Lam Research Corp (LRCX)vsPhotronics Inc (PLAB)
LRCX
Lam Research Corp
$298.22
+0.07%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $373.17B
PLAB
Photronics Inc
$28.99
+2.15%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $1.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lam Research Corp generates 2580% more annual revenue ($23.23B vs $866.82M). LRCX leads profitability with a 31.3% profit margin vs 19.1%. LRCX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. LRCX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
LRCX
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
PLAB
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+15.2%
Fair Value
$351.66
Current Price
$298.22
$53.44 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PLAB.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 58 in profit
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%
Revenue surging 30.0% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.1%
Earnings expanding 25.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 29.9x book value
2.7% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LRCX
The strongest argument for LRCX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.3% and operating margin at 37.4%. Revenue growth of 30.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PLAB
The strongest argument for PLAB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.1% and operating margin at 21.1%.
Bear Case : LRCX
The primary concerns for LRCX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 51.9x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : PLAB
The primary concerns for PLAB are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LRCX profiles as a growth stock while PLAB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LRCX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.86 — expect wider price swings.
LRCX is growing revenue faster at 30.0% — sustainability is the question.
LRCX generates stronger free cash flow (822M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LRCX scores higher overall (78/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 31.3% margins and 30.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Lam Research Corp
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Lam Research Corporation is an American corporation that engages in the design, manufacture, marketing, and service of semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Its products are used primarily in front-end wafer processing, which involves the steps that create the active components of semiconductor devices (transistors, capacitors) and their wiring (interconnects). The company also builds equipment for back-end wafer-level packaging (WLP), and for related manufacturing markets such as for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The company is headquartered in Fremont, California, in the Silicon Valley.
Photronics Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Photronics, Inc. manufactures and sells photomask products and services in the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Europe, China, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brookfield, Connecticut.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?