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 Stocks Under $50 with Warning Signs

ALLY Cover Image

Stocks in the $10-50 range offer a sweet spot between affordability and stability as they’re typically more established than penny stocks. But their headline prices don’t guarantee quality, and investors should exercise caution as some have shaky business models.

Luckily for you, our mission at StockStory is to help you make money and avoid losses by sorting the winners from the losers. Keeping that in mind, here are three stocks under $50 to swipe left on and some alternatives you should look into instead.

Ally Financial (ALLY)

Share Price: $43.30

Born from the former GMAC (General Motors Acceptance Corporation) and rebranded in 2010, Ally Financial (NYSE: ALLY) operates a digital-first bank offering auto financing, insurance, mortgage lending, and investment services to consumers and commercial clients.

Why Do We Think ALLY Will Underperform?

  1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 3.8% annually over the last two years
  2. Sales were less profitable over the last two years as its earnings per share fell by 8.9% annually, worse than its revenue declines
  3. Capital trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 1.7% annual tangible book value per share growth was below the typical financials firm

Ally Financial’s stock price of $43.30 implies a valuation ratio of 9.5x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including ALLY in your portfolio.

Dime Community Bancshares (DCOM)

Share Price: $30.77

With roots dating back to 1910 and a name that evokes the historic "dime savings banks" of America's past, Dime Community Bancshares (NASDAQ: DCOM) is a New York-based bank holding company that provides commercial banking and financial services to businesses and consumers throughout Greater Long Island.

Why Do We Think Twice About DCOM?

  1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 5.5% annually over the last two years
  2. Weak unit economics are reflected in its net interest margin of 2.6%, one of the worst among bank companies
  3. Performance over the past two years shows each sale was less profitable as its earnings per share dropped by 26.7% annually, worse than its revenue

Dime Community Bancshares is trading at $30.77 per share, or 1x forward P/B. If you’re considering DCOM for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Northwest Bancshares (NWBI)

Share Price: $12.31

Founded in 1896 and operating across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana, Northwest Bancshares (NASDAQ: NWBI) is a bank holding company that operates Northwest Bank, providing personal and business banking, investment management, and trust services.

Why Are We Wary of NWBI?

  1. Muted 5.9% annual net interest income growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its banking peers
  2. Capital trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 2.3% annual tangible book value per share growth was below the typical banking firm
  3. Estimated tangible book value per share decline of 4.2% for the next 12 months implies a challenging profitability environment

At $12.31 per share, Northwest Bancshares trades at 1x forward P/B. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than NWBI.

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 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.

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