28nm Moves to Mass Production with Increasing Momentum in 2H14

Second Quarter 2014 Overview[1]:

• Revenue: NT$35.87 billion (US$1.20 billion)
• Gross margin: 22.9%; operating margin: 8.1%
• Foundry capacity utilization rate: 90%
• Net income attributable to the stockholders of the parent: NT$3.48 billion (US$117 million)
• Earnings per share: NT$0.28; earnings per ADS: US$0.047

United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303) ("UMC" or "The Company"), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced its consolidated operating results for the second quarter of 2014.

Revenue was NT$35.87 billion, with gross margin at 22.9% and operating margin at 8.1%. Net income attributable to the stockholders of the parent was NT$3.48 billion, with earnings per ordinary share of NT$0.28.

Mr. Po-Wen Yen, CEO of UMC, said "In the second quarter of 2014, UMC recorded NT$32.57 billion in revenue from the foundry segment, with operating margin from foundry operations of 10.2%. Wafer shipments reached 1.426 million 8-inch equivalent wafers. Our 28nm business represented 1% of revenue, while 40nm accounted for 21%."

CEO Yen added, "Second quarter foundry revenue grew 13.4% sequentially, fueled by strong communication segment demand that lifted capacity utilization to 90%. Market conditions also reflected a turnaround, with rising demand for portable computing devices helping to drive our 28nm shipments. We project continued 28nm revenue contribution growth in 3Q14 as a result of the sustained demand for mobile and tablet computing. We are optimistic in the long term that our 28nm production ramp will strengthen our overall product mix and generate abundant opportunities for UMC to win additional foundry market share. For other technologies, we have strengthened the IP portfolio for our 55nm LP platform to address low power and wireless applications by offering Kilopass' Gusto and Cypress's SONOS embedded flash memories. These enhanced IP solutions will further diversify our manufacturing offerings to fulfill a broader range of specialty technology products on our proven and versatile 55LP platform. Designers in wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) applications have already realized product tape-outs using our 55LP technologies and IP."

CEO Yen continued, "We expect the semiconductor demand strength to continue into the third quarter of 2014. For 28nm momentum, our activities have increased, including IP verifications, customer tape outs on standalone products and product reliability qualifications. These 28nm customer collaborations will provide further traction heading into the second half of 2014. UMC will continue to broaden our customer base and penetrate additional high growth areas to expand customer adoption. We remain confident for the long term, as our sound business strategies, solid engineering execution and strong commitment to customer service will help ensure UMC's future business growth and deliver enhanced profitability to raise shareholder value."

[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 Jun 30, 2014, the three-month period ending Mar 31, 2014, and the equivalent three-month period that ended Jun 30, 2013. For all 2Q14 results, New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) amounts have been converted into U.S. Dollars at the Jun 30, 2014 exchange rate of NT$ 29.86 per U.S. Dollar.

Summary of Operating Results