Strong AI Tailwinds Lift KLAC Despite Ongoing China Export Risks

Group 1 - KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC) has seen a nearly 97% increase in stock price since the beginning of 2025, with analysts upgrading their ratings and price targets, reflecting strong investor confidence [2][4] - The semiconductor equipment sales are expected to reach a record in 2025, primarily driven by investments related to artificial intelligence (AI), benefiting companies like KLA [3][4] - KLA has forecasted second-quarter revenue above Wall Street estimates, citing strong demand for chipmaking tools linked to AI, while also acknowledging risks associated with its exposure to China amid ongoing trade tensions [4][5] Group 2 - KLA anticipates that US export restrictions will lead to a sales reduction of $300 million to $350 million over the next five quarters due to market access loss in China [5] - The company is based in Milpitas, California, and specializes in designing wafer fab equipment and providing process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry [6]