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.

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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

3 Profitable Stocks with Open Questions

DDS Cover Image

Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages. Just because a business is in the green today doesn’t mean it will thrive tomorrow.

A business making money today isn’t necessarily a winner, which is why we analyze companies across multiple dimensions at StockStory. Keeping that in mind, here are three profitable companies that don’t make the cut and some better opportunities instead.

Dillard's (DDS)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 10.9%

With stores located largely in the Southern and Western US, Dillard’s (NYSE: DDS) is a department store chain that sells clothing, cosmetics, accessories, and home goods.

Why Are We Cautious About DDS?

  1. Absence of new stores indicates weak demand as management focuses on improving existing location performance
  2. Disappointing same-store sales over the past two years show customers aren’t responding well to its product selection and store experience
  3. Sales are projected to tank by 2.1% over the next 12 months as demand evaporates further

At $612.81 per share, Dillard's trades at 21.8x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why DDS doesn’t pass our bar.

Vontier (VNT)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 18%

A spin-off of a spin-off, Vontier (NYSE: VNT) provides electronic products and systems to the transportation, automotive, and manufacturing sectors.

Why Do We Avoid VNT?

  1. Absence of organic revenue growth over the past two years suggests it may have to lean into acquisitions to drive its expansion
  2. 7 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
  3. Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up

Vontier is trading at $40.42 per share, or 12.1x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including VNT in your portfolio.

Fidelity National Financial (FNF)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 10.6%

Issuing more title insurance policies than any other company in the United States, Fidelity National Financial (NYSE: FNF) provides title insurance and escrow services for real estate transactions while also offering annuities and life insurance through its F&G subsidiary.

Why Does FNF Fall Short?

  1. Stagnant net premiums earned over the last five years suggest the firm needs alternative growth strategies
  2. Expenses have increased as a percentage of revenue over the last four years as its pre-tax profit margin fell by 10.9 percentage points
  3. Incremental sales over the last five years were less profitable as its 3.4% annual earnings per share growth lagged its revenue gains

Fidelity National Financial’s stock price of $56.15 implies a valuation ratio of 1.7x forward P/B. To fully understand why you should be careful with FNF, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

Stocks We Like More

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 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 Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. 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.

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