Core Viewpoint - United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) is exploring the feasibility of entering advanced chip production, specifically targeting 6nm technology, to enhance its growth potential in a market dominated by TSMC, Samsung, and Intel [1][2]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Developments - UMC is assessing future growth drivers, including the potential production of 6nm chips suitable for advanced connectivity applications and AI accelerators [1]. - The company is considering expanding its collaboration with Intel in 12nm chip production, potentially incorporating 6nm technology into this partnership [1][2]. - UMC's CFO indicated that substantial progress in advanced manufacturing technology will depend on partnerships to alleviate financial burdens [2]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - UMC is currently the fourth largest chip foundry globally, with a market share of 4.7%, following TSMC, Samsung, and SMIC [3][4]. - As of Q1 2025, UMC's revenue decreased by 5.8%, reflecting competitive pressures from local Chinese manufacturers and the rise of SMIC, which has overtaken UMC to become the third largest foundry [2][3]. - The global foundry market is highly concentrated, with the top five companies accounting for 90.2% of the market share [3]. Group 3: Financial Considerations and Challenges - Entering the 6nm production space may require significant capital investment, estimated at around $5 billion, which poses a challenge for UMC [7]. - UMC's capital expenditure for the current year is projected to be $1.8 billion, significantly lower than SMIC's ongoing expenditure of over $7 billion [7]. - The company is exploring a "light asset" model to share the financial burden of new technology investments with partners [7]. Group 4: Industry Trends and Future Outlook - By 2030, mainland China is expected to lead global semiconductor foundry capacity, potentially holding 30% of the market, which adds competitive pressure on UMC [5]. - The demand for mature semiconductor products is rebounding slower than expected, prompting UMC to seek new growth opportunities [7]. - The transition to advanced chip production is complicated by the need for cutting-edge equipment, such as EUV lithography machines, which are costly and may impact production quality if older technologies are used [8].

Core Viewpoint - United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) anticipates a 7% increase in wafer shipments for the current quarter compared to the previous quarter, with capacity utilization rising to 75%, indicating stable order behavior from clients despite uncertainties in U.S. tariff policies [1][2]. Group 1: Business Outlook - UMC's CFO noted that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs has created pressure on the business outlook for the second half of the year, but there has been no significant change in market demand [1]. - Some clients are adopting a wait-and-see approach due to the escalating trade tensions, while others are moving forward with orders, resulting in limited net impact for the second quarter [1]. Group 2: Financial Performance - UMC reported its lowest profit in about 19 quarters, with a net profit decrease of 8.5% quarter-over-quarter and 25.6% year-over-year, amounting to NT$77.8 billion (approximately $2.394 billion) [2]. - Earnings per share fell from NT$0.68 in the previous quarter and NT$0.84 in the same quarter last year to NT$0.62 [2]. Group 3: Market Demand and Projections - The company expects gross margin to rebound to around 30% in the current quarter, up from 26.7% in the previous quarter, unaffected by typical one-time price reductions at the beginning of the year [2]. - Demand for chips in the communication, computing, and consumer electronics sectors is expected to drive factory utilization rates higher, which were only 69% in the last quarter [2]. - UMC projects a revenue growth of over 3% for the entire year, surpassing the low single-digit percentage growth expected in the global foundry industry [2].

联电预估本季晶圆出货量将较上季成长7%，厂产能利用率则将提升至75%，显示客户并未因美国 总统特朗普反复无常的美国关税政策而改变订货行为。 不过，联华电子首席财务官刘启东昨日在一次在线收益会议上表示，美国关税的不确定性对该芯片 制造商今年下半年的业务前景造成了压力。 刘先生表示："尽管不断升级的贸易紧张局势和全球关税政策增加了半导体行业的不确定性，但我 们短期内并未看到市场需求发生变化。一些客户选择观望，希望采取一些预防措施，但也有一些客 户反其道而行之。因此，第二季度的净影响非常有限。" 刘先生表示，由于关税环境和不断升级的地缘政治紧张局势导致回流兴趣增加，联华电子确实收到 了客户的要求，要求与英特尔公司合作加速其新的 12 纳米产能扩张。 刘先生表示："我认为大多数客户都希望尽早看到12纳米解决方案。他们的产品发布时间也很紧 凑，希望我们的12纳米解决方案能够跟上他们的产品路线图。" 由于联华电子为美国产能扩张设定了积极的时间表，"我们的计划正在顺利进行，"他表示，这意味 着联华电子将于 2027 年在英特尔位于亚利桑那州的制造工厂提高 12 纳米芯片的产量。 如果您希望可以时常见面，欢迎标星收藏哦~ 来 ...