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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The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x 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.

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 Volatile Stocks with Open Questions

CZR Cover Image

Volatility cuts both ways - while it creates opportunities, it also increases risk, making sharp declines just as likely as big gains. This unpredictability can shake out even the most experienced investors.

At StockStory, our job is to help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on the right side of the trade. That said, here are three volatile stocks to avoid and some better opportunities instead.

Caesars Entertainment (CZR)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.58

Formerly Eldorado Resorts, Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR) is a global gaming and hospitality company operating numerous casinos, hotels, and resort properties.

Why Does CZR Fall Short?

  1. Sales were flat over the last two years, indicating it’s failed to expand its business
  2. Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were much less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 10% annually
  3. High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 6× increases the risk of forced asset sales or dilutive financing if operational performance weakens

Caesars Entertainment’s stock price of $27.00 implies a valuation ratio of 32.9x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with CZR, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Helios (HLIO)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.46

Founded on the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated, Helios (NYSE: HLIO) designs, manufactures, and sells motion and electronic control components for various sectors.

Why Should You Dump HLIO?

  1. Organic revenue growth fell short of our benchmarks over the past two years and implies it may need to improve its products, pricing, or go-to-market strategy
  2. Earnings per share fell by 2.9% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
  3. Waning returns on capital from an already weak starting point displays the inefficacy of management’s past and current investment decisions

Helios is trading at $55.04 per share, or 25.3x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why HLIO doesn’t pass our bar.

Ally Financial (ALLY)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.09

Born from the former GMAC (General Motors Acceptance Corporation) and rebranded in 2010, Ally Financial (NYSE: ALLY) operates a digital-first bank offering auto financing, insurance, mortgage lending, and investment services to consumers and commercial clients.

Why Is ALLY Risky?

  1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 3.8% annually over the last two years
  2. Sales were less profitable over the last two years as its earnings per share fell by 8.9% annually, worse than its revenue declines
  3. Muted 1.7% annual tangible book value per share growth over the last five years shows its capital generation lagged behind its financials peers

At $41.13 per share, Ally Financial trades at 9x forward P/E. If you’re considering ALLY 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 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 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.

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