Teradyne vs. KLAC: Which AI Infrastructure Stock Is the Better Buy?
ZACKS·2026-01-20 18:36

Core Insights - Teradyne (TER) and KLA Corporation (KLAC) are significant players in the AI Infrastructure market, with Teradyne focusing on automated test equipment for AI chips and KLA providing advanced process control and inspection solutions for semiconductor manufacturing [1][2] AI Infrastructure Market Overview - AI infrastructure spending is projected to exceed $758 billion by 2029, with 94.3% allocated to servers with embedded accelerators [2] - Global AI spending is expected to surpass $2 trillion in 2026, up from an estimated $1.5 trillion in 2025, indicating strong growth momentum [2] Teradyne's Position - Teradyne is experiencing growth due to rising demand for AI infrastructure, particularly in cloud AI build-out and production of AI accelerators [4] - The UltraFLEXplus system is a key driver for Teradyne's Semiconductor Test business, with revenues increasing by 7% year-over-year and 23% sequentially in Q3 2025 [5] - AI-related products accounted for 8% of robotics sales in Q3 2025, up from 6% in the previous quarter, indicating a growing focus on AI integration [6] - Teradyne expects Q4 2025 revenues to be between $920 million and $1 billion [6] KLA's Position - KLA is capitalizing on the demand for AI infrastructure through its leadership in process control and advanced packaging, with significant growth in its advanced packaging portfolio expected to exceed $925 million in 2025, a 70% year-over-year increase [7][8] - The advanced packaging market is currently valued at $11 billion and is growing faster than the core wafer fab equipment market [9] - KLA anticipates continued growth in AI-related investments, with expected revenues of $3.225 billion for fiscal Q2 2026 [10] Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past 12 months, Teradyne's shares have appreciated by 72.5%, while KLA's shares have increased by 104.4%, attributed to KLA's strong market position and growth in AI infrastructure [11] - Both companies are currently considered overvalued, with Teradyne trading at a forward Price/Sales ratio of 9.52X and KLA at 14.63X [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Teradyne's 2025 earnings is $3.54 per share, reflecting a 9.94% year-over-year increase, while KLA's estimate for fiscal 2026 is $35.61 per share, indicating a 7% increase [17][18] Conclusion - Both Teradyne and KLA are positioned to benefit from the expanding AI Infrastructure market, but KLA is seen as having greater upside potential due to its leadership in process control and advanced packaging [19] - Teradyne's diversified portfolio supports its growth, but challenges in mobile, auto, and industrial markets, along with margin pressures, are noted [20]