APP vs. UMC: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at APP and UMC, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
APP is a standard domestic listing, while UMC trades as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR), offering U.S. investors access to its foreign-listed shares.
| Symbol | APP | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | AppLovin Corporation | United Microelectronics Corporation |
| Country | United States | Taiwan |
| GICS Sector | Information Technology | Information Technology |
| GICS Industry | Software | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment |
| Market Capitalization | 152.44 billion USD | 16.73 billion USD |
| Exchange | NasdaqGS | NYSE |
| Listing Date | April 15, 2021 | September 19, 2000 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | ADR |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of APP and UMC by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | APP | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | 9.23% | -1.22% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 28.23% | -13.91% |
| 26-Week Price Return | -8.80% | -3.34% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 406.38% | 8.46% |
| Month-to-Date Return | 15.35% | -2.41% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 39.17% | -5.81% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 4.90M | 39.86M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 6.02M | 44.86M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 57.14% | 21.22% |
| Beta | 2.48 | 0.32 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
APP
257.74%
Software Industry
- Max
- 59.01%
- Q3
- 21.98%
- Median
- 7.15%
- Q1
- -11.12%
- Min
- -51.24%
APP’s Return on Equity of 257.74% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Software industry. This demonstrates a superior ability to generate profit from shareholder investments, though it could also be inflated by high financial leverage.
UMC
10.76%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 52.74%
- Q3
- 23.49%
- Median
- 11.60%
- Q1
- 3.23%
- Min
- -20.69%
UMC’s Return on Equity of 10.76% is on par with the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
APP
45.72%
Software Industry
- Max
- 48.14%
- Q3
- 18.23%
- Median
- 5.60%
- Q1
- -9.22%
- Min
- -49.36%
A Net Profit Margin of 45.72% places APP in the upper quartile for the Software industry, signifying strong profitability and more effective cost management than most of its peers.
UMC
16.69%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 44.17%
- Q3
- 22.38%
- Median
- 11.95%
- Q1
- 3.21%
- Min
- -25.16%
UMC’s Net Profit Margin of 16.69% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
APP
52.02%
Software Industry
- Max
- 57.34%
- Q3
- 20.60%
- Median
- 7.84%
- Q1
- -8.72%
- Min
- -51.37%
An Operating Profit Margin of 52.02% places APP in the upper quartile for the Software industry. This signals a strong ability to translate revenue into operating profit, outperforming most of its competitors in core business efficiency.
UMC
19.65%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 58.03%
- Q3
- 27.84%
- Median
- 12.45%
- Q1
- 5.15%
- Min
- -28.61%
UMC’s Operating Profit Margin of 19.65% is around the midpoint for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | APP | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 257.74% | 10.76% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 42.29% | 7.00% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 45.72% | 16.69% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 52.02% | 19.65% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 80.87% | 29.94% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
APP
2.74
Software Industry
- Max
- 3.83
- Q3
- 2.31
- Median
- 1.45
- Q1
- 1.03
- Min
- 0.24
APP’s Current Ratio of 2.74 is in the upper quartile for the Software industry. This signifies a strong liquidity position, suggesting the company is well-equipped to cover its immediate liabilities compared to its peers.
UMC
1.77
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 8.42
- Q3
- 4.70
- Median
- 2.75
- Q1
- 2.07
- Min
- 1.04
UMC’s Current Ratio of 1.77 falls into the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
APP
3.01
Software Industry
- Max
- 2.14
- Q3
- 0.90
- Median
- 0.29
- Q1
- 0.00
- Min
- 0.00
With a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 3.01, APP operates with exceptionally high leverage compared to the Software industry norm. This suggests an aggressive reliance on debt financing, which can magnify returns but also significantly elevates financial risk.
UMC
0.20
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.45
- Median
- 0.22
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
UMC’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.20 is typical for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
APP
6.44
Software Industry
- Max
- 67.02
- Q3
- 19.86
- Median
- 0.70
- Q1
- -12.50
- Min
- -53.00
APP’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 6.44 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Software industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
UMC
313.16
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 174.00
- Q3
- 81.10
- Median
- 27.22
- Q1
- 7.28
- Min
- -4.26
With an Interest Coverage Ratio of 313.16, UMC demonstrates a superior capacity to service its debt, placing it well above the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This stems from either robust earnings or a conservative debt load.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | APP | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 2.74 | 1.77 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 2.54 | 1.44 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 3.01 | 0.20 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 6.44 | 313.16 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
APP
0.00%
Software Industry
- Max
- 0.08%
- Q3
- 0.03%
- Median
- 0.00%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
APP currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.
UMC
7.29%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 4.16%
- Q3
- 1.78%
- Median
- 0.74%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
UMC’s Dividend Yield of 7.29% is exceptionally high, placing it well above the typical range for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. While this may seem attractive, an unusually high yield can sometimes be a warning sign, reflecting a falling stock price or market concerns about the dividend’s sustainability.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
APP
0.00%
Software Industry
- Max
- 1.32%
- Q3
- 0.53%
- Median
- 0.00%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
APP has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.
UMC
163.64%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 196.12%
- Q3
- 87.72%
- Median
- 26.57%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
UMC’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 163.64% is in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates a strong commitment to shareholder returns but also suggests that a smaller portion of earnings is retained for reinvestment compared to many peers.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | APP | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0.00% | 7.29% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 0.00% | 163.64% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
APP
57.41
Software Industry
- Max
- 149.35
- Q3
- 100.21
- Median
- 47.97
- Q1
- 26.77
- Min
- 11.68
APP’s P/E Ratio of 57.41 is within the middle range for the Software industry. This suggests its valuation is in line with the sector average, representing neither a significant premium nor a discount compared to its peers.
UMC
13.00
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 109.37
- Q3
- 57.11
- Median
- 28.95
- Q1
- 22.13
- Min
- 11.14
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, UMC’s P/E Ratio of 13.00 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
APP
26.25
Software Industry
- Max
- 25.24
- Q3
- 13.52
- Median
- 8.15
- Q1
- 4.87
- Min
- 0.98
With a P/S Ratio of 26.25, APP trades at a valuation that eclipses even the highest in the Software industry. This implies the market has priced in exceptionally optimistic scenarios for future revenue growth, posing considerable valuation risk.
UMC
2.17
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 16.09
- Q3
- 10.10
- Median
- 4.82
- Q1
- 2.60
- Min
- 0.93
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, UMC’s P/S Ratio of 2.17 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
APP
101.50
Software Industry
- Max
- 30.95
- Q3
- 14.91
- Median
- 7.75
- Q1
- 3.60
- Min
- 0.38
At 101.50, APP’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Software industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.
UMC
1.65
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 13.56
- Q3
- 6.75
- Median
- 3.68
- Q1
- 1.89
- Min
- 0.60
UMC’s P/B Ratio of 1.65 is in the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | APP | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 57.41 | 13.00 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 26.25 | 2.17 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 101.50 | 1.65 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 48.18 | 14.05 |