United Microelectronics Corp. posted a 26% year-on-year decline in first-quarter profit as the Taiwanese chipmaker navigates challenging market conditions despite growth in advanced technologies.
Net income attributable to shareholders fell to NT$7.78 billion ($243 million) in the January-March quarter, down 8.4% from the previous quarter, the Hsinchu-based company said. Earnings per share reached NT$0.62.
UMC Co-President Jason Wang indicated the results aligned with expectations, citing flat wafer shipments and a one-time pricing adjustment implemented early in the quarter to reflect current market dynamics.
The chipmaker reported a milestone for its 22/28 nanometer technology, which reached a record 37% of total revenue. The 22nm segment showed particular strength with a 46% sequential increase, driven by display drivers, image processors, and connectivity applications.
“We expect customers to tape-out additional 22nm products in the coming quarters,” Wang said, as clients increasingly migrate to UMC’s advanced platforms.
The company’s Singapore Phase 3 wafer fab commenced operations earlier this month and has entered trial production, with mass manufacturing scheduled for early 2026. Looking ahead, Wang expressed cautious optimism about the second quarter, projecting “moderate recovery” across product segments while remaining vigilant about tariff-related market uncertainties.
