Structural profitability intact despite industry consolidating at the trough

First Quarter 2023 Overview¹:

• Revenue: NT$54.2 billion (US$1.78 billion)
• Gross margin: 35.5%; Operating margin: 26.7%
• Revenue from 22/28nm: 26%
• Capacity utilization rate: 70%
• Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent: NT$16.2 billion (US$532 million)
• Earnings per share: NT$1.31; earnings per ADS: US$0.215

TAIPEI, Taiwan — (BUSINESS WIRE) — April 26, 2023 — United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303) (“UMC” or “The Company”), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced its consolidated operating results for the first quarter of 2023.

First quarter consolidated revenue was NT$54.2 billion, decreasing 20.1% QoQ from NT$67.8 billion in 4Q22. Compared to a year ago, 1Q23 revenue declined 14.5% YoY from NT$63.4 billion in 1Q22. Consolidated gross margin for 1Q23 was 35.5%. Net income attributable to the shareholders of the parent was NT$16.2 billion, with earnings per ordinary share of NT$1.31.

Jason Wang, co-president of UMC, said, “In the first quarter of 2023, our business was impacted by sluggish wafer demand as customers continued to digest elevated inventory levels. In line with guidance previously provided, wafer shipments fell 17.5% QoQ and utilization rate dropped to 70%, while average selling price stayed firm during the quarter. Factoring in a less favorable foreign exchange rate, revenue in the first quarter fell 20.1% QoQ. Despite lower utilization, gross margin remained firm at 35.5%, reflecting improved structural profitability and optimized product mix. Although demand weakened across major end markets, our automotive and industrial segments posted growth during the quarter. Automotive sales, in particular, accounted for 17% of overall first quarter revenue. While this partially reflects declines in other segments, we expect automotive to remain a significant revenue contributor and key growth driver for UMC going forward, as IC content in cars continue to increase driven by electrification and autonomous driving.”

Co-president Wang said: “Entering the second quarter of 2023, we expect customers’ inventory correction to linger given the softness in overall end market demand. As a result, our wafer shipment will be flat this quarter. Meanwhile, the Company continues to implement strict cost control measures to ensure our profitability remains intact through near-term cyclicality. Going forward, we believe our strategy of focusing on the development of differentiated solutions across numerous logic and specialty technology platforms such as eHV, RFSOI, and BCD will help us secure future business and expand our presence in the IC industry. While positioning for future business growth, UMC is also committed to maintaining a high dividend payout ratio. In Q1, the Board of Directors proposed to distribute a cash dividend of approximately NT$3.60 per share, subject to shareholders’ approval.”

“UMC has invested in a number of initiatives over the years to minimize the environmental impact of our operations, such as increasing the reuse rate of resources in our fabs. Last month, we announced that we will be building the Circular Economy & Recycling Innovation Center at our Fab 12A. The new facility, which will process semiconductor manufacturing waste into value-added products that can be reused or sold, is expected to reduce waste from UMC’s Taiwan manufacturing sites by one-third. This NT$1.8 billion project represents our commitment to sustainable practices as well as innovative solutions that create value for the Company and our stakeholders,” Co-president Wang added.

Summary of Operating Results