Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, consolidated revenue was NT$59.13 billion, with a gross margin of 29.8% and net income attributable to stockholders of NT$14.98 billion, resulting in earnings per share of NT$1.2 [4][5] - Revenue increased slightly by 0.02% compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to higher wafer shipments, despite a 3% unfavorable impact from the NT dollar exchange rate [5] - Year-over-year, revenue for the first three quarters grew by 2.2% to NT$175.7 billion, while net income per share decreased from NT$3.12 in 2024 to NT$2.54 in 2025 [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The communication and computer segments saw an increase in sales mix, while the consumer segment declined by nearly 4 percentage points to 29% in Q3 2025 [6] - The 22-nanometer and 28-nanometer technology nodes remained the main focus, with their combined revenue reaching about 35% [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America accounted for approximately 25% of total revenue in Q3 2025, up from 20% in the previous quarter, while Asia's share declined to 63% [6] - The company observed demand growth across most market segments, particularly benefiting from increased sales of smartphones and notebooks [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on providing differentiated specialty technologies, with the 22-nanometer technology platform expected to drive growth and account for over 10% of total sales in 2025 [9][10] - UMC plans to maintain a cash-based CAPEX budget of $1.8 billion for 2025, with 90% allocated to 12-inch and 8-inch technologies [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates wafer shipments to remain flat in Q4 2025, with a projected low teens growth for the full year [10][15] - Despite geopolitical uncertainties, the company remains confident in its growth momentum, particularly in the 22-nanometer and specialty process technologies [17][18] Other Important Information - The company is expanding its addressable market into advanced packaging and 12-nanometer technology, with a focus on AI and high-bandwidth applications [40][41] - The 12-nanometer collaboration with Intel is progressing well, with early product takeout expected in 2027 [67] Q&A Session Summary Question: Near-term outlook and end market trends - Management indicated that Q4 wafer shipments are expected to be flat, with growth driven by differentiated technologies and strong customer demand [14][15] Question: Gross margin sustainability - Management explained that gross margin is influenced by various factors, including product mix and depreciation, and expects Q4 gross margin to remain in the high 20% range [21][22] Question: Geopolitical uncertainties and tariffs - Management acknowledged potential risks from tariffs but emphasized a focus on technology differentiation and geographic diversification to mitigate impacts [27][28] Question: Pricing strategy and ASP outlook - Management stated that ASP has remained firm and will provide more details in the upcoming January 2026 conference call [31][32] Question: Advanced packaging and interposer strategy - The company is developing advanced packaging solutions, including 2.5D interposer technology, to meet the growing demand in AI and HPC markets [40][41] Question: Collaboration with Intel on 12-nanometer technology - The collaboration is on track, with early PDK ready for customers in January 2026, and potential for future opportunities beyond 12-nanometer technology [67][68]