United Microelectronics (UMC), a leading global semiconductor foundry, reported 9 percent growth in revenue to NT$60.39 billion or $1.84 billion for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Gross margin for 4Q24 was 30.4 percent. Net income was NT$8.50 billion.
Revenue from Asia Pacific decreased to 61 percent, while business from North America was 25 percent of sales. Business from Europe increased to 11 percent, while contribution from Japan was 3 percent.
Revenue from the communication segment accounted for 39 percent, while business from computer applications remained at 13 percent. Business from consumer applications was 29 percent, while other segments increased to 19 percent of revenue.
Capex spending in 4Q24 totaled US$602 million as 2024 Capex amounted to US$2.9 billion. In 2025, cash-based Capex budget will be US$1.8 billion.
Total capacity in the fourth quarter increased to 1,280K 12-inch equivalent wafers. Capacity will decline in the first quarter of 2025 to 1,264K 12-inch equivalent wafers, reflecting the annual production maintenance across 8” and 12” facilities.
Jason Wang, co-president of UMC, said, “For full year 2024, revenue grew 4.4 percent, reflecting a steady improvement in demand across communication, consumer, and computer segments. Our 22/28nm portfolio remained the largest contributor, with revenue increasing 15 percent in 2024.”
UMC said revenue contribution from 40nm and below technologies represented 50 percent of wafer revenue.
“Our new Singapore Phase 3 fab will enhance customers’ supply chain resilience, while the 12nm collaboration with our U.S. partner will offer customers a migration path beyond 22nm,” Jason Wang said.
UMC signed a major offshore wind purchase agreement, which is UMC’s largest renewable energy transaction to date. This agreement puts UMC well on track to achieving its goal of 50 percent renewable energy use by 2030 as part of roadmap to net zero emissions and 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.
