Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Workiva’s Q2 Earnings Call: Our Top 5 Analyst Questions

WK Cover Image

Workiva’s second quarter was marked by a decisive positive market response, with results reflecting robust demand for its unified platform and solutions across financial reporting, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), and sustainability. Management attributed this performance to strong execution of its multi-solution strategy, citing a 27% increase in large contracts and continued traction in financial services and asset management. CEO Julie Iskow emphasized, “We continue to see companies standardize on the Workiva platform and expand their solution use,” highlighting adoption by both new and existing customers as a primary growth driver.

Is now the time to buy WK? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

Workiva (WK) Q2 CY2025 Highlights:

  • Revenue: $215.2 million vs analyst estimates of $208.9 million (21.2% year-on-year growth, 3% beat)
  • Adjusted EPS: $0.19 vs analyst estimates of $0.05 (significant beat)
  • Adjusted Operating Income: $8.23 million vs analyst estimates of $549,430 (3.8% margin, significant beat)
  • The company slightly lifted its revenue guidance for the full year to $871.5 million at the midpoint from $866 million
  • Management raised its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance to $1.35 at the midpoint, a 27.5% increase
  • Operating Margin: -10.3%, up from -13% in the same quarter last year
  • Customers: 6,467, up from 6,385 in the previous quarter
  • Net Revenue Retention Rate: 114%, up from 110% in the previous quarter
  • Annual Recurring Revenue: $792.9 million vs analyst estimates of $771.1 million (23.3% year-on-year growth, 2.8% beat)
  • Billings: $237.3 million at quarter end, up 24.1% year on year
  • Market Capitalization: $4.08 billion

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Workiva’s Q2 Earnings Call

  • Alexander James Sklar (Raymond James): Asked if capital markets activity was factored into revenue guidance. CFO Jill Klindt clarified that steady contribution is assumed, with potential upside if IPO activity increases; CEO Julie Iskow noted recent IPOs as early positive signs.
  • Robert Cooney Oliver (Baird): Questioned the resilience of Workiva’s solutions-based licensing against generative AI disruption. CEO Julie Iskow explained that the model enables unconstrained platform use and positions Workiva well for future AI integration.
  • Steven Lester Enders (Citi): Probed on sustainability demand moderation and its impact on guidance. Iskow confirmed the slowdown is concentrated in the corporate segment and is already reflected in the updated outlook.
  • Dominique Calampiano Manansala (Truist Securities): Inquired about the impact of government modernization mandates. Iskow said Workiva is the only SaaS platform offering integrated reporting and assurance, seeing early engagement but no major uptake yet.
  • Ryan Scott Krieger (Wolfe Research): Sought details on net revenue retention drivers. Klindt explained most NRR gains stem from solution expansion within existing customers, with pricing increases playing a smaller role.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Over the coming quarters, our team will be watching (1) the pace of multi-solution adoption and cross-sell activity, (2) the trajectory of margin expansion as operational efficiency initiatives progress, and (3) signs of renewed demand in sustainability and capital markets segments. The outcome of the CFO transition and execution on large enterprise deals will also be key markers of strategic progress.

Workiva currently trades at $74, up from $63.86 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

Our Favorite Stocks Right Now

When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.