IQE plc (IQEPF) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
IQE plc (IQEPF) trades at $0.5836 with AI Score 49/100 (Grade C). IQE plc is a leading global supplier of advanced semiconductor materials, serving the wireless, photonics, and CMOS++ markets. Market cap: $777M, Sector: Technology.
Price as of Aug 21, 2026 · Last analyzed: Mar 17, 2026Analyst Coverage for IQEPF: IQEPF does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates IQEPF against Technology peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
IQEPF: 1/3 scored disciplines lean bearish. Dominant signal: Ken Griffin bullish.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A 9-signal quantitative MoonshotScore built from filings, insider activity, and market data — computed from the numbers, not from opinion.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
IQE plc (IQEPF) Technology Profile & Competitive Position
IQE plc develops and manufactures advanced semiconductor materials, including epiwafers, for wireless, photonics, and CMOS++ applications. With a global presence, IQE plc supplies materials critical for 5G infrastructure, data communication, and advanced sensing technologies, positioning itself as a key enabler in the semiconductor supply chain.
What Is the Investment Thesis for IQEPF?
IQE plc presents a mixed investment case. The company's position as a key supplier of advanced semiconductor materials for high-growth sectors like 5G and 3D sensing offers significant upside potential. However, the company's negative profit margin of -50.5% and gross margin of -2.6% raise concerns about its operational efficiency and cost management. Future growth hinges on IQE's ability to capitalize on the increasing demand for its products in the wireless and photonics markets. The company's beta of 2.40 indicates high volatility, making it a potentially risky investment. The company's ability to improve profitability and manage its cost structure will be critical to its long-term success. Investors should closely monitor the company's financial performance and its ability to execute its growth strategy.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
IQEPF Key Highlights
Market capitalization of $777M reflects its current valuation in the OTC market.
- Negative P/E ratio of -4.36 indicates the company is currently not profitable.
- Profit margin of -50.5% highlights significant challenges in achieving profitability.
- Gross margin of -2.6% suggests difficulties in covering the cost of goods sold.
- Beta of 2.40 indicates higher volatility compared to the overall market.
Who Are IQEPF's Competitors?
IQEPF is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRXF Archer Materials Limited | $0.18 | +0.00% | $49.2M | 51 |
| DBOXF D-BOX Technologies Inc. | $0.81 | -0.39% | $180M | 50 |
| KDCXF Kudelski S.A. | $1.62 | +0.00% | $83.5M | 59 |
| OONEF 01 Quantum Inc. | $0.28 | +2.51% | $31.0M | 62 |
| WBTNF Weebit Nano Limited | $3.11 | +2.98% | $747M | 66 |
| NVEC NVE Corporation | $109.28 | -1.80% | $529M | 91 |
| PLAB Photronics, Inc. | $29.98 | -2.36% | $1.77B | 81 |
| ASYS Amtech Systems, Inc. | $14.62 | -1.35% | $256M | 64 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are IQEPF's Key Strengths?
Leading provider of advanced semiconductor materials.
- Strong expertise in epitaxy process.
- Global presence and established customer base.
- Diverse product portfolio serving multiple high-growth markets.
What Are IQEPF's Weaknesses?
Negative profit margin and gross margin.
- High beta indicating high volatility.
- Dependence on a limited number of key customers.
- Exposure to cyclicality in the semiconductor industry.
What Could Drive IQEPF Stock Higher?
Expansion of 5G infrastructure deployments globally, driving demand for IQE's wireless products.
- Increasing adoption of 3D sensing technology in smartphones, automotive, and industrial applications.
- Potential new contracts with major telecom equipment vendors and technology companies.
- Development and commercialization of new microLED display technologies.
- Growth in the data communication market, driving demand for IQE's InP laser and detector wafers.
What Are the Key Risks for IQEPF?
Negative return on equity (-37.5%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
- Inconsistent delivery — missed Wall Street EPS estimates in 7 of the last 8 reported quarters.
- Weak fundamentals — a Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags soft profitability, leverage or efficiency.
- Intense competition from other semiconductor material providers.
- Technological obsolescence and the emergence of alternative materials.
- Economic downturns impacting demand for semiconductor materials.
- Supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks.
- Negative profit margin and gross margin, raising concerns about financial sustainability.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for IQEPF?
- Growth opportunity 1: Expansion in 5G Infrastructure: The rollout of 5G networks globally presents a significant growth opportunity for IQE. Its GaAs, GaN, and InP-based technologies are essential for 5G infrastructure components. As mobile network operators continue to invest in 5G infrastructure, the demand for IQE's products is expected to increase. Success will depend on IQE's ability to secure contracts with major telecom equipment vendors.
- Growth opportunity 2: Advancements in 3D Sensing: IQE's VCSEL technology is crucial for 3D sensing applications, including facial recognition, gesture control, and LiDAR. The increasing adoption of 3D sensing in smartphones, automotive, and industrial applications is driving demand for IQE's products. The 3D sensing market is projected to experience double-digit growth in the coming years, offering a significant opportunity for IQE to expand its market share. IQE's competitive advantage in VCSEL technology positions it well to capitalize on this trend.
- Growth opportunity 3: Development of MicroLED Displays: IQE's GaN and GaAs materials are used in the development of microLED displays, which offer superior brightness, contrast, and energy efficiency compared to traditional LCD and OLED displays. The microLED display market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by demand for high-performance displays in smartphones, TVs, and augmented reality devices. IQE's expertise in GaN and GaAs materials positions it to be a key supplier to the microLED display industry.
- Growth opportunity 4: Expansion in Data Communication: IQE's InP laser and detector wafers are essential for high-speed data communication networks. The increasing demand for bandwidth and faster data transfer speeds is driving the growth of the data communication market. IQE's products enable the development of high-performance optical transceivers used in data centers and telecommunication networks. The data communication market is projected to continue its growth trajectory, providing a sustained demand for IQE's products.
- Growth opportunity 5: Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions: IQE can pursue strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand its product portfolio, enter new markets, and enhance its technological capabilities. Collaborating with leading technology companies can provide access to new customers and markets. Acquiring companies with complementary technologies can strengthen IQE's competitive position. These strategic initiatives can accelerate IQE's growth and create long-term value for shareholders. However, successful integration and execution are critical for realizing the benefits of these partnerships and acquisitions.
What Are IQEPF's Competitive Advantages?
- Proprietary epitaxy process for manufacturing compound semiconductor wafers.
- Strong relationships with leading technology companies.
- Expertise in GaN, GaAs, and InP materials.
- Global presence and established supply chain.
What Does IQEPF Do?
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Cardiff, UK, IQE plc has evolved into a leading global provider of advanced semiconductor materials. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of compound semiconductor wafers, also known as epiwafers, using a sophisticated epitaxy process. These materials are crucial components in a wide array of technology applications, spanning wireless communication, photonics, and CMOS++. IQE operates through three primary segments: Wireless, Photonics, and CMOS++. Its wireless products include GaAs, GaN, and InP-based technologies, serving the consumer mobile handset, connected devices, 5G network infrastructure, WiFi 6, Bluetooth, and satellite communications markets. The photonics segment focuses on VCSELs for 3D sensing, InP laser and detector wafers for high-speed telecommunications, GaN and GaAs for microLED displays, and GaSb and InP materials for infrared imaging. The CMOS++ segment is Unknown. IQE serves a global customer base, with operations and sales across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company's substrate products include GaSb, InP, InAs, InSb, GaSb, CZT, custom size or geometry wafers, polycrystalline materials, high purity group iii/v source materials, and bespoke orientation substrates. IQE also provides nanoimprint lithography services.
What Products and Services Does IQEPF Offer?
- Develops and manufactures advanced semiconductor materials.
- Produces compound semiconductor wafers or epiwafers using epitaxy process.
- Offers wireless products based on GaAs, GaN, and InP technologies.
- Provides photonics products, including VCSELs for 3D sensing.
- Supplies InP laser and detector wafers for high-speed telecommunications.
- Offers GaN and GaAs for microLED displays.
- Provides substrate products, including GaSb, InP, InAs, and CZT wafers.
- Offers nanoimprint lithography services.
How Does IQEPF Make Money?
- Manufactures and sells advanced semiconductor materials to technology companies.
- Generates revenue from the sale of epiwafers and substrate products.
- Provides nanoimprint lithography services to customers.
- Serves customers in the wireless, photonics, and CMOS++ markets.
What Industry Does IQEPF Operate In?
IQE plc operates within the semiconductor industry, which is experiencing rapid growth driven by demand for advanced materials in 5G, IoT, and automotive applications. The industry is characterized by intense competition and technological innovation. IQE's focus on compound semiconductors differentiates it from competitors focused on silicon-based materials. The company's success depends on its ability to maintain its technological edge and secure key partnerships with leading technology companies.
Who Are IQEPF's Key Customers?
- Consumer mobile handset manufacturers.
- Connected device manufacturers.
- 5G network infrastructure providers.
- Data communication network providers.
- Manufacturers of 3D sensing devices.
IQE plc (IQEPF) Valuation Context
Valued at $777M, IQEPF is classified as a small-cap stock. Relative to its peer group, IQEPF's quantitative score of 49/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 58/100.
IQEPF Revenue & Earnings Trend
In Q4 2025, IQEPF generated $52.0M in top-line revenue, marking a sequential increase of 15.0%. The company recorded a net loss of $10.7M, with diluted EPS of $-0.01. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a small-cap company operating in Technology. Across the four most recent quarters, IQEPF averaged $-0.02 in diluted EPS.
Company Profile
IQE plc operates in the Semiconductors industry within the Technology sector. It is headquartered in Cardiff, GB. The company is led by CEO Jutta Meier. IQEPF has traded publicly since 2012.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for IQE plc stands at -37.5%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -17.2%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. Its free cash flow yield is -0.7%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.76 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is -7.9%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Financial Health
IQE plc's Piotroski F-Score is 3/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — flagging fundamental weakness worth scrutiny. Its Altman Z-Score of 2.46 places it in the grey zone, a middle ground that warrants monitoring.
Earnings Track Record
IQE plc has missed Wall Street's EPS estimate in 7 of its last 8 reported quarters — a recurring pattern of falling short of estimates. Reported results have landed about 595.4% below estimates on average.
Forward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project IQE plc revenue of about $128.0M for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $-0.01. The estimate reflects 3 contributing analysts.
IQEPF Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- IQE's management stability, with key insiders recently increasing their holdings, signals strong confidence in the company's future prospects. This is a good sign, especially in the current market.
- The general buzz in the community is optimistic about IQE's role in upcoming tech advancements; people are talking about its potential in 5G and related fields.
- The company's strategic partnerships seem to be paying off, with positive mentions of new projects and collaborations circulating in social feeds.
- IQE's focus on innovative materials positions it well in a market hungry for tech breakthroughs; the market seems to be recognizing this potential.
Bear Case
- Recent discussions suggest some concern about IQE's ability to scale production to meet growing demand; there's chatter about potential bottlenecks.
- There's a sense that IQE is heavily reliant on a few key clients; any disruption in those relationships could significantly impact revenue.
- The overall market sentiment seems cautious about the semiconductor industry, with some fearing a potential slowdown in demand. This broad concern is impacting views on IQE.
- Despite positive sentiment, some community members are questioning whether IQE's current valuation fully reflects its growth potential; there's a feeling it might be overhyped.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q4 2025 | $52M | -$11M | -$0.01 |
| Q2 2025 | $45M | -$26M | -$0.03 |
| Q4 2024 | $52M | -$23M | -$0.02 |
| Q2 2024 | $66M | -$15M | -$0.02 |
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
IQEPF Latest News
No recent news available for IQEPF.
IQEPF Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for IQEPF.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for IQEPF.
IQEPF MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates IQEPF 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: Jutta Meier
CEO
Jutta Meier is the Chief Executive Officer of IQE plc. Her professional background is Unknown. As CEO, she is responsible for leading the company's strategic direction and overseeing its global operations. Her experience in the technology industry and her leadership skills are critical to IQE's success in the competitive semiconductor market.
Track Record: Jutta Meier's track record at IQE plc is Unknown. Her leadership is focused on driving growth, improving profitability, and strengthening the company's competitive position. Key milestones under her leadership include expanding the company's presence in the 5G and 3D sensing markets and forging strategic partnerships with leading technology companies.
IQEPF OTC Market Information
The OTC Other tier represents the lowest tier of the OTC market, indicating that IQE plc may not meet the minimum financial standards required for higher tiers like OTCQX or OTCQB. Companies in this tier often have limited financial disclosure and may be subject to greater regulatory scrutiny. Investing in companies on the OTC Other tier carries higher risks compared to those listed on major exchanges like the NYSE or NASDAQ due to the potential for less transparency and liquidity.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- Limited financial disclosure increases the risk of investing in IQEPF.
- Lower trading volumes and wider bid-ask spreads can lead to price volatility.
- Potential for less regulatory oversight compared to major exchanges.
- Higher risk of fraud or manipulation on the OTC market.
- OTC Other tier status indicates the company may not meet minimum financial standards.
- Verify the company's financial statements and SEC filings (if any).
- Research the company's management team and their track record.
- Assess the company's business model and competitive landscape.
- Evaluate the company's growth prospects and potential risks.
- Monitor the company's trading volume and price volatility.
- Consult with a financial advisor before investing.
- Confirm the legitimacy of the company's operations and assets.
- Established presence in the semiconductor industry.
- Global customer base and partnerships with leading technology companies.
- Proprietary epitaxy process and expertise in compound semiconductor materials.
- Focus on high-growth markets like 5G and 3D sensing.
- Headquartered in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
IQE plc Technology Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does the AI Score mean for IQEPF?
IQEPF holds an AI Score of 49/100 (Grade: C). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. IQE plc is a leading global supplier of advanced semiconductor materials, serving the wireless, photonics, and CMOS++ markets. The company manufactures epiwafers using epitaxy process, enabling …
What does IQE plc do?
IQE plc specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sale of advanced semiconductor materials, primarily compound semiconductor wafers (epiwafers). These materials are essential components in various technology applications, including wireless communication, photonics, and CMOS++. IQE serves a global customer base, providing materials for 5G infrastructure, 3D sensing, microLED displays, and high-speed data communication networks.
What are the main risks for IQEPF?
IQE plc faces several risks, including intense competition from other semiconductor material providers, technological obsolescence, economic downturns impacting demand for semiconductor materials, and supply chain disruptions. The company's negative profit margin and gross margin also pose significant financial risks.
What are the key factors to evaluate for IQEPF?
IQE plc (IQEPF) holds an AI score of 49/100 (low). IQE plc presents a mixed investment case. Not financial advice.
How frequently does IQEPF data refresh on this page?
IQEPF's price was last updated on Aug 21, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven IQEPF's recent stock price performance?
IQE plc (IQEPF) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Leading provider of advanced semiconductor materials. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider IQEPF overvalued or undervalued right now?
IQE plc (IQEPF) has no trailing P/E available here, so lean on price-to-sales and cash flow in the Financials tab. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
How do I research IQEPF before investing?
Before investing in IQE plc (IQEPF), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) analyst consensus ratings and price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Why might investors consider adding IQEPF to a portfolio?
Key strength of IQE plc (IQEPF): Leading provider of advanced semiconductor materials. Weigh rewards against risks and diversify. Not financial advice.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Financial data is based on the most recent available information.
- OTC market data may be limited and less reliable than data from major exchanges.
- AI analysis is pending and may provide additional insights.