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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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 Profitable Stock to Own for Decades and 2 We Turn Down

SOFI 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.

Not all profitable companies are created equal, and that’s why we built StockStory - to help you find the ones that truly shine bright. That said, here is one profitable company that generates reliable profits without sacrificing growth and two that may face some trouble.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Leggett & Platt (LEG)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 6.5%

Founded in 1883, Leggett & Platt (NYSE: LEG) is a diversified manufacturer of products and components for various industries.

Why Do We Avoid LEG?

  1. Products and services fail to spark excitement with consumers, as seen in its flat sales over the last five years
  2. Earnings per share fell by 11.8% annually over the last five years while its revenue was flat, showing each sale was less profitable
  3. Shrinking returns on capital from an already weak position reveal that neither previous nor ongoing investments are yielding the desired results

At $9.43 per share, Leggett & Platt trades at 8.1x forward P/E. If you’re considering LEG for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Luxfer (LXFR)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 9.5%

With its magnesium alloys used in the construction of the famous Spirit of St. Louis aircraft, Luxfer (NYSE: LXFR) offers specialized materials, components, and gas containment devices to various industries.

Why Do We Think LXFR Will Underperform?

  1. Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 1.9% annually over the last two years
  2. Capital intensity has ramped up over the last five years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 7.8 percentage points
  3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

Luxfer’s stock price of $13.24 implies a valuation ratio of 12x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why LXFR doesn’t pass our bar.

One Stock to Buy:

SoFi (SOFI)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 10.3%

Starting as a student loan refinancing company founded by Stanford business school students in 2011, SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) operates a digital financial platform offering lending, banking, investing, and other financial services to help members borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect their money.

Why Are We Bullish on SOFI?

  1. Market share has increased this cycle as its 28.5% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
  2. Incremental sales over the last two years have been highly profitable as its earnings per share increased by 75.9% annually, topping its revenue gains

SoFi is trading at $24.45 per share, or 66x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

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-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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