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.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

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 Safe-and-Steady Stocks for Long-Term Investors

FTAI Cover Image

Stocks with low volatility can be a great foundation for a portfolio, especially for investors looking to reduce risk. While they don’t often make headlines, these companies provide consistency in an unpredictable market.

Finding safe investments without sacrificing returns is key, and StockStory is here to help you find the best investments. Keeping that in mind, here are three low-volatility stocks that could succeed under all market conditions.

FTAI Aviation (FTAI)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.89

With a focus on the CFM56 engine that powers Boeing and Airbus’s planes, FTAI Aviation (NASDAQ: FTAI) sells, leases, maintains, and repairs aircraft engines.

Why Is FTAI a Top Pick?

  1. Impressive 41.4% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
  2. Performance over the past two years shows its incremental sales were extremely profitable, as its annual earnings per share growth of 67% outpaced its revenue gains
  3. Cash burn has become less severe over the last five years, showing the company is making some progress toward financial sustainability

At $170 per share, FTAI Aviation trades at 31.9x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

Humana (HUM)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.90

With over 80% of its revenue derived from federal government contracts, Humana (NYSE: HUM) provides health insurance plans and healthcare services to approximately 17 million members, with a strong focus on Medicare Advantage plans for seniors.

Why Does HUM Stand Out?

  1. Decent 11.8% annual revenue growth over the last five years beat most of its peers, showing customers find value in its products and services
  2. Unparalleled scale of $123.1 billion in revenue enables it to spread administrative costs across a larger membership base
  3. Industry-leading 49% return on capital demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments

Humana is trading at $247.70 per share, or 16.6x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

The Ensign Group (ENSG)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.36

Founded in 1999 and named after a naval term for a flag-bearing ship, The Ensign Group (NASDAQ: ENSG) operates skilled nursing facilities, senior living communities, and rehabilitation services across 15 states, primarily serving high-acuity patients recovering from various medical conditions.

Why Do We Like ENSG?

  1. Products are reaching more customers as its unit sales averaged 12.2% growth over the past two years
  2. Estimated revenue growth of 15.2% for the next 12 months implies its momentum over the last two years will continue
  3. Earnings per share grew by 17.3% annually over the last five years and trumped its peers

The Ensign Group’s stock price of $175.06 implies a valuation ratio of 26.3x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself 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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% 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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