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.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

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

Get Published!

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 Consumer Stocks with Warning Signs

GO Cover Image

Retailers are evolving to meet the expectations of modern, tech-savvy shoppers. This includes developing an online presence to fend off e-commerce competitors, a strategy that has helped the industry maintain steady demand by giving it more sales channels. In turn, retail stocks were up 20.9% over the past six months compared to 17.4% for the S&P 500.

Regardless of these results, a cautious approach is imperative as many companies in this space can be value traps. On that note, here are three consumer stocks we’re swiping left on.

Grocery Outlet (GO)

Market Cap: $1.72 billion

Due to its differentiated procurement and buying approach, Grocery Outlet (NASDAQ: GO) is a discount grocery store chain that offers substantial discounts on name-brand products.

Why Do We Think Twice About GO?

  1. Operating margin of 1.4% falls short of the industry average, and the smaller profit dollars make it harder to react to unexpected market developments
  2. Below-average returns on capital indicate management struggled to find compelling investment opportunities, and its shrinking returns suggest its past profit sources are losing steam
  3. Limited cash reserves may force the company to seek unfavorable financing terms that could dilute shareholders

At $17.54 per share, Grocery Outlet trades at 21.5x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why GO doesn’t pass our bar.

Genuine Parts (GPC)

Market Cap: $19.4 billion

Largely targeting the professional customer, Genuine Parts (NYSE: GPC) sells auto and industrial parts such as batteries, belts, bearings, and machine fluids.

Why Is GPC Not Exciting?

  1. Large revenue base makes it harder to increase sales quickly, and its annual revenue growth of 4.7% over the last six years was below our standards for the consumer retail sector
  2. Lagging same-store sales over the past two years suggest it might have to change its pricing and marketing strategy to stimulate demand
  3. 3.4 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last year reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position

Genuine Parts’s stock price of $139.49 implies a valuation ratio of 17.1x forward P/E. If you’re considering GPC for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Leslie's (LESL)

Market Cap: $61.99 million

Named after founder Philip Leslie, who established the company in 1963, Leslie’s (NASDAQ: LESL) is a retailer that sells pool and spa supplies, equipment, and maintenance services.

Why Is LESL Risky?

  1. Disappointing same-store sales over the past two years show customers aren’t responding well to its product selection and store experience
  2. 8.9 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last year reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
  3. Unfavorable liquidity position could lead to additional equity financing that dilutes shareholders

Leslie's is trading at $0.34 per share, or 0.7x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why LESL doesn’t pass our bar.

Stocks We Like More

Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.

The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - check 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.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.