WI
WOLFSPEED, INC. (WOLF)·Q1 2026 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Revenue of $196.8M modestly exceeded S&P Global consensus ($195.4M*) and non-GAAP EPS of $(0.55) beat consensus $(0.75*) as management delivered “strong revenue” while navigating post-Chapter 11 transition .
- Gross margins deteriorated materially on underutilization costs: GAAP gross margin was (39)% and non-GAAP was (26)%, with $47M of underutilization from Mohawk Valley and Siler City; GAAP loss per share was $(4.12), including $504M of reorganization items .
- Q2 FY26 revenue guidance of $150–$190M implies a sequential decline, driven by last-time buys ahead of the Durham 150mm fab closure and customer second-sourcing during bankruptcy, with ongoing industry softness expected through FY26; profitability guidance withheld pending fresh-start accounting .
- Strategic narrative: focus on profitability, technology leadership (Gen4 devices; 200mm materials commercial launch), and operational excellence; closure of Durham 150mm device fab by year-end and continued consolidation around 200mm Mohawk Valley .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Mohawk Valley Fab revenue contribution nearly doubled YoY to $97M, validating 200mm device ramp and learning curve advantage versus peers .
- Non-GAAP EPS improved to $(0.55) vs $(0.91) YoY; non-GAAP net loss improved to $(85.2)M vs $(115.8)M YoY, reflecting cost actions and mix shift toward Power Products .
- Management tone: “We’ve strengthened the foundation of the company, emerging as a leaner organization with a focus on product innovation and market leadership” — CEO Robert Feurle .
What Went Wrong
- Margins compressed sharply: GAAP gross margin (39)% and non-GAAP (26)% amid $47M underutilization costs and ~$29M inventory reserves/one-time transition charges; GAAP loss per share was $(4.12) on $504M reorganization items .
- Guidance signaled demand fragility and order timing distortions: Q2 revenue guide $150–$190M reflects pull-forward ahead of fab closure and customer second-sourcing; management expects “ongoing softness” across the industry through FY26 .
- Free cash flow remained negative at $(99.6)M; non-GAAP gross margin turned from positive 3% in prior-year Q1 to (26)% this quarter; adjusted EBITDA at $(57.4)M .
Financial Results
P&L Snapshot (Sequential Comparison)
YoY Comparison (Q1 FY25 vs Q1 FY26)
Actuals vs S&P Global Consensus (Q1 FY26)
Values retrieved from S&P Global.*
Segment Revenue (Power vs Materials)
KPIs and Operating Drivers
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- Strategic priorities: “Accelerate our path to profitability… technology leadership… operational excellence,” with a leaner, more efficient organization post-restructuring .
- Technology leadership: “We remain the clear leader in silicon carbide… launched our Gen4 device platform… for AI data centers, aerospace and defense” .
- Manufacturing actions: “On track to close our 150mm Durham device fab by the end of this calendar year… consolidating device production around 200mm Mohawk Valley” .
- Fresh-start accounting: “Next quarter… a new basis of accounting and a reset of our financial statements… prior period comparisons can no longer be done one-to-one” .
- CEO tone: “We’re building a stronger Wolfspeed… disciplined approach to align the business with near-term headwinds while advancing into… AI data centers, aerospace, and energy storage” .
Q&A Highlights
- No Q&A conducted; the call consisted of prepared remarks only .
- Clarifications via prepared remarks: Q2 revenue decline driven by last-time buys ahead of Durham closure and customer second-sourcing during bankruptcy .
- Profitability guidance withheld due to pending fresh-start accounting; material accounting adjustments expected in Q2 .
- Long-range plan timing: comprehensive financial update targeted for 1H CY26; timing update expected next quarter .
Estimates Context
- Q1 FY26 actuals vs S&P Global consensus: Revenue $196.8M vs $195.4M* (beat), EPS $(0.55) vs $(0.75)* (beat). Coverage remains thin (3 revenue estimates, 2 EPS estimates*), limiting confidence in consensus precision .
- Q2 FY26 consensus revenue at ~$170M* sits within company guidance ($150–$190M), implying potential revisions as order timing and second-sourcing normalize; EPS consensus is $(0.98)* without company profitability guidance due to fresh-start .
Values retrieved from S&P Global.*
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Near-term revenue pressure is largely mechanical (pull-forward, second-sourcing) layered on industry softness; watch order cadence normalization post-Durham closure .
- Margin trajectory hinges on utilization: underutilization costs rose to $47M; consolidation to 200mm and output-to-demand alignment are critical levers .
- Liquidity remains adequate ($926M cash/short-term investments); but free cash flow is negative and capex, while reduced, still meaningful — monitor fresh-start opening balance sheet and cash burn path .
- Technology leadership is the core thesis: Gen4 devices and 200mm materials commercial launch position WOLF for AI/data center, aerospace/defense, and renewable energy applications; execution will drive narrative re-rating .
- Segment mix shift toward Power Products continues; Materials softness evident — track Mohawk Valley output, yields, and device ASPs for leverage .
- Catalysts: Q2 report with fresh-start accounting and detailed reconciliations; 1H CY26 long-range plan update; operational milestones on Durham closure and Mohawk Valley utilization .
- Risk watch items: demand softness through FY26, potential customer second-sourcing persistence, tariffs/geopolitical overhang, and execution on footprint consolidation .