nLIGHT, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and sells high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers primarily for aerospace & defense (A&D), industrial, and microfabrication applications. It operates through two segments: Laser Products (core revenue driver) and Advanced Development (R&D contracts).
The company emphasizes a vertically integrated U.S.-based technology stack from semiconductor chips to full laser systems, with a focus on mission-critical defense applications.
Founded in June 2000 in Vancouver, Washington (later moved to Camas) by Scott H. Keeney, Mark DeVito, and Jason Farmer as nLight Photonics Corporation. Renamed nLIGHT, Inc. in January 2016.
The company has evolved from industrial laser roots to a leader in defense laser systems, benefiting from long-term founder leadership.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Close (Jul 9) | $74.71 | +27.32% (+$16.03) intraday surge |
| Market Cap | ~$4.24B | Approximate |
| 52-Week Range | $17.84 - $86.95 | Significant volatility |
| YTD Return | ~99% | Outperformed S&P 500 (~10%) |
| 1-Year Return | ~298% | Strong momentum |
| P/E Ratio | Negative (~-199) | Unprofitable on GAAP basis historically |
Stock has shown massive gains, with a notable 29% single-day surge tied to contract announcements. This reflects heightened investor interest in defense laser technologies amid geopolitical tensions.
Future performance is highly uncertain and depends on contract execution, earnings, and market conditions.
Defense revenue growth and profitability improvements are key themes.
Distinction: Facts are directly from company disclosures and market data. Interpretations are analyst/investor consensus views. Uncertainties highlighted where applicable.