IQE (LON:IQE) Shares Up 36.1% – Still a Buy?

IQE plc (LON:IQE) shares traded up 36.1% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as GBX 10.62 and last traded at GBX 9.99. 100,448,648 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 305% from the average session volume of 24,781,600 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 7.34.

Key Stories Impacting IQE

Here are the key news stories impacting IQE this week:

• Positive Sentiment: IQE reported stronger trading in the second half of 2025 and lifted its 2025 outlook, driven by faster-than-expected funding and increased demand from AI photonics and defence customers — a clear earnings/growth catalyst. IQE posts strong 2025 trading, eyes strategic options and AI photonics demand
• Positive Sentiment: The company said its strategic review has attracted interest from potential bidders/offerors — market participants viewed this as possible takeover/transaction upside, helping drive the spike in the share price. IQE lifts 2025 outlook on defence and AI demand as strategic review draws bidders
• Positive Sentiment: Market reports and press coverage highlighted takeover talk and a guidance upgrade, prompting momentum buying and very high trading volumes as investors reposition for both operational improvement and deal speculation. IQE Shares Climb on Takeover Talk
• Neutral Sentiment: Multiple outlet roundups and trade updates summarized the same drivers (AI photonics, defence, strategic review); useful for confirmation but not new facts beyond the company update. AIM Market Roundup: IQE
• Neutral Sentiment: Industry press flagged the positive trading update and demand trends; helpful context on end-market drivers but no additional guidance or deal detail. IQE posts positive trading update
• Negative Sentiment: Risk remains: the strategic review has produced bidder interest but no firm offer — outcomes (price, structure, timing) are uncertain and could create volatility or pressure if expectations are not met. Investors should also watch execution on demand-led growth and capital structure implications. IQE shares jump amid strong trading, AI demand and offer interest

IQE Trading Down 4.2%

The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.21. The company has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 5.42 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 7.29. The company has a market capitalization of £92.51 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.86, a P/E/G ratio of 12.70 and a beta of 1.86.

IQE Company Profile

IQE is the leading supplier of compound semiconductor wafer products and advanced material solutions to the global semiconductor industry.