In the rapidly evolving technology sector, Ouster, Inc. (OUST) and MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS) stand out as key players in the lidar sensor market. Both companies focus on creating innovative solutions for autonomous vehicles and smart technology applications, yet their approaches differ significantly. Ouster emphasizes high-resolution sensors, while MicroVision leverages its unique laser scanning technology. As we delve into this analysis, I’ll help you determine which company presents the most attractive investment opportunity.
Table of contents
Company Overview
Ouster, Inc. Overview
Ouster, Inc. is a key player in the lidar technology sector, headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing high-resolution digital lidar sensors, aiming to provide 3D vision capabilities to a wide array of applications including vehicles, robotics, and infrastructure. Ouster’s product line, which includes advanced scanning sensors and solid-state flash sensors, positions it as an innovative force in the hardware industry. With a market capitalization of approximately $1.38B, Ouster is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for autonomous systems and smart technologies.
MicroVision, Inc. Overview
MicroVision, Inc., based in Redmond, Washington, focuses on developing lidar sensors for automotive safety and autonomous driving. The company utilizes cutting-edge laser beam scanning technology that integrates micro-electrical mechanical systems and sophisticated software. MicroVision is not only involved in automotive lidar but also explores micro-display designs for augmented reality headsets and smart home systems. With a market cap of around $288M, MicroVision caters primarily to original equipment manufacturers, establishing itself as a significant player in the burgeoning smart device market.
Key similarities and differences
Both Ouster and MicroVision operate within the lidar technology sector, focusing on hardware innovations that enhance autonomous systems. However, Ouster emphasizes broader applications across various industries, while MicroVision primarily targets automotive safety and augmented reality solutions.
Income Statement Comparison
The following table provides a detailed comparison of the most recent income statements for Ouster, Inc. and MicroVision, Inc., highlighting key financial metrics that can assist investors in evaluating their performance.
| Metric | Ouster, Inc. | MicroVision, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 1.38B | 287.5M |
| Revenue | 111.1M | 4.7M |
| EBITDA | -79.9M | -70.9M |
| EBIT | -94.7M | -75.2M |
| Net Income | -97.0M | -96.9M |
| EPS | -2.08 | -0.46 |
| Fiscal Year | 2024 | 2024 |
Interpretation of Income Statement
In the most recent fiscal year, Ouster, Inc. experienced a significant increase in revenue to 111.1M, up from 83.3M in the previous year, indicating a recovery trend. However, it still reported a net loss of 97.0M, suggesting that while sales have improved, the company continues to struggle with high operating costs, resulting in negative EBITDA. On the other hand, MicroVision recorded a decline in revenue to 4.7M, down from 7.3M, with a similar net loss of 96.9M, reflecting ongoing challenges in achieving profitability. Both companies exhibit concerning EBITDA figures, underscoring the need for improved cost management and strategic operational adjustments.
Financial Ratios Comparison
Below is a comparative analysis of key financial ratios for Ouster, Inc. (OUST) and MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS).
| Metric | Ouster, Inc. | MicroVision, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | -53.64% | -198.72% |
| ROIC | -51.12% | -83.29% |
| P/E | -5.87 | -2.83 |
| P/B | 3.15 | 5.63 |
| Current Ratio | 2.80 | 1.79 |
| Quick Ratio | 2.59 | 1.74 |
| D/E | 0.11 | 1.06 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 0.07 | 0.43 |
| Interest Coverage | -57.15 | -19.19 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.40 | 0.04 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 4.54 | 0.20 |
| Payout ratio | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend yield | 0% | 0% |
Interpretation of Financial Ratios
The financial ratios indicate significant financial distress for both companies. OUST shows a more favorable current ratio and debt-to-equity ratio, suggesting better liquidity management compared to MVIS. However, both companies exhibit negative returns on equity and capital, raising concerns about their profitability and operational efficiency. The high debt ratios for MVIS highlight potential liquidity risks, warranting careful consideration for investors seeking stability.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Neither Ouster, Inc. (OUST) nor MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS) pays dividends, reflecting their focus on reinvestment strategies during their high-growth phases. OUST has consistently reported negative net income, aligning with its strategy to utilize cash for operational needs and growth initiatives. Both companies are engaged in share buyback programs, which could enhance shareholder value by reducing share dilution. However, the lack of dividends raises questions about long-term value creation sustainability, particularly if profitability does not improve.
Strategic Positioning
Ouster, Inc. (OUST) holds a significant position in the lidar market with a market cap of $1.38B and a robust product lineup, including advanced scanning sensors. Its competitive stance is strengthened by its innovative technology and solid demand in sectors like automotive and robotics. In contrast, MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS), with a market cap of $288M, faces intense competition and technological disruptions in the same industry. Both companies are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape, with OUST currently having a larger market share and more established presence.
Stock Comparison
In this section, I will analyze the weekly stock price movements of Ouster, Inc. (OUST) and MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS) over the past year, highlighting key dynamics and price fluctuations that could impact investor decisions.
Trend Analysis
For Ouster, Inc. (OUST), the stock has experienced a remarkable increase of 228.47% over the past year. This substantial growth indicates a bullish trend; however, it is worth noting that the recent trend from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, has shown a decline of 20.69%, suggesting a deceleration in momentum. The stock has fluctuated between a high of $35.8 and a low of $4.82, with a standard deviation of 8.43, indicating moderate volatility.
In contrast, MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS) has faced a significant downward trend, with a 64.59% decline over the past year, marking a bearish trend. The more recent analysis from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, shows a further decrease of 17.38%. This trend is also characterized by deceleration, and the stock has traded between a high of $2.66 and a low of $0.82, with a lower standard deviation of 0.42, suggesting minimal volatility in the recent period.
Overall, OUST displays a strong upward trajectory despite recent setbacks, while MVIS continues to show significant challenges in its stock performance. As an investor, these insights are crucial for making informed decisions regarding portfolio allocations.
Analyst Opinions
Recent analyst ratings for Ouster, Inc. (OUST) suggest a cautious stance, with a rating of C-. The primary concerns include low scores in discounted cash flow and return metrics. For MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS), the situation is slightly worse, with a rating of D+. Analysts highlight poor financial health and high debt levels as key issues. Based on these evaluations, the consensus leans toward a hold position for both companies in 2025, indicating a preference for caution rather than aggressive buying or selling.
Stock Grades
In the current market landscape, here are the latest stock grades for Ouster, Inc. and MicroVision, Inc. that investors should consider.
Ouster, Inc. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantor Fitzgerald | upgrade | Overweight | 2025-11-07 |
| Cantor Fitzgerald | upgrade | Overweight | 2025-11-06 |
| Rosenblatt | maintain | Buy | 2025-11-05 |
| WestPark Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-11-05 |
| WestPark Capital | upgrade | Buy | 2025-08-13 |
| Oppenheimer | maintain | Outperform | 2025-07-16 |
| WestPark Capital | downgrade | Hold | 2025-06-12 |
| WestPark Capital | upgrade | Buy | 2025-05-09 |
| WestPark Capital | maintain | Hold | 2025-03-21 |
| Cantor Fitzgerald | maintain | Overweight | 2025-03-21 |
MicroVision, Inc. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. Boral Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-11-12 |
| WestPark Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-10-21 |
| WestPark Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-09-05 |
| D. Boral Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-09-02 |
| WestPark Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-08-27 |
| D. Boral Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-08-11 |
| D. Boral Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-05-21 |
| D. Boral Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-05-13 |
| WestPark Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-03-27 |
| D. Boral Capital | maintain | Buy | 2025-03-25 |
Overall, both Ouster and MicroVision maintain a positive trend in their grades, with multiple upgrades and consistent “Buy” ratings indicating strong investor confidence in their future performance.
Target Prices
The consensus target prices for Ouster, Inc. and MicroVision, Inc. indicate differing expectations from analysts.
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ouster, Inc. | 39 | 33 | 36.67 |
| MicroVision, Inc. | 5 | 5 | 5 |
For Ouster, Inc., the target consensus of 36.67 suggests significant upside potential compared to its current price of 22.92. Conversely, MicroVision, Inc. has a target consensus that aligns with its current price of 0.94, indicating limited growth expectations.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The following table outlines the strengths and weaknesses of Ouster, Inc. and MicroVision, Inc., two key players in the lidar technology market.
| Criterion | Ouster, Inc. | MicroVision, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Moderate | Limited |
| Profitability | Negative margins | Negative margins |
| Innovation | Strong focus on product development | Strong focus on product development |
| Global presence | Expanding | Limited |
| Market Share | Growing | Small |
| Debt level | Low | High |
Key takeaways indicate that Ouster, Inc. is showing a more favorable growth trajectory with moderate diversification and low debt levels, while MicroVision, Inc. faces significant challenges with high debt and limited market presence.
Risk Analysis
In the table below, I outline key risks affecting Ouster, Inc. (OUST) and MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS).
| Metric | Ouster, Inc. | MicroVision, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | High | Medium |
| Regulatory Risk | Medium | High |
| Operational Risk | High | High |
| Environmental Risk | Low | Medium |
| Geopolitical Risk | Medium | High |
Both companies face significant market and operational risks. Ouster has been under pressure due to high competition in the lidar industry, while MicroVision grapples with regulatory scrutiny as it develops automotive safety technologies.
Which one to choose?
After analyzing Ouster, Inc. (OUST) and MicroVision, Inc. (MVIS), it is evident that OUST demonstrates stronger fundamentals, including a more favorable gross profit margin of 36.4% compared to MVIS’s negative gross margin of -60.3%. OUST’s stock trend shows a bullish movement with a 228.47% increase over the past year, while MVIS has faced a bearish trend with a 64.59% decrease. The analyst ratings reflect this disparity, with OUST rated at C- and MVIS at D+.
Investors focused on growth may prefer OUST due to its recent bullish performance and better fundamentals, while those prioritizing stability may find MVIS’s lower valuation appealing despite its challenges.
However, both companies face risks such as market dependence and intense competition within their industries.
Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Each investor is responsible for their own investment decisions.
Go further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Ouster, Inc. and MicroVision, Inc. to enhance your investment decisions:
