ASX vs. KLAC: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at ASX and KLAC, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
ASX trades as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR), offering U.S. investors a convenient way to access its foreign-listed shares. In contrast, KLAC is a standard domestic listing.
| Symbol | ASX | KLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. | KLA Corporation |
| Country | Taiwan | United States |
| GICS Sector | Information Technology | Information Technology |
| GICS Industry | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment |
| Market Capitalization | 21.18 billion USD | 115.92 billion USD |
| Exchange | NYSE | NasdaqGS |
| Listing Date | October 2, 2000 | October 8, 1980 |
| Security Type | ADR | Common Stock |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of ASX and KLAC by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | ASX | KLAC |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | 0.00% | -8.06% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 3.13% | 11.62% |
| 26-Week Price Return | -10.27% | 14.94% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 34.82% | 7.07% |
| Month-to-Date Return | -2.62% | -0.07% |
| Year-to-Date Return | -8.33% | 39.41% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 12.73M | 1.01M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 13.39M | 1.11M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 25.01% | 33.45% |
| Beta | 1.27 | 1.49 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
ASX
11.02%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 52.74%
- Q3
- 23.49%
- Median
- 11.60%
- Q1
- 3.23%
- Min
- -20.69%
ASX’s Return on Equity of 11.02% is on par with the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
KLAC
102.56%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 52.74%
- Q3
- 23.49%
- Median
- 11.60%
- Q1
- 3.23%
- Min
- -20.69%
KLAC’s Return on Equity of 102.56% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This demonstrates a superior ability to generate profit from shareholder investments, though it could also be inflated by high financial leverage.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
ASX
5.49%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 44.17%
- Q3
- 22.38%
- Median
- 11.95%
- Q1
- 3.21%
- Min
- -25.16%
ASX’s Net Profit Margin of 5.49% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
KLAC
33.41%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 44.17%
- Q3
- 22.38%
- Median
- 11.95%
- Q1
- 3.21%
- Min
- -25.16%
A Net Profit Margin of 33.41% places KLAC in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, signifying strong profitability and more effective cost management than most of its peers.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
ASX
6.79%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 58.03%
- Q3
- 27.84%
- Median
- 12.45%
- Q1
- 5.15%
- Min
- -28.61%
ASX’s Operating Profit Margin of 6.79% is around the midpoint for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
KLAC
39.28%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 58.03%
- Q3
- 27.84%
- Median
- 12.45%
- Q1
- 5.15%
- Min
- -28.61%
An Operating Profit Margin of 39.28% places KLAC in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This signals a strong ability to translate revenue into operating profit, outperforming most of its competitors in core business efficiency.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | ASX | KLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 11.02% | 102.56% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 4.56% | 26.23% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 5.49% | 33.41% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 6.79% | 39.28% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 16.68% | 61.99% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
ASX
1.02
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 8.42
- Q3
- 4.70
- Median
- 2.75
- Q1
- 2.07
- Min
- 1.04
ASX’s Current Ratio of 1.02 is notably low, falling beneath the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This suggests a heightened liquidity risk and could indicate potential challenges in meeting its short-term obligations.
KLAC
2.62
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 8.42
- Q3
- 4.70
- Median
- 2.75
- Q1
- 2.07
- Min
- 1.04
KLAC’s Current Ratio of 2.62 aligns with the median group of the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
ASX
0.79
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.45
- Median
- 0.22
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
ASX’s leverage is in the upper quartile of the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.79. While this approach can boost equity growth, it also exposes the company to greater financial vulnerability.
KLAC
1.25
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.45
- Median
- 0.22
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
With a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 1.25, KLAC operates with exceptionally high leverage compared to the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry norm. This suggests an aggressive reliance on debt financing, which can magnify returns but also significantly elevates financial risk.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
ASX
83.06
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 174.00
- Q3
- 81.10
- Median
- 27.22
- Q1
- 7.28
- Min
- -4.26
ASX’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 83.06 is in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, signifying a strong and healthy capacity to meet its interest payments from operating profits.
KLAC
38.22
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 174.00
- Q3
- 81.10
- Median
- 27.22
- Q1
- 7.28
- Min
- -4.26
KLAC’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 38.22 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | ASX | KLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 1.02 | 2.62 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 0.79 | 1.78 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.79 | 1.25 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 83.06 | 38.22 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
ASX
3.48%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 4.16%
- Q3
- 1.78%
- Median
- 0.74%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
With a Dividend Yield of 3.48%, ASX offers a more attractive income stream than most of its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, signaling a strong commitment to shareholder returns.
KLAC
0.78%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 4.16%
- Q3
- 1.78%
- Median
- 0.74%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
KLAC’s Dividend Yield of 0.78% is consistent with its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
ASX
232.35%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 196.12%
- Q3
- 87.72%
- Median
- 26.57%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
At 232.35%, ASX’s Dividend Payout Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. While this provides a significant return to shareholders, it may limit funds for reinvestment and could be difficult to sustain.
KLAC
22.27%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 196.12%
- Q3
- 87.72%
- Median
- 26.57%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
KLAC’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 22.27% is within the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | ASX | KLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 3.48% | 0.78% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 232.35% | 22.27% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
ASX
18.93
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 109.37
- Q3
- 57.11
- Median
- 28.95
- Q1
- 22.13
- Min
- 11.14
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, ASX’s P/E Ratio of 18.93 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
KLAC
28.39
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 109.37
- Q3
- 57.11
- Median
- 28.95
- Q1
- 22.13
- Min
- 11.14
KLAC’s P/E Ratio of 28.39 is within the middle range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This suggests its valuation is in line with the sector average, representing neither a significant premium nor a discount compared to its peers.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
ASX
1.04
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 16.09
- Q3
- 10.10
- Median
- 4.82
- Q1
- 2.60
- Min
- 0.93
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, ASX’s P/S Ratio of 1.04 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
KLAC
9.48
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 16.09
- Q3
- 10.10
- Median
- 4.82
- Q1
- 2.60
- Min
- 0.93
KLAC’s P/S Ratio of 9.48 aligns with the market consensus for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This suggests its valuation, based on sales, is seen as standard and is on par with its competitors.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
ASX
2.23
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 13.56
- Q3
- 6.75
- Median
- 3.68
- Q1
- 1.89
- Min
- 0.60
ASX’s P/B Ratio of 2.23 is within the conventional range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.
KLAC
25.24
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 13.56
- Q3
- 6.75
- Median
- 3.68
- Q1
- 1.89
- Min
- 0.60
At 25.24, KLAC’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | ASX | KLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 18.93 | 28.39 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 1.04 | 9.48 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 2.23 | 25.24 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 70.93 | 30.81 |