AMD Further Reduces Chip Orders to Globalfoundries as Demand Slows

From X-bit Labs: Advanced Micro Devices on Thursday said that it had successfully amended its wafer supply agreement (WSA) with Globalfoundries. In the second amendment of the WSA this year, AMD reduces its purchase commitments to Globalfoundries and established fixed pricing and other terms of the WSA which apply to products AMD will purchase from Globalfoundries through December 31, 2013.

"Globalfoundries’ performance in meeting our delivery requirements in 2012 was strong and they remain a strategic and important foundry partner moving forward. We are committed to develop and grow our business with Globalfoundries, increasing our engagement across our industry leading APU and graphics roadmaps. The newly amended agreement is another step we are taking to further strengthen our relationship with Globalfoundries as well as AMD's financial foundation,” said Rory Read, president and chief executive officer of AMD.

AMD lowered its wafer purchase commitments for the fourth quarter 2012. AMD currently estimates that it will purchase wafers from Globalfoundries for approximately $115 million in Q4 2012 and $1.15 billion in fiscal 2013. AMD has also committed to purchase wafers from Globalfoundries for approximately $250 million during first quarter 2014. AMD expects to negotiate the remainder of its 2014 purchase commitments from Globalfoundries in 2013.

AMD will make a termination payment of $320 million related to the take-or-pay agreement with Globalfoundries associated with the adjusted wafer purchase commitments in fourth quarter 2012 (the impact of the termination fee will spread over several quarter). The termination fee will result in a net one-time charge of approximately $165 million recorded in the fourth quarter 2012.

Separately, as AMD moves to standard 28nm process technology, AMD will reduce future reimbursements to Globalfoundries for certain research and development costs.

As a result of the amendment, AMD expects to return to free cash flow generation in the second half of 2013.

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