EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1124796
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 1124796_10-K_2022_0001124796-22-000028.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
nLIGHT, Inc., is a leading provider of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace and defense applications. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, we design, develop and manufacture the critical elements of our lasers, and believe our vertically integrated business model enables us to rapidly introduce innovative products, control our costs and protect our intellectual property.
We operate in two segments, consisting of the Laser Products segment and the Advanced Development segment, and three primary end markets: Industrial, Microfabrication, and Aerospace and Defense.
Products
Overview
We design, manufacture, and sell a range of high-power semiconductor lasers and fiber lasers that are typically integrated into laser systems or manufacturing tools built by our customers. We also make fiber amplifiers and beam combination and control systems for use in high-energy laser (HEL) systems in directed energy applications. Our vertical integration enables us to develop products that leverage the same underlying technology, thereby enabling us to offer innovative and reliable products to customers in each of our end markets.
Semiconductor Lasers
We sell high-power semiconductor lasers with a broad range of power levels, wavelengths, and output fiber sizes primarily for use in Industrial, Microfabrication, and Aerospace and Defense applications. The core building block of our products is a compound semiconductor laser chip manufactured from a gallium arsenide wafer. We use our patented multiplexed single-chip architecture to combine and package multiple semiconductor laser chips into what we believe are the most brilliant semiconductor lasers commercially available. Our semiconductor lasers are typically used as an integrated energy source for our OEM customers’ solid-state lasers, which are used primarily in a wide range of Microfabrication, and Aerospace and Defense applications.
Fiber Lasers
We offer programmable and serviceable high-power fiber lasers primarily for use in Industrial and Aerospace and Defense applications. Our fiber lasers use a proprietary active fiber that is doped with a rare-earth element to amplify the light from multiple semiconductor lasers into a brighter, more powerful laser beam. Our single- and multi-mode fiber lasers enable fast, high-quality, and efficient processing of materials. Our fiber lasers offer many features, including all-fiber programmable beam sizes and shapes, programmable waveforms, high-speed waveform modulation capabilities, hardware back-reflection suppression, operability in harsh environments, quick and easy serviceability, and exceptional power stability. The programmability and wide operating range of our fiber lasers makes them easy for our customers to use and expands their applicability. For example, in some cases, a single programmable fiber laser with the ability to program the size and shape of its output beam can take the place of several less flexible lasers. We have also designed our fiber lasers to be easily field serviceable, which results in higher machine uptime, lower cost of ownership and an improved customer experience.
Directed Energy Products
We sell standalone fiber amplifiers and we are developing beam combination and control products for directed energy applications within the Aerospace and Defense end-market. We believe that our proprietary fiber amplifiers and beam combination and control technology will enable the development of scalable, high performance and cost-effective HEL systems.
Markets
We sell our products into three primary end markets: Industrial, Microfabrication, and Aerospace and Defense.
Industrial
The productivity, efficiency and versatility offered by high-power fiber lasers have been critical in making them a key part of the evolution of the industrial ecosystem. Material processing applications, the largest of which is cutting, and others such as welding, cladding, heat treating, and additive manufacturing, comprise most of the industrial laser market. High-power fiber lasers are rapidly replacing gas and other legacy lasers for cutting, due to their significantly faster speed, higher quality and lower cost when used across a wide range of metals. High-power fiber lasers also continue to take market share from non-laser cutting techniques and are expanding into other applications such as cutting metal tubes and other three-dimensional parts.
The factors driving the utilization of high-power fiber lasers in metal welding applications, including increased speed, quality, and cost, are like those that have fueled their adoption for metal cutting. Fiber laser welding can be done faster, with deeper penetration, less distortion and lower heat input than traditional methods like arc welding. These advantages have fueled adoption of high-power fiber lasers across the automotive industry where system productivity and versatility are critical. Other metal fabrication industries, such as aerospace, energy, and light manufacturing, are also embracing the unique capabilities offered by high-power fiber lasers for welding applications as they seek improved production efficiencies, including energy efficiency, and higher levels of industrial automation.
In addition to improving traditional manufacturing processes, fiber lasers are also enabling new applications such as metal additive manufacturing. High-power fiber lasers provide the precise power needed to fuse metal powders into intricate three-dimensional metal structures. Advancements in laser technology are also enabling manufacturers to produce ever-larger parts with more complex geometries at faster speeds and lower costs.
Microfabrication
Microfabrication refers to the process of creating three-dimensional microscale structures, typically by ablating, annealing, etching, and drilling. Many of the microscale features incorporated into products in the automotive, electronics, medical, semiconductor and other markets are made commercially viable by the precise power delivery of lasers. Preferences for brighter, more vibrant displays in mobile phones, tablets and televisions, and the desire for thinner products with improved battery life and energy efficiency are placing greater importance on the need for components that are smaller, more robust and less expensive, which we believe will drive demand for lasers.
Aerospace and Defense
Lasers are used today in a variety of aerospace and defense applications, such as range finding, imaging and directed energy defense systems. Directed energy defense systems utilize concentrated electrical or optical energy rather than chemical or kinetic force to incapacitate, damage, disable or destroy. Compared to conventional weapons, directed energy weapons using high-power fiber lasers offer ultra-precise targeting, low cost per use and a nearly unlimited magazine. Over the past decade, directed energy technologies have improved steadily, culminating in a series of successful demonstrations of significantly higher power, multi-kilowatt systems. Systems using high-power fiber lasers have shown the highest degree of operational viability.
Semiconductor and fiber lasers are displacing legacy lasers and non-laser energy sources across a wide range of applications in the Industrial, Microfabrication, and Aerospace and Defense markets. In the Industrial market, high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers have enabled the creation of next-generation industrial systems to perform manufacturing processes such as cutting, welding, and drilling, as well as advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing. In the Microfabrication market, many of the critical microscale features incorporated into products in the automotive, electronics, medical, semiconductor and other markets are made commercially viable by the precise power delivery of lasers. In the Aerospace and Defense market, high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers are currently used across a wide range of mission critical applications, such as defending aircraft against missiles, and are enabling next-generation defense systems.
Research and Development
Our research and development activities include innovation of existing products that enhance performance at reduced cost, and the design of new products that address select market opportunities. While we seek to improve our products on all operating characteristics, we believe we lead the market in terms of semiconductor laser chip brilliance. We work closely with customers to develop products to meet customer application and performance needs, making our research and development efforts more efficient. We also benefit from our vertically integrated business model, as we can conduct design cycles more rapidly through control of the full production process.
We intend to continue our commitment to research and development and to introduce new products, solutions, and complementary products to maintain and strengthen our competitive position.
Intellectual Property
As of December 31, 2021, we had over 600 worldwide issued and pending patents. Our success depends in part upon our ability to continue to innovate and invest in research and development to meet the needs of our customers, and to maintain and protect our proprietary technology. To accomplish this, we rely on a combination of intellectual property rights, including patents, trade secrets and trademarks, as well as customary contractual protections with our customers, suppliers, employees, and consultants that access our material intellectual property.
We have generated, and continue to generate and maintain, patents and other intellectual property rights covering innovations that are intended to create a competitive advantage, and to support the protection of our investments in research and development. Although we believe that our patents and other intellectual property rights have significant value, we do not believe that maintaining or growing our business is materially dependent on any single patent. Due to the rapid pace of innovation within the markets that we serve, it is possible that our protection through patents may be less important than factors such as our technological expertise, continuing development of new products and technologies, protection of trade secrets, market penetration, customer relationships, and our ability to provide support and service to customers worldwide.
No assurance can be given that any patents will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, or that the rights granted thereunder will provide us with a sustained competitive advantage. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to protect our technology, or that competitors will not be able to independently develop similar or functionally competitive technologies, design around our patents, or attempt to manufacture and sell infringing products in countries that do not strongly enforce intellectual property rights.
Sales and Marketing
In the Industrial and Microfabrication markets, we sell our products through our direct sales force located in the United States, China, South Korea and various European countries. To supplement our direct sales team, we also sell through independent sales representatives and distributors in Asia, Europe and South America. We selected these independent representatives and distributors based on their ability to provide effective field sales, marketing communications and technical support for select products and markets in target geographies. Our sales and marketing efforts are conducted through an integrated process that involves our direct sales and marketing teams, engineering teams, customer service representatives and our senior management team.
We maintain customer support and field service staff in our major markets around the world. In addition, many of our independent representatives and distributors have service teams who have been certified by nLIGHT to provide regional field service and support. We work closely with customers to service equipment and train customers to use and repair our products and explore additional applications for our technologies. We plan to expand our support and field service footprint, particularly in locations where business volume requires local service capabilities.
In the Aerospace and Defense market, we sell our products and services directly to end customers, including the U.S. Government, prime defense contractors, and defense subcontractors, through our dedicated sales, marketing and engineering teams located in the United States. Due to the stringent demands of our Aerospace and Defense customers, our sales and marketing organization includes engineering, manufacturing, service and support professionals who engage with our customers throughout their products' lifecycles.
Customers
We sell to and support over 400 customers worldwide. A few customers drive a significant portion of our revenues. In the aggregate, our top ten customers accounted for approximately 63%, 60% and 53% of our revenues in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our global customers include the U.S. Government, Raytheon Technologies, HK Laser & Systems, MKS Instruments, Inc., and Northrop Grumman.
Information concerning revenue by end-market, geographic region based upon ship-to location, and segment appears under Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Notes 3 and 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Backlog
Backlog represents orders that have been received for products, contract research and development, or other services for which a contractual agreement is in place and delivery or performance is expected to occur. Backlog totaled $115.9 million and $135.8 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Approximately 20% of the backlog as of December 31, 2021 is not expected to be filled within the next 12 months. Our backlog is not necessarily indicative of revenues for any specific future period due to possible order cancellations or deferrals, and shipping or acceptance delays. Delays in delivery schedules or a reduction in backlog during any period could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Seasonality
Our quarterly revenues can fluctuate with general economic trends, holidays in foreign countries such as Chinese New Year in the first quarter of our fiscal year, the timing of capital expenditures by our customers, and general economic trends. In addition, as is typical in our industry, we tend to recognize a larger percentage of our quarterly revenues in the last month of the quarter, which may impact our working capital trends.
Competition
The industries in which we operate have significant price and technological competition. We compete with companies that offer semiconductor lasers, fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers and other laser products such as IPG Photonics Corporation, Coherent, BWT Ltd., II-VI Incorporated, Raycus Fiber Laser Technologies, and Trumpf GmbH + Co. KG. We also compete with prime defense contractors and subcontractors in the Aerospace and Defense market, and with companies in the Industrial market that offer widely used non-laser production methods, such as plasma cutting, water-jet cutting and resistance welding.
Some of our competitors are larger and have substantially greater financial, research and development, managerial, sales, service and marketing resources than we do. These companies will likely be able to expand into broader products and end markets, which may result in additional competitive pressures on us. Certain competitors also have higher sales volume than we do, which can enable them to lower the prices of their products. Moreover, certain of our customers have internal laser technologies, which may present additional competitive pressure.
We believe that our vertically-integrated business model, technology innovation, engineering capabilities, functionality, quality and customer service enable us to compete successfully in the markets we serve, taken as a whole.
Manufacturing
We manufacture, package, and test the critical elements of our high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers, including semiconductor laser chips and optical fiber in-house. Our vertically integrated business model enables us to control and protect our proprietary technologies and process knowledge. We outsource components and materials when we feel that a specific component, by itself, does not provide enough competitive advantage to warrant investment in the capital and human resources necessary for its manufacture. We work with our suppliers in these situations to ensure consistent quality and delivery performance. In many cases, components are custom manufactured for us based on our proprietary specifications.
We purchase raw materials used to manufacture our products and other components, such as semiconductor wafer substrates, fiber laser chip packages, optics, and other materials, from single or limited-source suppliers. We typically purchase our materials through purchase orders or agreed-upon terms and conditions, and we do not have guaranteed supply arrangements with many of these suppliers. To mitigate raw material supply risks, we take a variety of actions such as second source qualification, accumulation of safety stock and vendor surveillance.
Our primary manufacturing facilities are in Vancouver, Washington; Camas, Washington; Hillsboro, Oregon; Lohja, Finland and Shanghai, China. We manufacture certain electrical-optical components in our Vancouver, Washington; Camas, Washington; Shanghai, China and Hillsboro, Oregon facilities. We maintain our fiber operations and manufacture fiber in Finland.
Regulation
We are subject to significant regulation by local, state, federal and international laws in all jurisdictions in which we operate. Compliance with these requirements can be costly and time consuming. We believe that our operations, products, services, and actions substantially comply with applicable regulations in all jurisdictions. However, the risk of non-compliance cannot be eliminated and therefore there is no assurance that future costs related to these regulations will not be incurred. There is also the possibility that regulations will be retroactively applied, interpreted, or applied differently to our operations, products, services, and actions which will require significant time and resources.
Human Capital Management
At nLIGHT, we fulfill our mission by fostering innovation, attracting talented people, and managing aspects of our business in an ethical manner that benefits our stakeholders, including the communities in which we operate. Our product innovation, community involvement and the overall success of our business are driven by continued engagement and motivation of our employees. Over the past twenty years we have developed and refined our core values that underpin our corporate culture. At nLIGHT we both recruit and review people based on three criteria we categorize in terms of Skill, Will, and Fit. We encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and respect and foster a workplace where each employee is contributing to the long-term success of the company. During the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of our employee base has been our top priority, in addition to the safety of the broader communities in which we operate and our dedication to our customers. While we continue to follow the guidelines from health officials, employee input has been critical to establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy global workplace.
As of December 31, 2021 we had over 1,300 full-time employees worldwide. Of our total full-time employees at our facilities, approximately 750 were in the United States, approximately 500 were based in China, and the remaining in the rest of the world. In Finland, certain employees belong to labor unions for their specialty. There are no labor unions to which our employees belong in any other location. We have not experienced any employee-led work stoppages at any of our facilities. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Corporate Information
We maintain a website at https://www.nlight.net. We make available free of charge through our investor relations website, https://investors.nlight.net, our annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports, proxy statements and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed or furnished with the United State Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at the site.
The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports and other information regarding issuers, such as nLIGHT, Inc., that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC's Internet website is located at https://www.sec.gov.
We were incorporated under the name nLight Corporation in Washington in June 2000. We reincorporated in Delaware under the name nLight Photonics Corporation in August 2000 and changed our name to nLIGHT, Inc. in January 2016.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following risk factors, in addition to the other information contained in this report, including the section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes. This report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to factors that are described below and elsewhere in this report. Our Risk Factors are not guarantees that no such conditions exist as of the date of this report and should not be interpreted as an affirmative statement that such risks or conditions have not materialized, in whole or in part.
Risks Related to Our Industry and the Markets We Serve
The markets for our products are highly competitive. If we fail to compete successfully, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects will be materially adversely affected.
The industries in which we operate have significant price and technological competition. We compete with companies providing semiconductor and fiber lasers, and with companies offering conventional laser or non-laser solutions for the applications we target. Some of our competitors are larger and have substantially greater manufacturing, financial and research and development resources and larger installed customer bases than we do. Some of these competitors may receive government subsidies allowing them to compete more aggressively. These companies will likely be able to expand into broader products and end markets, which may result in additional competitive pressures on us. Certain competitors also have higher sales volume than we do, which can enable them to lower the prices of their products. Moreover, our OEM customers' internal production of laser technologies presents additional competitive pressure. To compete, we have reduced prices of some of our products in the past and we may be forced to lower our prices further in the future, which could negatively impact our revenues and gross margins. To remain competitive, we believe that we will be required to continue to invest significantly in research and development and manufacturing facilities. We may not have sufficient resources to continue to make these investments and we may not be able to make the technological advances or price adjustments necessary to compete successfully. Any failure to compete successfully will materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Changes in the markets we serve could materially adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Our results of operations may vary based on the impact of changes in the industries we serve or in the global economy. For our products sold to the Industrial market, we believe demand is largely based on general economic conditions and we cannot predict the timing, strength or duration of any economic slowdown or recovery, whether global, regional or within specific markets. For the Microfabrication market, a portion of our revenues depends on the demand for our products from semiconductor equipment companies. The semiconductor equipment market has historically been characterized by sudden and severe cyclical variations in product supply and demand, which have often severely affected the demand for manufacturing equipment, including laser-based tools and systems, and which limits our ability to predict our business prospects and financial results in this market. The Aerospace and Defense market is largely dependent on government budgets, in particular defense budgets, which are driven by numerous factors, including geopolitical events, macroeconomic conditions and the ability of the U.S. government to enact relevant legislation. As a result, our future revenues are subject in part to the uncertainties of governmental budgeting and appropriations and national defense policies and priorities, constraints of the budgetary process and timing and potential changes to these policies and priorities, all of which are beyond our control. Many of our customers in the defense industry are subcontractors that must negotiate our proposals with the U.S. government. Our continuing relationship with these customers and the ability of these customers to pay for our products is dependent on the U.S. government's decision to accept or reject our customers' terms, which can be delayed for a substantial period of time and is largely outside of our control. Such delays could result in decreased revenues and could materially adversely harm our results of operations in any given period.
Products in the laser industry are experiencing declining average selling prices, and future success depends in part on our ability to increase our volumes and decrease our costs to offset potential declines in the average selling prices of our products.
Products in the laser industries generally, and our products specifically, have experienced and may in the future experience a significant decline in average selling prices (ASPs) on maturing products due to increased competition and price pressures from customers. As competing products become more widely available, the ASPs of our products may decrease, and such decreases may vary by product and market. Due to the fixed cost of production, the average cost per unit of our products typically declines as our production volumes rise. For this reason, we may decide to offer products at ASPs that result in low initial gross margins to us with an intention to drive sales and production volumes higher, in turn lowering our average cost per unit. Because of these factors, we have experienced, and we may continue to experience, fluctuations in our results of operations on a quarterly or annual basis. If the ASPs of our products decline and we are unable to increase our unit volumes, introduce new or enhanced products with higher ASPs or reduce manufacturing costs to offset anticipated decreases in the prices of our existing products, our gross margins could decline, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
We participate in markets that are subject to rapid technological change and require significant research and development expenses to develop and maintain products that can achieve market acceptance.
The markets for our products are characterized by rapid technological change, frequent product introductions, substantial capital investment, volatility of product supply and demand, changing customer requirements and evolving industry standards. Our future performance depends in part on our successful development, introduction and market acceptance of new and enhanced products that address these changes and current and potential customer requirements. To the extent customers defer or cancel orders for existing products due to a slowdown in demand or in the expectation of a new product release, or if there is any delay in development or introduction of our new products or enhancements of our products, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects would be materially adversely affected. We also may not be able to develop the underlying core technologies necessary to create new products and enhancements, or to license these technologies from third parties. Product development delays may result from numerous factors, including:
• changing product specifications and customer requirements;
• unanticipated engineering complexities;
• expense reduction measures we have implemented, and others we may implement, to conserve our cash and attempt to sustain profitability;
• difficulties in hiring and retaining necessary technical personnel;
• difficulties in reallocating engineering resources and overcoming resource limitations; and
• changing market or competitive product requirements.
Further, the development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation and highly skilled engineering and development personnel, as well as the accurate anticipation of technological and market trends. We cannot assure you that our expenditures for research and development will result in the introduction of new products or, if such products are introduced, that those products will achieve sufficient market acceptance or generate revenues to offset the costs of development. Ramping of production capacity also entails risks of delays which can limit our ability to realize the full benefit of the new product introduction. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify, develop, manufacture, market or support new or enhanced products successfully. Additionally, our product offerings may become obsolete given the frequent introduction of alternative technologies. If our products fail to gain and maintain market acceptance, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
We have a history of losses, and as our operating costs increase we may not be able to generate sufficient revenues to achieve or maintain profitability in the future.
We have incurred recurring net losses since our inception in 2000 and expect our operating costs to continue to increase in future periods as we expend substantial financial and other resources on, among other things, business and headcount expansion in operations, sales and marketing, research and development, and administration as a public company. These expenditures may not result in additional revenues or business growth. If we fail to grow revenues or to sustain profitability while our operating costs increase, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects will be materially adversely affected.
Our revenue growth rate in prior periods may not be indicative of our future performance.
Our historical revenue growth rate may not be indicative of future growth, and we may not achieve similar revenue growth rates in future periods. You should not rely on our revenues for any prior quarterly or annual periods as an indication of our future revenues or revenue growth. Our results of operations may vary as a result of a number of factors, including our ability to execute on our business strategy and expand our manufacturing capacity, the general economic conditions and the legal and regulatory environment in the United States, China and globally, and competitive pressures as well as other factors that are outside of our control.
We have high levels of fixed costs and inventory levels that may materially adversely affect our gross profits and results of operations if demand for our products declines or we maintain excess inventory levels.
We conduct our own manufacturing operations and have a high fixed cost base, including significant costs for the employees in our manufacturing operations. We may not be able to adjust our production levels or fixed costs quickly enough or sufficiently to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions. Gross profit, in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenues, is impacted by our volumes, product sales mix, the corresponding absorption of fixed manufacturing overhead expenses, production costs and manufacturing yields. In addition, because we design and manufacture our key components, insufficient demand for our products will subject us to the risks of high inventory carrying costs and increased inventory obsolescence. If our capacity and production levels are not properly sized in relation to changing demand, or if anticipated sales do not occur, we may need to record write-downs for excess or obsolete inventory.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our operations, manufacturing and supply chain and likely will continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
The COVID-19 pandemic and related global liquidity concerns and significant macro-economic volatility continues to adversely impact our end-markets, including reduced economic activity and demand for our products, delays in new capital expenditure decisions and implementations, and restrictions on individual and business activities and travel. Government imposed restrictions may limit our ability to manufacture our products in a timely manner or not at all, and some of our non-manufacturing and technical service personnel have been partially working from home since March 2020. In addition, travel has been severely limited during the COVID-19 pandemic due to government restrictions and other precautionary measures. Limitations on travel have, for example, impacted our management’s ability to visit our employees and facilities, particularly in China, as well as our vendors and potential and existing customers. Such limitations have adversely impacted and could continue to adversely impact oversight of our employees and facilities, our sales and marketing efforts and our manufacturing and supply arrangements, potentially disrupting our business operations and adversely impacting our financial condition and operating results. In recent periods, labor issues have also become more pronounced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and we have experienced higher than expected increases in wages and other compensation costs as well as increased competition for qualified employees.
There are ongoing related risks to our business depending on the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, including from the potential returns to limited or closed government functions, business activities and person-to-person interactions. Global trade conditions may further adversely impact us and our industry. For example, pandemic-related issues have exacerbated port congestion and caused intermittent supplier shutdowns and delays, resulting in additional expenses and challenges to obtaining critical parts. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our financial condition and results of operations will depend on future events and developments, such as the duration and magnitude of the pandemic and the conditions and timing under which restrictions will be lifted or re-imposed, impacts on our supply and distribution chains as well as our customers, the demand for our products, and whether the pandemic leads to recessionary conditions in any of our key markets. As such, the ultimate impact on our financial condition and results of operations cannot be determined at this time. We expect our business, financial condition, and results of operations may continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic may also intensify the risks described in the other risk factors disclosed in this report.
Our results of operations can be adversely affected by labor shortages, turnover, labor cost increases and inflation.
We have from time-to-time experienced labor shortages and other labor-related issues. Labor issues have become more pronounced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of factors may adversely affect the labor force available to us in one or more of our geographies, including high employment levels, increasing market wages and other compensation costs, federal unemployment subsidies, and other government regulations, which include laws and regulations related to workers’ health and safety, wage and hour practices and immigration. These factors can also impact the cost of labor. Increased turnover rates within our employee base can lead to decreased efficiency and increased costs, such as increased overtime to meet demand and increased wage rates to attract and retain employees. An overall labor shortage or lack of skilled labor, increased turnover or labor inflation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our manufacturing capacity and operations may not be appropriate for future levels of demand and may materially adversely affect our gross margins.
When market demand increases, we must be able to rapidly and effectively increase our manufacturing capacity in the appropriate locations to meet increases in customer demand, and if we fail to do so we may lose business to our competitors and our relationships with our customers may be harmed. To maintain our competitive position and to meet anticipated demand for our products, we have invested significantly in the expansion and automation of our manufacturing and operations throughout the world and may continue to do so in the future. If the demand for our products does not increase or if our revenues decrease from current levels, we may have significant excess manufacturing capacity and under-absorption of our fixed costs, which could in turn materially adversely affect our gross margins and profitability. Expansion activities can also cause disruptions to existing manufacturing capabilities. Moreover, we may experience higher costs due to yield loss, production inefficiencies and equipment problems until any operational issues associated with the addition of new equipment or opening of new manufacturing facilities are resolved.
We rely on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenues, and if we lose any of these customers or they significantly curtail their purchases of our products, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
We rely on a few customers for a significant portion of our revenues. We generally do not enter into long-term purchase agreements with our customers that obligate them to purchase our products. Our business is characterized by short-term purchase orders issued by our customers, which are likely to be favorable to those customers. If any of our principal customers discontinues its relationship with us, develops its own products instead of using ours, replaces us as a vendor for certain products or suffers downturns in its business resulting in a cancellation of orders or an inability to place new orders, then our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects could be materially adversely affected.
If we are unable to develop new products, applications and end markets and increase our market share in existing applications, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects will be materially adversely affected.
Our future success will depend in part on our ability to continue to generate sales of semiconductor lasers and fiber lasers in applications where legacy lasers have been used, or in new and developing markets and applications for lasers where they have not been used previously. As semiconductor and fiber lasers reach higher levels of penetration in core materials processing applications, the development of new applications, end markets and products outside our core applications becomes more important to our growth. Our current and potential customers may have substantial investment in, and know-how related to, their existing laser and non-laser technologies. Customers may be reluctant to change from incumbent suppliers or cease using their own solutions, or we may miss the design and procurement cycles of our customers. Many of our target markets have historically been slow to adopt new technologies. These markets often require long testing and qualification periods or lengthy government approval processes before admitting new suppliers or adopting new technologies.
Introduction of new products and product enhancements will require that we effectively transfer production processes from research and development to manufacturing and coordinate our efforts with those of our suppliers to achieve increased production volume rapidly. If we are unable to implement our strategy to develop new applications and end markets for our products or develop new products, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects could be materially adversely affected. In addition, any newly developed or enhanced products may not achieve market acceptance or may be rendered obsolete or less competitive by the introduction of new products by other companies.
The long sales cycles for our products may cause us to incur significant expenses without offsetting revenues.
Our products represent a large investment for our customers and they typically expend significant effort in evaluating, testing and qualifying our products before making a decision to purchase them, resulting in a lengthy initial sales cycle. Even after this evaluation process, a potential customer may decide not to purchase our products. As a result, these long sales cycles may cause us to incur significant expenses without receiving revenues to offset such expenses soon thereafter or at all. This, in turn, can materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, our results of operations and growth prospects.
Because we lack long-term purchase commitments from our customers, our revenues can be difficult to predict, which could lead to excess or obsolete inventory and materially adversely affect our results of operations.
Our business is characterized by short-term purchase orders and shipment schedules and, in some cases, orders may be canceled or delayed without penalty. As a result, it is difficult to forecast our revenues and to determine the appropriate levels of inventory required to meet future demand. This could lead to increased inventory levels and increased carrying costs and risk of excess or obsolete inventory due to unanticipated reductions in purchases by our customers. If we are unable to accurately forecast the demand for our products, fail to accurately forecast the timing of such demand, or are unable to consistently negotiate acceptable purchase order terms with customers, we could incur significant expenses, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects may be materially adversely affected.
If we fail to effectively manage our growth or, alternatively, our spending during downturns, our business could be disrupted, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
Growth in revenues, combined with the challenges of managing geographically dispersed operations, can place a significant strain on our management systems and resources, and our anticipated growth in future operations could continue to place such a strain. The failure to effectively manage our growth could disrupt our business and materially adversely affect our results of operations. In economic downturns, we must effectively manage our spending and operations to ensure that our competitive position during the downturn, as well as our future opportunities when the economy improves, remains intact. The failure to effectively manage our spending and operations could disrupt our business and materially adversely affect our results of operations.
We depend on internal production and outside single or limited-source suppliers for many of our key components and raw materials.
We rely exclusively on our own production capabilities to manufacture certain of our key components, such as semiconductor lasers, specialty optical fibers and optical components. Certain of our components, such as our semiconductor lasers, which are manufactured at our Camas and Vancouver, Washington facilities, and our active fibers, which are manufactured at our Lohja, Finland facility, rely on processes and equipment that cannot be easily moved or replaced. If our manufacturing activities were obstructed or hampered significantly at these, or our other facilities, it could take a considerable length of time, at an increased cost, for us to resume manufacturing, which could materially harm our business and results of operations.
Also, we purchase certain raw materials and components, which are key elements to manufacture our products, from single- or limited-source suppliers. We generally do not have guaranteed supply arrangements with our suppliers. Our key suppliers may not have the ability to increase their production in line with our customers' demands. This can become acute during times of high growth in our customers' businesses. As a result, we experienced, and may in the future experience, longer lead times or delays in fulfillment of our orders. Furthermore, other than our current suppliers, there may be a limited number of entities from which we could obtain these supplies. In addition, if quality issues arise with these outsourced materials and go undetected by us, the use of such defective materials in our products could compromise their quality and harm our reputation.
For certain long lead-time supplies or in order to lock in pricing, we may be obligated to place purchase orders which are not cancelable or otherwise assume liability for a large amount of the ordered supplies, which limits our ability to adjust down our inventory liability in the event of market downturns or other customer cancellations or rescheduling of their purchase orders for our products. Some of our products require designs and specifications which are at the cutting-edge of available technologies. Accordingly, certain of our products require components and supplies which may be technologically difficult and unpredictable to manufacture. These types of components may only be available by a single supplier. These characteristics place further pressure on the timely delivery of such components. In addition, many of our suppliers have recently experienced shortages of many of the components and raw materials that we require, and in some cases, have significantly increased their prices. Any interruption or delay in the supply of any of these components or materials, or the inability to obtain these components and materials from existing suppliers or alternate sources at acceptable prices and within a reasonable amount of time, could materially adversely affect our ability to meet customer orders, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
We depend on our OEM customers and system integrators to incorporate our products into their systems.
Our revenues depend in part on our ability to maintain existing and secure new OEM customers. Our revenues also depend in part upon the ability of our current and potential OEM customers and system integrators to incorporate our products into their systems, and to sell such systems successfully. Relationships and experience with traditional laser makers, limited marketing resources, reluctance to invest in research and development and other factors affecting these OEM customers and third-party system integrators could have a substantial impact upon demand for our products, and in turn upon our revenues and financial results. If OEM customers or integrators are not able to adapt existing tools or develop new systems to take advantage of the features and benefits of lasers, or if they perceive us to be an actual or potential competitor, then the opportunities to expand our revenues and increase our margins may be severely limited or delayed. In addition, some of our OEM customers are developing their own laser sources. If they are successful, this may reduce our revenues from these customers.
Our products could contain defects, which may reduce sales of those products, harm market acceptance of our high-performance laser products or result in claims against us.
The manufacture of our high-performance lasers involves highly complex and precise processes. Despite testing by us and our customers, errors have been found in our products and may be found in the future. In addition, some of our products are combined with products from other vendors, which may contain defects. As a result, should problems occur, it may be difficult to identify the source of the problem. Our products are typically sold with warranty provisions that require us to remedy deficiencies in quality or performance over a specified period of time at no cost to our customers. Reserves for estimated warranty claims are recorded during the period of sale. The determination of such reserves requires us to make estimates of failure rates and expected costs to repair or replace the products under warranty. If actual return rates and/or repair and replacement costs differ significantly from our estimates, adjustments to cost of revenues may be required in future periods, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations. Product defects could result in, among other things, loss of revenues or a delay in revenue recognition, loss of market share, harm to our reputation or a delay or loss of market acceptance of our laser products. Defects, integration issues or other performance problems in our products could also result in personal injury or financial or other damages to our customers, which in turn could damage market acceptance of our products. Our customers could also seek damages from us for their losses. A product liability claim brought against us, even if unsuccessful, could be time-consuming and costly to defend, and could harm our reputation. We cannot assure investors that our product liability insurance would adequately protect our assets from the financial impact of defending a product liability claim. Any product liability claim brought against us, with or without merit, could increase our product liability insurance rates or prevent us from securing insurance coverage in the future.
A breach of our information technology and security systems could materially adversely affect our business.
We use information technology and security systems to maintain our facility's physical security and to protect proprietary and confidential information, including that of our customers, suppliers and employees. Denial of service or other attacks on, or accidental or willful security breaches or other unauthorized access to our facilities or information systems, unauthorized access to or acquisition of personal information, confidential information or other data we process or maintain, or viruses, loggers, or other malfeasant code, including ransomware, in our data or software, could compromise this information and otherwise disrupt our operations. The consequences of such loss, possible misuse of our proprietary and confidential information, or operational disruptions could include, among other things, unfavorable publicity, damage to our reputation, difficulty marketing our products, customer allegations of breach-of-contract, claims and litigation by affected parties, investigations by and other proceedings involving governmental authorities and possible financial liabilities for damages, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, reputation and relationships with customers and partners. We also rely on a number of third-party service providers to host, store or otherwise process information for us, or to provide other facilities or infrastructure that we make use of, including "cloud-based" providers of corporate infrastructure services relating to, among other things, human resources, electronic communication services and some financial functions, and we are therefore dependent on the security systems of these providers. Any security breaches or other unauthorized access to, or disruptions of, our service-providers' systems or viruses, loggers or other malfeasant code in their data or software, or unauthorized access to or acquisition of any data they process or otherwise maintain for us could expose us to information loss, operational disruptions, and misappropriation of confidential information, and could have similar consequences to us as any incidents affecting our own systems or the data we process or maintain. We and our third parties face these threats from a variety of sources, including attacks from hackers, phishing and other forms of social engineering, and human error or employee or contractor malfeasance. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or sabotage security systems change frequently and are often not recognized until after an attack, we and our third-party service providers may be unable to anticipate
the techniques or implement adequate preventative measures, thereby exposing us to material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. A security breach or other security incident impacting us or our third-party service providers could require a substantial level of financial resources to rectify and otherwise respond to, may be difficult to identify or address in a timely manner, and could result in claims, investigations, and inquires by private parties or governmental entities that may divert management’s attention and require the expenditure of significant time and resources, and which may cause us to incur substantial fines, penalties, or other liability and related legal and other costs. Any actual or perceived security breach or other security incident may also harm our reputation and market position. Any of the foregoing matters could harm our operating results and financial condition.
We may not be able to recruit or retain qualified personnel.
We believe our ability to manage successfully and grow our business and to develop new products depends, in large part, on our ability to recruit and retain qualified employees, particularly highly skilled technical, sales, service, management, and key staff personnel. Competition for qualified resources is intense and other companies may have greater resources available to provide substantial inducements to lure key personnel away from us or to offer more competitive compensation packages to individuals we are trying to hire.
Our growth is dependent, in part, on the successful integration of acquired businesses.
We have limited experience executing acquisitions. Integrating an acquired company, business or technology may create unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. If we fail to successfully integrate our acquisitions, or the people or technologies associated with those acquisitions, into our company, the results of operations of the combined company could be adversely affected. Any integration process will require significant time and resources, require significant attention from management, and disrupt the ordinary functioning of our business, and we may not be able to manage the process successfully, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. We may have to pay cash, incur debt, or issue equity securities to pay for any such acquisition, each of which could affect our financial condition or the value of our capital stock. The sale of equity to finance any such acquisitions could result in dilution to our stockholders. If we incur more debt, it would result in increased fixed obligations and could also subject us to covenants or other restrictions that would impede our ability to flexibly operate our business.
Fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations may be difficult to predict.
We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations. Factors which have had or may in the future have an influence on our results of operations in a particular quarter include:
• the increase, decrease, cancellation or rescheduling of significant customer orders;
• declines in selling prices for our products;
•the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health crises, including on macroeconomic conditions and our business, results of operations and financial condition;
• government-mandated quarantines or closures applicable to our facilities or the facilities of our customers or suppliers;
• delays in our product-shipment timing, obtaining licenses or other import/export approvals, customer or end user sales or deployment cycles, or work performed under development contracts;
•seasonality attributable to different purchasing patterns and levels of activity throughout the year in the areas where we operate;
• the impact of new acquisitions and the success of our integration efforts;
• the timing of revenue recognition based on the installation or acceptance of certain products shipped to our customers;
•timing variability in product introductions, enhancements, services and technologies by us and our competitors and market acceptance of these new or enhanced products, services and technologies;
• different capital expenditure and budget cycles for our customers, which affect the timing of their spending;
• our ability to obtain export licenses for our products on a timely basis or at all;
• changes in tariffs imposed by the U.S., China and other foreign governments;
• the rate at which our present and future customers and end users adopt our technologies;
• the gain or loss of a key customer;
• product or customer mix;
• competitive pricing pressures and new market entrants;
• our ability to manage our inventory levels and any write-downs for excess or obsolete inventory;
• our ability to collect outstanding accounts receivable balances;
• changes in the amount and timing of our operating costs;
• impairment of values for goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets;
• foreign currency fluctuations;
• changes in jurisdictional income mix and tax rules and regulations in countries where we operate; and
• economic and market conditions in a particular geography or country.
A substantial portion of our operating expenses are fixed for the short-term, and as a result, fluctuations in revenues or unanticipated expenses can have a material and immediate impact on our profitability. In addition, we often recognize a substantial portion of our revenues in the last month of each fiscal quarter. We also base our manufacturing on our forecasted product mix for the quarter. If the actual product mix varies significantly from our forecast, we may not be able to fill some orders during that quarter, which would result in delays in the shipment of our products. Accordingly, variations in timing of sales, particularly for our higher priced, higher margin products, can cause significant fluctuations in quarterly results of operations.
Due to these and other factors, particularly varying product mix from quarter to quarter, we believe that quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year comparisons of our historical results of operations may not be meaningful. You should not rely on our results for any quarter or year as an indication of our future performance.
Risks Related to Our International Sales and Operations
Our inability to manage risks associated with our international customers and operations could materially adversely affect our business.
Our foreign operations and revenues are subject to a number of risks, including the impact of recessions and other economic conditions in economies outside the United States, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, certification requirements, environmental regulations, reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries, potentially adverse tax consequences, political and economic instability, import/export regulations, tariffs and trade barriers, compliance with applicable United States and foreign anti-corruption laws, cultural and management differences, pandemic illness, reliance in some jurisdictions on third-party revenues from channel partners, preference for locally produced products, shipping, or other logistics complications, and longer accounts receivable collection periods. In particular, the economic, political, legal, and regulatory climate in China, both nationally and regionally, is fluid and unpredictable, and operating in China exposes us to economic, political and legal risks.
Our business could also be impacted by international conflicts, terrorist and military activity, civil unrest and pandemic illness, including COVID-19, which could cause a slowdown in customer orders, cause customer order cancellations or negatively impact availability of supplies or limit our ability to produce or timely service our installed base of products. Political, economic and monetary instability and changes in governmental regulations or policies, including trade tariffs and protectionism, could materially adversely affect both our ability to effectively operate our foreign offices and the ability of our foreign suppliers to supply us with required materials or services. Any interruption or delay in the supply of our required components, products, materials or services, or our inability to obtain these components, materials, products or services from alternate sources at acceptable prices and within a reasonable amount of time, could impair our ability to meet scheduled product deliveries to our customers and could cause customers to cancel orders.
Our failure to manage the foregoing risks associated with our existing and potential future international business operations could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
We are exposed to foreign currency risk, which may materially adversely affect our revenues, cost of revenues and operating margins and could result in exchange losses.
Our international operations are significant to our revenues and net income. While we report our financial results in U.S. dollars, we incur certain costs in other currencies, and have certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. We, therefore, face exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Significant fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may adversely affect our revenues and earnings.
Risks Related to Litigation, Taxation and Regulatory Compliance
Our agreements with the U.S. government and suppliers to the U.S. government subject us to unique risks.
We must comply with and are affected by laws and regulations relating to the award, administration, and performance of U.S. government contracts. Awards received from the U.S. government may be cancelled or lose funding. The U.S. government contracting party may require us to increase or decrease production of certain solutions sold to the U.S. government due to changes in U.S. national security strategy and/or priorities or other reasons, which could impact production of other products or sales to other customers to meet the requirements of the U.S. government. In addition, the U.S. government routinely retains rights to intellectual property developed in connection with a government contract. The U.S. government could exercise these rights in certain circumstances in the future, which could have the effect of decreasing the benefit we are able to realize commercially from such intellectual property.
U.S. government agencies routinely audit and investigate government contractors and can decrease or withhold certain payments when it deems systems subject to its review to be inadequate. Additionally, any costs found to be misclassified may be subject to repayment. We have unaudited and unsettled incurred cost claims related to past years, which places risk on our ability to issue final billings on contracts for which authorized and appropriated funds may be expiring. If an audit or investigation uncovers improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including reductions of the value of contracts, contract modifications or terminations, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, penalties, fines and suspension, or prohibition from doing business with the U.S. government. In addition, we could suffer serious reputational harm if allegations of impropriety were made against us. Similar government oversight exists in most other countries where we conduct business. Any such imposition of penalties, or the loss of such government contracts, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
We are subject to governmental export and import controls that could subject us to liability or impair our ability to compete in international markets.
The U.S. and various foreign governments have imposed controls, export license requirements and restrictions on the import or export of certain products, technologies, and software. We must export our products in compliance with U.S. export controls and we may not always be successful in obtaining necessary export licenses. Our failure to obtain required import or export approval for our products or limitations on our ability to export or sell our products imposed by these laws may harm our international and domestic revenues. Noncompliance with these laws could have negative consequences, including government investigations, penalties and reputational harm. In addition, compliance with the directives of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, or DDTC, may result in substantial expenses and diversion of management attention. Any failure to adequately address the directives of DDTC could result in civil fines or suspension or loss of our export privileges, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Changes in our products or changes in export, import and economic sanctions laws and regulations may delay our introduction of new products in international markets, prevent our customers from deploying our products internationally or, in some cases, prevent the export or import of our products to or from certain countries altogether. In addition to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. Government on certain items imported from China, it is possible that additional sanctions or restrictions may be imposed by the United States on items imported into the United States from China. Similarly, in addition to the tariffs imposed by China on certain items imported from the United States, it is possible that additional sanctions or restrictions may be imposed by China on items imported into China from the United States. Any such measures could further adversely affect our ability to sell our products to existing or potential customers and harm our ability to compete internationally and grow our business. In addition, generally, tariffs may materially increase the cost of our raw materials and finished goods, may negatively impact our margins as we may not be able to pass on the additional cost through increasing the prices of our products, and may cause the contraction of certain industries, including the Industrial market. Any change in export or import regulations or legislation, shift or change in enforcement, or change in the countries, persons or technologies targeted by these regulations, could result in decreased use of our products by, or in our decreased ability to export or sell our products to, existing or potential customers with international operations. In such event, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects could be materially adversely affected.
We are subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering and similar laws, and non-compliance with such laws can subject us to criminal penalties or significant fines and harm our business and reputation.
We are subject to anti-corruption and anti-bribery and similar laws. Anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws have been enforced aggressively in recent years and are interpreted broadly and prohibit companies and their employees and agents from promising, authorizing, making, offering, soliciting or accepting improper payments or other benefits to or from government officials and others in the public and private sectors. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our employees, representatives, contractors, business partners and agents, even if we do not explicitly authorize or have actual knowledge of such activities. Our operations and sales in China, India, Brazil, the Middle East, and other countries create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by our employees, consultants, sales agents or distributors, even though they may not always be subject to our control.
These laws also require that we keep accurate books and records and maintain internal controls and compliance procedures designed to prevent any such actions. While we have policies and procedures to address compliance with these laws, we cannot assure you that our employees, representatives, contractors, business partners and agents will not take actions that violate our policies or applicable law, for which we can be held liable.
If any subpoenas or investigations are launched, or governmental or other sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal litigation, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects could be materially adversely affected. In addition, responding to any action will likely result in a materially significant diversion of management's attention and resources and significant defense and compliance costs and other professional fees.
We could be subject to additional income tax liabilities.
Our tax liability, after-tax profitability and effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted by changes in tax laws, including legislation implementing changes in taxation of international business activities, changes in the mix and level of earnings by taxing jurisdictions or changes to existing accounting rules or regulations. There are numerous other factors that could affect our tax rate, including, among others, intercompany transactions, losses incurred in jurisdictions for which we are not able to realize the related tax benefits, and entry into new businesses and geographies. Fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We are subject to income taxes in the United States and certain other foreign jurisdictions. Judgment is required in evaluating our worldwide provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are subject to audit in various jurisdictions, and such jurisdictions may assess additional income tax against us. The final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could have a material adverse effect on our operating results or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made.
Our intercompany relationships are subject to complex transfer pricing regulations administered by taxing authorities in various jurisdictions. If relevant taxing authorities were to disagree with our determinations as to the income and expenses attributable to specific jurisdictions, and our position was not sustained, we could be required to pay additional taxes, interest and penalties, which could result in one-time tax charges, higher effective tax rates, reduced cash flows and lower overall profitability of our operations. There can be no assurances that our reserves would be adequate to cover such a contingency.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that could impose substantial costs upon us and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign environmental regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous chemicals used during our manufacturing process or requiring design changes or recycling of products we manufacture. We could incur costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party property damage or personal injury claims, or could be required to incur substantial investigation or remediation costs, if we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws. Compliance with current or future environmental laws and regulations could restrict our ability to expand our facilities or require us to acquire additional expensive equipment, modify our manufacturing processes or incur other significant expenses in order to remain in compliance with such laws and regulations.
Privacy and data security concerns, and data collection and transfer restrictions and related domestic or foreign regulations may limit the use and adoption of our solutions and adversely affect our business.
Personal privacy, information security and data protection are significant issues in the United States, Europe and many other jurisdictions where we have operations or offer our products. The regulatory framework governing the collection, use, and other processing of personal data and other information is rapidly evolving. The United States federal and various state and foreign governments have adopted or proposed requirements regarding the collection, distribution, use, security and storage of personally identifiable information and other data relating to individuals, and federal and state consumer protection laws are being applied to enforce regulations related to the online collection, use and dissemination of data.
Further, many foreign countries and governmental bodies, including the European Union (EU) and China, have laws and regulations concerning the collection and use of personal data obtained from their residents or by businesses operating within their jurisdiction, or relating to cybersecurity. These laws and regulations often are more restrictive than those in the United States. We also expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations and industry standards concerning privacy, data protection and information security in the United States, the EU and other jurisdictions. We cannot yet fully determine the impact these or future laws, regulations and standards may have on our business, but these laws, regulations and standards often are subject to differing interpretations, may be inconsistent among jurisdictions, and may be alleged to be inconsistent with our current or future practices. These and other requirements could increase our costs, impair our ability to grow our business, or restrict our ability to store and process data, and may subject us to liability.
The costs of compliance with and other burdens imposed by laws, regulations, standards and other actual or asserted obligations relating to privacy, data protection and information security may be substantial, and they may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies. Any actual or alleged noncompliance with any of these laws, regulations, standards, and other actual or asserted obligations may lead to claims and proceedings by governmental actors and private parties, and significant fines, penalties or liabilities.
We may become involved in claims, lawsuits, government investigations, other legal or regulatory proceedings, or commercial or contractual disputes, any of which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
From time to time, we may become involved in various claims, lawsuits, government investigations, other legal or regulatory proceedings, or commercial or contractual disputes relating to matters incidental to the ordinary course of our business, including intellectual property, commercial, contractual, product liability, employment, class action, whistleblower and other litigation and claims, commercial or contractual disputes, and governmental and other regulatory investigations and proceedings. Such matters, regardless of their merits, can be time-consuming, divert management’s attention and resources, cause us to incur significant expenses or liability, cause us to enter into royalty or licensing arrangements, harm our reputation or require us to change our technology or business practices. In addition, the expense of litigation or other forms of dispute resolution or settlement, and the timing of this expense from period to period, is difficult to estimate, subject to change and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Because of the potential risks, expenses and uncertainties of litigation, investigations and disputes, we may, from time to time, agree to settle even where we have meritorious claims or defenses. The results of litigation, investigations, claims, regulatory proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, and determining reserves for such matters requires significant judgment. There can be no assurance that our expectations will prove correct, and even if such matters are resolved in our favor or without significant cash settlements, such matters, and the time and resources necessary to litigate or resolve them, could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
If we are unable to protect our proprietary technology and intellectual property rights, our competitive position could be harmed and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
We rely on a variety of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, technical know-how and other unpatented proprietary information to protect our technologies, products, product development and manufacturing activities from unauthorized use by third parties. Our patents do not cover all of our technologies, systems, products and product components and our competitors or others may design around our patented technologies. We cannot guarantee we have entered into appropriate agreements with all parties that have had
access to our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information to adequately protect all such information. We also cannot assure you that those agreements will provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use or disclosure. Our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information could be obtained by third parties as a result of breaches of our physical or electronic security systems or our suppliers, employees or consultants could assert rights to our intellectual property.
We have significant international operations and we are subject to foreign laws which differ in many respects from U.S. laws. Effective intellectual property protection may be unavailable or more limited in foreign jurisdictions in which we operate, such as China, relative to those protections available in the United States. Furthermore, any changes in, or unexpected interpretations of, the trade secret and other intellectual property laws in any country in which we operate may materially adversely affect our ability to enforce our trade secret and intellectual property positions. In the past, certain of our employees have been hired by our competitors. While these former employees are contractually prohibited from misappropriating our proprietary rights, we cannot be certain that such contractual obligations will be honored. If we detect misappropriation and decide to enforce such contractual obligations and pursue litigation to assert our intellectual property rights, an adverse decision in any legal action could limit our ability to assert our intellectual property rights, limit the value of our technology or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Monitoring unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and costly. Unauthorized use of our intellectual property may have already occurred or may occur in the future. Our failure to identify unauthorized use or otherwise adequately protect our intellectual property could jeopardize our competitive advantage and materially adversely affect our business. Moreover, any litigation in connection with unauthorized use of our intellectual property could be time consuming, and we could be forced to incur significant costs and divert our attention and the efforts of our employees, which could, in turn, result in lower revenues and higher expenses, and we may not be successful in enforcing our intellectual property rights.
Intellectual property claims could result in costly litigation and harm our business.
There has been significant litigation involving intellectual property rights in many technology-driven industries, including our own. We continue to face risks and uncertainties in connection with any patent litigation, including the risk that patents issued to others may restrict and harm our ability to do business; that there could be existing patents or pending applications of which we are unaware that may later result in issued patents upon which our products may infringe. Moreover, the frequency with which new patents are granted and the diversity of jurisdictions in which they are granted make it impractical and expensive for us to monitor all patents that may be relevant to our business. We may also become involved in the defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, patent interferences, opposition proceedings and other administrative proceedings.
From time to time, we have been notified of allegations and claims that we may be infringing patents or otherwise violating intellectual property rights owned by third parties. In the future, we may be a party to litigation because of an alleged infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of others' intellectual property, whether through direct claims or by way of indemnification claims of our customers or suppliers. If any pending or future intellectual property-related litigation proceedings result in an adverse outcome, then we could be required to:
• cease the manufacture, use or sale of the infringing products, processes, or technology;
• pay substantial damages for infringement;
• expend significant resources to develop non-infringing products, processes, or technology;
• license technology from the party claiming infringement, which license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all;
• cross-license our technology to a competitor or commit to covenant-not-to-sue to resolve an infringement claim, which could weaken our ability to compete with that competitor; or
•pay substantial damages to our direct or indirect customers to cause our end users to discontinue their use of, or replace, infringing products with non-infringing products.
In addition, intellectual property lawsuits can be brought by third parties against our customers and end-users that incorporate our products into their systems or processes. Because we generally indemnify customers against third-party infringement claims relating to our products, we may incur liabilities in connection with lawsuits against our customers. Any such lawsuits could be time-and-resource-consuming to defend, damage our reputation and result in substantial and unanticipated costs. Having to defend any such lawsuits, and any adverse consequences that might arise, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Our ability to use net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be limited.
We have U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) and research development credit carryforwards which we may use to reduce future taxable income or offset income taxes due. Some of the NOLs and credit carryforwards start expiring in 2022. Insufficient future taxable income will adversely affect our ability to deploy these NOLs and credit carryforwards. Our ability to utilize these NOLs and credit carryforwards may also be affected by recent tax legislation such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as modified by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which allows federal NOLs incurred in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 to be carried forward indefinitely, but limits use of such federal NOLs in tax years beginning after December 31, 2020 to 80% of taxable income. In addition, under Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or the Code, a corporation that experiences a more than 50% ownership change over a three-year testing period is limited in its ability to use its pre-change NOLs and other tax assets to offset future taxable income or income taxes due. Our existing NOLs and credit carryforwards are subject to limitations arising from previous ownership changes. Our ability to use our NOLs and credit carryforwards could be further limited by Section 382 of the Code if we undergo an ownership change. Future changes in our stock ownership, the causes of which may be outside our control, could result in an ownership change under Section 382 of the Code. Our NOLs may also be impaired under state law. As a result of these limitations, we may not be able to utilize a material portion of, or possibly any of, the NOLs and credit carryforwards, which could materially adversely affect our cash flows.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock may be volatile, and the value of your investment could decline significantly.
Technology stocks have historically experienced high levels of volatility. The trading price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be volatile. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock include the following:
• the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health crises, including on macroeconomic conditions and our business, results of operations and financial condition;
• price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
• changes in operating performance, stock market valuations and volatility in the market prices of other technology companies generally, or those in our industry in particular;
• actual or anticipated quarterly variations in our results of operations or those of our competitors;
• actual or anticipated changes in our growth rate relative to our competitors;
• announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions, new products, significant contracts, commercial relationships or capital commitments;
• manufacturing, labor or supply interruptions;
• developments with respect to intellectual property rights;
• our ability to develop and market new and enhanced products on a timely basis;
• commencement of, or our involvement in, litigation;
• major changes in our Board of Directors or management;
• changes in governmental regulations or in the status of our regulatory approvals;
•actual or perceived privacy, data protection or cybersecurity breaches or incidents;
• the trading volume of our stock;
• any future sales or repurchases of our common stock or other securities; or the perception that these sales or repurchases could occur;
• failure of financial analysts to maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by any analysts who follow our company or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
• fluctuations in the values of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us;
• the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in these projections or our failure to meet these projections; and
• general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of related markets.
The stock market in general, and market prices for the securities of technology companies like ours in particular, have from time to time experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of the underlying companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance, which might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate. In several recent situations when the market price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have instituted securities class action litigation
against the company that issued the stock. If any of our stockholders were to bring a lawsuit against us, the defense and disposition of the lawsuit could be costly and divert the time and attention of our management and materially adversely affect our results of operations.
Delaware and Washington law and provisions in our charter documents could make a merger, tender offer or proxy contest difficult, thereby depressing the trading price of our common stock.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could depress the trading price of our common stock by acting to discourage, delay or prevent a change in our control or management that our stockholders may deem advantageous. Among other things, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws:
• permit the Board of Directors to issue up to five million shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as they may designate;
• provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the Board of Directors;
• provide that all vacancies on our Board of Directors may only be filled by our Board of Directors and not by stockholders;
• divide the Board of Directors into three classes;
• provide that a director may only be removed from the Board of Directors by the stockholders for cause;
• require that any action to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken by written consent;
• provide that stockholders seeking to present proposals before a meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders must provide notice in writing in a timely manner and meet specific requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder's notice;
• prohibit cumulative voting;
• provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the chairman of the board, our chief executive officer (or president, in the absence of a chief executive officer) or by the Board of Directors; and
• provide that stockholders will be permitted to amend our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws only upon receiving at least two-thirds of the total votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
In addition, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with any "interested" stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which the stockholder became an "interested" stockholder. Likewise, because our principal executive offices are located in Washington, the anti-takeover provisions of the Washington Business Corporation Act may apply to us under certain circumstances now or in the future. These provisions prohibit a "target corporation" from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with any stockholder constituting an "acquiring person" for a period of five years following the date on which the stockholder became an "acquiring person."
Our bylaws designate a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, and also provide that the federal district courts are the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, each of which could limit our stockholders’ ability to choose the judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, stockholders or employees.
Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, or other employees to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws or (iv) any other action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, in all cases subject to the court having jurisdiction over indispensable parties named as defendants. Our bylaws also provide that the federal district courts of the United States of America are the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. These exclusive-forum provisions may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and other employees. If a court were to find either exclusive-forum provision in our bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving the dispute in other jurisdictions, which could harm our results of operations.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal facilities are owned or leased and include the following:
Location Lease Expiration Approximate Size
(sq. ft.)
Primary Functions Segment(s)
Camas, Washington Owned 164,600 Corporate headquarters, manufacturing and distribution, product design, research and development, sales, marketing and administration Laser Products, Advanced Development
Vancouver, Washington November 30, 2024 -
May 31, 2035 122,400 Manufacturing and distribution, product design, research and development, service and repair, and administration Laser Products, Advanced Development
Hillsboro, Oregon January 31, 2033 30,200 Manufacturing and distribution, and product design Laser Products
Longmont, Colorado July 31, 2028 46,400 Research and development Advanced Development
Lohja, Finland April 1, 2022 31,800 Manufacturing and distribution, product design, research and development and administration Laser Products
Shanghai, China April 16, 2022 -
November 30, 2023 82,800 Manufacturing and distribution, service and repair, product design, research and development, sales and administration Laser Products

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We may, from time to time, be party to litigation and subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of business. As our company matures, we may become party to an increasing number of litigation matters and claims. The outcome of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and the resolution of these matters could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Information About Our Common Stock
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "LASR." As of February 22, 2022, there were 121 registered holders of record of our common stock.
Repurchase of Common Stock
In November 2019, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $10 million of our outstanding common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not repurchase any shares and, as of December 31, 2021, $10 million remained available for future repurchases.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Russell 2000 Index. The graph covers the period from April 26, 2018, using the closing price for the first day of trading immediately following the effectiveness of our initial public offering per SEC regulations, through December 31, 2021. No cash dividends have been declared on shares of our common stock. This graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock and each index (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on April 26, 2018.
*$100 invested on April 26, 2018 in stock or April 26, 2018 in index, including reinvestment of dividends. Indexes calculated on month-end basis.
The stock price performance shown on the graph above is not necessarily indicative of future price performance. Information used in the graph was obtained from the Nasdaq Global Select Market, a source believed to be reliable, but we are not responsible for any errors or omissions in such information.
The graph and the table above shall not be deemed “filed” with the SEC for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing made by us with the SEC, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "ability," "anticipate," "attempt," "believe," "can be," "continue," "could," "depend," "enable," "estimate," "expect," "extend," "grow," "if," "intend," "likely," "may," "objective," "ongoing," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "propose," "rely," "should," "target," "will," "would" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words.
These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about: our ability to develop innovative products; the implementation of our business model and strategic plans, including estimates regarding expenses and capital requirements; our competition and our ability to successfully compete; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business; demand for our semiconductor and fiber laser solutions; our technology and new product research and development activities; our ability to source key components and raw materials from our suppliers; the impact of inflation; our future financial performance; our utilization of vertical integration; our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property rights; the effect on our business of litigation to which we are or may become a party; and the sufficiency of our existing liquidity sources to meet our cash needs.
You should refer to the "Risk Factors" section of this report for a discussion of other important factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. As a result of these factors, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this report will prove to be accurate. In addition, statements that "we believe" and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this report, which although we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted a thorough inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. Furthermore, if our forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Overview
nLIGHT, Inc., is a leading provider of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace and defense applications. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, we design, develop and manufacture the critical elements of our lasers, and believe our vertically integrated business model enables us to rapidly introduce innovative products, control our costs and protect our intellectual property.
We operate in two reportable segments consisting of the Laser Products segment and the Advanced Development segment. Sales of our semiconductor lasers, fiber lasers and directed energy products are included in the Laser Products segment, while revenue earned from research and development contracts are included in the Advanced Development segment.
Revenues increased to $270.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $222.8 million in the same period of 2020 as a result of higher revenue across all end markets. We generated a net loss of $29.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to a net loss of $20.9 million for the same period of 2020, primarily as a result of a $12.3 million increase in stock-based compensation.
Factors Affecting Our Performance
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and related global liquidity concerns and significant macro-economic volatility continues to adversely impact our end-markets, including reduced economic activity and demand for our products, delays in new capital expenditure decisions and implementations, and restrictions on individual and business activities and travel. While our global manufacturing operations have generally remained open throughout the pandemic, including our manufacturing facilities in the United States which are considered essential businesses, we have previously been affected by the temporary closure of our Shanghai manufacturing facility due to government-imposed restrictions. Some of our non-manufacturing and technical service personnel have been partially working from home since March 2020. In recent periods, labor issues have also become more pronounced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and we have experienced higher than expected increases in wages and other compensation costs as well as increased competition for qualified employees.
There are ongoing related risks to our business depending on the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, including from the potential returns to limited or closed government functions, business activities and person-to-person interactions. Global trade conditions may further adversely impact us and our industry. For example, pandemic-related issues have exacerbated port congestion and caused intermittent supplier shutdowns and delays, resulting in additional expenses and challenges to obtaining critical parts. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our financial condition and results of operations will depend on future events and developments, such as the duration and magnitude of the pandemic and the conditions and timing under which restrictions will be lifted or re-imposed, impacts on our supply and distribution chains as well as our customers, the demand for our products and whether the pandemic leads to recessionary conditions in any of our key markets.
Demand for our Semiconductor and Fiber Laser Solutions
In order to continue to grow our revenues, we must continue to achieve design wins for our semiconductor and fiber lasers. We consider a design win to occur when a customer notifies us that it has selected one of our products to be incorporated into a product or system under development by such customer. For the foreseeable future, our operations will continue to depend upon capital expenditures by customers in the Industrial and Microfabrication markets, which, in turn, depend upon the demand for these customers’ products or services. In addition, in the Aerospace and Defense market, our business depends in large part on continued investment in laser technology by the U.S. government and its allies, and our ability to continue to successfully develop leading technology in this area and commercialize that technology in the future.
Demand for our products also fluctuates based on market cycles, continuously evolving industry supply chains, trade and tariff terms, as well as evolving competitive dynamics in each of our end-markets. Erosion of average selling prices, or ASPs, of established products is typical in our industry, and the ASPs of our products generally decrease as our products mature. We may also negotiate discounted selling prices from time to time with certain customers that purchase higher volumes, or to penetrate new markets or applications. Historically, we have been able to offset decreasing ASPs by introducing new and higher value products, increasing the sales of our existing products, expanding into new applications and reducing our manufacturing costs. Although we anticipate further increases in product volumes and the continued introduction of new and higher value products, ASP reduction may cause our revenues to decline or grow at a slower rate.
Technology and New Product Development
We invest heavily in the development of our semiconductor, fiber laser and directed energy technologies to provide solutions to our current and future customers. We anticipate that we will continue to invest in research and development to achieve our technology and product roadmap. Our product development is targeted to specific sectors of the market where we believe the power and performance requirements of our products can provide the most benefit. We believe our close coordination with our customers regarding their future product requirements enhances the efficiency of our research and development expenditures.
Manufacturing Costs and Gross Margins
Our Product gross profit, in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenues, is impacted by our product sales mix, sales volumes, changes in ASPs, production volumes, the corresponding absorption of manufacturing overhead expenses, production costs and manufacturing yields. Our product sales mix can affect gross profits due to variations in profitability related to product- configurations and cost profiles, customer volume pricing, availability of competitive products in various markets, and new product introductions, among other factors. Capacity utilization affects our gross margin because we have a high fixed cost base due to our vertically integrated business model. Increases in sales and production volumes drive favorable absorption of fixed costs, improved manufacturing efficiencies and lower production costs. Gross margins may fluctuate from period to period depending on product mix and the level of capacity utilization.
Our Development gross profit varies with the type and terms of contracts, contract volume, project mix, and progress on projects during the period. Most of our Development contracts are structured as cost plus fixed fee due to the technical complexity of the research and development services.
Seasonality
Our quarterly revenues can fluctuate with general economic trends, holidays in foreign countries such as Chinese New Year in the first quarter of our fiscal year, the timing of capital expenditures by our customers, and general economic trends. In addition, as is typical in our industry, we tend to recognize a larger percentage of our quarterly revenues in the last month of the quarter, which may impact our working capital trends.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our operating results as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated (which may not add up due to rounding):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Revenue:
Products 76.3 % 83.0 % 98.6 %
Development 23.7 17.0 1.4
Total revenue 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of revenue:
Products 49.2 57.6 69.1
Development 22.2 15.8 1.3
Total cost of revenue 71.4 73.4 70.4
Gross profit 28.6 26.6 29.6
Operating expenses:
Research and development 20.3 18.5 15.9
Sales, general and administrative 19.5 17.6 19.3
Total operating expenses 39.8 36.1 35.2
Loss from operations (11.2) (9.4) (5.6)
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net (0.1) - 1.5
Other income, net 0.1 0.2 0.3
Loss before income taxes (11.2) (9.2) (3.8)
Income tax expense (benefit) (0.1) 0.2 3.5
Net loss (11.1) % (9.4) % (7.3) %
Revenues by End Market
Our revenues by end market were as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, Change
2021 % of Revenue 2020 % of Revenue Amount %
Industrial $ 94,795 35.1 % $ 84,478 37.9 % $ 10,317 12.2 %
Microfabrication 70,412 26.1 51,649 23.2 18,763 36.3
Aerospace and Defense 104,939 38.8 86,662 38.9 18,277 21.1
$ 270,146 100.0 % $ 222,789 100.0 % $ 47,357 21.3 %
Year Ended December 31, Change
2020 % of Revenue 2019 % of Revenue Amount %
Industrial $ 84,478 37.9 % $ 76,668 43.4 % $ 7,810 10.2 %
Microfabrication 51,649 23.2 57,153 32.4 (5,504) (9.6)
Aerospace and Defense 86,662 38.9 42,798 24.2 43,864 102.5
$ 222,789 100.0 % $ 176,619 100.0 % $ 46,170 26.1 %
The increase in Industrial market revenue for 2021 compared to 2020 was driven by increases in unit sales outside of China, partially offset by a decrease in unit sales in China and lower average selling prices due to changes in product mix. The increase in unit sales outside of China was driven by increased customer demand for fiber lasers used in cutting applications and new products for additive manufacturing, while the decrease in unit sales in China was the result of increased competitive pressure and declining sales prices for fiber lasers used in cutting applications. The increase in Microfabrication market revenue for 2021 compared to 2020 was attributable to increases in customer demand and unit sales of semiconductor lasers. The increase in Aerospace and Defense market revenue for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to increased activity on existing research and development contracts, offset partially by a decrease in product sales.
The increase in Industrial market revenue for 2020 compared to 2019 was driven by increased unit sales and changes in sales mix towards high-power fiber lasers. The decrease in Microfabrication market revenue for 2020 compared to 2019 was driven primarily by lower unit sales to customers for consumer electronics and semiconductors. The increase in Aerospace and Defense market revenue for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to the acquisition of Nutronics, and an increase in unit sales to new and existing customers for defense applications.
Revenues by Segment
Our revenues by segment were as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, Change
2021 % of Revenue 2020 % of Revenue Amount %
Laser Products $ 206,195 76.3 % $ 184,841 83.0 % $ 21,354 11.6 %
Advanced Development 63,951 23.7 37,948 17.0 26,003 68.5
$ 270,146 100.0 % $ 222,789 100.0 % $ 47,357 21.3 %
Year Ended December 31, Change
2020 % of Revenue 2019 % of Revenue Amount %
Laser Products $ 184,841 83.0 % $ 174,059 98.6 % $ 10,782 6.2 %
Advanced Development 37,948 17.0 2,560 1.4 35,388 NM
$ 222,789 100.0 % $ 176,619 100.0 % $ 46,170 26.1 %
The increase in Laser Products revenue for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to higher revenue and demand from the Industrial and Microfabrication markets outside of China, offset partially by a decrease in product sales to the Aerospace and Defense market. The increase in Advanced Development revenue for 2021 compared to 2020 was driven by increased activity on existing research and development contracts with the U.S. Government.
The increase in Laser Products revenue for 2020 compared to 2019 was driven by higher revenue and demand from the Industrial and Aerospace and Defense markets, offset partially by lower revenue from the Microfabrication market. The increase in Advanced Development revenue for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to the acquisition of Nutronics in November 2019.
Revenues by Geographic Region
Our revenues by geographic region were as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, Change
2021 % of Revenue 2020 % of Revenue Amount %
North America $ 143,232 53.0 % $ 107,624 48.3 % $ 35,608 33.1 %
China 55,446 20.5 70,882 31.8 (15,436) (21.8)
Rest of World 71,468 26.5 44,283 19.9 27,185 61.4
$ 270,146 100.0 % $ 222,789 100.0 % $ 47,357 21.3 %
Year Ended December 31, Change
2020 % of Revenue 2019 % of Revenue Amount %
North America $ 107,624 48.3 % $ 67,511 38.2 % $ 40,113 59.4 %
China 70,882 31.8 64,134 36.3 6,748 10.5
Rest of World 44,283 19.9 44,974 25.5 (691) (1.5)
$ 222,789 100.0 % $ 176,619 100.0 % $ 46,170 26.1 %
Geographic revenue information is based on the location to which we deliver our products and services. The increase in North America revenue for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily driven by increased revenue from the Aerospace and Defense and Industrials markets. The decrease in China revenue for 2021 compared to 2020 was due to decreased sales in the Industrial market as a result of deteriorating market conditions. The increase in Rest of World revenue for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to increased sales in the Microfabrication and Industrial markets.
The increase in North America revenue for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily driven by the acquisition of Nutronics and increased sales in the Aerospace and Defense market, partially offset by decreased sales in the Microfabrication market. The increase in China revenue for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to increased sales in the Industrial market. There was no significant change in Rest of World revenue for 2020 compared to 2019.
Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin
Cost of Laser Products revenue consists primarily of manufacturing materials, labor, shipping and handling costs, tariffs and manufacturing-related overhead. We order materials and supplies based on backlog and forecasted customer orders. We expense all warranty costs and inventory provisions as cost of revenues. Cost of Advanced Development revenue consists of materials, labor, subcontracting costs, an allocation of indirect costs including overhead and general and administrative.
Our gross profit and gross margin were as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Laser Products Advanced Development Corporate and Other Total
Gross profit $ 75,833 $ 3,979 $ (2,505) $ 77,307
Gross margin 36.8 % 6.2 % NM 28.6 %
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Laser Products Advanced Development Corporate and Other Total
Gross profit $ 58,207 $ 2,778 $ (1,621) $ 59,364
Gross margin 31.5 % 7.3 % NM 26.6 %
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Laser Products Advanced Development Corporate and Other Total
Gross profit $ 53,247 $ 293 $ (1,201) $ 52,339
Gross margin 30.6 % 11.4 % NM 29.6 %
The increase in Laser Products gross margin for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to sales mix and improved factory utilization from higher production volume, offset partially by increases in manufacturing costs. The decrease in Advanced Development gross margin was driven primarily by changes in the composition of research and development contracts. Most of the Advanced Development segment revenue in 2021 was generated from cost plus fixed fee research and development contracts.
The increase in Laser Products gross margin for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to product cost improvements, higher production volume and factory utilization, and lower import duty costs, offset partially by overall price reductions in the Industrial market, increased reserve charges, and changes in sales mix. Changes in Advanced Development gross margin are driven by changes in project mix since the acquisition of Nutronics in November 2019. Most of the Advanced Development segment revenue in 2020 was generated from cost plus fixed fee research and development projects.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses were as follows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
Research and Development
Year Ended December 31, Change
2021 2020 Amount %
Research and development $ 54,814 $ 41,164 $ 13,650 33.2
Year Ended December 31, Change
2020 2019 Amount %
Research and development $ 41,164 $ 28,137 $ 13,027 46.3
The increase in research and development expense for 2021 compared to 2020 was driven primarily by an increase in stock-based compensation costs of $3.7 million, and increased employee headcount and related costs, and project-related expenses, to support our development efforts.
The increase in research and development expense for 2020 compared to 2019 was driven primarily by increases in stock-based compensation costs of $6.4 million and purchased intangible amortization of $2.4 million from the Nutronics and OPI acquisitions in November 2019 and July 2020, respectively, and increased project-related expenses to support our development efforts.
Sales, General and Administrative
Year Ended December 31, Change
2021 2020 Amount %
Sales, general, and administrative $ 52,710 $ 39,248 $ 13,462 34.3
Year Ended December 31, Change
2020 2019 Amount %
Sales, general, and administrative $ 39,248 $ 34,111 $ 5,137 15.1
The increase in sales, general and administrative expense for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily driven by an increase in stock-based compensation costs of $7.6 million, increased headcount and compensation costs, and increased professional fees.
The increase in sales, general and administrative expense for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily driven by an increase in stock-based compensation costs of $8.9 million, partially offset by a decrease in executive cash compensation, lower professional fees and decreased marketing and travel costs due to COVID-19.
Interest Income, net
Year Ended December 31, Change
2021 2020 Amount %
Interest income (expense), net $ (163) $ 78 $ (241) (309.0)
Year Ended December 31, Change
2020 2019 Amount %
Interest income, net $ 78 $ 2,609 $ (2,531) (97.0)
The decrease in interest income (expense), net, for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily attributable to an increase in bank charges and changes in the market rates on money market funds, offset partially by the March 2021 cash infusion from our public offering of stock.
The decrease in interest income, net, for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily attributable to lower balances in our money market funds coupled with a decrease in the market rates on those funds.
Other Income (Expense), net
Year Ended December 31, Change
2021 2020 Amount %
Other income, net $ 336 $ 378 $ (42) (11.1)
Year Ended December 31, Change
2020 2019 Amount %
Other income, net $ 378 $ 535 $ (157) 29.3
The changes in other income, net, in 2021 compared to 2020, and 2020 compared to 2019, are primarily attributable to changes in net realized and unrealized foreign exchange transactions resulting from currency rate fluctuations.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Year Ended December 31, Change
2021 2020 Amount %
Income tax expense (benefit) $ (375) $ 340 $ (715) (210.3)
Year Ended December 31, Change
2020 2019 Amount %
Income tax expense $ 340 $ 6,119 $ (5,779) (94.4)
The decrease in tax expense to a net benefit for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily related to the release of tax expense, interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions for which statutes of limitations have expired and prior year true ups in foreign jurisdictions. Our 2021 tax benefit was impacted by the geographic location of our pre-tax book income and was primarily related to our operations in Finland and foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings. There is limited tax expense associated with our operations in the U.S. and China as we maintain a full valuation allowance against our U.S. and China deferred tax assets. Our effective tax rate may vary from period to period based on changes in estimated taxable income or loss by jurisdiction, changes to the valuation allowance, changes to U.S. federal, state or foreign tax laws, future expansion into areas with varying country, state, and local income tax rates and deductibility of certain costs and expenses by jurisdiction.
The decrease in tax expense for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily related to recording a valuation allowance against our China deferred tax assets due to uncertainty with respect to their ultimate realizability in 2019, offset partially in 2020 by changes in the mix of earnings by tax jurisdiction, and the recording of a purchase accounting adjustment in 2019 related to not making a tax election to treat the Nutronics share purchase as an asset purchase for tax purposes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We had cash and cash equivalents of $146.5 million and $102.3 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, our principal uses of liquidity were to fund operating activities, acquire plant and equipment and tax payments related to stock award issuances. The primary source of cash was our public offering in March 2021.
We believe our existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs for at least the next 12 months. However, we may raise additional capital to expand the commercialization of our products, fund our operations, further our research and development activities or for other corporate purposes. Our future capital requirements may vary materially from period to period and will depend on many factors, including the timing and extent of spending on research and development efforts, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, the continuing market acceptance of our products and ongoing investments to support the growth of our business. We may in the future enter into arrangements to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, services, technologies and intellectual property rights. From time to time, we may explore additional financing sources which could include equity, equity-linked and debt financing arrangements.
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (7,443) $ 13,041 $ (4,241)
Net cash used in investing activities (21,853) (24,539) (30,404)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 73,742 (3,767) 2,452
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (235) 545 (33)
Net increase (decrease) in cash $ 44,211 $ (14,720) $ (32,226)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in operating activities was $7.4 million, which was the result of a $29.7 million net loss and use of cash for working capital of $33.7 million, offset partially by non-cash expenses totaling $56.0 million related primarily to depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation. Changes in working capital were driven by a $19.0 million increase in inventory, a $9.5 million increase in accounts receivable, and a $3.6 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
The increase in inventory was driven primarily by an increase in safety stock to address risks related to the supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing disruptions, and to support new product introductions. The increase in accounts receivable was attributable to the timing of shipments and increases in revenue, and the increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets was attributable to an increase in contract assets.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $13.0 million, which was primarily driven by $20.9 million of net loss reported for the period, and non-cash adjustments of $42.1 million related to depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, and other items. These items were partially offset by a $6.9 million increase in inventory and changes in other operating assets and liabilities. The increase in inventory supported new product introductions, decreased customer lead times and increased safety stock.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $21.9 million, including $19.3 million of capital expenditures related primarily to investments in manufacturing equipment and improvements to our corporate facility.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash used in investing activities was $24.5 million, primarily resulting from $23.4 million of capital expenditures related to the acquisition of commercial property in Camas, Washington, and other investments in manufacturing equipment for our worldwide operations.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was $73.7 million, which was primarily driven by our follow-on public offering of $82.4 million, net of offering costs, and $2.7 million of proceeds from stock options exercised and employee stock plan purchases, partially offset by $10.6 million of withholding tax payments related to vesting of restricted stock awards.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash used in financing activities was $3.8 million, which was primarily driven by $6.4 million of withholding tax payments related to vesting of restricted stock awards, offset by $2.8 million of proceeds from stock options exercises and employee stock program purchases. In addition, the $15.0 million in proceeds from our revolving line of credit drawn in the first quarter of 2020 was paid in full during the third quarter of 2020.
Credit Facilities
We have a $40.0 million revolving line of credit, or LOC, with Pacific Western Bank dated September 24, 2018, which is secured by our assets.
On September 24, 2021, we amended the LOC to extend the maturity date to September 24, 2024, remove LIBOR references and update the financial covenants.
The LOC agreement contains restrictive and financial covenants and bears an unused credit fee of 0.20% on an annualized basis. The interest rate on the LOC is based on the Prime rate, minus a margin based on our liquidity levels. No amounts were outstanding under the LOC at December 31, 2021 and 2020 and we were in compliance with all covenants.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth a summary of our significant contractual obligations to make future payments in cash as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
Payments Due by Year
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Total
Purchase commitments $ 68,831 $ 1,414 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 70,245
Lease obligations 3,640 2,804 2,421 1,912 1,617 8,424 20,818
Total $ 72,471 $ 4,218 $ 2,421 $ 1,912 $ 1,617 $ 8,424 $ 91,063
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates
Our critical accounting policies consist of policies relating to revenue recognition and inventory. See Notes 1, 3 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed discussions of our critical accounting policies and significant estimates.
Inflation
While we do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations through December 31, 2021, we experienced higher than expected increases in wages and other compensation costs, as well as increased shipping costs, during 2021, which is a trend we expect to continue in the near term. We expect those increases will continue to impact our cost structure. If our costs become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases. Our inability or failure to do so could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
We had cash and cash equivalents of $146.5 million as of December 31, 2021. The goals of our investment policy are liquidity and capital preservation. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. We believe that we do not have any material exposure to changes in the fair value of our cash equivalents as a result of changes in interest rates due to the short-term nature of these assets.
We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with the borrowings under our loan facility. We have a $40.0 million revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2021, we had no outstanding principal amount under the revolving loan facility. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a per annum rate, depending on certain liquidity thresholds, ranging from prime rate minus 1.40% to 0.50%.
Foreign Currency Risk
Due to our international operations, a significant portion of our revenues, cost of revenues and operating expenses are denominated in currencies other than the USD, principally the Chinese RMB and the Euro. As a result, our international operations give rise to transactional market risk associated with exchange rate movements of the USD, the Chinese RMB and the Euro. We attempt to minimize these exposures by partially or fully offsetting foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at our subsidiaries that operate in different functional currencies. The effectiveness of this strategy can be limited by the volume of underlying transactions at various subsidiaries and by our ability to accelerate or delay intercompany cash settlements. As a result, we are unable to completely offset the foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
At December 31, 2021, our foreign currency exposure was related to our net investment in our foreign subsidiaries. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in foreign exchange rates would be approximately $0.6 million. Foreign exchange rate gains or losses on foreign investments as of December 31, 2021 are reflected as a cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax, and do not affect our results of operations.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
nLIGHT, INC.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 33
Consolidated Balance Sheets 35
Consolidated Statements of Operations 36
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss 37
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 38
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 39
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 40
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
nLIGHT, Inc.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of nLIGHT, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2020, due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, Leases, and related amendments.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Excess and obsolete inventory
As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s inventories were $73.7 million as of December 31, 2021. The Company records its inventories at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. The Company records an adjustment to the cost basis of inventory when evidence exists that the net realizable value of inventory is lower than its cost, which occurs when the Company has excess and/or obsolete inventory. The Company’s model to estimate the excess and/or obsolete inventory is based on an analysis of certain existing inventory quantities compared to past consumption and recent purchases to determine what inventory quantities, if any, may not be sellable. Based on this analysis, the Company writes down the affected inventory value for any estimated excess and/or obsolete inventory.
We identified the assessment of the value of certain excess and obsolete inventory as a critical audit matter. Subjective auditor judgment was required to evaluate the assumptions used to estimate future consumption of certain inventory, including whether past consumption and recent purchases were indicative of future consumption, due to the dynamic business environment the Company competes in, which is characterized by rapid technology and product evolution.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s excess and obsolete inventory process, including controls over the assumptions used to estimate future consumption of inventory. We evaluated the assumptions used to estimate future consumption by: (1) inquiring of relevant Company personnel in order to identify relevant changes to the Company’s business environment as it relates to key customers and product lines, and evaluating whether changes to key customers or product lines were properly assessed by the Company in determining the value of excess and obsolete inventory, (2) selecting a sample of inventory items and, for each sample selection, agreeing the historical consumption and historical purchases to underlying documents and evaluating whether the historical data accurately supported the Company’s assumptions regarding future consumption based on changes to the Company’s business environment, and (3) performing a retrospective review of prior year inventory adjustments and analyzing current year sales for identified excess and obsolete inventories to evaluate the Company’s ability to accurately estimate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2003.
Portland, Oregon
February 25, 2022
nLIGHT, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
As of
December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 146,534 $ 102,282
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $303 and $367
41,574 31,820
Inventory 73,746 54,706
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 15,350 11,767
Total current assets 277,204 200,575
Restricted cash 250 291
Lease right-of-use assets 17,048 12,302
Property, plant and equipment, net 56,101 44,480
Intangible assets, net 6,698 8,345
Goodwill 12,420 12,484
Other assets, net 3,897 5,167
Total assets $ 373,618 $ 283,644
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 26,347 $ 21,057
Accrued liabilities 14,730 15,321
Deferred revenues 1,629 2,528
Current portion of lease liabilities 3,066 2,273
Current portion of long-term debt - 184
Total current liabilities 45,772 41,363
Non-current income taxes payable 7,149 7,556
Long-term lease liabilities 14,612 10,375
Long-term debt - 215
Other long-term liabilities 3,952 4,221
Total liabilities 71,485 63,730
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock - $0.0001 par value; 190,000 shares authorized, 44,248 and 39,793 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.
15 15
Additional paid-in capital 470,760 358,544
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (587) (259)
Accumulated deficit (168,055) (138,386)
Total stockholders’ equity 302,133 219,914
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 373,618 $ 283,644
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
nLIGHT, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Revenue:
Products $ 206,195 $ 184,841 $ 174,059
Development 63,951 37,948 2,560
Total revenue 270,146 222,789 176,619
Cost of revenue:
Products 132,867 128,255 122,013
Development 59,972 35,170 2,267
Total cost of revenue 192,839 163,425 124,280
Gross profit 77,307 59,364 52,339
Operating expenses:
Research and development 54,814 41,164 28,137
Sales, general, and administrative 52,710 39,248 34,111
Total operating expenses 107,524 80,412 62,248
Loss from operations (30,217) (21,048) (9,909)
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net (163) 78 2,609
Other income, net 336 378 535
Loss before income taxes (30,044) (20,592) (6,765)
Income tax expense (benefit) (375) 340 6,119
Net loss $ (29,669) $ (20,932) $ (12,884)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.70) $ (0.55) $ (0.35)
Shares used in per share calculations, basic and diluted 42,142 38,367 37,119
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
nLIGHT, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Net loss $ (29,669) $ (20,932) $ (12,884)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (328) 2,426 (528)
Comprehensive loss $ (29,997) $ (18,506) $ (13,412)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
nLIGHT, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands)
Common stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated deficit Total stockholders' equity
Shares Amount
Balance, December 31, 2018 36,705 $ 15 $ 324,656 $ (2,157) $ (104,731) $ 217,783
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of ASU 2018-07 - - (161) - 161 -
Net loss - - - - (12,884) (12,884)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to exercise of stock options 868 - 1,560 - - 1,560
Issuance of common stock pursuant to vesting of restricted stock awards and units, net of stock withheld for tax 428 - (524) - - (524)
Issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 83 - 1,471 - - 1,471
Stock-based compensation - - 9,730 - - 9,730
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax - - - (528) - (528)
Balance, December 31, 2019 38,084 15 336,732 (2,685) (117,454) 216,608
Net loss - - - - (20,932) (20,932)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to exercise of stock options 862 - 1,375 - - 1,375
Issuance of common stock pursuant to vesting of restricted stock awards and units, net of stock withheld for tax 769 - (6,420) - - (6,420)
Issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 78 - 1,393 - - 1,393
Stock-based compensation - - 25,464 - - 25,464
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax - - - 2,426 - 2,426
Balance, December 31, 2020 39,793 15 358,544 (259) (138,386) 219,914
Net loss - - - - (29,669) (29,669)
Proceeds from follow-on offering, net of offering costs 2,537 - 82,354 - - 82,354
Issuance of common stock pursuant to exercise of stock options 896 - 1,145 - - 1,145
Issuance of common stock pursuant to vesting of restricted stock awards and units, net of stock withheld for tax 952 - (10,606) - - (10,606)
Issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan 70 - 1,603 - - 1,603
Stock-based compensation - - 37,720 - - 37,720
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax - - - (328) - (328)
Balance, December 31, 2021 44,248 $ 15 $ 470,760 $ (587) $ (168,055) $ 302,133
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
nLIGHT, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (29,669) $ (20,932) $ (12,884)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation 9,179 7,710 6,583
Amortization 5,880 5,975 2,981
Reduction in carrying amount of right-of-use assets 3,253 2,916 -
Provision for (recoveries of) losses on accounts receivable (70) 88 83
Stock-based compensation 37,720 25,464 9,730
Deferred income taxes 37 (11) 3,041
(Gain) Loss on disposal of assets 16 - (483)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net (9,509) (4,009) (395)
Inventory (18,994) (6,937) (10,670)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (3,630) (3,442) (111)
Other assets, net (570) (3,463) (2,669)
Accounts payable 3,463 7,306 844
Accrued and other long-term liabilities (199) 2,269 92
Deferred revenues (909) 1,800 (178)
Lease liabilities (2,934) (2,820) -
Non-current income taxes payable (507) 1,127 (205)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (7,443) 13,041 (4,241)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (291) (190) (17,400)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (19,317) (23,416) (12,403)
Acquisition of intangible assets and capitalization of patents (2,245) (933) (1,229)
Proceeds from sale of assets - - 628
Net cash used in investing activities (21,853) (24,539) (30,404)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from public offerings, net of offering costs 82,354 - -
Proceeds from term loan - 15,000 -
Principal payments on term loan, debt and financing leases (428) (15,115) (55)
Payment of contingent consideration related to acquisition (326) - -
Proceeds from employee stock plan purchases 1,603 1,393 1,471
Proceeds from stock option exercises 1,145 1,375 1,560
Tax payments related to stock award issuances (10,606) (6,420) (524)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 73,742 (3,767) 2,452
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (235) 545 (33)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 44,211 (14,720) (32,226)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 102,573 117,293 149,519
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 146,784 $ 102,573 $ 117,293
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid (received) for interest, net $ 117 $ (311) $ (2,802)
Cash paid for income taxes 526 647 2,335
Operating cash outflows from operating leases 3,513 2,919 -
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities 8,012 15,127 -
Accrued purchases of property, equipment and patents 2,522 788 828
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
nLIGHT, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of nLIGHT, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries Arbor Photonics, LLC, nLIGHT Cayman Ltd., nLIGHT Laser Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, nLIGHT Oy (Finland), nLIGHT Korea Inc., Nutronics, Inc., and OPI Photonics S.r.l. All intercompany balances have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted (GAAP) in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to inventory valuation, allowances for doubtful accounts, warranty, sales return reserves and the recoverability of long-lived assets. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
See Note 3 for a detailed description of our revenue recognition policies.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents included $127.1 million and $75.7 million of highly liquid investments at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates market.
Inventory
See Note 7 for a detailed description of our inventory accounting policies.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Improvements and replacements are capitalized. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each asset, generally 2 to 12 years for property and equipment, and 30 years for buildings. Land is not depreciated.
Goodwill
Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price of an acquisition exceeds the fair market value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually and more frequently if material changes in events or circumstances arise. We perform an annual impairment review of goodwill in the fourth quarter of each year using either a qualitative assessment or a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the qualitative assessment is selected and determines that the fair value of each reporting unit more likely than not exceeds its carrying value, no further assessment is necessary. If a quantitative test is determined necessary and an impairment is indicated, the impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. An impairment loss cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Based on qualitative assessments performed in fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, the fair values of the Laser Products and Advanced Development reporting units exceeded their carrying values, and no impairment charges were recorded. See Note 10 for additional information.
Intangible Assets
Definite-lived intangible assets consist of acquisition-related development programs, developed technology, and intellectual property. The intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods of 2 to 5 years, which reflect the pattern in which economic benefits of the assets are expected to be realized. See Note 10 for additional information.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. There was no impairment of long-lived assets recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Leases
See Note 15 for a detailed description of our lease accounting policies.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development is defined as activities aimed at developing or significantly improving a product or a process or technique whether the product or process is intended for sale or use. A process also may be used internally as a part of a manufacturing activity. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize compensation expense for stock-based awards on a straight-line basis based on the grant-date estimated fair values and requisite service period. The fair value of stock options is measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, while the fair value of restricted stock units (RSU) and restricted stock awards (RSA) are measured based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. For RSUs and RSAs with performance conditions, compensation costs are also based on the probable outcome of achieving the specified performance conditions.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability approach under which deferred income taxes are provided based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which taxes become payable.
We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely to be realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Translation of Foreign Currencies
Our international subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency. The financial statements of the international subsidiaries are translated to their U.S. dollar equivalents at end-of-period currency exchange rates for assets and liabilities and at average currency exchange rates for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity. Realized and unrealized foreign currency gains or losses, net are recorded in other income, net within the consolidated statements of operations. Realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses were as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Realized foreign currency (gain) loss $ (294) $ 98 $ 575
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss 102 (171) (381)
New Accounting Pronouncements
ASU 2016-13, ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05 and ASU 2020-03
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, in June 2016. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. For assets measured at amortized cost, the new standard requires that the income statement reflects the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. ASU 2016-13 was amended in November 2018, April 2019 and March 2020. We adopted ASU 2016-13, as amended, on January 1, 2021 on a prospective basis. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ASU 2019-12
The FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, in December 2019. ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. We adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021 on a prospective basis. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Note 2 - Acquisitions
OPI
On July 30, 2020, we acquired the outstanding shares of OPI Photonics S.r.l. (OPI), an Italian limited liability company, for cash consideration of $1.6 million, $0.2 million of which was paid at closing with the remaining $1.4 million to be paid over the next 24 months. Located in Turin, Italy, OPI develops high power multi-emitter laser diode sources and innovative devices for kilowatt fiber laser beam management, including beam collimation, coupling and switching.
The acquisition price was allocated $0.7 million to current assets, primarily inventory and prepaid and other assets, $1.2 million to intangible assets (developed technology) and $1.0 million to liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date based upon their respective fair values. The developed technology acquired is being amortized over the weighted-average useful life of 5 years. The excess of purchase price over the fair value amounts assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of $0.8 million represents goodwill resulting from the acquisition.
The goodwill and operating results of OPI are allocated to our Laser Products segment. Revenue and earnings since the date of acquisition are not material. Transaction costs of $0.1 million were expensed as incurred as a component of Sales, general, and administrative expenses.
Pro forma financial information has not been provided for the purchase as it was not material to our overall financial position.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, accrued acquisition consideration of $0.6 million, including contingent consideration of $0.3 million, was paid to the sellers of OPI. As of December 31, 2021, we owed OPI $0.8 million, which was included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accrued liabilities.
Nutronics
On November 14, 2019, we acquired Nutronics, Inc. (Nutronics) for $17.4 million in cash. Based in Longmont, Colorado, Nutronics is a leading developer of coherently combined lasers and beam control systems (BCS) for high-energy laser (HEL) systems serving the defense market.
The acquisition price was allocated to the tangible and identified intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the closing date of the acquisition based upon their respective fair values based on management’s best estimates and assumptions, including future tax elections, as of the reporting date. During the year ended December 31, 2020, updated information primarily related to a 2020 tax election resulted in an increase to deferred taxes and other liabilities acquired of approximately $1.8 million and a corresponding adjustment to goodwill.
The purchase price allocation is now final and is shown in the table below as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Amounts
Cash $ 33
Accounts receivable 635
Contract assets 456
Inventory 255
Other current assets 201
Property, plant and equipment 1,019
Security deposits 46
Tangible assets acquired 2,645
Accounts payable (278)
Other liabilities (574)
Deferred revenue (141)
Deferred taxes (1,667)
Liabilities assumed (2,660)
Total tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed (15)
Intangible assets - development programs 7,200
Goodwill 10,248
Net assets acquired $ 17,433
The development programs are being amortized over a period of 3.1 years. Pro forma financial information has not been provided for the purchase as it was not material to our overall financial position.
Note 3 - Revenue
We recognize revenue upon transferring control of products and services, and the amounts recognized reflect the consideration we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for these products and services. We consider customer purchase orders, which in some cases are governed by master sales agreements, to be the contracts with a customer. As part of our consideration of the contract, we evaluate certain factors, including the customer's ability to pay (or credit risk). For each contract, we consider the promise to transfer products, each of which is distinct, as the identified performance obligations.
We allocate the transaction price to each distinct product based on its relative standalone selling price. Master sales agreements or purchase orders from customers could include a single product or multiple products. Regardless, the contracted price with the customer is agreed to at the individual product level outlined in the customer contract or purchase order. We do not bundle prices; however, we do negotiate with customers on pricing for the same products based on a variety of factors (e.g., level of contractual volume). We have concluded that the prices negotiated with each individual customer are representative of the stand-alone selling price of the product.
We often receive orders with multiple delivery dates that may extend across several reporting periods. We allocate the transaction price of the contract to each delivery based on the product standalone selling price and invoice for each scheduled delivery upon shipment or delivery and recognize revenues for such delivery at that point, assuming transfer of control has occurred. Rights of return generally are not included in customer contracts. Accordingly, product revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery, as applicable, and transfer of control. Rights of return are evaluated as they occur.
Revenues recognized at a point in time consist of sales of semiconductor lasers, fiber lasers and other related products. Revenues recognized over time generally consist of development arrangements that are structured based on our costs incurred. Because control transfers over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. We generally use the cost-to-cost measure of progress for our contracts because it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer. Billing under these arrangements generally occurs within one month after the work is completed.
The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the periods presented (in thousands):
Sales by End Market
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Industrial $ 94,795 $ 84,478 $ 76,668
Microfabrication 70,412 51,649 57,153
Aerospace and Defense 104,939 86,662 42,798
$ 270,146 $ 222,789 $ 176,619
Sales by Geography
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
North America $ 143,232 $ 107,624 $ 67,511
China 55,446 70,882 64,134
Rest of World 71,468 44,283 44,974
$ 270,146 $ 222,789 $ 176,619
Sales by Timing of Revenue
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Point in time $ 198,838 $ 185,215 $ 168,699
Over time 71,308 37,574 7,920
$ 270,146 $ 222,789 $ 176,619
Our contract assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
Balance Sheet Classification As of December 31,
2021 2020
Contract assets Prepaid expenses and
other current assets $ 9,657 $ 5,680
Contract liabilities Deferred revenues and other long-term liabilities 2,358 2,985
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized revenue of $2.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, that was included in the deferred revenue balances at the beginning of the period as the performance obligations under the associated agreements were satisfied.
Note 4 - Concentrations of Credit and Other Risks
The following customers accounted for 10% or more of our revenues for the periods presented:
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Quick Laser Technology Co., Ltd. (1)
12% 11%
Raytheon Technologies (1)
12% 13%
U.S. Government 22% 15% (1)
(1)
(1) Represents less than 10% of total revenues
Financial instruments that potentially expose us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, two customers accounted for approximately 33% and 43%, respectively, of net accounts receivable. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of net accounts receivable at either date.
Note 5 - Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience and knowledge of any applicable circumstances.
Activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning $ 367 $ 269
Provision for losses on accounts receivable (4) 88
Recoveries and (write-offs) (60) 10
Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending $ 303 $ 367
Note 6 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of certain of our financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are shown at cost which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of our term and revolving loans approximates the carrying value due to the variable market rate used to calculate interest payments.
We do not have any other significant financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value.
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:
•Level 1 Inputs: Observable inputs, such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
•Level 2 Inputs: Observable inputs, other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
•Level 3 Inputs: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Our financial instruments that are carried at fair value consist of Level 1 assets which include highly liquid investments and bank drafts classified as cash equivalents. Our fair value hierarchy for our financial instruments consists of cash equivalents as follows (in thousands):
December 31, 2021
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Money market securities $ 126,900 $ - $ - $ 126,900
Commercial paper 236 - - 236
Total $ 127,136 $ - $ - $ 127,136
December 31, 2020
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Money market securities $ 74,084 $ - $ - $ 74,084
Commercial paper 1,584 - - 1,584
Total $ 75,668 $ - $ - $ 75,668
Note 7 - Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of average cost (principally standard cost, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) and net realizable value. Inventory includes raw materials and components that may be specialized in nature and subject to obsolescence. On a quarterly basis, we review inventory quantities on hand in comparison to our past consumption, recent purchases, and other factors to determine what inventory quantities, if any, may not be sellable. Based on this analysis, we write down the affected inventory value for estimated excess and obsolescence charges. At the point of loss recognition, a new, lower-cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.
Inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):
As of December 31,
2021 2020
Raw materials $ 32,185 $ 21,410
Work in process and semi-finished goods 24,642 21,320
Finished goods 16,919 11,976
$ 73,746 $ 54,706
Note 8 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
The components of prepaid expenses and other current assets are as follows (in thousands):
As of December 31,
2021 2020
Contract assets $ 9,657 $ 5,680
Prepaid expenses 3,483 3,435
Vendor prepayments 2,107 2,274
Other 103 378
$ 15,350 $ 11,767
Note 9 - Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
As of December 31,
Useful life (years) 2021 2020
Automobile 3 $ 114 $ 34
Computer hardware and software 3 - 5
6,594 4,840
Manufacturing and lab equipment 2 - 7
81,130 69,849
Office equipment and furniture 5 - 7
2,361 1,605
Leasehold and building improvements 2 - 12
28,125 21,934
Buildings 30 9,392 9,081
Land N/A 3,399 3,399
131,115 110,742
Accumulated depreciation (75,014) (66,262)
$ 56,101 $ 44,480
Note 10 - Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Intangibles
The details of amortizing intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
Estimated useful life
(in years) As of December 31,
2021 2020
Patents 3 - 5
$ 5,986 $ 6,199
Development programs 2 - 4
7,200 7,200
Developed technology 5 3,038 1,226
16,224 14,625
Accumulated amortization (9,526) (6,280)
$ 6,698 $ 8,345
In December 2021, we acquired developed technology for $1.9 million that is being amortized over a period of 5 years.
Amortization related to intangible assets was as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Amortization expense $ 3,891 $ 3,808 $ 1,108
Estimated amortization expense for future years is as follows (in thousands):
2022 $ 2,823
2023 2,141
2024 833
2025 518
2026 383
$ 6,698
Goodwill
The carrying amount of goodwill by segment is as follows (in thousands):
Laser Products Advanced Development Totals
Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 1,388 $ 8,484 $ 9,872
Business acquisition 814 - 814
Purchase accounting adjustment - 1,764 1,764
Currency exchange rate adjustment 34 - 34
Balance, December 31, 2020 2,236 10,248 12,484
Currency exchange rate adjustment (64) - (64)
Balance, December 31, 2021 $ 2,172 $ 10,248 $ 12,420
Note 11 - Other Assets
Other assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
As of December 31,
2021 2020
Demonstration assets, net $ 1,453 $ 2,598
Other 2,444 2,569
$ 3,897 $ 5,167
Demonstration (demo) assets are equipment that is used for demonstration and other purposes with existing and prospective customers. Demo assets are recorded at cost and amortized over an estimated useful life of approximately two years.
Amortization expense was as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Amortization expense $ 1,979 $ 2,166 $ 1,873
Note 12 - Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
As of December 31,
2021 2020
Accrued payroll and benefits $ 10,915 $ 10,770
Product warranty, current 2,286 2,122
Other accrued expenses 1,529 2,429
$ 14,730 $ 15,321
Note 13 - Product Warranties
We provide warranties on certain products and record a liability for the estimated future costs associated with warranty claims at the time revenue is recognized. The warranty liability is based on historical experience, any specifically identified failures, and our estimate of future costs. The current portion of our product warranty liability is included in the accrued liabilities and the long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Product warranty liability activity was as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020
Product warranty liability, beginning $ 4,711 $ 2,984
Warranty charges incurred, net (2,467) (3,425)
Provision for warranty charges, net of adjustments 3,127 5,052
Acquired warranty - 100
Product warranty liability, ending 5,371 4,711
Less: current portion of product warranty liability (2,286) (2,122)
Non-current portion of product warranty liability $ 3,085 $ 2,589
Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
See Note 15.
Credit Facilities
We have a $40.0 million revolving line of credit, or LOC, with Pacific Western Bank dated September 24, 2018, which is secured by our assets.
On September 24, 2021, we amended the LOC to extend the maturity date to September 24, 2024, remove LIBOR references and update the financial covenants.
The LOC agreement contains restrictive and financial covenants and bears an unused credit fee of 0.20% on an annualized basis. The interest rate on the LOC is based on the Prime rate, minus a margin based on our liquidity levels. No amounts were outstanding under the LOC at December 31, 2021 and 2020 and we were in compliance with all covenants.
Legal Matters
From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 2021, and as of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we were not involved in any material legal proceedings.
Note 15 - Leases
We lease real estate space under non-cancelable operating lease agreements for commercial and industrial space. Facilities-related operating leases have remaining terms of 0.3 to 13.4 years, and some leases include options to extend up to 15 years. Other leases for automobiles, manufacturing and office and computer equipment have remaining lease terms of 0.5 to 4.4 years. These leases are primarily operating leases; financing leases are not material. We did not include any renewal options in our lease terms for calculating the lease liabilities as we are not reasonably certain we will exercise the options at this time. The weighted-average remaining lease term for the lease obligations was 9 years at December 31, 2021, and the weighted-average discount rate was 3.5%.
The components of lease expense related to operating leases were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Lease expense:
Operating lease expense $ 3,924 $ 3,052 $ 3,199
Short-term lease expense 525 242 -
Variable and other lease expense 741 503 -
$ 5,190 $ 3,797 $ 3,199
Future minimum payments under our non-cancelable lease obligations were as follows as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
2022 $ 3,640
2023 2,804
2024 2,421
2025 1,912
2026 1,617
Thereafter 8,424
Total minimum lease payments 20,818
Less: interest (3,140)
Present value of net minimum lease payments 17,678
Less: current portion of lease liabilities (3,066)
Total long-term lease liabilities $ 14,612
Note 16 - Income Taxes
Loss before income taxes was as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Domestic $ (33,940) $ (28,963) $ (14,298)
Foreign 3,896 8,371 7,533
Loss before income taxes $ (30,044) $ (20,592) $ (6,765)
The income tax provision (benefit) was as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Current tax expense (benefit):
State $ 70 $ 21 $ (1)
Foreign (458) 2,209 3,130
Current tax expense (benefit) (388) 2,230 3,129
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal - (1,603) 4
State - (60) -
Foreign 13 (227) 2,986
Deferred tax expense (benefit) 13 (1,890) 2,990
Income tax expense (benefit) $ (375) $ 340 $ 6,119
The income tax provision (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to the loss before income taxes as a result of the following differences (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Tax computed at federal statutory rate $ (6,309) $ (4,324) $ (1,347)
State tax, net of federal tax benefit (407) (209) (133)
Permanent items (333) 477 (1,493)
Stock compensation (3,307) (2,669) (1,241)
Foreign dividends and unremitted earnings 78 726 (352)
Foreign rate differential 29 501 (308)
Rate change due to tax reform 918 1,563 125
Federal credits (993) (639) (611)
Tax contingencies, net of reversals 838 (677) 1,888
Return to provision (1,123) (2,242) (379)
Other (305) (112) 28
Valuation allowance 10,539 7,945 9,942
Income tax expense (benefit) $ (375) $ 340 $ 6,119
The income tax expense (benefit) recorded primarily relates to operations in China and Finland, which have income tax rates of 25% and 20%, respectively.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 35,585 $ 28,718 $ 23,114
Research and alternative minimum tax credits 6,535 5,583 5,022
Accrued expenses and other 7,020 5,648 3,671
Lease liabilities 3,525 2,547 -
Inventory 5,852 5,181 3,456
Property and equipment - - 887
Total gross deferred tax assets 58,517 47,677 36,150
Less: valuation allowance (54,239) (43,647) (35,545)
Total deferred tax assets 4,278 4,030 605
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment (87) (3) -
Intangible assets (767) (1,490) (537)
Right-of-use assets (3,378) (2,468) -
Total deferred tax liabilities (4,232) (3,961) (537)
Net deferred tax assets $ 46 $ 69 $ 68
Net deferred tax assets are included in other assets, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In evaluating our valuation allowance, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial performance. Due to uncertainty with respect to ultimate realizability of deferred tax assets, we have provided a full valuation allowance against the U.S. and China deferred tax assets. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were increases of $10.6 million, $8.1 million and $9.9 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2021, we had U.S., China and state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards of $151.6 million, $9.9 million and $30.7 million, respectively. These carryforwards will expire from 2023 to 2041 if not used by us to reduce income taxes payable in future periods. We have U.S. research and development credit carryforwards of $7.7 million. These carryforwards will begin to expire between 2022 and 2041 if not used by us to reduce income taxes payable in future periods.
Utilization of NOL carryforwards, credit carryforwards and certain deductions have been subject to annual limitations due to ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We have had three "change in ownership" events that limit the utilization of NOL carryforwards, which occurred twice in August of 2000 and once in January of 2001, and resulted in NOL carryforward limitations totaling $528 thousand. Additional limitations on the use of these tax attributes could occur in the event of possible disputes arising in examination from various taxing authorities.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the changes in the unrecognized tax benefit (in thousands):
Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 5,887
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 2,925
Additions for tax positions of prior years 2
Reductions as a result of a lapse of applicable statute of limitations (22)
Other (52)
Balance at December 31, 2019 8,740
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 132
Additions for tax positions of prior years 4
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (1,285)
Reductions as a result of a lapse of applicable statute of limitations (53)
Other 321
Balance at December 31, 2020 7,859
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 661
Additions for tax positions of prior years 53
Reductions as a result of a lapse of applicable statute of limitations (250)
Other 112
Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 8,435
At December 31, 2021, we had $8.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties). Of this amount, $3.5 million is recorded in non-current income taxes payable and $4.9 million is recorded as an offset to non-current deferred tax assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The $4.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits in non-current deferred tax assets is entirely offset by a valuation allowance in both the U.S. and China. Of our unrecognized tax benefits, $3.5 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. At December 31, 2020, we had recorded $3.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits in non-current income taxes payable and $4.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits recognized as an offset to noncurrent deferred tax assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. We do not expect a significant decrease to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. We recognized penalties and interest during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, of $(0.3) million, $0.5 million, and $0.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits were $1.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2021, our tax years 2018 through 2021, 2017 through 2021, and 2011 through 2021, remain open for examination in the federal, state and foreign jurisdictions, respectively. However, to the extent allowed by law, the taxing authorities may have the right to examine prior periods where net operating losses and credits were generated and carried forward, and to make adjustments up to the net operating loss and credit carryforward amounts. We are not currently under federal, state, or foreign examination.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted and signed into law in response to COVID-19. The CARES Act, among other things, included several significant provisions that impacted corporate taxpayers’ accounting for income taxes. Prior to the enactment of the CARES Act, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act generally eliminated the ability to carryback NOLs, and permitted the NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 to be carried forward indefinitely, limited to 80% of the taxpayer’s income. The CARES Act amended the NOL rules, suspending the 80% limitation on the utilization of NOLs generated after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2021. Additionally, the CARES Act allows corporate NOLs arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2021, to be carried back to each of the five taxable years preceding the taxable year of the loss. Also, the CARES Act allows companies to defer making certain payroll tax payments until future years. With the enactment of the CARES Act, we deferred payment of certain payroll taxes for up to two years, creating a deferred tax asset. We do not expect a financial statement impact from income taxes given there is a full valuation allowance against the U.S. deferred tax assets.
Note 17 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation
Preferred Stock
We have authorized 5.0 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001, none of which is issued and outstanding.
Common Stock
Each share of common stock has the right to one vote. The holders of common stock are also entitled to receive dividends whenever funds are legally available and when declared by the Board of Directors, subject to the prior rights of holders of all classes of stock outstanding having priority rights as to dividends. No dividends have been declared or paid as of December 31, 2021.
Public Offering
In March 2021, we closed a follow-on public offering in which we issued and sold approximately 2.5 million shares of common stock (including approximately 0.3 million shares sold pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares) at an offering price of $34.00 per share, resulting in aggregate net proceeds to us of approximately $82.4 million after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering costs.
Common Stock Repurchase Plan
On November 14, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2021, no repurchases had been executed under the program.
Equity Incentive Plan
As of December 31, 2021, there were approximately 3.8 million shares available for issuance under our equity incentive plan. We granted restricted stock awards and units during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, but did not grant any stock options or stock appreciation rights during the same periods. Common stock issued for awards will come from newly issued shares.
Restricted Stock Awards and Units
Restricted stock award (RSA) and restricted stock unit (RSU) activity under our equity incentive plan was as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair values):
Number of Restricted Stock Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
RSAs at December 31, 2020 653 $ 21.30
Awards granted 358 33.12
Awards vested (258) 25.08
RSAs at December 31, 2021 753 $ 25.63
Number of Restricted Stock Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
RSUs at December 31, 2020 2,800 $ 20.54
Awards granted 1,230 32.82
Awards vested (987) 22.55
Awards forfeited (244) 29.85
RSUs at December 31, 2021 2,799 $ 24.41
The total fair value of RSAs and RSUs vested during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $6.5 million and $22.3 million, respectively. Awards outstanding as of December 31, 2021 include 0.8 million performance-based awards that will vest upon meeting certain performance criteria.
Stock Options
The following table summarizes our stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2021 (in thousands, except weighted-average exercise prices):
Number of Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, December 31, 2020 3,358 $1.53 5.3 $104,510
Options exercised (896) $1.28
Options canceled (8) $3.35
Outstanding, December 31, 2021 2,454 $1.61 4.38 $54,815
Options exercisable at December 31, 2021 2,243 $1.33 4.25 $50,740
Options vested as of December 31, 2021 and expected to vest after December 31, 2021 2,454 $1.61 4.38 $54,815
Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $27.1 million, $17.0 million and $15.8 million, respectively. We received proceeds of $1.1 million, $1.4 million and $1.6 million from the exercise of options for each of the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Information related to activity under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) was as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average per share prices):
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
Shares issued 70
Weighted-average per share purchase price $ 22.82
Weighted-average per share discount from the fair value of our common stock on date of issuance $ 4.03
As of December 31, 2021, there were 2.9 million shares available for grant under the ESPP.
Stock-Based Compensation
Total stock-based compensation expense was included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Cost of revenues $ 2,505 $ 1,621 $ 1,201
Research and development 13,433 9,703 3,299
Sales, general and administrative 21,782 14,140 5,230
$ 37,720 $ 25,464 $ 9,730
Unrecognized Compensation Costs
As of December 31, 2021, total unrecognized stock-based compensation was $68.1 million, which will be recognized over an average expected recognition period of 2.6 years.
Note 18 - 401(k) Plan
We have a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the Plan). Participation in the Plan is voluntary and is available to all employees. We may make discretionary matching or qualified non-elective contributions to the Plan. The match is recorded within the cost of revenues and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and were as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
401(k) match $ 1,064 $ 715 $ 668
Note 19 - Segment Information
We operate in two reportable segments consisting of the Laser Products segment and the Advanced Development segment. The following table summarizes the operating results by reportable segment for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Laser Products Advanced Development Corporate and Other Totals
Revenue $ 206,195 $ 63,951 $ - $ 270,146
Gross profit $ 75,833 $ 3,979 $ (2,505) $ 77,307
Gross margin 36.8 % 6.2 % NM 28.6 %
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Laser Products Advanced Development Corporate and Other Totals
Revenue $ 184,841 $ 37,948 $ - $ 222,789
Gross profit $ 58,207 $ 2,778 $ (1,621) $ 59,364
Gross margin 31.5 % 7.3 % NM 26.6 %
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Laser Products Advanced Development Corporate and Other Totals
Revenue $ 174,059 $ 2,560 $ - $ 176,619
Gross profit $ 53,247 $ 293 $ (1,201) $ 52,339
Gross margin 30.6 % 11.4 % NM 29.6 %
Corporate and Other is unallocated expenses related to stock-based compensation.
The geographic location of our long-lived assets, net, based on location of the assets, was as follows (in thousands):
As of December 31,
2021 2020
North America $ 78,937 $ 67,625
China 10,531 11,425
Rest of World 6,946 4,019
$ 96,414 $ 83,069
Note 20 - Net Loss per Share
Basic and diluted net loss and the number of shares used for basic and diluted net loss calculations were the same for all periods presented because we were in a loss position.
The following potentially dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of diluted shares as the effect would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Restricted stock units and awards 2,459 2,903 2,426
Employee stock purchase plan - 34 -
Common stock options 2,635 3,358 4,239
5,094 6,295 6,665

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2021. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures, in design and operation, were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
None.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel and consultants, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of assets;
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of our management and directors; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, which appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Internal Control
Control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control systems’ objectives are being met. Further, the design of any control systems must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of all controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Control systems can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based, in part, on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
CEO and CFO Certifications
We have attached as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, which are required in accordance with the Exchange Act. We recommend that this Item 9A be read in conjunction with the certifications for a more complete understanding of the subject matter presented.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. The definitive proxy statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. The definitive proxy statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. The definitive proxy statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. The definitive proxy statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. The definitive proxy statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) Financial Statements
We have filed the financial statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements as a part of this report.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules have been omitted because they are not required, not applicable, or the required information is otherwise included.
(a)(3) Exhibits
The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or are incorporated herein by reference, in each case as indicated below.
Exhibit
Number Incorporated by Reference Filed
Herewith
Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant
10-Q 001-38462 3.1 May 25, 2018
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant
8-K 001-38462 3.1 April 21, 2020
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate of the Registrant
S-1/A 333-224055 4.1 April 16, 2018
4.2 Description of the Registrant's Securities
10-K 001-38462 4.3 March 9, 2020
10.1 Form of Director and Executive Officer Indemnification Agreement
S-1/A 333-224055 10.1 April 16, 2018
10.2+ 2001 Stock Option Plan, as amended, and related form agreements
S-1 333-224055 10.2 March 30, 2018
10.3+ 2018 Equity Incentive Plan and related form agreements
S-1/A 333-224055 10.3 April 16, 2018
10.4+ 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and related form agreements
S-1/A 333-224055 10.4 April 16, 2018
10.5+ 2018 Equity Incentive Plan-Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement
8-K 001-38462 10.1 June 4, 2018
10.6+ 2018 Equity Incentive Plan-Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Performance-Based)
8-K 001-38462 10.2 June 4, 2018
10.7+ 2018 Equity Incentive Plan-Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance-Based)
8-K 001-38462 10.3 June 4, 2018
10.8+ 2018 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan
S-1 333-224055 10.5 March 30, 2018
10.9+ Employment Agreement, dated March 29, 2018, by and between the registrant and Scott Keeney
S-1 333-224055 10.6 March 30, 2018
10.10+ Employment Agreement, dated March 29, 2018, by and between the registrant and Ran Bareket
S-1 333-224055 10.7 March 30, 2018
10.11+ Employment Agreement, dated August 31, 2020, by and between the registrant and Joseph Corso
X
10.12+ Transition Agreement and Release, dated January 18, 2022, by and between the registrant and Ran Bareket
X
10.13 Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 28, 2018, by and between the registrant and Pacific Western Bank
S-1 333-224055 10.10 March 30, 2018
10.14 First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated July 18, 2018, by and between the registrant and Pacific Western Bank
10-Q 001-38462 10.1 August 10, 2018
10.15 Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated September 24, 2018, by and between nLIGHT, Inc. and Pacific Western Bank
8-K 001-38462 10.1 September 27, 2018
10.16 First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 14, 2019, by and between nLIGHT, Inc. and Pacific Western Bank
8-K 001-38462 10.1 November 14, 2019
10.17 Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated May 27, 2021, by and between nLIGHT, Inc. and Pacific Western Bank
10-Q 003-38462
10.1 November 5, 2021
10.18 Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated September 24, 2021, by and between nLIGHT, Inc. and Pacific Western Bank
8-K 001-38462 10.1 September 28, 2021
10.19 Fourth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 6, 2021, by and between nLIGHT, Inc. and Pacific Western Bank
X
Exhibit
Number Incorporated by Reference Filed
Herewith
Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date
10.20 North Park Industrial Center Amended and Restated Lease Agreement, dated April 1, 2010, by and between the registrant and Dutton Aspen LLC (as successor in interest to Aspen North Park L.L.C.), as amended by the First Amendment to Lease, dated June 18, 2012 and the Second Amendment to Lease, dated August 1, 2016
S-1 333-224055 10.12 March 30, 2018
10.21 Lease Agreement, dated April 7, 2000, by and between the registrant and Juhani Leijamaa, as amended by the Lease Contract Extension dated March 21, 2016
S-1 333-224055 10.13 March 30, 2018
10.22 Lease Agreement, dated April 7, 2000, by and between the registrant and Hannele Saamio, as amended by the Lease Contract Extension, dated as of March 21, 2016
S-1 333-224055 10.14 March 30, 2018
10.23 Lease Agreement, dated July 3, 2014, by and between Nutronics, Inc. and Longmont Diagonal Investments, LP, as amended by the First Amendment to Lease, dated as of August 4, 2016, and the Second Amendment to Lease, dated as of November 2, 2016
10-K 001-38462 10.21 March 9, 2020
10.24 Purchase and Sale Agreement with Joint Closing Instructions between nLIGHT, Inc. and Sharp Electronics Corporation, dated March 13, 2020
8-K 001-38462 10.1 March 16, 2020
10.25 Third Amendment to Lease, by and between nLIGHT, Inc. and Dutton Aspen LLC, dated June 1, 2020
10-Q 001-38462 10.2 August 6, 2020
10.26
Third Amendment to Lease, by and between Nutronics, Inc. and GCC Longmont Holdings, Limited Partnership, dated July 1, 2020
10-Q 001-38462 10.3 August 6, 2020
10.27
Fourth Amendment to Lease, by and between nLIGHT, Inc. and Dutton Aspen LLC, effective June 2, 2020
10-Q 001-38462 10.2 November 6, 2020
10.28
Fourth Amendment to Lease, by and between Nutronics, Inc. and GCC Longmont Holdings, Limited Partnership, dated November 3, 2020
10-Q 001-38462 10.3 November 6, 2020
21.1 List of Subsidiaries of Registrant
10-K 001-38462 21.1 February 26, 2021
23.1 Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
X
24.1 Power of Attorney (contained on signature page)
X
31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
32.1* Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) X
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document X
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. X
Exhibit
Number Incorporated by Reference Filed
Herewith
Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document X
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document X
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document X
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) X
+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
* The certifications furnished in Exhibit 32.1 hereto are deemed to accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K and will not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.