nLight Shares Jump 4.5% as Q4 Revenue Soars 71% with 70kW Laser Demo
nLight’s Q4 2025 revenue rose 71.3% year over year to $81.19M, with Aerospace & Defense sales nearly doubling to $56.3M. Shares climbed 4.5% today and have surged 603.7% over the past year as the company demonstrates its 70kW laser weapon systems at the Pacific Operational Science and Technology Conference.
1. Q4 2025 Financial Results
nLight reported Q4 revenue of $81.19M, up 71.3% year over year, surpassing estimates. Aerospace & Defense segment revenue nearly doubled to $56.3M from $30.13M last year. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.14 topped the $0.11 forecast, fueling investor interest.
2. Demonstrations at POST Conference
At the Pacific Operational Science and Technology Conference in Hawaii (March 9–12), nLight is showcasing its 70kW Laser Weapon System alongside 10kW and 30kW models. Live demonstrations to U.S. and allied military buyers aim to secure directed-energy defense contracts. Success here could unlock substantial counter-drone and missile defense bookings.
3. Stock Performance and Investor Sentiment
Shares rose from $61 to $63.79 today, extending a 603.7% gain over the past year. Retail traders have driven high sentiment, while Vanguard increased its stake by 18.2%, signaling institutional confidence. CEO insider selling of roughly $2M on March 5 briefly cooled momentum.
4. Profitability and Analyst Outlook
Despite record full-year 2025 revenue of $261.33M (up 31.6%), nLight posted a GAAP net loss of $23.47M. Analyst price targets range from $62.50 to $95, reflecting varied views on valuation and path to profitability. Upcoming contract awards and demonstration outcomes will be key to achieving positive earnings.