Lasers for AI data centres: Aixtron doubles order intake in third quarter
The chip equipment maker reports preliminary orders of about 275 million euros – more than double a year ago. The driver is lasers for data transmission.
Symbolic image · Photo: 彭家杰 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Semiconductor equipment maker Aixtron received orders worth about 275 million euros in the third quarter, according to preliminary figures, more than double the 124 million euros a year earlier. Analysts had expected a median of 214.6 million euros. Revenue rose to about 184 million euros from 119.6 million euros in the same quarter last year.
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reached about 57 million euros, a margin of 31 percent, compared with 15.4 million euros a year earlier. The gross margin was 48 percent. Chief executive Felix Grawert attributed the orders to strong demand for equipment for laser applications in AI data-centre communications, adding that a favourable product mix lifted profitability well above market expectations.
Aixtron builds systems that deposit thin layers for compound semiconductors, used for example in lasers and power electronics. The company confirmed its outlook for the full year 2026. The full quarterly statement is due on 29 October.