KLA Beats Expectations and Guides Above Consensus as AI Tool Demand Grows, Shares Drop 7% After Hours

A run-up into the report left little room for upside despite AI-fueled demand.

Overview

Fiscal second-quarter revenue reached $3.3 billion versus $3.25 billion expected, according to LSEG data.
Adjusted earnings were $8.85 per share, topping the $8.80 consensus estimate.
KLA projected third-quarter revenue of $3.35 billion ± $150 million and adjusted EPS of $9.08 ± $0.78, both slightly ahead of forecasts.
The stock fell about 7% in extended trading as investors cited lofty pre-earnings expectations, with one adviser saying the shares had already “sprinted into the print.”
Management highlighted robust orders tied to AI processors, while longer-term uncertainty persists due to U.S. export curbs and China’s push for local sourcing.