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

3 Value Stocks We Keep Off Our Radar

DOLE Cover Image

The low valuation multiples for value stocks provide a margin of safety that growth stocks rarely offer. However, the challenge lies in determining whether these cheap assets are genuinely undervalued or simply on sale due to their potentially deteriorating business models.

This distinction between true value and value traps can challenge even the most skilled investors. Luckily for you, we started StockStory to help you uncover exceptional companies. That said, here are three value stocks climbing an uphill battle and some other investments you should look into instead.

Dole (DOLE)

Forward P/E Ratio: 10.5x

Known for its delicious pineapples and Hawaiian roots, Dole (NYSE: DOLE) is a global agricultural company specializing in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Why Are We Wary of DOLE?

  1. Sales stagnated over the last three years and signal the need for new growth strategies
  2. Easily substituted products (and therefore stiff competition) result in an inferior gross margin of 8.4% that must be offset through higher volumes
  3. Poor expense management has led to an operating margin of 2.8% that is below the industry average

Dole’s stock price of $14.57 implies a valuation ratio of 10.5x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why DOLE doesn’t pass our bar.

Quanex (NX)

Forward P/E Ratio: 7.9x

Starting in the seamless tube industry, Quanex (NYSE: NX) manufactures building products like window, door, kitchen, and bath cabinet components.

Why Does NX Fall Short?

  1. Earnings per share fell by 5.4% annually over the last two years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
  2. Capital intensity has ramped up over the last five years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 9.9 percentage points
  3. Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up

Quanex is trading at $21.37 per share, or 7.9x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including NX in your portfolio.

NCR Atleos (NATL)

Forward P/E Ratio: 9x

Spun off from NCR Voyix in 2023 to focus exclusively on self-service banking technology, NCR Atleos (NYSE: NATL) provides self-directed banking solutions including ATM and interactive teller machine technology, software, services, and a surcharge-free ATM network for financial institutions and retailers.

Why Do We Avoid NATL?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 1.8% over the last two years was below our standards for the financials sector
  2. Earnings per share fell by 11.8% annually over the last two years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable

At $39.84 per share, NCR Atleos trades at 9x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than NATL.

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 Growth Stocks for this month. 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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