Joseph John Corso, serving as the Chief Financial Officer for nLIGHT Inc. (NASDAQ: LASR), has completed two distinct transactions involving the sale of company equity, collectively valued at $577,740. These divestitures were executed on June 3 and June 4, 2026, with share prices ranging between $72.90 and $77.99.
On June 3, 2026, Mr. Corso disposed of 3,840 shares of nLIGHT common stock at a price of $77.99 per share. This specific transaction was not a discretionary sale but was mandated by the company's requirement to fund tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting and settlement of restricted stock units. The structure of this sale followed a standard "sell to cover" mechanism, meaning the proceeds were utilized to satisfy tax liabilities rather than representing a voluntary reduction in equity holdings by the executive.
The following day, June 4, 2026, Mr. Corso sold an additional 3,817 shares of nLIGHT common stock at a price of $72.90 per share. This second transaction was executed pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The adoption of this pre-arranged trading plan occurred on September 15, 2025, establishing a predetermined schedule for the sale of equity that is insulated from insider trading regulations regarding material non-public information.
Following the completion of these transactions, Mr. Corso's direct holdings in nLIGHT common stock stand at 169,915 shares. This total figure encompasses both directly owned common stock and unvested restricted stock units. The insider sales occur against a backdrop of significant price appreciation for nLIGHT shares. The stock has surged 270% over the past year and 81% in the last six months. As of the reporting period, the stock trades at $65.85, representing a decline from the transaction prices of $73 to $78. Analyst consensus places price targets between $80 and $100. According to InvestingPro analysis, nLIGHT appears overvalued at current levels.
The timing of these transactions coincides with the release of financial results for the first quarter of 2026, which demonstrated substantial outperformance relative to market expectations. nLIGHT reported earnings per share of $0.20, significantly surpassing the forecasted $0.09. This resulted in a 122.22% surprise relative to analyst estimates. Revenue for the quarter reached $80.2 million, exceeding the anticipated $72.14 million by 11.17%.
Segment-specific performance highlighted robust growth within the aerospace and defense sector, which saw a 69% increase. The industrial business also expanded by 32% year-over-year. Following these results, Needham raised its price target on nLIGHT to $80 from $70, maintaining a Buy rating. Similarly, Stifel increased its price target to $85 from $75, also maintaining a Buy rating. Both firms highlighted the company's strong performance and growth prospects in defense.
These developments underscore nLIGHT's robust financial health and potential for future growth.