Companies /Technology

nLIGHT Inc

NASDAQ: LASR Semiconductors
$39.20
▲ $0.77 (+2.00%) today
Markets open · 11:20am ET

Q1 2025 Earnings

Reported May 8, 2025, 4:16pm ET · SEC source
$-0.04
Beat +78.67%
EPS · est. $-0.19
$51.7M
Beat +9.21%
Revenue · est. $47.3M
+47.9%
Beating market
LASR vs S&P since report
5 quarters
Consecutive EPS beats

Market Reaction

% change · around the report
0+20%May 8May 9report 4:16pm ETearnings−0.1%+35.7%
0+20%May 8May 9earnings−0.1%+35.7%
LASR +35.7%S&P 500 −0.1%
0+20%May 8May 9report 4:16pm ETearnings−0.1%+35.7%
0+20%May 8May 9earnings−0.1%+35.7%
LASR +35.7%NASDAQ −0.1%
−20%0+20%+40%May 7May 16report 4:16pm ETearnings+4.8%+29.3%
−20%0+20%+40%May 7May 16earnings+4.8%+29.3%
LASR +29.3%S&P 500 +4.8%
−20%0+20%+40%May 7May 16report 4:16pm ETearnings+6.3%+29.3%
−20%0+20%+40%May 7May 16earnings+6.3%+29.3%
LASR +29.3%NASDAQ +6.3%
+35.54%
Day of report
+6.94%
Next session
+8.57%
One week
+54.41%
30 days

S&P 500 over the same 30 days: +6.56%.

Did LASR Beat Earnings? Q1 2025 Results

nLIGHT posted a notably strong first quarter for 2025, with revenue of $51.67 million clearing the top of its own guidance range as record aerospace and defense results powered 16% year-over-year growth. The non-GAAP loss narrowed to just $0.04 per diluted share, a sharp improvement from a $0.29 GAAP loss per share a year earlier, while gross margin expanded to 26.7% from 16.8%, reflecting a more favorable revenue mix and growing operating leverage. The engine behind the beat was booming demand tied to U.S. Department of Defense programs, including megawatt-scale directed energy weapons, which lifted Products revenue to $35.68 million from $29.37 million. Adjusted EBITDA turned positive for the first time in recent memory, reaching $116,000 versus negative $4.89 million in Q1 2024, signaling a meaningful inflection toward profitability. Looking ahead, nLIGHT guided Q2 2025 revenue of $53 million to $59 million while projecting at least 25% full-year growth in aerospace and defense, though sequential margin compression is anticipated as mix shifts in the coming quarter.

Key Takeaways
  • Record aerospace and defense revenue driving Q1 upside above guidance range
  • Gross margin expansion to 26.7% from 16.8% year-over-year
  • Products revenue growth of 21.5% year-over-year
  • Adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $116K versus negative $4.9M a year ago

“I am pleased with the strong start to the year. Total revenue of $51.7 million was above the high-end of the guidance range, driven by record results in our aerospace and defense markets.”

NLIGHT CEO, on the earnings call

Forward Guidance & Outlook

For Q2 2025, nLIGHT expects revenue of $53 million to $59 million, with the midpoint of $56 million comprising approximately $38 million in Products revenue and $18 million in Advanced Development revenue. Gross margin is expected to be 19% to 25%, with Products gross margin of 27% to 33% and Advanced Development gross margin of approximately 8%. Adjusted EBITDA is expected in the range of ($4) million to $1 million. For full year 2025, nLIGHT expects aerospace and defense revenue growth of at least 25% year-over-year.

LASR YoY Financials

Revenue$51.7M
Gross Profit$13.8M
Operating Income$-9,610,000
Net Income$-8,093,000

LASR Revenue by Segment

Laser Products$35.7M+21.5%
Aerospace and Defense
Advanced Development$16.0M+5.5%
Microfabrication
Industrial

Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.