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.

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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

2 Small-Cap Stocks Worth Your Attention and 1 We Find Risky

CVLT Cover Image

Small-cap stocks can be incredibly lucrative investments because their lack of analyst coverage leads to frequent mispricings. However, these businesses (and their stock prices) often stay small because their subscale operations make it harder to expand their competitive moats.

The downside that can come from buying these securities is precisely why we started StockStory - to isolate the long-term winners from the losers so you can invest with confidence. That said, here are two small-cap stocks that could amplify your portfolio’s returns and one best left ignored.

One Small-Cap Stock to Sell:

Brink's (BCO)

Market Cap: $4.44 billion

Known for its iconic armored trucks that have been a fixture in American cities since 1859, Brink's (NYSE: BCO) provides secure transportation and management of cash and valuables for banks, retailers, and other businesses worldwide.

Why Does BCO Worry Us?

  1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 3.5% annual growth was below the typical business services company
  2. 1.1 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
  3. Underwhelming 14% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities

Brink's is trading at $106.79 per share, or 13.3x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why BCO doesn’t pass our bar.

Two Small-Cap Stocks to Watch:

Commvault Systems (CVLT)

Market Cap: $8.25 billion

Originally formed in 1988 as part of Bell Labs, Commvault (NASDAQ: CVLT) provides enterprise software used for data backup and recovery, cloud and infrastructure management, retention, and compliance.

Why Do We Like CVLT?

  1. Average billings growth of 26.5% over the last year enhances its liquidity and shows there is steady demand for its products
  2. Superior software functionality and low servicing costs result in a premier gross margin of 82%
  3. Disciplined cost controls and effective management resulted in a strong trailing 12-month operating margin of 7.6%

Commvault Systems’s stock price of $189.52 implies a valuation ratio of 7.1x forward price-to-sales. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

Alignment Healthcare (ALHC)

Market Cap: $2.89 billion

Founded in 2013 with a mission to transform healthcare for seniors, Alignment Healthcare (NASDAQ: ALHC) provides Medicare Advantage health plans for seniors with features like concierge services, transportation benefits, and technology-driven care coordination.

Why Will ALHC Outperform?

  1. Average customer growth of 40.2% over the past two years demonstrates success in acquiring new clients that could increase their spending in the future
  2. Earnings per share have massively outperformed its peers over the last four years, increasing by 45.5% annually
  3. Free cash flow profile has moved into break even territory, showing the company is at an important crossroads

At $14.55 per share, Alignment Healthcare trades at 39.9x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at 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-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% 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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