GlobalFoundries forecasts stronger results for the fourth quarter of 2025, saying robust demand from automotive and data center customers is expected to offset continued weakness in the smartphone market.

The company reported third-quarter 2025 Umsatz of US$1.69 billion, down 3% from a year earlier, while net income rose 40% to US$250 million. GlobalFoundries expects fourth-quarter 2025 Umsatz to reach about US$1.8 billion, saying orders from carmakers and data center clients remain solid. Analysts expect the chipmaker to regain growth momentum in 2026.

According to Reuters and Barron's, demand for GlobalFoundries' customized chips has increased as automakers invest more heavily in Elektrofahrzeuge and advanced Fahrerassistenzsysteme. Technology companies are also expanding data center capacity to support the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence models.

• Strong segments, weak mobile

Automotive and communications infrastructure and data center chips were the strongest contributors in the third quarter of 2025. Automotive Umsatz grew 20% to US$306 million, while communications infrastructure and data center Umsatz rose 32% to US$175 million.

However, Umsatz from smart mobile devices and home and industrial IoT customers declined sharply. Smart mobile device Umsatz fell 13% to US$752 million, while home and industrial IoT Umsatz dropped 16% to US$258 million.

Smartphone-related chip sales once again missed market expectations. Automotive has now become the company's second-largest end market, although its performance still came in below forecasts.

• Growth comparisons toughen

Stronger results from communications infrastructure and data center customers helped make up for the weakness. Compared with peers such as Broadcom, GlobalFoundries has benefited less directly from the AI boom.

Analysts said the company faces tougher growth comparisons over the coming year. Revenue from automotive and data center customers grew sharply in the fourth quarter of 2024, and year-over-year growth has since moderated. The market expects GlobalFoundries to return to growth in 2026 even if that rebound does not happen this quarter.

• TSMC licensing deal

GlobalFoundries said on November 10, 2025, that it has signed a licensing agreement with TSMC for 650-volt and 80-volt gallium nitride technology.

The deal is intended to accelerate the development of next-generation GaN products for data center, industrial, and automotive power applications and provide global customers with US-based GaN manufacturing capacity.