Universal Microwave Technology Co. posted record quarterly revenue as demand for low-orbit satellite components propelled the Taiwanese company to its strongest first-quarter performance ever.
The Hsinchu-based chipmaker reported NT$620 million (US$20.7 million) in revenue for the January-March period, a 43% increase from a year earlier, according to a company statement. Net income climbed 63% to NT$143 million, resulting in earnings per share of NT$2.22.
Satellite-related products now comprise nearly 57% of Sunplus’s sales, up from 33% in the same period last year, highlighting the firm’s strategic pivot toward the rapidly expanding low-Earth orbit satellite industry. Gross margin reached 50.6% in Q1, the highest for any first quarter in company history and the fourth consecutive quarter above the 50% threshold.
Universal Microwave, traditionally known for multimedia and automotive integrated circuits, has been transitioning toward high-frequency communication components for satellite applications. The shift comes amid projections that the global LEO satellite market could grow at a compound annual rate exceeding 20% through 2030.
“The global low-orbit satellite industry has entered a rapid development stage,” the company said in its statement, pointing to expanding demand for high-frequency communication components.
The strong performance defies typical first-quarter seasonality for Taiwanese tech manufacturers, suggesting Sunplus is capitalizing on a structural shift in demand rather than cyclical factors.
