Helios Technologies (HLIO) vs Proto Labs (PRLB)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Proto Labs (PRLB) has outperformed Helios Technologies (HLIO) over the past year, gaining 87.3% versus a gain of 37.1%. Over five years, PRLB leads with a +31.7% price change compared with -18.2% for HLIO. Helios Technologies is the larger company by market cap ($2.28 billion vs $2.23 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Helios Technologies trades at a lower forward P/E (19.3x vs 39.1x for Proto Labs). Helios Technologies pays a dividend yielding 0.61%, while Proto Labs does not currently pay one.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | HLIO | PRLB |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $69.24 | $93.27 |
| Market cap | $2.28B | $2.23B |
| 1-day change | -3.00% | -4.12% |
| YTD return | +29.44% | +84.36% |
| 1-year return | +37.08% | +87.25% |
| 5-year return | -18.17% | +31.70% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 32.36 | 74.02 |
| Forward P/E | 19.31 | 39.07 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.14 | $1.26 |
| Dividend yield | 0.61% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.42 | $0.00 |
| 52-week high | $95.05 | $99.96 |
| 52-week low | $47.01 | $45.10 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -27.15% | -6.69% |
| Analyst consensus | none | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +36.73% | +2.39% |
| Average volume | 326.90K | 210.70K |
| Shares outstanding | 32.95M | 23.92M |
| Employees | 2,300 | 2,280 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Metal Fabrications | Metal Fabrications |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- PRLB has outperformed HLIO by 50.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Proto Labs trades at a higher earnings multiple (74.0x vs 32.4x trailing P/E).
About Helios Technologies
HLIO stock →Helios Technologies, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides engineered motion control and electronic controls technology solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through two segments; Hydraulics and Electronics.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 2,300 employees
About Proto Labs
PRLB stock →Proto Labs, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a digital manufacturer of custom parts in the United States and Europe. It offers manufacturing services, such as molding, computer numerical control machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal to developers, engineers, and supply chain teams.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 2,280 employees
HLIO vs PRLB FAQ
Which is bigger, Helios Technologies or Proto Labs?
Helios Technologies (HLIO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.28B compared with $2.23B for Proto Labs (PRLB).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, HLIO or PRLB?
PRLB returned +87.25% over the past 12 months, compared with +37.08% for HLIO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, HLIO or PRLB?
HLIO has the lower trailing P/E at 32.4, versus 74.0 for PRLB. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Helios Technologies or Proto Labs?
Helios Technologies pays a dividend yielding 0.61%, while Proto Labs does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Helios Technologies and Proto Labs in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Metal Fabrications industry within the Industrials sector.