📊 PLAB Key Takeaways
Is Photronics Inc. (PLAB) a Good Investment?
Photronics maintains a fortress balance sheet with minimal debt and substantial cash reserves, generating positive free cash flow despite near-term revenue and profitability headwinds. However, net income declining 28.3% YoY combined with persistent low return metrics (ROE 3.5%, ROA 2.3%) suggests either cyclical weakness or margin compression that requires stabilization before accumulation.
Why Buy Photronics Inc. Stock? PLAB Key Strengths
- Fortress balance sheet with $544M cash, zero material debt, and 4.58x current ratio enabling financial resilience through downturns
- Strong operating margin of 24.4% demonstrates pricing power and operational leverage in competitive semiconductor industry
- Positive free cash flow of $49.6M (22% margin) with OCF exceeding net income, indicating quality earnings and sustainable capital returns
PLAB Stock Risks: Photronics Inc. Investment Risks
- Net income declined 28.3% YoY while revenue declined only 2.0%, indicating significant margin compression or one-time charges not fully explained
- Severely depressed return ratios (ROE 3.5%, ROA 2.3%) suggest capital inefficiency despite substantial asset base and cash position
- Revenue contraction amid semiconductor industry cyclicality may indicate demand weakness in photomask/capital equipment segment
Key Metrics to Watch
- Quarterly revenue inflection point and gross margin stabilization
- Return on Equity trajectory and management's capital allocation strategy
- Free cash flow consistency and maintenance capex requirements as percentage of revenue
Photronics Inc. (PLAB) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The 22.0% free cash flow margin provides substantial flexibility for dividends, buybacks, and strategic investments. Strong liquidity with a 4.58x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.
PLAB Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
PLAB vs Technology Sector: How Photronics Inc. Compares
How Photronics Inc. compares to Technology sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Photronics Inc. Stock Overvalued? PLAB Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Photronics Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Technology sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Photronics Inc. Balance Sheet: PLAB Debt, Cash & Liquidity
PLAB Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Photronics Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 34% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $2.03 reflects profitable operations.
PLAB Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
PLAB Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $212.1M | $42.9M | $0.68 |
| Q3 2025 | $210.4M | $22.9M | $0.39 |
| Q2 2025 | $211.0M | $8.9M | $0.15 |
| Q1 2025 | $212.1M | $26.2M | $0.42 |
| Q3 2024 | $211.0M | $27.0M | $0.44 |
| Q2 2024 | $217.0M | $36.3M | $0.58 |
| Q1 2024 | $211.1M | $14.0M | $0.23 |
| Q3 2023 | $219.9M | $27.0M | $0.44 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Photronics Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
PLAB SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Photronics Inc. (CIK: 0000810136)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about PLAB
What is the AI rating for PLAB?
Photronics Inc. (PLAB) has an AI rating of HOLD with 58% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are PLAB's key strengths?
Claude: Fortress balance sheet with $544M cash, zero material debt, and 4.58x current ratio enabling financial resilience through downturns. Strong operating margin of 24.4% demonstrates pricing power and operational leverage in competitive semiconductor industry.
What are the risks of investing in PLAB?
Claude: Net income declined 28.3% YoY while revenue declined only 2.0%, indicating significant margin compression or one-time charges not fully explained. Severely depressed return ratios (ROE 3.5%, ROA 2.3%) suggest capital inefficiency despite substantial asset base and cash position.
What is PLAB's revenue and growth?
Photronics Inc. reported revenue of $225.1M.
Does PLAB pay dividends?
Photronics Inc. does not currently pay dividends.
Where can I find PLAB SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Photronics Inc. (CIK: 0000810136) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is PLAB's EPS?
Photronics Inc. has a diluted EPS of $0.74.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is PLAB a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Photronics Inc. has a HOLD rating with 58% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is PLAB stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for PLAB: ROE of 3.5% (sector avg: 22%), net margin of 19.1% (sector avg: 18%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy PLAB stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Photronics Inc. a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is PLAB's free cash flow?
Photronics Inc.'s operating cash flow is $97.3M, with capital expenditures of $47.6M. FCF margin is 22.0%.
How does PLAB compare to other Technology stocks?
Vs Technology sector averages: Net margin 19.1% (avg: 18%), ROE 3.5% (avg: 22%), current ratio 4.58 (avg: 2.5).