AIXTRON SE Sees Strong Demand Fueled by AI, Orders Surge 122%

AIXTRON SE is benefiting from surging demand linked to the global expansion of AI computing capacity, as evidenced by a 122% year-over-year increase in Q3 order intake to EUR 274.9 million. The growth is primarily attributed to demand for equipment used in the production of laser applications crucial for optical data communication within AI data centers.

The company’s order backlog reached EUR 549.4 million, extending revenue visibility well into 2027. Revenues for Q3 2026 totaled EUR 183.6 million, a 54% increase year-over-year, and landed within the company’s previously guided range. Optoelectronics accounted for approximately 68% of equipment order intake during the quarter, while power electronics contributed around 24%, signaling an emerging recovery in that segment.

Beyond the immediate boost from AI-driven optical connectivity, AIXTRON noted improving momentum in the GaN and SiC power electronics markets. Initial orders for capacity expansion and a growing project pipeline suggest a potential rebound in this area. The company highlighted the increasing demand for InP-based optical components, fueled by the transition to faster 800G and 1.6T transmission rates needed for efficient data transfer.

AIXTRON attributes improving conditions in the power electronics segment to renewed demand for electric vehicles and the introduction of 800-volt architectures for AI data centers, which require high-performance chips based on gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC). The company maintains its full-year guidance for revenues of EUR 560 million ± EUR 30 million, with a gross margin of approximately 42% and an EBIT margin between 17% and 20%.

The company reported a Q3 EBIT of EUR 56.7 million, significantly up from EUR 15.4 million in the prior-year period. This improvement reflects both increased gross profit driven by a favorable product and regional mix, and operating leverage due to higher revenue volume. The Q3 gross margin improved to 48% from 39% the previous year.