Group 1: Company Performance - KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC) is trading at an all-time high with a share price of $1,279.60 on December 26, reflecting impressive year-to-date gains of 100.59% [1] - Analysts expect KLA to report approximately $3.25 billion in revenue and a GAAP EPS of $8.49 for fiscal Q2 2026, with earnings release scheduled for January 28 [2] - Blayne Curtis from Jefferies upgraded KLA from Market Perform to Outperform with a price target of $1,500, citing a strong outlook for wafer fab equipment growth in 2026 and 2027 [4] Group 2: Industry Insights - Arya from Bank of America Securities believes US semiconductor stocks are well-positioned for 2026, which he sees as a pivotal year for IT upgrades and AI utilization [3] - The semiconductor industry is expected to experience increased scrutiny regarding AI return on investment, but this may be mitigated by rapid advancements in AI LLM builders and AI factories [3] - KLA Corporation specializes in advanced process control equipment for the semiconductor and electronics industries, aiding chipmakers in improving yields and quality in microchip production [5]

Group 1 - KLA Corporation is considered one of the best long-term stocks to buy, with hedge funds showing strong interest [1] - Jefferies upgraded KLA Corporation to a Buy rating, driven by increasing artificial intelligence-related spending and a positive outlook for semiconductor capital equipment [2][3] - The company is expected to benefit from a multi-year growth trajectory in semiconductor capital equipment, particularly in wafer fab equipment through 2026 and 2027 [2][3] Group 2 - KLA Corporation's revenue forecasts have been raised to $14 billion for 2026 and $15.5 billion for 2027, reflecting the impact of AI on demand for leading-edge foundry memory and packaging [3] - Bank of America also raised its price target for KLA Corporation to $1450 from $1400, maintaining a Buy rating amid expectations of an upgrading cycle for traditional IT infrastructure [4] - The company specializes in advanced process control equipment and services for the semiconductor and electronics industries, enhancing chipmakers' production quality [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the 14 best "forever stocks" recommended by hedge funds, highlighting concerns over high valuations as many stocks are trading above historical norms, suggesting a potential rotation in investment strategies as 2026 approaches [1][2]. Investment Strategy - There is a noticeable shift from large-cap growth stocks to large-cap value stocks, indicating a defensive posture among investors in anticipation of market changes in the coming year [3]. - Analysts suggest that diversifying beyond large-cap stocks is prudent, especially given the recent resurgence of US equities led by large-cap tech companies [3]. Market Trends - Significant discounts on value stocks are noted, with current valuations being cheaper than historical averages, presenting a potential buying opportunity for investors [5]. - The article emphasizes the importance of stability and growth in selecting "forever stocks," which are favored by elite hedge funds [7]. Company Highlights - **KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC)**: - Upgraded to a Buy by Jefferies due to accelerating AI-driven spending, with revenue forecasts raised to $14 billion for 2026 and $15.5 billion for 2027 [10][12]. - Analysts expect the company to benefit from increased capital expenditure in the semiconductor sector [11]. - **The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX)**: - Maintains a Buy rating from UBS, with strong market share gains against department stores and a commitment to shareholder value through consistent dividend payments [15][18]. - Expected to achieve a 13% compound annual growth rate from 2021 to 2025, despite facing challenges such as tariffs and consumer uncertainty [18].