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.

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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 with Impressive Fundamentals and 2 Facing Headwinds

RRR Cover Image

Investors looking for hidden gems should keep an eye on small-cap stocks because they’re frequently overlooked by Wall Street. Many opportunities exist in this part of the market, but it is also a high-risk, high-reward environment due to the lack of reliable analyst price targets.

These trade-offs can cause headaches for even the most seasoned professionals, which is why we started StockStory - to help you separate the good companies from the bad. Keeping that in mind, here is one small-cap stock that could amplify your portfolio’s returns and two best left ignored.

Two Small-Cap Stocks to Sell:

Red Rock Resorts (RRR)

Market Cap: $3.60 billion

Founded in 1976, Red Rock Resorts (NASDAQ: RRR) operates a range of casino resorts and entertainment properties, primarily in the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

Why Do We Think Twice About RRR?

  1. 7.1% annual revenue growth over the last five years was slower than its consumer discretionary peers
  2. Estimated sales growth of 1.7% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend
  3. Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging

At $61.34 per share, Red Rock Resorts trades at 36.7x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including RRR in your portfolio.

Republic Bancorp (RBCAA)

Market Cap: $1.48 billion

With roots dating back to 1974 and operating across multiple states including Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee, Republic Bancorp (NASDAQGS:RBCA.A) is a Kentucky-based financial holding company that operates a bank offering traditional banking, mortgage services, and specialized financial products.

Why Does RBCAA Give Us Pause?

  1. Estimated net interest income growth of 2% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its five-year trend
  2. Capital trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 10% annual tangible book value per share growth was below the typical banking firm
  3. Estimated tangible book value per share growth of 7.3% for the next 12 months implies profitability will slow from its two-year trend

Republic Bancorp’s stock price of $75.85 implies a valuation ratio of 1.3x forward P/B. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than RBCAA.

One Small-Cap Stock to Buy:

Coastal Financial (CCB)

Market Cap: $1.65 billion

Pioneering the intersection of traditional banking and financial technology in the Pacific Northwest, Coastal Financial (NASDAQ: CCB) operates as a bank holding company that provides traditional banking services and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions to consumers and businesses.

Why Is CCB a Top Pick?

  1. Annual net interest income growth of 43.2% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
  2. Anticipated efficiency ratio improvement of -9.1 percentage points over the next year signals it will gain leverage on its fixed costs and become more productive
  3. Earnings per share grew by 24% annually over the last five years and trumped its peers

Coastal Financial is trading at $109.10 per share, or 3.3x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at 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 Kadant (+351% 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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