GlobalWafers presented its Q3 2025 results, revealing a semiconductor wafer market experiencing a clear divergence. While the overall market is oversupplied by 5%-10%, demand for mature-node wafers is weak, but high-end and specialty wafers remain in tight supply.
The company's Q3 revenue fell to NT$14.493 billion, a 9.5% sequential decrease, impacted by customers pulling orders into Q2 and currency effects. Profitability was pressured by rising energy costs and expenses from new fab ramps in the U.S., Italy, and Japan, pushing the gross margin down to 18.4%.
The supply-demand split is stark. Utilization rates for 8-inch wafers are below 80% and for 6-inch wafers below 70%. In contrast, demand for 12-inch wafers is robust, with utilization rates exceeding 95%. The compound wafer segment is also mixed, with GaN wafers in short supply while SiC wafer utilization sits below 50% but shows signs of recovery.
ICgoodFind : The wafer market's split is reshaping the industry; focusing on high-demand categories and key markets will help leaders like GlobalWafers consolidate their advantage.
