Published since 1965, Laser Focus World provides comprehensive global coverage of optics, photonics, and optoelectronic technologies, applications, and markets. With 80,000+ qualified print subscribers and over a half-million annual visitors to our online content, we are the go-to source to access decision makers and stay in-the-know.

In addition to providing in-depth articles written by Laser Focus World editors, Laser Focus World accepts articles, news stories, and new product information for publication from qualified outside contributors. 

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Subscribe

A Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals. Subscribe here.

Get Published!

Laser Focus World welcomes original, bylined contributed articles for publishing, provided the material is non-commercial and runs first on our site. For consideration, contact Sally Cole Johnson ([email protected]). For more information, see our Editorial Guidelines

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics. Watch here.

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. Listen here.

Contact Us

Newsletter Archive

Magazine Archive

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Contact 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

1 Momentum Stock to Own for Decades and 2 We Avoid

OLO Cover Image

The stocks featured in this article have all approached their 52-week highs. When these price levels hit, it typically signals strong business execution, positive market sentiment, or significant industry tailwinds.

While momentum can be a leading indicator, it has burned many investors as it doesn’t always correlate with long-term success. Keeping that in mind, here is one stock we think lives up to the hype and two best left ignored.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Olo (OLO)

One-Month Return: +17.8%

Founded by Noah Glass, who wanted to get a cup of coffee faster on his way to work, Olo (NYSE: OLO) provides restaurants and food retailers with software to manage food orders and delivery.

Why Is OLO Not Exciting?

  1. Bad unit economics and steep infrastructure costs are reflected in its gross margin of 54.7%, one of the worst among software companies
  2. Operating losses show it sacrificed profitability while scaling the business
  3. Ability to fund investments or reward shareholders with increased buybacks or dividends is restricted by its weak free cash flow margin of 7.4% for the last year

At $10.46 per share, Olo trades at 5.3x forward price-to-sales. To fully understand why you should be careful with OLO, check out our full research report (it’s free).

RTX (RTX)

One-Month Return: +8.6%

Originally focused on refrigeration technology, Raytheon (NSYE:RTX) provides a a variety of products and services to the aerospace and defense industries.

Why Do We Think Twice About RTX?

  1. Estimated sales growth of 4.7% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend
  2. Earnings growth underperformed the sector average over the last five years as its EPS grew by just 4.8% annually
  3. ROIC of 3.7% reflects management’s challenges in identifying attractive investment opportunities

RTX is trading at $156.65 per share, or 25.5x forward P/E. If you’re considering RTX for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

One Stock to Buy:

EMCOR (EME)

One-Month Return: +18.3%

Through its network of over 70 subsidiaries, EMCOR (NYSE: EME) provides electrical, mechanical, and building construction and services

Why Will EME Beat the Market?

  1. Impressive 15.6% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
  2. Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 54.8% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years
  3. Improving returns on capital reflect management’s ability to monetize investments

EMCOR’s stock price of $628 implies a valuation ratio of 26x 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

Trump’s April 2024 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 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-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% 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.

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.