nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ: LASR), a leading provider of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers for directed energy, optical sensing and advanced manufacturing, saw its stock maintain strength in mid-March 2026 trading, closing at $62.60 on March 13 amid continued investor enthusiasm following strong 2025 results and bullish analyst coverage.

The shares, which have surged dramatically from a 52-week low of $6.20 to a high of $69.52, traded in a daily range of $61.87 to $64.87 on March 13 with volume of about 1.06 million shares. After-hours activity dipped slightly to $62.10, reflecting a modest -0.80% pullback, but the stock remains up significantly year-to-date, benefiting from a pivot toward high-margin defense applications and away from commoditized industrial segments.

nLIGHT’s transformation story gained traction after its Feb. 26, 2026, earnings release, which delivered record fourth-quarter revenue of $81.2 million — a 71% year-over-year increase — and full-year 2025 revenue of $261.3 million, up 32%. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.14 for the quarter, beating consensus estimates by $0.03, while narrowing its net loss. Aerospace and defense revenue hit a record $175 million for the year, up 60% from 2024, underscoring the success of contracts in directed energy weapons and optical sensing for military platforms.

The earnings beat triggered a wave of positive revisions. Baird initiated coverage March 4 with an Outperform rating and a $95 price target, citing nLIGHT’s “strong tech stack” in high-energy lasers and its positioning in growing defense budgets. Roth Capital raised its target to $74 from $55 earlier in March, while other firms maintained Moderate Buy consensus ratings with averages around $58-$70 pre-surge levels. Analysts highlight nLIGHT’s vertically integrated capabilities — from semiconductor chips to full laser systems — as a differentiator in mission-critical applications where reliability and power output are paramount.

A key strategic move announced in late 2025/early 2026 involved exiting lower-margin cutting and welding markets, expected to create a $25 million to $30 million annual revenue headwind mostly phased out by the second half of 2026. To fund expansion, including a new 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT completed a follow-on equity offering in February 2026, initially raising about $175 million before underwriters exercised their full option for an additional $26 million, totaling roughly $201 million in gross proceeds.

The capital infusion supports R&D in high-energy laser weapon systems and supply-chain resilience, areas executives emphasized during investor conferences in March. nLIGHT management participated in multiple events, including the Raymond James 47th Annual Institutional Investors Conference and others, where presentation materials highlighted progress in directed energy programs and partnerships with U.S. Department of Defense primes.

Institutional interest remains robust. Recent filings show new positions, such as Pier Capital LLC acquiring 132,726 shares worth about $3.93 million in late 2025 activity, contributing to institutional ownership around 83.9%. The stock’s rally has boosted market capitalization to approximately $3.50 billion as of March 13, up more than 50% in the past month and over 80% over the trailing 12 months.

Despite the gains, challenges linger. nLIGHT continues to report operating losses on a GAAP basis, though adjusted metrics show improvement. Guidance for the first quarter of 2026 called for revenue of $70 million to $76 million, gross margins of 27% to 32% and adjusted EBITDA of $5 million to $10 million, reflecting a transitional period as industrial revenue declines are offset by defense growth.

The laser sector benefits from broader trends: increasing defense spending on directed energy for counter-drone and missile defense, plus demand for precision optical systems. Competitors in the space include IPG Photonics and Coherent, but nLIGHT’s focus on semiconductor-based high-power lasers positions it uniquely for next-generation weapons.

On March 2, 2026, nLIGHT announced it would showcase high-energy laser weapon solutions at the Pacific Operational Science & Technology Conference, reinforcing its defense credentials. No major new announcements emerged in the immediate lead-up to March 16 trading, but the stock’s performance reflects sustained momentum from the earnings tailwind and analyst endorsements.

Looking ahead, investors watch for updates on defense contract wins, progress on the Longmont facility ramp-up and any signs of accelerated adoption in directed energy programs. With shares trading well above prior targets but below Baird’s ambitious $95 call, nLIGHT remains a high-conviction name for those betting on the intersection of laser technology and national security priorities.

As of March 16, 2026, with markets closed in some time zones but U.S. pre-market indications stable, nLIGHT’s trajectory illustrates a classic growth rebound: from pandemic-era lows to defense-driven highs. Whether the rally sustains depends on execution in a competitive, capital-intensive field — but for now, the laser specialist continues to shine brighter on Wall Street.

Billionaire and Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick officially joined the exodus from California, revealing he moved to Austin, Texas, just weeks before a proposed wealth tax could have targeted his estimated $3.6 billion fortune.

“Just to be clear, on December 18, I moved to Texas. I don’t know what’s so specific about December 18, but let’s just say it’s prior to January,” Kalanick said in an interview with TPBN.

“I get a little bit [of] FOMO on like, these people going to Florida. I’m like, dude! Why so much Florida action?” he continued. “Come on, homies.”

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Kalanick left his San Francisco home for Texas just 14 days before the new year, when the retroactive residency deadline for the proposed billionaire tax would take effect.

Travis Kalanick, founder and former CEO of Uber Inc., stands on the trading floor during the company’s initial public offering (IPO) at the New York Stock Exchange on May 10, 2019. (Getty Images)

While it has not yet qualified for the November ballot, the proposal — backed by the Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) — would impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of California residents with more than $1 billion in wealth. The tax would be due in 2027, and taxpayers could spread payments over five years, with additional fees, according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office.

If the measure is approved by voters, anyone who was a California resident on Jan. 1, 2026, would owe the tax, according to the proposal. Based on Forbes’ estimates, Kalanick could owe roughly $180 million.

Kalanick’s departure follows other longtime California billionaires who have moved themselves or their businesses to Texas in recent years, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale and venture capitalist David Sacks.

Florida is also rapidly absorbing California’s finance and media elite, with names like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, venture capitalist Peter Thiel, Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg moving to the “Gold Coast.”

Kalanick is using his relocation to launch his new venture, Atoms — formerly City Storage Systems — which focuses on industrial robotics and “gainfully employed” artificial intelligence, he said in the interview. It’s a pivot from the “perception politics” he claims pushed him out of Uber in 2017.

“I had been torn away from an idea and a movement that I had poured my life into. I had lost my bearings as I found the world increasingly operating by the rules of perception, not reality,” he writes on Atoms’ website.

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When jokingly asked if he ever takes work calls through his AirPods while waterskiing, Kalanick responded that he might start doing so.

“Dude, I should. I’d love it. Don’t get me excited,” he said.

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo’s hamstring injury, which sidelined the 41-year-old Al-Nassr captain since late February, shows encouraging progress, with reports indicating he could return to action in April and remain available for Portugal’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner suffered the setback during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Fayha on Feb. 28, 2026, when he was substituted in the 81st minute after limping noticeably. Al-Nassr confirmed the diagnosis as a hamstring injury the following day, March 3, stating Ronaldo had begun rehabilitation and would be evaluated “day by day.” Initial fears of a lengthy absence grew when coach Jorge Jesus described the issue as “more serious than expected” on March 6, prompting the club to send Ronaldo to Madrid for specialized treatment with his longtime personal physiotherapist.

Ronaldo underwent advanced recovery methods, including pressotherapy — a compression therapy technique to improve circulation and reduce swelling — as he raced against time ahead of the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada starting June 11. The injury raised concerns about his participation in Portugal’s pre-tournament friendlies and final camp, with some outlets warning he risked missing key buildup matches against teams like the United States and Mexico.

Recent updates paint a more optimistic picture. As of mid-March 2026, Ronaldo’s recovery has advanced significantly. Saudi media outlet Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported he is expected to return to Riyadh by the end of March, positioning him for a potential comeback in early April. Sources close to the situation indicate the timeline aligns with the original 2-to-4-week estimate for a hamstring strain, avoiding complications that could have extended his absence.

Portugal’s national team setup remains confident. Reports from reliable sources suggest Ronaldo is on track to feature in upcoming international fixtures, including high-profile friendlies that serve as final preparations for the World Cup. One update highlighted his likely inclusion against Mexico and the United States, marking his first appearance on Mexican soil. The encouraging news serves as a subtle warning to opponents like the U.S. Men’s National Team and Christian Pulisic, underscoring Ronaldo’s enduring threat even at 41.

Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo has been a dominant force since joining in 2023, has felt his absence keenly. The Riyadh-based club sits atop the Saudi Pro League standings, chasing its first title in years, but has navigated recent matches without its star forward. Ronaldo’s goal tally and leadership have been pivotal in their strong campaign, and his return could provide a timely boost as the season enters its decisive phase.

The injury marks a rare fitness setback for Ronaldo, who has maintained remarkable durability throughout a career spanning more than two decades. He has avoided major long-term issues in recent seasons, crediting rigorous training, diet and recovery protocols. This hamstring problem, while concerning given his age and the World Cup proximity, appears manageable with his proactive approach — traveling to Spain for elite care rather than relying solely on club facilities.

Fans and analysts have closely monitored developments on social media and through club statements. Al-Nassr’s official channels provided initial updates, while Ronaldo’s personal posts and training glimpses (including indoor gym work shortly after the injury) signaled the issue was not catastrophic. By March 12, reports indicated substantial improvement, with expectations he would participate in Portugal’s upcoming matches.

The broader context adds stakes. Ronaldo aims to feature in his sixth World Cup, potentially capping his international career with another deep run for Portugal. The Seleção qualified convincingly, and his presence remains central to their ambitions. Missing the final pre-tournament camp would have been a blow, but current trajectories suggest he will be fit and available when the tournament begins.

For Al-Nassr, the injury timeline allows Ronaldo to miss a limited number of games before resuming club duties. With the league title in sight, his return in April could prove decisive in the closing fixtures. The club has managed without him, but his scoring prowess and experience are irreplaceable.

As recovery continues, Ronaldo’s discipline stands out. Pressotherapy and targeted rehab reflect his commitment to defying age-related decline. At a stage where many legends retire, he pursues excellence on multiple fronts — club success in Saudi Arabia and international glory with Portugal.

The football world watches closely. If progress holds, Ronaldo could soon resume training with Al-Nassr and join Portugal’s squad, ready to chase records and silverware. The hamstring setback tested resilience, but early March indications point to a swift, successful return — ensuring the iconic forward remains a focal point ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Cruise lines are facing headwinds as rising oil prices push their fuel costs higher amid the Iran war, as analysts are warning that Carnival could see the biggest hit to its 2026 profit.

Oil prices have risen over 35% since the war with Iran began amid attacks on oil and transportation facilities as well as threats to oil tankers and other vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.

The prices for West Texas Intermediate crude have risen above $90 a barrel in recent days, while Brent crude has been just above $100 a barrel in that timeframe. Those prices were between $60 and $70 a barrel a month ago before the conflict began.

Cruise lines rely on heavy fuel oil and marine gas and typically try to hedge against volatility in oil prices through financial contracts, though Carnival Corp. is an exception to that practice.

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Cruise lines are facing higher fuel costs due to the Iran war causing a surge in oil prices. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A 10% change in fuel cost per metric ton would reduce Carnival’s 2026 net income by $156 million, compared with $57 million for its rival Royal Caribbean, according to the latest corporate filings.

Norwegian Cruise Line said it hasn’t updated its fuel hedges from its earnings report in early March, when it indicated the 10% change would cut full-year profit per share by 7 cents. That would be equivalent to a roughly $90 million decrease in net income, according to calculations by Morningstar Research.

The world economy experienced an energy price shock in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. That year, Carnival’s fuel costs were 17.7% of its total revenue, compared with 12.1% for Royal Caribbean and 14.2% for Norwegian.

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CFRA analyst Alex Fasciano noted that Carnival “owns a larger fleet, meaning the level of consumption is also higher than their counterparts.”

Carnival told Reuters in a statement that the cruise line’s “best hedge against fuel costs is to use less, so we focus on using less fuel in the first place.”

“We’ve cut our fuel use by 18% since 2011 despite increasing capacity by nearly 38% during that time,” Carnival added, noting that it doesn’t see a long-term net benefit in hedging.

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Carnival doesn’t hedge its fuel prices and instead focusing on limiting consumption. (Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Cruise lines are facing the volatility in oil prices during the industry’s busiest booking period, known as the “wave season,” which runs between January and March and typically sees operators offer special deals and discounts for trips this year.

These cruises tend to run during the third quarter and have a disproportionately large contribution to cruise operators’ incomes, according to Lizzie Dove, analyst at Goldman Sachs.

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Dove noted that the oil shock could impact Americans’ bookings to Europe, particularly for higher-priced transatlantic trips.

Reuters contributed to this report.