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.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

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

1 Value Stock Worth Investigating and 2 to Think Twice About

PPC Cover Image

Value investing has created more billionaires than any other strategy, like Warren Buffett, who built his fortune by purchasing wonderful businesses at reasonable prices. But these hidden gems are few and far between - many stocks that appear cheap often stay that way because they face structural issues.

Identifying genuine bargains from value traps is something many investors struggle with, which is why we started StockStory - to help you find the best companies. That said, here is one value stock with strong fundamentals and two with little support.

Two Value Stocks to Sell:

Pilgrim's Pride (PPC)

Forward P/E Ratio: 9.4x

Offering everything from pre-marinated to frozen chicken, Pilgrim’s Pride (NASDAQ: PPC) produces, processes, and distributes chicken products to retailers and food service customers.

Why Does PPC Worry Us?

  1. Large revenue base makes it harder to increase sales quickly, and its annual revenue growth of 4.5% over the last three years was below our standards for the consumer staples sector
  2. Estimated sales growth of 1.5% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its three-year trend
  3. Commoditized products, bad unit economics, and high competition are reflected in its low gross margin of 10.7%

Pilgrim's Pride’s stock price of $46.75 implies a valuation ratio of 9.4x forward P/E. If you’re considering PPC for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Herc (HRI)

Forward P/E Ratio: 9.4x

Formerly a subsidiary of Hertz Corporation and with a logo that still bears some similarities to its former parent, Herc Holdings (NYSE: HRI) provides equipment rental and related services to a wide range of industries.

Why Are We Cautious About HRI?

  1. Estimated sales growth of 2.2% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend
  2. Flat earnings per share over the last two years lagged its peers
  3. 18 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 $121.43 per share, Herc trades at 9.4x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with HRI, check out our full research report (it’s free).

One Value Stock to Watch:

Lantheus (LNTH)

Forward P/E Ratio: 11.3x

Pioneering the "Find, Fight and Follow" approach to disease management, Lantheus Holdings (NASDAQGM:LNTH) develops and commercializes radiopharmaceuticals and other imaging agents that help healthcare professionals detect, diagnose, and treat diseases.

Why Do We Like LNTH?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 34.3% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
  2. Free cash flow margin jumped by 29.5 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more resources to pursue growth initiatives, repurchase shares, or pay dividends
  3. Improving returns on capital reflect management’s ability to monetize investments

Lantheus is trading at $81.75 per share, or 11.3x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

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 5 Growth Stocks for this month. 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.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.