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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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

OXM Cover Image

Even if a company is profitable, it doesn’t always mean it’s a great investment. Some struggle to maintain growth, face looming threats, or fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their future potential.

Profits are valuable, but they’re not everything. At StockStory, we help you identify the companies that have real staying power. That said, here are three profitable companies to avoid and some better opportunities instead.

Oxford Industries (OXM)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 5.1%

The parent company of Tommy Bahama, Oxford Industries (NYSE: OXM) is a lifestyle fashion conglomerate with brands that embody outdoor happiness.

Why Should You Sell OXM?

  1. Poor same-store sales performance over the past two years indicates it’s having trouble bringing new shoppers into its stores
  2. Projected sales growth of 1.4% for the next 12 months suggests sluggish demand
  3. Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam

At $46.57 per share, Oxford Industries trades at 13.6x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why OXM doesn’t pass our bar.

Benchmark (BHE)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 4%

Operating as a critical behind-the-scenes partner for complex technology products since 1979, Benchmark Electronics (NYSE: BHE) provides advanced manufacturing, engineering, and technology solutions for original equipment manufacturers across aerospace, medical, industrial, and technology sectors.

Why Do We Think Twice About BHE?

  1. Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 6.3% annually over the last two years
  2. Poor free cash flow margin of 0.8% for the last five years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends
  3. Underwhelming 7.3% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities

Benchmark’s stock price of $39.68 implies a valuation ratio of 16x forward P/E. If you’re considering BHE for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Kemper (KMPR)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 8.7%

Originally known as Unitrin until rebranding in 2011, Kemper (NYSE: KMPR) is an insurance holding company that provides automobile, homeowners, life, and other insurance products to individuals and businesses across the United States.

Why Do We Pass on KMPR?

  1. Insurance offerings faced market headwinds this cycle, reflected in stagnant net premiums earned over the last five years
  2. Earnings per share fell by 2% annually over the last five years while its revenue was flat, showing each sale was less profitable
  3. Book value per share tumbled by 6.3% annually over the last five years, showing insurance sector trends are working against its favor during this cycle

Kemper is trading at $52.53 per share, or 1.1x forward P/B. To fully understand why you should be careful with KMPR, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Stocks We Like More

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 5 Growth Stocks for this month. 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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