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Tower Semiconductor Raises Forecasts on AI and Data Center Demand Surge

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Tower Semiconductor, the Israeli-based contract chipmaker, forecast fourth-quarter revenue above market expectations, driven by booming demand for chips used in data centers and AI infrastructure. The announcement sent the company’s U.S.-listed shares up 15%, reaching their highest level in over two decades after a 63% surge this year.

The company said it expects revenue of around $440 million, plus or minus 5%, surpassing analysts’ estimates of $434.4 million, according to LSEG data.

CEO Russell Ellwanger attributed the growth to strong demand for Tower’s analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, which are widely used in automotive, industrial, and communications technologies. He added that the company’s Silicon-Germanium and Silicon Photonics technologies — essential for high-speed optical data transmission — are key growth drivers as global data center expansion accelerates.

Tower also announced an additional $300 million investment to expand its manufacturing capacity and advance next-generation chip capabilities across Israel, the United States, Italy, and Japan.

For the third quarter ended September 30, Tower reported revenue of $395.7 million, slightly above forecasts, and adjusted earnings of 55 cents per share, topping estimates of 54 cents.

The results highlight the semiconductor industry’s ongoing shift toward AI-driven infrastructure, where specialized chips for data transmission and network performance are becoming vital to global tech ecosystems.

Nexperia China Says It Has Ample Inventories After Dutch Parent Halts Wafer Supplies

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Nexperia’s China division said on Sunday it has built up sufficient inventories and secured its supply chain after the Dutch parent company suspended wafer shipments to its Chinese assembly facilities. The unit assured customers that production and deliveries would continue as planned despite the disruption.

The Dutch chipmaker halted wafer supplies on October 26, citing what it called the Chinese unit’s failure to comply with agreed payment terms. Nexperia China, however, rejected the accusation, calling the move “unilateral” and “extremely irresponsible,” and describing the payment-related claims as “misleading and highly deceptive.”

The dispute follows months of political tension after Dutch authorities took control of Nexperia from its Chinese owner, Wingtech, in September over national security concerns about potential technology transfers. In response, Beijing temporarily blocked the company’s products from being exported.

Nexperia China said it has “proactively initiated contingency plans” and is working to qualify new wafer suppliers, adding that existing inventories would sustain production “through year-end and beyond.” The company expects to meet full customer demand starting next year.

Nexperia produces inexpensive but essential power-control chips — such as transistors and diodes — widely used across consumer electronics and the automotive industry. Automakers have warned that any prolonged supply disruption could affect production.

Lam Research Forecasts Higher Revenue Amid Strong AI Chipmaking Demand

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Lam Research has projected second-quarter revenue above Wall Street expectations, driven by surging demand for semiconductor manufacturing tools used in artificial intelligence applications. The Fremont, California-based firm said it expects revenue of around $5.20 billion, plus or minus $300 million, for the quarter ending December 28 — ahead of analysts’ forecasts of $4.81 billion, according to LSEG data.

The company’s shares rose 2.2% in after-hours trading and have already doubled this year, fueled by global investment in AI-driven chip production. Lam, a leading supplier of wafer fabrication equipment (WFE), provides critical tools used in the complex processes of chip wiring and wafer etching.

Lam faces competition from industry heavyweights such as Applied Materials, Analog Devices, and ASML, but remains well-positioned as chip designers expand capacity to meet escalating computing demands. The firm reported $5.32 billion in revenue for the previous quarter, surpassing expectations, and adjusted earnings of $1.26 per share versus $1.22 projected. The AI semiconductor boom continues to lift equipment makers across the global chip supply chain.