SAXONBURG, Pa., Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a global leader in photonics, today announced that it will host a Technology Innovation Briefing during the 2026 Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza in Los Angeles. Event: Coherent Technology Innovation Briefing at OFC 2026Location: Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza, Los Angeles, CADate: Tu ...

SAXONBURG, Pa., Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a global leader in photonics, today announced the participation of its executives in key thought leadership sessions at the Optica Executive Forum during OFC 2026, the premier global event for optical networking and communications. Coherent’s Chief Executive Officer Jim Anderson will be a featured panelist on the CEO Panel on Monday, March 16, at the JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. He will join industry peers to share pe ...

Glowing blue and orange light paths run through a photonics chip, symbolizing ultrafast AI data transmission. Key Points Three photonics companies have grown by at least 20% year-to-date, highlighting the potential for this technology to continue to play a pivotal role in AI applications. Lumentum and Coherent are pure-play photonics names that are on a rapid growth trajectory, though investors may hesitate based on valuation concerns. MKS Instruments offers a variety of components, tools, and services ...

Core Insights - Coherent Corp. has received awards for six of its products in the 2026 Lightwave Innovation Reviews, maintaining its leadership in optical networking innovation [1][2] Product Recognition - The 100G ZR QSFP28 DCO transceiver was recognized for its low latency variation, enabling precise time synchronization across various applications [3] - The 140 Gbaud IC-TROSA Extended C-Band supports ultra-fast symbol rates and lower power dissipation, enhancing next-generation 800G digital coherent optics [4] - 2D VCSEL Arrays for Optical Interconnects provide energy-efficient solutions for short-reach applications, delivering high bandwidth density and scalability [5] - The WaveAnalyzer™ 200B Portable Optical Spectrum Analyzer offers high-resolution spectral analysis in a compact form, facilitating rapid deployment and maintenance of optical networks [6] - The Flexgrid Octa C+L Dense Gain Equalizer enables dynamic optical power management, optimizing performance in flexible-grid DWDM networks [7] - The Multiport High-Resolution Optical Channel Monitor is designed for AI-driven data center interconnects, featuring ultra-fast scanning and high accuracy [8] Company Overview - Coherent is a global leader in photonics, providing technology solutions for the datacenter, communications, and industrial markets [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenue increased by 17% year-over-year and 9% sequentially, driven by stabilization in industrial demand and growth initiatives [5][18] - Full-year revenue grew by 3%, marking the first full-year revenue growth since 2021 [6] - GAAP gross margin was 36.1%, while adjusted gross margin was 37.6%, impacted by lower absorption of fixed costs and tariffs [21][22] - GAAP net income was $13 million or $0.31 per diluted share, with adjusted net income at $20 million, resulting in earnings per diluted share of $0.46 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Materials processing revenue increased by 17% year-over-year, with stable demand in welding and growth in battery and additive manufacturing applications [5][18] - Medical sales grew by 21% year-over-year, driven by new product traction and a major customer win [8][9] - Revenue from applications outside materials processing increased by 15%, with strong growth in medical and advanced applications [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales increased by 21% sequentially and 23% year-over-year, driven by higher revenue in cutting, cleaning, medical, and advanced applications [19] - Europe saw an 8% sequential increase and 7% year-over-year growth, primarily in additive manufacturing and cleaning [19] - Asia's revenue improved by 5% sequentially and 19% year-over-year, with strong demand in battery applications in China [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its business beyond materials processing, with 14% of total revenue coming from micromachining, medical, and advanced applications [8][11] - Strategic investments are being made in core industrial applications and new non-industrial markets, aiming to create new laser applications and expand the addressable market [12][13] - The company is evolving towards a team-led operating model to enhance decision-making and accelerate product development [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about improving market conditions and customer demand, despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [10][28] - Strong bookings in Q4 resulted in a book-to-bill ratio above one, indicating positive demand trends [10][26] - The company anticipates revenue for Q1 2026 to be between $235 million and $265 million, with adjusted gross margin expected between 37% and 39% [26][27] Other Important Information - The company received a Prism Award for its new 8-kilowatt single-mode laser, reinforcing its position as a leader in fiber laser innovation [16] - The integration of cleanLASER has exceeded expectations, generating revenue synergies and enhancing growth in cleaning applications [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on cutting revenue stability and long-term growth targets - Management noted that cutting revenue has stabilized and is showing signs of growth, with ongoing investments in core markets [31][32] Question: Update on Directed Energy market and Crossbow product interest - Management reported strong customer interest in the Crossbow system, which targets military and civilian applications, and is seeing good traction in the market [35][38] Question: Margin improvement and revenue levels needed for fixed cost absorption - Management indicated that revenue levels above $270 million would help improve gross margins, with ongoing cost reduction initiatives in place [39][40] Question: Plans for investment in Directed Energy applications - Management confirmed a roadmap for increasing power levels in Directed Energy products, with plans for future product launches [45] Question: Expectations for new medical products in 2026 - Management expects significant growth in medical sales, with new product launches planned and a focus on doubling or tripling the business over the next few years [46][47] Question: Competitive environment and pricing pressures in Asia - Management stated that pricing pressures are minimal in differentiated markets, with strong demand in battery and advanced applications [60][61] Question: Variability in bookings by region - Management reported broad-based order activity, with North America and Asia performing well, while Europe showed signs of improvement [67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenue increased by 17% year-over-year and 9% sequentially, driven by stabilization in industrial demand and growth in medical and advanced applications [5][17] - Full-year revenue grew by 3%, marking the first full-year revenue growth since 2021, with materials processing sales flat and welding revenue stable [6][9] - GAAP gross margin was 36.1%, while adjusted gross margin was 37.6%, impacted by planned inventory management and tariffs [20][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Materials processing revenue increased by 17% year-over-year, with strong performance in welding, marking, cleaning, and additive manufacturing [17] - Medical sales grew by 21% year-over-year, driven by new product traction and a major customer win [7][8] - Revenue from applications outside of materials processing accounted for approximately 14% of total revenue, with double-digit growth in micromachining, medical, and advanced applications [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales increased by 21% sequentially and 23% year-over-year, driven by higher revenue in cutting, cleaning, medical, and advanced applications [18] - Europe saw an 8% sequential and 7% year-over-year increase, primarily from additive manufacturing and cleaning applications [18] - Asia revenue increased by 5% sequentially and 19% year-over-year, with strong demand in battery applications in China [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strengthening its position in core industrial applications while penetrating new non-industrial markets, particularly in medical, micromachining, and directed energy [10][11] - The integration of cleanLASER has provided revenue synergies and enhanced growth in cleaning applications [12][13] - The company aims to capitalize on growth opportunities by combining laser technology with deep applications expertise to address complex customer challenges [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding improving market conditions and customer demand, despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [9][10] - Strong bookings in Q4 resulted in a book-to-bill ratio above one, indicating positive demand trends [9][25] - The company plans to continue investing in growth initiatives while maintaining a strong balance sheet [24][26] Other Important Information - The company received a Prism Award for its new 8-kilowatt single-mode laser, reinforcing its position as a leader in fiber laser innovation [15] - The company is actively looking for tuck-in acquisitions to augment adjacent markets and accelerate growth [48][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on cutting revenue stability and long-term growth targets - Management noted that cutting revenue has stabilized and is expected to grow alongside investments in core markets like additive manufacturing and welding [31][33] Question: Update on Directed Energy opportunities and customer interest - Management reported strong customer interest in the Crossbow system for military and civilian applications, highlighting its differentiation and scalability [35][38] Question: Margin improvement and revenue levels needed for fixed cost absorption - Management indicated that revenue levels above $270 million could help improve gross margins, with ongoing cost reduction initiatives in place [39][40] Question: Plans for investment in Directed Energy applications - Management confirmed plans to increase investment in Directed Energy, with a roadmap for higher power systems in development [44][45] Question: Competitive environment and pricing pressures in Asia - Management stated that pricing remains stable in differentiated areas like battery and additive manufacturing, despite competitive pressures in cutting [60][61] Question: Updates on semiconductor exposure and growth expectations - Management highlighted engagement in lithography, metrology, and inspection, with expectations for growth aligned with semiconductor sector investments [71][72] Question: Clarification on micromachining and additive manufacturing applications - Management explained that additive manufacturing involves sintering powdered metal, while micromachining focuses on precision cutting and drilling for various industries [76][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 fiscal 2026 was $1.3 million, down from $1.6 million in Q2 fiscal 2025 and $1.4 million in Q1 fiscal 2026 [13] - GAAP net loss for the quarter was $1.9 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.9 million, or $0.24 per share in the prior year, and a net loss of $1.5 million, or $0.09 per share in the previous quarter [15] - Adjusted EBITDA loss for the quarter was $917,000, compared to a gain of $647,000 in the same period last year and a loss of $450,000 in Q1 fiscal 2026 [16] - The company closed the quarter with $38.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, an increase of $425,000 from the previous quarter [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Government R&D contracts were the principal source of revenue for the quarter, providing non-dilutive funding for R&D investments [14] - The company is witnessing a shift in customer conversations from interest and evaluation to pricing and planning, indicating progress in commercialization [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The top four hyperscalers invested over $300 billion in data center CapEx in 2025, expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2029, presenting a significant market opportunity [4] - The mobile market is preparing to adopt short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors, with Aeluma's manufacturing platform enabling the necessary scale for mass markets [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Aeluma is focused on three primary near-term target markets: data centers, mobile, and defense, with ongoing activities across each [5] - The company aims to capitalize on its progress and the growing market horizon while pursuing strategic opportunities to accelerate commercialization [12] - Aeluma's technology is positioned to provide scalable quantum photonic systems, with a focus on integrating highly nonlinear materials on large substrates [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the momentum building within the company, emphasizing the importance of converting this momentum into customer programs and transitioning to commercialization [19] - The company is actively pursuing strategic government programs that can accelerate commercialization opportunities [14] Other Important Information - Aeluma has expanded its patent portfolio to 35 issued and pending patents, enhancing its competitive advantage [11] - The company has appointed Bouch Nassar as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Product, expected to accelerate the go-to-market strategy [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the end markets that you're getting sales orders for? - Management indicated that sales orders are coming from multiple markets including mobile, AI, data centers, and defense, but specific customer or product information is not being disclosed at this time [22] Question: Is this for receiving or operations or routing or sending of photons? - The current work is primarily focused on generating photons, with interest in building a comprehensive platform for photon management [23] Question: Can you provide more details on the magnitude of customer engagement? - Management noted that the increase in requests for quotations is a positive sign, indicating growing interest in their technology [28] Question: Can you discuss the adoption timeline for SWIR in mobile applications? - While a specific timeline cannot be provided, management noted that the mobile industry is gearing up to adopt SWIR technology for future products [30] Question: What strategic opportunities are being pursued for commercialization? - Management is exploring various pathways to market, including licensing deals and partnerships with supply chain partners [34]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 was a record $1.69 billion, up 7% sequentially and 17% year-over-year, driven by growth in AI data center and communications demand [24] - On a pro forma basis, excluding revenue from the divested aerospace and defense business, Q2 revenue increased 9% sequentially and 22% year-over-year [24] - Non-GAAP gross margin was 39%, a 24 basis point improvement sequentially and a 77 basis point improvement year-over-year [24] - Non-GAAP EPS was $1.29, compared to $1.16 in the prior quarter and $0.95 in the year-ago quarter, reflecting an 11% sequential growth and 35% year-over-year growth [27] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the data center and communication segment, which accounts for over 70% of revenue, Q2 revenue grew by 11% sequentially and 34% year-over-year [10] - Data center revenue grew 14% sequentially and 36% year-over-year, driven by strong execution and demand for 800G and 1.6T transceivers [10][11] - The communications market saw Q2 revenue grow 9% sequentially and 44% year-over-year, driven by data center interconnect and traditional telecom applications [18] - The industrial segment revenue grew 4% sequentially but was flat year-over-year on a pro forma basis, with expectations for improving demand in the future [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The book-to-bill ratio exceeded 4x in Q2, indicating strong demand and visibility for future orders [11][35] - Demand for 1.6T transceivers is expected to ramp significantly, with initial phases driven by EML and silicon photonics-based transceivers [12] - The optical circuit switch (OCS) platform backlog grew sequentially, with over 10 customer engagements, indicating strong future revenue potential [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding production capacity, particularly in indium phosphide, with plans to double capacity by the end of the calendar year [13][28] - The strategy includes optimizing pricing and reducing product input costs to enhance gross margins [25][76] - The company aims to streamline operations by exiting underutilized sites, having exited 10 sites in the last quarter [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustained strong revenue growth due to exceptional demand from customers and rapid expansion of production capacity [7][8] - The company expects fiscal 2027 revenue growth rate to exceed that of fiscal 2026, driven by strong demand in both data center and industrial segments [8] - Management highlighted the extraordinary visibility of demand, with long-term forecasts extending into 2028 from major customers [35] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its Munich-based product division, which is expected to be accretive to gross margin and EPS [22][28] - Capital expenditures in Q2 were $154 million, with expectations for increased spending to support customer demand [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand visibility and capacity ramp for indium phosphide - Management characterized demand visibility as extraordinary, with bookings extending into 2027 and long-term forecasts going out to 2028 [35] - The company is at 80% of its target capacity for indium phosphide ramp, with strong progress in wafer starts [38] Question: OCS backlog and revenue impact - Management indicated strong demand for OCS, with expectations for revenue growth throughout the calendar year and contributions to revenue next year [41][42] Question: 1.6T transceiver growth and competitive landscape - Management expects continued growth for both 800G and 1.6T transceivers, with 1.6T ramping significantly in the second half of the year [49] Question: CPO market opportunities - Management noted active engagements in scale-up opportunities for CPO, with significant growth potential as networks transition from electrical to optical [52] Question: Indium phosphide capacity and industry supply-demand balance - Management does not foresee supply-demand balance in the indium phosphide market this calendar year or next, indicating a sustained period of imbalance [69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 fiscal 2026 was a record $1.69 billion, up 7% sequentially and 17% year-over-year, driven by AI data center and communications demand [24] - On a pro forma basis, excluding revenue from the divested aerospace and defense business, Q2 revenue increased 9% sequentially and 22% year-over-year [24] - Non-GAAP gross margin was 39%, a 24 basis point improvement sequentially and a 77 basis point improvement year-over-year [24] - Non-GAAP EPS was $1.29, compared to $1.16 in the prior quarter and $0.95 in the year-ago quarter, reflecting an 11% sequential and 35% year-over-year growth [27] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the data center and communication segment, which accounts for over 70% of revenue, Q2 revenue grew by 11% sequentially and 34% year-over-year [10] - Data center revenue grew 14% sequentially and 36% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for 800G and 1.6T transceivers [10][11] - The communications market saw Q2 revenue grow 9% sequentially and 44% year-over-year, driven by data center interconnect and traditional telecom applications [18] - The industrial segment revenue grew 4% sequentially but was flat year-over-year on a pro forma basis, with expectations for improving demand [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The book-to-bill ratio for data center bookings exceeded 4x, indicating strong demand and visibility for future revenue [11][34] - Demand for 1.6T transceivers is expected to ramp significantly, with initial production driven by EML and silicon photonics-based transceivers [12][48] - The optical circuit switch (OCS) platform backlog grew sequentially, with over 10 customer engagements, indicating strong future revenue potential [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding production capacity, particularly in indium phosphide, with plans to double capacity by the end of the calendar year [13][39] - Strategic initiatives include portfolio optimization, with the recent sale of a product division expected to be accretive to gross margin and EPS [22][28] - The company aims to drive meaningful operating leverage, expecting EPS growth to outpace revenue growth [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustained strong revenue growth due to exceptional demand visibility and ongoing production capacity expansion [7][8] - The company anticipates fiscal 2027 revenue growth to exceed fiscal 2026 growth rates, driven by strong demand in both data center and industrial segments [8][20] - Management highlighted the importance of long-term supply agreements with customers, enhancing visibility and demand certainty [35] Other Important Information - The company is investing in expanding production capacity in multiple locations, including Malaysia and Vietnam, to meet growing demand [16] - The transition to six-inch wafer production is expected to significantly enhance cost efficiency and production output [13][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand visibility and capacity ramp for Indium Phosphide - Management characterized demand visibility as extraordinary, with bookings extending into calendar 2027 and long-term forecasts from customers going out to 2028 [34] - The company is at 80% of its target capacity for indium phosphide, with a strong ramp in wafer starts [39] Question: OCS backlog and revenue impact - Management indicated strong demand for OCS, with expectations for revenue growth throughout the calendar year and contributions to revenue next year [41][42] Question: 1.6T transceiver growth and competitive landscape - Management expects continued growth for both 800G and 1.6T transceivers, with 1.6T ramping significantly in the second half of the year [48] Question: CPO opportunities and market engagement - Management noted active engagements for CPO solutions, with significant growth expected in the Scale-Up market [51][52] Question: Indium Phosphide capacity and industry supply-demand balance - Management does not foresee supply-demand balance in the indium phosphide market this calendar year or next, indicating a sustained period of imbalance [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 fiscal 2026 was a record $1.69 billion, up 7% sequentially and 17% year-over-year, driven by growth in AI data center and communications demand [22] - On a pro forma basis, excluding revenue from the divested aerospace and defense business, Q2 revenue increased 9% sequentially and 22% year-over-year [22] - Non-GAAP gross margin was 39%, a 24 basis point improvement sequentially and a 77 basis point improvement year-over-year [22][23] - Non-GAAP EPS was $1.29, compared to $1.16 in the prior quarter and $0.95 in the year-ago quarter, reflecting an 11% sequential and 35% year-over-year growth [25] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the data center and communication segment, which accounts for over 70% of revenue, Q2 revenue grew by 11% sequentially and 34% year-over-year [9] - Data center revenue grew 14% sequentially and 36% year-over-year, driven by strong execution and demand for 800G and 1.6T transceivers [9][10] - The industrial segment saw revenue grow 4% sequentially but was flat year-over-year on a pro forma basis, with expectations for improving demand in the future [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a book-to-bill ratio exceeding 4x in the data center business, indicating strong demand and visibility for future orders [10][32] - Strong demand signals were noted for both 800G and 1.6T transceivers, with expectations for significant growth in calendar 2026 [11][45] - The communications market saw Q2 revenue grow 9% sequentially and 44% year-over-year, driven by data center interconnect and traditional telecom applications [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding production capacity, particularly in indium phosphide, with plans to double capacity by the end of the calendar year [12][34] - Strategic initiatives include portfolio optimization, with the recent sale of a product division expected to be accretive to gross margin and EPS [20][26] - The company aims to drive meaningful operating leverage and expects EPS growth to outpace revenue growth [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustained strong revenue growth due to exceptional demand from customers and rapid expansion of production capacity [5][6] - The outlook for fiscal 2027 is expected to exceed the growth rate of fiscal 2026, driven by new product ramps and ongoing demand in the industrial business [6][18] - Management highlighted the importance of long-term supply agreements and detailed forecasts from customers, enhancing visibility for future growth [32][33] Other Important Information - The company is investing in expanding production capacity in multiple locations, including Malaysia and Vietnam, to meet growing demand [14] - The ramp of six-inch indium phosphide production is expected to significantly enhance revenue growth and margin expansion [12][13] - The company is also focused on developing new technologies and products, including CPO and OCS solutions, which are anticipated to contribute to long-term growth [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand visibility and capacity ramp for Indium Phosphide - Management characterized demand visibility as extraordinary, with bookings extending into calendar 2027 and long-term forecasts from customers going out to 2028 [32] - The ramp of six-inch indium phosphide capacity is ahead of schedule, with 80% of the target capacity already achieved [34] Question: OCS backlog and revenue impact - Demand for OCS is strong, with expectations for revenue growth throughout the calendar year and contributions to revenue next year [38][39] Question: 1.6 terabit growth and competitive landscape - Both 800G and 1.6T are expected to grow, with 1.6T ramping significantly in the second half of the year [44][45] Question: Indium phosphide capacity and industry supply-demand balance - Management does not foresee supply-demand balance in the indium phosphide market this calendar year or next, indicating a sustained period of imbalance [65] Question: Pricing and gross margins - The company is experiencing higher input costs but expects internal indium phosphide production to offset these costs, leading to a positive net effect on gross margins [69][70]