NOW vs. UMC: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison

Updated on August 27, 2025

Here’s a clear look at NOW and UMC, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.

Company Profile

NOW 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	NOW	UMC
Company Name	ServiceNow, Inc.	United Microelectronics Corporation
Country	United States	Taiwan
GICS Sector	Information Technology	Information Technology
GICS Industry	Software	Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment
Market Capitalization	182.60 billion USD	16.73 billion USD
Exchange	NYSE	NYSE
Listing Date	June 29, 2012	September 19, 2000
Security Type	Common Stock	ADR

Historical Performance

This chart compares the performance of NOW 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.

NOW vs. UMC: Growth of a $10,000 investment over the past one year.

Historical Performance at a Glance

Symbol	NOW	UMC
5-Day Price Return	-0.77%	-1.22%
13-Week Price Return	-13.37%	-13.91%
26-Week Price Return	-10.86%	-3.34%
52-Week Price Return	7.19%	8.46%
Month-to-Date Return	-6.70%	-2.41%
Year-to-Date Return	-17.00%	-5.81%
10-Day Avg. Volume	1.87M	39.86M
3-Month Avg. Volume	1.57M	44.86M
3-Month Volatility	26.85%	21.22%
Beta	0.93	0.32

Profitability

Return on Equity (TTM)

NOW

16.62%

Software Industry

Max: 59.01%
Q3: 21.98%
Median: 7.15%
Q1: -11.12%
Min: -51.24%

NOW’s Return on Equity of 16.62% is on par with the norm for the Software industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.

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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Return on Equity (TTM) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Net Profit Margin (TTM)

NOW

13.78%

Software Industry

Max: 48.14%
Q3: 18.23%
Median: 5.60%
Q1: -9.22%
Min: -49.36%

NOW’s Net Profit Margin of 13.78% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Software industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.

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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Net Profit Margin (TTM) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Operating Profit Margin (TTM)

NOW

13.28%

Software Industry

Max: 57.34%
Q3: 20.60%
Median: 7.84%
Q1: -8.72%
Min: -51.37%

NOW’s Operating Profit Margin of 13.28% is around the midpoint for the Software industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.

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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Operating Profit Margin (TTM) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Profitability at a Glance

Symbol	NOW	UMC
Return on Equity (TTM)	16.62%	10.76%
Return on Assets (TTM)	8.12%	7.00%
Net Profit Margin (TTM)	13.78%	16.69%
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)	13.28%	19.65%
Gross Profit Margin (TTM)	78.52%	29.94%

Financial Strength

Current Ratio (MRQ)

NOW

1.09

Software Industry

Max: 3.83
Q3: 2.31
Median: 1.45
Q1: 1.03
Min: 0.24

NOW’s Current Ratio of 1.09 aligns with the median group of the Software industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector 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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Current Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)

NOW

0.14

Software Industry

Max: 2.14
Q3: 0.90
Median: 0.29
Q1: 0.00
Min: 0.00

NOW’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.14 is typical for the Software industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.

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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)

NOW

32.13

Software Industry

Max: 67.02
Q3: 19.86
Median: 0.70
Q1: -12.50
Min: -53.00

NOW’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 32.13 is in the upper quartile for the Software industry, signifying a strong and healthy capacity to meet its interest payments from operating profits.

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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Financial Strength at a Glance

Symbol	NOW	UMC
Current Ratio (MRQ)	1.09	1.77
Quick Ratio (MRQ)	0.99	1.44
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)	0.14	0.20
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)	32.13	313.16

Growth

Revenue Growth

NOW vs. UMC: A side-by-side comparison of their Revenue Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

EPS Growth

NOW vs. UMC: A side-by-side comparison of their EPS Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

Dividend

Dividend Yield (TTM)

NOW

0.00%

Software Industry

Max: 0.08%
Q3: 0.03%
Median: 0.00%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

NOW 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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Dividend Yield (TTM) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)

NOW

0.00%

Software Industry

Max: 1.32%
Q3: 0.53%
Median: 0.00%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

NOW 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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Dividend at a Glance

Symbol	NOW	UMC
Dividend Yield (TTM)	0.00%	7.29%
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)	0.00%	163.64%

Valuation

Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)

NOW

111.05

Software Industry

Max: 149.35
Q3: 100.21
Median: 47.97
Q1: 26.77
Min: 11.68

A P/E Ratio of 111.05 places NOW in the upper quartile for the Software industry. This high valuation relative to peers suggests the market holds elevated expectations for the company’s future growth.

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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)

NOW

15.30

Software Industry

Max: 25.24
Q3: 13.52
Median: 8.15
Q1: 4.87
Min: 0.98

NOW’s P/S Ratio of 15.30 is in the upper echelon for the Software industry. This means the company is valued richly on its revenue stream compared to its peers, suggesting the stock is priced for a high level of future performance.

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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)

NOW

19.48

Software Industry

Max: 30.95
Q3: 14.91
Median: 7.75
Q1: 3.60
Min: 0.38

NOW’s P/B Ratio of 19.48 is in the upper tier for the Software industry. This indicates that investors are paying a premium relative to the company’s net assets, a valuation that hinges on its ability to generate superior profits.

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.

NOW vs. UMC: A comparison of their Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Software and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry benchmarks.

Valuation at a Glance

Symbol	NOW	UMC
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)	111.05	13.00
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)	15.30	2.17
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)	19.48	1.65
Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM)	48.48	14.05