KLA Stock Jumps 40% Year to Date: 4 Reasons You Should Still Buy It

KLA Corporation (KLAC) has gained 40% year-to-date, driven by AI-related process-control intensity and advanced packaging expansion. The company expects advanced-packaging revenues to reach $1.1 billion in 2026 (70% growth) with a strong $12.6 billion backlog providing visibility through 2027. Despite premium valuation and near-term margin pressure from memory costs and tariffs, KLA's technology leadership and long-term growth outlook support a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating.