LPKF Progresses North Star Transformation While Expanding Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Capabilities

High-precision glass patterning using LPKF’s LIDE technology – the foundation for next-generation highperformance chips

(IN BRIEF) LPKF reported a solid start to 2026, with rising order intake and a strong book-to-bill ratio of 1.4, despite a decline in revenue to €17.1 million due to weakness in the Solar segment. The company’s North Star transformation program is already delivering cost savings, helping to mitigate the impact of lower sales. Significant progress has been made in the Advanced Semiconductor Packaging business, where LIDE technology is gaining traction and moving closer to large-scale production. While the Development and Electronics segments performed well, the Solar segment remains challenging, although long-term opportunities exist with perovskite technology. LPKF is also restructuring its Welding segment to improve efficiency. The company expects full-year revenue between €105 million and €120 million and maintains confidence in its medium-term growth, targeting a double-digit EBIT margin by 2028 through strategic transformation and innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) GARBSEN, 30-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — LPKF Laser & Electronics SE has entered the 2026 financial year with a stable operational performance despite continued macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds. While global uncertainties and intensifying competition—particularly from China—are impacting the business environment, the company recorded a notable increase in order intake, especially within its Development and Electronics divisions.

During the first quarter, LPKF generated revenue of €17.1 million, compared with €25.3 million in the same period last year, with the decline primarily attributed to weaker performance in the Solar segment. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) stood at €-6.9 million, while adjusted EBIT reached €-5.7 million. In contrast, order intake rose to €24.1 million, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.4, indicating stronger incoming demand relative to sales.

Cost reduction measures under the company’s North Star transformation program began to deliver measurable results in the first quarter. These efforts helped offset the impact of lower revenues, demonstrating early progress in improving operational efficiency and financial resilience.

A key focus area for LPKF is its Advanced Semiconductor Packaging business, where the company continues to gain traction. Discussions with multiple customers are underway regarding initial production system orders, as demand grows for its proprietary LIDE (Laser Induced Deep Etching) technology. This technology is already being used by semiconductor customers for testing and research applications and is expected to play a central role in enabling high-precision glass processing as the industry moves toward large-scale production.

LPKF is also broadening its capabilities beyond glass structuring to include additional solutions such as singulation of glass-based packages, laser-based bonding of multilayer glass stacks, and integration of co-packaged optics on glass substrates. Through these developments, the company aims to position itself as a strategic partner in the rapidly evolving advanced packaging market.

Chief Executive Officer Klaus Fiedler emphasised that the company is undergoing a strategic shift, moving away from a traditional export-driven engineering model toward a more solution-oriented approach. This transformation is focused on delivering customer-centric innovations with clear commercial value, particularly in high-growth technology sectors.

Within its business segments, the Development division benefited from delayed investment decisions linked to the U.S. government shutdown, as well as sustained demand from research institutions and the defence sector. The Electronics segment recorded strong order growth, driven by increasing demand for laser-based systems used in precision cutting of printed circuit boards.

The Solar segment, however, is expected to remain under pressure throughout 2026. Despite near-term challenges, LPKF sees long-term growth opportunities arising from the transition to perovskite solar cell technology. Meanwhile, the Welding segment is undergoing restructuring, including the consolidation of production activities at the Suhl facility in Germany, aimed at improving efficiency and long-term profitability.

The North Star program continues to advance according to plan, with structural adjustments already underway. Production of welding systems has been relocated from Fürth to Suhl, enabling synergies and cost savings, while additional measures are being implemented to streamline processes and enhance operational performance across the Group.

Looking ahead, LPKF expects full-year revenue to range between €105 million and €120 million, with an adjusted EBIT margin forecast between -3.0% and 4.5%. These projections reflect ongoing economic uncertainties and anticipated weakness in the Solar segment. Potential large-scale orders from the Advanced Semiconductor Packaging business are not yet included in the forecast due to timing uncertainties related to downstream production processes.

Despite varying performance across its segments, LPKF remains confident in its medium-term prospects. The company aims to achieve a sustainable double-digit EBIT margin by 2028, supported by strong positioning in semiconductor technologies, particularly through its LIDE platform, as well as growth opportunities in surface mount technology and rapid PCB prototyping.

About LPKF

LPKF is a leading international technology group for laser-based manufacturing solutions. The company develops high-precision, energy-efficient, and sustainable technologies for demanding industries, including the semiconductor, electronics, solar, and medical technology sectors. With its patented LIDE technology, LPKF sets standards in glass processing for advanced semiconductor packaging. A global network, approximately 700 employees, and decades of development expertise enable innovative solutions across the entire value chain. LPKF is headquartered in Garbsen, Germany, and is listed on the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange (ISIN 0006450000).

Media Contact:

Bettina Schäfer
bettina.schaefer@lpkf.com
Phone: +49 5131 7095-1382
Fax +49 5131 7095-90

SOURCE: LPKF