Photronics Inc.

Photronics, Inc. (PLAB) found it’s way to our buy recommended list this morning, and I think it’s an interesting company that bears consideration. Photronics makes photomasks, which according to Google are, “high-precision photographic quartz plates containing microscopic images of electronic circuits that are used in the manufacture of semiconductors and flat panel displays (FPD).”

PLAB was upgraded this morning from neutral to buy, which I prefer over an upgrade from sell to buy. It also has a solid AAS Rating Score of 5.67, which is indicative of a strengthening trend. It’s trading well below its 52-week high, with a bullish Relative Strength Index. Currently, our Sell-Limit Watch value is 15.94.

Short-Term Technical Indicators

Investor Sentiment

Long-Term Market Model – Bearish since December 8^th.

Asset Allocation – AAS Model Portfolios are between 18.75% and 75% long currently.

Beta Exposure and Portable Alpha Generation
Date = Date of AAS “Buy” or “Short/Sell” Recommendation

Top Rated Major Market Derivative – No buy recommended major markets

Top Rated Style-Box Derivative – iShares Morningstar Mid Cap Value (JKI 1/11/07)

Top Rated Sector Derivative – No buy recommended sectors

Today’s Top “Buy” Recommended Stocks

Volt Information Sciences, Inc. (VOL 11/6/06)

NBTY, Inc. (NTY 12/5/06)

CarMax Inc. (KMX 7/25/06)

F5 Networks Inc. (FFIV 9/20/06)

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT 8/23/06)

Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SVNT N/A)

Brown Shoe Company Inc. (BWS 9/12/06)

Hansen Natural Corp. (HANS 1/3/07)

Albemarle Corp. (ALB 8/9/06)

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCP 9/20/06)

Today’s Top “Sell” Recommended Stocks

CONSOL Energy Inc. (CNX 12/15/06)

Brightpoint Inc. (CELL 9/19/06)

Intuitive Surgical Inc. (ISRG 12/19/06)

Lenox Group Inc. (LNX 12/22/06)

Plexus Corp. (PLXS 12/29/07)