AMD Cuts 4% of Workforce to Refocus on AI Chip Development

13 Sources

AMD announces layoffs of 1,000 employees as part of a strategic shift to prioritize AI chip development and compete with Nvidia in the growing AI hardware market.

News article

AMD Announces Strategic Workforce Reduction

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has announced a significant restructuring effort, laying off approximately 1,000 employees, or 4% of its global workforce. This move is part of a strategic shift to focus on developing AI chips and competing with industry leader Nvidia in the rapidly growing AI hardware market 123.

Shifting Focus to AI and Data Centers

AMD's decision comes as the company seeks to align its resources with its largest growth opportunities, particularly in the AI and data center segments. The company's data center revenue, which includes AI graphics processors, more than doubled in the September quarter, while other segments like gaming saw significant declines 23.

Financial Performance and Market Expectations

Despite the layoffs, AMD's overall financial performance remains strong:

  • Total revenue increased by 18% to $6.8 billion in the third quarter 4
  • Data center segment revenue jumped 122% year-over-year, accounting for 51% of AMD's entire revenue 5
  • Analysts expect the data center unit to grow 98% in 2024, outpacing the company's total revenue growth projection of 13% 2

Challenges and Investments in AI Chip Development

AMD faces several challenges as it ramps up its AI chip production:

  • Constrained manufacturing capacity and rising costs 1
  • Research and development expenses surged 9% in Q3 13
  • Total cost of sales rose by 11% 23

To address these challenges and compete with Nvidia, AMD plans to start mass production of its next-generation AI chip, the MI325X, in Q4 2024 1. The company has been investing heavily in AI chip development, which commands high selling prices and is in high demand among hyperscalers like Microsoft 23.

Market Position and Investor Expectations

AMD is regarded as Nvidia's closest rival in the lucrative market for chips powering AI-capable data centers 23. However, the company's stock has fallen 3% so far this year, as it struggles to meet investors' high expectations following a two-fold surge in its shares in 2023 12.

Industry-wide Trend of Restructuring

AMD's workforce reduction is part of a broader trend in the tech sector, with other companies like Intel also announcing significant layoffs. Intel recently confirmed it would be cutting 15,000 jobs, or 15% of its headcount, due to poor financial performance 5.

As AMD CEO Lisa Su emphasized in a recent earnings call, the company sees the data center and AI business as fundamental to its future growth 4. With this strategic shift, AMD aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for AI chips and secure its position in the competitive semiconductor market.

Explore today's top stories

Google Unveils Pixel 10 Series: AI-Powered Features and Camera Upgrades Take Center Stage

Google has launched its new Pixel 10 series, featuring improved AI capabilities, camera upgrades, and the new Tensor G5 chip. The lineup includes the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL, with prices starting at $799.

Ars Technica logoTechCrunch logoCNET logo

60 Sources

Technology

16 hrs ago

Google Unveils Pixel 10 Series: AI-Powered Features and

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 10 Smartphones with Advanced Gemini Features

Google launches its new Pixel 10 smartphone series, showcasing advanced AI capabilities powered by Gemini, aiming to compete with Apple in the premium handset market.

Bloomberg Business logoThe Register logoReuters logo

22 Sources

Technology

16 hrs ago

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 10 Smartphones with

NASA and IBM Unveil Surya: An AI Model to Predict Solar Flares and Space Weather

NASA and IBM have developed Surya, an open-source AI model that can predict solar flares and space weather with improved accuracy, potentially helping to protect Earth's infrastructure from solar storm damage.

New Scientist logoengadget logoGizmodo logo

6 Sources

Technology

1 day ago

NASA and IBM Unveil Surya: An AI Model to Predict Solar

Google Unveils Pixel Watch 4: A Leap Forward in AI-Powered Wearables

Google's latest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4, introduces significant upgrades including a curved display, AI-powered features, and satellite communication capabilities, positioning it as a strong competitor in the smartwatch market.

TechCrunch logoCNET logoZDNet logo

18 Sources

Technology

16 hrs ago

Google Unveils Pixel Watch 4: A Leap Forward in AI-Powered

FieldAI Secures $405M Funding to Revolutionize Robot Intelligence with Physics-Based AI Models

FieldAI, a robotics startup, has raised $405 million to develop "foundational embodied AI models" for various robot types. The company's innovative approach integrates physics principles into AI, enabling safer and more adaptable robot operations across diverse environments.

TechCrunch logoReuters logoGeekWire logo

7 Sources

Technology

16 hrs ago

FieldAI Secures $405M Funding to Revolutionize Robot
TheOutpost.ai

Your Daily Dose of Curated AI News

Don’t drown in AI news. We cut through the noise - filtering, ranking and summarizing the most important AI news, breakthroughs and research daily. Spend less time searching for the latest in AI and get straight to action.

© 2025 Triveous Technologies Private Limited
Instagram logo
LinkedIn logo