nLIGHT, Inc. (LASR) vs PDF Solutions, Inc. (PDFS)

A side-by-side comparison of nLIGHT, Inc. and PDF Solutions, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — LASR vs PDFS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 8y
LASR +46.6% (+4.9%/yr)PDFS +401.6% (+22.3%/yr)PDFS compounded faster over this window
0200400600Start $1002020202220242026$147$502
LASR PDFS

LASR vs PDFS: by the numbers

  • •PDFS is the larger company ($2.27B vs $2.27B market cap).
  • •PDFS is profitable (4.27% net margin) while LASR runs a net loss (-4.02%).
  • •PDFS grew revenue faster over the past five years (19.96% vs 3.80% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLASRPDFS
P/E ratioN/A215.84
Forward P/E81.04N/A
P/S ratio7.299.42
P/B ratio5.156.10
EV / EBITDA1115.4967.14
FCF yield2.18%N/A

Profitability

MetricLASRPDFS
Gross margin31.52%71.46%
Operating margin-5.37%8.15%
Net margin-4.02%4.27%
ROE-2.84%2.77%
ROIC-3.61%2.71%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLASRPDFS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.80%19.96%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.29%19.03%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, LASR or PDFS?
Over the past five years, PDFS grew revenue faster — LASR at a 3.80% CAGR versus PDFS at 19.96%.
Is LASR or PDFS more profitable?
PDFS runs the higher net margin — LASR at -4.02% versus PDFS at 4.27%.
How have LASR and PDFS total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, LASR delivered 9.29% and PDFS delivered 19.03% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.