Proto Labs, Inc. (PRLB) — Stock Score Summary

Proto Labs, Inc. (PRLB) has a MoatMap StockRank of 87/100 based on Quality (63/100), Value (26/100), and Momentum (83/100) factor scores. The current signal is STRONG BUY. Proto Labs provides digital manufacturing and rapid prototyping, acting as a critical bridge for companies looking to quickly iterate and source parts locally rather than waiting on long-lead transcontinental shipping. While the business model is asset-light and digital, growth has stagnated, requiring a wait-and-see approach to confirm if nearshoring trends translate into sustained margin expansion.

Proto Labs, Inc. is a pioneer and leader in technology-enabled rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing, providing custom parts through advanced digital processes like 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding. The company's significant competitive moat lies in its proprietary software and automated systems that allow for unparalleled speed, quality, and cost-efficiency in producing low-volume custom components for engineers and designers globally. This unique digital manufacturing model addresses critical market needs for rapid product development and iteration.

Key Financial Metrics

Price$75.85
Market Cap$1.8B
P/E (TTM)70.57
P/E (Forward)33.88
Price/Book2.61
Return on Equity3.8%
Return on Invested Capital3.8%
Debt/Equity0.38
Gross Margin44.9%
Operating Margin8.1%
Revenue Growth10.4%
Free Cash Flow$46M

Proto Labs, Inc. operates in the Metal Fabrication industry, part of the Industrials sector (United States).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Proto Labs, Inc.’s (PRLB) StockRank?
MoatMap’s StockRank for Proto Labs, Inc. (PRLB) is 87/100, with a Strong Buy signal. It is a composite of Quality (63), Value (26), and Momentum (83) factor ranks across MoatMap’s 19,000+ stock universe.
Does Proto Labs, Inc. have an economic moat?
Proto Labs, Inc. (PRLB) has a Quality factor score of 63/100. The Quality factor combines ROIC, Piotroski F-Score, and leverage — the financial fingerprints of a durable competitive advantage. A Quality score above 70 typically indicates a company with the characteristics of a moated business.
Is Proto Labs, Inc. a buy, hold, or sell?
MoatMap’s current signal for Proto Labs, Inc. (PRLB) is Strong Buy, based on a StockRank of 87/100. Signals are derived mechanically from the StockRank composite and should be one input among many — combine with your own thesis on management, competitive position, and valuation.
What sector is Proto Labs, Inc. in?
Proto Labs, Inc. (PRLB) operates in the Industrials sector, specifically the Metal Fabrication industry (United States).