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 Small-Cap Stock to Consider Right Now and 2 We Question

DXPE Cover Image

Small-cap stocks can be incredibly lucrative investments because their lack of analyst coverage leads to frequent mispricings. However, these businesses (and their stock prices) often stay small because their subscale operations make it harder to expand their competitive moats.

The downside that can come from buying these securities is precisely why we started StockStory - to isolate the long-term winners from the losers so you can invest with confidence. That said, here is one small-cap stock that could amplify your portfolio’s returns and two best left ignored.

Two Small-Cap Stocks to Sell:

Ameresco (AMRC)

Market Cap: $1.48 billion

Having played a role in upgrading the energy solutions of Alcatraz Island, Ameresco (NYSE: AMRC) provides energy and renewable energy solutions for various sectors.

Why Are We Hesitant About AMRC?

  1. High input costs result in an inferior gross margin of 16.5% that must be offset through higher volumes
  2. Negative free cash flow raises questions about the return timeline for its investments
  3. Depletion of cash reserves could lead to a fundraising event that triggers shareholder dilution

At $28.02 per share, Ameresco trades at 25.4x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with AMRC, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Korn Ferry (KFY)

Market Cap: $3.81 billion

With clients including 97% of the S&P 100 and operations in 103 offices across 51 countries, Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) is a global consulting firm that helps organizations design optimal structures, recruit talent, develop leaders, and create effective compensation strategies.

Why Is KFY Not Exciting?

  1. Sales tumbled by 1.3% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
  2. Projected sales growth of 2.7% for the next 12 months suggests sluggish demand
  3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

Korn Ferry is trading at $72.72 per share, or 14x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than KFY.

One Small-Cap Stock to Watch:

DXP (DXPE)

Market Cap: $1.79 billion

Founded during the emergence of Big Oil in Texas, DXP (NASDAQ: DXPE) provides pumps, valves, and other industrial components.

Why Are We Fans of DXPE?

  1. Offerings and unique value proposition resonate with customers, as seen in its above-market 10.4% annual sales growth over the last five years
  2. Operating margin expanded by 5.2 percentage points over the last five years as it scaled and became more efficient
  3. Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 32.6% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years

DXP’s stock price of $114.50 implies a valuation ratio of 20.2x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full 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-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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