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

1 Safe-and-Steady Stock to Consider Right Now and 2 We Question

FAST Cover Image

A stock with low volatility can be reassuring, but it doesn’t always mean strong long-term performance. Investors who prioritize stability may miss out on higher-reward opportunities elsewhere.

Luckily for you, StockStory helps you navigate which companies are truly worth holding. That said, here is one low-volatility stock providing safe-and-steady growth and two that may not deliver the returns you need.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Fastenal (FAST)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.71

Founded in 1967, Fastenal (NASDAQ: FAST) provides industrial and construction supplies, including fasteners, tools, safety products, and many other product categories to businesses globally.

Why Do We Think Twice About FAST?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 3.6% over the last two years was below our standards for the industrials sector
  2. Earnings per share lagged its peers over the last two years as they only grew by 2.8% annually
  3. Free cash flow margin dropped by 4.8 percentage points over the last five years, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up

Fastenal is trading at $50 per share, or 46.2x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with FAST, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Arbor Realty Trust (ABR)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.73

With roots dating back to 2003 and a focus on the stability of multifamily housing, Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE: ABR) is a specialized lender that provides financing solutions for multifamily and commercial real estate while also originating and servicing government-backed mortgage loans.

Why Should You Dump ABR?

  1. Sales tumbled by 8.7% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
  2. Earnings per share decreased by more than its revenue over the last two years, showing each sale was less profitable
  3. Loan losses and capital returns have eroded its tangible book value per share this cycle as its tangible book value per share declined by 3.3% annually over the last two years

Arbor Realty Trust’s stock price of $11.84 implies a valuation ratio of 1x forward P/B. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than ABR.

One Stock to Watch:

W. R. Berkley (WRB)

Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.45

Founded in 1967 and operating through more than 50 specialized insurance units across the globe, W. R. Berkley (NYSE: WRB) underwrites commercial insurance and reinsurance through specialized subsidiaries serving industries from healthcare to construction to transportation.

Why Should WRB Be on Your Watchlist?

  1. Market penetration was impressive this cycle as its net premiums earned expanded by 12.7% annually over the last five years
  2. Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 32% to outpace its revenue gains
  3. Capital strength is on track to rise over the next 12 months as its 28.2% projected book value per share growth implies profitability will accelerate from its two-year trend

At $72.15 per share, W. R. Berkley trades at 2.8x forward P/B. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

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 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 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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