nLIGHT Shares Advance on Strong Q2 Performance and Elevated Defense Sector Activity
nLIGHT Corporation (LASR) shares have advanced significantly over the past three months, driven by a robust second-quarter 2025 earnings report that surpassed analyst expectations. The company reported record revenues from its Aerospace and Defense (A&D) segment, substantial improvements in product gross margins, and an optimistic financial outlook for the remainder of the year. This performance has fueled investor confidence in the company's strategic pivot towards defense technologies.
Market Overview and nLIGHT's Performance
nLIGHT Corporation (LASR) shares have demonstrated considerable strength, posting a 58.2% gain over the past three months. This performance notably outpaced the 19.9% growth recorded by the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry during the same period. This upward trend reflects positive investor sentiment following the company's better-than-expected second-quarter 2025 financial results and strong forward guidance, particularly within its Aerospace and Defense (A&D) segment.
Q2 2025 Financial Highlights
For the second quarter of 2025, nLIGHT reported total revenues of $61.7 million, representing a 22% increase year-over-year. This figure exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $55 million. The company's non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) reached 6 cents, a significant turnaround from a loss of 10 cents in the year-ago quarter and better than the consensus estimate of a 9-cent loss.
A key driver of this financial improvement was the A&D end market, which achieved record revenues of $40.7 million. This segment saw a 49% increase year-over-year and now accounts for 66% of nLIGHT's total sales, up from 54% a year prior. The sequential growth of 24% in A&D revenues underscores the sustained momentum within this sector. Product gross margin improved to 38.5% in Q2, up from 30.3% in the previous year, primarily attributed to a more defense-heavy sales mix, higher shipment volumes, and enhanced factory utilization.
Strategic Focus on Defense and Program Execution
nLIGHT's strategic emphasis on the A&D sector is yielding tangible results, aligning with key funding priorities of the Department of Defense (DoD), including directed energy systems, missile defense, and laser sensing. The company's defense products revenue specifically surged by 74.5% year-over-year, propelled by deliveries for significant programs such as the High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative 2 (HELSI-2) and the Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) system. The HELSI-2 program is a $171 million U.S. DoD contract aimed at developing a 1-megawatt high-energy laser, while DE M-SHORAD focuses on integrating 50-kW-class laser weapon systems onto Stryker combat vehicles.
The company's CEO, Scott Keeney, highlighted the role of "strong defense program execution, operational improvements in amplifier manufacturing, and expanded international opportunities in directed energy" in the quarter's strong performance. While commercial sales saw sequential improvements, management noted that underlying market demand remains weak, leading to a reallocation of engineering resources towards the more promising A&D sector.
Market Positioning and Valuation
nLIGHT's strong performance has allowed it to significantly outperform several industry peers. Over the past three months, shares of Ambarella (AMBA) gained 56.9%, Broadcom (AVGO) rose 44%, and Allegro MicroSystems (ALGM) advanced 2.1%.
Despite its recent gains, nLIGHT appears to maintain a discounted valuation compared to its industry. The stock's forward 12-month Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio stands at 5.97X, which is considerably lower than the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry average of 9.01X. For comparison, Broadcom trades at a P/S multiple of 23.52X, Ambarella at 8.94X, and Allegro MicroSystems at 6.16X. This suggests potential for further appreciation if nLIGHT's robust performance continues.
Outlook and Future Implications
Looking ahead, nLIGHT has provided optimistic guidance for the third quarter of 2025, projecting revenues in the range of $62 million to $67 million, exceeding analyst estimates of $56.66 million. The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA between $2.0 million and $6.0 million for the quarter, underscoring its financial resilience. Management also raised its full-year A&D growth outlook to at least 40%, an increase from its earlier projection of 25%.
The continued success in securing and executing major defense contracts, coupled with rising spending in the United States and among allied nations on advanced defense technologies, positions nLIGHT for sustained growth. The company's focus on the A&D sector is expected to provide both revenue visibility and durability, solidifying its market position and enhancing long-term profitability. Investors will closely monitor the execution of defense programs and the company's ability to maintain its margin improvements.
