UMC August Revenue Down 7.2% YoY

United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) released its revenue report for August 2025, posting NT$191.6 billion, down 4.39% from July's NT$200.4 billion and 7.20% lower than the same month in 2024. Despite the monthly dip, cumulative revenue for the first eight months of 2025 reached NT$1,558.16 billion, marking a 1.86% year-over-year increase.

During its Q2 earnings call, UMC indicated wafer shipments are expected to edge higher in the third quarter. However, the company cautioned that unfavorable exchange rate movements could drag down revenue when reported in New Taiwan dollars, underscoring the ongoing impact of forex volatility on financial performance. UMC also highlighted short-term risks tied to global economic shifts, geopolitical tensions, and U.S. tariff policies.

To manage these challenges, UMC is strengthening its risk control strategy, actively hedging against currency fluctuations, and maintaining financial flexibility to reinforce operational resilience. At the same time, capacity expansion remains a long-term priority. The third-phase expansion of Fab 12i in Singapore is progressing steadily, with mass production slated for 2026.

Adding to the momentum, recent developments surrounding Intel have captured industry attention. Japan's SoftBank announced a $2 billion investment in Intel, while the U.S. government committed $8.9 billion in funding under the CHIPS Act. These moves help stabilize Intel's financial standing and reinforce its ability to compete with TSMC and Samsung in advanced process nodes. Since UMC began collaborating with Intel in 2024, the partnership continues to carry strong potential.

UMC has identified its 12nm process collaboration with Intel as one of its most significant projects, with mass production expected in 2027. Under this model, Intel will focus on local manufacturing, while UMC takes the lead on process development, sales, and service.