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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If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

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 Profitable Stocks Walking a Fine Line

NCLH 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Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages.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.

Profits are valuable, but they’re not everything. At StockStory, we help you identify the companies that have real staying power. That said, here are three profitable companies to avoid and some better opportunities instead.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 16%

With amenities like a full go-kart race track built into its ships, Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE: NCLH) is a premier global cruise company.

Why Are We Cautious About NCLH?

  1. Sluggish trends in its passenger cruise days suggest customers aren’t adopting its solutions as quickly as the company hoped
  2. Cash-burning tendencies make us wonder if it can sustainably generate shareholder value
  3. Short cash runway increases the probability of a capital raise that dilutes existing shareholders

Norwegian Cruise Line’s stock price of $25.28 implies a valuation ratio of 11.3x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including NCLH in your portfolio.

Adtalem (ATGE)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 19.3%

Formerly known as DeVry Education Group, Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE) is a global provider of workforce solutions and educational services.

Why Is ATGE Not Exciting?

  1. 11% annual revenue growth over the last two years was slower than its consumer discretionary peers
  2. Estimated sales growth of 7.5% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its two-year trend
  3. ROIC of 10.1% reflects management’s challenges in identifying attractive investment opportunities

At $134.43 per share, Adtalem trades at 17.8x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why ATGE doesn’t pass our bar.

Sixth Street Specialty Lending (TSLX)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 53.5%

Originally launched as TPG Specialty Lending before rebranding in 2020, Sixth Street Specialty Lending (NYSE: TSLX) is a business development company that provides customized financing solutions to middle-market companies across various industries.

Why Does TSLX Give Us Pause?

  1. Annual earnings per share growth of 3.1% underperformed its revenue over the last five years, showing its incremental sales were less profitable

Sixth Street Specialty Lending is trading at $24.95 per share, or 11.8x forward P/E. If you’re considering TSLX for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

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-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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