UMC Reports Fourth Quarter 2015 Results

Transcription

1 Contacts: Bowen Huang / David Wong UMC, Investor Relations , ext bowen_huang@umc.com david_wong@umc.com UMC Reports Fourth Quarter 2015 Results 2015 full year foundry revenue up 9%; EPS up 11% YoY to NT$1.08 Fourth Quarter 2015 Overview 1 : Revenue: NT$33.85 billion (US$1.03 billion) Gross margin: 20.6%; operating margin: 5.6% Foundry revenue from advanced nodes: 11% from 28nm, 24% from 40nm Foundry capacity utilization rate: 83% Net income attributable to stockholders of the parent: NT$3.16 billion (US$96 million) Earnings per share: NT$0.25; earnings per ADS: US$0.038 Taipei, Taiwan, ROC January 27, 2016 United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303) ( UMC or The Company ), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced its consolidated operating results for the fourth quarter of Fourth quarter consolidated revenue was NT$33.85 billion, a 4.2% decrease from NT$35.32 billion in 3Q15 and a YoY decline of 9.1% from NT$37.24 billion in 4Q14. 4Q15 consolidated gross margin was 20.6%, with operating margin at 5.6%. Net income attributable to stockholders of the parent was NT$3.16 billion, with earnings per ordinary share of NT$0.25. For 2015, full year revenue was NT$ billion, with NT$10.84 billion in operating income, NT$13.45 billion net income attributable to stockholders of parent and NT$1.08 earnings per share. Po-Wen Yen, CEO of UMC, said In the fourth quarter of 2015, UMC s foundry revenue declined 4.2% sequentially to NT$33.59 billion, due to continued inventory correction within the semiconductor industry. Wafer shipments reached 1.38 million 8-inch equivalent wafers, bringing overall capacity utilization rate to 83%. Our 28nm technology constituted 11% of 4Q15 revenue. 1 Unless otherwise stated, all financial figures discussed in this announcement are prepared in accordance with TIFRSs recognized by Financial Supervisory Commission in the ROC, which is different from IFRSs issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. They represent comparisons among the three-month period ending Dec 31, 2015, the three-month period ending Sep 30, 2015, and the equivalent three-month period that ended Dec 31, For all 4Q15 results, New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) amounts have been converted into U.S. Dollars at the Dec 31, 2015 exchange rate of NT$ per U.S. Dollar. Page 1 of 13

2 For full year 2015, our foundry revenue grew 9% over 2014, aided by a 5% increase in total manufacturing capacity, higher blended ASP due to increased advanced node contribution and overall loading of approximately 90%. Our 28nm business tripled in 2015, propelled by strong demand from the communication sector. Furthermore, we have introduced a refined 28nm High-K Metal Gate (HKMG) process variation for communication ICs called 28HPC U, which operates at the same speed range as 28nm HKMG, but with lower standby current to considerably extend battery life. UMC will continue to strengthen our 28nm technology roadmap with enhanced processes that raise chip performance while lowering power consumption. Besides 28nm technologies, we have also observed stronger demand for chips used in the automotive industry, on both 8 and 12 manufacturing processes. UMC customers are now migrating from consumer grade products to more stringent grade 1 and grade 0 semiconductors designed for critical automotive safety functions. These products include power management, display driver, imaging sensors, and microcontrollers. As more products begin to rely on UMC s comprehensive Automotive Service Package, our exposure in the automotive supply chain will help generate a new revenue stream for our foundry business. CEO Yen continued, We are seeing signs of cyclical bottoming as most of our customers inventory has returned to reasonable levels. For the first quarter of 2016, we expect our foundry revenue to remain flat. UMC is optimistic on the growth outlook for the foundry industry, led by communication and consumer products. We anticipate positive momentum for our 28nm as new products scheduled to enter production throughout the year provide additional business traction. To meet increased demand, we plan to expand our 12 operations with Tainan Fab 12A phase 5 coming online and Xiamen Fab 12X currently under construction. UMC has budgeted 2016 CAPEX at approximately US$2.2 billion, which will mainly focus on adding 300mm capacity. As a key upstream supplier, we look forward to expanding our involvement in exciting new applications, which will enable UMC to sustain our momentum across the industry. Page 2 of 13

3 Summary of Operating Results Operating Results (Amount: NT$ million) 4Q15 3Q15 QoQ % YoY % 4Q14 change change Net Operating Revenues 33,849 35,320 (4.2) 37,235 (9.1) Gross Profit 6,979 6, ,186 (31.5) Operating Expenses (5,065) (5,126) (1.2) (5,672) (10.7) Net Other Operating Income and Expenses (34) (804) (95.8) 18 - Operating Income 1, ,532 (58.5) Net Non-Operating Income and Expenses Net Income Attributable to Stockholders of the Parent 3,160 1, ,563 (30.7) EPS (NT$ per share) (US$ per ADS) Consolidated revenues in 4Q15 declined 4.2% sequentially to NT$33.85 billion, including NT$33.59 billion from the foundry segment. Gross profit during the quarter grew 1% QoQ to NT$6.98 billion, or 20.6% of revenue. Operating expenses went down 1.2% to NT$5.07 billion. Net other operating expenses decreased 95.8% QoQ to NT$34 million leading to an operating income of NT$1.88 billion, or 5.6% of revenue, up 91.6% from 3Q15. Net non-operating income increased 121% QoQ to NT$0.91 billion compared to NT$0.41 billion in 3Q15. Net income attributable to stockholders of the parent in 4Q15 was NT$3.16 billion, up 85.0% from NT$1.71 billion in 3Q15. Earnings per ordinary share for the quarter was NT$0.25. Earnings per ADS was US$ The basic weighted average number of outstanding shares in 4Q15 was 12,407,897,412, compared with 12,524,504,594 shares in 3Q15 and 12,509,658,059 shares in 4Q14. The diluted weighted average number of outstanding shares was 13,601,975,910 in 4Q15, compared with 13,694,010,855 shares in 3Q15 and 12,620,712,149 shares in 4Q14. The fully diluted share count on December 31, 2015 was approximately 13,858,726,000. On December 31, 2015, UMC held 334 million treasury shares acquired from the 15th and 16th share buy-back programs. Page 3 of 13

4 Detailed Financials Section Foundry revenue decreased 4.2% in 4Q15 to NT$33.59 billion, reflecting the IC industry inventory adjustment. Cost of goods sold was NT$26.87 billion, a decline of 5.4% QoQ, which resulted from a 8.5% decrease in other manufacturing costs due to softened demand. 4Q15 gross profit increased 1.0% to NT$6.98 billion, partly due to favorable foreign exchange rates. Operating expenses slightly decreased to NT$5.07 billion. R&D expenses represented 9.1% of operating revenues. Net other operating expenses fell to NT$34 million, resulting in operating income of NT$1.88 billion, up 91.6% from 3Q15. COGS & Expenses (Amount: NT$ million) 4Q15 3Q15 QoQ % change 4Q14 YoY % change Net Operating Revenues 33,849 35,320 (4.2) 37,235 (9.1) COGS (26,870) (28,409) (5.4) (27,049) (0.7) Depreciation (9,700) (9,654) 0.5 (8,495) 14.2 Other Mfg. Costs (17,170) (18,755) (8.5) (18,554) (7.5) Gross Profit 6,979 6, ,186 (31.5) Gross Margin (%) 20.6% 19.6% 27.4% Operating Expenses (5,065) (5,126) (1.2) (5,672) (10.7) G&A (916) (942) (2.8) (1,013) (9.6) Sales & Marketing (1,044) (1,045) (0.1) (1,124) (7.1) R&D (3,105) (3,139) (1.1) (3,535) (12.2) Net Other Operating Income & Expenses (34) (804) (95.8) 18 - Operating Income 1, ,532 (58.5) Net non-operating income in 4Q15 was NT$906 million, including a NT$376 million gain on disposal of investment, NT$354 million in other gains and a NT$230 million gain from net investment. Non-Operating Income and Expenses (Amount: NT$ million) 4Q15 3Q15 4Q14 Non-Operating Income and Expenses Net Interest Income and Expenses (19) (23) (12) Net Investment Gain and Loss 230 (396) (37) Gain and Loss on Disposal of Investment Exchange Gain and Loss (35) Other Gain and Loss 354 (254) 52 Page 4 of 13

5 Cash inflow from operating activities reached NT$15.43 billion. Cash outflow from investing activities totaled NT$17.07 billion, including NT$13.34 billion CAPEX spending for the foundry segment. Acquisition of available for sale financial assets totaled NT$2.00 billion, including NT$1.35 billion to acquire an increasing stake of Mie Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited through its new share issuance. Cash inflow from financing activities was NT$2.89 billion, mainly due to bank loans. Net cash inflow for 4Q15 was NT$1.15 billion. Over the next 12 months, the company expects to repay NT$6.60 billion in bank loans. Cash Flow Summary (Amount: NT$ million) For the 3-Month Period Ended Dec. 31, 2015 For the 3-Month Period Ended Sep. 30, 2015 Cash Flow from Operating Activities 15,428 16,286 Net Income before tax 2,786 1,391 Depreciation & Amortization 11,938 11,592 Net loss (gain) of financial assets at FVTPL (61) 321 Share of profit or loss of associates and joint ventures (195) 159 Gain on disposal of investments (376) (612) Impairment loss on financial assets Impairment loss on non-financial assets Changes in working capital 1,340 2,241 Income tax paid (98) (574) Other Cash Flow from Investing Activities (17,065) (20,416) Capital expenditures (13,350) (20,227) Acquisition of available-for-sale financial assets (2,004) (235) Proceeds from disposal of available-for-sale financial assets Acquisition of investments accounted for under the equity method (2,364) (51) Proceeds from capital reduction and liquidation of investments Changes in other noncurrent assets 73 (589) Other (267) (253) Cash Flow from Financing Activities 2,893 (9,822) Bank loans 2, Treasury stock acquired - (2,203) Acquisition of subsidiaries 3 (935) Cash dividends - (6,939) Other 4 (75) Effect of Exchange Rate (109) 2,049 Net Cash Flow 1,147 (11,903) Page 5 of 13

6 Cash and cash equivalents increased to NT$53.29 billion, mainly due to bank loans. The days of inventory increased 6 days to 58 days, mainly due to an increase in WIP for 1Q16 wafer shipments. Current Assets (Amount: NT$ billion) 4Q15 3Q15 4Q14 Cash and Cash Equivalents Notes & Accounts Receivable Days Sales Outstanding Inventories, net Days of Inventory Total Current Assets Current liabilities increased to NT$48.25 billion, primarily from a NT$3.27 billion increase in short-term credit/bonds, leading to total liabilities of NT$ billion. Debt to equity ratio remained at 47%. Liabilities (Amount: NT$ billion) 4Q15 3Q15 4Q14 Total Current Liabilities Notes & Accounts Payable Short-Term Credit / Bonds Payable on Equipment Liabilities directly associated with non-current assets held for sale Other Long-Term Credit / Bonds Long-Term Investment Liabilities Total Liabilities Debt to Equity 47% 47% 39% Page 6 of 13

7 Analysis of Revenue 2 for Foundry Segment Revenue contribution from Asia Pacific decreased to 37% in 4Q15, partly from a decline in Asian Pacific customers demand for communication products. Revenue Breakdown by Region Region 4Q15 3Q15 2Q15 1Q15 4Q14 North America 47% 45% 46% 47% 45% Asia Pacific 37% 41% 42% 40% 42% Europe 6% 6% 6% 7% 8% Japan 10% 8% 6% 6% 5% 28nm revenue represented 11% of 4Q15 sales, while 40nm revenue accounted for 24%. 65nm contribution increased to 23%, up from 21% in 3Q15. Revenue Breakdown by Geometry Geometry 4Q15 3Q15 2Q15 1Q15 4Q14 28nm and below 11% 10% 11% 9% 7% 28nm<x<=40nm 24% 25% 22% 24% 21% 40nm<x<=65nm 23% 21% 21% 23% 24% 65nm<x<=90nm 4% 4% 6% 5% 7% 90nm<x<=0.13um 12% 14% 14% 13% 14% 0.13um<x<=0.18um 11% 11% 12% 12% 12% 0.18um<x<=0.35um 12% 12% 11% 11% 12% 0.5um and above 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 4Q15 revenue from IDM customers increased to 15% of sales. Revenue Breakdown by Customer Type Customer Type 4Q15 3Q15 2Q15 1Q15 4Q14 Fabless 85% 88% 89% 90% 90% IDM 15% 12% 11% 10% 10% Revenue from communication segment declined to 52% of 4Q15 sales, partly due to a softer demand in the handset supply chain. Revenue Breakdown by Application (1) Application 4Q15 3Q15 2Q15 1Q15 4Q14 Computer 11% 11% 12% 13% 14% Communication 52% 55% 55% 56% 54% Consumer 29% 27% 28% 26% 28% Others 8% 7% 5% 5% 4% (1) Computer consists of ICs such as CPU, GPU, HDD controllers, DVD/CD-RW control ICs, PC chipset, audio codec, keyboard controller, monitor scaler, USB, I/O chipset. Communication consists of handset components, broadband, WLAN, bluetooth, Ethernet, LAN, DSP, etc. Consumer consists of ICs used for DVD players, DTV, STB, MP3/MP4, flash controller, game consoles, DSC, smart cards, toys, etc. 2 Revenue in this section represents wafer sales Page 7 of 13

8 Blended ASP Trend for Foundry Segment Blended average selling price (ASP) slightly decreased in 4Q15. Unit: USD 1,500 1, Q14 1Q15 2Q15 3Q15 4Q15 Shipment and Utilization Rate 3 for Foundry Segment Wafer shipments declined 5.6% to 1,384K in 4Q15. Quarterly capacity increased to 1,690K, resulting in an overall utilization rate of 83% for the quarter. Wafer Shipments (8 K equivalents) Wafer Shipments 4Q15 3Q15 2Q15 1Q15 4Q14 1,384 1,467 1,536 1,481 1,431 Quarterly Capacity Utilization Rate 4Q15 3Q15 2Q15 1Q15 4Q14 Utilization Rate 83% 89% 94% 93% 93% Total Capacity (8 K equivalents) 1,690 1,685 1,659 1,583 1,577 3 Utilization Rate = Quarterly Wafer Out / Quarterly Capacity Page 8 of 13

9 Capacity 4 for Foundry Segment Overall capacity during the fourth quarter increased to 1,690K 8-inch equivalent wafers, due to the continuous expansion at Fab 8N. First quarter s estimated capacity will be approximately 1,692K 8-inch equivalent wafers from capacity deployment at Fab 8N and Fab 8A, along with the recognition of WTK s GaAs quarterly capacity. Annual Capacity in thousands of wafers Geometry FAB (um) Quarterly Capacity in thousands of wafers FAB 1Q16E 4Q15 3Q15 2Q15 WTK 6" WTK Fab 6A 6" Fab 8A Fab 8A 8" Fab 8C Fab 8C 8" Fab 8D Fab 8D 8" Fab 8E Fab 8E 8" Fab 8F Fab 8F 8" Fab 8S Fab 8S 8" Fab 8N Fab 8N 8" Fab 12A Fab 12A 12" Fab 12i Fab 12i Total 1,692 1,690 1,685 1,659 Total (1) 6,617 6,323 6,107 5,514 YoY Growth Rate 5% 4% 11% 4% 2012 figures account for UMC parent company only. (1) One 6-inch wafer is converted into (6 2 /8 2 ) 8-inch equivalent wafer; one 12-inch wafer is converted into 2.25(12 2 /8 2 ) 8-inch equivalent wafers. Capacity total figures are expressed in 8-inch equivalent wafers. CAPEX for Foundry Segment 4Q15 CAPEX spending was US$410 million. Full year 2015 CAPEX totaled US$1.9 billion including US$190 million for Fab 12X. Foundry capital expenditure budget for 2016 is expected to be approximately US$2.2 billion, mainly for capacity deployment in 300mm facilities. Capital Expenditure by Year - in US$ billion Year CAPEX $ 1.9 $ 1.4 $ 1.1 $ 1.7 $ ~2012 figures account for UMC parent company only CAPEX Plan 8" 12" Total 5% 95% US$2.2 billion 4 Estimated capacity numbers are based on calculated maximum output rather than designed capacity. The actual capacity numbers may differ depending upon equipment delivery schedules, pace of migration to more advanced process technologies, and other factors affecting production ramp-up. Page 9 of 13

10 Brief Summary of Full Year 2015 Consolidated Results Consolidated revenue increased 3.40% YoY to NT$ billion, up from NT$ billion in Foundry segment revenue in 2015 increased 9.0% YoY to NT$ billion, up from NT$ billion in Gross margin was 21.9%, compared to 22.8% in Operating margin was 7.5%, compared to 7.2% in Net income attributable to stockholders of the parent was NT$13.45 billion for EPS was NT$1.08, or EPADS was US$0.165 for The overall percentage of revenue from 28nm was 10% in 2015, while revenue from 40nm increased to 24%. Operating Results (Amount: NT$ million) YoY % change Net Operating Revenues 144, , Gross Profit 31,769 31,853 (0.3) Operating Expenses (19,969) (21,238) (6.0) Net Other Operating Income & Expenses (964) (539) 78.8 Operating Income 10,836 10, Net Non-Operating Income & Expenses 2,876 3,437 (16.3) Income Tax Expense (876) (2,033) (56.9) Net Income Attributable to Stockholders of the Parent 13,449 12, EPS (NT$ per share) (US$ per ADS) Annual Sales Breakdown in Revenue for Foundry Segment Region North America 46% 45% Asia Pacific 40% 44% Europe 7% 6% Japan 7% 5% Technology nm and below 10% 3% 28nm<x<=40nm 24% 21% 40nm<x<=65nm 22% 28% 65nm<x<=90nm 5% 7% 90nm<x<=0.13um 13% 14% 0.13um<x<=0.18um 11% 13% 0.18um<x<=0.35um 12% 11% 0.5um and above 3% 3% Customer Type Fabless 88% 91% IDM 12% 9% Application Computer 12% 16% Communication 54% 51% Consumer 28% 29% Others 6% 4% Page 10 of 13

11 First Quarter of 2016 Outlook & Guidance Quarter-over-Quarter Guidance: Wafer Shipments: To remain flat ASP in US$: ASP softness offset by favorable USD to NTD exchange rate Profitability: Gross profit margin will be in high teens % range Foundry Segment Capacity Utilization: Approximately low 80% range 2016 CAPEX for Foundry Segment: US$2.2bn Recent Developments / Announcements Nov 17, 2015 UMC's Automotive Semi Revenue Doubles YoY on Strong Customer Adoption Nov 13, 2015 UMC Listed on CDP's Climate Disclosure Leadership Index Oct 28, 2015 UMC 3Q 2015 Financial Results Please visit UMC s website for further details regarding the above announcements Page 11 of 13

12 Conference Call / Webcast Announcement Wednesday, January 27, 2016 Time: 5:00 PM (Taipei) / 4:00 AM (New York) / 09:00 AM (London) Dial-in numbers and Access Codes: USA Toll Free: , Taiwan Number: Other Areas: Access Code: UMC A live webcast and replay of the 4Q15 results announcement will be available at under the Investors / Events section. About UMC UMC (NYSE: UMC, TWSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry that provides advanced IC production for applications spanning every major sector of the electronics industry. UMC s robust foundry solutions enable chip designers to leverage the company s sophisticated technology and manufacturing, which include volume production 28nm gate-last High-K/Metal Gate technology, ultra-low power platform processes specifically engineered for Internet of Things (IoT) applications and the automotive industry s highest-rated AEC-Q100 Grade-0 manufacturing capabilities for production of ICs found in cars. UMC s 10 wafer fabs are strategically located throughout Asia and are able to produce over 500,000 wafers per month. The company employs more than 17,000 people worldwide, with offices in Taiwan, mainland China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United States. UMC can be found on the web at Note from UMC Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in the foregoing announcement are forward looking within the meaning of the U.S. Federal Securities laws, including statements about future outsourcing, wafer capacity, technologies, business relationships and market conditions. Investors are cautioned that actual events and results could differ materially from these statements as a result of a variety of factors, including conditions in the overall semiconductor market and economy; acceptance and demand for products from UMC; and technological and development risks. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in UMC s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its registration statements and reports on Forms F-1, F-3, F-6 and 20-F and 6-K, in each case as amended. UMC does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. Page 12 of 13

13 Safe Harbor Statements This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of You can identify these forward-looking statements by use of words such as strategy, expects, continues, plans, anticipates, believes, will, estimates, intends, projects, goals, targets and other words of similar meaning. You can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual performance, financial condition or results of operations of UMC to be materially different from what is stated or may be implied in such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that actual events and results could differ materially from those statements as a result of a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) our dependence upon the frequent introduction of new services and technologies based on the latest developments in our industry; (ii) the intensely competitive semiconductor, communications, consumer electronics and computer industries and markets; (iii) the risks associated with international global business activities; (iv) our dependence upon key personnel; (v) general economic and political conditions; (vi) possible disruptions in commercial activities caused by natural and human-induced events and disasters, including terrorist activity, armed conflict and highly contagious diseases; (vii) reduced end-user purchases relative to expectations and orders; and (viii) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in UMC s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its registration statements and reports on Form F-1, F-3, F-6 and 20-F and 6-K, in each case as amended. UMC does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. The financial statements included in this release are prepared and published in accordance with TIFRSs recognized by Financial Supervisory Commission in the ROC, which is different from IFRSs issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Investors are cautioned that there may be significant differences between TIFRSs and IFRSs. In addition, TIFRSs and IFRSs differ in certain significant respects from ROC GAAP and US GAAP. This presentation is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the issuer or selling security holder and that will contain detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. - FINANCIAL TABLES TO FOLLOW - Page 13 of 13