UMC subsidiary Silicon Integrated Systems reported its strongest quarterly performance in nearly a decade, posting earnings per share of NT$1.2 ($0.04) for the second quarter as revenue climbed to NT$636 million ($19.7 million).
The dramatic turnaround marks a stark contrast to SiS’s prolonged struggles. For almost ten years through Q2 2024, the IC design company’s quarterly revenue consistently fell below NT$100 million. The tide began turning in late 2023, with revenue exceeding NT$200 million in Q3, followed by consecutive quarters above NT$400 million.
Revenue for the quarter jumped 35.4% sequentially and surged 1,068% year-over-year. Net income attributable to shareholders reached NT$617 million for the quarter. First-half consolidated revenue totaled NT$1.1 billion, representing a 1,109% annual increase.
The transformation coincides with UMC Chairman Hong Jia-Cong’s appointment as SiS chairman in August 2023. Under his leadership, SiS has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, taking full control of Shandong Liansheng Semiconductor from UMC and completing a share-swap merger with Hung Kang. In April, Shandong Liansheng acquired stakes in Xiamen Sunplus Core Technology.
Industry observers note the acquisitions appear designed to consolidate UMC’s broader semiconductor ecosystem while providing SiS with immediate revenue contributions from established operations rather than organic growth.
