KLA Surges on 83% Volume Spike as Analysts Hike Targets and Earnings Beat Drive Institutional Bets

On August 28, 2025, KLA (KLAC) rose 0.57% to $894, with a trading volume of $860 million, up 83.23% from the previous day. Institutional activity and analyst updates have driven recent market attention.

Analysts revised price targets, with JPMorgan and Raymond James raising their estimates to $1,070 and $950, respectively, while maintaining a "Hold" consensus. KLA’s Q2 2025 earnings of $9.38 per share exceeded expectations, and the company announced a $1.90 quarterly dividend. Institutional investors, including T. Rowe Price and Integrated Wealth Concepts, increased holdings in Q4, while Epoch Investment Partners reduced its stake by 3.4% in Q1.

Insider transactions included CEO Richard Wallace selling 10,801 shares and CAO Virendra Kirloskar disposing of 39 shares, reflecting mixed signals. KLA’s stock repurchase program, authorizing $5 billion in buybacks, underscores management’s confidence in undervaluation. The company also raised its 2026 EPS guidance to $7.76–$9.30, reflecting strong revenue growth and operational efficiency.

Backtest results indicate KLA’s 52-week range of $551.33–$959.26 and a P/E ratio of 28.94. Institutional ownership remains significant, with 86.65% of shares held by hedge funds and large investors.