Lam Research Corp (LRCX)vsPhotronics Inc (PLAB)
LRCX
Lam Research Corp
$233.45
-2.26%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $299.99B
PLAB
Photronics Inc
$43.26
+1.74%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $2.55B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lam Research Corp generates 2285% more annual revenue ($20.56B vs $862.22M). LRCX leads profitability with a 30.2% profit margin vs 15.8%. LRCX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.64. LRCX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
LRCX
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
PLAB
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-2.4%
Fair Value
$227.92
Current Price
$233.45
$5.53 premium
Margin of Safety
+23.3%
Fair Value
$49.69
Current Price
$43.26
$6.43 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 66 in profit
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 33.9%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Revenue surging 22.1% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.4%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 28.8x book value
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 30.2% and operating margin at 33.9%. Revenue growth of 22.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PLAB
The strongest argument for PLAB centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 24.4%.
Bear Case : LRCX
The primary concerns for LRCX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 49.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : PLAB
The primary concerns for PLAB are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LRCX profiles as a growth stock while PLAB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
LRCX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.79 — expect wider price swings.
LRCX is growing revenue faster at 22.1% — sustainability is the question.
LRCX generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LRCX scores higher overall (74/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 30.2% margins and 22.1% revenue growth. PLAB offers better value entry with a 23.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.
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