SemiLEDs Corporation (NASDAQ:LEDS) experienced a notable increase in its stock price on Wednesday following the release of its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The company reported revenue gains relative to the previous year, although these were counterbalanced by a broader net loss and a dip in sequential revenue figures.
The company posted a net loss of 9 cents per diluted share for the quarter, wider than the 8 cents loss recorded in the same quarter last year. Revenue, however, demonstrated a significant increase, rising to $2.6 million compared to $1.26 million in the year-ago quarter. When viewed sequentially, revenue declined sharply from $13.2 million reported in the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter.
On a GAAP basis, SemiLEDs recorded a net loss of $742,000 during the quarter, translating to the loss per share figure mentioned above. While this represented an improvement compared to the previous quarter’s net loss of $1.2 million, or 15 cents per diluted share, it also indicated ongoing profitability challenges for the firm.
Examining profit margins, the gross margin contracted to 1% from 2% in the last quarter, indicating increased cost pressure or other operational factors affecting margin expansion. Operating margin, meanwhile, deteriorated to a negative 39%, signifying substantial operating expenses relative to revenue.
On the liquidity front, cash and cash equivalents increased modestly to $2.9 million at quarter-end, up from $2.6 million at the end of the previous fiscal period. This slight improvement in cash resources provides some financial buffer as the company navigates its current operating environment.
The broader equity markets on the previous trading day showed modest declines, with the S&P 500 index decreasing by 0.09% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average pulling back by 0.14%. This mixed market sentiment highlights the cautious tone investors maintained amidst varied sector performances.
From a technical perspective, SemiLEDs stock is currently trading approximately 22.9% above its 20-day simple moving average (SMA), reflecting short-term strength in price momentum. Conversely, the stock remains roughly 5.0% below its 100-day SMA, indicating that on a longer timeframe, pressure persists. Over the past 12 months, shares have appreciated approximately 28.48%, positioning the price nearer to the 52-week high than the low.
The relative strength index (RSI) for SemiLEDs sits near 51.67, situating the stock firmly in neutral territory, which suggests no immediate risk of being overbought or oversold. Additionally, the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator stands above its signal line, hinting at a bullish trend in momentum.
Investors may consider the implied technical resistance level at $2.50, with a support level identified near $1.75. These thresholds could serve as reference points for price movement expectations in upcoming trading sessions.
During premarket trading on Wednesday, shares of SemiLEDs surged approximately 13.99%, reaching a price level around $2.20, according to financial data provider Benzinga Pro. This premarket activity signals increased investor interest following the earnings report and accompanying metrics.