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GlobalFoundries forecasts hit by slow smartphone demand recovery, shares fall

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 5, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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GlobalFoundries forecasts hit by slow smartphone demand recovery, shares fall
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(Reuters) -Contract chipmaker GlobalFoundries forecast revenue and profit for the third quarter below Wall Street estimates on Tuesday, as it grapples with a slow recovery in demand from clients in

GlobalFoundries Lowers Q3 Forecast Amid Slow Smartphone Demand

GlobalFoundries Q3 Financial Outlook

(Reuters) -Contract chipmaker GlobalFoundries forecast revenue and profit for the third quarter below Wall Street estimates on Tuesday, as it grapples with a slow recovery in demand from clients in the consumer electronics market.

Impact of Smartphone Demand

Shares of the world's third-largest chip foundry, already down around 15% this year, fell another 6% in premarket trading.

Company's Strategic Moves

U.S. tariff-led economic uncertainty has pressured smartphone sales, with buyers pulling back on orders especially in the low-end segment. Data from IDC in July showed smartphone sales growth slowed to just 1% in the June quarter.

Recent Financial Performance

CEO Tim Breen, who was named to the top job in February, said the company was awaiting a "return to meaningful growth across the consumer-driven end markets".

The company expects third-quarter net revenue of $1.68 billion, plus or minus $25 million, lower than the analysts' average estimate of $1.79 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Adjusted profit per share is expected to be 38 cents, plus or minus 5 cents. The midpoint of that was below the 41 cents estimated by analysts.

Still, lower costs and strong growth in its automotive and datacenter businesses helped GlobalFoundries surpass adjusted profit expectations for the second quarter.

The company recently deepened its push into autos with a chipmaking deal with Continental. It also struck a deal in July to buy chip architecture supplier MIPS for an undisclosed sum to boost its offerings in industrial and AI processors.

In June, it increased its investment plans to $16 billion, allocating an additional $1 billion to capital spending and $3 billion to research in several emerging chip technologies, including those used in electric vehicles and AI servers.

Net revenue rose 3.7% in the three months ended June to $1.69 billion, slightly above estimates of $1.68 billion. Adjusted profit per share of 42 cents also beat estimates of 35 cents.

(Reporting by Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)

Key Takeaways

  • GlobalFoundries lowers Q3 revenue and profit forecast.
  • Smartphone demand recovery remains slow.
  • Shares fell 6% in premarket trading.
  • Company focuses on automotive and datacenter growth.
  • Increased investment in emerging chip technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GlobalFoundries' revenue forecast for Q3?
GlobalFoundries expects third-quarter net revenue of $1.68 billion, which is lower than analysts' average estimate of $1.79 billion.
How have GlobalFoundries' shares reacted recently?
Shares of GlobalFoundries fell another 6% in premarket trading, adding to a decline of around 15% this year.
What factors are affecting smartphone sales according to the article?
U.S. tariff-led economic uncertainty has pressured smartphone sales, particularly in the low-end segment, leading buyers to pull back on orders.
What strategic moves has GlobalFoundries made in the automotive sector?
GlobalFoundries deepened its push into the automotive market with a chipmaking deal with Continental and plans to acquire chip architecture supplier MIPS.
Did GlobalFoundries meet profit expectations in the second quarter?
Yes, GlobalFoundries surpassed adjusted profit expectations for the second quarter, reporting an adjusted profit per share of 42 cents, beating estimates of 35 cents.

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