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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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 Russell 2000 Stocks Walking a Fine Line

MODG Cover Image

The Russell 2000 (^RUT) is packed with potential breakout stocks, thanks to its focus on smaller companies with high growth potential. However, smaller size also means these businesses often lack the resilience and financial flexibility of large-cap firms, making careful selection crucial.

Picking the right small caps isn’t easy, and that’s exactly why StockStory exists - to help you focus on the best opportunities. That said, here are three Russell 2000 stocks that don’t make the cut and some better choices instead.

Topgolf Callaway (MODG)

Market Cap: $1.82 billion

Formed between the merger of Callaway and Topgolf, Topgolf Callaway (NYSE: MODG) sells golf equipment and operates technology-driven golf entertainment venues.

Why Do We Pass on MODG?

  1. Constant currency revenue growth has disappointed over the past two years and shows demand was soft
  2. Earnings per share fell by 39.2% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
  3. Shrinking returns on capital from an already weak position reveal that neither previous nor ongoing investments are yielding the desired results

At $9.86 per share, Topgolf Callaway trades at 4x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why MODG doesn’t pass our bar.

Hub Group (HUBG)

Market Cap: $2.2 billion

Started with $10,000, Hub Group (NASDAQ: HUBG) is a provider of intermodal, truck brokerage, and logistics services, facilitating transportation solutions for businesses worldwide.

Why Do We Avoid HUBG?

  1. Flat unit sales over the past two years indicate demand is soft and that the company may need to revise its strategy
  2. Sales were less profitable over the last two years as its earnings per share fell by 37.1% annually, worse than its revenue declines
  3. Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam

Hub Group is trading at $35.93 per share, or 16.9x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than HUBG.

Luxfer (LXFR)

Market Cap: $336.7 million

With its magnesium alloys used in the construction of the famous Spirit of St. Louis aircraft, Luxfer (NYSE: LXFR) offers specialized materials, components, and gas containment devices to various industries.

Why Should You Dump LXFR?

  1. Sales tumbled by 1.9% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
  2. Free cash flow margin dropped by 7.8 percentage points over the last five years, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up
  3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

Luxfer’s stock price of $12.59 implies a valuation ratio of 11.4x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with LXFR, check out our full research report (it’s free).

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Trump’s April 2025 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 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 Tecnoglass (+1,754% 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

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