Proto Labs (NYSE: PRLB), a leading quick-turn contract manufacturer, is slated to report its second-quarter 2022 results before the market open on Friday, Aug. 5. An analyst conference call is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET the same day.

Investors will probably be approaching the company's upcoming report with cautious optimism. Proto Labs -- which serves many customers in the industrial sector -- has been significantly hurt by the pandemic, particularly the earlier stages of the crisis. The company has been struggling for some time to solidly grow revenue, which has also negatively affected its bottom-line performance. While its results have recently been rebounding from the pandemic hit, they could suffer again if the U.S. economy slips into a recession.

That said, after having a slow start in January, Proto Labs finished the first quarter on a strong note. So, there are reasons for some guarded optimism. Indeed, investors were pleased enough with last quarter's results that they sent shares up 5.3% on a down day for the overall market.

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Source Fool.com