Aehr Test Systems AEHR shares surged 15.95% on renewed investor interest in AI testing solutions.

Aehr Test Systems (AEHR) shares surged 15.95% in pre-market trading on January 12, 2026, driven by renewed investor interest in its AI-related testing solutions.

The rally follows the company securing over $5.5 million in new Sonoma burn-in system orders linked to AI processors. Aehr also reinstated its second-half fiscal 2026 revenue guidance and unveiled a fully automated Sonoma platform to address growing demand in AI and data center markets. These developments highlight the company’s pivot toward high-margin, high-growth segments amid broader sector volatility.

Analysts note that the recent order momentum signals stronger visibility for Aehr’s AI-driven business, despite underlying challenges. The firm reported lower sales and wider losses in fiscal Q2 2026, yet the reinstated revenue outlook of $25–$30 million for the second half underscores confidence in its strategic shift. However, the stock’s elevated price-to-sales ratio of 15.1x—well above the industry average—raises questions about whether current valuation reflects sustainable growth or speculative positioning.

Key risks include the pace of AI processor adoption and the ability to convert early orders into recurring revenue. While the Sonoma platform’s automation and scalability position Aehr to benefit from long-term AI expansion, execution gaps or delayed client commitments could temper near-term gains. Investors are closely monitoring whether the recent price action aligns with fundamentals or reflects overbought conditions in a sector prone to rapid sentiment swings.