Is PRLB a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 47.4/100. It is ranked #1,551 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 47/100, Value 47/100, Momentum 64/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for PRLB?

Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 47.4 ranks it #1,551 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is PRLB in?

Proto Labs Inc operates in the Materials sector (Construction Materials industry) with a market cap of $1.38 billion. It is classified as a small-cap stock.

Does PRLB pay a dividend?

PRLB does not currently pay a regular dividend. The company may be reinvesting profits for growth.

What is PRLB's P/E ratio?

PRLB has a trailing P/E ratio of 60.98x. The Materials sector average is 26.5x. This above-average P/E reflects growth expectations or premium valuation.

How profitable is PRLB?

PRLB's quality factor score is 47/100. Gross margin: 44.8%. ROE: 3.3% vs sector average 3.3%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is PRLB valued compared to peers?

PRLB's value factor score is 47/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 61.0x, EV/EBITDA 50.9x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is PRLB's debt level?

PRLB's debt-to-equity ratio is 13%. Sector average: 41%. Low leverage suggests conservative financial management.

PRLB has a beta of 1.44, meaning it amplifies market moves. Stability score: 53/100.

Does PRLB have high short interest?

PRLB's short interest factor score is 19/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

PRLB Stock Analysis: Top Small-Cap Hold (Score 47.4/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
PRLB	-0.29%	+6.28%	+6.49%	+21.37%	+82.41%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLB	+0.56%	+3.07%	+4.17%	+14.58%	-33.54%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-0.23%	+2.68%	+6.15%	+21.73%	+52.89%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-0.85%	+3.21%	+2.32%	+6.79%	+115.95%	-	-	-

Metric	PRLB	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	61.0x	+130%
EV/EBITDA	50.9x	+746%
Price / Book	2.0x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CF CF Industries Holdings, Inc.	57	50	72	66	11.8x	21.1%	36.2%	24.9%	5.5%	41.0x	$19.7B	VS
NTR Nutrien Ltd.	57	37	70	64	54.2x	11.5%	29.0%	2.7%	-	52.0x	$35.9B	VS
UAN CVR PARTNERS, LP	56	50	71	67	12.0x	42.4%	28.5%	17.8%	23.1%	265.0x	$1.3B	VS
LXU LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.	54	50	54	73	41.2x	-3.3%	8.6%	-4.5%	11.0%	85.0x	$1.1B	VS
AA Alcoa Corp	54	50	61	71	18.7x	16.6%	10.0%	8.0%	3.1%	40.0x	$19.0B	VS
MEOH METHANEX CORP	53	34	76	72	24.6x	47.8%	19.1%	6.7%	-	149.0x	$4.6B	VS
NGVT Ingevity Corp	53	50	68	66	53.4x	-638.7%	38.1%	-12.1%	-14.7%	5,459.0x	$2.5B	VS
SEE SEALED AIR CORP/DE	52	50	67	59	11.2x	44.7%	30.2%	10.4%	0.5%	318.0x	$6.2B	VS
ACU ACME UNITED CORP	51	50	71	51	16.4x	9.0%	39.4%	5.2%	-11.5%	45.0x	$171M	VS
APD Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.	51	50	49	50	179.2x	2.4%	31.6%	2.2%	3.9%	114.0x	$64.4B	VS
PRLB Proto Labs Inc	47	47	47	64	61.0x	3.3%	44.8%	4.3%	7.8%	13.0x	$1.4B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.6%	0.6%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	-0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	-0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
Net Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	8.1%	-	13.7%	-	-	-	13.8%	11.7%	8.0%	14.3%	14.7%
ROE %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	3.7%	2.9%	2.7%	3.2%	-11.1%	3.8%	9.1%	13.7%	15.4%	13.3%	15.7%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.4%

0.5%

0.6%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

-0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

-0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.3%

Net Margin %

0.0%

-0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

FCF Margin %

8.1%

13.7%

13.8%

11.7%

8.0%

14.3%

14.7%

ROE %

0.0%

-0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

ROA %

0.0%

-0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

ROIC %

3.7%

2.9%

2.7%

3.2%

-11.1%

3.8%

9.1%

13.7%

15.4%

13.3%

15.7%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$522M	$533M	$501M	$504M	$488M	$488M	$434M	$459M	$446M	$344M	$298M	$264M
	—	$296M	—	$282M	$273M	$265M	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$234M	$237M	$223M	$222M	$215M	$223M	$218M	$235M	$239M	$194M	$167M	$154M
Gross Margin	44.8%	44.5%	44.6%	44.1%	44.1%	45.6%	50.1%	51.3%	53.6%	56.3%	56.0%	58.5%
	—	$43M	$41M	$40M	$38M	$44M	$37M	$33M	$29M	$24M	$22M	$18M
Depreciation	—	—	$36M	—	—	—	$33M	$31M	$27M	$20M	$19M	$15M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$212M	—	$194M	$313M	$182M	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$27M	$25M	$20M	$28M	-$98M	$40M	$60M	$80M	$89M	$72M	$62M	$67M
EBIT	$27M	$25M	$20M	$28M	-$98M	$40M	$60M	$80M	$89M	$72M	$62M	$67M
EBITDA	$27M	$25M	$60M	$28M	-$98M	$40M	$96M	$112M	$119M	$94M	$83M	$83M
Operating Margin	5.2%	4.7%	4.0%	5.6%	-20.1%	8.3%	13.8%	17.4%	20.0%	21.0%	20.7%	25.4%
EBITDA Margin	5.1%	4.7%	12.1%	5.6%	-20.1%	8.3%	22.0%	24.4%	26.7%	27.3%	27.8%	31.5%
	—	$31M	—	$28M	-$98M	$40M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$10M	$8M	$11M	$6M	$7M	$12M	$18M	$15M	$23M	$22M	$21M
	$22M	$21M	$17M	$17M	-$103M	$33M	$51M	$64M	$77M	$52M	$43M	$47M
Net Margin	4.3%	4.0%	3.3%	3.4%	-21.2%	6.8%	11.7%	13.9%	17.2%	15.0%	14.3%	17.6%
	$0.89	$0.89	$0.66	$0.66	$-3.77	$1.21	$1.90	$2.37	$2.84	$1.94	$1.62	$1.79
Diluted EPS	$0.89	$0.88	$0.66	$0.66	$-3.77	$1.21	$1.90	$2.37	$2.84	$1.94	$1.62	$1.79
Weighted Avg Basic	—	24M	—	26M	27M	28M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	24M	—	26M	27M	28M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$522M

$533M

$501M

$504M

$488M

$434M

$459M

$446M

$344M

$298M

$264M

—

$296M

—

$282M

$273M

$265M

—

$234M

$237M

$223M

$222M

$215M

$223M

$218M

$235M

$239M

$194M

$167M

$154M

Gross Margin

44.8%

44.5%

44.6%

44.1%

45.6%

50.1%

51.3%

53.6%

56.3%

56.0%

58.5%

—

$43M

$41M

$40M

$38M

$44M

$37M

$33M

$29M

$24M

$22M

$18M

Depreciation

—

$36M

—

$33M

$31M

$27M

$20M

$19M

$15M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$212M

—

$194M

$313M

$182M

—

$27M

$25M

$20M

$28M

-$98M

$40M

$60M

$80M

$89M

$72M

$62M

$67M

EBIT

$27M

$25M

$20M

$28M

-$98M

$40M

$60M

$80M

$89M

$72M

$62M

$67M

EBITDA

$27M

$25M

$60M

$28M

-$98M

$40M

$96M

$112M

$119M

$94M

$83M

Operating Margin

5.2%

4.7%

4.0%

5.6%

-20.1%

8.3%

13.8%

17.4%

20.0%

21.0%

20.7%

25.4%

EBITDA Margin

5.1%

4.7%

12.1%

5.6%

-20.1%

8.3%

22.0%

24.4%

26.7%

27.3%

27.8%

31.5%

—

$31M

—

$28M

-$98M

$40M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$10M

$8M

$11M

$6M

$7M

$12M

$18M

$15M

$23M

$22M

$21M

$22M

$21M

$17M

-$103M

$33M

$51M

$64M

$77M

$52M

$43M

$47M

Net Margin

4.3%

4.0%

3.3%

3.4%

-21.2%

6.8%

11.7%

13.9%

17.2%

15.0%

14.3%

17.6%

$0.89

$0.66

$-3.77

$1.21

$1.90

$2.37

$2.84

$1.94

$1.62

$1.79

Diluted EPS

$0.89

$0.88

$0.66

$-3.77

$1.21

$1.90

$2.37

$2.84

$1.94

$1.62

$1.79

Weighted Avg Basic

—

24M

—

26M

27M

28M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

24M

—

26M

27M

28M

—

Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does Proto Labs Inc Do?

Proto Labs, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an e-commerce driven digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and on-demand production parts in the worldwide. The company offers injection molding; computer numerical control machining; three-dimensional (3D) printing, which include stereolithography, selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering, multi jet fusion, polyjet, and carbon DLS processes; and sheet metal fabrication products, including quick-turn and e-commerce-enabled custom sheet metal parts. It serves developers and engineers, who use 3D computer-aided design software to design products across a range of end markets. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota. Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) is classified as a small-cap stock in the Materials sector, specifically within the Construction Materials industry. The company is led by CEO Robert Bodor and employs approximately 2,570 people, headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota. With a market capitalization of $1.4B, PRLB is one of the notable companies in the Materials sector.

Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, Proto Labs Inc receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 47.4/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.PRLB ranks #1,551 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Materials sector, Proto Labs Inc ranks #96 of 284 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Materials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

PRLB Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) currently trades at $61.40. The stock lost $0.18 (0.3%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for PRLB is $68.91, which means the stock is currently trading -10.9% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $29.59, putting the stock 107.5% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 75K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is PRLB Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) carries a value factor score of 47/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 60.98x, compared to the Materials sector average of 26.50x — a premium of 130%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 2.03x, versus the sector average of 2.83x. The price-to-sales ratio is 2.62x, compared to 0.74x for the average Materials stock. On an enterprise value basis, PRLB trades at 50.87x EV/EBITDA, versus 6.01x for the sector.

Overall, PRLB's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

Proto Labs Inc Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) earns a quality factor score of 47/100, signaling below-average profitability metrics relative to the broader market. The return on equity (ROE) is 3.3%, compared to the Materials sector average of 3.3%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 2.9% versus the sector average of 0.6%.

On a margin basis, Proto Labs Inc reports gross margins of 44.8%, compared to 29.8% for the sector. The operating margin is 5.2% (sector: 6.0%). Net profit margin stands at 4.3%, versus 3.0% for the average Materials stock. Revenue growth is running at 7.8% on a trailing basis, compared to 1.8% for the sector. Profitability is below benchmark levels, which may reflect industry headwinds, elevated reinvestment, or structural challenges.

PRLB Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Proto Labs Inc has a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.0%, compared to the Materials sector average of 41.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. The current ratio is 3.49x, indicating strong short-term liquidity. Total debt on the balance sheet is $0. Cash and equivalents stand at $104M.

PRLB has a beta of 1.44, meaning it is more volatile than the broader market — a $10,000 investment in PRLB would be expected to move 43.9% more than the S&P 500 on any given day. The stability factor score for Proto Labs Inc is 53/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

Proto Labs Inc Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, Proto Labs Inc reported revenue of $522M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.89. Net income for the quarter was $22M. Gross margin was 44.8%. Operating income came in at $27M.

In FY 2025, Proto Labs Inc reported revenue of $533M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.89. Net income for the quarter was $21M. Gross margin was 44.5%. Revenue grew 6.4% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $25M.

In Q3 2025, Proto Labs Inc reported revenue of $135M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.30. Net income for the quarter was $7M. Gross margin was 45.3%. Revenue grew 7.8% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $9M.

In Q2 2025, Proto Labs Inc reported revenue of $135M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.19. Net income for the quarter was $4M. Gross margin was 44.3%. Revenue grew 7.5% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $5M.

Over the past 8 quarters, Proto Labs Inc has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $126M to $522M. Investors analyzing PRLB stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

PRLB Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) does not currently pay a dividend. This is common among smaller companies in the Construction Materials industry that prefer to reinvest cash flows into business expansion rather than returning capital to shareholders. Income-focused investors looking for Materials dividend stocks may want to explore other Materials stocks or use the stock screener to filter by dividend yield.

PRLB Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) has a momentum factor score of 64/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 30/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 19/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

PRLB vs Competitors — Materials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Materials sector, Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) ranks #96 out of 284 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places PRLB in the upper half of all Materials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) with a score of 56.6/100, Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) with a score of 56.6/100, CVR PARTNERS, LP (UAN) with a score of 55.6/100, LSB INDUSTRIES, INC. (LXU) with a score of 53.6/100, and ACME UNITED CORP (ACU) with a score of 51.2/100.

Comparing PRLB against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full PRLB vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how Proto Labs Inc stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

PRLB Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy PRLB? — Investment Thesis Summary

Proto Labs Inc presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. Price momentum is positive at 64/100, suggesting the trend favors buyers.

In summary, Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 47.4/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on PRLB stock.

Related Resources for PRLB Investors

Explore more research and tools: PRLB vs S&P 500 comparison, top Materials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare PRLB head-to-head with peers: PRLB vs CF, PRLB vs NTR, PRLB vs UAN.

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Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does Proto Labs Inc Do?

Proto Labs Inc (PRLB) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

PRLB Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is PRLB Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

Proto Labs Inc Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

PRLB Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

Proto Labs Inc Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

PRLB Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

PRLB Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

PRLB vs Competitors — Materials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

PRLB Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy PRLB? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for PRLB Investors

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Proto Labs Stock: Mixed Results No Cause For Excitement (NYSE:PRLB)

Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. Takes Position in Proto Labs, Inc. $PRLB

Proto Labs (PRLB) Valuation Check As Record Revenue And EPS Guidance Beat Expectations

(PRLB) Price Dynamics and Execution-Aware Positioning

Power Shift 25: Proto Labs new CEO held leadership stints at Northern Tool, Sleep Number