ending this month, and earnings per share of 60 cents to 64 cents.

Company executives reiterated the forecast at a Morgan Stanley technology investment conference in Dana Point, California. (Reporting by Philipp Gollner)

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUKN0448366120080304?rpc=44