DDD vs PRLB: Correlation
Measured on weekly returns over the past three years, 3D Systems Corporation (DDD) and Proto Labs, Inc. (PRLB) carry a correlation of 0.46, a moderate link.
Data as of 2026-08-27 · refreshed every trading day · weekly returns · methodology
How correlated are DDD and PRLB?
Across a 3-year window, the weekly returns of DDD and PRLB correlate at 0.46, moderate. Recent behaviour matches the longer record: 0.37 over 1 year against 0.46 over 3. Stretching to 5 years gives 0.47, with an annualized covariance of 2045.1 %².
PRLB is one of the assets that tracks DDD most closely: it ranks #3 out of the 12 assets we track against DDD. Correlation aside, the last 12 months split them widely, with PRLB ahead by 23.6 points (+34.0% versus +57.6%). One caveat on sizing: DDD is 1.7 times as volatile as the other leg, so an equal-dollar split is far from equal-risk.
How is this computed?
Pearson correlation on weekly returns: ρ(A,B) = cov(rA, rB) / (σA · σB), over windows of 52, 156 and 260 weeks. Covariance is annualized (×52) and expressed in %². Full definitions on the methodology page.
DDD vs PRLB: side by side
| DDD (3D Systems Corporation) | PRLB (Proto Labs, Inc.) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year return | +34.0% | +57.6% |
| 5-year return | -88.6% | +10.1% |
| Volatility (ann.) | 88.0% | 50.3% |
| Beta vs S&P 500 | 2.29 | 1.52 |
| Max drawdown (3Y) | -79.8% | -33.6% |
| Market cap | $0.6B | $1.9B |
| P/E (trailing) | – | 62.6 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Sector / category | US Listed | US Listed |
Year-by-year returns
| Year | DDD | PRLB |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | -65.6% | -50.3% |
| 2023 | -14.2% | +52.6% |
| 2024 | -48.3% | +0.3% |
| 2025 | -46.0% | +29.4% |
| 2026 | +93.8% | +58.3% |
Calendar-year price returns; the current year is year-to-date as of the data date above.
Are DDD and PRLB good diversifiers for each other?
Yes, to a useful degree: a correlation of 0.46 leaves real independence between the two, which historically damped combined volatility.
FAQ
What is the correlation between DDD and PRLB?
As of 2026-08-27, the correlation of weekly returns between DDD and PRLB is 0.46 over 3 years, 0.37 over 1 year and 0.47 over 5 years.
Is PRLB a good diversifier for DDD?
Yes, to a useful degree: a correlation of 0.46 leaves real independence between the two, which historically damped combined volatility.
What does a correlation of 0.46 mean?
A reading of 0.46 sits on a scale from −1 (opposite moves) through 0 (unrelated) to +1 (identical moves). Correlation captures direction, not magnitude or performance.
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Related comparisons
Hubs: DDD correlations · PRLB correlations
