5 Best Photonics Stocks to Buy Now

In this article, we will take a look at the 5 Best Photonics Stocks to Buy Now. For a deeper discussion and an extended list, please see the 12 Best Photonics Stocks to Buy Now.

5. nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR)

On April 24, Roth Capital lifted its price target for nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) to $81 from $74. It kept a Buy rating on the shares. Analyst Tom Hayes commented that the firm “accelerates its transition to a pure play directed energy laser provider” after exiting the welding and cutting markets. Hayes said that the first quarter will most likely be a low point. The company continues to deliver on the HELSI-2 project and begins implementing new programs.

On April 18, Stifel raised its target on nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) to $75 from $68. It maintained a Buy rating on the shares. The analyst informed investors that management “added credibility to our thesis” by portraying nLight as “a linchpin national security asset.”

nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) forecasts first-quarter 2026 revenue of $70 million to $76 million, consisting of approximately $54 million from Laser Products and $19 million from Advanced Development. The company forecasted a gross margin of 27% to 32% and Adjusted EBITDA of $5 million to $10 million, showing near-term execution expectations.

nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ:LASR) provides semiconductor and fiber lasers for aerospace and defense, industrial, and microfabrication applications. It operates through two segments: Laser Products and Advanced Development.