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

3 Small-Cap Stocks with Warning Signs

GLDD Cover Image

Investors looking for hidden gems should keep an eye on small-cap stocks because they’re frequently overlooked by Wall Street. Many opportunities exist in this part of the market, but it is also a high-risk, high-reward environment due to the lack of reliable analyst price targets.

Luckily for you, our mission at StockStory is to help you make money and avoid losses by sorting the winners from the losers. That said, here are three small-cap stocks to avoid and some other investments you should consider instead.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD)

Market Cap: $779.9 million

Founded as Lydon & Drews dredging company, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (NASDAQ: GLDD) provides dredging services, land reclamation, and coastal protection projects in the United States and internationally.

Why Do We Think Twice About GLDD?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 2.9% over the last five years was below our standards for the industrials sector
  2. Estimated sales decline of 1.3% for the next 12 months implies a challenging demand environment
  3. Cash-burning tendencies make us wonder if it can sustainably generate shareholder value

At $11.51 per share, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock trades at 14.5x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including GLDD in your portfolio.

DaVita (DVA)

Market Cap: $9.23 billion

With over 2,600 dialysis centers across the United States and a presence in 13 countries, DaVita (NYSE: DVA) operates a network of dialysis centers providing treatment and care for patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease.

Why Is DVA Not Exciting?

  1. Annual sales growth of 2.7% over the last five years lagged behind its healthcare peers as its large revenue base made it difficult to generate incremental demand
  2. Flat treatments over the past two years indicate demand is soft and that the company may need to revise its strategy
  3. Estimated sales growth of 3.4% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend

DaVita’s stock price of $129.65 implies a valuation ratio of 11x forward P/E. If you’re considering DVA for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

CVB Financial (CVBF)

Market Cap: $2.59 billion

With roots dating back to 1974 and a focus on serving small and medium-sized businesses, CVB Financial (NASDAQ: CVBF) operates Citizens Business Bank, providing banking, lending, and trust services to businesses and individuals across California.

Why Does CVBF Give Us Pause?

  1. Net interest income trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 1.4% annual growth was below the typical banking firm
  2. Earnings per share decreased by more than its revenue over the last two years, showing each sale was less profitable
  3. Annual tangible book value per share growth of 2.8% over the last five years was below our standards for the banking sector

CVB Financial is trading at $19.03 per share, or 1.1x forward P/B. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why CVBF doesn’t pass our bar.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

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.

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.