KLA surprises positively: Semiconductor equipment supplier exceeds expectations

The semiconductor industry equipment supplier KLA Corporation exceeded analysts' expectations with its first-quarter results for the fiscal year 2025 and presented an optimistic outlook, which led to a rise in the stock price after the market closed. KLA reported an adjusted earnings per share of $7.33 for the quarter ending September 30, surpassing analyst estimates of $7.04. Revenue amounted to $2.84 billion, which is above the forecasted $2.75 billion and a previous year figure of $2.69 billion – a 5.6% increase year-over-year. The outlook for the current quarter was also impressive: KLA forecasts earnings per share of $7.75 +/- $0.60, exceeding the consensus of $7.40. Revenue is estimated at $2.95 billion +/- $150 million, surpassing analyst projections of $2.85 billion. Following the release of the quarterly results, the stock price rose by 2%, as investors responded positively to the results and outlook. Rick Wallace, President and CEO of KLA Corporation, expressed his satisfaction: "KLA's September quarter results demonstrate continued outperformance with results exceeding expectations." He is also optimistic about further growth in the semiconductor market in the fourth calendar quarter of 2024 and in 2025. The company reported strong cash flow, with operating cash flow of $995.2 million in the quarter. Furthermore, $765.5 million was returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.