About Us

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

A 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.

Social Media

Bluesky • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Sales

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
My Watchlist
Indicators
Industrial Laser Index
Markets
Stocks
ETFs
Tools
Markets:
Overview
News
Currencies
International
Treasuries

The Top 5 Analyst Questions From Agilent’s Q2 Earnings Call

By: StockStory

A Cover Image

Agilent’s third quarter was shaped by robust demand in its pharmaceutical and chemicals and advanced materials end markets, which management cited as primary drivers behind the company’s double-digit revenue growth. CEO Padraig McDonnell highlighted that investments in semiconductor and chemical sectors, as well as strong adoption of the Infinity Tree LC platform and Pro IQ LCMS system, contributed to this momentum. Management also pointed to improved capital spending by customers and a gradual replacement cycle for aging lab instruments as factors supporting the quarter’s performance.

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

Agilent (A) Q2 CY2025 Highlights:

  • Revenue: $1.74 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.67 billion (10.1% year-on-year growth, 4.3% beat)
  • Adjusted EPS: $1.37 vs analyst estimates of $1.37 (in line)
  • Adjusted EBITDA: $509 million vs analyst estimates of $488.2 million (29.3% margin, 4.3% beat)
  • Revenue Guidance for Q3 CY2025 is $1.83 billion at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $1.77 billion
  • Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $5.57 at the midpoint
  • Operating Margin: 20.7%, in line with the same quarter last year
  • Organic Revenue rose 6.1% year on year vs analyst estimates of 3.3% growth (281.9 basis point beat)
  • Market Capitalization: $35.5 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 Agilent’s Q2 Earnings Call

  • Dan Brennan (TD Cowen) pressed CEO Padraig McDonnell for details on margin pressures and whether recent commercial investments would yield returns in the coming year. McDonnell clarified that tariff costs, increased commercial spending, and higher variable pay contributed equally, with investments intended to support future demand.

  • Tycho Peterson (Jefferies) asked about the reduction in executive approval requirements for pharma capital spending and whether pent-up demand would boost orders. McDonnell noted broader approval authority for lab managers, leading to improved replacement cycles and larger year-end quotes.

  • Rachel Vatnsdal (JPMorgan) inquired whether the robust fourth-quarter revenue guidance implied similar growth for next year. McDonnell and Gonzalez stated it was too early to provide guidance for the full year but emphasized that current momentum gives a solid foundation for future growth.

  • Michael Ryskin (Bank of America) sought clarification on the magnitude and timeline of tariff mitigation for margins. CFO Rodney Gonzalez specified that tariff impacts would peak in the current year, with mitigation efforts expected to benefit margins starting next year.

  • Patrick Donnelly (Citi) queried whether margin expansion was achievable next year given this year’s headwinds. McDonnell pointed to Ignite-driven efficiencies, expected tariff relief, and revenue leverage as key contributors to potential margin improvement.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In coming quarters, the StockStory analyst team will monitor (1) the pace of margin recovery as tariff mitigation and operational efficiencies scale, (2) sustained demand and replacement cycles in pharma and chemicals, and (3) the adoption and revenue contribution of new products like Infinity Tree LC and Pro IQ LCMS. Updates on government stimulus in China and trends in customer capital spending will also be important indicators of Agilent’s ability to maintain its current growth trajectory.

Agilent currently trades at $124, up from $118.71 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

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 6 Stocks for this week. 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.

More News

View More
PayPal Stock: Why Wall Street May Be Undervaluing This Giant
Via MarketBeat
Topics Economy
Tickers PYPL
Why Vertical Aerospace Could Lead the eVTOL Market by 2028
Via MarketBeat
Tickers EVTL VTOL
Is Draganfly's Army Partnership a Game-Changer for Investors?
Via MarketBeat
Tickers DPRO
3 Auto Stocks to Watch as EV and Hybrid Demand Shifts
Via MarketBeat
Topics Economy Stocks World Trade
Tickers F GM TSLA
4 Stocks Set to Benefit From the PDT Rule Change
Via MarketBeat
Topics Regulatory Compliance
Tickers HOOD IBKR SCHW TSLA
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.