AIXTRON SE Raises Fiscal Year 2026 Guidance Amid Strong Optoelectronics Demand

AIXTRON SE announced it is increasing its guidance for fiscal year 2026 based on stronger-than-expected optoelectronics equipment demand. The company reported preliminary figures for the first quarter of 2026, showing order intake grew by approximately 30% year-over-year to about EUR 171 million, with more than 65% related to the optoelectronics segment. Preliminary revenues were approximately EUR 59 million, within the guided range, though gross profit and operating results were negatively affected by a one-off personnel measure expense.

The preliminary gross profit for the quarter was about EUR 11 million with an 18% margin, while the preliminary operating result (EBIT) totaled approximately EUR –22 million, resulting in a -38% EBIT margin. The company attributed the low margins to the one-off expenses and negative operating leverage due to low volume. Despite this, cash and cash equivalents increased to approximately EUR 273 million at the end of the quarter, reflecting continued positive cash flow development.

Based on current market developments and an exchange rate of 1.20 USD/EUR, AIXTRON now expects to generate revenues of around EUR 560 million for fiscal year 2026, up from the previous guidance of EUR 520 million. The company also anticipates an increased EBIT margin of 17% to 20%, up from 16% to 19%, and a gross margin of around 42%. Dr. Felix Grawert, CEO of AIXTRON SE, stated that the stronger demand from the optoelectronics sector is encouraging and expected to continue, highlighting the company's G10-AsP system as the tool of record for next-generation photonic components essential for communications in the AI era.

The full report for the first quarter of 2026 will be published on April 30, 2026. This guidance increase reflects growing confidence in the optoelectronics market, which is critical for advancements in data transmission and AI infrastructure. The company's performance and outlook underscore the importance of deposition equipment in enabling technologies for electronic and optoelectronic applications, as detailed in their forward-looking statements and annual reports. The raised targets suggest a positive trajectory for AIXTRON amid increasing demand for semiconductor solutions in innovative industries.