UMC(UMC) - 2024 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Consolidated revenue for Q1 2024 was NT $54.63 billion, with a gross margin of 30.9% [6] - Net income attributable to stockholders was NT$ 10.46 billion, with earnings per ordinary share of NT $0.84 [6] - Utilization rate in Q1 2024 was 65%, similar to 66% in Q4 2023, while wafer shipments increased by 4.5% sequentially [6] - Operating expenses decreased by 13.4% to NT$ 5.7 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting seasonal low points [7] - Cash position stood at NT $119 billion, with total equity of NT$ 378 billion, primarily driven by increases in PP&E, which reached NT $254 billion [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics - Specialty business contributed 57% of total revenue, driven by demand for power management ICs, RFSOI chips, and silicon interposers for AI servers [11] - Revenue from Europe declined from 11% in Q4 2023 to 8% in Q1 2024 [9] - IDM compensation versus fabless revenue shifted to 18% versus 82% in Q1 2024, compared to 22% versus 78% in the previous quarter [10] - 20-28nm revenue percentage decreased to 33% due to seasonal adjustments, while other technology geometries remained stable [12] Market Data and Key Metrics - 12-inch equivalent capacity increased to 1.2 million in Q1 2024, primarily driven by the expansion of the Tainan fab (P6) [13] - CapEx for 2024 remains unchanged at NT$ 3.3 billion, with the majority allocated to 12-inch capacity expansion [10] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focusing on high-growth segments such as 5G, AIoT, and automotive markets, with advancements in embedded high-voltage, embedded non-volatile memory, RFSOI, and 3D IC solutions [12] - UMC plans to maintain a stable and predictable dividend policy, with a proposed cash distribution of NT $3 per share, subject to shareholder approval [12] - The company expects to capture 10%-20% of the AI semiconductor market, focusing on data transmission and power management ICs for AI servers [29] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects wafer shipments to increase in Q2 2024 as inventory levels in computing, consumer, and communication segments improve [13] - Automotive and industrial segments remain muted due to slower-than-expected inventory digestion [13] - UMC anticipates macro uncertainties and cost headwinds in the near term but remains committed to investing in technology, capacity, and people to capture growth opportunities driven by 5G and AI innovations [14] Other Important Information - The company completed a one-time annual adjustment in ASP in Q1 2024, which offset the 4%-5% increase in wafer shipments [8] - Government subsidies declined significantly to NT$ 513 million in Q1 2024, aligning with the depreciation curve [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for 28nm recovery and P6 capacity utilization [16] - Answer: 28nm wafer shipments are expected to recover in Q2 2024, supported by demand from communication and consumer segments [17] Question: Pricing environment and negotiations [18] - Answer: ASPs are expected to remain firm, with pricing adjustments focused on enhancing customer competitiveness [19] Question: CapEx allocation for Singapore fab expansion [21] - Answer: 60% of 2024 CapEx is allocated to infrastructure for the Singapore fab (P3), with production expected to start in January 2026 [23] Question: AI market opportunities and silicon interposer capacity [26] - Answer: UMC targets 10%-20% of the AI semiconductor market, focusing on data transmission and power management ICs, while maintaining 6,000 interposer capacity [29][31] Question: Specialty platforms like RFSOI and OLED driver ICs [36] - Answer: UMC is gaining market share in RFSOI and maintaining its position in embedded high-voltage and non-volatile memory [37] Question: 8-inch capacity flexibility and potential conversion to compound semiconductors [42] - Answer: UMC is exploring silicon carbide and gallium nitride technologies but remains focused on 8-inch mainstream applications [43] Question: Advanced packaging and 3D IC profitability [57] - Answer: UMC is cautious about expanding interposer capacity and focuses on cost-effective 3D IC solutions for edge AI and data center applications [31][59] Question: Depreciation and gross margin impact [72] - Answer: Depreciation is expected to grow by around 20% in 2024, with minimal impact on gross margin due to operational efficiency improvements [72] Question: Inventory correction and demand recovery [52] - Answer: Inventory levels are improving, but customers remain cautious, with AI servers driving growth while other segments recover more slowly [53][56] Question: Long-term competition and capacity expansion in China [98] - Answer: UMC is well-positioned with geographically diversified manufacturing sites and a comprehensive technology portfolio to navigate geopolitical challenges and competition [101][102]