Global expansion to ensure long term growth; significant 28nm ramp in 4Q
(PRNewswire) —Third Quarter 2014 Overview[1]:
Revenue: NT$35.21 billion (US$1.16 billion)
- Gross margin: 21.5%; operating margin: 4.8%
- Foundry revenue from advanced node: 3% from 28nm, 24% from 40nm
- Foundry capacity utilization rate: 93%
- Net income attributable to the stockholders of the parent: NT$2.92 billion (US$96 million)
- Earnings per share: NT$0.23; earnings per ADS: US$0.038
United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303) ("UMC" or "The Company"), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced its consolidated operating results for the third quarter of 2014.
Revenue was NT$35.21 billion, with gross margin at 21.5% and operating margin at 4.8%. Net income attributable to the stockholders of the parent was NT$2.92 billion, with earnings per ordinary share of NT$0.23.
Mr. Po-Wen Yen, CEO of UMC, said, "In the third quarter, our foundry revenue grew 2.9% sequentially to NT$33.51 billion. Foundry operating margin was 8.8%. Overall capacity utilization reached 93%, led by increasing demand from communication products such as handsets and tablet devices, bringing wafer shipments to 1.462 million 8-inch equivalent wafers. Moreover, 24% of our revenue came from 40nm, while 28nm contribution rose from 1% to 3% quarter-over-quarter, demonstrating the sustained traction of UMC's leading edge geometries. Our 28nm yield progress for poly-SiON & gate-last, High-K Metal Gate products has continued to improve, which will drive significant production ramp during the fourth quarter. This progress will help attract multiple waves of new customers and products to strengthen UMC's 28nm growth and further diversify our customer base in advanced nodes."
CEO Yen continued, "UMC has collaborated with Asian regional partners for capacity deployment plans with the intention to expand our operating scale, strengthen efficiency and capture additional market share. This cooperative model will establish regional manufacturing centers that will build economy of scale to increase productivity and serve local markets, while helping UMC's global customers mitigate geographical risks in the supply chain. UMC's recent announcement with Fujitsu Semiconductor and our joint venture in Xiamen illustrates these collaborative efforts. Our foundry alliance with Fujitsu includes a 40nm licensing agreement which will enable UMC to better serve the Japanese local market, including automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, and other related sectors. Recently, we also announced an investment venture with Xiamen Municipal People's Government and FuJian Electronics & Information Group to establish a 12" fab in China for 40nm and 55nm foundry services, subject to approval by Taiwan government authorities. Meanwhile, UMC's dedicated engineering team continues to work on 10nm and 14nm advanced technologies in our Taiwan headquarters to ensure the company's next stage of growth. Our differentiated approach via global expansion, combined with the leadership in advanced manufacturing technologies, will serve as the engine that drives UMC's growth to enhance corporate profitability and provide long-term returns for our shareholders."
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[1]Unless otherwise stated, all financial figures discussed in this announcement are prepared in accordance with TIFRSs recognized by Financial Supervisory Commission in the ROC, which is different from IFRSs issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. They represent comparisons among the three-month period ending Sep 30, 2014, the three-month period ending Jun 30, 2014, and the equivalent three-month period that ended Sep 30, 2013. For all 3Q14 results, New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) amounts have been converted into U.S. Dollars at the Sep 30, 2014 exchange rate of NT$ 30.41 per U.S. Dollar. |
