PLAB vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PLAB (Photronics, Inc.) is a stock, while XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) is Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Over the past 10 years, PLAB returned 14.29%/yr vs 26.01%/yr for XLK. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

PLAB vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Photronics, Inc. (PLAB) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PLAB achieves a 6.44% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 33.79% return. Over the past 10 years, PLAB has underperformed XLK with an annualized return of 14.29%, while XLK has yielded a comparatively higher 26.01% annualized return.

PLAB

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: -33.81%
• YTD: 6.44%
• 6M: -1.05%
• 1Y: 87.04%
• 3Y*: 13.92%
• 5Y*: 20.73%
• 10Y*: 14.29%

XLK

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 6.65%
• YTD: 33.79%
• 6M: 32.69%
• 1Y: 60.87%
• 3Y*: 32.46%
• 5Y*: 22.53%
• 10Y*: 26.01%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

PLAB vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PLAB Photronics, Inc.	6.44%	35.82%	-24.90%	86.39%	-10.72%	68.91%	-29.19%	62.81%	13.55%	-24.56%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	33.79%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

The correlation between PLAB and XLK is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 1998	0.57

The correlation between PLAB and XLK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PLAB vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

PLAB

PLAB Risk / Return Rank: 76
PLAB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
PLAB Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
PLAB Omega Ratio Rank: 80
PLAB Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
PLAB Martin Ratio Rank: 80

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 77
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 77
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 69

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

PLAB vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Photronics, Inc. (PLAB) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	PLAB	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	2.65	-1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	3.20	-1.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.43	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	3.84	-2.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.07	12.30	-6.23

PLAB vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLAB Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is lower than the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLAB and XLK, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

PLAB vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLAB drawdown since its inception was -99.22%, which is greater than XLK's maximum drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLAB and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLAB	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.22%	-82.05%	-17.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.91%	-15.92%	-31.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-50.62%	-25.66%	-24.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.62%	-33.56%	-17.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.62%	-33.56%	-17.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.03%	-2.94%	-35.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-56.35%	-34.90%	-21.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.39%	4.96%	+9.43%

Volatility

PLAB vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

Photronics, Inc. (PLAB) has a higher volatility of 49.73% compared to State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) at 11.64%. This indicates that PLAB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLAB	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	49.73%	11.64%	+38.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	65.74%	19.23%	+46.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	82.72%	23.12%	+59.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	57.94%	25.30%	+32.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	51.06%	24.71%	+26.35%

Dividends

PLAB vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

PLAB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.52%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLAB Photronics, Inc.	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.52%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLAB and XLK in my portfolio?

PLAB and XLK have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PLAB or XLK?

PLAB has higher volatility (49.73%) compared to XLK (11.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLAB dropped -99.22% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 1.06), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.