📊 PLAB Key Takeaways
Is Photronics Inc. (PLAB) a Good Investment?
Photronics exhibits exceptional financial fortress characteristics with pristine balance sheet (0.00x debt, $511.5M cash) and strong profitability margins (33.2% gross, 17.1% net), but faces operational headwinds with declining revenue (-2.0% YoY) and sharply falling net income (-28.3% YoY). While cash generation remains solid ($50.8M FCF), the deteriorating profit trends and low returns on capital (6.0% ROE) indicate business challenges that outweigh balance sheet strength.
Photronics Inc. Key Strengths (PLAB)
- Impeccable balance sheet with minimal leverage (3.9M long-term debt), 5.05x current ratio, and 511.5M cash reserves providing financial flexibility
- Sustained robust profitability margins of 33.2% gross and 17.1% net despite revenue pressure, demonstrating pricing power and operational efficiency
- Reliable free cash flow generation of 50.8M (11.7% FCF margin) sufficient to fund capital requirements even in cyclical downturns
PLAB Stock Risks: Photronics Inc. Investment Risks
- Significant profitability deterioration with net income declining 28.3% YoY while revenue fell 2.0%, indicating margin compression beyond revenue decline
- Chronically low returns on equity (6.0%) and assets (3.9%) relative to 1.2B equity base suggest capital is not generating adequate returns
- Capital-intensive model requiring 93.4M annual CapEx with declining profitability raises concerns about project ROI and future cash generation in cyclical semiconductor industry
Key Metrics to Watch
- Quarterly revenue trend direction and gross margin trajectory in semiconductor/photomask cycles
- Operating cash flow sustainability relative to capital expenditure commitments
- Return on equity progression and evidence of margin recovery as operations stabilize
Photronics Inc. (PLAB) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Strong liquidity with a 5.05x 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2026 | $209.9M | $8.9M | $0.15 |
| 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 |
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 grade of B with 78% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are PLAB's key strengths?
Claude: Impeccable balance sheet with minimal leverage (3.9M long-term debt), 5.05x current ratio, and 511.5M cash reserves providing financial flexibility. Sustained robust profitability margins of 33.2% gross and 17.1% net despite revenue pressure, demonstrating pricing power and operational efficiency.
What are the risks of investing in PLAB?
Claude: Significant profitability deterioration with net income declining 28.3% YoY while revenue fell 2.0%, indicating margin compression beyond revenue decline. Chronically low returns on equity (6.0%) and assets (3.9%) relative to 1.2B equity base suggest capital is not generating adequate returns.
What is PLAB's revenue and growth?
Photronics Inc. reported revenue of $435.0M.
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 $1.27.
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 grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is PLAB's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, Photronics Inc. has a B grade with 78% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.
Is PLAB stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for PLAB: ROE of 6.0% (sector avg: 22%), net margin of 17.1% (sector avg: 18%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is PLAB's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Photronics Inc. a combined B grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is PLAB's free cash flow?
Photronics Inc.'s operating cash flow is $144.3M, with capital expenditures of $93.4M. FCF margin is 11.7%.
How does PLAB compare to other Technology stocks?
Vs Technology sector averages: Net margin 17.1% (avg: 18%), ROE 6.0% (avg: 22%), current ratio 5.05 (avg: 2.5).