nLIGHT Inc. shares reached a record high following the company’s preannouncement of fourth-quarter 2025 revenue between $78 million and $80 million, surpassing guidance of $72 million to $78 million. Investors cited strong orders from Aerospace & Defense customers for both Laser Products (projected at $54 million to $55 million) and Advanced Development programs (projected at $24 million to $25 million). Programs in directed-energy systems and optical sensing applications were specifically highlighted by management as contributing to improved visibility heading into 2026. Industry analysts note that nLIGHT’s dual-segment focus positions it to capitalize on accelerating defense budgets and AI-driven manufacturing trends.

On January 6, CEO Scott Keeney exercised and sold 31,748 shares through a prearranged Rule 10b5-1 plan, generating proceeds of approximately $1.2 million and representing 1.37% of his direct holdings. Post-transaction, Keeney retains 2,285,020 directly held shares valued at about $86.1 million. The sale size matches his recent median transaction of 35,002 shares and aligns with a typical 1.37% sell-down cadence, indicating no change in insider outlook. The exercise-and-sale structure did not increase net equity exposure, underscoring its role in routine liquidity and tax planning rather than signaling a shift in confidence.