Lightwave Logic Q1 Net Loss Exceeds Expectations, Shares Drop Nearly 20%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 14 2026
0mins
Shares of Lightwave Logic (LWLG) fell nearly 20% on Thursday to $14.68 after the company reported a steeper loss than expected in Q1. Lightwave said Q1 revenue was about $29,000, up 27% year over year, and its net loss per share was (4c), flat year over year. The company continued investing heavily in R&D and commercialization while benefiting from rising AI networking demand, with management substantially increasing its 2028 addressable market estimate for AI and data center optical transceivers to about $47B from roughly $17B previously. On the company's earnings conference call, President and CEO Yves LeMaitre said Lightwave Logic remains focused on positioning its Perkinamine electro-optic polymer platform for use in next-generation optical interconnects, particularly as AI workloads drive demand for faster and more power-efficient data movement. LeMaitre also said demand is increasing for high-speed coherent and "coherent-lite" pluggable transceivers used in data center interconnect and campus-scale connections.
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Analyst Views on LWLG
About LWLG
Lightwave Logic, Inc. is a technology platform company leveraging its proprietary engineered electro-optic (EO) polymers known as Perkinamine, to transmit data at higher speeds with less power in a small form factor. The Company’s organic polymers allow it to create next-generation photonic EO devices that convert data from electrical signals into light/optical signals for applications in telecommunications, and for data transmission potentially used to support generative Artificial Intelligence. It designs its own proprietary materials for electro-optical modulation devices. Electro-optical modulators convert data from electric signals into optical signals that can then be transmitted over high-speed fiber-optic cables. It is focused on testing and demonstrating the manufacturability and reliability of its devices. In polymer photonics, polymer devices such as modulators, waveguides, and multiplexers can be fabricated on to a silicon platform.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- No Deletions: There are no deletions in the communication services stocks during this rebalancing, reflecting the stability and ongoing attractiveness of this sector, which may draw more investor attention.
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See More
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- Production Capacity Expansion: Currently, POET assembles about one million optical devices per month, targeting an increase to ten million units as qualification progresses with hyperscale customers, which will significantly enhance the company's production capabilities and market competitiveness.
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See More
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- Reduction in Direct Holdings: This transaction reduced Quan's direct common share holdings by 26.34%, leaving her with 51,125 shares, yet she still holds 55,000 employee stock options, ensuring continued economic alignment with shareholders.
- Market Performance Impact: The transaction occurred on April 10, 2026, with shares closing at $10.60, capping a remarkable one-year total return of 939.22% for Lightwave Logic, which may have influenced Quan's decision to monetize her vested stock options at elevated prices.
- Investor Risk Assessment: While Quan's sale appears to supplement her income, Lightwave Logic reported only $106,855 in licensing and royalty revenue for 2025, alongside a net loss of $20.3 million, prompting investors to carefully evaluate the company's future sales potential.
See More
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- Ownership Analysis: This sale represented 26.3% of her direct holdings, yet Quan retains over 50,000 shares and about 55,000 options, suggesting alignment with shareholder interests, which may bolster market confidence in the company's future.
- Financial Warning Signs: Lightwave Logic reported only $106,855 in licensing and royalty revenue for 2025, resulting in a net loss of $20.3 million; despite having $69 million in cash and equivalents, the lack of significant sales could adversely affect its market performance.
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See More
