The score is held back primarily by weak financial performance (losses, margin compression, and negative free cash flow), partially offset by a strong balance sheet. Technicals are supportive with a strong moving-average uptrend and positive momentum. Earnings-call commentary adds conditional upside via reinstated guidance and improving backlog/bookings visibility, but execution risk remains because much of the outlook depends on forecasted orders and resolving delays; valuation is also constrained by negative earnings and no dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Balance-sheet strength / Low leverage
Low debt-to-equity (<~0.09) and materially larger equity provide a durable solvency buffer through semiconductor cycles. This financial flexibility reduces bankruptcy risk, preserves capital access for R&D or ramping production, and supports multi-quarter execution even if cash flow remains weak.
Product wins and end-market diversification
Successful benchmarks, fine-pitch WaferPaks and partnerships broaden addressable markets beyond SiC into AI processors, flash and photonics. Diversified end-market exposure and product-specific consumables strengthen recurring revenue potential and reduce single-market concentration over multiple quarters.
Reinstated guidance, growing backlog and improved liquidity
Management's reinstated H2 guidance plus growing effective backlog (Q2-end to $11.8M, then $18.3M) and $31M cash (with ATM capacity) give multi‑month revenue visibility and runway. These durable signals help planning for FY27 ramp and reduce near-term refinancing urgency.
Negative Factors
Profitability deterioration and negative cash flow
The company moved from prior-year profitability to sustained losses and negative operating/free cash flow across FY2025 and TTM. Continued cash burn weakens reinvestment capacity, increases reliance on capital markets or ATM programs, and pressures ability to fund growth without dilution.
Gross margin compression and unfavorable mix
A sharp fall in gross margin from ~45% to sub-30% reflects lower volume and a shift away from high-margin WaferPaks. If mix or volumes do not recover, margin compression will persist, limiting operating leverage and extending the time required to return to sustainable profitability.
Booking volatility and execution risk from customer forecasts and delays
Dependence on customer forecasts rather than firm orders, sequential booking declines, and technical redesigns (GaN, flash, silicon photonics) increase timing risk. These execution issues can push revenue and consumable streams out multiple quarters, stressing cash flow and growth plans.
Aehr Test Systems (AEHR) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)
Aehr Test Systems Business Overview & Revenue Model
Company DescriptionAehr Test Systems provides test systems for burning-in and testing logic, optical, and memory integrated circuits worldwide. It offers products, such as the ABTS and FOX-P families of test and burn-in systems and FOX WaferPak Aligner, FOX-XP WaferPak Contactor, FOX DiePak Carrier, and FOX DiePak Loader. The ABTS system is used in production and qualification testing of packaged parts for lower power and higher power logic devices, as well as various common types of memory devices. The FOX-XP and FOX-NP systems are wafer contact and singulated die/module test and burn-in systems used for burn-in and functional test of complex devices, such as memories, digital signal processors, microprocessors, microcontrollers, systems-on-a-chip, and integrated optical devices. The FOX-CP system is a single-wafer compact test and reliability verification solution for logic, memory, and photonic devices. The WaferPak Contactor contains a unique full wafer probe card capable of testing wafers up to 300mm that enables IC manufacturers to perform test and burn-in of full wafers on Aehr Test FOX systems. The DiePak Carrier is a reusable, temporary package that enables IC manufacturers to perform final test and burn-in of bare die and modules. Aehr Test Systems was incorporated in 1977 and is headquartered in Fremont, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyAehr Test Systems generates revenue primarily through the sale of its test and burn-in systems, which are sold to semiconductor manufacturers and testing facilities. The company also earns income from providing maintenance services, spare parts, and upgrades for its equipment. Key revenue streams include the initial sale of testing equipment, ongoing service contracts, and the sale of consumables associated with testing processes. Additionally, AEHR benefits from strategic partnerships with major semiconductor manufacturers that enhance its market presence and facilitate the development of innovative testing solutions, further contributing to its financial growth.
Aehr Test Systems Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Any
Any
Bookings
Bookings Reflects the total value of orders received that are yet to be fulfilled, indicating demand for Aehr Test Systems' products and potential future revenue.
Chart InsightsAehr Test Systems' bookings have shown volatility, with notable spikes and dips over the past years. Recently, bookings have stabilized, reflecting strategic focus on AI processors and silicon photonics. The latest earnings call highlights strong sales momentum and customer engagement, despite challenges like lower gross margins and tariff uncertainties. The company's expansion in wafer level burn-in systems and increased manufacturing capacity signal readiness to capitalize on growth opportunities, particularly in the AI market, which could drive future bookings upward.
The call balanced near-term financial weakness (Q2 revenue down 27%, gross margin compression to 29.8%, and a non‑GAAP loss) with multiple strategic and operational positives: reinstated H2 guidance, expanded bookings visibility ($60M–$80M potential), recent Sonoma orders (> $5.5M), product development wins (2,000 W Sonoma, FOX-XP and fine‑pitch WaferPaks), and strengthened partnerships (ISE/ASE). While execution and timing risks remain because some future bookings are customer forecasts rather than firm POs and there have been technical delays (GaN, flash, silicon photonics timing), the company emphasized growing multi‑market engagement and improved backlog/liquidity heading into FY27.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Reinstated Financial Guidance and Strong H2 Bookings Visibility
Company reinstated FY26 second-half revenue guidance of $25M–$30M and provided bookings visibility of $60M–$80M for the second half, positioning for a potentially strong FY27 beginning May 30, 2026.
Recent Orders and Backlog Growth
Q2 bookings were $6.2M with backlog of $11.8M at quarter end; during the first 6 weeks of Q3 the company received an additional $6.5M in bookings, increasing effective backlog to $18.3M. Q3-to-date Sonoma orders exceeded $5.5M from multiple customers.
Product Wins, Benchmarks and Strategic Partnerships
Substantial progress in wafer-level burn-in and packaged-part burn-in across AI processors, flash memory, silicon photonics, GaN and HDD markets; expanded partnership with ISE Labs (ASE) and completed a wafer-level benchmark with a global NAND flash leader; developed fine-pitch WaferPaks for high-current AI processors.
New High-Power Product Capabilities
Completed next-generation fully automated Sonoma supporting up to 2,000 W per device and continuous-flow operation; FOX-XP platform and auto-aligner development for 300mm wafers; company stated manufacturing capacity potential of ~20 systems/month for package or wafer systems.
Improved Liquidity Position
Cash and equivalents increased to $31.0M from $24.7M at the end of Q1; company raised ~$10M gross via ATM in Q2 and has ~$30M remaining availability under the ATM program.
Diversification of End Markets
Broadening customer base beyond silicon carbide into AI processors, silicon photonics, flash memory, GaN power semiconductors and HDD components, reducing concentration risk over time and expanding total addressable market.
Negative Updates
Quarterly Revenue Decline
Q2 revenue was $9.9M, down 27% year-over-year from $13.5M, driven primarily by lower WaferPak shipments.
Gross Margin Compression
Non-GAAP gross margin declined to 29.8% in Q2 from 45.3% a year ago, reflecting lower sales volume and a less favorable product mix (WaferPak contribution fell).
Return to Losses on a Non-GAAP Basis
Non-GAAP net loss was $1.3M (negative $0.04 per diluted share) in Q2 versus non‑GAAP net income of $0.7M in Q2 last year; outlook for H2 FY26 expects non‑GAAP net loss per diluted share of negative $0.09 to negative $0.05 for the six-month period.
Booking Volatility and Dependence on Forecasts
Quarterly bookings declined sequentially (Q2 bookings $6.2M vs $11.4M in Q1), and a material portion of the optimistic $60M–$80M H2 bookings outlook is based on customer forecasts (not all are firm purchase orders), introducing execution and timing risk.
Technical Delays and Design Challenges
GaN wafer-level burn-in encountered unanticipated high-voltage faults requiring WaferPak and protection redesigns that delayed about $2M of WaferPak shipments into the quarter; silicon photonics ramp shifted later than expected (now early next fiscal year); flash benchmark and wafer-level benchmarks experienced multi‑month delays due to test-vector and architectural issues.
Near-Term Market Headwinds in Key Segments
Silicon carbide demand and EV-related demand have softened and were pushed toward the end of the fiscal year, with some expected system orders deferred into the next fiscal year, creating short-term headwinds.
Higher R&D Spend and Potential Dilution
Company plans increased R&D investment (AI wafer-level and memory-related programs) while continuing to access capital via ATM (raised $10M in Q2, $30M available), which could be dilutive if utilized and reflects ongoing cash needs despite improved cash balance.
Company Guidance
Management reinstated guidance for the second half of fiscal 2026 (Nov. 29, 2025–May 29, 2026), forecasting revenue of $25.0–$30.0 million and non‑GAAP net loss per diluted share of ($0.09) to ($0.05) for the six‑month period, and said customer forecasts imply H2 bookings of $60–$80 million (which would position the company for a strong fiscal 2027 beginning May 30, 2026). For context, Q2 revenue was $9.9 million, Q2 bookings were $6.2 million (down from $11.4M in Q1), ending the quarter with backlog of $11.8 million; during the first six weeks of Q3 an additional $6.5 million in bookings increased effective backlog to $18.3 million. Key Q2 operating metrics included contactor revenue of $3.4 million (35% of total vs. $8.6M or 64% a year ago), non‑GAAP gross margin of 29.8% (vs. 45.3% a year ago), non‑GAAP operating expenses of $5.7 million (down from $5.9M), and non‑GAAP net loss of $1.3 million (−$0.04 per diluted share) versus prior‑year net income of $0.7 million ($0.02). Cash and liquidity: operating cash use was $1.2 million in Q2, cash and equivalents were $31.0 million (up from $24.7M), the company raised $10 million gross via its ATM (≈384k shares) with ~$30 million remaining available under the ATM and a $100M S‑3 shelf registered.
Aehr Test Systems Financial Statement Overview
Summary
Overall fundamentals are pressured by a sharp downturn: profitability shifted to losses, revenue is declining, gross margin compressed to the mid-30% range (TTM), and operating/free cash flow turned negative. The key offset is a strong, low-leverage balance sheet that reduces solvency risk, but near-term execution hinges on restoring profitability and cash generation.
Income Statement
38
Negative
Profitability has deteriorated sharply versus prior years. Annual results moved from strong profitability in FY2023–FY2024 (healthy gross margins and positive operating and net margins) to losses in FY2025 and deeper losses in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), with negative operating and net margins. Revenue growth has also turned negative (slight decline in FY2025 and a larger decline in TTM), suggesting weakening demand or a tougher cycle, while gross margin has compressed from ~50% levels to the mid-30% range in TTM.
Balance Sheet
73
Positive
The balance sheet remains a key strength. Leverage is low across periods (debt-to-equity stays under ~0.09 recently), and equity has grown substantially versus earlier years, providing a buffer during a down-cycle. The primary weakness is the swing to negative returns on equity in FY2025 and TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), reflecting losses rather than balance-sheet strain.
Cash Flow
32
Negative
Cash generation has weakened meaningfully. Operating cash flow and free cash flow are negative in FY2025 and TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), and free cash flow growth is also negative, indicating higher cash burn. While earlier years showed positive operating and free cash flow (notably FY2023), the current profile suggests reduced cash conversion and potential reliance on liquidity if conditions persist.
Breakdown
TTM
May 2025
May 2024
May 2023
May 2022
May 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue
53.25M
58.97M
66.22M
64.96M
50.83M
16.60M
Gross Profit
17.72M
23.93M
32.54M
32.75M
23.66M
6.03M
EBITDA
-9.30M
-903.00K
13.82M
15.07M
9.85M
-1.85M
Net Income
-8.86M
-3.91M
33.16M
14.56M
9.45M
-2.03M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets
148.73M
148.51M
127.91M
98.14M
62.33M
21.66M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
30.84M
25.23M
49.16M
47.91M
31.48M
4.58M
Total Debt
10.16M
10.83M
6.20M
6.30M
1.01M
4.82M
Total Liabilities
17.96M
25.64M
16.32M
22.54M
11.34M
10.22M
Stockholders Equity
130.78M
122.87M
111.59M
75.60M
50.99M
11.45M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow
-11.91M
-12.39M
1.01M
8.65M
1.09M
-2.93M
Operating Cash Flow
-5.58M
-7.40M
1.76M
10.01M
1.51M
-2.70M
Investing Cash Flow
-8.59M
-16.07M
17.25M
-18.66M
-416.00K
-227.00K
Financing Cash Flow
9.76M
625.00K
139.00K
7.32M
25.76M
1.96M
Aehr Test Systems Technical Analysis
Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price39.23
Price Trends
50DMA
26.14
Positive
100DMA
25.45
Positive
200DMA
21.55
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.31
Negative
RSI
70.22
Negative
STOCH
78.08
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AEHR, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 39.23 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 28.73, above the 50-day MA of 26.14, and above the 200-day MA of 21.55, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.31 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 70.22 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 78.08 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for AEHR.
Aehr Test Systems Risk Analysis
Aehr Test Systems disclosed 21 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Aehr Test Systems reported the most risks in the "Tech & Innovation" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Disclaimer
This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 25, 2026