About Us

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

A 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.

Social Media

Bluesky • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Sales

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
My Watchlist
Indicators
Industrial Laser Index
Markets
Stocks
ETFs
Tools
Markets:
Overview
News
Currencies
International
Treasuries

3 Unprofitable Stocks Walking a Fine Line

By: StockStory

JAMF Cover Image

Unprofitable companies face headwinds as they struggle to keep operating expenses under control. Some may be investing heavily, but the majority fail to convert spending into sustainable growth.

A lack of profits can lead to trouble, but StockStory helps you identify the businesses that stand a chance of making it through. That said, here are three unprofitable companiesto avoid and some better opportunities instead.

Jamf (JAMF)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -8.1%

Founded in 2002 by Zach Halmstad and Chip Pearson, right around the time when Apple began to dominate the personal computing market, Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF) provides software for companies to manage Apple devices such as Macs, iPads, and iPhones.

Why Does JAMF Give Us Pause?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 17.7% over the last three years was below our standards for the software sector
  2. Offerings struggled to generate meaningful interest as its average billings growth of 8.9% over the last year did not impress
  3. Poor expense management has led to operating margin losses

At $8.70 per share, Jamf trades at 1.7x forward price-to-sales. To fully understand why you should be careful with JAMF, check out our full research report (it’s free).

AMC Networks (AMCX)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -3.6%

Originally the joint-venture of four cable television companies, AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX) is a broadcaster producing a diverse range of television shows and movies.

Why Should You Sell AMCX?

  1. Annual sales declines of 4.6% for the past five years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market
  2. Sales were less profitable over the last five years as its earnings per share fell by 17.7% annually, worse than its revenue declines
  3. Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value

AMC Networks is trading at $6.04 per share, or 2x forward P/E. If you’re considering AMCX for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Rocket Lab (RKLB)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -44.2%

Becoming the first private company in the Southern Hemisphere to reach space, Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) offers rockets designed for launching small satellites.

Why Are We Hesitant About RKLB?

  1. Historically negative EPS is a worrisome sign for conservative investors and obscures its long-term earnings potential
  2. Negative free cash flow raises questions about the return timeline for its investments
  3. Short cash runway increases the probability of a capital raise that dilutes existing shareholders

Rocket Lab’s stock price of $39.16 implies a valuation ratio of 31.2x forward price-to-sales. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why RKLB doesn’t pass our bar.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs.

While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like 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.

More News

View More
Pfizer is Locking in New Growth Through a New Acquisition
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence
Tickers MTSR PFE
Copper Giant Freeport Slumps but Analysts See 33% Upside
Via MarketBeat
Tickers FCX SCCO
The BYD Opportunity: Tesla-Like Growth at a Fraction of the Price
Via MarketBeat
Topics Electric Vehicles
Tickers BYDDY LI TSLA
3 Reasons CoreWeave Could Be the Hottest AI Stock in Q4
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence
Tickers CRWV NVDA
Accenture: Undervalued GenAI Leader or Snake Eating its Own Tail?
Via MarketBeat
Tickers ACN IBM
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.