Laser Photonics Appoints Michael Lockey as Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
Rhea-AI Summary
Laser Photonics (NASDAQ:LASE) appointed Michael Lockey as Corporate Controller and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer on January 20, 2026, while the company conducts a search for a new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Lockey previously served as Controller of subsidiary CMS Laser and has held finance and controller roles at multiple firms, plus a Master of Accountancy and CPA license. The Board formed a Search Committee to identify internal and external CFO candidates. Management highlighted Mr. Lockey's role in selection of a new auditor, the close of a $4.0 private placement, and ongoing SEC reporting as reasons he is suited for the interim role.
Positive
- Internal appointment preserves continuity in finance leadership
- Appointee holds a CPA and a Master of Accountancy
- Led closing of a $4.0 private placement and SEC reporting
Negative
- Board has not yet named a permanent CFO; search is ongoing
- Active selection of a new auditor could cause near-term transition risk
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, LASE declined 2.33%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +2.3% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 3 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $1M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $49M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
LASE is up 1.42% while peers show mixed moves: CVV up 2.17%, LBGJ up 0.67%, but CETY down 9.2% and BURU down 2.22%. This points to a stock-specific reaction.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 12 | Equipment order | Positive | -0.5% | New <b>$0.5M</b> CMS Laser order from U.S. medical device manufacturer. |
| Jan 08 | Conference attendance | Positive | +2.8% | Participation in 2026 Capitol Hill Defense Outlook Summit tied to <b>$1T</b> defense budget. |
| Jan 07 | Management hire | Positive | -0.5% | Appointment of new VP of Marketing & Corporate Communications. |
| Jan 05 | Equipment order | Positive | +13.5% | Initial <b>$500,000</b> CleanTech systems order from major U.S. power utility. |
| Dec 31 | Compliance regained | Positive | +8.3% | Regained compliance with Nasdaq reporting rule after filing Form 10-Q. |
Recent news has been largely positive (orders, governance, marketing hires), with stock reactions mixed but more often aligned positively than not.
Over the past few weeks, Laser Photonics reported multiple commercial wins and governance steps, including two $0.5M-range orders, regaining Nasdaq Rule 5250(c)(1) compliance on Dec 31, 2025, and key leadership hires such as a new VP of Marketing. Price reactions ranged from small declines around management news to double‑digit gains on a utility order, underscoring that operationally positive updates do not always translate into consistent price strength.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights continuity in Laser Photonics’ finance leadership as Michael Lockey assumes the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer role during the CFO search. It follows recent 8‑K filings on a CFO resignation and an auditor change, as well as a 10‑Q noting higher revenue but wider losses and going‑concern risk. Investors may watch upcoming SEC filings, capital‑raising activity, and progress on profitability to gauge how this leadership transition influences execution.
Key Terms
gaap financial
certified public accountant financial
aicpa regulatory
private placement financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 20, 2026 / Laser Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ:LASE), a global leader in laser systems for industrial and defense applications, today announced the appointment of Michael Lockey as its Corporate Controller and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer as the company conducts a search for a new Chief Financial Officer to succeed Carlos Sardinas.
The Board has formed a Search Committee to identify and evaluate internal and external candidates for Laser Photonics' next CFO, and the search is already underway.
Previously the Controller of Laser Photonics' subsidiary CMS Laser, Mr. Lockey is now responsible for all aspects of Laser Photonics' internal and external financials, including the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, SEC, and other regulatory requirements. Prior to joining Laser Photonics, Mr. Lockey served as a fractional controller for several companies. Previously, he served as Director of Management Services for American Management Services, overseeing the day-to-day operations and management of all active consulting projects, managing approximately 20 full-time consultants, and was a Senior Consultant and General Manager for American Management Services. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of PSL North America LLC, a manufacturer of large diameter steel pipes. He held financial and controller positions at Future Pipe Industries, Camper City, and Winn Dixie Stores.
Mr. Lockey received his Master of Accountancy Degree from the University of North Florida, is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant, and is a member of the AICPA.
"We welcome Michael to the position and are honored to have someone of his caliber and financial skill set serve as our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer," said Wayne Tupuola, Chief Executive Officer of Laser Photonics. "Michael's leadership as Controller, especially guiding us through the selection of a new auditor, the close of a recent
About Laser Photonics Corporation
Laser Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: LASE) is a global leader in laser systems for industrial and defense applications. The Company develops and manufactures advanced laser technologies used in cleaning, surface preparation, and precision material processing across demanding operating environments. Laser Photonics serves a broad range of end markets, including defense and government, aerospace, energy, maritime, automotive, and advanced manufacturing. Through a combination of internal development, strategic acquisitions, and partnerships, the Company continues to expand its product portfolio and address new applications where performance, efficiency, and environmental considerations are critical. For more information, please visit laserphotonics.com.
Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements are based on current expectations as of the date of this press release and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results and uses of proceeds to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. We encourage readers to review the "Risk Factors" in our Registration Statement for a comprehensive understanding. Laser Photonics Corp. undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws or regulations, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.
Investor Relations Contact
Lucas A. Zimmerman & Ian Scargill
MZ Group - MZ North America
(262) 357-2918
LASE@mzgroup.us
www.mzgroup.us
SOURCE: Laser Photonics Corp.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
FAQ
Who is Michael Lockey and what role did Laser Photonics (LASE) assign him on January 20, 2026?
Why is Laser Photonics (LASE) conducting a CFO search and who oversees it?
What relevant experience does Michael Lockey bring to Laser Photonics (LASE)?
Did Michael Lockey have involvement with recent financing or auditor matters at Laser Photonics (LASE)?
Is Michael Lockey the permanent CFO of Laser Photonics (LASE)?
