IQE shares surge as guidance raised amid strong demand for AI

IQE PLC shares jumped on Tuesday after it raised its revenue guidance and said its performance in the first half exceed expectations.

Shares in IQE shot up 19% to 43.11 pence on Tuesday morning in London.

The Cardiff-based supplier of advanced compound semiconductor wafer products and material solutions said trading in the six months to the end of June exceeded management expectations.

It said "strong demand" across all core segments resulted in first half revenue of at least £64 million.

Demand for its indium phosphide solutions has continued to accelerate, due to their role in optical photonics products for data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

IQE said growth was also helped by strength in aerospace and defence segments, as well as demand for 3D sensing and wireless products.

The company expects this momentum to continue through 2026. It now expects revenue growth in excess of 30% on-year, resulting in adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation in the low-teen million pound range.

IQE said it remains bank debt free with a cash position of £41.6 million at the end of June.

"Our long-established leadership in [indium phosphide] and other key material systems means we are critically embedded in supply chains enabling industry trends that will continue to deliver further progress in [the second half]," said Chief Executive Officer Jutta Meier.

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