Q2 gross margin rose to 31.3%; margin momentum expected to continue into Q3

Second Quarter 2021 Overview¹:

• Revenue: NT$50.91 billion (US$1.83 billion)
• Gross margin: 31.3%; Operating margin: 22.2%
• Revenue from 22/28nm: 20%
• Capacity utilization rate: 100%+
• Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent: NT$11.94 billion (US$429 million)
• Earnings per share: NT$0.98; earnings per ADS: US$0.176

TAIPEI, Taiwan — (BUSINESS WIRE) — July 28, 2021 — United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303) (“UMC” or “The Company”), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced its consolidated operating results for the second quarter of 2021.

Second quarter consolidated revenue was NT$50.91 billion, increasing 8.1% QoQ from NT$47.10 billion in 1Q21. Compared to a year ago, 2Q21 revenue was up 14.7% YoY from NT$44.39 billion in 2Q20. Consolidated gross margin for 2Q21 was 31.3%. Net income attributable to the shareholders of the parent was NT$11.94 billion, with earnings per ordinary share of NT$0.98.

Jason Wang, co-president of UMC, said, “Strong demand fueled by 5G adoption and digital transformation underpinned our strong performance in the second quarter. Our manufacturing facilities exceeded 100% utilization while overall wafer shipments rose 3.0% QoQ to 2.44 million 8-inch equivalents. Revenue from 28nm technologies continued to grow sequentially, fueled by applications incorporated into 4G/5G smartphones, Solid State Drive, and Digital TV. During the quarter, we continued our product optimization and cost reduction efforts, lifting our gross margin. We expect the strength of structural demand to sustain and support the continuous improvement of blended ASP. As a result, the Company’s gross profit in the first half of 2021 surged 54.5% YoY to NT$28.40 billion.”

Co-president Wang continued, “Looking ahead, we anticipate demand to stay robust in the third quarter driven by megatrends such as 5G and EV. Supply tightness is expected to continue, across 8” and 12” facilities. We foresee margin momentum to continue into the third quarter, supported by further product mix optimization, cost reduction efforts and productivity enhancements. In addition, we expect the adoption rate of our 22nm technologies will continue to gain traction, reflected by a pickup in customers’ 22nm product tape outs in connectivity and display applications. We will also focus on further strengthening our leadership position in a number of specialty technologies such as OLED display driver, RFSOI and imaging applications. Moreover, we continue to take important steps to enhance our corporate governance and lead sustainability efforts in our industry. Earlier this month, five independent directors were newly elected to the Company’s Board of Directors, representing more than 50% of the board seats and including two female directors. The Company also announced its pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as well as our commitment to work alongside our partners to reduce carbon intensiveness and raise renewable energy usage in our supply chain. UMC is dedicated to enhance our corporate governance as well as addressing climate change to build a sustainable environment.”

Summary of Operating Results