* Semiconductor industry faces risks despite signs of economic recovery Sep 21, 2009
The 17 percent growth forecast is shared by United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), the worlds No. 2 contract microchip maker. The company has said its demand in the third quarter, a typically busy period of the year for the chip industry, has slowed because of rising economic uncertainties. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Forecaster predicts robust growth in foundry sales Sep 19, 2009
Monthly sales at the two leading foundries Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) have already returned to where they were prior to the financial crisis that emerged last year, he noted. UMC's sales for August were higher than any month of 2008, he noted. (EETimes)
* Bussiness Quick Take Sep 13, 2009
United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq) is offering prices lower than those of rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, xnq) to grab market share, the Chinese-language Economic Daily News said, quoting an unidentified official at a chip designer. UMC is selling products using advanced 65-nanometer technology at US$4,500 per wafer, 10 percent lower than TSMCs price, the newspaper said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
TSMC, UMC see mixed sales in August Sep 11, 2009
Rival United Microelectronics Corp. said net sales were approximately NT$9. 1 billion ($278. (EETimes)
* UMC expects to return to profit territory soon Sep 10, 2009
United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), the worlds second-biggest maker of customized chips, could get out of the red this year as stronger-than-expected August sales heralded a more resilient recovery in the second half on better operating efficiency and lean inventory, analysts said yesterday. Credit Suisse semiconductor analyst Randy Abrams yesterday raised his revenues and earnings forecast for UMCs third and fourth quarters, which could bring the chipmakers bottom line this year to... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* Taipower to spend up to US$9bn on grid upgrade Sep 10, 2009
Taipower is building lines and modernizing its network to ensure supplies to factories run by companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (pq) once the economic recovery spurs demand for computer chips. Power consumption in Taiwan is expected to rise, growing 2. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Asian Stocks Rise on Australian Business Confidence, Computer Chip Prices Sep 8, 2009
added 3 percent to NT$34 after Taiwans largest maker of liquid-crystal displays sold 23 million shares of United Microelectronics Corp. for a profit of NT$70. 7 million ($2. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Chartered deal would earn GlobalFoundries global status Sep 8, 2009
Chartered was never a star of the foundry scene more a well-backed and consistently supported also ran and so this does not catapult GlobalFoundries into direct competition with TSMC. But this does push the company up the lists into the second tier alongside United Microelectronics Corp. and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. It also lives up to the company's global aspirations. Related links and articles. (EETimes)
Abu Dhabi deal challenges chip makers Sep 8, 2009
A purchase would allow Abu Dhabi to combine its Globalfoundries venture with the maker of chips that run Xbox 360 game consoles, threatening United Microelectronics' rank as the second-largest contract manufacturer of semiconductors ... Taiwan-based United Microelectronics, with 14. (Business Report, South Africa)
* Abu Dhabis ATIC to buy Chartered Semiconductor Sep 8, 2009
CHALLENGER: Advanced Technology Investment Co will merge the Singaporean firm with Globalfoundries Inc to create a rival to United Microelectronics Corp BLOOMBERG Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009, Page 11 ... Hsinchu-based United Microelectronics Corp (pq), with 14. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* FEATURE : Nations recyclers turning trash into almost pure gold Sep 7, 2009
35 billion last year, 85 percent of which was derived from the extraction of industrial waste or flawed products shipped directly from some of the nations largest electronic companies, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (pq). Another 5 percent is derived from obsolete desktop and notebook computers collected from individuals, said 35-year-old company president Ken Wu (dY), the founders son. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* UMC board approves plan to build center Aug 25, 2009
United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), the worlds second-biggest contract chipmaker, said yesterday the board had approved a plan to form a new business development center and a venture capital fund called UMC New Business Investment Corp (pqs~q), which would invest in high-growth green energy businesses in the solar and LED sectors. The move came after bigger -rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, xnq) said on Aug. 11 that it had budgeted US$50 million for... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* Yiin denies China Mobile meeting Aug 21, 2009
During his 10-day visit, Wang is expected to visit several Taiwanese companies such as HTC Corp (Fq), Acer Inc (), Asustek Computer Inc (), Delta Electronics Inc (xFq) and United Microelectronics Corp (pq), the online -Chinese-language NOWnews. com said yesterday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Trade group still wary of Taiwan's DRAM plan Aug 15, 2009
The report, "Taiwan Semiconductor Report Q2, 2009," cites rumors that John Hsuan, the United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) executive who was picked to head TMC, wants out of the venture. The report notes that the mandate for TMC has changed multiple times since it was first proposed and said Hsuan has avoided public comment on the rumors. (EETimes)
* TMC files plan to help restructure DRAM industry Aug 5, 2009
John Hsuan (), honorary vice chairman of United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), was named chairman of the company, according to a document posted on the ministrys Web site. Hsuan will hold 98 percent of the companys paid-in capital, the data showed. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Luther Forest: Out of the woods, onto the stage Aug 2, 2009
Another well-known foundry company, United Microelectronics Corp., is also based at Hsinchu Science Park, which is more than 1,613 acres and includes housing, a school, restaurants and banks. "Hsinchu is huge. The park is a country unto itself," said George Lee, president of Glimmerglass Ltd., a Silicon Valley technology consulting firm that does business in the Capital Region. (Albany Times Union)
* Investment freeze might prove less dismal: economists Aug 1, 2009
A day earlier, United Microelectronics Corp (UMC pq), the worlds second-largest contract chipmaker, said it would raise capital spending from US$400 million to US$500 million for the year. Huang said the semiconductor sector was likely to see 20 percent growth this quarter from the second quarter, with the pickup in chipmaking momentum trickling down to downstream firms later. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
* UMC optimistic about revenue growth Jul 30, 2009
United Microelectronics Corp (UMC pq), the worlds second-largest contract chipmaker, said yesterday it was optimistic about revenue growth in the third quarter as global demand for electronic products was expected to regain momentum. The Hsinchu-based company reported a profit of NT$1. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Globalfoundries announces new client Jul 30, 2009
The contract is the first step in Globalfoundries chief executive officer Doug Groses plan to make his company a rival to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (pq), the chip industrys biggest contract manufacturers. Globalfoundries, which is backed by the Abu Dhabi government, will continue to make processors for AMD.. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
United Microelectronics Posts First Profit in Four Quarters on Chip Demand Jul 29, 2009
United Microelectronics is benefiting from the robust business of local chip-design companies. . (Bloomberg -- Asia)
UMC Reports 2009 Second Quarter Results Jul 29, 2009
United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: ; TSE: 2303) ("UMC" or "the Company"), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced its unconsolidated operating results for the second quarter of 2009 ... 045 876 847 754 597 Fab 12i (2) 12" 0.13 - 0.065 742 601 413 363 Total (3) 4,507 4,308 4,017 3,855 YoY Growth Rate 5% 7% 4% 22% Quarterly Capacity in thousands of 8-inch wafer equivalents FAB 3Q09E 2Q09 1Q09 4Q08 Fab 6A 82 82 82 82 Fab 8A 204 204 204 204 Fab 8C 99 99 108 108 Fab 8D 68 68... (PR Newswire)
AMD Spinoff Starts Building $4.2 Billion NY Plant Jul 25, 2009
The company spun off a foundry arm this year to compete with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, which currently works with AMD arch-foe Intel Corp to make Atom chips for netbooks, and United Microelectronics Corp. AMD argues that demand for outsourcing will increase as semiconductor manufacturing remains expensive. (ABC News -- Wire)
* Chartered Semi posts a smaller-than-expected loss Jul 25, 2009
Chartered competes with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq) in the contract chipmaking business. The company joins Intel Corp, the worlds biggest chipmaker, and South Koreas Samsung Electronics Co in beating analysts estimates as orders recover and clients finish trimming inventory stockpiles. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* ANALYSIS: Asustek deal with D-link may provide springboard Jul 13, 2009
Asustek also holds United Microelectronics Corp (pq) shares in its stock portfolio, Wu said. The company has held the worlds second-biggest contract chipmakers shares for at least 10 years, also for financial purpose, he said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
UMC Reports Sales for June 2009 Jul 9, 2009
TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 9 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: ; TAIEX: 2303), (UMC) today reported unaudited net sales for the month of June 2009 ... SOURCE United Microelectronics Corporation. (PR Newswire)
UMC denies 65-nm yield issues Jul 8, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) Tuesday (July 7) denied a report that it experienced yield problems on its 65-nm process and said some isolated problems in meeting customer requirements were the result of tight capacity due to customer rush orders. On Monday (July 6) Taiwan IT media outlet DigiTimes cited unidentified industry sources in reporting that programmable logic vendor Xilinx Inc. experienced supply constraints due to problems with UMC's 65-nm yield. (EETimes)
* Unpaid leave down at Hsinchu Science Park last month Jul 3, 2009
A total of 32 companies, including Taiwans leading chip makers, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (xnq), United Microelectronics Corp (pq) and MediaTek Inc (po), as well as AU Optronics Corp (F) and Innolux Display Corp (s), will join the fair to recruit employees, Yen said. A total of 2,184 positions for engineers, administrative assistants and technicians will be offered at the fair, Yen said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
TSMC hit by yield issues, double ordering, says analyst Jul 2, 2009
United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) is ramping up its 45-/40-nm process. IBM Corp. and its foundry partners--such as Chartered and Samsung--are slightly ahead of TSMC in high-k technology. (EETimes)
* Quantas MOU with PixArt to allow touch features Jun 23, 2009
PixArt is a subsidiary of United Microelectronics Corp (pq), the worlds second-biggest contract chipmaker. PixArt makes CMOS image sensors and develops its own touch technologies. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* Citigroup voices optimism about reshuffle at TSMC Jun 17, 2009
Eyeing Chinas cheaper labor cost and bigger market potential, TSMC set up an 8-inch fab in Shanghai in 2003, while rival United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq) owns a 15 percent stake in Chinese chipmaker He Jian Technology (Suzhou) Co (M). But as UMCs board of directors agreed in April on a proposal to acquire the remaining 85 percent stake in He Jian, industry watchers have viewed the move X if it is successful X as a growing challenge to all chipmakers doing business in China,... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* TAIEX drops as China fever sputters Jun 16, 2009
The downside extended throughout the trade with pressure on the bellwether electronic sector on the rise, in particular on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), dealers said. TSMC fell 4. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* ASE to expand capital investment May 30, 2009
Meanwhile, the worlds two largest contract chipmakers X Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (pq) X are expected to see their 12-inch chip plants run at full capacity next month and in July, the Chinese-language Commercial Times reported yesterday, without citing sources. This story has been viewed 323 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
5-Star Stocks Poised to Pop: Taiwan Semiconductor May 27, 2009
United Microelectronics (NYSE: UMC). Semiconductor Manufacturing International. (MSNBC -- Business)
* ANALYSIS: TSMC learns labor habits the hard way May 25, 2009
The countrys top two chipmakers, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), are no exception. But many wonder why the only layoffs to arouse controversy in the past few months were those made by TSMC, which announced last week its readiness to rehire hundreds of laid-off workers. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* [BUSINESS BRIEFS] May 15, 2009
United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), the worlds second-largest maker of custom chips, said its 90 percent owned display unit plans to liquidate after consecutive annual losses, the Hsinchu-based chipmaker said in an exchange filing yesterday. United Microdisplay Optronics Corp (pq) was founded in 2002 with a capital of NT$297 million, the Ministry of Economics Affairs Web site shows. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
* Chipmakers post strong sales May 9, 2009
The worlds two largest contract chipmakers X Taiwan Semiconductor Co (TSMC, xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq) X yesterday reported their strongest monthly sales in the past two quarters, strengthening the belief that chipmakers are well on the way to a strong rebound this quarter. TSMC said that sales surged 58. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* TSMC plans to hire up to 300 engineers May 6, 2009
Meanwhile, competitor United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq) said it had no plans for significant additions to its payroll because prospects for the second half of the year were still unclear. However, a UMC official said that the company expected strong growth in shipments in the second quarter. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* TSMC and UMC reduce their work force May 5, 2009
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), the worlds biggest contract manufacturers of chips, cut workers for a third straight quarter to weather the global recession. UMC reduced its work force by 15 percent to 11,619 as of March 31 compared with the end of June, while TSMC eliminated 6. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* EDITORIAL: A tug-of-war on China trade policy May 3, 2009
United Microelectronics Corp last week said it wanted to take over Chinese chipmaker He Jian Technology (Suzhou), even though the plan is unlikely to gain government approval. The government has determined that local semiconductor companies can only operate three eight-inch fabs in China using the less advanced 0. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* TSMC posts lowest profit in eight years May 1, 2009
TSMC shares and smaller rival United Microelectronics Corp (pq) yesterday rose 6. 98 percent and 6. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
UMC buys Chinese foundry Apr 30, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO United Microelectronics Corp. will pay $285 million to acquire the 85 percent of Chinese foundry He Jian Technology Co. Ltd. that it did not already own, the company said Wednesday (April 29). He Jian operates an 8-inch fab in Suzhou, China, with a monthly capacity of 41,000 wafers. (EETimes)
* UMC to buy Chinese chipmaker Apr 30, 2009
United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq) said yesterday its board approved a proposal to buy out the holding company of Chinese chipmaker He Jian Technology (Suzhou) Co (M) for US$285 million to tap into the fast-growing Chinese market after posting three quarterly losses in a row amid the industrys severest-ever downturn. The Hsinchu-based chipmaker said it was key to build a production facility in China as part of UMCs efforts to expedite growth and to enhance profitability by building... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
UMC Q1 sales fall; sees profit in Q2 Apr 30, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO Silicon foundry United Microelectronics Corp. Wednesday (April 29) reported that first quarter sales declined 41. 5 percent sequentially as capacity utilization fell to 30 percent, but said recent orders point to strong second quarter demand. (EETimes)
United Microelectronics Posts Third Straight Loss on Slowing Chip Demand Apr 29, 2009
United Microelectronics , reported earlier, declined 55 percent to NT$10. 8 billion. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
* Foundry margins at risk: report Apr 28, 2009
The worlds second and third-largest foundries, or dedicated semiconductor manufacturing companies, United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq) and Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd, are expected to report zero or negative EBITDA margins for the quarter ending March 31, from more than 40 percent and 28 percent respectively last year, Hsu said. Almost immune to the macroeconomic weakness, industry leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cos (TSMC, xnq) EBITDA margin is expected to... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
IBM 'fab club' rolls 28-nm process with high-k Apr 17, 2009
On the foundry front, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) are also racing to implement high-k and metal gates in their respective 28-nm processes. Unlike IBM's common platform, TSMC does not plan to deploy high-k and metal gates for the 32-nm node; instead, the Taiwan foundry giant will implement the technology at 28-nm, which is slated for the first part of 2010. (EETimes)
* ITRI says chipmaker outlook not so bad Apr 15, 2009
Last month, the nations two largest contract chipmakers Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (pq) saw their first monthly growth in sales for more than six months, although both companies first-quarter revenues plunged 55 percent year-on-year. This story has been viewed 354 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* US firm invests in chip industry Apr 13, 2009
But the company faces an uphill battle against Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC, xnq), United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq) of Taiwan, Singapores Chartered Semiconductor and other established foundries. One of its main shareholders, US firm Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), is locked in a dispute with Intel Corporation over what Intel said is a breach of a 2001 patent cross-licensing agreement. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* TSMC sales up for first time in seven months Apr 11, 2009
On Wednesday, rival United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq) reported its sales last month rose 44. 45 percent month-on-month to NT$4. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* Science Park reports drop in forced unpaid leave Apr 10, 2009
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Export Processing Zone Administration said on Wednesday that the recent announcements from upstream foundry companies, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (pq), of an end to their practice of forced unpaid leave had helped downstream packaging and testing firms to gradually increase their capacity utilization rate. Major packaging and testing firms in the zones, including Taiwans Advanced... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
TSMC terminates over 200 employees Apr 10, 2009
Rival United Microelectronics Corp. this week reported unaudited net sales for the month of March 2009. Sales were NT$4. (EETimes)
Taiwan DRAM venture picks Elpida as partner Apr 2, 2009
The Taiwan government will own less than 50 percent of TMC. The entity was planning to form a partnership with either Elpida or Micron Technology Inc. John Hsuan, a former vice chairman at United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC), will led the new company. At a press event, TMC selected Elpida as its partner. (EETimes)
Chip industry may have hit 'local bottom,' says VC Apr 2, 2009
For example, business is indeed improving at some silicon foundries, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC). An analyst rising wafer starts and utilization rates, as well extended visibility bode well for the industry. (EETimes)
Chip market: Recovery or head fake? Apr 1, 2009
For example, business is indeed improving at some silicon foundries, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC). Other chip makers are seeing a slight rebound. (EETimes)
US stabilises, awaits recovery Mar 30, 2009
The worlds number two, United Microelectronics Corp, has posted a loss but has similarly indicated it believes the demand drop has bottomed out. While export-oriented manufacturers are expected to post weak results in the first quarter, companies that sell consumer goods in Asia will show a healthier resilience. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
* Semiconductor sector may see recovery next quarter Mar 30, 2009
The IC designers increased orders from abroad have produced a positive ripple effect, benefiting two major wafer foundries X Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (xnq) and United Microelectronics Corp (pq) X by keeping their eight-inch wafer plants running at nearly capacity level. As a result of the increased orders, the two companies announced in the last two weeks that they would end their policy of forced unpaid leave for all workers beginning next month. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* Science park revenues drop, but things looking up Mar 26, 2009
In the Hsinchu Science Park (s), where about 78,000 people are currently taking unpaid leave, an estimated 20,000 workers will return to their posts on April 1 because United Microelectronics Corp (pq) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (xnq) have promised to end the practice, he said. In the Southern Taiwan Science Park, the number of employees on unpaid leave will be reduced to 6,000 next month, down from 16,000 this month, he said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* TSMC announces end to unpaid leave Mar 21, 2009
RIVAL: TSMC rival United Microelectronics Corp was quoted as saying it would also end its policy of forced unpaid leave as orders pick up on the back of Chinese demand By Lisa Wang STAFF REPORTER Saturday, Mar 21, 2009, Page 12 ... United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), TSMCs rival, also said it would halt unpaid leave in the second half of this month and next month, the Central News Agency reported yesterday, without citing sources. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
* Foreign DRAM partner shows interest: MOEA Mar 13, 2009
Hsuan, honorary vice chairman of United Microelectronics Corp (pq), said on Tuesday he expected to reach a concrete decision within a month. Yiin yesterday said a local manufacturer of DRAM chips had also indicated willingness to provide research and development personnel to TMC.. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* Taiwanese shares rise 1.9 percent on upbeat Citigroup Mar 12, 2009
Rival United Microelectronics Corp added 4 percent to 9. 52. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* TMC chief Hsuan seeking NT$30bn from government Mar 11, 2009
Hsuan, honorary vice chairman of United Microelectronics Corp (pq), said the government hoped to spend as little as possible on restructuring the dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chip industry. Some overseas private funds and a local memory module maker have already expressed interest in investing in TMC, Hsuan said, adding that the company would seek capital from local institutional investors, banks and component makers. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* Rush Chinese orders help TSMC Mar 11, 2009
United Microelectronics Corp (pq) shares rose 1. 44 percent to NT$9. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
TSMC raises sales forecast Mar 11, 2009
Business also appears to be improving at United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC). Related Links. (EETimes)
Chartered, TSMC, UMC see slight rebound Mar 10, 2009
Business also appears to be improving at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC). At UMC (Hsinchu, Taiwan), sales for February were NT$3. (EETimes)
* Investors interested in chip firm Mar 7, 2009
Hsuan is a honorary vice chairman of the worlds second-largest contract chipmaker United Microelectronics Corp (UMC, pq), which has made memory chips including DRAM chips since the 1980s and now owns an 8 percent share of the nations No. 3 DRAM supplier, ProMOS Technologies Inc (Zw). In the statement, the ministry said integrating local DRAM makers into TMC would be lower on Hsuans priority list. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
