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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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 Think Twice About

SWKS 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Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages.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.

Not all profitable companies are created equal, and that’s why we built StockStory - to help you find the ones that truly shine bright. That said, here are three profitable companies to steer clear of and a few better alternatives.

Skyworks Solutions (SWKS)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 11.2%

Result of a merger of Alpha Industries and the wireless communications division of Conexant, Skyworks Solutions (NASDAQ: SWKS) is a designer and manufacturer of chips used in smartphones, autos, and industrial applications to amplify, filter, and process wireless signals.

Why Do We Pass on SWKS?

  1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 10.1% annually over the last two years
  2. Projected sales decline of 8% over the next 12 months indicates demand will continue deteriorating
  3. Efficiency has decreased over the last five years as its operating margin fell by 21.5 percentage points

At $68.18 per share, Skyworks Solutions trades at 17x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including SWKS in your portfolio.

Trex (TREX)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 22.5%

Addressing the demand for aesthetically-pleasing and unique outdoor living spaces, Trex Company (NYSE: TREX) makes wood-alternative decking, railing, and patio furniture.

Why Does TREX Worry Us?

  1. Day-to-day expenses have swelled relative to revenue over the last five years as its operating margin fell by 3.3 percentage points
  2. 5.4 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
  3. Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up

Trex is trading at $61.77 per share, or 25.5x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than TREX.

MSC Industrial (MSM)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 8.2%

Founded in NYC’s Little Italy, MSC Industrial Direct (NYSE: MSM) provides industrial supplies and equipment, offering vast and reliable selection for customers such as contractors

Why Do We Avoid MSM?

  1. Absence of organic revenue growth over the past two years suggests it may have to lean into acquisitions to drive its expansion
  2. Demand will likely be soft over the next 12 months as Wall Street’s estimates imply tepid growth of 3.5%
  3. Earnings per share fell by 5.6% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable

MSC Industrial’s stock price of $87.27 implies a valuation ratio of 22.5x forward P/E. If you’re considering MSM for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Stocks We Like More

Trump’s April 2024 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 6 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-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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