MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IPG Photonics, the global leader in fiber laser technology, announced today that it has received an order from Lockheed Martin Corporation for the delivery of its CROSSBOW™ high-energy laser counter-UAS defense systems. The order is valued at approximately $10 million and is expected to be delivered over the next several quarters. “We are encouraged by the continued success of CROSSBOW, our scalable, cost-effective laser defense system for countering sma ...

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.,, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: IPGP), the global leader in fiber laser technology, announced today that the Local Division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) located in Mannheim, Germany has issued a decision in a patent infringement case brought by Trumpf SE & Co. KG (“Trumpf”). The court ruled that certain designs of IPG’s adjustable mode beam (AMB) lasers used in welding and cutting applications infringed European Patent 2,951,625. The decision im ...

Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) ☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to . Commission File Number: 001-33155 IPG PHOTONICS CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 04-3444218 (Stat ...

Core Insights - The podcast revisits a five-stock sampler from February 10, 2016, titled "Five Stocks to Feed the Bear," to evaluate performance over the past decade against the S&P 500, which returned 274.3% during that period [1][6][32] - The analysis includes lessons learned from the performance of these stocks, emphasizing the importance of long-term investing and the impact of market conditions on stock performance [3][34] Stock Performance Summary Stock 1: Carter's (Ticker: CRI) - Carter's stock price decreased from $85.04 to $38.07, resulting in a 55% decline, significantly underperforming the market [8][9] - The decline is attributed to a decreasing U.S. birth rate and challenges in the apparel retail sector, including increased costs due to tariffs and declining sales [8][9] Stock 2: IPG Photonics (Ticker: IPGP) - IPG Photonics' stock rose from $81.59 to $113.26, marking a 39% increase, but still lagging behind the market [12][13] - The company faced four consecutive years of declining revenue, which negatively impacted investor sentiment despite recent signs of recovery [12][13] Stock 3: Ellie Mae (Ticker: ELLI) - Ellie Mae was acquired for $99 per share in 2019, resulting in a 65% gain from the initial cost basis of $59.78, outperforming the market during its trading period [18][19] - The acquisition by Thoma Bravo and subsequent sale to Intercontinental Exchange highlighted the potential missed opportunities for early investors [19][20] Stock 4: Planet Fitness (Ticker: PLNT) - Planet Fitness' stock surged from $13.86 to $92.72, achieving a remarkable 569% increase, significantly outperforming the market [23][32] - The company demonstrated consistent revenue growth and resilience, even during the pandemic, which contributed to its strong performance [23][24] Stock 5: Mercado Libre - Mercado Libre's stock skyrocketed from $87.71 to $2,041.50, representing a staggering 2,227.6% increase, far exceeding the market return [26][32] - The company's growth was driven by its dominant position in the Latin American e-commerce market and the increasing shift of retail to online platforms [26][29] Overall Performance - The average return of the five stocks was 568.5%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 274.3% return over the same period [32] - The performance of Mercado Libre was pivotal in achieving this average, illustrating the power of a few high-performing stocks to drive overall portfolio success [31][32]

Core Insights - IPG Photonics shares surged 35.8% following impressive Q4 2025 earnings and strong Q1 guidance, despite broader market declines [1] - The stock remains 58% below its 2018 peak, reflecting challenges from industrial market weaknesses, competition, and geopolitical issues [2] Financial Performance - Q4 revenue increased by 17% to $274.5 million, with adjusted EPS rising 53% to $0.46, both exceeding estimates [4] - Management forecasts Q1 revenue between $235 million and $265 million and adjusted EPS of $0.10 to $0.40, surpassing analyst expectations [4] Market Recovery and Strategy - Industrial end markets appear to be stabilizing, with a new strategy focusing on high-profit and emerging markets beginning to yield results [3] - The battery production market in China is recovering, driven by a shift to advanced energy storage solutions requiring sophisticated welding techniques [7] Sector Growth - The medical end market grew by 21% in Q4, with new customers for urology lasers [8] - IPG is also benefiting from the semiconductor equipment segment, which is experiencing growth due to the AI revolution [8] New Product Development - IPG launched the CROSSBOW laser, a low-cost solution for the defense industry, aimed at neutralizing small drones [9] - A new facility in Alabama will be established to support the defense product line, marking an entry into a new market segment [9]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] Company Overview: IPG Photonics (IPGP) - IPG Photonics currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating a favorable momentum characteristic [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting strong potential for outperformance in the market [3] Performance Metrics - Over the past week, IPG shares have increased by 18.61%, while the Zacks Lasers Systems and Components industry has remained flat [5] - In a longer timeframe, IPG shares have risen by 43.02% over the past month, significantly outperforming the industry's 4.17% [5] - For the last quarter, IPG shares have increased by 46.23%, and over the past year, they have risen by 76.12%, compared to the S&P 500's gains of 1.65% and 15.6%, respectively [6] Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for IPG is 506,452 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for IPG has increased, raising the consensus estimate from $1.14 to $1.21 [9] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have moved upwards with no downward revisions, indicating positive earnings momentum [9] Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, IPG Photonics is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a compelling investment option [11]

Core Insights - Fourth quarter revenue increased by 17% year over year and 9% sequentially, driven by stabilization in industrial demand and growth in medical and advanced applications [1][20] - Medical sales grew by 21% in 2025, supported by new product introductions and FDA clearance for a next-generation urology system [7][47] - The company made significant progress in expanding its business beyond materials processing applications, with non-materials processing revenue accounting for approximately 14% of total revenue [6][11] Revenue Performance - Materials processing revenue rose by 17% year over year, with stable demand in general industrial applications and increased demand in battery and additive manufacturing [1][20] - Revenue from applications outside of materials processing increased by 15%, driven by higher sales in medical and advanced applications [20] - North America saw a 21% sequential and 23% year-over-year increase in sales, while Europe and Asia also reported growth [21][22] Financial Highlights - Total revenue for the fourth quarter was $274 million, with a GAAP gross margin of 36.1% and adjusted gross margin of 37.6% [20][23] - Operating income was $3 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $41 million, exceeding guidance [25] - The company ended the quarter with $839 million in cash and no debt, supporting ongoing capital allocation strategies [27][28] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on growth in medical, micromachining, and advanced applications, with plans for new product introductions in 2026 [11][12] - The launch of the Crossbow laser defense system marks a significant step in directed energy applications, with strong customer interest reported [9][39] - The Clean Laser acquisition has contributed to revenue synergies and growth in cleaning applications, enhancing the company's competitive position [14][15] Market Outlook - Book-to-bill ratio remains above one, indicating strong order activity and improving market conditions [10][29] - Revenue guidance for Q1 2026 is projected between $235 million and $265 million, with expectations for adjusted gross margin between 37% and 39% [30] - The company remains cautiously optimistic about demand in 2026, while recognizing ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [10][32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenue increased by 17% year-over-year and 9% sequentially, driven by stabilization in industrial demand and growth in medical and advanced applications [5][10] - Full-year revenue grew by 3%, marking the first full-year revenue growth since 2021 [6] - GAAP gross margin was 36.1%, while adjusted gross margin was 37.6%, impacted by planned inventory management and tariffs [21][22] - GAAP net income was $13 million or $0.31 per diluted share, with adjusted net income at $20 million, resulting in earnings per diluted share of $0.46 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Materials processing revenue increased by 17% year-over-year, with stable demand in welding and increased demand in battery and additive manufacturing applications [5][18] - Medical sales grew by 21% year-over-year, driven by new product traction and a major customer win [8][9] - Revenue from applications outside of materials processing increased by 15%, with significant growth in medical and advanced applications [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales increased by 21% sequentially and 23% year-over-year, driven by higher revenue in cutting, cleaning, medical, and advanced applications [19] - Europe sales increased by 8% sequentially and 7% year-over-year, with strong growth in additive manufacturing and cleaning [19] - Asia revenue improved by 5% sequentially and 19% year-over-year, primarily due to higher welding sales in China [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strengthening its position in core industrial applications while penetrating new non-industrial markets [12] - Growth initiatives in medical, micromachining, and defense are key investment priorities, with expectations for continued momentum into 2026 [11][12] - The company aims to expand its addressable market by integrating laser technology with applications expertise to address complex customer challenges [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding improving market conditions and customer demand, despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [10][11] - Strong bookings in Q4 resulted in a book-to-bill ratio above one, indicating positive demand trends [10][26] - The company plans to maintain a balanced capital allocation strategy, investing in growth while returning capital to shareholders [25] Other Important Information - The company received FDA clearance for a next-generation urology system, enhancing its medical product offerings [9] - The cleanLASER acquisition has generated revenue synergies and contributed to growth in the cleaning segment [14][15] - The company has authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program to continue returning capital to shareholders [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on cutting revenue stability and long-term growth targets - Management noted that cutting revenue has stabilized and is expected to grow alongside investments in core markets [32][33] Question: Update on Directed Energy investment and market interest - Management reported strong customer interest in the Crossbow system for military and civilian applications, with plans for future product enhancements [37][38] Question: Margin improvement and revenue levels for fixed cost absorption - Management indicated that revenue levels above $270 million would help improve gross margins, with ongoing cost reduction initiatives in place [40][41] Question: Plans for investment in Directed Energy applications - Management confirmed a roadmap for increasing power levels in Directed Energy products, targeting smaller class drones [45] Question: Expectations for new medical products in 2026 - Management anticipates significant growth in medical sales, with new product launches planned for 2026 [46][47] Question: Competitive environment updates, especially in Asia - Management stated that pricing pressures are minimal in differentiated markets, with strong demand in battery and advanced applications [62] Question: Variability in bookings by region - Management reported broad-based order activity, with North America and Asia showing strong performance, while Europe is improving [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenue increased by 17% year-over-year and 9% sequentially, driven by stabilization in industrial demand and growth initiatives [5][18] - Full-year revenue grew by 3%, marking the first full-year revenue growth since 2021 [6] - GAAP gross margin was 36.1%, while adjusted gross margin was 37.6%, impacted by lower absorption of fixed costs and tariffs [21][22] - GAAP net income was $13 million or $0.31 per diluted share, with adjusted net income at $20 million, resulting in earnings per diluted share of $0.46 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Materials processing revenue increased by 17% year-over-year, with stable demand in welding and growth in battery and additive manufacturing applications [5][18] - Medical sales grew by 21% year-over-year, driven by new product traction and a major customer win [8][9] - Revenue from applications outside materials processing increased by 15%, with strong growth in medical and advanced applications [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales increased by 21% sequentially and 23% year-over-year, driven by higher revenue in cutting, cleaning, medical, and advanced applications [19] - Europe saw an 8% sequential increase and 7% year-over-year growth, primarily in additive manufacturing and cleaning [19] - Asia's revenue improved by 5% sequentially and 19% year-over-year, with strong demand in battery applications in China [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its business beyond materials processing, with 14% of total revenue coming from micromachining, medical, and advanced applications [8][11] - Strategic investments are being made in core industrial applications and new non-industrial markets, aiming to create new laser applications and expand the addressable market [12][13] - The company is evolving towards a team-led operating model to enhance decision-making and accelerate product development [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about improving market conditions and customer demand, despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [10][28] - Strong bookings in Q4 resulted in a book-to-bill ratio above one, indicating positive demand trends [10][26] - The company anticipates revenue for Q1 2026 to be between $235 million and $265 million, with adjusted gross margin expected between 37% and 39% [26][27] Other Important Information - The company received a Prism Award for its new 8-kilowatt single-mode laser, reinforcing its position as a leader in fiber laser innovation [16] - The integration of cleanLASER has exceeded expectations, generating revenue synergies and enhancing growth in cleaning applications [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on cutting revenue stability and long-term growth targets - Management noted that cutting revenue has stabilized and is showing signs of growth, with ongoing investments in core markets [31][32] Question: Update on Directed Energy market and Crossbow product interest - Management reported strong customer interest in the Crossbow system, which targets military and civilian applications, and is seeing good traction in the market [35][38] Question: Margin improvement and revenue levels needed for fixed cost absorption - Management indicated that revenue levels above $270 million would help improve gross margins, with ongoing cost reduction initiatives in place [39][40] Question: Plans for investment in Directed Energy applications - Management confirmed a roadmap for increasing power levels in Directed Energy products, with plans for future product launches [45] Question: Expectations for new medical products in 2026 - Management expects significant growth in medical sales, with new product launches planned and a focus on doubling or tripling the business over the next few years [46][47] Question: Competitive environment and pricing pressures in Asia - Management stated that pricing pressures are minimal in differentiated markets, with strong demand in battery and advanced applications [60][61] Question: Variability in bookings by region - Management reported broad-based order activity, with North America and Asia performing well, while Europe showed signs of improvement [67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenue increased by 17% year-over-year and 9% sequentially, driven by stabilization in industrial demand and growth in medical and advanced applications [5][17] - Full-year revenue grew by 3%, marking the first full-year revenue growth since 2021, with materials processing sales flat and welding revenue stable [6][9] - GAAP gross margin was 36.1%, while adjusted gross margin was 37.6%, impacted by planned inventory management and tariffs [20][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Materials processing revenue increased by 17% year-over-year, with strong performance in welding, marking, cleaning, and additive manufacturing [17] - Medical sales grew by 21% year-over-year, driven by new product traction and a major customer win [7][8] - Revenue from applications outside of materials processing accounted for approximately 14% of total revenue, with double-digit growth in micromachining, medical, and advanced applications [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales increased by 21% sequentially and 23% year-over-year, driven by higher revenue in cutting, cleaning, medical, and advanced applications [18] - Europe saw an 8% sequential and 7% year-over-year increase, primarily from additive manufacturing and cleaning applications [18] - Asia revenue increased by 5% sequentially and 19% year-over-year, with strong demand in battery applications in China [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strengthening its position in core industrial applications while penetrating new non-industrial markets, particularly in medical, micromachining, and directed energy [10][11] - The integration of cleanLASER has provided revenue synergies and enhanced growth in cleaning applications [12][13] - The company aims to capitalize on growth opportunities by combining laser technology with deep applications expertise to address complex customer challenges [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding improving market conditions and customer demand, despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [9][10] - Strong bookings in Q4 resulted in a book-to-bill ratio above one, indicating positive demand trends [9][25] - The company plans to continue investing in growth initiatives while maintaining a strong balance sheet [24][26] Other Important Information - The company received a Prism Award for its new 8-kilowatt single-mode laser, reinforcing its position as a leader in fiber laser innovation [15] - The company is actively looking for tuck-in acquisitions to augment adjacent markets and accelerate growth [48][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on cutting revenue stability and long-term growth targets - Management noted that cutting revenue has stabilized and is expected to grow alongside investments in core markets like additive manufacturing and welding [31][33] Question: Update on Directed Energy opportunities and customer interest - Management reported strong customer interest in the Crossbow system for military and civilian applications, highlighting its differentiation and scalability [35][38] Question: Margin improvement and revenue levels needed for fixed cost absorption - Management indicated that revenue levels above $270 million could help improve gross margins, with ongoing cost reduction initiatives in place [39][40] Question: Plans for investment in Directed Energy applications - Management confirmed plans to increase investment in Directed Energy, with a roadmap for higher power systems in development [44][45] Question: Competitive environment and pricing pressures in Asia - Management stated that pricing remains stable in differentiated areas like battery and additive manufacturing, despite competitive pressures in cutting [60][61] Question: Updates on semiconductor exposure and growth expectations - Management highlighted engagement in lithography, metrology, and inspection, with expectations for growth aligned with semiconductor sector investments [71][72] Question: Clarification on micromachining and additive manufacturing applications - Management explained that additive manufacturing involves sintering powdered metal, while micromachining focuses on precision cutting and drilling for various industries [76][79]