Photronics Inc
NASDAQ: PLAB · TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS
Updated 2026-06-05
Photronics Inc (PLAB) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for PLAB.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
PLAB historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in PLAB's own 5Y range.
PLAB intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Standard discounted cash flow models produce unreliable output for unprofitable or near-breakeven companies. Revenue-based multiples such as P/S and EV/Sales, combined with the historical valuation position above, give a more reliable read for this stock.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
PLAB valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 11.94x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 2.21x
Is PLAB overvalued in 2026?
Photronics Inc (PLAB) currently trades at $54.96 per share with a market capitalization of $1,907,563,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 64/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 11.9x, below its 5-year median of 13.7x. The PEG ratio of 2.64 indicates the price has run ahead of the underlying growth rate.
Looking at its own history, PLAB is currently trading cheaper than 59% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 41th percentile of its historical range, a reasonable but unremarkable position.
A standard DCF model does not produce reliable output for PLAB under current conditions. For unprofitable or near-breakeven companies, revenue-based multiples such as EV/Sales and historical P/S percentile are more informative than intrinsic value calculations.
Financial quality is a concern. The Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags weakening fundamentals that deserve closer scrutiny before the valuation case can be fully trusted.
Bottom line: PLAB trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 64/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is PLAB overvalued?
PLAB scores 64/100 on our Smart Value Score (Grade C+), a mixed overall profile. A standard DCF is unreliable here given the profitability profile, so valuation leans on revenue-based measures like EV/Sales and the P/S percentile below.
What is PLAB's fair value?
A standard DCF is unreliable for PLAB given its current profitability profile. Revenue-based approaches like EV/Sales or the historical P/S percentile are more informative for this stock.
What P/E ratio does PLAB trade at?
PLAB trades at a P/E of 11.9x on trailing twelve-month earnings, against a 5-year median of 13.7x. P/E is what you pay per dollar of profit, and sitting below its own median means the stock is cheaper than usual relative to its earnings.
Is PLAB a buy based on valuation?
Our Smart Value rating for PLAB is Hold, from a Smart Value Score of 64/100 that blends growth, quality, and valuation. The profile is balanced and best suited to investors who already have a thesis. This is research to inform your decision, not personalized financial advice.
How does PLAB's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, PLAB sits in the 41st percentile of its own 5Y range, below its long-run median relative to where it has traded. A low percentile means today's multiple is near the bottom of its historical band.
What is PLAB's Smart Value Score?
PLAB's Smart Value Score is 64/100. It is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation into a single 0-100 read, and scores above 75 are rare, signaling strong multi-factor alignment.