Stephanie Niven, a fund manager, has identified a lesser-known semiconductor equipment company, KLA Corp (NASDAQ:KLAC), as a key player in the AI boom.

KLA is known for its semiconductor manufacturing equipment that enhances the efficiency of chip production. TSMC, which exclusively manufactures high-end AI chips for NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA), is KLA’s largest customer.

"This is a business that decarbonizes the AI transition because it reduces errors and increases yields," Niven told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Friday. 

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Despite not being a headline AI stock, Niven believes KLA plays a crucial role in enabling AI capabilities. She also noted that KLA’s focus on reducing wastage in the manufacturing process aligns with sustainability goals. KLA is the eighth largest holding in Niven’s fund, with a 4.7% allocation. The fund has outperformed its benchmark in 2022.

Shares of KLA have surged 25% in 2024 and 89% over the past year. The stock now trades at 27 times forward earnings, compared to its five-year average of 18 times earnings. While some analysts caution that the stock’s significant price increase may lead to a near-term drop, a majority of analysts are bullish on the company’s fundamentals.

Why It Matters: The AI boom has been a hot topic in the tech and finance sectors. Industry leaders like Jamie Dimon have emphasized the real potential of AI, dismissing it as mere hype.

This sentiment is reflected in the market, with analysts predicting a strong future for companies like Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom.

However, some experts, like Harvard’s Ken Rogoff, have warned that the AI stock boom could lead to a bubble.

Meanwhile, Intel-backed companies like Astera Labs are also looking to capitalize on the AI boom, with plans to raise significant funds through an IPO.

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