GlobalFoundries stock rises in premarket after buyback plan; COO exit in focus

GlobalFoundries stock rises in premarket after buyback plan; COO exit in focus

February 12, 2026

New York, Feb 12, 2026, 09:03 EST — Premarket

GlobalFoundries Inc shares gained 2.4% in premarket Thursday, reaching $49.91 after closing at $48.74 on Wednesday.

The focus remains on whether the chipmaker’s AI infrastructure efforts will drive more consistent growth, and if a fresh buyback might stabilize the stock after its recent surge. Shares jumped 16.3% in the last session.

GlobalFoundries reported fourth-quarter revenue of $1.83 billion on Wednesday, along with non-IFRS diluted earnings per share of $0.55. The company also approved up to $500 million in share repurchases, a move to buy back its own stock. CEO Tim Breen highlighted that the firm “grew Non-IFRS gross margin by nearly 400 basis points year-over-year” during the quarter; non-IFRS excludes items like share-based compensation. GlobeNewswire

The company projects first-quarter revenue of $1.63 billion, with a $25 million margin either way, beating analysts’ $1.61 billion forecast, per LSEG data. Adjusted earnings per share are expected to hit 35 cents, give or take 5 cents. GlobalFoundries also reported that silicon photonics revenue—chips using light pulses to transfer data—jumped to over $200 million last year and could almost double again this year.

Investors are also digesting a leadership shakeup amid the earnings rebound. A regulatory filing revealed that president and COO Niels Anderskouv plans to step down on March 2. Breen and other executives will absorb his duties; Breen credited Anderskouv’s guidance with defining a “clear technology roadmap.” SEC

Early signs showed chip stocks gaining ground. The iShares Semiconductor ETF climbed roughly 2.5%, with Taiwan Semiconductor and Intel both edging up.

Broker commentary has jumped on the recent move. Baird’s Tristan Gerra bumped his price target from $40 to $60 and maintained an “Outperform” rating. He highlighted “silicon photonics, satellite, optical networking” as key growth areas this year, noting improved pricing and higher utilisation are boosting margins. Streetinsider

The setup works both ways. Foundry demand can shift rapidly based on customers’ orders, while buyback plans may stall if liquidity dries up or volatility surges.

Traders in the upcoming session will focus on whether the stock can maintain its post-results rally and if management provides more clarity on the growth rate of silicon photonics and margin forecasts following the unexpected jump.

GlobalFoundries has set an investor webinar for March 10 focused on silicon photonics and advanced packaging. Executives will be on hand to answer questions, making it a key date for investors to watch after this week’s rally.

Artur Ślesik

Artur Ślesik is a technology and financial markets journalist at Bez-kabli.pl, covering artificial intelligence, semiconductors, technology stocks and emerging innovations. A graduate of Warsaw University of Technology, he combines a technical background with market analysis to explain how new technologies are shaping industries, businesses and investment trends worldwide.

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