Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, fiber-based laser and amplifier maker IPG Photonics (Nasdaq: IPGP) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at IPG's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

IPG facts

Headquarters (founded) Oxford, Mass. (1990)
Market Cap $2.2 billion
Industry Electronic manufacturing services
Trailing-12-Month Revenue $497.7 million
Management Founder/Chairman/CEO Dr. Valentin Gapontsev
CFO Timothy Mammen
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) 16.6%
Cash/Debt $395.5 million / $27.5 million
Competitors Coherent
Fanuc
Rofin-Sinar Technologies

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 98% of the 1,428 members who have rated IPG believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

Just last week, one of those bulls, fellow Fool Thomas Engle (TMF1000), tapped IPG as an attractive growth opportunity:

I believe they are still in the early stages of fiber laser adoption for industrial manufacturing applications. The Company also says they aren't seeing any increase in competition. Between 2006 and 2011, the fiber market grew 27%, but in 2011, it grew 60%. They believe the fiber market will grow to a $1.4 billion industry and if they can maintain market share, they believe they will produce sales of over $1 billion from this segment. The Company believes they have over 90% of the high power fiber business. ...

I can't predict recessions. If there isn't one, [IPG] will probably make another big recovery just like last year. If there is a recession, the price will drop creating an even better opportunity to buy. ... The fiber laser market looks like a great opportunity to build positions for the future at better and better value points.

If you want market-thumping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite its five-star rating, IPG may not be your top choice.

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