nLIGHT, Inc. (LASR)

nLIGHT, Inc. (LASR) stock has experienced significant positive momentum over the past six months, trending up by 127.41%. From January 2, 2025, to December 31, 2025, the share price surged by 260.67%, rising from $10.40 to $37.51 per share. Analyst upgrades and positive financial reports have contributed to this performance. Needham raised its price target for nLIGHT to $48 from $39, maintaining a "Buy" rating, following the company's preliminary fourth-quarter 2025 revenue exceeding expectations. Roth Capital initiated coverage with a "Buy" rating and a $44 price target on December 17, 2025. In November 2025, Stifel and Cantor Fitzgerald also increased their price targets for LASR. nLIGHT reported strong third-quarter 2025 earnings on November 6, 2025, with an EPS of $0.08, significantly beating analysts' expectations of -$0.03. Revenue for Q3 2025 was $66.74 million, an 18.9% year-over-year increase, also surpassing analyst estimates. The company's preliminary fourth-quarter 2025 revenue is expected to be between $78 million and $80 million, exceeding its prior guidance, primarily driven by continued strength in the Aerospace & Defense market. Insider selling activity was noted, with CEO Scott H. Keeney and CFO Joseph John Corso selling shares under prearranged Rule 10b5-1 plans.

Demand seasonality for nLIGHT, Inc.'s products and services is primarily influenced by the distinct characteristics of its target markets: industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace and defense. The aerospace and defense segment is experiencing strong and increasing demand due to the U.S. government's focus on non-kinetic defense systems. Demand for nLIGHT's industrial-focused products has been weak, with revenue declining year-over-year. The dominant factor influencing nLIGHT's demand is the strong and growing demand from the aerospace and defense sector, which is currently compensating for the softness in its commercial markets.

nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ: LASR) is a technology company that specializes in the design, development, manufacture, and sale of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers. The company operates within the Technology sector, specifically in the Semiconductors industry, creating light engines for critical applications across defense, manufacturing, and microfabrication. Its products include semiconductor lasers, fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers, beam combination and control systems, and laser sensing products. The company's operations are divided into Laser Products and Advanced Development.

nLIGHT has a global presence with manufacturing and R&D operations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. It sells products through a direct sales force in the United States, China, South Korea, and Europe, and uses independent sales representatives and distributors in other parts of Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. The company's geographical segments are reported as North America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA.

nLIGHT's brand reputation over the past year appears to be largely positive, primarily driven by its strategic pivot and strong performance in the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector. The company is recognized as a leading provider of high-power lasers for mission-critical directed energy, optical sensing, and advanced manufacturing applications. nLIGHT has successfully shifted its focus from primarily industrial lasers to becoming a critical defense contractor. The company's better-than-expected Q3 and preliminary Q4 2025 financial results, particularly the revenue outperformance driven by the A&D market, have bolstered its reputation. Multiple analysts have initiated or maintained "Buy" ratings and raised price targets for LASR, indicating strong confidence in the company's future performance and strategic direction. The shift towards defense products has led to a record product gross margin of 41% in Q3 2025, demonstrating strong operating leverage and enhancing profitability. nLIGHT has secured significant new contracts for directed energy products and laser sensing, with good visibility across multiple programs entering 2026.

nLIGHT, Inc.'s ownership structure is heavily weighted towards institutional investors, which hold approximately 84.49% to 86.54% of the company's stock. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc, BlackRock, Inc., Needham Investment Management Llc, Geode Capital Management, Llc, Harvey Partners, LLC, Royce & Associates Lp and Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Individual insider ownership is relatively modest, with CEO Scott H. Keeney holding approximately 2.1% to 2.2% of the total shares outstanding. The general public holds a smaller stake, around 10%.