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

5 Insightful Analyst Questions From FactSet’s Q3 Earnings Call

FDS Cover Image

FactSet’s third quarter was met with a negative market reaction, reflecting investor disappointment in light of strong revenue growth but lower-than-expected non-GAAP earnings. Management pointed to broad-based demand for analytics and data solutions, especially in wealth and asset management, as key drivers of growth. CEO Sanoke Viswanathan described FactSet’s client relationships as “deeply embedded,” emphasizing the company’s expanding role in supporting complex workflows for both buy-side and wealth clients. The company credited recent wins and product enhancements, particularly those related to AI integration, for improving client retention and driving new business.

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

FactSet (FDS) Q3 CY2025 Highlights:

  • Revenue: $596.9 million vs analyst estimates of $593.4 million (6.2% year-on-year growth, 0.6% beat)
  • Adjusted EPS: $4.05 vs analyst expectations of $4.13 (1.9% miss)
  • Adjusted EBITDA: $244.6 million vs analyst estimates of $226.4 million (41% margin, 8% beat)
  • Adjusted EPS guidance for the upcoming financial year 2026 is $17.25 at the midpoint, missing analyst estimates by 5.6%
  • Operating Margin: 29.7%, up from 22.7% in the same quarter last year
  • Market Capitalization: $10.82 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 FactSet’s Q3 Earnings Call

  • Alex Kramm (UBS Securities) asked about drivers of margin decline and whether investment levels are a new normal. CFO Helen Shan explained that most incremental expenses are for AI, data, and productivity, and expects future operating leverage from these investments.
  • Faiza Alwy (Deutsche Bank) questioned FactSet’s strategy to become a leading AI-powered platform and the risks posed by new competitors. CEO Sanoke Viswanathan described a focus on client engagement and adapting the product roadmap to changing market dynamics.
  • Ashish Sabadra (RBC Capital Markets) sought clarity on the sustainability of large wealth management deals. CRO Goran Skoko emphasized the effectiveness of the land-and-expand approach and ongoing opportunities for AI-driven expansion.
  • Kelsey Zhu (Autonomous Research) asked about the realized impact of AI products versus guidance. Shan confirmed that AI-related growth landed at the midpoint of prior expectations and highlighted broader benefits beyond stand-alone products.
  • Toni Kaplan (Morgan Stanley) inquired about the trajectory for operating margins versus prior medium-term targets. Shan stated that no changes to medium-term guidance were being made, and that margin improvement would depend on leveraging current productivity investments.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will closely monitor (1) the pace of adoption for FactSet’s new AI-powered features and workflow solutions, (2) the company’s ability to maintain margin discipline amid elevated technology and hiring costs, and (3) client retention and expansion in wealth management and asset management, especially as longer sales cycles persist. Execution on cross-segment integration and new product launches will also be key markers of progress.

FactSet currently trades at $287, down from $335.80 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

Our Favorite Stocks Right Now

Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.

Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our 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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% 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.