KLA Corporation stock surged 5.2% in mid-day trading. Bernstein SocGen maintained its Outperform rating and raised its price target to $1,980 from $1,880. Citi also holds a Buy rating with a target of $2,064. This reflects a broadly constructive analyst stance on the company's long-term growth.
KLA's most recent quarterly results showed revenue growing to $3.415 billion, with strong gains in advanced packaging and services. Guidance calls for high-teen revenue growth in 2026, driven by AI, advanced packaging, and memory demand.
The board approved a ten-for-one forward stock split aimed at enhancing share accessibility. CFO Bren Higgins stated it is 'intended to improve the accessibility and liquidity of KLA shares, while maintaining consistency with our long-term capital allocation strategy.'
KLA has cited strong wafer-equipment demand and an industry spend exceeding $140 billion in 2026. The company reports market-share gains, rising service revenue, and an outlook for higher margins through 2030. The broader U.S. equity market is also supportive: the S&P 500 gained +0.9%, the Dow Jones +0.9%, and the NASDAQ +1.3%.
Together, the Bernstein SocGen price target hike, robust earnings, upcoming stock split, and rallying market have pushed KLA shares to an intraday high of $1,835.86, within striking distance of the 52-week high of $1,939.36.
