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Photronics (PLAB)
NASDAQ:PLAB

Photronics (PLAB) AI Stock Analysis

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PLAB

Photronics

(NASDAQ:PLAB)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$26.00
▲(14.49% Upside)
Photronics' strong financial performance and attractive valuation are the primary strengths, supported by strategic investments and revenue exceeding expectations. However, technical indicators suggest caution due to bearish momentum, and challenges in the integrated circuits market and geopolitical factors present risks.

Photronics (PLAB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Photronics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPhotronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLAB) is a leading global manufacturer of photomasks, which are essential components used in the production of integrated circuits (ICs) and flat panel displays (FPDs). The company operates primarily in the semiconductor and display technology sectors, providing photomasks for advanced lithography processes in the production of microchips. Photronics serves a diverse range of customers, including major semiconductor manufacturers and technology firms, and focuses on delivering high-quality photomasks that meet the demanding specifications of cutting-edge technology applications.
How the Company Makes MoneyPhotronics generates revenue primarily through the sale of photomasks to semiconductor and display manufacturers. The company's revenue model is based on the production and delivery of high-precision photomasks that are tailored to specific customer needs. Key revenue streams include sales from standard photomask products, custom photomasks designed for advanced technology nodes, and the provision of related services such as engineering support and design assistance. Significant partnerships with leading semiconductor companies allow Photronics to secure long-term contracts and leverage economies of scale, contributing to its overall earnings. Additionally, as technology continues to advance with the push for smaller and more efficient chips, Photronics benefits from increased demand for its high-end photomask solutions, aligning with industry trends towards miniaturization and enhanced performance.

Photronics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Dec 10, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 25, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a generally positive outlook with strong performance in high-end IC revenue and strategic expansions. However, challenges remain in the mainstream IC segment and China market due to geopolitical factors.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record High-End IC Revenue
High-end IC revenue reached a record level, representing 42% of IC revenue, supported by sustained investment in hyperscale data centers for AI rollouts and strong order patterns globally.
Strong Financial Performance
Sales of $216 million exceeded expectations, with a 3% sequential increase. Non-GAAP diluted EPS also surpassed guidance at 60¢ per share.
Operational and Geographic Expansion
Strategic geographic expansions in the US and Korea are underway, expected to enhance revenue contribution and diversify geographic revenue mix.
Positive Developments in Advanced Technology
Achieved several technical and commercial developments, including increased demand for AI-driven chip packaging applications, and successful customer qualifications for advanced photomask technologies.
Improved Gross and Operating Margins
Gross margin improved to 35%, and operating margin of 24% exceeded guidance range due to favorable product mix and strong performance in high-end ICs.
Positive Outlook for High-End IC and FPD
High-end IC demand remains robust with positive forecasts, and FPD mask demand is expected to remain strong in Q1.
Negative Updates
Decline in Mainstream IC Revenue
Mainstream IC revenue declined 12% year over year due to market conditions and geopolitical impacts, particularly in China.
Sequential Decline in Flat Panel Display Revenue
FPD revenue of $58 million declined sequentially, reflecting order timing and temporary demand softening.
Challenges in China Market
Geopolitical issues and increased local competition in China have led to challenges in the mainstream IC market, affecting revenue and margins.
Company Guidance
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, Photronics reported strong financial results, with sales reaching $216 million, a 3% sequential increase, and achieving a record high-end IC revenue. Non-GAAP diluted EPS exceeded guidance at 60¢ per share. The company recognized a tax valuation allowance reversal, reflecting improved US execution and outlook. The high-end IC market, contributing 42% of IC revenue, was particularly robust, thanks to significant demand in the US and Asia. Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, Photronics plans strategic geographic expansions, including capacity extensions at its Allen, Texas facility and a cleanroom expansion in Korea, to capitalize on advanced node migration and regionalization trends in semiconductor manufacturing. The company anticipates fiscal Q1 2026 revenue to be between $217 million and $225 million, with an operating margin of 23-25% and non-GAAP diluted EPS between 51 and 59¢ per share.

Photronics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income Statement
75
Positive
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Breakdown
Income Statement
Total Revenue
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Income
Balance Sheet
Total Assets
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
Total Debt
Total Liabilities
Stockholders Equity
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow
Operating Cash Flow
Investing Cash Flow
Financing Cash Flow

Photronics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price22.71
Price Trends
50DMA
25.85
Positive
100DMA
24.25
Positive
200DMA
21.79
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.80
Positive
RSI
63.24
Neutral
STOCH
21.89
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PLAB, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 22.71 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 30.58, below the 50-day MA of 25.85, and above the 200-day MA of 21.79, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.80 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 63.24 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 21.89 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for PLAB.

Photronics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (―)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$1.99B14.7311.89%-2.04%8.84%
70
Neutral
$1.76B35.336.12%-3.90%-41.66%
69
Neutral
$1.46B23.217.17%4.48%-3.62%-20.33%
60
Neutral
$1.55B-8.46-35.16%7.53%22.97%
59
Neutral
$1.10B-14.99-8.53%-4.50%-45.79%
52
Neutral
$1.18B-7.28-20.61%6.65%-4652.36%
* Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PLAB
Photronics
33.73
10.21
43.41%
COHU
Cohu
23.49
-2.93
-11.09%
HIMX
Himax Technologies
8.35
0.54
6.91%
MXL
Maxlinear
17.73
-2.69
-13.17%
UCTT
Ultra Clean Holdings
26.04
-9.56
-26.85%
VECO
Veeco
29.29
2.22
8.20%

Photronics Corporate Events

Photronics’ Earnings Call: Growth Amid Challenges
Sep 1, 2025

Photronics’ Latest Earnings Call: A Mixed Bag of Successes and Challenges

Photronics Reports Strong Q3 2025 Financial Results
Aug 28, 2025

Photronics, Inc. is a global leader in photomask technology, providing essential components for integrated circuits and flat panel displays, with operations spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. In its third quarter of fiscal 2025, Photronics reported robust financial results, surpassing expectations in revenue, profitability, and earnings per share. The company achieved a revenue of $210.4 million, with a slight decline from the previous year, while net income attributable to shareholders stood at $22.9 million. Despite a year-over-year revenue drop, the company experienced a significant increase in flat panel display revenue by 14%. Photronics also announced a $25 million increase in its share repurchase authorization, reflecting confidence in its financial stability. Looking ahead, Photronics remains committed to enhancing operational efficiency and geographic diversification to support sustained growth in revenue and earnings.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Nov 26, 2025