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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Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

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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

2 Profitable Stocks with Competitive Advantages and 1 We Ignore

UPWK 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Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages.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. That said, here are two profitable companies that leverage their financial strength to beat the competition and one that may face some trouble.

One Stock to Sell:

AMETEK (AME)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 26.2%

Started from its humble beginnings in motor repair, AMETEK (NYSE: AME) manufactures electronic devices used in industries like aerospace, power, and healthcare.

Why Do We Think Twice About AME?

  1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 4.3% annual growth was below the typical industrials company
  2. Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth

At $187.44 per share, AMETEK trades at 25.7x forward P/E. If you’re considering AME for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Two Stocks to Watch:

Upwork (UPWK)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 13.7%

Formed through the 2013 merger of Elance and oDesk, Upwork (NASDAQ: UPWK) is an online platform where businesses and independent professionals connect to get work done.

Why Could UPWK Be a Winner?

  1. Customers are spending more money on its platform as its average revenue per customer has increased by 8.9% annually over the last two years
  2. Additional sales over the last three years increased its profitability as the 166% annual growth in its earnings per share outpaced its revenue
  3. Free cash flow margin increased by 31.3 percentage points over the last few years, giving the company more capital to invest or return to shareholders

Upwork’s stock price of $17.71 implies a valuation ratio of 12.2x forward EV/EBITDA. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.

Core & Main (CNM)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 9.4%

Formerly a division of industrial distributor HD Supply, Core & Main (NYSE: CNM) is a provider of water, wastewater, and fire protection products and services.

Why Should You Buy CNM?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 17.3% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
  2. Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 20.5% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years
  3. Free cash flow margin expanded by 7.1 percentage points over the last five years, providing additional flexibility for investments and share buybacks/dividends

Core & Main is trading at $52.60 per share, or 20.2x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.

Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our 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-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% 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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