GlobalWafers, Taiwan’s leading semiconductor silicon wafer manufacturer, projects continued revenue growth for the fourth quarter despite facing headwinds from rising costs and pricing pressures in its silicon carbide segment.
The company posted third-quarter revenue of NT$15.87 billion ($490 million), up 3.6% from the previous quarter, marking its third consecutive quarterly increase this year. However, gross margins dropped to 30% from 32.3% in the second quarter, hit by higher depreciation costs, elevated electricity expenses amid global heat waves, and weakening silicon carbide product prices.
Net income reached NT$2.95 billion ($91 million), showing a modest 2.6% quarterly gain. For the first nine months, profits fell 38.9% year-over-year to NT$9.36 billion ($289 million) as revenue declined 14.1%.
Chairman Doris Hsu expects better performance in 2025 and maintains the company’s minimum 50% dividend payout policy. The firm’s U.S. expansion plans, including a new 12-inch wafer facility in Texas and increased production capacity in Missouri, are set to benefit from 25% advanced manufacturing tax credits.
Customer prepayments declined 6% to NT$33.1 billion ($1.02 billion) at the end of September, which management attributed to currency fluctuations.
