Wolfspeed (WOLF) surges 5.92% on major silicon carbide breakthrough

Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) surged 5.9175% in pre-market trading on January 14, 2026, following a major technological breakthrough. The company announced the successful production of a single crystal 300mm (12-inch) silicon carbide (SiC) wafer, a critical step in advancing semiconductor manufacturing for next-generation applications.

This achievement underscores Wolfspeed’s leadership in silicon carbide innovation. The 300mm wafer, supported by over 2,300 global patents, enables scalable production for AI infrastructure, AR/VR systems, and advanced power electronics. The larger wafer size enhances manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness, addressing growing demand for high-performance semiconductors in energy-efficient and high-voltage applications.

The development strengthens U.S. semiconductor supply chain resilience by reducing reliance on traditional materials and enabling domestic production of critical technologies. Analysts note that the 300mm platform could accelerate wafer-scale integration, combining optical, thermal, and power capabilities. This positions Wolfspeed to capitalize on AI-driven data center demands and next-generation industrial systems, where silicon carbide’s material properties offer superior thermal conductivity and mechanical strength.