nLIGHT Management
Management criteria checks 2/4
nLIGHT's CEO is Scott Keeney, appointed in Jul 2000, has a tenure of 25.83 years. total yearly compensation is $37.33M, comprised of 1.3% salary and 98.7% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 1.53% of the company’s shares, worth $61.63M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 9.9 years and 10 years respectively.
Key information
Scott Keeney
Chief executive officer
US$37.3m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 1.28% |
| CEO tenure | 25.8yrs |
| CEO ownership | 1.5% |
| Management average tenure | 9.9yrs |
| Board average tenure | 10yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Apr 27
LASR: Directed Energy Defense Shift And Vertical Integration Will Shape Balanced Outlook
The analyst price target for nLIGHT has been lifted by $2 to $75.50, as analysts highlight the company’s push toward becoming a pure play directed energy laser provider, recent Q4 strength in aerospace and defense revenue with positive cash flow, and what they describe as supportive market tailwinds and funding for its vertically integrated technology. Analyst Commentary Recent research commentary has been broadly constructive on nLIGHT, with multiple bullish analysts lifting price targets following Q4 results and the company’s decision to focus on directed energy lasers.Narrative Update • Apr 13
LASR: Directed Energy Defense Focus Will Drive Capacity And Revenue Expectations
The analyst price target for nLIGHT has been raised from $66.75 to $73.50 as analysts point to stronger expected revenue growth, supportive funding trends for directed energy platforms, and the company’s move toward a focused high power laser profile. Analyst Commentary Recent research highlights a cluster of optimistic views around nLIGHT, with several firms lifting price targets and initiating coverage with positive ratings.
Narrative Update • Mar 30
LASR: Directed Energy Defense Focus And Vertical Integration Will Drive Future Returns
Narrative Update The analyst price target for nLIGHT has shifted meaningfully higher, with analysts pointing to market tailwinds in directed energy, vertical integration across the laser stack, and recent steps toward becoming a pure play, defense-focused laser provider as key drivers of their updated views. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on nLIGHT has tilted clearly bullish, with multiple firms lifting price targets and initiating with positive ratings tied to the company’s focus on directed energy, its vertical integration, and progress toward a pure play defense profile.Narrative Update • Mar 16
LASR: Directed Energy Defense Expansion And Vertical Integration Will Shape Future Earnings
The analyst fair value estimate for nLIGHT has increased from $55.00 to about $92.63, as analysts highlight rising price targets tied to market tailwinds in directed energy, the company's vertical integration, and recent revenue and margin trends. Analyst Commentary Recent research points to a cluster of bullish analysts lifting fair value assumptions and price targets for nLIGHT, reflecting confidence in the company’s execution in directed energy and related defense applications.
New Narrative • Mar 04
nLIGHT, Inc. (LASR): From Industrial Laser to AI & Defense Powerhouse in 2026.
nLIGHT, Inc. (LASR) is currently riding a massive wave of sector-wide momentum, trading at $66.97 as of the March 4, 2026, market close.Narrative Update • Mar 02
LASR: Aerospace And Defense Strength Will Drive Capacity Expansion Focus
The analyst price target for nLIGHT has been raised from $47.43 to $66.75, with analysts citing a stronger end-market setup, record aerospace and defense driven growth, and expectations for durable margins that could support a higher future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent research notes show a clear shift toward higher valuation ranges for nLIGHT, with several firms lifting their price targets and highlighting both execution and end-market trends.Narrative Update • Feb 16
LASR: Recent Price Hikes And Defense Expansion Will Shape Future Earnings Profile
The analyst fair value estimate for nLIGHT has increased from $50.00 to $55.00. Analysts attribute the change to updated assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, and a revised future P/E outlook, reflecting their response to recent price target increases from multiple firms.Seeking Alpha • Feb 10
nLIGHT: Trump's Golden Dome Play
Summary nLIGHT is rated Buy, driven by exceptional momentum—up 36% YTD and 354% over 12 months. nLIGHT’s Q4 2025 sales are projected at $78–$80 million, up 67% YoY, with defense programs like Israel’s Iron Beam as key catalysts. Profitability remains a challenge (D+ Quant score), but gross margins are improving, and R&D investment signals a long-term growth orientation. nLIGHT’s recent $175 million equity raise strengthens its net cash position, supporting working capital and potential acquisitions amid sector-wide valuation expansion. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Feb 02
LASR: Q4 Outlook Will Weigh Capacity Expansion Against Execution Risks
Analysts have lifted their price target for nLIGHT to around $47.43 from about $41.86. They point to updated assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, discount rates, and future P/E, which are reflected in recent target increases cited in Street research.Narrative Update • Jan 19
LASR: Higher Q4 2025 Guidance Will Support Stronger Earnings Power
Analysts have lifted their fair value estimate for nLIGHT from $24.00 to $50.00, citing updated assumptions on growth, profitability, and future P/E that are consistent with recent Street research price target revisions. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research has leaned more positive on nLIGHT, with bullish analysts pointing to a pricing framework that they see as better aligned with the company’s updated growth and profitability assumptions.Analysis Article • Jan 17
Investors Appear Satisfied With nLIGHT, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LASR) Prospects As Shares Rocket 27%
nLIGHT, Inc. ( NASDAQ:LASR ) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 27% gain in the last month alone. The...Narrative Update • Jan 04
LASR: Q4 Outlook Will Signal Stable Prospects With Measured Long Term Expectations
Analysts have modestly raised their price target on nLIGHT to approximately 41.86 dollars, reflecting slightly higher discount rate assumptions while keeping long term growth, profitability, and valuation multiples broadly unchanged. What's in the News Issued new earnings guidance for the fourth quarter of 2025, projecting total revenue between 72 million dollars and 78 million dollars (Key Developments) Midpoint revenue outlook of 75 million dollars comprises approximately 55 million dollars in Products revenue and 20 million dollars in Advanced Development revenue (Key Developments) Valuation Changes Fair Value Estimate: Unchanged at approximately 41.86 dollars per share, indicating no revision to the intrinsic value assessment.Narrative Update • Dec 20
LASR: Q4 Outlook Suggests Gradual Improvement With Balanced Long Term Prospects
Analysts have modestly raised their price target on nLIGHT, citing a slightly higher fair value estimate of 41.86 dollars from 41.50 dollars. This change is supported by marginal improvements in projected revenue growth and a lower discount rate, which together imply a somewhat richer long term earnings outlook.Narrative Update • Dec 06
LASR: Backlog And Pipeline Will Support Sequential Q4 Upside Potential
Analysts have raised their price target on nLIGHT by $6.00, increasing it to $33.50 from $27.50. They cited increased confidence that the company has sufficient backlog and pipeline to reach the upper end of Q3 guidance and deliver sequential growth in Q4.Narrative Update • Nov 22
LASR: Execution Will Drive Outlook As Backlog Supports Sequential Growth
Analysts have raised their price target for nLIGHT by nearly $6 to $41.50, citing improved confidence in the company's near- and medium-term growth prospects, as well as expectations for continued solid performance in upcoming quarters. Analyst Commentary Analyst discussions following recent meetings with company leadership have offered both encouragement and points of caution regarding nLIGHT’s performance and outlook.Analysis Article • Nov 11
nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) Looks Just Right With A 30% Price Jump
The nLIGHT, Inc. ( NASDAQ:LASR ) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent gain of 30...Narrative Update • Nov 07
LASR: Execution And Demand Trends Will Define Outlook Amid Backlog Strength
The analyst price target for nLIGHT has increased from $28.08 to $35.58, as analysts cite improved backlog, a strengthened pipeline, and growing optimism in the company’s near- and medium-term outlook. Analyst Commentary Analyst assessments reflect both confidence in nLIGHT's growth strategy and awareness of potential risks, influencing the recent upward revision in the price target.Narrative Update • Aug 10
Advanced Laser Technologies Will Shape Future Aerospace And Defense
Upward revisions to nLIGHT’s consensus revenue growth forecasts and future P/E multiples have driven a substantial increase in the analyst price target from $17.17 to $27.42. What's in the News nLIGHT forecasts Q3 2025 revenues between $62 million and $67 million, with an expected midpoint of $64.5 million comprising approximately $45 million in Products revenue and $19 million from Advanced Development.Analysis Article • Aug 10
nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) Reported Earnings Last Week And Analysts Are Already Upgrading Their Estimates
NasdaqGS:LASR 1 Year Share Price vs Fair Value Explore nLIGHT's Fair Values from the Community and select yours nLIGHT...Analysis Article • Jul 13
Is nLIGHT (NASDAQ:LASR) Using Too Much Debt?
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Analysis Article • Apr 05
nLIGHT, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LASR) 27% Dip Still Leaving Some Shareholders Feeling Restless Over Its P/SRatio
To the annoyance of some shareholders, nLIGHT, Inc. ( NASDAQ:LASR ) shares are down a considerable 27% in the last...
New Narrative • Mar 27
HELSI-2 Program And Laser Sensing Will Create Future Opportunities
Growth in aerospace and defense markets, along with significant backlog increase, suggests strong future revenue streams and order fulfillment potential.Seeking Alpha • Mar 09
nLIGHT: It's A Very Tentative Buy
Summary nLIGHT, Inc. is pivoting towards aerospace and defense, which now accounts for 60% of its revenue, showing promising growth potential. Despite a 39% YoY decline in industrial laser sales, LASR's backlog orders increased by 55% YoY in 2024, indicating future revenue stability. LASR's vertically integrated operations and strong IP portfolio provide a competitive edge, especially in the growing defense sector with significant new contracts. Financial risks persist with declining industrial revenue and low margins, but strong cash reserves and no debt offer short-term stability. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Mar 05
nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) Annual Results: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For This Year
There's been a notable change in appetite for nLIGHT, Inc. ( NASDAQ:LASR ) shares in the week since its full-year...Analysis Article • Feb 17
nLIGHT, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LASR) Share Price Not Quite Adding Up
There wouldn't be many who think nLIGHT, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:LASR ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 2.4x is worth a...Analysis Article • Dec 19
Companies Like nLIGHT (NASDAQ:LASR) Can Afford To Invest In Growth
There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although Amazon.com...Analysis Article • Nov 07
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By nLIGHT, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LASR) 27% Share Price Surge
The nLIGHT, Inc. ( NASDAQ:LASR ) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent gain of 27...Analysis Article • Sep 08
nLIGHT, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LASR) Popularity With Investors Is Clear
nLIGHT, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:LASR ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 2.6x may not look like an appealing investment...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31 2025 | US$37m | US$477k | -US$23m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | -US$44m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | -US$47m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | -US$55m |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$5m | US$454k | -US$61m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | -US$49m |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | -US$51m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | -US$48m |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$4m | US$438k | -US$42m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | -US$51m |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | -US$52m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | -US$54m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$3m | US$427k | -US$55m |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | -US$41m |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | -US$35m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | -US$32m |
| Dec 31 2021 | US$6m | US$408k | -US$30m |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | -US$25m |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | -US$21m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | -US$20m |
| Dec 31 2020 | US$5m | US$315k | -US$21m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$27m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$26m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | -US$19m |
| Dec 31 2019 | US$5m | US$394k | -US$13m |
Compensation vs Market: Scott's total compensation ($USD37.33M) is above average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD7.18M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Scott's compensation has increased whilst the company is unprofitable.
CEO
Scott Keeney (59 yo)
25.8yrs
Tenure
US$37,333,189
Compensation
Mr. Scott H. Keeney founded nLIGHT, Inc. (formerly, nLIGHT Corporation) in July 2000 and has been its Chairman since February 2018 and also serves as its Chief Executive Officer, President and Director sin...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Co-Founder | 25.8yrs | US$37.33m | 1.53% $ 61.6m | |
| Chief Financial Officer | 4.2yrs | US$5.07m | 0.037% $ 1.5m | |
| Co-Founder | 26.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Chief Operating Officer | 3.8yrs | no data | no data | |
| VP, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer | 7.1yrs | no data | 0.17% $ 6.7m | |
| Chief Technology Officer | 12.7yrs | US$1.10m | no data | |
| Chief Administrative Officer & VP of HR | no data | US$254.95k | no data | |
| Vice President of Corporate Development & Investor Relations | no data | no data | no data | |
| VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary | no data | no data | no data | |
| Managing Director of Fiber Division | no data | US$109.14k | no data | |
| VP & General Manager | no data | no data | no data |
9.9yrs
Average Tenure
55yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: LASR's management team is seasoned and experienced (9.9 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Co-Founder | 25.8yrs | US$37.33m | 1.53% $ 61.6m | |
| Independent Director | 25.1yrs | US$112.25k | 0.063% $ 2.5m | |
| Independent Director | less than a year | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 13.7yrs | US$123.50k | 0.15% $ 5.8m | |
| Lead Independent Director | 10yrs | US$131.55k | 0.16% $ 6.5m | |
| Independent Director | 15.4yrs | US$131.50k | 0.13% $ 5.2m | |
| Independent Director | 8.8yrs | US$111.00k | 0.19% $ 7.6m | |
| Independent Director | less than a year | US$137.71k | no data | |
| Director | 5.5yrs | US$125.00k | 0.087% $ 3.5m |
10.0yrs
Average Tenure
63yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: LASR's board of directors are seasoned and experienced ( 10 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/07 17:34 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/07 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
|
| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
|
* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
nLIGHT, Inc. is covered by 14 analysts. 9 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Peter Arment | Baird |
| Paretosh Misra | Berenberg |
| Jonathan Dorsheimer | Canaccord Genuity |