ASTS vs. UMC: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at ASTS and UMC, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
ASTS 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 | ASTS | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | AST SpaceMobile, Inc. | United Microelectronics Corporation |
| Country | United States | Taiwan |
| GICS Sector | Communication Services | Information Technology |
| GICS Industry | Diversified Telecommunication Services | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment |
| Market Capitalization | 16.88 billion USD | 17.33 billion USD |
| Exchange | NasdaqGS | NYSE |
| Listing Date | November 1, 2019 | September 19, 2000 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | ADR |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of ASTS 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 | ASTS | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -2.26% | 2.70% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 97.52% | -15.44% |
| 26-Week Price Return | 52.33% | 1.21% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 29.17% | 8.46% |
| Month-to-Date Return | -11.47% | 0.84% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 123.08% | -2.67% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 9.27M | 42.13M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 12.02M | 44.80M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 76.16% | 22.76% |
| Beta | 2.49 | 0.32 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
ASTS
-63.47%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 35.96%
- Q3
- 14.90%
- Median
- 8.29%
- Q1
- -0.99%
- Min
- -18.19%
ASTS has a negative Return on Equity of -63.47%. This indicates the company is generating a loss for its shareholders, which can be a result of unprofitability or negative shareholder equity and is often a sign of financial distress.
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)
ASTS
-7,213.88%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 28.40%
- Q3
- 13.05%
- Median
- 6.85%
- Q1
- -0.81%
- Min
- -18.76%
ASTS has a negative Net Profit Margin of -7,213.88%, indicating the company is operating at a net loss as its expenses exceeded its revenues.
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)
ASTS
-5,539.51%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 37.46%
- Q3
- 22.24%
- Median
- 15.73%
- Q1
- 9.79%
- Min
- 2.06%
ASTS has a negative Operating Profit Margin of -5,539.51%. This signifies the company is unprofitable at the operational level, as its core business expenses exceed its revenue.
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 | ASTS | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | -63.47% | 10.76% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | -28.08% | 7.00% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | -7,213.88% | 16.69% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | -5,539.51% | 19.65% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 49.35% | 29.94% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
ASTS
8.23
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 1.63
- Q3
- 1.14
- Median
- 0.92
- Q1
- 0.68
- Min
- 0.16
ASTS’s Current Ratio of 8.23 is exceptionally high, placing it well outside the typical range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This indicates a very strong liquidity position, though such a high ratio may also suggest that the company is not using its assets efficiently to generate profits.
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)
ASTS
0.57
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 3.82
- Q3
- 2.06
- Median
- 1.32
- Q1
- 0.74
- Min
- 0.11
Falling into the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, ASTS’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.57 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
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)
ASTS
-115.23
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 14.66
- Q3
- 8.25
- Median
- 3.53
- Q1
- 1.47
- Min
- -2.60
ASTS has a negative Interest Coverage Ratio of -115.23. This indicates that its earnings were insufficient to cover even its operational costs, let alone its interest payments, signaling significant financial distress.
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 | ASTS | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 8.23 | 1.77 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 8.14 | 1.44 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.57 | 0.20 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | -115.23 | 313.16 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
ASTS
0.00%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 10.34%
- Q3
- 5.44%
- Median
- 3.89%
- Q1
- 1.73%
- Min
- 0.00%
ASTS 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)
ASTS
0.00%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 270.06%
- Q3
- 135.21%
- Median
- 76.62%
- Q1
- 35.06%
- Min
- 0.00%
ASTS 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 | ASTS | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0.00% | 7.29% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 0.00% | 163.64% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
ASTS
--
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 33.39
- Q3
- 23.91
- Median
- 16.72
- Q1
- 13.00
- Min
- 4.13
P/E Ratio data for ASTS is currently unavailable.
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)
ASTS
3,302.29
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 4.75
- Q3
- 2.60
- Median
- 1.62
- Q1
- 0.94
- Min
- 0.35
With a P/S Ratio of 3,302.29, ASTS trades at a valuation that eclipses even the highest in the Diversified Telecommunication Services 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)
ASTS
18.09
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 5.77
- Q3
- 3.45
- Median
- 2.10
- Q1
- 1.19
- Min
- 0.32
At 18.09, ASTS’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Diversified Telecommunication Services 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 | ASTS | UMC |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | -- | 13.00 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 3,302.29 | 2.17 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 18.09 | 1.65 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | -- | 14.05 |