nLIGHT Inc (LASR)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)
LASR
nLIGHT Inc
$65.85
-12.07%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $4.18B
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$416.67
+0.10%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.28T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Microsoft Corporation generates 109709% more annual revenue ($318.27B vs $289.84M). MSFT leads profitability with a 39.3% profit margin vs -5.1%. MSFT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.42. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
LASR
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
MSFT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 55.2% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 46.3%
Generating 15.8B in free cash flow
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.3x book value
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of -4.6% — below average capital efficiency
Moderate valuation
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LASR
The strongest argument for LASR centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 55.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MSFT
The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.3% and operating margin at 46.3%. Revenue growth of 18.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : LASR
The primary concerns for LASR are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MSFT
The primary concerns for MSFT are P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LASR profiles as a hypergrowth stock while MSFT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LASR carries more volatility with a beta of 2.33 — expect wider price swings.
LASR is growing revenue faster at 55.2% — sustainability is the question.
MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (15.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSFT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 36/100), backed by strong 39.3% margins and 18.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
nLIGHT Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA
nLIGHT, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and sells fiber and semiconductor lasers for industrial, microfabrication, aerospace and defense applications. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.
Microsoft Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.
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