Blackrock’s 30 Most Important AI Stocks

18. KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 61     

KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC) markets process control and yield management solutions for the semiconductor industry. The firm is attracting the attention of investors due to its strong financial performance. As per the report of the first quarter of 2025, GAAP diluted EPS was $7.01, and non-GAAP diluted EPS was $7.33, both of which were near the upper end of the respective guidance ranges. In addition, cash flow from operating activities for the quarter and last twelve months were $995.2 million and $3.42 billion, respectively, and free cash flow was $934.8 million and $3.15 billion, respectively. The company is committed to integrating AI into its operations, exemplified in defection classification; these algorithms can identify defects at a microscopic level, allowing for rapid classification and categorization, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency. Moreover, KLA’s AI systems are designed to analyze large volumes of data from different manufacturing stages to identify patterns and anomalies. The company also incorporates AI into its robotics systems to enhance the efficiency of material handling and logistics within semiconductor manufacturing facilities.