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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The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

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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.

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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 Profitable Stocks We Approach with Caution

TGNA Cover Image

Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages. Just because a business is in the green today doesn’t mean it will thrive tomorrow.

A business making money today isn’t necessarily a winner, which is why we analyze companies across multiple dimensions at StockStory. Keeping that in mind, here are three profitable companies that don’t make the cut and some better opportunities instead.

TEGNA (TGNA)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 24.3%

Spun out of Gannett in 2015, TEGNA (NYSE: TGNA) is a media company operating a network of television stations and digital platforms, focusing on local news and community content.

Why Is TGNA Risky?

  1. Products and services aren't resonating with the market as its revenue declined by 2.5% annually over the last two years
  2. Forecasted revenue decline of 8.5% for the upcoming 12 months implies demand will fall even further
  3. Capital intensity will likely increase as its free cash flow margin is anticipated to drop by 4.5 percentage points over the next year

At $21.08 per share, TEGNA trades at 11.3x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including TGNA in your portfolio.

Accel Entertainment (ACEL)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 7.5%

Established in Illinois, Accel Entertainment (NYSE: ACEL) is a provider of electronic gaming machines and interactive amusement terminals to bars and entertainment venues.

Why Do We Think Twice About ACEL?

  1. Sluggish trends in its video gaming terminals sold suggest customers aren’t adopting its solutions as quickly as the company hoped
  2. Anticipated sales growth of 6.4% for the next year implies demand will be shaky
  3. Poor free cash flow margin of 3.8% for the last two years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends

Accel Entertainment’s stock price of $11.62 implies a valuation ratio of 12.2x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with ACEL, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Ball (BALL)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 7.9%

Started with a $200 loan in 1880, Ball (NYSE: BLL) manufactures aluminum packaging for beverages, personal care, and household products as well as aerospace systems and other technologies.

Why Are We Out on BALL?

  1. Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth
  2. High input costs result in an inferior gross margin of 21.6% that must be offset through higher volumes
  3. Low free cash flow margin of -0.6% for the last five years gives it little breathing room, constraining its ability to self-fund growth or return capital to shareholders

Ball is trading at $53.32 per share, or 14.2x forward P/E. If you’re considering BALL for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

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

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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