KLA (KLAC) vs Nova (NVMI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
KLA (KLAC) has outperformed Nova (NVMI) over the past year, gaining 81.5% versus a gain of 20.7%. Over five years, KLAC leads with a +498.1% price change compared with +263.8% for NVMI. KLA is the larger company by market cap ($256.86 billion vs $12.02 billion), about 21.4 times the size, while Nova is growing revenue faster (+31.0% vs +11.7%).
On valuation, Nova trades at a lower forward P/E (27.7x vs 29.4x for KLA). KLA pays a dividend yielding 0.41%, while Nova does not currently pay one. KLA converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 35.6% versus 29.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | KLAC | NVMI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $196.83 | $377.77 |
| Market cap | $256.86B | $12.02B |
| 1-day change | -0.32% | -4.24% |
| YTD return | +61.99% | +15.04% |
| 1-year return | +81.45% | +20.74% |
| 5-year return | +498.09% | +263.84% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 53.78 | 47.22 |
| Forward P/E | 29.35 | 27.65 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.66 | $8.00 |
| Dividend yield | 0.41% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.80 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $13.58B | $880.58M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +11.71% | +30.96% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $4.83B | $259.22M |
| Gross margin | 61.30% | 57.37% |
| Operating margin | — | 28.78% |
| Net margin | 35.57% | 29.44% |
| 52-week high | $307.37 | $615.99 |
| 52-week low | $98.10 | $266.43 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -35.96% | -38.67% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +18.26% | +40.83% |
| Average volume | 10.17M | 520.98K |
| Shares outstanding | 1.31B | 31.81M |
| Employees | 17,000 | 1,612 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Electronic Components | Electronic Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- KLA is about 21.4 times larger than Nova by market value ($256.86B vs $12.02B).
- KLAC has outperformed NVMI by 60.7 percentage points over the past year.
- KLA is more profitable, keeping 35.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 29.4 cents for Nova.
- Nova grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+30.96% vs +11.71%).
About KLA
KLAC stock →KLA Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides process control and process-enabling solutions for manufacturing wafers, reticles/masks, chemicals/materials, integrated circuits (ICs), packaged ICs, and printed circuit boards. It operates through three segments: Semiconductor Process Control; Specialty Semiconductor Process; and PCB and Component Inspection.
Technology · Electronic Components · 17,000 employees
About Nova
NVMI stock →Nova Ltd. engages in the design, development, production, and sale of process control systems used in the manufacture of semiconductors in Taiwan, the United States, China, Korea, and internationally.
Technology · Electronic Components · 1,612 employees
KLAC vs NVMI FAQ
Which is bigger, KLA or Nova?
KLA (KLAC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $256.86B compared with $12.02B for Nova (NVMI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KLAC or NVMI?
KLAC returned +81.45% over the past 12 months, compared with +20.74% for NVMI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KLAC or NVMI?
NVMI has the lower trailing P/E at 47.2, versus 53.8 for KLAC. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, KLA or Nova?
KLA pays a dividend yielding 0.41%, while Nova does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are KLA and Nova in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electronic Components industry within the Technology sector.