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

1 Safe-and-Steady Stock to Keep an Eye On and 2 We Ignore

MMI Cover Image

Low-volatility stocks may offer stability, but that often comes at the cost of slower growth and the upside potential of more dynamic companies.

Luckily for you, StockStory helps you navigate which companies are truly worth holding. That said, here is one low-volatility stock that could offer consistent gains and two that may not keep up.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Marcus & Millichap (MMI)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.94

Founded in 1971, Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI) specializes in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research, and advisory services.

Why Do We Think MMI Will Underperform?

  1. Flat sales over the last five years suggest it must innovate and find new ways to grow
  2. Negative free cash flow raises questions about the return timeline for its investments
  3. Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up

Marcus & Millichap is trading at $29 per share, or 220.8x forward P/E. If you’re considering MMI for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Starwood Property Trust (STWD)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.64

With a diverse portfolio spanning commercial properties, residential mortgages, infrastructure loans, and real estate servicing, Starwood Property Trust (NYSE: STWD) is a real estate investment trust that originates, acquires, and manages commercial mortgages, residential loans, and other real estate investments.

Why Should You Sell STWD?

  1. Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 6% annually over the last two years
  2. Customers borrowered less money this cycle as its net interest income declined by 2.5% annually over the last four years
  3. Loan losses and capital returns have eroded its tangible book value per share this cycle as its tangible book value per share declined by 4.3% annually over the last two years

At $19.93 per share, Starwood Property Trust trades at 1x forward P/B. To fully understand why you should be careful with STWD, check out our full research report (it’s free).

One Stock to Watch:

Astronics (ATRO)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.62

Integrating power outlets into many Boeing aircraft, Astronics (NASDAQ: ATRO) is a provider of technologies and services to the global aerospace, defense, and electronics industries.

Why Are We Fans of ATRO?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 15.1% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
  2. Performance over the past two years shows its incremental sales were extremely profitable, as its annual earnings per share growth of 89.9% outpaced its revenue gains
  3. Rising returns on capital show the company is starting to reap the benefits of its past investments

Astronics’s stock price of $30.24 implies a valuation ratio of 17.9x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

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 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 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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