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

1 Stock Under $50 with Impressive Fundamentals and 2 to Steer Clear Of

ALNT Cover Image

Stocks trading between $10 and $50 can be particularly interesting as they frequently represent businesses that have survived their early challenges. However, investors should remain vigilant as some may still have unproven business models, leaving them vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of the broader market.

This is precisely where StockStory comes in - we do the heavy lifting to identify companies with solid fundamentals so you can invest with confidence. Keeping that in mind, here is one stock under $50 that could 10x and two that could be down big.

Two IndustrialsStocks Under $50 to Sell:

Allient (ALNT)

Share Price: $39.30

Founded in 1962, Allient (NASDAQ: ALNT) develops and manufactures precision and specialty-controlled motion components and systems.

Why Should You Sell ALNT?

  1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 1.7% annually over the last two years
  2. Projected sales growth of 3.7% for the next 12 months suggests sluggish demand
  3. Earnings per share decreased by more than its revenue over the last two years, partly because it diluted shareholders

Allient is trading at $39.30 per share, or 20.6x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than ALNT.

Zurn Elkay (ZWS)

Share Price: $36.48

Claiming to have saved more than 30 billion gallons of water, Zurn Elkay (NYSE: ZWS) provides water management solutions to various industries.

Why Do We Think Twice About ZWS?

  1. Absence of organic revenue growth over the past two years suggests it may have to lean into acquisitions to drive its expansion
  2. Estimated sales growth of 3.5% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend
  3. Revenue growth over the past five years was nullified by the company’s new share issuances as its earnings per share fell by 8.8% annually

At $36.48 per share, Zurn Elkay trades at 26.8x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with ZWS, check out our full research report (it’s free).

One Industrials Stock Under $50 to Buy:

American Superconductor (AMSC)

Share Price: $40.95

Founded in 1987, American Superconductor (NASDAQ: AMSC) has shifted from superconductor research to developing power systems, adapting to changing energy grid needs and naval technology requirements.

Why Are We Backing AMSC?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 45% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
  2. Free cash flow flipped to positive over the last five years, indicating the company has passed a significant test
  3. Historical investments are beginning to pay off as its returns on capital are growing

American Superconductor’s stock price of $40.95 implies a valuation ratio of 77.3x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even 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 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. 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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