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.

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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 Russell 2000 Stocks Walking a Fine Line

GBTG Cover Image

The Russell 2000 is home to many small-cap stocks, offering investors the chance to uncover hidden gems before the broader market catches on. However, these companies often come with higher volatility and risk, as their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to economic downturns.

The high-risk, high-reward nature of the Russell 2000 makes stock selection critical, and we’re here to guide you toward the right ones. That said, here are three Russell 2000 stocks to avoid and better alternatives to consider.

Global Business Travel (GBTG)

Market Cap: $3.21 billion

Holding close ties to American Express, Global Business Travel (NYSE: GBTG) is a comprehensive travel and expense management services provider to corporations worldwide.

Why Is GBTG Not Exciting?

  1. Estimated sales growth of 4.5% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its three-year trend
  2. Gross margin of 60.1% is below its competitors, leaving less money to invest in areas like marketing and R&D
  3. Poor free cash flow margin of 6.8% for the last year limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends

Global Business Travel’s stock price of $6.65 implies a valuation ratio of 1.2x forward price-to-sales. To fully understand why you should be careful with GBTG, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Helios (HLIO)

Market Cap: $956.9 million

Founded on the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated, Helios (NYSE: HLIO) designs, manufactures, and sells motion and electronic control components for various sectors.

Why Should You Dump HLIO?

  1. Organic revenue growth fell short of our benchmarks over the past two years and implies it may need to improve its products, pricing, or go-to-market strategy
  2. Earnings per share fell by 2.9% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, partly because it diluted shareholders
  3. 6.2 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

At $27.32 per share, Helios trades at 12.5x forward price-to-earnings. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including HLIO in your portfolio.

Integer Holdings (ITGR)

Market Cap: $4.06 billion

With its name reflecting the mathematical term for "whole" or "complete," Integer Holdings (NYSE: ITGR) is a medical device outsource manufacturer that produces components and systems for cardiac, vascular, neurological, and other medical applications.

Why Are We Hesitant About ITGR?

  1. 6.4% annual revenue growth over the last five years was slower than its healthcare peers
  2. Revenue base of $1.72 billion puts it at a disadvantage compared to larger competitors exhibiting economies of scale
  3. Free cash flow margin shrank by 6.7 percentage points over the last five years, suggesting the company is consuming more capital to stay competitive

Integer Holdings is trading at $112.96 per share, or 19.3x forward price-to-earnings. If you’re considering ITGR for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Stocks We Like More

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market 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 175% over the last five years.

Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Sterling Infrastructure (+1,096% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.

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