KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 10): Penang-based engineering supporting services provider UWC Bhd (KL:UWC) has posted a near seven-fold rise in net profit for its fourth financial quarter ended July 31, 2025 (4QFY2025), underpinned by a rebound in the semiconductor sector.

Net profit for the May-July period came in at RM16.46 million, compared with RM2.37 million in the previous year's corresponding quarter, according to the group's Bursa Malaysia filing on Wednesday. Earnings per share (EPS) improved to 1.49 sen from 0.21 sen.

Revenue for the quarter climbed 43.5% year-on-year to RM108.79 million from RM75.81 million, lifted by stronger demand from the semiconductor segment, which contributed RM235.44 million to the revenue.

The group said the higher earnings were in tandem with the revenue increase, as the semiconductor industry showed signs of robust recovery during the quarter.

The board did not declare any dividend for the quarter.

For the full financial year, net profit more than doubled to RM40.60 million from RM15.55 million in FY2024, while revenue rose 55.5% to RM386.18 million from RM248.40 million. Full-year EPS increased to 3.68 sen from 1.41 sen in FY2024.

UWC said the gross margin for the year expanded to 38.9% from 36.5%, while operating margin rose to 11.8% from 7.7%. Financial expenses increased to RM720,000 from RM430,000.

By segment, the semiconductor business remained UWC’s largest contributor, accounting for about 61% of total group revenue, followed by life sciences and medical technology at 19.5%, and other industries including 5G and EV-related testers at 19.5%.

The group, which provides precision sheet metal fabrication, machined components and assembly services, said it remains optimistic on prospects, citing growing demand for front-end semiconductor modules and artificial intelligence (AI) chip production.

It is also investing in clean room facilities and capacity expansion to support new customer projects, particularly in the life science, 5G and autonomous vehicle sectors.

“The surging global demand for high-performance AI chips has created significant growth opportunities, and our front-end semiconductor engineering business is strategically positioned to capitalise on this momentum,” said group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Ng Chai Eng in a statement.

“With major tariff uncertainties now almost resolved, the global trade environment is becoming clearer and more stable, allowing us to focus on scaling our operations. By continuing to innovate and invest in capacity, UWC is well-placed to drive sustainable growth and further strengthen our role as a trusted partner in the global semiconductor value chain,” he added.

Shares of UWC closed up 10 sen or 3.45% at RM3, valuing the group at RM3.31 billion. Year to date, the stock has fallen more than 3%.