Aehr Test Systems announced a new batch of orders for its Sonoma AI processor diagnostic systems totaling over $5.5 million. These orders, placed by multiple leading-edge AI companies and a premier Bay Area lab, already exceed the total Sonoma system sales from the entire previous quarter. Management highlighted the strategic importance of these orders in positioning the company to capitalize on increasing demand for AI chip validation solutions.

In its fiscal second quarter, Aehr Test Systems reported net revenue of $9.9 million, down from $13.5 million in the year-ago period, representing a 27% year-over-year decline. Gross margin contracted to 36.2%, pressured by lower consumables sales and continued investment in research and development. On a GAAP basis, the company recorded a net loss of $1.3 million, or $0.04 per share, compared with a net profit of $0.7 million in the prior-year quarter.

After suspending forecasts since last summer, Aehr reinstated its revenue and earnings guidance for the second half of fiscal 2026. The company now expects net sales between $25 million and $30 million and a non-GAAP loss of $0.05 to $0.09 per share. This outlook assumes continued uptake of AI processor and data center semiconductor test and burn-in systems, marking a return to forward-looking visibility for investors.

While the fresh Sonoma orders signal potential upside, Aehr’s near-term fundamentals remain under pressure due to uneven product mix and seasonally weak consumables demand. The company’s ability to convert strong bookings into consistent revenue growth will be critical, particularly as it expands into photonics and memory test markets. Investors should monitor execution on AI system deliveries, margin recovery trends and any incremental customer disclosures to validate the sustainability of the current momentum.