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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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

2 Large-Cap Stocks with Exciting Potential and 1 We Find Risky

TGT Cover Image

Large-cap stocks have the power to shape entire industries thanks to their size and widespread influence. With such vast footprints, however, finding new areas for growth is much harder than for smaller, more agile players.

This dynamic can trouble even the most skilled investors, but luckily for you, we started StockStory to help you navigate these trade-offs and uncover exceptional companies that break the mold. That said, here are two large-cap stocks that still have big upside potential and one whose momentum may slow.

One Large-Cap Stock to Sell:

Target (TGT)

Market Cap: $40.13 billion

With a higher focus on style and aesthetics compared to other large general merchandise retailers, Target (NYSE: TGT) serves the suburban consumer who is looking for a wide range of products under one roof.

Why Are We Hesitant About TGT?

  1. Poor same-store sales performance over the past two years indicates it’s having trouble bringing new shoppers into its brick-and-mortar locations
  2. Gross margin of 28.1% is an output of its commoditized inventory
  3. Performance over the past six years shows its incremental sales were much less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 4.2% annually

Target is trading at $88.24 per share, or 11.5x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with TGT, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Two Large-Cap Stocks to Watch:

Tractor Supply (TSCO)

Market Cap: $30.39 billion

Started as a mail-order tractor parts business, Tractor Supply (NASDAQ: TSCO) is a retailer of general goods such as agricultural supplies, hardware, and pet food for the rural consumer.

Why Do We Watch TSCO?

  1. Fast expansion of new stores indicates an aggressive approach to attacking untapped market opportunities
  2. Forecasted revenue growth of 6.7% for the next 12 months indicates its momentum over the last six years is sustainable
  3. Stellar returns on capital showcase management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures

At $57.73 per share, Tractor Supply trades at 26x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

Xylem (XYL)

Market Cap: $34.43 billion

Formed through a spinoff, Xylem (NYSE: XYL) manufactures and services engineered products across a wide variety of applications primarily in the water sector.

Why Could XYL Be a Winner?

  1. Market share has increased this cycle as its 20.1% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
  2. Offerings are difficult to replicate at scale and lead to a top-tier gross margin of 37.6%
  3. Earnings per share grew by 15.9% annually over the last two years, massively outpacing its peers

Xylem’s stock price of $141.46 implies a valuation ratio of 29.2x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full 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 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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