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Tower Semiconductor Predicts Strong Q1 Revenue Amid Robust Auto Sector Demand

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Tower Semiconductor (TSEM.TA), an Israeli contract chipmaker, has forecasted slightly higher-than-expected first-quarter 2025 revenue, driven by steady demand for its chips, particularly from the automobile sector. The company’s U.S.-listed shares rose by 1% in premarket trading following the announcement.

Tower specializes in manufacturing analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, which are primarily used in the automobile industry by “fabless” firms that design chips but outsource their production. Despite challenges within the automobile sector, such as difficulties in clearing excess inventory built up during the pandemic and a recent slowdown in demand for electric vehicles, Tower Semiconductor has remained resilient, continuing to supply its chips.

The company is now forecasting first-quarter revenue of $358 million, with a 5% margin of variability. This projection slightly exceeds analysts’ expectations of $357.5 million, according to LSEG data. For the fourth quarter, Tower reported revenue of $387.2 million, meeting analyst forecasts. However, its net profit for the quarter ending December 31 came in at $55.1 million, below the expected $58.7 million, mainly due to increased costs from its new greenfield chipmaking facility in Agrate, Italy.

On an adjusted basis, the company posted quarterly profit of 59 cents per share, surpassing analyst estimates of 52 cents per share.

Rivian Expands Commercial Van Sales to All Fleet Sizes in U.S.

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Rivian (RIVN.O) has announced the expansion of its commercial van sales to fleets of all sizes in the United States, marking a shift from its previous exclusive agreement with Amazon (AMZN.O). This move comes more than a year after the electric vehicle maker ended its exclusivity deal with the e-commerce giant.

Known for its R1S SUVs and R1T pickup trucks, Rivian has experienced growing demand for its commercial delivery vans beyond Amazon. The company has been testing its vans with large fleets, which have helped refine the fleet management process and paved the way for broader sales. The van sales, along with the upcoming launch of Rivian’s smaller, more affordable R2 SUVs in 2026, will be crucial for the company’s growth, especially as the overall demand for EVs has softened amid rising borrowing costs.

Rivian’s move to open sales to a wider range of fleets follows the end of its exclusive deal with Amazon in late 2023. However, the company remains committed to fulfilling Amazon’s order of 100,000 vans by 2030, with Amazon currently operating 20,000 Rivian vans in its fleet. U.S. wireless carrier AT&T (T.N) was the first company to purchase Rivian vans after the exclusive deal ended, although details regarding the number of vans and financial terms were not disclosed.

The announcement follows Rivian’s resolution of component shortages that previously hindered production of its vans and other vehicles, alongside its success in cutting costs through renegotiated supplier contracts and process improvements. Rivian exceeded analysts’ expectations for fourth-quarter deliveries and is set to report its fourth-quarter financial results on February 20.

Automakers Call on USDOT to Restart EV Charging Program

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A coalition of automakers and electric vehicle (EV) charging companies is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to quickly resume the $5 billion federal electric vehicle charging infrastructure program. The call for swift action comes after the Trump administration announced the suspension of the EV charging program and the reversal of approvals for state-level EV charging plans, pending a new review.

The Electric Drive Transportation Association, which represents members like General Motors, Toyota, EVGo, Walmart, and others, expressed concern over the uncertainty this suspension could create. The group stressed the need for a prompt restart to ensure states and businesses that have invested in EV infrastructure can continue their efforts in line with national transportation goals.

On his first day in office, President Trump criticized the push for electric vehicles, halting the distribution of unspent government funds allocated for charging stations from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. Trump also rescinded a 2021 executive order from President Biden that set a non-binding goal for electric vehicles to make up half of all new U.S. vehicle sales by 2030.

Additionally, Trump proposed ending the waiver that allowed states to implement their own zero-emission vehicle regulations by 2035 and suggested potentially repealing EV tax credits. While the Biden administration’s targets received backing from both U.S. and foreign automakers, the future of such incentives remains uncertain under Trump’s leadership.

Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy directed regulators to rescind the stringent fuel economy standards under Biden, which aimed to reduce fuel consumption in cars and trucks, as well as the associated climate regulations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has set a goal to increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements to about 50.4 miles per gallon by 2031, up from the current 39.1 mpg for light-duty vehicles.