He also highlighted a recent FCC ruling that expanded the “covered list” beyond expectations. Rubin said the ruling added to the FCC covered list all drones and critical components used in any country outside the U.S., including cameras and sensors. He said the company’s U.S.-made optical assemblies are already compliant and used in drones, while the company is still evaluating the role it may play in drone cameras beyond optics, including potential opportunities for larger drones and the challenges of aggr ...

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of War is set to eliminate reliance on optical systems from certain foreign nations by 2030, positioning LightPath Technologies as a preferred supplier for defense applications [1][2]. Group 1: Legislative Context - The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandates the Department of Defense to develop a strategy to eliminate reliance on optical glass and systems from "covered nations" including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Belarus by January 1, 2030 [2]. - The NDAA emphasizes the importance of supply chain transparency and material provenance for compliance in defense and aerospace programs [2]. Group 2: Company Capabilities - LightPath's optical assemblies, infrared cameras, and thermal imaging systems are already compliant with NDAA requirements, utilizing proprietary BlackDiamond infrared glass technology as a domestic alternative to foreign sources [3]. - The company is expanding its domestic glass manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of Amorphous Materials, Inc. (AMI), enhancing production capacity and establishing a second NDAA-compliant manufacturing site [4]. Group 3: Strategic Positioning - LightPath's focus on supply chain security and domestic manufacturing aligns with the NDAA's requirements, allowing the company to serve as a risk reduction partner for defense programs [5]. - The company encourages early engagement with defense and aerospace programs to ensure compliance and accelerate deployment of proven solutions [7]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The NDAA's 2030 deadline necessitates immediate action from defense acquisition managers to evaluate compliant materials and suppliers, avoiding redesigns and delays [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 increased by 41.4% to $12.2 million compared to $8.6 million in the same quarter of the previous year [25] - Gross profit increased by 6.6% to $2.7 million, representing 22% of total revenues, down from 29.2% in the prior year due to increased inventory reserve charges [26] - Net loss for Q4 2025 totaled $7.1 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to a loss of $2.4 million, or $0.06 per share in the same quarter last year [28] - Adjusted EBITDA loss for Q4 2025 was $1.9 million, compared to a loss of $1.1 million in the prior year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales of infrared components were $4.9 million, accounting for 40% of consolidated revenue [25] - Revenue from visible components was $2.8 million, or 23.2% of consolidated revenue [25] - Revenue from assemblies and modules was $4.2 million, or 34.1% of consolidated revenue [25] - Revenue from engineering services was $0.3 million, or 2.1% of consolidated revenue [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record backlog of $90 million, with more than two-thirds in systems and subsystems [9] - Significant orders totaling over $40 million for infrared cameras were announced for delivery in 2026 and 2027, primarily for border surveillance and counter-UAS applications [10][12] - More than $10 million of the backlog is specifically for cameras for counter-UAS systems [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from a component manufacturer to focusing on subsystems and systems enabled by its technologies, particularly in infrared imaging [6][9] - The acquisition of G5 Infrared is a strategic move to enhance capabilities in thermal imaging cameras and address supply chain challenges [8][24] - The company aims to capture more value by moving up the supply chain and focusing on engineered solutions [7][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory, citing a 41% quarter-over-quarter growth and a significant backlog as indicators of success [24] - The ongoing geopolitical issues and supply chain constraints are driving interest in the company's proprietary BlackDiamond glass as a substitute for germanium [17] - Management anticipates margin expansion and continued growth in the coming quarters, with a focus on transforming the company [30][65] Other Important Information - The company received an $8 million strategic investment from Ondas Holdings and Unusual Machines to support manufacturing efforts [24] - The integration of G5 Infrared was completed ahead of schedule and below budget, enhancing operational capabilities [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Contribution of G5 to revenue in the June quarter - G5 contributed $4.2 million to revenue in the quarter [34] Question: Expectation of being sole sourced for border security - The company is in a unique position and may end up providing all the towers along the border [35] Question: Expansion of capacity in Visimid - The new facility will support various projects beyond just the Lockheed contract [38] Question: Gross margin dynamics - Adjusted gross margin could be close to 30%, with potential to reach 35% quickly [48] Question: Backlog definition and measurement - Backlog consists of real orders, with about 60% expected to ship in fiscal year 2026 [46] Question: Revenue expectations from the $40 million order - The customer was expected to contribute around $9 million annually, but the actual contribution is more than double that [55]