<div id="readability-page-1">Photronics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAB) is one of the Most Undervalued Semiconductor Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. The Heartland Investment Team, while releasing their investor letter for Heartland Value Fund Q2 2025, highlighted Photronics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAB)’s strong balance sheet with minimal debt. Notably, the company’s cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at the end of Q2 2025 came in at $558.4 million.<div id="attachment_1206919"><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://imonkey-blog.imgix.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/17224420/PLAB-insidermonkey-1697597058586.jpg/query-YXV0bz1mb3J0bWF0JmV4cGlyZXM9MTc4NTg4ODAwMCZmaXQ9Y2xpcCZoZWlnaHQ9MjY5JndpZHRoPTQ4MA?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="830" height="465" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://imonkey-blog.imgix.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/17224420/PLAB-insidermonkey-1697597058586.jpg/query-YXV0bz1mb3J0bWF0JmV4cGlyZXM9MTc4NTg4ODAwMCZmaXQ9Y2xpcCZoZWlnaHQ9MjY5JndpZHRoPTQ4MA"/>An engineer manipulating a complex circuit board that will be used in flat panel displays.</div>Furthermore, the investment firm opines that Photronics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAB)’s work with leading-edge applications, driven primarily by AI, is robust. The trailing-edge technologies associated with consumer electronics, industrial, and autos were mired in a downcycle. However, these end markets continue to show some early signs of a recovery. Elsewhere, the company reported its financial results for Q2 2025, with node migration continuing to act as a positive driver of the company’s IC business at both the high end and the higher end of mainstream.During Q2 2025, Photronics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAB) generated $31 million in operating cash flow, representing 15% of the total revenue. CapEx came in at $61 million, which included its planned expansion in the US. The company is on track to spend $200 million in CapEx in FY 2025 towards capacity, capability, and end-of-life tool initiatives.While we acknowledge the potential of PLAB to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. 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PLAB

Photronics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAB) is highlighted by the Heartland Investment Team for its strong balance sheet and minimal debt, with $558.4 million in cash and investments as of Q2 2025. The company is noted for its robust work in AI-driven applications, despite a downcycle in consumer electronics. Photronics generated $31 million in operating cash flow during Q2 2025 and plans to invest $200 million in CapEx for expansion. While the potential for growth exists, the firm suggests that other AI stocks may offer higher returns with less risk.

The Heartland Investment Team Highlights Strong Balance Sheet of Photronics (PLAB)