nLight price target raised to $55 from $44 at Roth Capital

Roth Capital raised the firm’s price target on nLight (LASR) to $55 from $44 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The firm is increasing its estimates and price target following nLIGHT’s recent update as its transition to a pure play directed energy laser provider is accelerating faster than the firm’s previous expectations, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm is forecasting 20%+ aerospace and defense related revenue growth for nLIGHT in 2026 and 2027 as the adoption rate of directed energy weapons remains in early days as countries and customers look to add protection and defensive capabilities against the growing use of drone and hypersonic weapons.