nLIGHT(NASDAQ) LASR

nLIGHT makes powerful lasers for defense agencies and manufacturers. These tools help military systems or allow factories to cut parts. It serves builders of aircraft defense systems and advanced electronics.

Lasers for Land and Lab

• Laser Products: High-power semiconductor and fiber lasers for industrial and defense tools; accounts for 72.6% of revenue.
• Advanced Development: Research and design of next-generation laser technologies for the defense industry; accounts for 27.4% of revenue.
• Aerospace and Defense: Directed energy laser products and sensing systems for military use; accounts for 68.8% of revenue.
• Microfabrication: Semiconductor lasers used to create precise electronics and small-scale components; accounts for 16.2% of revenue.
• Industrial: Fiber lasers used in factory applications like 3D printing; accounts for 15% of revenue.

Cash and Strategic Growth

• Completed a public offering of 4.6 million shares in February 2026.
• Generated $191.3 million in net proceeds to support business growth.
• Increased focus on directed energy systems within the Aerospace and Defense sector.
• Leveraged shared technology across different markets to improve production efficiency.

Controlling the Production Path

nLIGHT controls its manufacturing process by making its own semiconductor and fiber components. This vertical integration allows the company to customize laser beams for specific customer needs in defense and manufacturing.

Key Metrics from Early 2026

• Revenue hit $80.2 million in Q1 2026, up 55.2% year-over-year.
• Gross profit reached $26.5 million in Q1 2026, up 92.1% from Q1 2025.
• Net income turned positive at $645,000 in Q1 2026, an improvement from a loss in Q1 2025.
• Operating cash flow turned positive at $9.7 million in Q1 2026, up from a loss in the prior year.

Bottom Line

nLIGHT has transitioned from a component supplier to a provider of integrated laser systems for the defense and industrial sectors. Its shift toward high-margin aerospace and defense contracts has improved its financial stability and profit margins.