IQE plc Overview
Pro stress-test →IQE plc is a company engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and sale of compound semiconductor materials. The company serves critical end markets including wireless communications, photonics (AI/data center), and advanced silicon applications across automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors.
Strategic Profile
Pro stress-test →IQE enters 2026 with a strong first-quarter order book reflecting improved demand visibility across core segments including consumer mobile, data-center and AI-related photonics markets, with growth in data-center deployments and AI-enabled compute supporting increased demand for photonics products. The Board is negotiating non-binding offers for the Group as a whole in addition to separate bids for certain other Group assets with a view to maximising shareholder value.
Competitive Landscape
Pro stress-test →IQE positions itself as a scaled epitaxy wafer specialist serving chipmakers and OEMs from facilities in the U.K., U.S. and Taiwan, and is listed on London's AIM market. Main competitors include MACOM Technology, Akhan Semiconductor, and smaller epitaxy specialists, competing on technology breadth, capacity, and customer relationships in compound semiconductors.
Industry Context
IQE plc operates in Semiconductor Materials & Equipment - Compound Semiconductors (Epitaxy Wafers).
Key facts
Founded: 1988 · Headquarters: Cardiff, UK · Employees: 517 · Revenue: £97M (FY2025E) · Market cap: £185.95M