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

3 Profitable Stocks with Warning Signs

ACM Cover Image

Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages. Just because a business is in the green today doesn’t mean it will thrive tomorrow.

A business making money today isn’t necessarily a winner, which is why we analyze companies across multiple dimensions at StockStory. Keeping that in mind, here are three profitable companies to avoid and some better opportunities instead.

AECOM (ACM)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 6.4%

Founded in 1990 when a group of engineers from five companies decided to merge, AECOM (NYSE: ACM) provides various infrastructure consulting services.

Why Does ACM Worry Us?

  1. Demand cratered as it couldn’t win new orders over the past two years, leading to an average 2% decline in its backlog
  2. High input costs result in an inferior gross margin of 6.6% that must be offset through higher volumes
  3. Subpar operating margin of 4.5% constrains its ability to invest in process improvements or effectively respond to new competitive threats

AECOM is trading at $131.62 per share, or 24.7x forward P/E. If you’re considering ACM for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

CooperCompanies (COO)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 18.3%

With a history dating back to 1958 and a portfolio spanning two distinct healthcare segments, Cooper Companies (NASDAQ: COO) develops and manufactures medical devices focused on vision care through contact lenses and women's health including fertility products and services.

Why Are We Wary of COO?

  1. Muted 7.3% annual revenue growth over the last two years shows its demand lagged behind its healthcare peers
  2. 8.3 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
  3. Underwhelming 5.1% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities

At $67.20 per share, CooperCompanies trades at 15.5x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with COO, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Chemed (CHE)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 14.7%

With a unique business model combining end-of-life care and household services, Chemed (NYSE: CHE) operates two distinct businesses: VITAS, which provides hospice care for terminally ill patients, and Roto-Rooter, which offers plumbing and water restoration services.

Why Does CHE Fall Short?

  1. Muted 4.4% annual revenue growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its healthcare peers
  2. Costs have risen faster than its revenue over the last five years, causing its adjusted operating margin to decline by 2.7 percentage points
  3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

Chemed’s stock price of $458.25 implies a valuation ratio of 18.3x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why CHE doesn’t pass our bar.

Stocks We Like 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 5 Strong Momentum 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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