Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2012

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

Commission file number 0–31106

 

 

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Bermuda

(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

No. 1, R&D Road 1, Hsinchu Science Park

Hsinchu, Taiwan

Republic of China

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Shou-Kang Chen

Chief Financial Officer

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.

No. 1, R&D Road 1, Hsinchu Science Park

Hsinchu, Taiwan

Republic of China

Telephone: (886) 3 563 3988

Facsimile: (886) 3 563 3998

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contract Person)

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange

on Which Registered

Common Shares, par value US$0.04 each   The NASDAQ Capital Market

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

 

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

As of December 31, 2011, 26,923,905 Common Shares, par value US$0.04 each, were outstanding (not including 6,474,211 Common Shares held by our subsidiary).

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or (15)(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer  ¨    Accelerated Filer  x    Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing.

US GAAP  ¨

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨    Other  x

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17.  ¨    Item 18.  x

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.

 

          Page  
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995      1   
PART I   
Item 1.    Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers      1   
Item 2.    Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable      1   
Item 3.    Key Information      2   
Item 4.    Information on the Company      20   
Item 4A.    Unresolved Staff Comments      43   
Item 5.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects      43   
Item 6.    Directors, Senior Management and Employees      65   
Item 7.    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions      72   
Item 8.    Financial Information      76   
Item 9.    The Offer and Listing      77   
Item 10.    Additional Information      77   
Item 11.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      86   
Item 12.    Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities      86   
PART II   
Item 13.    Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies      87   
Item 14.    Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds      87   
Item 15.    Controls and Procedures      87   
Item 16A.    Audit Committee Financial Expert      87   
Item 16B.    Code of Ethics      87   
Item 16C.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services      88   
Item 16D.    Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees      88   
Item 16E.    Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers      88   
Item 16F.    Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant      88   
Item 16G.    Corporate Governance      88   
PART III   
Item 17.    Financial Statements      90   
Item 18.    Financial Statements      90   
Item 19.    Exhibits      90   


Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF

THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Except for historical matters, the matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are forward-looking statements that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are generally indicated by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “project”, “will” or other similar words that express an indication of actions or results of actions that may or are expected to occur in the future. These statements appear in a number of places throughout this Annual Report on Form 20-F and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industries in which we operate.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. Important factors that could cause those differences include, but are not limited to:

 

   

our ability to successfully overcome the current economic conditions and the financial market crisis;

 

   

the volatility of the semiconductor industry and the market for end-user applications for semiconductor products;

 

   

overcapacity in the semiconductor testing and assembly markets;

 

   

the increased competition from other companies and our ability to retain and increase our market share;

 

   

our ability to successfully develop new technologies and remain a technological leader;

 

   

our ability to maintain control over capacity expansion and facility modifications;

 

   

our ability to generate growth or profitable growth;

 

   

our ability to hire and retain qualified personnel;

 

   

our ability to acquire required equipment and supplies to meet customer demand;

 

   

our ability to raise debt or equity financing as required to meet certain existing obligations;

 

   

the pending criminal indictment of our chairman and chief executive officer;

 

   

our reliance on the business and financial condition of certain major customers;

 

   

the success of any of our future acquisitions, investments or joint ventures;

 

   

the outcome of any pending litigation;

 

   

the outbreak of contagious disease and occurrence of earthquakes, typhoons and other natural disasters, as well as industrial accidents;

 

   

the political stability of the regions to which we conduct operations; and

 

   

general local and global economic and financial conditions.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our strategy and future plans, future business condition and financial results, our capital expenditure plans, our capacity expansion plans, our expansion plans in Mainland China, technological upgrades, investment in research and development, future market demand, future regulatory or other developments in our industry. Please see “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors” for a further discussion of certain factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements.

PART I

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

 

1


Table of Contents
Item 3. Key Information

Selected Financial Data

The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial data. The selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010 and 2011 and our consolidated statement of operations and cash flows data for 2009, 2010 and 2011 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included herein, and should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, these audited consolidated financial statements and related notes beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 20-F. These audited consolidated financial statements have been audited by Moore Stephens. The selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 and the consolidated statement of operations and cash flows data for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included herein. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared and presented in accordance with ROC GAAP, which differs in some material respects from US GAAP. Please see Note 25 to our audited consolidated financial statements for a description of the principal differences between ROC GAAP and US GAAP for the periods covered by these financial statements.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2011  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

            

ROC GAAP:

            

Net revenue:

            

Related parties(1)

   $ 6,915.9      $ 3,122.9      $ 668.9      $ 2,033.3      $ 379.0      $ 12.5   

Others

     16,681.7        13,887.3        11,481.4        15,176.4        17,831.9        589.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net revenue

     23,597.6        17,010.2        12,150.3        17,209.7        18,210.9        601.6   

Cost of revenue

     17,444.1        16,969.9        15,661.5        16,564.0        16,549.2        546.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss)

     6,153.5        40.3        (3,511.2     645.7        1,661.7        54.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

            

Research and development

     322.3        435.6        375.3        412.7        409.8        13.5   

General and administrative

     1,070.5        885.6        657.8        677.6        651.9        21.5   

Sales and marketing

     98.3        2,362.7        561.2        64.4        66.5        2.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     1,491.1        3,683.9        1,594.3        1,154.7        1,128.2        37.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from operations

     4,662.4        (3,643.6     (5,105.5     (509.0     533.5        17.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expenses), net

     (669.2     (3,286.8     116.7        2,320.6        (455.8     (15.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) before income tax, noncontrolling interests and interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries(2)

     3,993.2        (6,930.4     (4,988.8     1,811.6        77.7        2.6   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (768.2     (120.8     420.7        99.3        (45.5     (1.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) before noncontrolling interests and interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries(2)

     3,225.0        (7,051.2     (4,568.1     1,910.9        32.2        1.1   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (720.0     143.3        149.4        (266.2     (47.4     (1.6

Interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries(2)

     (285.8     (362.4     —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to ChipMOS

   $ 2,219.2      $ (7,270.3   $ (4,418.7   $ 1,644.7      $ (15.2   $ (0.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (Loss) per share(4):

            

Basic

   $ 110.54      $ (346.63   $ (223.35   $ 68.61      $ (0.57   $ (0.02

Diluted

   $ 96.94      $ (346.63   $ (230.15   $ 67.38      $ (0.57   $ (0.02

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding(4):

            

Basic

     20.1        21.0        19.8        24.0        26.6        26.6   

Diluted

     27.1        21.0        22.3        26.8        26.6        26.6   

US GAAP:(3)

            

Net income (loss) attributable to ChipMOS

   $ 2,901.7      $ (7,177.7   $ (4,550.3   $ 1,616.9      $ 46.1      $ 1.5   

Earnings (Loss) per share(4):

            

Basic

   $ 144.52      $ (342.24   $ (230.00   $ 67.45      $ 1.73      $ 0.06   

Diluted

   $ 84.28      $ (342.24   $ (236.60   $ 66.35      $ 1.71      $ 0.06   

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding(4):

            

Basic

     20.1        21.0        19.8        24.0        26.6        26.6   

Diluted

     27.1        21.0        20.8        26.8        26.9        26.9   

 

(1) Related parties include Mosel Vitelic Inc., or Mosel, Siliconware Precision Industries Co. Ltd., or Siliconware Precision, ProMOS Technologies Inc., or ProMOS and DenMOS Technology Inc., or DenMOS. Commencing April 1, 2011, Mosel and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are no longer related parties of the Company as collectively, they hold less than 10% interest in ChipMOS Bermuda and is no longer considered as having significant influence on the Company. Commencing April 1, 2011, Siliconware Precision held less than 10% interest in ChipMOS Bermuda and was no longer a major shareholder of the Company. See Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
(2) Refers to bonuses to directors, supervisors and employees paid by subsidiaries.
(3) Reflects the US GAAP adjustments as described in Note 25 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
(4) The outstanding shares and per share information reflect the reverse stock split of the Company’s common stocks with a ratio of 1-for-every-4 shares effective on January 21, 2011.

 

2


Table of Contents
     As of December 31,  
     2007      2008      2009      2010      2011      2011  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
     (in millions)  

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

                 

ROC GAAP:

                 

Current assets:

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,133.6       $ 6,651.9       $ 3,884.8       $ 7,143.3       $ 7,357.9       $   243.1   

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     87.0         59.5         243.8         546.8         285.1         9.4   

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

     555.6         102.1         119.0         3.0         —           —     

Held-to-maturity financial assets

     —           250.0        —           —           —           —     

Investment with no active market

     —           100.0        100.0         —           —           —     

Notes receivable

                 

—related parties(1)

     —           195.0        —           —           —           —     

—third parties

     28.0         14.2         27.9         14.0         5.7         0.2   

Accounts receivable

                 

—related parties(1)

     1,498.8         0.4         0.2         258.0         —           —     

—third parties

     3,795.9         1,296.5         2,441.8         2,816.0         3,666.5         121.1   

Other receivables

                 

—related parties(1)

     11.9         30.0         —           66.4        —           —     

—third parties

     31.2         172.2         130.1         182.0         73.2         2.4   

Inventories

     1,043.6         1,001.5         862.1         1,279.8         1,533.9         50.7   

Deferred income tax, net

     85.1         355.8         356.4         278.7         76.6         2.5   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     334.5         265.2         265.1         202.3         92.3         3.1   

Total current assets

     12,605.2         10,494.3         8,431.2         12,790.3         13,091.2         432.5   

Long-term investments

     358.0         437.8         220.0         10.5         39.1         1.3   

Property, plant and equipment—net

     30,020.4         23,654.9         20,769.0         17,273.0         13,896.1         459.1   

Intangible assets—net

     180.4         107.8         102.8         94.2         100.5         3.3   

Other assets

     2,152.1         746.8         833.2         1,147.0         1,154.2         38.1   

Total assets

     45,316.1         35,441.6         30,356.2         31,315.0         28,281.1         934.3   

Current liabilities:

                 

Short-term bank loans

     1,249.2         2,745.4         2,363.3         1,494.7         546.9         18.1   

Current portion of long-term loans

     3,686.2         4,603.7         1,553.9         4,925.7         684.0         22.6   

Convertible notes

     3,014.9         1,541.6         —           65.8         —           —     

Derivative liabilities

     96.0         —           —           —           —           —     

Accounts payable

     976.1         477.9         738.0         690.1         1,130.8         37.4   

Payables to contractors and equipment suppliers

     454.1         251.6         201.2         790.6         415.4         13.7   

Other payables

     604.1         628.0         696.1         896.7         1,081.5         35.7   

Current portion of capital leases payable

     —           —           821.2         822.0         —           —     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     886.7         469.4         525.7         990.9         830.9         27.4   

Total current liabilities

     11,374.2         10,721.6         6,921.5         10,697.5         4,712.2         155.7   

Long-term liabilities

     11,323.7         9,832.6         13,377.6         6,477.0         8,484.3         280.3   

Other liabilities

     370.1         344.6         104.9         97.1         101.3         3.3   

Total liabilities

     23,068.0         20,898.8         20,404.0         17,271.6         13,297.8         439.3   

Total equity (including noncontrolling interests)

   $ 22,248.1       $ 14,542.8       $ 9,952.2       $ 14,043.4       $ 14,983.3       $ 495.0   

 

(1) Related parties include Mosel, Siliconware Precision, ProMOS and DenMOS. Commencing April 1, 2011, Mosel and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are no longer related parties of the Company as collectively, they hold less than 10% interest in ChipMOS Bermuda and is no longer considered as having significant influence on the Company. Commencing April 1, 2011, Siliconware Precision held less than 10% interest in ChipMOS Bermuda and was no longer a major shareholder of the Company. See Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

3


Table of Contents
     As of December 31,  
     2007      2008      2009      2010      2011      2011  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
     (in millions)  

US GAAP(1) :

                 

Current assets:

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,133.6       $ 6,651.9       $ 3,884.8       $ 7,143.3       $ 7,357.9       $   243.1   

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     87.0         59.5         243.8         546.8         285.1         9.4   

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

     555.6         102.1         119.0         3.0         —           —     

Held-to-maturity financial assets

     —           250.0         —           —           —           —     

Available-for-sale financial assets

     —           100.0         100.0         —           —           —     

Notes receivable

                 

—related parties(2)

     —           195.0         —           —           —           —     

—third parties

     28.0         14.2         27.9         14.0         5.7         0.2   

Accounts receivable

                 

—related parties(2)

     1,498.8         0.4         0.2         258.0         —           —     

—third parties

     3,795.9         1,296.5         2,441.8         2,816.0         3,666.5         121.1   

Other receivables

                 

—related parties(2)

     11.9         30.0         —           66.4         —           —     

—third parties

     31.2         172.2         130.1         182.0         73.2         2.4   

Inventories

     1,044.3         966.1         863.1         1,280.9         1,534.9         50.7   

Deferred income tax, net

     82.6         349.5         350.2         272.5         70.4         2.3   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     334.5         265.2         265.1         202.3         92.3         3.1   

Total current assets

     12,603.4         10,452.6         8,426.0         12,785.2         13,086.0         432.3   

Long-term investments

     358.0         437.8         220.0         10.5         39.1         1.3   

Property, plant and equipment—net

     29,861.6         23,427.2         20,474.4         16,924.1         13,501.0         446.0   

Intangible assets—net

     180.4         107.8         102.8         94.2         100.5         3.3   

Other assets

     2,262.6         731.6         893.2         1,221.1         1,237.6         40.9   

Total assets

     45,266.0         35,157.0         30,116.4         31,035.1         27,964.2         923.8   

Current liabilities:

                 

Short-term bank loans

     1,249.2         2,745.4         2,363.3         1,494.7         546.9         18.1   

Current portion of long-term loans

     3,686.2         4,603.7         1,553.9         4,925.7         684.0         22.6   

Convertible notes

     3,056.4         1,453.0         —           65.8         —           —     

Derivative liabilities

     85.4         —           —           —           —           —     

Accounts payable

     976.1         477.9         738.0         690.1         1,130.8         37.4   

Payables to contractors and equipment suppliers

     454.1         251.6         201.2         790.6         415.4         13.7   

Other payables

     604.1         628.0         696.1         896.7         1,081.5         35.7   

Current portion of capital leases payable

     —           —           821.2         822.0         —           —     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     1,321.0         469.4         525.7         990.9         830.9         27.4   

Total current liabilities

     11,839.3         10,632.9         6,921.5         10,697.5         4,712.2         155.7   

Long-term liabilities

     11,179.3         9,832.6         13,377.6         6,477.0         8,484.3         280.3   

Other liabilities

     596.5         537.3         383.7         488.0         478.8         15.8   

Total liabilities

     23,615.1         21,002.8         20,682.8         17,662.5         13,675.3         451.8   

Total equity (including noncontrolling interests)

   $ 21,650.9       $ 14,154.2       $ 9,433.6       $ 13,372.6       $ 14,288.9       $ 472.0   

 

(1) Reflects the US GAAP adjustments as described in Note 25 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
(2) Related parties include Mosel, Siliconware Precision, ProMOS and DenMOS. Commencing April 1, 2011, Mosel and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are no longer related parties of the Company as collectively, they hold less than 10% interest in ChipMOS Bermuda and is no longer considered as having significant influence on the Company. Commencing April 1, 2011, Siliconware Precision held less than 10% interest in ChipMOS Bermuda and was no longer a major shareholder of the Company. See Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

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     Year ended December 31,  
     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2011  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in millions)  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:

            

ROC GAAP:

            

Capital expenditures

   $ 6,093.8      $ 2,188.4      $ 3,479.7      $ 4,237.3      $ 2,319.3      $ 76.6   

Depreciation and amortization

     6,834.8        7,174.5        6,524.6        6,281.6        5,677.6        187.6   

Net cash provided by (used in):

            

Operating activities

     10,882.9        5,164.2        781.0        8,688.9        5,898.0        194.8   

Investing activities

     (12,212.1     (2,296.9     (1,042.5     (2,454.2     (3,250.7     (107.4

Financing activities

     528.1        (1,395.3     (2,503.8     (2,959.5     (2,464.6     (81.4

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     38.8        46.3        (1.8     (16.8     31.9        1.1   

Net increase (decrease) in cash

   $ (762.3   $ 1,518.3      $ (2,767.1   $ 3,258.4      $ 214.6      $ 7.1   

Exchange Rates

References to “US$” and “US dollars” are to United States dollars and references to “NT$” and “NT dollars” are to New Taiwan dollars. This Annual Report on Form 20-F contains translations of certain NT dollar amounts into US dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from NT dollars to US dollars and from US dollars to NT dollars were made at the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in NT dollars per US dollar as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of December 30, 2011, which was NT$30.27 to US$1.00. We make no representation that the NT dollar or US dollar amounts referred to in this Annual Report on Form 20-F could have been or could be converted into US dollars or NT dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. On April 20, 2011, the noon buying rate was NT$29.45 to US$1.00.

The following table sets out, for the years and the months indicated, information concerning the number of NT dollars for which one US dollar could be exchanged based on the noon buying rate for cable transfers in NT dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

     NT dollars per US dollar noon buying rate  
     Average      High      Low      Period-end  

2007

     32.85         33.41         32.26         32.43   

2008

     31.52         33.58         29.99         32.76   

2009

     33.02         35.21         31.95         31.95   

2010

     31.50         32.43         29.14         29.14   

2011

     29.38         30.67         28.50         30.27   

October

     30.26         30.67         29.86         29.91   

November

     30.22         30.43         30.02         30.31   

December

     30.25         30.38         30.10         30.27   

2012

           

January

     29.99         30.28         29.61         29.61   

February

     29.54         29.59         29.37         29.37   

March

     29.52         29.61         29.37         29.50   

April (through 20, 2012)

     29.49         29.55         29.45         29.45   

Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Risk Factors

Risks Relating to Economic Conditions and the Financial Markets

The global credit and financial markets crisis could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Since 2009 and through 2011, global credit and financial markets have experienced severe disruptions. These include diminished liquidity and limited availability of credit, reduced consumer confidence, reduced economic growth, increased unemployment rates and uncertainty about economic stability. Limited availability of credit in financial markets may lead consumers and businesses to postpone spending. This in turn may cause our customers to cancel, decrease or delay their existing and future orders with us. Financial difficulties experienced by our customers or suppliers as a result of these conditions could lead to production delays and delays or defaults in payment of accounts receivable. Continuing credit markets disruption restricts our access to capital and limits our ability to fund operations or to refinance maturing obligations as they become due through additional borrowing or other sources of financing. We are not able to predict the duration or extent of the current global credit and financial markets crisis. These conditions increase the difficulty of accurately forecasting and planning our business activities. If these conditions and uncertainties continue or if credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions further deteriorate, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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Risks Relating to Our Industry

Because we depend on the highly cyclical semiconductor industry, which is characterized by significant and sometimes prolonged downturns from time to time, our net revenue and earnings may fluctuate significantly, which in turn could cause the market price of our common shares to decline.

Because our business is, and will continue to be, dependent on the requirements of semiconductor companies for independent testing and assembly services, any downturn in the highly cyclical semiconductor industry may reduce demand for our services and adversely affect our results of operations. All of our customers operate in this industry and variations in order levels from our customers and in service fee rates may result in volatility in our net revenue and earnings. For instance, during periods of decreased demand for assembled semiconductors, some of our customers may even simplify, delay or forego final testing of certain types of semiconductors, such as dynamic random access memory or DRAM, further intensifying our difficulties. From time to time, the semiconductor industry has experienced significant, and sometimes prolonged, downturns which have adversely affected our results of operations. In 2009, the semiconductor industry, especially the assembly and testing services for DRAM products sector, continued to experience the significant downturn that began in fourth quarter of 2008, and which has adversely affected our business. As a result of the industry downturn, our net revenue for 2009 decreased 29% from 2008 levels. This industry downturn started to recover from the second quarter of 2009, and our net revenue for 2010 increased 42% from 2009 levels. Our net revenue for 2011 increased 6% from 2010 levels and generated a net loss of NT$15 million (US$1 million) in 2011. We cannot give any assurances that there will not be any downturn in the future or that any future downturn will not affect our results of operations.

Any deterioration in the market for end-user applications for semiconductor products would reduce demand for our services and may result in a decrease in our earnings.

Market conditions in the semiconductor industry track, to a large degree, those for their end-user applications. Any deterioration in the market conditions for the end-user applications of semiconductors we test and assemble could reduce demand for our services and, in turn, materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our net revenue is largely attributable to fees derived from testing and assembling semiconductors for use in personal computers, communications equipment, consumer electronic products and display applications. A significant decrease in demand for products in these markets could put pricing pressure on our testing and assembly services and negatively affect our net revenue and earnings. Weak demand for LCD and other flat-panel display products began in 2007 and has since adversely affected our operating results in 2008, 2009, and 2010. The LCD driver market started to recover in the second quarter of 2009 and the positive recovery trend continues in 2010 and 2011. We cannot give any assurances that there will not be any downturn in the future or that any future downturn will not affect our results of operations. Any significant decrease in demand for end-user applications of semiconductors will negatively affect our net revenue and earnings.

A decline in average selling prices for our services could result in a decrease in our earnings.

Historically, prices for our testing and assembly services in relation to any given semiconductor tend to decline over the course of its product and technology life cycle. See also “— A decrease in market demand for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors may adversely affect our capacity utilization rates and thereby negatively affect our profitability”. If we cannot reduce the cost of our testing and assembly services, or introduce higher-margin testing and assembly services for new package types, to offset the decrease in average selling prices for our services, our earnings could decrease.

A reversal or slowdown in the outsourcing trend for semiconductor testing and assembly services could reduce our profitability.

In recent years, integrated device manufacturers, or IDMs, have increasingly outsourced stages of the semiconductor production process, including testing and assembly, to independent companies like us to shorten production cycles. In addition, the availability of advanced independent semiconductor manufacturing services has also enabled the growth of so-called “fabless” semiconductor companies that focus exclusively on design and marketing and outsource their manufacturing, testing and assembly requirements to independent companies. A substantial portion of our net revenue is indirectly generated from providing semiconductor assembly and testing services to these IDMs and fabless companies. We cannot assure you that these companies will continue to outsource their testing and assembly requirements to independent companies like us. A reversal of, or a slowdown in, this outsourcing trend could result in reduced demand for our services, which in turn could reduce our profitability.

 

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Risks Relating to Our Business

If we are unable to compete effectively in the highly competitive semiconductor testing and assembly markets, we may lose customers and our income may decline.

The semiconductor testing and assembly markets are very competitive. We face competition from a number of IDMs with in-house testing and assembly capabilities and other independent semiconductor testing and assembly companies. Our competitors may have access to more advanced technologies and greater financial and other resources than we do. Many of our competitors have shown a willingness to reduce prices quickly and sharply in the past to maintain capacity utilization in their facilities during periods of reduced demand. In addition, an increasing number of our competitors conduct their operations in lower cost centers in Asia such as Mainland China, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Any renewed or continued erosion in the prices or demand for our testing and assembly services as a result of increased competition could adversely affect our profits.

We are highly dependent on the market for memory products. A downturn in market prices for these products could significantly reduce our net revenue and net income.

A significant portion of our net revenue is derived from testing and assembling memory semiconductors. Our net revenue derived from the testing and assembly of memory semiconductors accounted for 66%, 62% and 57% of our net revenue in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. In the past, our service fees for testing and assembling memory semiconductors were sharply reduced in tandem with the decrease in the average selling price of DRAM in the semiconductor industry. The continuing oversupply of DRAM products in 2008 and the weak demand in the DRAM market in 2009, 2010 and 2011 resulted in significant reductions in the price of DRAM products, which in turn drove down the average prices for our testing and assembly services for DRAM products in these periods. We cannot assure you that there will not be further downturns in DRAM prices in the future.

A decrease in market demand for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors may adversely affect our capacity utilization rates and thereby negatively affect our profitability.

Our testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors generated net revenue of NT$1,986 million, NT$3,199 million and NT$3,986 million (US$132 million) in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. We invested NT$37 million, NT$1,659 million and NT$1,188 million (US$39 million) in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, on equipment for tape carrier package, or TCP, chip-on-film, or COF and chip-on-glass, or COG, technologies, which are used in testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. Most of this equipment may not be used for technologies other than TCP, COF or COG. The market demand for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors and related testing and assembly services increased in 2011 compared to the market demand in 2010. Any significant decrease in demand for these products and our related services, however, would significantly impair our capacity utilization rates. That may result in our inability to generate sufficient revenue to cover the significant depreciation expenses for the equipment used in testing and assembling LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors, thereby negatively affecting our profitability. See also “— Because of our high fixed costs, if we are unable to achieve relatively high capacity utilization rates, our earnings and profitability may be adversely affected”.

Our significant amount of indebtedness and interest expense will limit our cash flow and could adversely affect our operations.

We have a significant level of debt and interest expense. As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately NT$8,484 million (US$280 million) and NT$1,231 million (US$41 million) outstanding long-term and short-term indebtedness, respectively. Our long-term indebtedness as of December 31, 2011, represented bank loans with an interest rate between 1.92% and 3.0421%. As of December 31, 2011, NT$799 million (US$26 million) of our short-term indebtedness and NT$8,484 million (US$280 million) of our long-term indebtedness was secured by collateral comprised of assets owned by ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin.

Our significant indebtedness poses risks to our business, including the risks that:

 

   

we may have to use a substantial portion of our consolidated cash flow from operations to pay principal and interest on our debt, thereby reducing the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

 

   

insufficient cash flow from operations may force us to sell assets, or seek additional capital, which we may be unable to do at all or on terms favorable to us;

 

   

our ability to sell assets or seek additional capital may be adversely affected by security interests in our assets granted to our lenders as collateral;

 

   

our level of indebtedness may make us more vulnerable to economic or industry downturns; and

 

   

our debt service obligations increase our vulnerabilities to competitive pressures, because many of our competitors may be less leveraged than we are.

 

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For additional information on our indebtedness, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

Our results of operations may fluctuate significantly and may cause the market price of our common shares to be volatile.

Our results of operations have varied significantly from period to period and may continue to vary in the future. Among the more important factors affecting our quarterly and annual results of operations are the following:

 

   

our ability to accurately predict customer demand, as we must commit significant capital expenditures in anticipation of future orders;

 

   

our ability to quickly adjust to unanticipated declines or shortfalls in demand and market prices for our testing and assembly services, due to our high percentage of fixed costs;

 

   

changes in prices for our testing and assembly services;

 

   

volume of orders relative to our testing and assembly capacity;

 

   

capital expenditures and production uncertainties relating to the roll-out of new testing or assembly services;

 

   

our ability to obtain adequate testing and assembly equipment on a timely basis;

 

   

changes in costs and availability of raw materials, equipment and labor;

 

   

changes in our product mix; and

 

   

earthquakes, drought and other natural disasters, as well as industrial accidents.

Because of the factors listed above, our future results of operations or growth rates may be below the expectations of research analysts and investors. If so, the market price of our common shares, and the market value of your investment, may fall.

The ongoing criminal proceeding of and adverse publicity associated with Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Hung-Chiu Hu, our former director, could have a material adverse effect on our business and cause our stock price to decline.

Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng, our chairman and chief executive officer, was indicted by the Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office, or the prosecutor, in December 2005. Based upon information released by the prosecutor, the indictment alleges that Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng, as instructed by Mr. Hung-Chiu Hu, purchased repurchase notes on January 6, January 13, and January 28, 2004 from Founder Associates Limited, a British Virgin Islands company affiliated with Mega Securities Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Barits International Securities Co., Ltd.), with an aggregate principal amount of approximately US$29 million, by using corporate funds from ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin. The indictment further alleges that these repurchase notes were used as a cover to misuse the corporate funds of Mosel, and its affiliated entities, including ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin, in violation of ROC law. In addition, the indictment alleges that Mr. Hu and others were engaged in the insider trading of the securities of Mosel in violation of ROC law, but none of the current officers at ChipMOS Taiwan or ThaiLin was indicted in this regard.

On January 5, 2006, our board established a special committee to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the indictment of Mr. Cheng. The special committee engaged K&L Gates LLP (formerly Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP) as its independent international legal counsel, Baker & McKenzie as its independent ROC legal counsel, and Ernst & Young (formerly Diwan, Ernst & Young) as its financial advisor to assist in its investigation. As of March 31, 2012, the special committee was solely comprised of Mr. Yeong-Her Wang, our independent director.

The special committee’s investigation focused on (1) the probability that Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng would be convicted on the charges described in the indictment, (2) whether the indictment resulted in any pecuniary or other damage to us, (3) whether there were any internal control weaknesses related to the investments in repurchase notes within ChipMOS Bermuda and its subsidiaries and (4) whether ChipMOS Bermuda is required by applicable laws or the NASDAQ Global Select Market listing requirements to take any action in connection with the indictment. The special committee did not attempt to independently determine whether Mr. Cheng had engaged in any wrongdoing in connection with the investments in repurchase notes, irrespective of whether such wrongdoing would lead to a conviction on the charges under the indictment.

 

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On June 28, 2006, the special committee issued its report, including its findings and recommendations. Based upon the results of its investigation, it found that (1) Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng has declared himself not guilty of the charges described in the indictment, (2) Baker & McKenzie, after reviewing the indictment and the prosecutor’s exhibits, has found that the evidence produced by the prosecutor seems to be inadequate and that there is a low probability of the charge of irregular transactions in the indictment being founded, (3) the financial advisor to the special committee has found that we suffered no loss (not taking into account exchange rate factors) and that all monies (capital and interest) were remitted back to our subsidiaries involved, (4) we have suffered no identifiable harm to our reputation or business and (5) Mr. Cheng has not been impaired by the indictment to perform as our chairman and chief executive officer. The special committee recommended that our board maintain Mr. Cheng as our chairman and chief executive officer with full responsibilities and our board unanimously (with Mr. Cheng having recused himself) resolved to accept and adopt the special committee’s recommendation with regard to Mr. Cheng. Our board of directors also resolved to continue the role of the special committee for the duration of the ongoing criminal proceeding involving Mr. Cheng to actively monitor any developments of the criminal investigation and take or recommend any appropriate action in light of such developments.

On October 1, 2007, the Taipei District Court found Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng not guilty, and on October 22, 2007, the prosecutor appealed the Taipei District Court decision at the Taiwan High Court. The Taiwan High Court held four trial hearings in 2008, six trial hearings in 2009 and six trial hearings in 2010. Due to the rotation of the judges in the meantime, a new bench was formed at the beginning of 2010 to try this case. Two trial hearings have since been conducted by the new bench in 2011. Another trial hearing was scheduled on May 21, 2012.

Theoretically, as a result of prosecutor’s appeal, Mr. Cheng may still be convicted of one or more charges in the indictment. In addition, new evidence that leads to additional criminal charges and/or an adverse judgment against Mr. Cheng may be produced during the ongoing criminal investigation, and the special committee may make recommendations to our board in respect of Mr. Cheng’s positions with us or our subsidiaries. However, up to the present, no new evidence or charge has been presented or collected by the prosecutor or the Court. Therefore, we are reasonably confident that the non-guilty judgment for Mr. Cheng will be maintained by the Taiwan High Court. If Mr. Cheng is convicted, or in light of any new developments, the special committee may recommend or our board of directors may otherwise decide that it is in the Company’s best interests that Mr. Cheng no longer serves in all or some of his current capacities with us or our subsidiaries, or if Mr. Cheng resigns as a result of a final adverse judgment rendered against him by the court, or otherwise, the public perception of us may be seriously harmed and we would lose some or all of the services of Mr. Cheng. In addition, if Mr. Cheng is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment, the ROC Financial Supervisory Commission may subject ChipMOS Taiwan or ThaiLin to certain restrictions on financing activities if Mr. Cheng continues to serve as the chairman or president of ChipMOS Taiwan or ThaiLin. Mr. Cheng is very important to our current on-going business operations and our relationships with our customers and financing sources, and our loss of his services due to and any adverse publicity from the trial or conviction of Mr. Cheng or other key personnel could materially and adversely affect our business, reputation and prospects and therefore cause our stock price to decline.

We depend on key customers for a substantial portion of our net revenue and a loss of, or deterioration of the business from, or delayed payment by, any one of these customers could result in decreased net revenue and materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We depend on a small group of customers for a substantial portion of our business. In 2011, our top five customers, collectively accounted for 50% of our net revenue. As part of our strategy, we have been focusing on sales to key customers through long-term service agreements. We also focus on our business with smaller customers and customers who do not place orders on a regular basis. We expect that we will continue to depend on a relatively limited number of customers for a significant portion of our net revenue. Any adverse development in our key customers’ operations, competitive position or customer base could materially reduce our net revenue and adversely affect our business and profitability.

ProMOS is an affiliate of Mosel. Commencing April 1, 2011, Mosel and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are no longer related parties to the Company. In March 2008, ProMOS defaulted on its payment obligations under our long-term service agreement. In November 2008, we entered into a revised subcontracting contract with ProMOS by requiring ProMOS to provide wafers with a value of 80% of the subcontracting fee as collateral. Effective March 2009, we started to request prepayments from ProMOS. In May 2009, a further revised subcontracting contract was entered into by and between us and ProMOS under which ProMOS provided us with wafer as a pledge for its payment obligations and Work-In-Process, or WIP and existing finished goods would serve as lien material. Part of ProMOS’ receivables had been recovered through sales of the pledged wafer and lien material back to ProMOS with a discount to market price, and the remaining outstanding accounts receivables have been secured by equipment mortgage under the same contract arrangement. NT$7 million was received by April 2010. The remaining outstanding accounts receivables have been paid under the amended subcontracting contract and settlement with ProMOS. ProMOS paid us NT$200 million and NT$24 million in May 2010 and December 2010, respectively and the remaining NT$202 million was paid in nine monthly installments ended on March 15, 2011. All sums have been received in 2011. We have no other concern regarding the collection with ProMOS in 2011. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Customers”.

 

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In January 2009, Spansion defaulted on its payment obligations under our long-term service agreement and we subsequently terminated the long-term service agreement with Spansion on February 19, 2009. On March 1, 2009, Spansion filed for a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. On January 25, 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a definitive Transfer of Claim Agreement to sell to Citigroup Financial Products Inc. (“Citigroup”) the general unsecured claim reflected in the proof of claim against Spansion. In February 2010, we received from Citigroup the purchase price for the Undisputed Claim of NT$1,118 million against accounts receivable of NT$2,186 million. We recognized a related loss on sale of receivables of NT$1,068 million and we reversed the related allowance for doubtful receivables of NT$2,186 million in 2010. On October 4, 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a settlement agreement with Spansion LLC for the general unsecured claim on breach of contract and liquidated damages rights reflected in the proof of claim, Claim No. 5, against Spansion Inc., Spansion Technology LLC, Spansion LLC, Spansion International Inc. and Cerium Laboratories LLC filed by ChipMOS Taiwan in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In October 2010, the Company received payment of NT$2,118 million under the Transfer of Claim Agreement to Citigroup. See “Item 4. Information on the Company— Customers”.

Since semiconductor companies generally rely on service providers with whom they have established relationships to meet their testing and assembly needs for their applications and new customers usually require us to pass a lengthy and rigorous qualification process, if we lose any of our key customers, we may not be able to replace them in a timely manner. We cannot assure you that receivable collection difficulties experienced by us will not occur in the future. If any of our key customers reduces or cancels its orders or terminates existing contractual arrangements, and if we are unable to attract new customers and establish new contractual arrangements with existing or new customers, our net revenue could be reduced and our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Because of our high fixed costs, if we are unable to achieve relatively high capacity utilization rates, our earnings and profitability may be adversely affected.

Our operations are characterized by a high proportion of fixed costs. For memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductor testing services, our fixed costs represented 80%, 73% and 68% of our total cost of revenue in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. For memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductor assembly services, our fixed costs represented 30%, 24% and 23% of our total cost of revenue in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. For LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services, our fixed costs represented 64%, 55% and 52% of our total cost of revenue in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. For bumping services, our fixed costs represented 38%, 27% and 23% of our total cost of revenue in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Our profitability depends in part not only on absolute pricing levels for our services, but also on the utilization rates for our testing and assembly equipment, commonly referred to as “capacity utilization rates”. Increases or decreases in our capacity utilization rates can significantly affect our gross margins as unit costs generally decrease as the fixed costs are allocated over a larger number of units. In the past, our capacity utilization rates have fluctuated significantly as a result of the fluctuations in the market demand for semiconductors. If we fail to increase or maintain our capacity utilization rates, our earnings and profitability may be adversely affected. In addition, we have entered into various long-term assembly and testing services agreements with certain of our customers that may require us to incur significant capital expenditures. If we are unable to achieve high capacity utilization rates for the equipment purchased pursuant to these agreements, our gross margins may be materially and adversely affected.

The testing and assembly process is complex and our production yields and customer relationships may suffer as a result of defects or malfunctions in our testing and assembly equipment and the introduction of new packages.

Semiconductor testing and assembly are complex processes that require significant technological and process expertise. Semiconductor testing involves sophisticated testing equipment and computer software. We develop computer software to test our customers’ semiconductors. We also develop conversion software programs that enable us to test semiconductors on different types of testers. Similar to most software programs, these software programs are complex and may contain programming errors or “bugs”. In addition, the testing process is subject to human error by our employees who operate our testing equipment and related software. Any significant defect in our testing or conversion software, malfunction in our testing equipment or human error could reduce our production yields and damage our customer relationships.

The assembly process involves a number of steps, each of which must be completed with precision. Defective packages primarily result from:

 

   

contaminants in the manufacturing environment;

 

   

human error;

 

   

equipment malfunction;

 

   

defective raw materials; or

 

   

defective plating services.

 

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These and other factors have, from time to time, contributed to lower production yields. They may do so in the future, particularly as we expand our capacity or change our processing steps. In addition, to be competitive, we must continue to expand our offering of packages. Our production yields on new packages typically are significantly lower than our production yields on our more established packages. Our failure to maintain high standards or acceptable production yields, if significant and prolonged, could result in a loss of customers, increased costs of production, delays, substantial amounts of returned goods and related claims by customers. Further, to the extent our customers have set target production yields, we may be required to compensate our customers in a pre-agreed manner. Any of these problems could materially adversely affect our business reputation and result in reduced net revenue and profitability.

Because of the highly cyclical nature of our industry, our capital requirements are difficult to plan. If we cannot obtain additional capital when we need it, we may not be able to maintain or increase our current growth rate and our profits will suffer.

As our industry is highly cyclical and rapidly changing, our capital requirements are difficult to plan. To remain competitive, we may need capital to fund the expansion of our facilities as well as to fund our equipment purchases and research and development activities. To meet our liquidity, capital spending and other capital needs, we have taken and plan to take certain measures to generate additional working capital and to save cash. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources”. We cannot assure you that these plans and measures will be implemented or will provide sufficient sources of capital.

In addition, future capacity expansions or market or other developments may require additional funding. Our ability to obtain external financing in the future depends on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. They include:

 

   

our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows;

 

   

general market conditions for financing activities by semiconductor testing and assembly companies; and

 

   

economic, political and other conditions in Taiwan and elsewhere.

If we are unable to obtain funding in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, our growth prospects and potential future profitability will suffer.

Disputes over intellectual property rights could be costly, deprive us of technologies necessary for us to stay competitive, render us unable to provide some of our services and reduce our opportunities to generate revenue.

Our ability to compete successfully and achieve future growth will depend, in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary technologies and to secure, on commercially acceptable terms, critical technologies that we do not own. We cannot assure you that we will be able to independently develop, or secure from any third party, the technologies required for our testing and assembly services. Our failure to successfully obtain these technologies may seriously harm our competitive position and render us unable to provide some of our services.

Our ability to compete successfully also depends on our ability to operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of others. The semiconductor testing and assembly industry is characterized by frequent litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. We may incur legal liabilities if we infringe upon the intellectual property or other proprietary rights of others. We are not able to ascertain what patent applications have been filed in the United States or elsewhere, however, until they are granted. If any third party succeeds in its intellectual property infringement claims against us or our customers, we could be required to:

 

   

discontinue using the disputed process technologies, which would prevent us from offering some of our testing and assembly services;

 

   

pay substantial monetary damages;

 

   

develop non-infringing technologies, which may not be feasible; or

 

   

acquire licenses to the infringed technologies, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

 

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Any one of these developments could impose substantial financial and administrative burdens on us and hinder our business. We are, from time to time, involved in litigation in respect of intellectual property rights. Any litigation, whether as plaintiff or defendant, is costly and diverts our resources. If we fail to obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms or if litigation, regardless of the outcome, relating to patent infringement or other intellectual property matters occurs, our costs could be substantially increased to impact our margins. Any such litigation could also prevent us from testing and assembling particular products or using particular technologies, which could reduce our opportunities to generate revenue. For more information on litigation in respect of intellectual property rights, see “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings”.

If we are unable to obtain raw materials and other necessary inputs from our suppliers in a timely and cost-effective manner, our production schedules would be delayed and we may lose customers and growth opportunities and become less profitable.

Our operations require us to obtain sufficient quantities of raw materials at acceptable prices in a timely and cost-effective manner. We source most of our raw materials, including critical materials like leadframes, organic substrates, epoxy, gold wire and molding compound for assembly, and tapes for TCP/COF, from a limited group of suppliers. We purchase all of our materials on a purchase order basis and have no long-term contracts with any of our suppliers. From time to time, suppliers have extended lead times, increased the price or limited the supply of required materials to us because of market shortages. Consequently, we may, from time to time, experience difficulty in obtaining sufficient quantities of raw materials on a timely basis. In addition, from time to time, we may reject materials that do not meet our specifications, resulting in declines in output or yield. Although we typically maintain at least two suppliers for each key raw material, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain sufficient quantities of raw materials and other supplies of an acceptable quality in the future. It usually takes from three to six months to switch from one supplier to another, depending on the complexity of the raw material. If we are unable to obtain raw materials and other necessary inputs in a timely and cost-effective manner, we may need to delay our production and delivery schedules, which may result in the loss of business and growth opportunities and could reduce our profitability.

If we are unable to obtain additional testing and assembly equipment or facilities in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost, we may be unable to fulfill our customers’ orders and may become less competitive and less profitable.

The semiconductor testing and assembly business is capital intensive and requires significant investment in expensive equipment manufactured by a limited number of suppliers. The market for semiconductor testing and assembly equipment is characterized, from time to time, by intense demand, limited supply and long delivery cycles. Our operations and expansion plans depend on our ability to obtain equipment from a limited number of suppliers in a timely and cost-effective manner. We have no binding supply agreements with any of our suppliers and we acquire our testing and assembly equipment on a purchase order basis, which exposes us to changing market conditions and other significant risks. Semiconductor testing and assembly also requires us to operate sizeable facilities. If we are unable to obtain equipment or facilities in a timely manner, we may be unable to fulfill our customers’ orders, which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations as well as our growth prospects. Previously we have committed to acquire certain wafer sorting testers and probers under our long-term service agreement with Spansion. We terminated that agreement and commitment on February 19, 2009, after Spansion defaulted on its payment obligations. Currently, we do not have any long-term service agreements that require our commitment to acquire additional testing and assembly equipment or facilities, however we cannot assure you that such commitment will not be made in the future. See “Item 4. Information on the Company— Customers”.

If we are unable to manage the expansion of our operations and resources effectively, our growth prospects may be limited and our future profitability may be reduced.

We expect to continue to expand our operations and increase the number of our employees. Rapid expansion puts a strain on our managerial, technical, financial, operational and other resources. As a result of our expansion, we will need to implement additional operational and financial controls and hire and train additional personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so effectively in the future, and our failure to do so could jeopardize our expansion plans and seriously harm our operations.

Bermuda law may be less protective of shareholder rights than laws of the United States or other jurisdictions.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum of association, our bye-laws and laws governing corporations incorporated in Bermuda. Shareholder suits such as class actions (as these terms are understood with respect to corporations incorporated in the United States) are generally not available in Bermuda. Therefore, our shareholders may be less able under Bermuda law than they would be under the laws of the United States or other jurisdictions to protect their interests in connection with actions by our management, members of our board of directors or our controlling shareholder.

 

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It may be difficult to bring and enforce suits against us in the United States.

We are incorporated in Bermuda and a majority of our directors and most of our officers are not residents of the United States. A substantial portion of our assets is located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for our shareholders to serve notice of a lawsuit on us or our directors and officers within the United States. Because most of our assets are located outside the United States, it may be difficult for our shareholders to enforce in the United States judgments of United States courts. Appleby, our Bermuda counsel, has advised us that there is some uncertainty as to the enforcement in Bermuda, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of liabilities predicated upon United States federal securities laws.

Investor confidence and the market price of our common shares may be adversely impacted if we or our independent public registered accounting firm is unable to conclude that our internal control over our financial reporting is effective as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

We are subject to the SEC’s reporting obligations, and beginning in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006, we have been required by the SEC, as directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to include a report of management on our internal control over financial reporting in our Annual Report on Form 20-F that contains an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Beginning in fiscal year 2007, our independent public registered accounting firm has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Although our management concluded that our internal controls are effective in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, and our independent public registered accounting firm has rendered its opinion that we maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission (COSO), our management may not conclude that our internal controls are effective in the future. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal controls over our financial reporting are effective, our independent public registered accounting firm may disagree. If our independent public registered accounting firm is not satisfied with our internal controls over our financial reporting or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if the independent public registered accounting firm interprets the requirements, rules or regulations differently from us, it may decline to attest to our management’s assessment or may issue an adverse opinion in the future. Any of these possible outcomes could result in an adverse reaction in the financial marketplace due to a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our consolidated financial statements, which ultimately could negatively impact the market prices of our common shares.

Any environmental claims or failure to comply with any present or future environmental regulations, or any new environmental regulations, may require us to spend additional funds, may impose significant liability on us for present, past or future actions, and may dramatically increase the cost of providing our services to our customers.

We are subject to various laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge and disposal of chemical by-products of, and water used in, our assembly and gold bumping processes. Although we have not suffered material environmental claims in the past, a failure or a claim that we have failed to comply with any present or future regulations could result in the assessment of damages or imposition of fines against us, suspension of production or a cessation of our operations or negative publicity. New regulations could require us to acquire costly equipment or to incur other significant expenses. Any failure on our part to control the use of, or adequately restrict the discharge of, hazardous substances could subject us to future liabilities that may materially reduce our earnings.

Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in foreign exchange losses.

Currently, most of our net revenue is denominated in NT dollars. Our cost of revenue and operating expenses, on the other hand, are incurred in several currencies, including NT dollars, Japanese yen, US dollars and Renminbi, or RMB. In addition, a substantial portion of our capital expenditures, primarily for the purchase of testing and assembly equipment, has been, and is expected to continue to be, denominated in Japanese yen with much of the remainder in US dollars. We also have debt denominated in NT dollars, Japanese yen, US dollars and RMB. Fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily among the US dollar, the NT dollar and the Japanese yen, will affect our costs and operating margins in NT dollar terms. In addition, these fluctuations could result in exchange losses and increased costs in NT dollar terms. Despite selective hedging and other techniques implemented by us, fluctuations in exchange rates have affected, and may continue to affect, our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We may not be successful in our acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and dispositions, and may therefore be unable to implement fully our business strategy.

As part of our growth strategy, we may make acquisitions and investments in companies and businesses, establish joint ventures or make dispositions of our interests. For example, in September 2007, we acquired all outstanding common shares of ChipMOS Taiwan through a share exchange transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan. In February 2010, we agreed to sell 15.8% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares to Siliconware Precision and the transaction was completed in January 2011. The success of our acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and dispositions depends on a number of factors, including:

 

   

our ability to identify suitable investment, acquisition, joint venture or disposition opportunities;

 

   

our ability to reach an agreement for an acquisition, investment, joint venture or disposition opportunity on terms that are satisfactory to us or at all;

 

   

the extent to which we are able to exercise control over the acquired or joint venture company;

 

   

our ability to align the economic, business or other strategic objectives and goals of the acquired company with those of our company; and

 

   

our ability to successfully integrate the acquired or joint venture company or business with our company.

If we are unsuccessful in our acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and dispositions, we may not be able to implement fully our business strategy to maintain or grow our business.

We depend on key personnel, and our revenue could decrease and our costs could increase if we lose their services.

We depend on the continued service of our executive officers and skilled engineering, technical and other personnel. We will also be required to hire a substantially greater number of skilled employees in connection with our expansion plans. In particular, we depend on a number of skilled employees in connection with our LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services, and the competition for such employees in Taiwan and Mainland China is intense. We may not be able to either retain our present personnel or attract additional qualified personnel as and when needed. Moreover, we do not carry key person insurance for any of our executive officers nor do we have employment contracts with any of our executive officers or employees, and, as a result, none of our executive officers or employees is bound by any non-competition agreement. If we lose any of our key personnel, it could be very difficult to find and integrate replacement personnel, which could affect our ability to provide our services, resulting in reduced net revenue and earnings. In addition, we may need to increase employee compensation levels in order to retain our existing officers and employees and to attract additional personnel. As of March 31, 2012, 9.3% of the workforce at our facilities are foreign workers employed by us under work permits that are subject to government regulations on renewal and other terms. Consequently, if the regulations in Taiwan relating to the employment of foreign workers were to become significantly more restrictive or if we are otherwise unable to attract or retain these workers at reasonable cost, we may be unable to maintain or increase our level of services and may suffer reduced net revenue and earnings.

If our security measures are breached and unauthorized access is obtained to our information technology systems, we may lose proprietary data.

Our security measures may be breached as a result of third-party action, including computer hackers, employees error, malfeasance or otherwise, and result in unauthorized access to our customers’ data or our data, including our intellectual property and other confidential business information, or our information technology systems. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, or to sabotage systems, change frequently, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Any security breach could result in disclosure of our trade secrets, confidential customer, supplier or employee data, which could result in legal liability, harm to our reputation and otherwise harm our business.

 

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Risk Relating to Our Relationship with Mosel

ChipMOS Taiwan entered into certain transactions that, if determined to have constituted impermissible financings or purchases of assets or equity of Mosel under ROC law, could result in the resignations of members of our management. As a result, our business operations could be disrupted and the market price of our common shares could decline.

ROC law limits the ability of a company incorporated in Taiwan to purchase any equity interest in companies, directly or indirectly, holding more than 50% of its issued and outstanding voting securities or registered capital or to provide loans or other financing to any company. ChipMOS Taiwan purchased NT$242 million worth of Mosel shares in 2002. Lee and Li, our ROC special counsel, has advised us that these purchases do not violate relevant ROC law that prohibits a subsidiary from buying or taking collateral in shares of companies holding, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of its issued and outstanding voting securities or registered capital, because Mosel’s indirect interest (calculated as the product of (i) Mosel’s percentage interest in ChipMOS Bermuda and (ii) ChipMOS Bermuda’s percentage interest in ChipMOS Taiwan) in ChipMOS Taiwan was less than 50% and ChipMOS Bermuda is incorporated outside of Taiwan. In 2005, ChipMOS Taiwan disposed of NT$84 million of Mosel shares, and in August 2006, ChipMOS Taiwan further disposed of the remaining Mosel shares for approximately NT$30 million. ChipMOS Taiwan no longer owns any Mosel shares. Lee and Li has advised that under relevant ROC law, there is no similar restriction or limitation on a subsidiary’s disposal of its parent’s equity shares, if the previous acquisitions of such shares complied with relevant ROC law. However, we understand that there is no applicable judicial precedent and there is some doubt as to how a court would rule if presented with the situation.

If it were to be determined that any of the transactions described above constituted an impermissible financing or purchase of assets of Mosel by ChipMOS Taiwan or an impermissible purchase of Mosel’s equity by ChipMOS Taiwan, then ChipMOS Taiwan’s then chairman and any responsible officers would be jointly and severally liable to ChipMOS Taiwan for any losses suffered by ChipMOS Taiwan and may also be severally liable criminally for any breach of fiduciary duties that resulted in losses and damages suffered by ChipMOS Taiwan. Moreover, certain of these transactions may not have been in full compliance with ChipMOS Taiwan’s then applicable internal procedures due to the failure to have received an appropriate valuation opinion prior to entering into such purchases. The failure to comply fully with ChipMOS Taiwan’s then applicable internal procedures could constitute evidence of a failure by the then chairman of ChipMOS Taiwan and responsible officers to comply fully with their fiduciary duties, which could result in them being held criminally liable for any breach of fiduciary duties that resulted in losses and damages to ChipMOS Taiwan. If members of our current management were held to have breached their fiduciary duties or become criminally liable for the transactions described above, they may become obliged, whether under law or otherwise, to resign from their respective positions at ChipMOS Bermuda and our affiliates. Any loss of the services of these persons could disrupt our business, damage our reputation, and cause the market price of our common shares to decline.

Risks Relating to Countries in Which We Conduct Operations

ROC laws and regulations limit or prohibit certain technology cooperation between ROC persons or entities with PRC persons or entities, and our current technology transfer arrangements between ChipMOS Bermuda and ChipMOS Shanghai may be found to be in violation of any such limitation or prohibition, which may result in a fine of between NT$50 thousand and NT$25 million and the termination of such technology transfer arrangements and therefore have a material adverse effect on the operations of ChipMOS Shanghai and our financial condition and results of operations.

ROC laws and regulations previously prohibited any transfer of semiconductor testing and assembly technologies to any person or entity located in Mainland China, except for transfers involving certain low-end semiconductor testing and assembly technologies, such as conventional wire bond assembly technology, if certain requirements are met. The ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs has the ultimate administrative authority in interpreting such laws and regulations. In February 2010, these restrictions have been relaxed, so that ROC entities may transfer semiconductor testing and assembly technologies to any person or entity located in Mainland China after they have obtained approval from the Investment Commission of the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs, or the ICM. Under a technology transfer agreement, dated August 1, 2002, ChipMOS Bermuda licensed to ChipMOS Shanghai certain testing and assembly-related technologies that were then controlled by ChipMOS Bermuda, which included technologies that were licensed to ChipMOS Bermuda by ChipMOS Taiwan. ChipMOS Bermuda will continue to license such technologies to ChipMOS Shanghai pursuant to a new technology transfer agreement dated October 3, 2011 with effective date on August 1, 2012. ChipMOS Bermuda also provided ChipMOS Shanghai with technical support and consulting services under this agreement. On April 7, 2004, ChipMOS Bermuda entered into an assignment agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan, pursuant to which ChipMOS Taiwan transferred all of the technologies it owned as of that date to ChipMOS Bermuda, including those previously licensed to ChipMOS Bermuda. On April 12, 2007, ChipMOS Bermuda entered into an assignment agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan, pursuant to which ChipMOS Taiwan assigned and transferred fifty percent of the title to ownership of and interest in all of the technologies and intellectual property it owned as of that date to ChipMOS Bermuda.

 

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In the opinion of Lee and Li, our ROC special counsel, our technology transfer arrangements as described above are in compliance with all applicable ROC laws and regulations. However, substantial uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation and application of those laws and regulations. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that ROC regulatory authorities will not take a view contrary to the opinion of our ROC special counsel. If ChipMOS Taiwan were determined to be in violation of applicable ROC laws and regulations governing technology cooperation with PRC persons and entities, ChipMOS Taiwan may be subject to a fine of between NT$50 thousand and NT$25 million and may be ordered by the ICM to terminate or rectify such activity within a specified period of time. Any termination of our current technology transfer to ChipMOS Shanghai could materially adversely affect our Mainland China operations and our financial condition, results of operations or prospects, as well as the market price of our common shares.

Our ability to direct the operations we conduct through our subsidiaries and affiliated companies that we do not fully own may be limited by legal duties owed to other shareholders of such companies.

Certain of our operations are conducted through companies that we do not fully own. For example, certain current consolidated operations are conducted through ChipMOS Taiwan, our 84.2% subsidiary as of March 31, 2012, ThaiLin, ChipMOS Taiwan’s 42.9% owned subsidiary as of March 31, 2012, and ChipMOS Shanghai, ThaiLin’s wholly-owned subsidiary as of March 31, 2012. We also conduct other activities through our affiliated entities.

In accordance with the various laws of the relevant jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries and affiliates are organized, each of our subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective directors owe various duties to their respective shareholders. As a result, the actions we wish our subsidiaries or affiliates to take could be in conflict with their or their directors’ legal duties owed to their other shareholders. When those conflicts arise, our ability to cause our subsidiaries or affiliates to take the action that we desire may be limited.

Any future outbreak of health epidemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases, including avian influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or H1N1 influenza may materially affect our operations and business.

An outbreak of a contagious disease such as New Influenza A (H1N1) or more commonly known as the “swine flue”, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), or more recently, avian influenza with subtypes H5N1 and H3N2, for which there is inadequate treatment or no known cure or vaccine, may potentially result in a quarantine of infected employees and related persons, and adversely affect our operations at one or more of our facilities or the operations of our customers or suppliers. We cannot predict the impact that any further future outbreak of the aforementioned influenza viruses or other diseases could have on our business and results of operations.

We face substantial political risk associated with doing business in Taiwan, particularly due to recent domestic political events and the strained relations between the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China, that could negatively affect our business and the market price of our common shares.

Our principal executive offices and most of our testing and assembly facilities are located in Taiwan. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations and the market price of our common shares may be affected by changes in ROC governmental policies, as well as social instability and diplomatic and social developments in or affecting Taiwan which are beyond our control. For example, the ROC has a unique international political status. The PRC government regards Taiwan as a renegade province and does not recognize the legitimacy of the ROC. Although significant economic and cultural relations have been strengthened in recent years between the ROC and the PRC, relations have often been strained. In March 2005, the PRC government enacted the “Anti-Secession Law” codifying its policy of retaining the right to use military force to gain control over Taiwan, particularly under what it considers as highly provocative circumstances, such as a declaration of independence by Taiwan or the refusal by the ROC to accept the PRC’s stated “One China” policy. Past developments related to the interaction between the ROC and the PRC have on occasion depressed the market prices of the securities of Taiwanese or Taiwan-related companies, including our own. Relations between the ROC and the PRC and other factors affecting military, political or economic conditions in Taiwan could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, as well as the market price and the liquidity of our common shares.

We are vulnerable to natural disasters and other events disruptive to our business and operations.

We currently provide most of our testing services through our facilities in the Hsinchu Industrial Park and the Hsinchu Science Park in Taiwan and the Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone, and all of our assembly services through our facilities in the Southern Taiwan Science Park in Taiwan and the Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone. Significant damage or other impediments to these facilities as a result of natural disasters, industrial strikes or industrial accidents could significantly increase our operating costs.

 

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Taiwan is particularly susceptible to earthquakes and typhoons. For example, in late 1999, Taiwan suffered severe earthquakes that caused significant property damage and loss of life, particularly in the central part of Taiwan. These earthquakes damaged production facilities and adversely affected the operations of many companies involved in the semiconductor and other industries. We experienced NT$1 million in damages to our machinery and equipment, NT$6 million in damages to our facilities, NT$1 million in damages to our inventory and five days of delay in our production schedule as a result of these earthquakes.

In January and February 2008, certain parts of Mainland China, particularly in the southern, central and eastern regions, experienced reportedly the most severe winter weather in the country in recent decades, which resulted in significant and extensive damages to factories, power lines, homes, automobiles, crops and other properties, blackouts, transportation and communications disruptions and other losses in the affected areas. In addition, in May 2008, certain semiconductor companies with facilities in eastern Mainland China experienced production disruption reportedly due to power stoppages caused by the failure of certain electricity supply system in the area where the plants are located. We cannot assure you that our facilities in the Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone will not be adversely affected by future snowstorms, power shortages, earthquakes or other similar events.

The 2011 Sendai earthquake and tsunami was a 9.0-magnitude (Mw) undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred on March 11, 2011 (the “2011 Sendai Earthquake”). The 2011 Sendai Earthquake was recorded as most powerful earthquake to hit Japan and the fourth most powerful earthquake in the world overall. The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings and evacuations along Japan’s Pacific coast and in at least 20 countries, including Taiwan and Mainland China. The earthquake and tsunami resulted in deaths, injuries and people missing across the affected Japanese prefectures and caused extensive and severe property damage in Japan, including heavy damage to roads and railways as well as fires in many areas, and dam collapse. Many electrical generators were disabled, and at least three nuclear power plant reactors partially melted down and experienced a chemical explosion extensively damaging surrounding buildings. We cannot assure you that our production facilities, operations and market located in Taiwan and Mainland China will not be adversely affected as result of the 2011 Sendai Earthquake, including as a result of radiation emission from the damaged nuclear power plants or subsequent future earthquakes that may take place.

The production facilities of many of our suppliers and customers and providers of complementary semiconductor manufacturing services, including foundries, are located in Taiwan and Mainland China. If our customers are adversely affected by natural disasters or other events occurring in or affecting these geographic areas, it could result in a decline in the demand for our testing and assembly services. If our suppliers and providers of complementary semiconductor manufacturing services are affected by such events, our production schedule could be interrupted or delayed. As a result, a major earthquake, snowstorm, other natural disaster, industrial strike, industrial accident or other disruptive event occurring in or affecting Taiwan or Mainland China could severely disrupt the normal operation of business and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Any future outbreak of radiation-related disease as a result of nuclear power plant reactors damage caused by the 2011 Sendai Earthquake may materially adversely affect our operations and business.

The 2011 Sendai Earthquake raises tremendous concerns about the possible effects of radiation emission from the damaged nuclear power plants. Japanese official authorities are working with experts in assessing the risk and determining the best courses of actions to implement to escape harmful radiation. The potential health effects due to exposure to harmful radiation may be temporary or permanent harmful effects in nature.

Multiple radioactive gases could possibly be emitted in a situation where uranium attains a “meltdown” state, which is a severe overheating of the core of a nuclear reactor, in which the core melts and radiation and heat are caused to escape. This would occur if the containment system partially or fully fails. The particles that are released with the gases due to the meltdown would be the spewed particles of iodine-131, strontium-90 and cesium-137. These might enter into a human by being swallowed, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. Depending on the chemical characteristics of each of these and their predilection for certain body tissues, they could cause cancers of such organs as bones, soft tissues near bones, thyroid gland, and the bone marrow (typically known as leukemia).

Acute or very high level radiation exposure can cause a person to become very ill or to die quickly. Ionizing radiation, which is defined as high-energy particles or electromagnetic waves that can break chemical bonds, damage humans by disrupting cellular function, particularly in tissues with rapid growth and turnover of cells. Intense, high level and/or excessive radiation exposure may result in acute radiation syndrome whereby harmful effects to the human body may be evidenced by skin burns, internal organ deterioration, bleeding, vomiting, bone marrow distortion and deaths. If the radiation exposure is less intense and/or more prolonged at a lower level, then the central nervous system, kidneys, thyroid gland, and liver may be affected. Cancer is the most well known effect, and may affect virtually any significantly exposed tissue.

Certain health effects due to exposure to harmful radiation does not have adequate treatment or known cure or vaccine, consequently, may potentially result in a quarantine of infected employees and related persons, and adversely affect our operations at one or more of our facilities or the operations of our customers or suppliers. We cannot predict the probability of any future outbreak of radiation related diseases as a possible result of nuclear power plants damage caused by the 2011 Sendai Earthquake or the extent of the material adverse impact that this could have on our business and results of operations.

 

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Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure

Our ability to receive dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries may be restricted by commercial, statutory and legal restrictions, and thereby materially adversely affect our ability to grow, fund investments, make acquisitions, pay dividends, repay or repurchase outstanding indebtedness and otherwise fund and conduct our business.

The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us is restricted by, among other things, the availability of funds and the terms of various credit arrangements entered into by our subsidiaries, as well as statutory and other legal restrictions. In addition, although there are currently no foreign exchange control regulations which restrict the ability of our subsidiaries located in Taiwan to distribute dividends to us, we cannot assure you that the relevant regulations will not be changed and that the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute dividends to us will not be restricted in the future. A Taiwan company is generally not permitted to distribute dividends or to make any other distributions to shareholders for any year in which it did not have either earnings or retained earnings (excluding reserves). In addition, before distributing a dividend to shareholders following the end of a fiscal year, the company must recover any past losses, pay all outstanding taxes and set aside 10% of its annual net income (less prior years’ losses and outstanding taxes) as a legal reserve until the accumulated legal reserve equals its paid-in capital, and may set aside a special reserve.

In addition, PRC law requires that our PRC-incorporated subsidiary only distributes dividends out of its net income, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC law, it is also required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax net income each year into its reserve fund until the accumulated legal reserve amounts to 50% of its registered capital. PRC-incorporated companies are further required to maintain a bonus and welfare fund at percentages determined at their sole discretion. The reserve fund and the bonus and welfare fund are not distributable as dividends. Moreover, a ROC-incorporated company is only able to declare dividends at its annual general meeting of shareholders, which cannot occur until after completion of its annual financial statements. Any limitation on dividend payments by our subsidiaries could materially adversely affect our ability to grow, fund investments, make acquisitions, pay dividends, repay or repurchase outstanding indebtedness, and otherwise fund and conduct our business.

ThaiLin and He & Fang 2005 Revocable Living Trust, our two largest shareholders, may have significant influence over our company and may cause us to take actions that may not be, or refrain from taking actions that may be, in our best interest or the best interest of our other shareholders.

As of March 31, 2012, ThaiLin, ChipMOS Taiwan’s 42.9% owned subsidiary, directly owned 19.2% of our common shares. He & Fang 2005 Revocable Living Trust owned 10.3% of our common shares according to the 13G/A filed by He Zhengxu with SEC on January 10, 2012. These two largest shareholders, individually or collectively, through their equity interests may have significant influence over matters submitted to our shareholders for approval and other corporate actions, such as:

 

   

election of directors;

 

   

timing and manner of dividend distributions;

 

   

approval of contracts between us and these two largest shareholders or their respective affiliates, which could involve conflicts of interest;

 

   

open market purchase programs or other purchases of our common shares;

 

   

delay, defer or prevent a change in who controls us;

 

   

discourage bids for our shares at a premium over the market price; and

 

   

adversely affect the market price of our common shares.

Moreover, because large shareholders have potential power to direct or influence our corporate actions, we may be required to engage in transactions that may not be agreeable to our other shareholders or that may not be in the best interest of our other shareholders.

Our ability to make further investments in ChipMOS Taiwan may be dependent on regulatory approvals. If ChipMOS Taiwan is unable to receive the equity financing it requires, its ability to grow and fund its operations may be materially adversely affected.

As ChipMOS Taiwan is not a listed company, it generally depends on its shareholders, ChipMOS Bermuda and Siliconware Precision, to meet its equity financing requirements. Any capital contribution by us to ChipMOS Taiwan may require the approval of the relevant ROC authorities. For example, any capital contribution by us to ChipMOS Taiwan will require the approval of the authorities of the Science Park Administration. We may not be able to obtain any such approval in the future in a timely manner, or at all. If ChipMOS Taiwan is unable to receive the equity financing it requires, its ability to grow and fund its operations may be materially adversely affected.

 

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Risks Relating to Our Common Shares

Volatility in the price of our common shares may result in shareholder litigation that could in turn result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.

The financial markets in the United States and other countries have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations, and market prices of technology companies have been and continue to be extremely volatile. Volatility in the price of our common shares may be caused by factors outside of our control and may be unrelated or disproportionate to our results of operations. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, shareholders have frequently instituted securities class action litigation against that company. Litigation of this kind could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.

Certain provisions in our constitutive documents and in our severance agreements with our executive officers make the acquisition of us by another company more difficult and costly and therefore may delay, defer or prevent a change of control.

Our bye-laws provide that our board of directors is divided into three classes of directors, each class to be re-elected only once every three years. As a result, shareholders would not generally be able to replace a majority of the directors until after two annual general meetings. In addition, any extraordinary corporate transaction such as a merger, amalgamation or consolidation, or a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of our assets, cannot be done without the approval of shareholders representing 70% of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to vote at such general meeting called to consider such extraordinary transaction. These provisions in our constitutive documents may increase the difficulty faced by a party which seeks to acquire control of our board or to approve an extraordinary transaction.

In 2007, we entered into change in control severance agreements with certain executive officers pursuant to which we agreed to pay certain severance payments if a change in control event (as defined in the change in control severance agreements) occurs and the employment of such executive officer is terminated by our company other than for cause or by such executive officer for good reasons within two years following the occurrence of the change in control event. These agreements may increase the cost of a party seeking to effect a change in control of our company.

Future sales, pledge or issuance of common shares by us or our current shareholders could depress our share price and you may suffer dilution.

Sales of substantial amounts of shares in the public market, the perception that future sales may occur, or the pledge of a substantial portion of our common shares could depress the prevailing market price of our shares. As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 34 million common shares issued and outstanding. ThaiLin, He & Fang 2005 Revocable Living Trust, Siliconware Precision, Mosel, and DLS Capital Management, LLC, our five largest shareholders, owned 6,474,211, 3,479,751, 3,043,749, 2,698,659 and 2,252,889 common shares as of March 31, 2012, respectively, representing in the aggregate of approximately 53.2% of our outstanding common shares. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders”.

Mosel in the past decided to sell a significant portion of our common shares in order to raise funds. In June 2006, Mosel sold 6,956,522 (1,739,130) common shares through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Giant Haven, under a shelf registration statement which has since expired. In addition, in March 2007, we issued 12,174,998 (3,043,749) common shares pursuant to a share purchase and subscription agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan and Siliconware Precision, and we entered into a registration rights agreement in March 2007 with Siliconware Precision, pursuant to which we granted to Siliconware Precision certain rights to require us to register these common shares for sale under the Securities Act. In July 2007, Mosel sold 8,121,266 (2,030,316) common shares through Giant Haven to ProMOS and Powertech Technology, and we then granted Giant Haven, ProMOS and Powertech Technology certain rights to require us to register these common shares for sale under the Securities Act. For a shareholder that is not our affiliate these shares may be resold pursuant to Rule 144 after lapse of the applicable holding period. In 2008, ProMOS failed to meet its payment obligations to ThaiLin. Subsequently in March 2009, ThaiLin acquired 4,060,633 (1,015,158) common shares from ProMOS pursuant to its enforcement of the collateral under a Stock Pledge Agreement between ThaiLin and ProMOS dated December 3, 2008. Furthermore, each of Siliconware Precision, Mosel and ThaiLin may be able to sell, in any three-month period, that number of those ChipMOS common shares that each of Siliconware Precision, Mosel and ThaiLin owns, as the case may be, up to the greater of (i) one percent of our outstanding common shares or (ii) the average weekly trading volume of our common shares as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market during the four calendar weeks prior to filing a notice under Rule 144(h) for any such sales pursuant to Rule 144(e) under the Securities Act. In March 2012, Mosel sold 100,000 common shares through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Giant Haven, under Rule 144.

 

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On September 14, 2007, ChipMOS Bermuda issued 604,124 (151,031) common shares pursuant to a share exchange transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan, under which ChipMOS Bermuda exchanged one common share for every 8.4 ChipMOS Taiwan shares then outstanding. Following the completion of the share exchange transaction, ChipMOS Taiwan became our wholly-owned subsidiary. In February 2010, we agreed to sell 15.8% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares to Siliconware Precision. In January 2011, the share purchase transaction was completed and we owned 84.2% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares as of December 31, 2011. We plan to issue, from time to time, additional shares in connection with employee compensation and to finance possible future capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Share Option Plan and Share Appreciation Rights Plan” for a discussion of the Share Option Plan that we have adopted for the benefit of all of our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The issuance of additional shares may have a dilutive effect on other shareholders and may cause the price of our common shares to decrease.

In addition, the indictment relating to Mr. Hung-Chiu Hu alleges that embezzled funds were used in investments by PacMOS, which, as of March 31, 2012, owned 3% of our outstanding common shares. As a result, PacMOS may be ordered by relevant authorities to dispose of its investments made with any embezzled funds, which may result in a sale of our shares by PacMOS. A sale of a significant number of our shares by PacMOS or our other current shareholders could depress our share price.

The share numbers disclosed in the foregoing notes, contain corresponding adjusted figures in brackets denoting the effect of Company’s 1-for-every-4 reverse stock split effective on January 21, 2011.

If the trading price of our common shares declines, we may face a limited public market for our common shares and reduced availability of future debt or equity financing.

Companies listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) are subject to delisting for, among other things, failure to maintain a minimum closing bid price of US$1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. We are in compliance with the NASDAQ Listing Rules as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F. We were not in compliance with the NASDAQ minimum bid price requirement from September 15, 2009 until May 5, 2010, when we regained compliance. During this time, we applied for, and NASDAQ approved, the transfer of our listing from NASDAQ Global Select Market to NASDAQ Capital Market. If the bid price of our common stock falls below US$1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days again in the future, we may be subject to delisting. If our common shares are delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market, our common shares would likely trade in the over-the-counter market, which could make selling our common shares more difficult. Smaller quantities of shares would likely be bought and sold, transactions could be delayed, and security analysts’ coverage of us may be reduced. In addition, in the event our common shares are delisted, broker-dealers have certain regulatory burdens imposed upon them, which may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our common shares. These factors could limit our common shares’ liquidity and result in lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for our common shares.

Future declines in our share price could also significantly impair our ability to raise additional necessary capital through equity or debt financing, and could significantly increase ownership dilution to shareholders caused by our issuing equity in financing or other transactions. A general permission under the Exchange Control Act 1972 and the Exchange Control Regulation 1973 (and other relevant legislations and regulations) has been given by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) for the issue and transfer of our common shares, notes and other securities to and between non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, provided that our common shares remain listed on an appointed stock exchange (which includes listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market). There can be no assurance that the BMA will give the same or a similar consent in the event our common shares are no longer listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market or another appointed stock exchange. In the absence of such a general consent, specific consents of the BMA would be required for all issues and transfers of our shares, notes and other securities, unless such issues and/or transfers fall under certain exemptions as provided by the BMA.

 

Item 4. Information on the Company

Overview of the Company

We believe that we are one of the leading independent providers of semiconductor testing and assembly services. Specifically, we believe that we are one of the leading independent providers of testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors in Taiwan and for advanced memory and logic/mixed-signal products in Taiwan and Mainland China. The depth of our engineering expertise and the breadth of our testing and assembly technologies enable us to provide our customers with advanced and comprehensive testing and assembly services. In addition, our geographic presence in Taiwan and Mainland China is attractive to customers wishing to take advantage of the logistical and cost efficiencies stemming from our close proximity to foundries and producers of consumer electronic products in Taiwan and Mainland China. Our production facilities are located in Hsinchu and Tainan, Taiwan and Shanghai, Mainland China.

 

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Our Structure and History

We are a holding company, incorporated in August 2000 under the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (as amended) (the “Bermuda Companies Act”), under the name “ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD”. Our principal place of business is located at No. 1, R&D Road 1, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China and our phone number is (886) 3 563 3988. We provide most of our services in Taiwan through our subsidiary, ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC., or ChipMOS Taiwan, in which we hold a majority ownership interest, and its subsidiaries and investees. We also provide services in Mainland China through ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Shanghai) LTD., or ChipMOS Shanghai, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MODERN MIND TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, or Modern Mind, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp., or ThaiLin. As of March 31, 2012, ThaiLin, a 42.9% owned subsidiary of ChipMOS Taiwan, owned 19.2% of our common shares, He & Fang 2005 Revocable Living Trust, owned 10.3% of our common shares, Siliconware Precision, owned 9.0% of our common shares and 15.8% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares, and Mosel, indirectly owned 8.0% of our common shares.

The following chart illustrates our corporate structure and our equity interest in each of our principal subsidiaries and affiliates as of March 31, 2012.

 

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Notes:

(1) Under ROC Financial Accounting Standards and the regulations of the Taiwan Securities and Futures Bureau, we are required to consolidate the financial results of any subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling interest or voting interest in excess of 50%. We consolidated the financial results of ChipMOS Taiwan, ChipMOS Japan (which was liquidated in October 2009), ChipMOS USA, ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (H.K.) Limited, or ChipMOS Hong Kong (which was dissolved on July 20, 2011), Modern Mind, its wholly-owned subsidiary, ChipMOS Shanghai and ThaiLin.
(2) On March 27, 2007, we completed a share purchase and subscription transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan and Siliconware Precision, under which we and ChipMOS Taiwan purchased all of Siliconware Precision’s equity interest in ChipMOS Taiwan, and Siliconware Precision subscribed to 12,174,998 (3,043,749 shares as taking into effect of 1-for-every-4 reverse stock split effective on January 21, 2011) of our newly issued common shares through a private placement. Following such transaction, on September 14, 2007, we completed a share exchange transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan pursuant to which we exchanged one common share for every 8.4 ChipMOS Taiwan shares. Following the completion of the share exchange transaction, ChipMOS Taiwan became our wholly-owned subsidiary. In February 2010, we agreed to sell 15.8% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares to Siliconware Precision. The share purchase transaction was completed in January 2011. As of March 31, 2012, we owned 84.2% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares.

 

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Below is a description of our principal consolidated subsidiaries:

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. ChipMOS Taiwan was incorporated in Taiwan in July 1997 as a joint venture company of Mosel and Siliconware Precision and with the participation of other investors. Its operations consist of the testing and assembly of semiconductors as well as gold bumping and memory module manufacturing. We acquired our interest in ChipMOS Taiwan by issuing our common shares to ChipMOS Taiwan’s shareholders in exchange for their 70.3% shareholding in ChipMOS Taiwan in January 2001. In October 2001, ChipMOS Taiwan issued 6,911,732 common shares as employee bonuses. In December 2002, we issued 531,175 (132,793) common shares in exchange for 5,633,442 ChipMOS Taiwan common shares held by these employees.

On March 27, 2007, we completed a share purchase and subscription transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan and Siliconware Precision, under which we and ChipMOS Taiwan purchased all of Siliconware Precision’s equity interest in ChipMOS Taiwan, and Siliconware Precision subscribed to 12,174,998 (3,043,749) of our newly issued common shares through a private placement. As of March 31, 2007, we held 99.1% of the outstanding common shares of ChipMOS Taiwan.

On September 14, 2007, we completed a share exchange transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan pursuant to which we exchanged one common share for every 8.4 ChipMOS Taiwan shares. In connection with the share exchange transaction, ChipMOS Bermuda and ChipMOS Taiwan paid in the aggregate NT$53 million in cash to purchase fractional shares and shares held by dissenting shareholders, and ChipMOS Bermuda issued 604,124 (151,031) new common shares. Following the completion of the share exchange transaction, ChipMOS Taiwan became our wholly-owned subsidiary. In February 2010, we agreed to sell 15.8% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares to Siliconware Precision. The share purchase transaction was completed in January 2011. As of March 31, 2012, we owned 84.2% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares.

The share numbers disclosed in the foregoing notes, contain corresponding adjusted figures in brackets denoting the effect of Company’s 1-for-every-4 reverse stock split effective on January 21, 2011.

MODERN MIND TECHNOLOGY LIMITED and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Shanghai) LTD. Modern Mind was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in January 2002. Modern Mind conducts its operations through ChipMOS Shanghai, a wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in Mainland China in June 2002. ChipMOS Shanghai is engaged in wafer testing and semiconductor assembly and testing. We acquired a 100% equity interest in Modern Mind on December 12, 2002, and then transferred it to Jesper on December 31, 2002. In 2003, we acquired from Jesper a convertible note in the amount of US$37.5 million issued by Modern Mind that may be converted into a controlling equity interest in Modern Mind at a conversion rate of one ordinary share of Modern Mind for every US$1.00 if the repayment is not made when due. In 2004, we restructured our control of ChipMOS Shanghai and our Mainland China operations. On July 29, 2004, we replaced the US$37.5 million convertible note previously issued by Modern Mind in its entirety with a US$62.8 million demand note issued by Modern Mind, with the difference representing a US$25 million loan that we extended to Modern Mind from the net proceeds of our July 2004 offering of common shares. In addition, we extended a loan in the aggregate amount of US$50 million to Modern Mind from the net proceeds of our November 2004 convertible debt offering in exchange for demand notes issued by Modern Mind in the same aggregate amount (the “MMT Notes”). The MMT Notes were convertible at any time into common shares representing, immediately after the conversion, almost 100% of the then outstanding common shares of Modern Mind at a conversion rate of US$1.00 for each common share of Modern Mind. Payment under the MMT Notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Jesper and secured by a pledge agreement in respect of the entire equity interest in Modern Mind and ChipMOS Shanghai. We obtained from Jesper an irrevocable option to acquire at any time the common shares of Modern Mind then owned by Jesper. Under an assignment and assumption agreement signed on April 22, 2011 (the “MMT Assignment Agreement”), ChipMOS agreed to sell the MMT Notes to ThaiLin for a purchase price of approximately US$40 million subject to certain closing conditions. Post completion of MMT Assignment Agreement transaction, ThaiLin immediately converted the MMT Notes into common shares of Modern Mind and purchased all of the remaining common shares of Modern Mind from Jesper, with ChipMOS Shanghai becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of ThaiLin. The MMT Assignment Agreement was completed on October 3, 2011.

On July 1, 2010, ChipMOS Bermuda and ChipMOS Shanghai entered into an exclusive services agreement, pursuant to which ChipMOS Shanghai provides services exclusively to ChipMOS Bermuda or customers designated by ChipMOS Bermuda. Under the exclusive services agreement, ChipMOS Bermuda agrees to procure certain equipment required to render those services and consign such equipment for the exclusive use of ChipMOS Shanghai. The exclusive services agreement has a term of ten years and unless otherwise terminated by either party giving at least 30 days prior written notice to the expiration of such ten-year term, will automatically renew for another ten-year term upon its expiry. In addition, under the exclusive services agreement, ChipMOS Bermuda has the discretion to terminate the exclusive services agreement for any reason at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice to ChipMOS Shanghai.

 

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ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp. ThaiLin was incorporated in Taiwan in May 1996, and is listed on the GreTai Securities Market in Taiwan. It is engaged in the provision of semiconductor testing services. ChipMOS Taiwan acquired a 41.8% interest in ThaiLin in December 2002. Under applicable accounting principles, ThaiLin was consolidated into our consolidated financial statements in 2003 because ChipMOS Taiwan was deemed to exert significant control over ThaiLin through common directors and management.

On March 4, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan made a loan in an amount of NT$145 million that bears interest at a rate of 4.69% per annum to Taiwan Kolin Co. Ltd., or Kolin, a major shareholder of ThaiLin, ChipMOS Taiwan’s 42.9% owned subsidiary. NT$15 million of this loan was repaid in 2008. The loan is secured by a pledge by Kolin of 11 million common shares of ThaiLin. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp.”

As of March 31, 2012, ChipMOS Taiwan held (excluding the ThaiLin common shares pledged to us in connection with the loan to Kolin) a 42.9% interest in ThaiLin. Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng, our chairman and chief executive officer and the director and chairman of ChipMOS Taiwan, is also a director and the chairman of ThaiLin. In addition, four of the nine directors of ThaiLin are appointed by ChipMOS Taiwan. As of March 31, 2012, ThaiLin held 6,474,211 of our outstanding shares, corresponding to 19.2% of all of our outstanding shares. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Related Party Transactions—ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp”.

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (H.K.) Limited ChipMOS Hong Kong (formerly ChipMOS Far East Limited) was incorporated in Hong Kong in November 2002. It is engaged in semiconductor testing and assembly services and trading of spare parts and tools. Effective May 31, 2005, the name of ChipMOS Far East Limited was changed to ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (H.K.) Limited. ChipMOS Hong Kong was dissolved on July 20, 2011.

Industry Background

We provide a broad range of back-end testing services, including engineering testing, wafer probing and final testing of memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors. We also offer a broad selection of leadframe-based and organic substrate-based package assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors. Our advanced leadframe-based packages include thin small outline packages, or TSOPs, and our advanced organic substrate-based packages include fine-pitch ball grid array, or fine-pitch BGA, packages. In addition, we provide gold bumping, testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors by employing TCP, COF and COG technologies.

Semiconductors tested and assembled by us are used in personal computers, graphics applications, such as game consoles and personal digital assistants, or PDAs, communications equipment, such as cellular handsets, and consumer electronic products and display applications, such as flat-panel displays. In 2011, 32.4% of our net revenue was derived from testing services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors, 32.9% from assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors, 21.9% from LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services and 12.8% from bumping services for semiconductors.

Semiconductor Industry Trends

Growth in the semiconductor industry is largely driven by end-user demand for consumer electronics, communications equipment and computers, for which semiconductors are critical components. Highly cyclical, the worldwide semiconductor industry has experienced peaks and troughs over the last decade, with a severe downturn at the end of 2000 that was followed by a modest recovery in late 2002. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, the semiconductor industry commenced another downturn that increased in unprecedented severity into the first quarter of 2009. The overall semiconductor industry commenced to recover from the downturn in the second quarter of 2009 and the positive recovery trend continues in 2010 and 2011.

Selected Key Semiconductor Markets

After such time as a recovery occurs in end-user demand for new and improved electronic products and applications that is sufficient to reverse reduced demand trends that began in 2007 and are still continuing, various sectors of the semiconductor industry are in turn expected to benefit from a resumption in growth. These sectors include the memory semiconductor market, and the LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor market.

Memory Semiconductor Market

The potential for memory market growth is linked to anticipated memory content increases in consumer electronics and PC applications (after such time as a recovery occurs in end-user demand for these) due to increasing operating system requirements, increasing use of graphics in gaming and other applications, continued growth of broadband content and a transition to 64-bit PC architecture. The memory market is dominated by two segments—DRAM and flash memory. Potential growth in the DRAM market is expected to be driven by continued growth in both the commodity and niche DRAM market, as well as growth opportunities in mobile DRAM as memory requirements significantly increase for mobile applications. Flash memory market potential growth is expected to be driven by increasing memory requirements for cellular handsets, digital cameras, digital audio /video, and other mobile applications.

 

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LCD and Other Flat-Panel Display Driver Semiconductor Market

Flat-panel displays are used in applications such as PC monitors, notebook computers, television sets, cellular handsets and digital cameras. The end-user demand for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor experienced a downturn in 2007 and 2008. The LCD driver market, though still overall weak, started to recover in the second quarter of 2009 and the positive recovery trend continues in 2010 and 2011.

Logic/Mixed-Signal Semiconductor Market

The communications market is one of the main drivers of potential growth in the semiconductor industry. Logic/mixed-signal semiconductors, which are chips with analog functionality covering more than half of the chip area, are largely used in the communications market. The increasing use of digital technology in communications equipment requires chips with both digital and analog functionality for applications such as modems, network routers, switches, cable set-top boxes and cellular handsets. As the size and cost of cellular handsets and other communications-related devices have decreased, components have increased in complexity. Logic/mixed-signal semiconductors, such as LCD controllers and DVD controllers, are also used in consumer electronic products.

Overview of the Semiconductor Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of semiconductors is a complex process that requires increasingly sophisticated engineering and manufacturing expertise. The manufacturing process may be broadly divided into the following stages:

 

LOGO

 

Process

  

Description

Circuit Design    The design of a semiconductor is developed by laying out circuit patterns and interconnections.
Wafer Fabrication    Wafer fabrication begins with the generation of a photomask, a photographic negative onto which a circuit design pattern is etched or transferred by an electron beam or laser beam writer. Each completed wafer contains many fabricated chips, each known as a die.
Wafer Probe    Each individual die is then electrically tested, or probed, for defects. Dies that fail this test are discarded, or, in some cases, salvaged using laser repair.
Assembly    The assembly of semiconductors serves to protect the die, facilitates its integration into electronic systems and enables the dissipation of heat. The process begins with the dicing of the wafers into chips. Each die is affixed to a leadframe-based or organic substrate-based package. Then, electrical connections are formed, in many cases by connecting the terminals on the die to the inner leads of the package using fine metal wires. Finally, each chip is encapsulated for protection, usually in a molded epoxy enclosure.
Final Test    Assembled semiconductors are tested to ensure that the device meets performance specifications. Testing takes place on specialized equipment using software customized for each application. For memory semiconductors, this process also includes “burn-in” testing to screen out defective devices by applying very high temperatures and voltages on to the memory device.

 

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Outsourcing Trends in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Historically, integrated device manufacturers, or IDMs, designed, manufactured, tested and assembled semiconductors primarily at their own facilities. In recent years, there has been a trend in the industry to outsource stages in the manufacturing process to reduce the high fixed costs resulting from the increasingly complex manufacturing process. Virtually every significant stage of the manufacturing process can be outsourced. The independent semiconductor manufacturing services market currently consists of wafer fabrication and probing services and semiconductor testing and assembly services. Most of the world’s major IDMs now use some independent semiconductor manufacturing services to maintain a strategic mix of internal and external manufacturing capacity. We believe that many of these IDMs are significantly reducing their investments in new semiconductor testing and assembly facilities.

The availability of technologically advanced independent semiconductor manufacturing services has also enabled the growth of “fabless” semiconductor companies that focus exclusively on semiconductor design and marketing and outsource their fabrication, testing and assembly requirements to independent companies.

We believe the outsourcing of semiconductor manufacturing services, and in particular of testing and assembly services, will increase for many reasons, including the following:

Significant Capital Expenditure Requirements. Driven by increasingly sophisticated technological requirements, wafer fabrication, testing and assembly processes have become highly complex, requiring substantial investment in specialized equipment and facilities and sophisticated engineering and manufacturing expertise. In addition, product life cycles have been shortening, magnifying the need to continually upgrade or replace manufacturing, testing and assembly equipment to accommodate new products. As a result, new investments in in-house fabrication, testing and assembly facilities are becoming less desirable for IDMs because of the high investment costs, as well as difficulties in achieving sufficient economies of scale and utilization rates to be competitive with the independent service providers. Independent foundry, testing and assembly companies, on the other hand, are able to realize the benefits of specialization and achieve economies of scale by providing services to a large base of customers across a wide range of products. This enables them to reduce costs and shorten production cycles through high capacity utilization and process expertise.

Increasing Focus on Core Competencies. As the costs of semiconductor manufacturing facilities increase, semiconductor companies are expected to further outsource their wafer fabrication, testing and assembly requirements to focus their resources on core competencies, such as semiconductor design and marketing.

Time-to-Market Pressure. Increasingly short product life cycles have amplified time-to-market pressure for semiconductor companies, leading them to rely increasingly on independent companies as a key source for effective wafer fabrication, testing and assembly services.

Semiconductor Testing and Assembly Services Industry

Growth in the semiconductor testing and assembly services industry is driven by increased outsourcing of the various stages of the semiconductor manufacturing process by IDMs and fabless semiconductor companies.

The Semiconductor Industry and Conditions of Outsourcing in Taiwan and Mainland China

Taiwan is one of the world’s leading locations for outsourced semiconductor manufacturing. The semiconductor industry in Taiwan has developed such that the various stages of the semiconductor manufacturing process have been disaggregated, thus allowing for specialization. The disaggregation of the semiconductor manufacturing process in Taiwan permits these semiconductor manufacturing service providers to focus on particular parts of the production process, develop economies of scale, maintain higher capacity utilization rates and remain flexible in responding to customer needs by lowering time-to-market pressure faced by semiconductor companies. There are several leading service providers in Taiwan, each of which offers substantial capacity, high-quality manufacturing, leading semiconductor wafer fabrication, test, assembly and process technologies, and a full range of services. These service providers have access to an educated labor pool and a large number of engineers suitable for sophisticated manufacturing industries. As a result, many of the world’s leading semiconductor companies outsource some or all of their semiconductor manufacturing needs to Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing service providers and take advantage of the close proximity among facilities. In addition, companies located in Taiwan are very active in the design and manufacture of electronic systems, which has created significant local demand for semiconductor devices.

Mainland China has emerged as a similarly attractive location for outsourced semiconductor manufacturing. Mainland China is an attractive manufacturing location for electronic products because companies can take advantage of a well-educated yet low-cost labor force, cost savings due to tax benefits and a large domestic market. These factors have driven increased relocation of much of the electronics industry manufacturing and supply chain to Mainland China. An increasing number of global electronic systems manufacturers and contract manufacturers are relocating or have relocated production facilities to Mainland China. We believe that these electronic product manufacturers and contract manufacturers will source an increasing portion of their demand for semiconductors from semiconductor suppliers located in Mainland China in order to reduce production cycle times, decrease costs, simplify supply chain logistics and meet local content requirements. In line with this trend, we have in recent years expanded our operations in Mainland China.

 

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Our Strategy

Our goal is to reinforce our position as a leading independent provider of semiconductor testing and assembly services, concentrating principally on memory, logic/mixed-signal and LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. The principal components of our business strategy are set forth below.

Focus on Providing Our Services to Potential Growth Segments of the Semiconductor Industry.

We intend to continue our focus on developing and providing advanced testing and assembly services for potential growth segments of the semiconductor industry, such as memory, logic/mixed-signal, LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors and bumping services. We believe that our investments in equipment and research and development in some of these areas allow us to offer a differentiated service from our competition. In order to benefit from the expected resumption of growth in these segments, we intend to continue to invest in capacity to meet the testing and assembly requirements of these key semiconductor market segments.

Continue to Invest in the Research and Development of Advanced Testing and Assembly Technologies.

We believe that our ability to progressively provide more advanced testing and assembly services to customers is critical to our business. In addition, advanced semiconductor testing and assembly services typically have the potential to generate higher margins due to the greater expertise required and the more sophisticated technologies used. We will continue to invest in the research and development of advanced testing and assembly technologies. For example, we are expanding our capabilities in fine-pitch BGA, multi-chip package (MCP) and the testing and assembly of COFs. We have also introduced fine-pitch COF based on our proprietary technology and COG testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors.

In addition, we will continue to pursue the development of new testing and assembly technologies jointly with domestic and foreign research institutions and universities. We expect to focus our research and development efforts in the following areas:

 

   

developing new software conversion programs to increase the capabilities of our testers;

 

   

developing advanced assembly technologies for high-speed memory devices;

 

   

developing fine-pitch bumping, chip probing and bonding technologies for LCD drivers;

 

   

improving manufacturing yields for new assembly technologies; and

 

   

developing environmentally friendly assembly services that focus on eliminating the lead and halogen elements from the materials employed in the package and reducing the toxicity of gaseous chemical wastes.

In 2011, we spent approximately 2.3% of our net revenue on research and development. We will continue to invest our resources to recruit and retain experienced research and development personnel. As of March 31, 2012, our research and development team comprised 274 persons.

Build on Our Strong Presence in Taiwan and Expand Our Operations Outside Taiwan.

We intend to build on our strong presence in key centers of semiconductor and electronics manufacturing to grow our business. Currently, most of our operations are in Taiwan, one of the world’s leading locations for outsourced semiconductor manufacturing. This presence provides us with several advantages. First, our proximity to other semiconductor companies is attractive to customers who wish to outsource various stages of the semiconductor manufacturing process. Second, our proximity to many of our suppliers, customers and the end-users of our customers’ products enables us to be involved in the early stages of the semiconductor design process, enhances our ability to quickly respond to our customers’ changing requirements and shortens our customers’ time-to-market. Third, we have access to an educated labor pool and a large number of engineers who are able to work closely with our customers and other providers of semiconductor manufacturing services.

As with our operations in Taiwan, we intend to similarly benefit from our operations in Mainland China. We intend to invest in and expand our operations in Mainland China, increasing our testing and assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors.

Depending on customers demands, market conditions and other relevant considerations, we may from time to time look into other opportunities to expand our operations outside Taiwan.

 

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Expand Our Offering of Vertically Integrated Services.

We believe that one of our competitive strengths is our ability to provide vertically integrated services to our customers. Vertically integrated services consist of the integrated testing, assembly and direct shipment of semiconductors to end-users designated by our customers. Providing vertically integrated services enables us to shorten lead times for our customers. As time-to-market and cost increasingly become sources of competitive advantage for our customers, they increasingly value our ability to provide them with comprehensive back-end services.

Through ChipMOS Taiwan, ThaiLin and ChipMOS Shanghai, we are able to offer vertically integrated services for a broad range of products, including memory, logic/mixed-signal and LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. We believe that these affiliations, which offer complementary technologies, products and services as well as additional capacity, will continue to enhance our own development and expansion efforts into new and potential growth markets. We intend to establish new alliances with leading companies and, if suitable opportunities arise, engage in merger and acquisition activities that will further expand the services we can provide.

Focus on Increasing Sales through Long-Term Agreements with Key Customers as well as Business with Smaller Customers.

From time to time, we strategically agree to commit a portion of our testing and assembly capacity to certain of our customers. We intend to continue focus on increasing sales to key customers through long-term capacity agreements. The customers with which we currently have long-term agreements including a reputable memory customer based in the US. See “— Customers” below for a more detailed discussion of these long-term agreements.

Global market and economic conditions have been unprecedented and challenging with tight credit conditions and recession in most major economies continuing into 2011. Beginning in 2008, we also resumed our focus on our business with smaller customers or customers who do not place orders on a regular basis. We believe that the dual focused strategy would assist us to be better prepared for the current economic volatility and ensure maximum utilization rate of our capacity and help us to develop closer relationships with all types of our customers.

Principal Products and Services

The following table presents, for the periods shown, revenue by service segment as a percentage of our net revenue. During 2011, the revenue of the bumping segment exceeded the quantitative threshold for aggregation and the Company deems it appropriate to present revenue data related to bumping as a separate segment. The bumping segment has been recasted from LCD for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2009      2010      2011  

Testing

        

Memory testing revenue

     38.2%         32.4%         30.0%   

Logic/mixed-signal testing revenue

     4.3           3.5           2.4     

Total testing revenue

     42.5           35.9           32.4     

Assembly

        

Memory assembly revenue

     27.5           29.7           27.4     

Logic/mixed-signal assembly revenue

     8.4           6.7           5.5     

Total assembly revenue

     35.9           36.4           32.9     

LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly revenue

     16.3           18.6           21.9     

Bumping

     5.3           9.1           12.8     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net revenue

     100.0%         100.0%         100.0%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Memory and Logic/Mixed-Signal Semiconductors

Testing

We provide testing services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors:

Memory. We provide testing services for a variety of memory semiconductors, such as SRAM, DRAM and flash memory. To speed up the time-consuming process of memory product testing, we provide multi-site testing, which can test up to 256 devices simultaneously. The memory semiconductors we test are used primarily in desktop computers, notebook computers and handheld consumer electronic devices and wireless communication devices.

Logic/Mixed-Signal. We conduct tests on a wide variety of logic/mixed-signal semiconductors, with lead counts ranging from the single digits to over 1024 and operating frequencies of up to 800 MHz. The semiconductors we test include those used for networking and wireless communications, data communications, graphics and disk controllers for home entertainment and personal computer applications. We also test a variety of application specific integrated circuits, or ASICs, for applications such as cellular handsets, digital still cameras and personal digital assistants.

 

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The following is a description of our pre-assembly testing services:

Engineering Testing. We provide engineering testing services, including software program development, electrical design validation, reliability and failure analyses.

 

   

Software Program Development. Design and test engineers develop a customized software program and related hardware to test semiconductors on advanced testing equipment. A customized software program is required to test the conformity of each particular semiconductor to its particular function and specification.

 

   

Electrical Design Validation. A prototype of the designed semiconductor is submitted to electrical tests using advanced test equipment, customized software programs and related hardware. These tests assess whether the prototype semiconductor complies with a variety of different operating specifications, including functionality, frequency, voltage, current, timing and temperature range.

 

   

Reliability Analysis. Reliability analysis is designed to assess the long-term reliability of the semiconductor and its suitability of use for its intended applications. Reliability testing may include operating-life evaluation, during which the semiconductor is subjected to high temperature and voltage tests.

 

   

Failure Analysis. If the prototype semiconductor does not perform to specifications during either the electrical validation or reliability analysis process, failure analysis is performed to determine the reasons for the failure. As part of this analysis, the prototype semiconductor may be subjected to a variety of tests, including electron beam probing and electrical testing.

Wafer Probing. Wafer probing is the step immediately before the assembly of semiconductors and involves visual inspection and electrical testing of the processed wafer for defects to ensure that it meets our customers’ specifications. Wafer probing employs sophisticated design and manufacturing technologies to connect the terminals of each chip for testing. Defective chips are marked on the surface or memorized in an electronic file, known as a mapping file, to facilitate subsequent processing.

Laser Repairing. In laser repairing of memory products, specific poly or metal fuses are blown after wafer probing to enable a spare row or column of a memory cell to replace a defective memory cell.

After assembly, we perform the following testing services:

Burn-In Testing. This process screens out unreliable products using high temperature, high voltage and prolonged stress to ensure that finished products will survive a long period of end-user service. This process is used only for memory products.

Top Marking. By using either a laser marker or an ink marker, we mark products according to our customers’ specifications, including the logo, product type, date code and lot number.

Final Testing. Assembled semiconductors are tested to ensure that the devices meet performance specifications. Tests are conducted using specialized equipment with software customized for each application in different temperature conditions ranging from minus 45 degrees celsius to 85 degrees celsius. One of the tests includes speed testing to classify the parts into different speed grades.

Final Inspection and Packing. Final inspection involves visual or auto-inspection of the devices to check for any bent leads, inaccurate markings or other construction defects. Packing involves dry packing, packing-in-tube and tape and reel. Dry pack involves heating semiconductors in a tray at 125 to 150 degrees celsius for about two hours to remove the moisture before the semiconductors are vacuum-sealed in an aluminum bag. Packing-in-tube involves packing the semiconductors in anti-static tubes for shipment. Tape and reel pack involves transferring semiconductors from a tray or tube onto an anti-static embossed tape and rolling the tape onto a reel for shipment to customers.

 

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Assembly

Our assembly services generally involve the following steps:

 

Wafer Lapping    The wafers are ground to their required thickness.
Die Saw    Wafers are cut into individual dies, or chips, in preparation for the die-attach process.
Die Attach    Each individual die is attached to the leadframe or substrate.
Wire Bonding    Using gold wires, the I/O pads on the die are connected to the package inner leads.
Molding    The die and wires are encapsulated to provide physical support and protection.
Marking    Each individual package is marked to provide product identification.
Dejunking and Trimming    Mold flash is removed from between the lead shoulders through dejunking, and the dambar is cut during the trimming process.
Electrical Plating    A solderable coating is added to the package leads to prevent oxidization and to keep solder wettability of the package leads.
Ball Mount and Reflow    Each electrode pad of the substrate is first printed with flux, after which solder balls are mounted, heated and attached to the electrode pad of the substrate through a reflow oven.
Forming/Singulation    Forming involves the proper configuration of the device packages leads, and singulation separates the packages from each other.

We offer a broad range of package formats designed to provide our customers with a broad array of assembly services. The assembly services we offer customers are leadframe-based packages, which include thin small outline packages, and organic substrate-based packages, including fine-pitch BGA.

The differentiating characteristics of these packages include:

 

   

the size of the package;

 

   

the number of electrical connections which the package can support;

 

   

the electrical performance and requirements of the package; and

 

   

the heat dissipation requirements of the package.

As new applications for semiconductor devices require smaller components, the size of packages has also decreased. In leading-edge packages, the size of the package is reduced to just slightly larger than the size of the individual chip itself in a process known as chip scale packaging.

As semiconductor devices increase in complexity, the number of electrical connections required also increases. Leadframe-based products have electrical connections from the semiconductor device to the electronic product through leads on the perimeter of the package. Organic substrate-based products have solder balls on the bottom of the package, which create the electrical connections with the product and can support large numbers of electrical connections.

Leadframe-Based Packages. These are generally considered the most widely used package category. Each package consists of a semiconductor chip encapsulated in a plastic molding compound with metal leads on the perimeter. This design has evolved from a design plugging the leads into holes on the circuit board to a design soldering the leads to the surface of the circuit board.

The following diagram presents the basic components of a standard leadframe-based package for memory semiconductors:

 

LOGO

 

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To address the market for miniaturization of portable electronic products, we are currently developing and will continue to develop increasingly smaller versions of leadframe-based packages to keep pace with continually shrinking semiconductor device sizes. Our advanced leadframe-based packages generally are thinner and smaller, have more leads and have advanced thermal and electrical characteristics when compared to traditional packages. As a result of our continual product development, we offer leadframe-based packages with a wide range of lead counts and sizes to satisfy our customers’ requirements.

The following table presents our principal leadframe-based packages, including the number of leads in each package, commonly known as lead-count, a description of each package and the end-user applications of each package.

 

Package

   Lead-count   

Description

  

End-User Applications

Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC)    32-44    Package with leads on four sides used in consumer electronics products in which the size of the package is not vital    Copiers, printers, scanners, personal computers, electronic games, monitors
Plastic Dual-in-line Package (PDIP)    16-56    Package with insertion leads on longer sides used in consumer electronics products    Electronic games, monitors, copiers, printers, audio and video products, personal computers
Thin Small Outline Package I (TSOP I)    28-56    Designed for high volume production of low lead-count memory devices, including flash memory, SRAM and MROM    Notebook computers, personal computers, still and video cameras and standard connections for peripherals for computers
Thin Small Outline Package II (TSOP II)    24-86    Designed for memory devices, including flash memory, SRAM, SDRAM and DDR DRAM    Disk drives, recordable optical disk drives, audio and video products, consumer electronics, communication products
Quad Flat Package (QFP)    44-208    Flat structure with 4-sided peripheral leads designed for SRAM, graphic processors, personal computer chipsets and mixed-signal devices    Wireless communication products, notebook computers, personal computers, consumer electronics
Quad Flat No Lead (QFN)    8-132    Thermal enhanced quad flat no lead package providing small footprint (chip scale), light weight with good thermal and electrical performance    Wireless communication products, notebook computers, PDAs, consumer electronics
Low-Profile Quad Flat Package (LQFP)    48-128    Low-profile and light weight package designed for ASICs, digital signal processors, microprocessors/controllers, graphics processors, gate arrays, SSRAM, SDRAM, personal computer chipsets and mixed-signal devices    Wireless communication products, notebook computers, digital cameras, cordless/radio frequency devices
Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP)    44-128    Designed for lightweight portable electronics requiring broad performance characteristics and mixed-signal devices    Notebook computers, personal computers, disk drives, office equipment, audio and video products and wireless communication products
Small Outline Package (SOP)    8    Designed for low lead-count memory and logic semiconductors, including SRAM and micro-controller units    Personal computers, consumer electronics, audio and video products, communication products
Multi-Chip Package (TSOP with organic substrate)    24-86    Our patented design for memory devices, including SRAM, DRAM and SDRAM    Notebook computers, personal computers, disk drives, audio and video products, consumer products, communication products

 

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Organic Substrate-based Packages. As the number of leads surrounding a traditional leadframe-based package increases, the leads must be placed closer together to reduce the size of the package. The close proximity of one lead to another can create electrical shorting problems and requires the development of increasingly sophisticated and expensive techniques to accommodate the high number of leads on the circuit boards.

The BGA format solves this problem by effectively creating external terminals on the bottom of the package in the form of small bumps or balls. These balls are evenly distributed across the entire bottom surface of the package, allowing greater pitch between the individual terminals. The ball grid array configuration enables high-pin count devices to be manufactured less expensively with less delicate handling at installation.

Our organic substrate-based packages employ a fine-pitch BGA design, which uses a plastic or tape laminate rather than a leadframe and places the electrical connections, or leads, on the bottom of the package rather than around the perimeter. The fine-pitch BGA format was developed to address the need for the smaller footprints required by advanced memory devices. Benefits of ball grid array assembly over leadframe-based assembly include:

 

   

smaller size;

 

   

smaller footprint on a printed circuit board;

 

   

better electrical signal integrity; and

 

   

easier attachment to a printed circuit board.

The following diagram presents the basic component parts of a fine-pitch BGA package:

 

LOGO

The following table presents the ball-count, description and end-user applications of organic substrate-based packages we currently assemble:

 

Package

   Connections   

Description

  

End-User Applications

Mini BGA    36-400    Low-cost and space-saving assembly designed for low input/output count, suitable for semiconductors that require a smaller package size than standard BGA    Memory, analog, flash memory, ASICs, radio frequency devices, personal digital assistants, cellular handsets, communication products, notebook computers, wireless systems
Fine-Pitch BGA    54-90    Our patented design for DRAM products that require high performance and chip scale package (CSP)    Notebook computers, cellular handsets, global positioning systems, personal digital assistants, wireless systems
Very Thin Fine-Pitch BGA    48-176    Similar structure of Mini BGA package with thinner and finer ball pitch that is designed for use in a wide variety of applications requiring small size, high reliability and low unit cost    Handheld devices, notebook computers, disk drives, wireless and mobile communication products
Land Grid Array (LGA)    44-52    Thinner and lighter assembly designed essential to standard BGA without solder balls, suitable for applications that require high electrical performance    Disk drives, memory controllers, wireless, mobile communication products
Multi-Chip BGA    48-137    Designed for assembly of two or more memory chips (to increase memory density) or combinations of memory and logic chips in one BGA package    Notebook computers, digital cameras, personal digital assistants, global positioning systems, sub-notebooks, board processors, wireless systems
Stacked-Chip BGA    48-137    Designed for assembly of two or more memory chips or logic and memory chips in one CSP, reducing the space required for memory chips    Cellular handsets, digital cameras, personal digital assistants, wireless systems, notebook computers, global positioning systems

 

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LCD and Other Flat-Panel Display Driver Semiconductors and Gold Bumping

We also offer testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. We employ TCP, COF and COG technologies for testing and assembling LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. In addition, we offer gold bumping services to our customers.

Gold bumping technology, which can be used in TCP, COF and COG technologies, is a necessary interconnection technology for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. Most gold bumping services are performed on six- or eight-inch wafers. Gold bumping technology provides the best solution for fine-pitch chips and is able to meet the high production requirement for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors or other chips that require thin packaging profiles.

The gold bumping fabrication process uses thin film metal deposition, photolithography and electrical plating technologies. A series of barrier and seed metal layers are deposited over the surface of the wafer. A layer of thick photoresist material is spin-coated over these barrier and seed layers. A photomask is used to pattern the locations over each of the bond pads that will be bumped. UV exposure and developing processes open the photoresist material, which defines the bump shape. The gold bump is then electroplated over the pad and the deposited barrier metal layers. Once the plating is complete, a series of etching steps are used to remove the photoresist material and the metal layers that are covering the rest of the wafer. The gold bump protects the underlying materials from being etched. The gold bumped wafers will go through an annealing furnace to soften the gold bumps to fit the hardness requirement of TCP, COF and COG assembly processes.

Tape Carrier Package Technology

TCPs offer a high number of inputs and outputs, a thin package profile and a smaller footprint on the circuit board, without compromising performance. Key package features include surface mount technology design, fine-pitch tape format and slide carrier handling. Because of their flexibility and high number of inputs and outputs, TCPs are primarily employed either for STN-LCD or TFT-LCD driver semiconductors.

Testing of TCPs. We conduct full function testing of LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors with a specially designed probe handler to ensure reliable contact to the test pads on the TCP tape. We can test STN-LCD or TFT-LCD driver semiconductors with frequencies of up to 750 MHz and at voltages up to 40V. The test is performed in a temperature-controlled environment with the device in tape form. The assembled and tested LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors in tape form are packed between spacer tapes together with a desiccant in an aluminum bag to avoid contact during shipment.

Assembly of TCPs. TCPs use a tape-automated bonding process to connect die and tape. The printed circuit tape is shipped with a reel. The reel is then placed onto an inner lead bonder, where the LCD or other flat-panel display driver semiconductor is configured onto the printed circuit tape. The resulting TCP component consists of the device interconnected to a three-layer tape, which includes a polyimide carrier film, an epoxy-based adhesive layer and a metal layer. The tape metallization area of the interconnections is tin plated over a metal layer. The silicon chip and inner lead area is encapsulated with a high temperature thermoset polymer after inner lead bonding. The back face of the chip is left un-sealed for thermal connection to the printed circuit board.

The following diagram presents the basic components of a TCP:

 

LOGO

Chip-on-Film Technology

In 2001, we commenced testing and assembly services using COF technology. We have developed this proprietary technology from our existing TCP technology, and it has been widely accepted by our customers. The primary use of the COF module is to replace the liquid crystal module, or LCM, in certain applications. LCM is mainly employed in handheld electronics, such as PDAs and cellular handsets.

COF technology provides several additional advantages. For example, COF is able to meet the size, weight and higher resolution requirements in electronic products, such as flat-panel displays. This is because of its structural design, including an adhesive-free two-layer tape that is highly flexible, bending strength and its capacity to receive finer patterning pitch.

 

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The following diagram presents the basic components of a COF:

 

LOGO

The TCP and COF processes involve the following steps:

 

Chip Probing    Screen out the defect chips which fail to meet the device spec.
Wafer Lapping    Wafers are grounded to their required thickness.
Die Saw    Wafers are cut into individual dies, or chips, in preparation for inner lead bonding.
Inner Lead Bonding    An inner lead bonder machine connects the chip to the printed circuit tape.
Potting    The package is dispensed to a resin.
Potting Cure    The potting cure process matures the resin used during the potting oven with high temperatures.
Marking    A laser marker is used to provide product identification.
Final Testing    To verify device spec. with in electrical testing after assembly process.
Inspection and Packing    Each individual die with tape is visually inspected for defects. The dies are packed within a reel into an aluminum bag after completion of the inspection process.

Chip-on-Glass Technology

COG technology is an electronic assembly technology that is used increasingly in assembling LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors for communications equipment. Compared to the traditional bonding process for TCP or COF, the new COG technology requires lower bonding temperature. In addition, the COG technology reduces assembly cost as it does not use tapes for interconnection between the LCD panel and the printed circuit board.

The COG assembly technology involves the following steps:

 

Chip Probing    To screen out the defect chips which fail to meet the device spec.
Wafer Lapping    Wafers are ground to their required thickness.
Die Saw    Wafers are cut into individual dies, or chips, in preparation for the pick and place process.
Auto Optical Inspection    Process of wafer inspection is detecting defect to separate chips at pick and place station.
Pick and Place    Each individual die is picked and placed into a chip tray.
Inspection and Packing    Each individual die in a tray is visually or auto-inspected for defects. The dies are packed within a tray into an aluminum bag after completion of the inspection process.

Other Services

Drop Shipment

We offer drop shipment of semiconductors directly to end-users designated by our customers. We provide drop shipment services, including assembly in customer-approved and branded boxes, to a majority of our testing and assembly customers. Since drop shipment eliminates the additional step of inspection by the customer prior to shipment to end-users, quality of service is a key to successful drop shipment service. We believe that our ability to successfully execute our full range of services, including drop shipment services, is an important factor in maintaining existing customers as well as attracting new customers.

 

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Software Development, Conversion and Optimization Program

We work closely with our customers to provide sophisticated software engineering services, including test program development, conversion and optimization, and related hardware design. Generally, testing requires customized testing software and related hardware to be developed for each particular product. Software is often initially provided by the customer and then converted by us at our facilities for use on one or more of our testing machines and contains varying functionality depending on the specified testing procedures. Once a conversion test program has been developed, we perform correlation and trial tests on the semiconductors.

Customer feedback on the test results enables us to adjust the conversion test programs prior to actual testing. We also typically assist our customers in collecting and analyzing the test results and recommend engineering solutions to improve their design and production process.

Customers

We believe that the following factors have been, and will continue to be, important factors in attracting and retaining customers:

 

   

our advanced testing and assembly technologies;

 

   

our strong capabilities in testing and assembling LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors;

 

   

our focus on high-density memory products and logic/mixed-signal communications products; and

 

   

our reputation for high quality and reliable customer-focused services.

The number of our customers as of March 31, in each of 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, was 100, 87 and 85. Our top 15 customers in terms of revenue in 2011 were (in alphabetical order):

Elite Semiconductor Memory Technology, Inc.

Eon Silicon Solution Inc.

FIDELIX CO., LTD.

Himax Technologies, Inc.

ILI TECHNOLOGY CORP.

Integrated Circuit Solution Inc.

Integrated Device Technology Inc.

Macronix International Co., Ltd.

Micron Technology, Inc.

Novatek Microelectronics Corp.

ProMOS Technologies Inc.

Raydium Semiconductor Corp.

Spansion LLC

Winbond Electronics Corp.

Zentel Electronics Corp.

In 2009, our largest customer was Spansion, our second-largest customer was Novatek, and our third-largest customer was Micron Technology, Inc. (“Micron”) accounting for approximately 15%, 12% and 10% of our net revenue, respectively. In 2010, our largest customer was Novatek, our second-largest customer was ProMOS; and our third-largest customer was Micron accounting for approximately 18%, 12% and 9% of our net revenue, respectively. In 2011, our largest customer was Novatek, our second-largest customer was Micron and our third-largest customer was Winbond Electronics Corp., accounting for approximately 21%, 11% and 7% of our net revenue, respectively.

The majority of our customers purchase our services through purchase orders and provide us three-month non-binding rolling forecasts on a monthly basis. The price for our services is typically agreed upon at the time when a purchase order is placed.

In 2006 and 2007, we strategically entered into or extended certain long-term agreements with some of our key customers, including a reputable memory customer based in the US, under which we reserved capacity for the customers primarily and the customer committed to place orders in the amount of the reserved capacity (which is subject in certain cases to reduction by the customer).

 

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Pursuant to the long-term service agreement we have entered into with ProMOS in July 2007, ProMOS agreed to provide us with six month rolling forecast on testing and assembly service orders to be placed to us, and ProMOS guarantees that such orders will represent no less than certain percentage of ProMOS’ total production volume of these products (excluding OEM products). In January 2008, at the request of ProMOS, we agreed to permit ProMOS to defer payment of aggregate service fees of NT$450 million to February 15, 2009. The deferred service fees, bore an interest at a rate of 4.69% per annum, was recorded as long-term accounts receivables as of December 31, 2007, and were paid in full by ProMOS in March and April 2008. In March 2008, ProMOS failed to place orders in the amount of the reserved capacity and failed to meet its payment obligations under the long-term service agreement. In November 2008, we entered into a revised subcontracting contract with ProMOS by requiring ProMOS to provide wafers with a value of 80% of the subcontracting fee as collateral. In May 2009, a further revised subcontracting contract was entered into by and between us and ProMOS under which ProMOS provided us with wafer as pledge and Work-In-Process, or WIP and existing finished goods as lien material. Part of ProMOS’ receivables will be recovered through sales of the pledged wafer and lien material back to ProMOS with a discount to market price, and the remaining outstanding accounts receivables will be secured by equipment mortgage under the same contract arrangement. Effective March 2009, we started to request prepayment from ProMOS. As of December 31, 2009, other receivables from ProMOS amounted to NT$409 million and 100% allowance was made by ChipMOS Taiwan. NT$7 million was received by April 2010. Under the amended subcontracting contract, ProMOS paid ChipMOS Taiwan NT$200 million in May 2010. The remaining NT$202 million was paid in nine monthly installments with final installment payment ended on March 15, 2011. As of December 31, 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan received NT$336 million and the related allowance of NT$409 million was reversed to other non-operating income. In March 2011, all payments have been received. The collection term was revised to 30 days upon delivery in May 2010, to 45 days upon delivery in October 2010 and to the current term of advance payment prior to delivery from ProMOS in June 2011.

As of December 31, 2009, other receivables from ProMOS amounted to NT$55 million and 100% allowance was made by ThaiLin. In June 2010, ThaiLin agreed a settlement with ProMOS in the amount of NT$24 million and it was collected during the same year. The allowance of NT$24 million was reversed to other non-operating income. Commencing in June 2010, the collection term was revised to become 30 days upon delivery. In January 2011, the collection term was revised to 45 days after delivery and it was further revised to request advance payments from ProMOS in June 2011. See Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Pursuant to the long-term service agreement we have entered into with Spansion in September 2005, Spansion agreed to provide us with six month rolling forecast on testing and assembly service orders to be placed to us. In January 2009, Spansion defaulted on its payment obligations under the long-term service agreement and we subsequently terminated the long-term service agreement with Spansion on February 19, 2009. Our service fee receivable from Spansion in connection with its default amounted to NT$1,539 million. On March 1, 2009, Spansion filed for a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Subsequent to such filing, on March 16, 2009, ChipMOS Taiwan was elected as the co-chairman of the Unsecured Creditor Committee to represent unsecured creditors in Spansion’s efforts to reorganize its debts under Chapter 11 petition. In early January 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan resigned as a member of the Unsecured Creditor Committee.

On January 25, 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a definitive Transfer of Claim Agreement to sell to Citigroup the general unsecured claim reflected in the proof of claim against Spansion Inc., Spansion Technology LLC, Spansion LLC, Spansion International Inc. and Cerium Laboratories LLC (collectively, “Spansion”) filed by ChipMOS Taiwan in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The claim that is the subject of the Transfer of Claim Agreement includes accounts receivable for testing and assembly services provided to Spansion in the amount of approximately US$66 million to US$70 million (the “Undisputed Claim”). ChipMOS Taiwan received the purchase price for the Undisputed Claim of NT$1,118 million in February 2010 from Citigroup. The Transfer of Claim Agreement also includes the sale of breach of contract and liquidated damages rights against Spansion in the amount of approximately US$234 million (the “Damages Claim”). The purchase price for the Damages Claim is expected to be an amount that will be determined based on a purchase rate of 50.2% multiplied by the portion of the Damages Claim that is allowed by a final adjudication of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The purchase price for the Damages Claim is payable to ChipMOS Taiwan to the extent that the Court allows this claim. In furtherance of the Transfer of Claim Agreement, the Company also has entered into an agreement to subscribe for, purchase and transfer to Citigroup rights offering shares to be issued by Spansion according to the Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. This agreement provides that Citigroup will pay to the Company the amount of the rights offering shares purchase price. On October 4, 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a settlement agreement with Spansion LLC for the general unsecured claim on breach of contract and liquidated damages rights reflected in the proof of claim, Claim No. 5, against Spansion Inc., Spansion Technology LLC, Spansion LLC, Spansion International Inc. and Cerium Laboratories LLC filed by ChipMOS Taiwan in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In October 2010, the Company has received payment of NT$2,118 million for the Transfer of Claim Agreement to Citigroup.

 

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On April 22, 2010, the Company announced that Spansion LLC and ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a two-year wafer sort services agreement, utilizing the V5400 test platform, making ChipMOS Taiwan Spansion’s exclusive wafer sort subcontractor, except for any sort equipment operated by Spansion LLC or currently located at Spansion Japan Limited. The wafer sort services agreement became effective upon the effective date of Spansion’s confirmed plan of reorganization. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court confirmed Spansion’s Second Amended Plan of Reorganization on April 16, 2010. The effective date of Spansion’s plan of reorganization is May 10, 2010. The wafer sort services agreement became effective on May 10, 2010.

Beginning in 2008, we also resumed a focus on our business with smaller customers and customers who do not place orders on a regular basis.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage breakdown of our net revenue, categorized by geographic region based on the jurisdiction in which each customer is headquartered.

 

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2009      2010      2011  

Taiwan

     60%         74%         73%   

United States

     33           22           15     

Singapore

     2           (1)         6     

Korea

     3           3           2     

Japan

     1           1           2     

Hong Kong SAR

     (1)         (1)         1     

Others

     1           (1)         1     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     100%         100%         100%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Less than 1%.

Qualification and Correlation by Customers

Our customers generally require that our facilities undergo a stringent “qualification” process during which the customer evaluates our operations, production processes and product reliability, including engineering, delivery control and testing capabilities. The qualification process typically takes up to eight weeks, or longer, depending on the requirements of the customer. For test qualification, after we have been qualified by a customer and before the customer delivers semiconductors to us for testing in volume, a process known as “correlation” is undertaken. During the correlation process, the customer provides us with test criteria, information regarding process flow and sample semiconductors to be tested and either provides us with the test program or requests that we develop a new or conversion program. In some cases, the customer also provides us with a data log of results of any testing of the semiconductor that the customer may have conducted previously. The correlation process typically takes up to two weeks, but can take longer depending on the requirements of the customer.

Sales and Marketing

We maintain sales and marketing offices in Taiwan, Mainland China and the United States. Our sales and marketing strategy is to focus on memory semiconductors in Taiwan, Japan, Korea and the United States, logic/mixed-signal semiconductors in Taiwan, Japan and the United States, LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. As of March 31, 2012, our sales and marketing efforts were primarily carried out by teams of sales professionals, application engineers and technicians, totaling 37 staff members. Each of these teams focuses on specific customers and/or geographic regions. As part of our emphasis on customer service, these teams:

 

   

actively participate in the design process at the customers’ facilities;

 

   

resolve customer testing and assembly issues; and

 

   

promote timely and individualized resolutions to customers’ issues.

We conduct marketing research through our in-house customer service personnel and through our relationships with our customers and suppliers to keep abreast of market trends and developments. Furthermore, we do product and system bench marking analyses to understand the application and assembly technology evolution, such as analysis on mobile handsets and CD-/DVD-ROM players. In addition, we regularly collect data from different segments of the semiconductor industry and, when possible, we work closely with our customers to design and develop testing and assembly services for their new products. These “co-development” or “sponsorship” projects can be critical when customers seek large-scale, early market entry with a significant new product.

 

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We have appointed a non-exclusive sales agent for promoting our services for memory semiconductors in the United States, Japan and Korea. Our sales agent helps us promote and market our services, maintain relations with our existing and potential customers and communicate with our customers on quality, specific requirements and delivery issues. We generally pay our sales agent a commission of 1.5% to 2.5% of our revenue from services for memory semiconductors in the United States, Japan and Korea. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, we paid approximately NT$9 million, NT$9 million and NT$3 million (US$99 thousand), respectively, in commissions to our sales agent.

Research and Development

We believe that research and development is critical to our future success. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, we spent approximately NT$375 million, or 3%, NT$413 million, or 2% and NT$410 million (US$14 million), or 2%, respectively, of our net revenue on research and development. We intend to sustain these efforts.

Our research and development efforts have focused primarily on improving the efficiency, production yields and technologies of our testing and assembly services. From time to time, we jointly develop new technologies with universities and research institutions. For testing, our research and development efforts focus particularly on thin wafer probing, non-clean sockets, and non-clean probing. Our projects include:

 

   

Developing thin wafer probing technology to study the yield effect after processing;

 

   

Developing non-clean probing and sockets to increase productivity and yield; and

 

   

Developing high-speed probing.

We are also continuing development of interface designed to provide high frequency testing by minimizing electrical noise.

In the assembly areas, our research and development efforts focus on:

 

   

Copper wire bonding and low-cost wire bonding alternatives;

 

   

Wafer-level chip scale packaging and low-cost flip-chip integrated solution;

 

   

Low cost, fine–pitch bumping solutions;

 

   

High performance, fine pitch and miniaturization of packages;

 

   

Multi-chip assembly and modules;

 

   

Stacked-die chip scale package;

 

   

3D IC packaging related technologies: thin wafer handling/testing/dicing;

 

   

Compression molding; and

 

   

Developing environmentally friendly assembly services.

Our projects include developing multi-chip packages, flip-chip technologies, environmentally friendly products, 12-inch wafer technologies, fine-pitch wire bonding technologies, 25-micron wafer thinning technology, and advanced packages. These are aimed to meet advanced needs for DDR III, COF, fine-pitch LCD driver bumping, mixed-signal assembly and advanced probe card technologies. We work closely with our customers to optimize software and with equipment vendors to increase the efficiency and reliability of testing and assembly equipment. Our research and development operations also include a mechanical engineering group, which currently designs handler kits for semiconductor testing and wafer probing, as well as software to optimize capacity utilization.

As of March 31, 2012, we employed 274 employees in our research and development activities. In addition, other management and operational personnel are also involved in research and development activities but are not separately identified as research and development professionals.

We maintain laboratory facilities to analyze the characteristics of semiconductor packages by computer simulation, and verify their performance by measurement tools. Shadow Moiré and Micro Moiré characterization capabilities were established in the Advanced Packaging Lab. Electrical measurement instruments and simulation software Agilent ADS, EMPro, and Ansoft Q3D were set up in Electrical Measurement and Simulation Lab. These added capabilities allow us to support various advanced development work. The implementation of computer simulation, as compared with physical testing methods, is expected to substantially shorten the development cycle and provides predictable performance of our packages.

 

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Quality Control

We believe that our reputation for high quality and reliable services has been an important factor in attracting and retaining leading international semiconductor companies as customers for our testing and assembly services. We are committed to delivering semiconductors that meet or exceed our customers’ specifications on time and at a competitive cost. We maintain quality control staff at each of our facilities.

As of March 31, 2012, we employed 372 personnel for our quality control activities. Our quality control staff typically includes engineers, technicians and other employees who monitor testing and assembly processes in order to ensure high quality. We employ quality control procedures in the following critical areas:

 

   

sales quality assurance: following market trends to anticipate customers’ future needs;

 

   

design quality assurance: when developing new testing and assembly processes;

 

   

supplier quality assurance: consulting with our long-term suppliers;

 

   

manufacturing quality assurance: through a comprehensive monitoring program during mass production; and

 

   

service quality assurance: quickly and effectively responding to customers’ claims after completion of sale.

All of our facilities have been QS 9000 certified by the International Automotive Sector Group. In addition, our facilities in Hsinchu and Tainan have been ISO 9002 certified in September 1997 and December 1998, respectively and recertified with ISO 9001 for substantial revision since 2000. With respect to our quality management system, on November 26, 2003, ChipMOS Taiwan obtained ISO/TS 16949 quality system certification. In 2005, ChipMOS acquired Chantek as Chupei site. In the subsequent year, the Chupei site obtained ISO/TS16949 quality system certification. ThaiLin and ChipMOS Shanghai also obtained ISO/TS 16949 quality system certification in September 2005 and January 2006, respectively.

QS 9000 quality standards provide for continual improvement with an emphasis on the prevention of defects and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain, and a QS 9000 certification is required by certain semiconductor manufacturers as a threshold indicator of a company’s quality control standards. An ISO 9002 certification is required by many countries for sales of industrial products. ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification system seeks to integrate quality management standards into the operation of a company, and emphasizes the supervision and measurement of process and performance.

In addition to the quality management system, we also earned the 1998 QC Group Award from The Chinese Society of Quality, which is equivalent to the similar award from the American Society of Quality. In 2003, ChipMOS passed SONY Green Partner (Tier 2) certification through its ProMOS channel, and in 2009, ChipMOS obtained SONY Green Partner (Tier 1) certification due to its direct business relationship with SONY. ChipMOS Shanghai also obtained SONY Green Partner (Tier 2) certification through its ISSI channel in 2008. Our laboratories have also been awarded Chinese National Laboratory accreditation under the categories of reliability test, electricity and temperature calibration.

Our testing and assembly operations are carried out in clean rooms where air purity, temperature and humidity are controlled. To ensure the stability and integrity of our operations, we maintain clean rooms at our facilities that meet U.S. federal 209E class 100, 1,000, 10,000 and 100,000 standards. A class 1,000 clean room means a room containing less than 1,000 particles of contaminants per cubic foot.

We have established manufacturing quality control systems that are designed to ensure high-quality services to our customers and maintain reliability and high production yields at our facilities. We employ specialized equipment for manufacturing quality and reliability control, including:

 

   

Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standardized temperature cycling, thermal shock and pressure cook reliability tests;

 

   

high and low temperature storage life tests, temperature humidity bias test and highly accelerated temperature/humidity stress test (HAST); and

 

   

high resolution scanning acoustic tomography, scanning electronic microscope and X-Ray microscopy for physical failure analysis, curve tracer and semi-probe station for electrical failure analysis.

In addition, to enhance our performance and our research and development capabilities, we also installed a series of high-cost equipment, such as temperature humidity bias testers, low temperature storage-life testers and highly accelerated stress testers. We believe that many of our competitors do not own this equipment.

 

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As a result of our ongoing focus on quality, in 2011, we achieved monthly assembly yields of an average of 99.98% for our memory and logic/mixed-signal assembly packages, 99.94% for our COF packages and 99.96% for our COG packages. The assembly yield, which is the industry standard for measuring production yield, is equal to the number of integrated circuit packages that are shipped back to customers divided by the number of individual integrated circuits that are attached to leadframes or organic substrate.

Raw Materials

Semiconductor testing requires minimal raw materials. Substantially all of the raw materials used in our memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductor assembly processes are interconnect materials such as leadframes, organic substrates, gold wire and molding compound. Raw materials used in the LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly process include carrier tape, resin, spacer tape, plastic reel, aluminum bags, and inner and outer boxes. Cost of raw materials represented 21%, 22% and 22% of our net revenue in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

We do not maintain large inventories of leadframes, organic substrates, gold wire or molding compound, but generally maintain sufficient stock of each principal raw material for approximately one month’s production based on blanket orders and rolling forecasts of near-term requirements received from customers. In addition, since the commencement of economic downturn in second quarter of 2008, due to the volatility of the semiconductor market, several of our principal suppliers have also ceased to stock inventories to be reserved to meet its customers’ production requirements. Instead, our suppliers now require longer lead time for delivery of our supply orders. Despite shortages in the supply of materials, the prices of raw materials have decreased compared to prior to the economic downturn. Our principal raw material supplies have not been impacted by Japan earthquake and tsunami catastrophe. See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—If we are unable to obtain raw materials and other necessary inputs from our suppliers in a timely and cost-effective manner, our production schedules would be delayed and we may lose customers and growth opportunities and become less profitable” for a discussion of the risks associated with our raw materials purchasing methods. For example, with the exception of aluminum bags and inner and outer boxes, which we acquire from local sources, the raw materials used in our TCP/COF process and for modules are obtained from a limited number of Japanese suppliers.

Competition

The independent testing and assembly markets are very competitive. Our competitors include large IDMs with in-house testing and assembly capabilities and other independent semiconductor testing and assembly companies, especially those offering vertically integrated testing and assembly services, such as Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc., Amkor Technology, Inc., Chipbond Technology Corporation, King Yuan Electronics Co., Ltd., Powertech Technology Inc., Siliconware Precision, STATS ChipPAC Ltd. and United Test and Assembly Center Ltd. We believe that the principal measures of competitiveness in the independent semiconductor testing industry are:

 

   

engineering capability of software development;

 

   

quality of service;

 

   

flexibility;

 

   

capacity;

 

   

production cycle time; and

 

   

price.

In assembly services, we compete primarily on the basis of:

 

   

production yield;

 

   

production cycle time;

 

   

process technology, including our COF technology for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor assembly services;

 

   

quality of service;

 

   

capacity;

 

   

location; and

 

   

price.

 

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IDMs that use our services continually evaluate our performance against their own in-house testing and assembly capabilities. These IDMs may have access to more advanced technologies and greater financial and other resources than we do. We believe, however, that we can offer greater efficiency and lower costs while maintaining an equivalent or higher level of quality for three reasons:

 

   

first, we offer a broader and more complex range of services as compared to the IDMs, which tend to focus their resources on improving their front-end operations;

 

   

second, we generally have lower unit costs because of our higher utilization rates and thus enabling us to operate at a more cost-effective structure compared to the IDMs; and

 

   

finally, we offer a wider range of services in terms of complexity and technology.

Intellectual Property

As of March 31, 2012, we held 446 patents in Taiwan, 121 patents in the United States, 209 patents in the People’s Republic of China and 1 patent in the United Kingdom, France and Germany, respectively, relating to various semiconductor testing and assembly technologies. These patents will expire at various dates through to 2030. As of March 31, 2012, we also had a total of 42 pending patent applications in the United States, 126 in Taiwan, and 49 in the People’s Republic of China. In addition, we have registered “ChipMOS” and its logo and “InPack” as trademarks in Taiwan, and “ChipMOS” and its logo as trademarks in the United States, the People’s Republic of China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and the European Community.

We expect to continue to file patent applications where appropriate to protect our proprietary technologies. We may need to enforce our patents or other intellectual property rights or to defend ourselves against claimed infringement of the rights of others through litigation, which could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our resources. See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Disputes over intellectual property rights could be costly, deprive us of technologies necessary for us to stay competitive, render us unable to provide some of our services and reduce our opportunities to generate revenue” and “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings”.

On June 3, 2006, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a license agreement with Sharp Corporation, or Sharp, pursuant to which we acquired a perpetual license to use TCP testing and assembly technology for a lump sum royalty payment of 10 million Japanese yen (approximately US$87 thousand), which we paid in July 2006. This license agreement superseded the previous license agreement with Sharp entered into in February 2000 pursuant to which Sharp licensed to us TCP-related technology and intellectual property rights for five years starting from February 10, 2000 for a royalty fee based on the service fees paid to us by our customers. Our royalty obligations under the February 2000 license agreement were fully paid.

On April 12, 2007, ChipMOS Bermuda entered into an assignment agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan, pursuant to which ChipMOS Taiwan assigned and transferred fifty percent of the title to, ownership of and interest in all of the technologies and intellectual property it owned as of that date to ChipMOS Bermuda for a purchase price of US$6.4 million, which was paid in full in June 2007.

Government Regulations

As discussed above under “— Intellectual Property”, governmental regulation of our intellectual property may materially affect our business. The failure to protect our property rights would deprive us of our ability to stay competitive in the semi-conductor industry. Our intellectual property rights are protected by the relevant patent and intellectual property agencies of the European Community, United States, the People’s Republic of China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

 

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Environmental Matters

Semiconductor testing does not generate significant pollutants. The semiconductor assembly process generates stationary acid and alkali pollution, principally at the plating stages. Liquid waste is produced when silicon wafers are ground thinner and diced into chips with the aid of diamond saws and cooled with running water and during the gold bumping process. In addition, excess material on lead-frames and moldings are removed from assembled semiconductors in the trimming and dejunking processes, respectively. We have installed various types of liquid and gaseous chemical waste-treatment equipment at our semiconductor assembly and gold bumping facilities. Since 2001, we have adopted certain environmentally-friendly production management systems, and have implemented certain measures intended to bring our assembly process in compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC issued by the European Union. We believe that we have adopted adequate and effective environmental protection measures that are consistent with semiconductor industry practices in Taiwan and Mainland China. In addition, we believe we are in compliance in all material respects with current environmental laws and regulations applicable to our operations and facilities.

All of our facilities in Taiwan and Mainland China have been certified as meeting the ISO 14001 environmental standards of the International Organization for Standardization, and all of our facilities in Taiwan have been further certified as meeting the OHSAS18001 standards, of the International Organization for Standardization. Our facilities at Hsinchu Science Park, Chupei and Southern Taiwan Science Park have won numerous awards including health promotion awards granted by Department of Health of ROC in 2009, “Safety & Health Performance Certification Unit” from Council of the Labor Affairs of ROC in 2009 and 2010. Our bumping facility has won “Civil Defence Excellent Award” from Hsinchu City in 2009, 2010 and 2011. We continue to encourage our employees to attend and participate in community environmental campaigns and events to promote and build better environmental friendly practices.

We will continue to implement programs, measures and related training to reduce industrial waste, save energy and control pollution. In 2001, ChipMOS Taiwan completed a lead-free process control program, which offers a lead-free method in a semiconductor package, a lead-free plating, a lead-free solder ball and a lead-free reliability method and specification. In 2005, ChipMOS Shanghai completed a similar lead-free process control program. In 2003 and 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan and ChipMOS Shanghai obtained Green Partner certification from Sony Corporation of Japan, respectively. The Green Partner program requires external suppliers to meet SONY’s Green Partner requirements. In 2009, we further obtained SGS recognition whereby we received the “Greenhouse Gas Verification Statement” which also further enhances our eligibility under the Green Partner program. Standardizing on green, “environmentally friendly” products, production facilities and management systems, which has become an industry trend, and to many companies, a key criteria in selection of their service providers.

Insurance

We maintain insurance policies on our buildings, equipment and inventories. These insurance policies cover property damages due to all risks, including but not limited to, fire, lightning and earthquakes. The maximum coverage of property insurance for ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin is approximately NT$52,545 million and NT$7,610 million, respectively. ChipMOS Shanghai also maintains property insurance policies for a maximum coverage of approximately RMB864 million.

Insurance coverage on facilities under construction is maintained by us and our contractors, who are obligated to procure necessary insurance policies and bear the relevant expenses of which we are the beneficiary. We also maintain insurance on the wafers delivered to us while these wafers are in our possession and during transportation from suppliers to us and from us to our customers.

Employees

See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Employees” for certain information relating to our employees.

Taxation

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Taxation” for certain information regarding the effect of PRC and ROC tax regulations on our operations.

 

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Facilities

We provide testing services through our four facilities in Taiwan and one facility in Shanghai, with one facility at each of the following locations: Chupei, the Hsinchu Industrial Park, the Hsinchu Science Park, the Southern Taiwan Science Park and the Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone. We provide assembly services through our facility at the Southern Taiwan Science Park and our facility at the Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone. We own the land for our Hsinchu Industrial Park testing facility and Chupei facility and possess the land use right to the land on which our Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone facility is located until 2052, and, we lease two parcels of land for our Hsinchu Science Park testing facility with lease expiration in year 2017 and 2027, respectively, and Southern Taiwan Science Park facility with lease expiration in year 2017.

The following table shows the location, primary use and size of each of our facilities, and the principal equipment installed at each facility, as of March 31, 2012.

 

Location of Facility

  

Primary Use

   Floor Area (m2)     

Principal Equipment

Chupei, Hsinchu    Wafer Testing/Gold Bumping      25,294      

5 steppers

15 sputters

239 testers

Hsinchu Industrial Park, Taiwan    Testing      39,997      

122 testers

31 burn-in ovens

Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan    Testing      28,633      

134 testers

99 burn-in ovens

Southern Taiwan Science Park,

Taiwan

   Assembly/Testing      109,822      

503 wire bonders

150 inner-lead bonders

296 testers

Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone,

Mainland China

   Assembly/Testing      66,817      

43 testers

158 wire bonders

21 burn-in ovens

Equipment

Testing of Memory and Logic/Mixed-Signal Semiconductors

Testing equipment is the most capital-intensive component of the memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors testing business. Upon the acquisition of new testing equipment, we install, configure, calibrate and perform burn-in diagnostic tests on the equipment. We also establish parameters for the testing equipment based on anticipated requirements of existing and potential customers and considerations relating to market trends. As of March 31, 2012, we operated 834 testers for testing memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors. We generally seek to purchase testers with similar functionality that are able to test a variety of different semiconductors. We purchase testers from international manufacturer, Advantest Corporation.

In general, particular semiconductors can be tested using a limited number of specially designed testers. As part of the qualification process, customers will specify the machines on which their semiconductors may be tested. We often develop test program conversion tools that enable us to test semiconductors on multiple equipment platforms. This portability among testers enables us to allocate semiconductor testing across our available testing capacity and thereby improve capacity utilization rates. If a customer requires the testing of a semiconductor that is not yet fully developed, the customer consigns its testing software programs to us to test specific functions. If a customer specifies testing equipment that is not widely applicable to other semiconductors we test, we require the customer to furnish the equipment on a consignment basis.

We will continue to acquire additional testing equipment in the future to the extent market conditions, cash generated from operations, the availability of financing and other factors make it desirable to do so. Some of the equipment and related spare parts that we require have been in short supply in recent years. Moreover, the equipment is only available from a limited number of vendors or is manufactured in relatively limited quantities and may have lead time from order to delivery in excess of six months.

 

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Assembly of Memory and Logic/Mixed-Signal Semiconductors

The number of wire bonders at a given facility is commonly used as a measure of the assembly capacity of the facility. Typically, wire bonders may be used, with minor modifications, for the assembly of different products. We purchase wire bonders principally from Shinkawa Co., Ltd. and Kulicke & Soffa Industries Inc. As of March 31, 2012, we operated 503 wire bonders. In addition to wire bonders, we maintain a variety of other types of assembly equipment, such as wafer grinders, wafer mounters, wafer saws, die bonders, automated molding machines, laser markers, solder platers, pad printers, dejunkers, trimmers, formers, substrate saws and lead scanners.

Gold Bumping, Testing and Assembly of LCD and Other Flat-Panel Display Driver Semiconductors

We acquired TCP-related equipment from Sharp to begin our TCP-related services. We subsequently purchased additional TCP-related testers from Yokogawa Electric Corp. and Advantest Corporation and assembly equipment from Shibaura Mechatronics Corp., Shinkawa Co., Ltd., Athlete FA Corp., Daitron Electron Crop and GMM Corp. As of March 31, 2012, we operated 5 steppers and 15 sputters for gold bumping, 150 inner-lead bonders for assembly and 296 testers for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. We are currently in the process of purchasing additional testing equipment. The testing equipment can be used for the TCP, COF and COG processes, while the inner-lead bonders are only used in the TCP and COF processes. The same types of wafer grinding, auto wafer mount and die saw equipment is used for the TCP, COF and COG processes. In addition, auto inspection machines and manual work are used in the COG process, which is more labor-intensive than the TCP and COF processes.

 

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Overview

We provide a broad range of back-end testing services, including wafer probing and final testing of memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors. We also offer a broad selection of leadframe-based and organic substrate-based package assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors. Our advanced leadframe-based packages include thin small outline packages, or TSOPs, and our advanced organic substrate-based packages include fine-pitch ball grid array, or fine-pitch BGA, packages. In addition, we provide gold bumping, testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors by employing TCP, COF and COG technologies. In 2011, our consolidated net revenue was NT$18,211 million (US$602 million) and our net loss was NT$15 million (US$1 million).

We are a holding company, incorporated in Bermuda on August 1, 2000. We provide most of our services through our majority-owned subsidiary, ChipMOS Taiwan, and its subsidiaries and investees. ChipMOS Taiwan was incorporated in Taiwan in July 1997 as a joint venture company of Mosel and Siliconware Precision and with the participation of other investors. Following the completion of the share exchange transaction between ChipMOS Bermuda and ChipMOS Taiwan on September 14, 2007, ChipMOS Taiwan became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ChipMOS Bermuda. In February 2010, we agreed to sell 15.8% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares to Siliconware Precision. The share purchase transaction was completed in January 2011. As of March 31, 2012, we owned 84.2% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares. In Taiwan, we conduct testing operations in our facilities at the Hsinchu Science Park and the Hsinchu Industrial Park, gold bumping and wafer testing in our facility at Chupei, and testing and assembly operations in our facility at the Southern Taiwan Science Park. We also conduct operations in Mainland China through ChipMOS Shanghai, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Modern Mind. ChipMOS Shanghai operates a testing and assembly facility at the Qingpu Industrial Zone in Shanghai. Through our subsidiaries, we also have equity interests in other companies that are engaged in the semiconductor industry. In April 2011, ChipMOS Bermuda entered into the MMT Assignment Agreement with ThaiLin to sell the MMT Notes to ThaiLin for a purchase price of approximately US$40 million. The MMT Assignment Agreement is subject to certain closing conditions, including approval of shareholders of ThaiLin and obtaining certain approval from ICM for ThaiLin’s investment in China. The transaction was completed on October 3, 2011 and Modern Mind then became the wholly-owned subsidiary of ThaiLin. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Overview of the Company” for more details.

 

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The following key trends are important to understanding our business:

Capital Intensive Nature of Our Business. Our operations, in particular our testing operations, are characterized by relatively high fixed costs. We expect to continue to incur substantial depreciation and other expenses as a result of our previous acquisitions of testing and assembly equipment and facilities. Our profitability depends in part not only on absolute pricing levels for our services, but also on capacity utilization rates for our testing and assembly equipment. In particular, increases or decreases in our capacity utilization rates could significantly affect our gross margins since the unit cost of testing and assembly services generally decreases as fixed costs are allocated over a larger number of units.

The current generation of advanced testers typically cost between US$2 million and US$5 million each, while wire bonders used in assembly typically cost approximately US$68 thousand each and inner-lead bonders for TCP and COF assembly cost approximately US$380 thousand each and COG chip sorters cost approximately US$160 thousand each. We begin depreciating our equipment when it is placed into commercial operation. There may be a time lag between the time when our equipment is placed into commercial operation and when it achieves high levels of utilization. In periods of depressed semiconductor industry conditions, we may experience lower than expected demand from our customers and a sharp decline in the average selling prices of our testing and assembly services, resulting in an increase in depreciation expenses relative to net revenue. In particular, the capacity utilization rates for our testing equipment may be severely adversely affected during a semiconductor industry downturn as a result of the decrease in outsourcing demand from integrated device manufacturers, or IDMs, which typically maintain larger in-house testing capacity than in-house assembly capacity.

Highly Cyclical Nature of the Semiconductor Industry. Highly cyclical, the worldwide semiconductor industry has experienced peaks and troughs over the last decade, with a severe downturn beginning in the fourth quarter of 2000 that was followed by a recovery in early 2003. The significant decrease in market demand for semiconductors that began in 2000 adversely affected our results of operations for 2001 and 2002. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, the semiconductor industry commenced another significant downturn which continued in 2009 and in 2010. Market demand for semiconductors significantly decreased across our industry during these periods, which adversely affected average selling prices for our services and our results of operations for 2008, 2009 and 2010. The impact on our results of operations of the decrease in market demand during these periods was partly offset by increases in our 2009 and 2010 net revenue from assembly services for logic/mixed-signal semiconductors due to higher customer demand for these services in 2009 and 2010. The overall outsourced assembly and testing services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors increased gradually since 2010. During periods of decreased demand for assembled semiconductors, some of our customers may forego, delay or simplify final testing of certain types of semiconductors, such as DRAM, which may further decrease demand and average selling prices for our services and intensify our difficulties related to realizing pricing levels, capacity realization rates and gross margin during these periods.

Declining Average Selling Prices of Our Testing and Assembly Services. The semiconductor industry is characterized by a general decrease in prices for products and services over the course of their product and technology life cycles. The rate of decline is particularly steep during periods of intense competition and adverse market conditions. The average selling prices of our testing and assembly services experienced sharp declines during such periods as a result of intense price competition from other independent testing and assembly companies that attempt to maintain high capacity utilization levels in the face of reduced demand.

To offset the effects of decreasing average selling prices, we will continue to seek to:

 

   

improve production efficiency and attain high capacity utilization rates;

 

   

concentrate on testing of potentially high-demand, high-growth semiconductors;

 

   

develop new assembly technologies; and

 

   

implement new technologies and platforms to shift into potentially higher margin services.

 

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Market Conditions for the End-User Applications for Semiconductors. Market conditions in the semiconductor industry, to a large degree, track those for their end-user applications. Any deterioration in the market conditions for the end-user applications of semiconductors that we test and assemble may reduce demand for our services and, in turn, materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Despite an increase in the demand for mobile/niche DRAM in 2010, for DRAMs with more advanced features such as that of enhanced graphic capability, increased power efficiency and increased mobility, the average market demand for DRAM remained low. Our net revenue is largely attributable to fees from testing and assembling semiconductors for use in personal computers, consumer and portable electronic products, display applications and communications equipment. The markets for these products are intensely competitive, and a significant decrease in demand puts pricing pressure on our testing and assembly services and negatively affects our earnings. The oversupply of DRAM products in the second half of 2007 and the weak demand in the DRAM market in 2008 and in the first quarter of 2009 resulted in significant reductions in the price of DRAM products, which in turn drove down the average selling prices for our testing and assembly services for DRAM products from the second half of 2009 and continue in 2011.

Change in Product Mix. Declines in average selling prices have been partially offset over the last three years by a change in our revenue mix. In particular, revenue from testing and assembly of LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors, bumping services and 12-inch wafer processing have increased as a percentage of our total net revenue over the 2009 to 2011 period. We intend to continue focusing on testing and assembling more semiconductors that have the potential to provide higher margins and developing and offering new technologies in testing and assembly services, in order to mitigate the effects of declining average selling prices on our ability to attain profitability.

Recent Acquisitions

In March 2007, we completed a share purchase and subscription transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan and Siliconware Precision, under which we became a holder of 99.1% of the outstanding common shares of ChipMOS Taiwan. In April 2007, we and ChipMOS Taiwan further entered into a share exchange transaction and pursuant to which we agreed to exchange one common share for every 8.4 ChipMOS Taiwan shares outstanding. Following the completion of the share exchange transaction in September 2007, ChipMOS Taiwan became our wholly-owned subsidiary. In February 2010, we agreed to sell 15.8% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares to Siliconware Precision. The share purchase transaction was completed in January 2011. As of March 31, 2012, we owned 84.2% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Our Structure and History” for description of our earlier merger events.

Net Revenue

We conduct our business according to the following main business segments: (1) testing services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors; (2) assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors; (3) LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services; and (4) bumping services for memory, logic/mixed-signal and LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our consolidated net revenue for each segment.

 

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2011  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
     (in millions)  

Testing

           

Memory

   $ 4,646.5       $ 5,577.4       $ 5,455.1       $ 180.2   

Logic/mixed-signal

     524.7         592.3         444.0         14.7   

Total testing

     5,171.2         6,169.7         5,899.1         194.9   

Assembly

           

Memory

     3,335.7         5,112.6         4,982.2         164.6   

Logic/mixed-signal

     1,017.2         1,146.2         1,006.8         33.2   

Total assembly

     4,352.9         6,258.8         5,989.0         197.8   

LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly

     1,986.4         3,199.0         3,985.8         131.7   

Bumping

     639.8         1,582.2         2,337.0         77.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 12,150.3       $ 17,209.7       $ 18,210.9       $ 601.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Our net revenue consists primarily of service fees for testing and assembling semiconductors, and to a lesser extent, fees from equipment rentals to semiconductor manufacturers for engineering testing, less allowances for product returns. We offer testing and assembly services for memory semiconductors, logic/mixed-signal semiconductors, testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors and bumping services.

Most of our customers do not place purchase orders far in advance and our contracts with customers generally do not require minimum purchases of our products or services. Our customers’ purchase orders have varied significantly from period to period because demand for their products is often volatile. We have strategically entered into long-term capacity agreements with some of our customers. Under certain of those long-term agreements, we have agreed to reserve capacity for our customers and our customers have agreed to place orders in the amount of the reserved capacity (which is subject in certain cases to reduction by the customers). As part of our strategy, we intend to enter into additional long-term capacity agreements in the future if this approach continues to represent a potential growth opportunity for our business. Depending on customer demands, market conditions and other considerations, we may explore opportunities to expand our operations outside Taiwan and Mainland China in connection with possible future long-term capacity agreements.

Our financial condition and results of operations have also been, and are likely to continue to be, affected by price pressures on our service fees, which tend to decline in tandem with the declining average selling prices of the products we test and assemble over the course of their product and technology life cycles. In order to maintain our margins, it is necessary to offset the fee erosion by continually improving our production efficiency and maintaining high capacity utilization rates. We also plan to continue to develop and implement new technologies and expand our services into potentially higher-margin segments. These efforts require significant up front investment in advance of incremental revenue, which could impact our margins.

Pricing

We price our testing fees primarily based on the cost of testing the products to our customers’ specifications, including the costs of the required material and components, the depreciation expenses relating to the equipment involved and our overhead expenses, and with reference to prevailing market prices. Accordingly, the testing fee for a particular product would principally depend on the time taken to perform the tests, the complexity of the product and the testing process, and the cost of the equipment used to perform the test. For example, testing fees for memory semiconductors are significantly higher than those for other products because of the longer time required and the need for burn-in testing.

We price our assembly services on a per unit basis, taking into account the complexity of the package, our costs, including the costs of the required material and components, the depreciation expenses relating to the equipment involved and our overhead expenses, prevailing market conditions, the order size, the strength and history of our relationship with the customer and our capacity utilization.

We price our testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors and bumping services on the basis of our costs, including the costs of the required material and components, the depreciation expenses relating to the equipment involved and our overhead expenses, and the price for comparable services.

We offer volume discounts to all customers who purchase large quantities of our services and special discounts to customers who use our vertically integrated services. On a case by case basis, we also may offer special payment terms, including longer payment cycles, to key customers during downturns in the market so as to retain business from such key customers.

Revenue Recognition

We generally recognize our revenue upon completion of testing and assembly services. We also recognize our revenue upon shipment of tested and assembled semiconductors to locations designated by our customers, including our internal warehouse for customers using our warehousing services. We submit invoices at the time of completion of service or shipment or delivery and generally require all customers to pay within 60 days after the last day of the month during which the invoice was sent. However, for ProMOS, during 2010 the invoice settlement cycle has been changed to 30 or 45 days upon delivery, and commencing in June 2011, the collection term was revised to advance payment prior to delivery.

 

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In January 2008, at the request of ProMOS, we agreed to permit ProMOS to defer payment of aggregate service fees of NT$450 million to February 15, 2009. The deferred service fees, bore interest at a rate of 4.69% per annum, were recorded as long-term accounts receivable as of December 31, 2007, and were paid in full by ProMOS in March and April 2008. We also experienced collection problems for our receivables from ProMOS in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The full amount of allowance for these doubtful receivables of NT$578 million and NT$464 million were reserved as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, other receivables from ProMOS amounted to NT$409 million and 100% allowance was made by ChipMOS Taiwan. NT$7 million was received by April 2010. Under the amended subcontracting contract ProMOS paid ChipMOS Taiwan NT$200 million in May 2010. The remaining NT$202 million was paid in nine monthly installments with the final payment made on March 15, 2011. As of December 31, 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan received NT$336 million and the related allowance of NT$409 million was reversed to other non-operating income. In March 2011, all payments have been received.

As of December 31, 2009, other receivables from ProMOS amounted to NT$55 million and 100% allowance was made by ThaiLin. In June 2010, ThaiLin agreed a settlement with ProMOS in the amount of NT$24 million and it was collected during the same year. The allowance of NT$24 million was reversed to other non-operating income. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Customers”.

We also experienced collection problems for our services of receivables from Spansion in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The full amount of allowance of these doubtful receivables of NT$1,539 million and NT$2,232 million were reserved as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. On January 25, 2010, we entered into a definitive Transfer of Claim Agreement to sell to Citigroup Financial Products Inc. (Citigroup) the general unsecured claim reflected in the proof of claim against Spansion. The claim that is the subject of the Transfer of Claim Agreement includes accounts receivable for testing and assembly services provided to Spansion (the “Undisputed Claim”). In February 2010, we received from Citigroup the purchase price for the Undisputed Claim of NT$1,118 million against accounts receivable of NT$2,186 million. A loss on sale of receivables of NT$1,068 million was recognized and the related allowance for doubtful receivables of NT$2,186 million was reversed in 2010. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Customers”.

We have not experienced other significant collection problems for our services.

Related Party Revenues

In 2009, 2010 and 2011, 5%, 12% and 2%, respectively, of our net revenue were derived from related parties. While we believe that our transactions with related parties were entered into on an arm’s length basis, we extended them favorable payment terms, as discussed in the preceding paragraph. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” for more information concerning our related party transactions.

Geography and Currency

The majority of our net revenue is generated from customers headquartered in Taiwan, which represented 60%, 74% and 73% of our net revenue in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. We also generate net revenue from customers in the United States, Singapore, Korea, Japan and other countries. Our service fees and revenue are generally denominated in the currency of the jurisdiction in which our facilities are located, for example NT dollars for our Taiwan operations and RMB for our Mainland China operations. As we generate most of our net revenue from Taiwanese customers using our Taiwanese operations, and since most of our labor and overhead costs are denominated in NT dollars, we consider the NT dollar to be our functional currency.

See Note 23 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk — Market Risks — Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risks” for certain information on our exchange rate risks.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit (Loss)

Our cost of revenue consists primarily of the following: depreciation and amortization expenses, raw material costs, and labor and overhead expenses, which primarily include expendable equipments, sub-contracting fees and rental expenses. Our operations, in particular our testing, are characterized by relatively high fixed costs. We expect to continue to incur substantial depreciation and other expenses as a result of our previous and future acquisitions of testing and assembly equipment and facilities, including our investment in our Mainland China operations. As of March 31, 2012, we had 834 testers, 151 burn-in ovens, 503 wire bonders, 150 inner-lead bonders, 5 steppers and 15 sputters. We use inner-lead bonders for the assembly of LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors using TCP or COF technology, and wire bonders for TSOP, BGA, and some other package assembly technologies.

 

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Our profitability depends in part not only on absolute pricing levels for our services, but also on our capacity utilization rates. Our average capacity utilization rate for testing of memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors was 45% in 2009, 60% in 2010 and 62% in 2011. Our average capacity utilization rate for assembly of memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors was 64% in 2009, 85% in 2010 and 79% in 2011. Our average capacity utilization rate for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly was 52% in 2009, 77% in 2010 and 80% in 2011. In addition, our average capacity utilization rate for bumping was 45% in 2009, 77% in 2010 and 88% in 2011.

For each period of time selected, we derived the capacity utilization rate for our testing operations by dividing the total number of hours of actual use of our facilities’ testing equipment units by the maximum number of hours that these equipment units were capable of being used. The testing capacity utilization rate generally increases in correlation to increases in the total volume of our customer orders, and generally decreases in correlation to decreases in the total volume of our customer orders.

For each period of time selected, we derived the capacity utilization rate for our assembly operations by dividing the total number of units actually produced by our assembly facilities by the maximum number of units that these facilities are capable of producing. The assembly capacity utilization rate generally increases in correlation to increases in the total volume of our customer orders, and generally decreases in correlation to decreases in the total volume of our customer orders.

Our gross revenue is generally the product of the total volume of our customer orders multiplied by the average selling price per deliverable unit from our assembly or testing services, as the case may be. As a result, in a period where the average selling prices do not fluctuate significantly, increases or decreases in our capacity utilization rates generally correlate to increases or decreases in our gross revenue. Periods with significant increases in the average selling prices reduce the negative impact on our gross revenue from any decreases in our capacity utilization rates. Similarly, periods with significant decreases in the average selling prices reduce the positive impact on our gross revenue from any increases in our capacity utilization rates.

The Company has significant fixed costs in operating our assembly and testing facilities. For this reason, decreases in our cost of goods sold during a period generally occur at a slower rate than decreases, during the same period, in our gross revenue due to lower capacity utilization rates, lower average selling prices, or both. Also, as a result, our gross margin and profitability generally decrease in correlation to decreases in our capacity utilization rates, decreases in our average selling prices, or both. Similarly, our gross margin and profitability generally increase in correlation to increases in our capacity utilization rates, increases in our average selling prices, or both. Due to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, customer orders may change significantly, causing fluctuation in our capacity utilization rate and average selling price.

Most of our labor and overhead costs are denominated in NT dollars. However, we also incur costs of revenues and operating expenses associated with testing and assembly services in several other currencies, including Japanese yen, US dollars and RMB. In addition, a substantial portion of our capital expenditures, primarily for the purchase of testing and assembly equipment, has been, and is expected to continue to be, denominated in Japanese yen with much of the remainder denominated in US dollars.

 

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The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our gross profit (loss) and our gross profit (loss) margin as a percentage of net revenue.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2009        2010        2011            2011      
     NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
     (in millions)  

Gross profit (loss):

           

Testing

           

Memory

   $ (2,275.9)         $ (362.4)         $ 352.1         $ 11.7     

Logic/mixed-signal

     84.7           114.5           24.9           0.8     

Total testing

     (2,191.2)           (247.9)           377.0           12.5     

Assembly

           

Memory

     (745.2)           (36.0)           (20.3)           (0.7)     

Logic/mixed-signal

     (13.2)           240.9           303.2           10.0     

Total assembly

     (758.4)           204.9           282.9           9.3     

LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly

     (185.3)           703.8           887.3           29.3     

Bumping

     (376.3)           (15.1)           114.5           3.8     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ (3,511.2)         $ 645.7         $ 1,661.7         $ 54.9     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss) margin:

           

Testing

           

Memory

     (49.0)%         (6.5)%         6.5%         6.5%   

Logic/mixed-signal

     16.1             19.3             5.6             5.6      

Total testing

     (42.4)            (4.0)            6.4             6.4      

Assembly

           

Memory

     (22.3)            (0.7)            (0.4)            (0.4)      

Logic/mixed-signal

     (1.3)            21.0             30.1             30.1      

Total assembly

     (17.4)            3.3             4.7             4.7      

LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly

     (9.3)            22.0             22.3             22.3      

Bumping

     (58.8)            (1.0)            4.9             4.9      

Overall

     (28.9)%         3.8%         9.1%         9.1%   

Operating Expenses

Research and Development

Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses, amortization expenses relating to technology, expenditures to qualify our services for specific customers and other consulting fees and certification fees paid to third parties. Research and development expenses are recognized as they are incurred. We currently expect that research and development expenses will increase in the future as we continue to explore new technologies and service offerings. We also expect to hire additional employees in our research and development department.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of shipping and handling expenses incurred in delivering products to our customers’ designated locations, advertising, corporate communications and other marketing expenses, salary expenses for sales and marketing personnel, sales commission, professional service fees, bad debt provision and service support expenses.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses consist of salaries and related expenses for executive, finance and accounting, and management information systems personnel, professional service fees, and other corporate expenses. They also include stock-based compensation that is expensed using the intrinsic value-based method and fair value method. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Share Option Plan and Share Appreciation Rights Plan” for more information concerning our share option plan. We expect general and administrative expenses to increase in absolute terms as we add personnel and incur additional expenses related to the growth of our business and operations.

 

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Other Income (Expenses), Net

Our other income principally consists of interest income, sales of claims receivables, foreign exchange gains, warehouse space rental revenue, royalty income, gains on sale of investments, gains on disposal of property, plant and equipment, fair value gains on financial assets, gain on disposal of land use right and gains on embedded derivative. In 2008, our other income included certain interest income paid by Kolin under a loan repayable to ChipMOS Taiwan that bears interest at a rate of 4.69% per annum. NT$15 million of this loan was repaid in 2008. The loan is secured by a pledge by Kolin of 11 million common shares of ThaiLin. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp” for more information. In January 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a definitive Transfer of Claim Agreement to sell to Citigroup Financial Products Inc. (Citigroup) the general unsecured claim reflected in the proof of claim against Spansion. As a result of the agreement, ChipMOS Taiwan received from Citigroup the purchase price for the Undisputed Claim of NT$1,118 million against accounts receivable of NT$2,186 million. A loss on sale of receivables of NT$1,068 million was recognized and the related allowance for doubtful receivables of NT$2,186 million was reversed in 2010. The Transfer of Claim Agreement also includes the sale of breach of contract and liquidated damages rights against Spansion in the amount of NT$2,118 million, which was received in October 2010.

As of December 31, 2009, other receivables from ProMOS amounted to NT$409 million and 100% allowance was made by ChipMOS Taiwan. NT$7 million was received by April 2010. Under an amended subcontracting contract, ProMOS paid ChipMOS Taiwan NT$200 million in May 2010. The remaining NT$202 million was subsequently received by March 2011. As of December 31, 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan received NT$336 million and the related allowance of NT$409 million was reversed to other non-operating income. In March 2011, all payments have been received.

As of December 31, 2009, other receivables from ProMOS amounted to NT$55 million and 100% allowance was made by ThaiLin. In June 2010, ThaiLin agreed a settlement with ProMOS in the amount of NT$24 million, this payment was fully received in the same year. The allowance of NT$24 million was reversed to other non-operating income.

Our other expenses principally consist of interest expense, fair value loss on financial assets, financing costs, impairment losses, losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment, loss on embedded derivative and foreign exchange losses.

Noncontrolling Interests and Interest in Bonuses Paid by Subsidiaries

Noncontrolling interests represent the portion of our income that is attributable to the shareholding in our consolidated subsidiaries that we do not own. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Our Structure and History” for information concerning our consolidated subsidiaries. In 2009, our noncontrolling interests were attributable to the public shareholders’ interest in ThaiLin, ChipMOS Taiwan’s 42.9% owned subsidiary. In 2010 and 2011, our noncontrolling interests were attributable to the noncontrolling interests owned by Siliconware Precision in ChipMOS Taiwan as a result of the February 2010 share purchase agreement under which we agreed to sell 15.8% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares to Siliconware Precision, and the public shareholders’ interest in ThaiLin. The sale of 15.8% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares to Siliconware Precision was completed in January 2011. Under the MMT Assignment Agreement signed on April 22, 2011, ChipMOS Bermuda agreed to sell the MMT Notes to ThaiLin. The transaction was completed in October 2011 and ThaiLin immediately converted the MMT Notes into common shares of Modern Mind and purchased all of the remaining common shares of Modern Mind from Jesper, with ChipMOS Shanghai becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of ThaiLin. As a result of the transaction, interest of ChipMOS Bermuda in Modern Mind and also ChipMOS Shanghai decreased to 36.1% from 100%. As of March 31, 2012, we owned 84.2% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares.

Interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries represents our portion of ChipMOS Taiwan’s and ThaiLin’s distributable earnings that are appropriated as bonuses to employees and remuneration to directors and supervisors of ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin, as required by ROC regulations and ChipMOS Taiwan’s and ThaiLin’s articles of incorporation. ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin did not pay any bonuses to directors, supervisors and employees in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin paid nil and NT$29 million (US$958 thousand) to employees, directors and supervisors as bonuses, which was accrued in 2010.

Net Income (Loss)

Our net loss was NT$4,419 million in 2009, net income was NT$1,645 million in 2010, and net loss was NT$15 million (US$1 million) in 2011, respectively. We believe our future results will be dependent upon the overall economic conditions in the markets we serve, the competitive environment in which we operate, and our ability to successfully implement our strategy, among other things. For additional information on factors that will affect our future performance, see “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors”.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table presents selected operating data as a percentage of net revenue for the periods indicated:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2009      2010      2011  

ROC GAAP:

        

Net revenue

     100.0%         100.0%         100.0%   

Cost of revenue

     128.9            96.2            90.9       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss) margin

     (28.9)           3.8            9.1       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development

     3.1            2.4            2.3       

General and administrative

     4.6            3.9            3.6       

Sales and marketing

     5.4            0.4            0.3       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     13.1            6.7            6.2       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from operations

     (42.0)           (2.9)           2.9       

Other income (expenses), net

     1.0            13.5            (2.5)      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) before income tax and noncontrolling interests

     (41.0)           10.6            0.4       

Income tax benefit (expense)

     3.4            0.5            (0.2)      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) before noncontrolling interests

     (37.6)           11.1            0.2       

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     1.2             (1.5)           (0.3)      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to ChipMOS

       (36.4)%         9.6%         (0.1)%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

Net Revenue. Our net revenue increased by NT$1,001 million, or 6%, to NT$18,211 million (US$602 million) in 2011 from NT$17,210 million in 2010.

Net revenue from testing services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors decreased by NT$271 million, or 4%, to NT$5,899 million (US$195 million) in 2011 from NT$6,170 million in 2010. Net revenue from testing services for memory semiconductors decreased by NT$122 million, or 2%, to NT$5,455 million (US$180 million) in 2011 from NT$5,577 million in 2010, principally due to decreased average selling price for DRAM products. Net revenue for testing services for logic/mixed-signal semiconductors decreased by NT$149 million, or 25%, to NT$444 million (US$15 million) in 2011 from NT$593 million in 2010, principally due to decreased average selling price.

Net revenue from assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors decreased by NT$270 million, or 4%, to NT$5,989 million (US$198 million) in 2011 from NT$6,259 million in 2010. Net revenue from assembly services for memory semiconductors decreased by NT$131 million, or 3%, to NT$4,982 million (US$165 million) in 2011 from NT$5,113 million in 2010, primarily as a result of decreased capacity utilization rates and average selling price. Net revenue from assembly services for logic/mixed-signal semiconductors decreased by NT$139 million, or 12%, to NT$1,007 million (US$33 million) in 2011 from NT$1,146 million in 2010, also attributable to decreased capacity utilization rates and average selling price.

Net revenue from LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services increased by NT$787 million, or 25%, to NT$3,986 million (US$132 million) in 2011 from NT$3,199 million in 2010. This increase was principally as a result of an increase of capacity and its utilization for LCD and other flat-panel display products in 2011.

Net revenue from bumping services increased by NT$755 million, or 48%, to NT$2,337 million (US$77 million) in 2011 from NT$1,582 million in 2010. This increase was principally as a result of an increased capacity utilization rate for bumping services in 2011.

See “— Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit (Loss)” for more information concerning our testing and assembly capacity utilization rates and the impact on our gross revenue, gross margin and profitability from any increases or decreases in our capacity utilization rates.

 

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Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin. Cost of revenue decreased by NT$15 million, or 0.1%, to NT$16,549 million (US$547 million) in 2011 from NT$16,564 million in 2010, primarily due to decreases of depreciation expenses of NT$629 million (US$21 million) and partially offset by an increase in direct materials, direct labor, inventory supplies and inventory valuation allowance of NT$173 million (US$6 million), NT$114 million (US$4 million), NT$104 million (US$3 million) and NT$214 million (US$7 million), respectively. Direct materials increased principally as a result of the increase in capacity utilization rate.

Our gross profit increased to NT$1,662 million (US$55 million) in 2011 from NT$646 million in 2010. Our gross margin was 9% in 2011, compared to 4% in 2010.

Our gross margin for testing services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors increased to 6% in 2011 from negative 4% in 2010, primarily due to a higher capacity utilization rate, which increased to 62% in 2011 from 60% in 2010.

Our gross margin for assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors increased to 5% in 2011 from 3% in 2010, primarily due to the increased sales of higher margin memory semiconductor assembly services.

Our gross margin for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services increased to 23% in 2011 from 22% in 2010, primarily as a result of an increase in the capacity utilization rate from 77% in 2010 to 80% in 2011.

Our gross margin for bumping services increased to 5% in 2011 from negative 1% in 2010, primarily as a result of an increase in the capacity utilization rate from 77% in 2010 to 88% in 2011.

See “— Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit (Loss)” for more information concerning our testing and assembly capacity utilization rates and the impact on our gross revenue, gross margin and profitability from any increases or decreases in our capacity utilization rates.

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses decreased by NT$3 million, or 1%, to NT$410 million (US$14 million) in 2011 from NT$413 million in 2010. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease of amortization expenses and professional services fees.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by NT$26 million, or 4%, to NT$652 million (US$22 million) in 2011 from NT$678 million in 2010, primarily due to the decrease of amortization expenses and bank charges.

Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased by NT$2 million, or 3%, to NT$66 million (US$2 million) in 2011 from NT$64 million in 2010, primarily due to an increase of freight-out expenses.

Other Income (Expenses), Net. Other income (expenses), net, changed by NT$2,777 million, or 120%, to other expenses, net, of NT$456 million (US$15 million) in 2011 from other income, net, of NT$2,321 million in 2010. This change was primarily due to the one-off income from the sale of Undisputed Claim against Spansion of NT$2,118 million, and recovery of allowance for doubtful receivables of NT$2,717 million in 2010, which were partially offset by the loss on sale of receivables of NT$1,068 million in 2010.This change was also caused in part by the increase of foreign exchange gain by NT$422 million (US$14 million), decrease of interest expense by NT$374 million (US$12 million) and decrease of impairment loss on other assets by NT$223 million (US$7 million).

Income (Loss) Before Income Tax and Noncontrolling Interests. As a result of the foregoing, income before income tax and noncontrolling interests decreased by 96% to NT$78 million (US$3 million) in 2011 from NT$1,812 million in 2010.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense). We had an income tax expense of NT$46 million (US$2 million) in 2011 compared to income tax benefit of NT$99 million for 2010, primarily due to the utilization of tax credit in 2011.

Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. The net income less losses of ThaiLin and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Modern Mind and ChipMOS Shanghai and of ChipMOS Taiwan attributable to noncontrolling interests amounted to NT$47 million (US$2 million) in 2011, compared to the net income of ThaiLin and of ChipMOS Taiwan attributable to noncontrolling interests of NT$266 million in 2010.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ChipMOS. As a result of the foregoing, the net loss attributable to ChipMOS was NT$15 million (US$1 million) in 2011, compared to a net income attributable to ChipMOS of NT$1,645 million in 2010.

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2009

Net Revenue. Our net revenue increased by NT$5,060 million, or 42%, to NT$17,210 million in 2010 from NT$12,150 million in 2009.

Net revenue from testing services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors increased by NT$999 million, or 19%, to NT$6,170 million in 2010 from NT$5,171 million in 2009, mainly due to an increase in net revenue from testing services for memory semiconductors. Net revenue from testing services for memory semiconductors increased by NT$931 million, or 20%, to NT$5,577 million in 2010 from NT$4,646 million in 2009, principally due to increased capacity utilization rates and higher average selling price for DRAM products. Net revenue for testing services for logic/mixed-signal semiconductors increased by NT$68 million, or 13%, to NT$593 million in 2010 from NT$525 million in 2009, principally due to increased capacity utilization rates.

Net revenue from assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors, which includes revenue from assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors and revenue from our memory module manufacturing business, increased by NT$1,906 million, or 44%, to NT$6,259 million in 2010 from NT$4,353 million in 2009. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in net revenue from assembly services for memory semiconductors. Net revenue from assembly services for memory semiconductors increased by NT$1,777 million, or 53%, to NT$5,113 million in 2010 from NT$3,336 million in 2009, primarily as a result of an increased capacity utilization rate for DDR II SDRAM products. Net revenue from assembly services for logic/mixed-signal semiconductors increased by NT$129 million, or 13%, to NT$1,146 million in 2010 from NT$1,017 million in 2009, principally as a result of higher customer demand.

Net revenue from LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services increased by NT$1,213 million, or 61%, to NT$3,199 million in 2010 from NT$1,986 million in 2009. This increase was principally as a result of an increased capacity utilization rate for LCD and other flat-panel display products in 2010.

Net revenue from bumping services increased by NT$942 million, or 147%, to NT$1,582 million in 2010 from NT$640 million in 2009. This increase was principally as a result of an increased capacity utilization rate for bumping products in 2010.

See “— Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit (Loss)” for more information concerning our testing and assembly capacity utilization rates and the impact on our gross revenue, gross margin and profitability from any increases or decreases in our capacity utilization rates.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin. Cost of revenue increased by NT$903 million, or 6%, to NT$16,564 million in 2010 from NT$15,661 million in 2009, primarily due to increases of the direct materials, direct labor, salary and fringes expenses and expendable equipment of NT$1,168 million, NT$531 million, NT$239 million and NT$215 million, respectively. These expenses increases are partially offset by the decrease of rental expenses of NT$1,288 million. Direct materials increased principally as a result of a raise in the capacity utilization rate.

Our gross profit increased to NT$646 million in 2010 from negative NT$3,511 million in 2009. Our gross margin was 4% in 2010, compared to negative 29% in 2009.

Our gross margin for testing services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors increased to negative 4% in 2010 from negative 42% in 2009, primarily due to a higher capacity utilization rate, which increased to 60% in 2010 from 45% in 2009.

Our gross margin for assembly services for memory and logic/mixed-signal semiconductors increased to 3% in 2010 from negative 17% in 2009, primarily due to a higher capacity utilization rate, which increased to 85% in 2010 from 64% in 2009.

Our gross margin for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services increased to 22% in 2010 from negative 9% in 2009, primarily as a result of an increase in the capacity utilization rate from 52% in 2009 to 77% in 2010.

Our gross margin for bumping services increased to negative 1% in 2010 from negative 59% in 2009, primarily as a result of an increase in the capacity utilization rate from 45% in 2009 to 77% in 2010.

See “— Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit (Loss)” for more information concerning our testing and assembly capacity utilization rates and the impact on our gross revenue, gross margin and profitability from any increases or decreases in our capacity utilization rates.

 

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Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses increased by NT$38 million, or 10%, to NT$413 million in 2010 from NT$375 million in 2009. This increase was primarily due to the higher personnel expenses and the increase of professional services fees.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by NT$20 million, or 3%, to NT$678 million in 2010 from NT$658 million in 2009, primarily due to the higher personnel expenses.

Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses decreased by NT$497 million, or 89%, to NT$64 million in 2010 from NT$561 million in 2009, primarily due to a decrease of NT$497 million in bad debt provision.

Other Income (Expenses), Net. Other income, net increased by NT$2,204 million, or 1,884%, to NT$2,321 million in 2010 from NT$117 million in 2009. This increase was primarily due to the damage claim received of NT$2,118 million, recovery of allowance for doubtful receivables of NT$2,717 million in 2010 and partially offset by the increase of loss on sale of receivables of NT$1,068 million, impairment loss on other assets of NT$392 million, and the increase of foreign exchange loss by NT$307 million, increase of loss on derivative liability by NT$311 million and increase of interest expense by NT$244 million.

Income (Loss) Before Income Tax and Noncontrolling Interests. As a result of the foregoing, income before income tax and noncontrolling interests increased by 136% to an income of NT$1,812 million in 2010 from a loss of NT$4,989 million in 2009.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense). We had an income tax benefit of NT$99 million in 2010 compared to income tax benefit of NT$421 million for 2009, primarily due to a significant increase in income before income tax in 2010.

Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. The net income of ThaiLin and of ChipMOS Taiwan attributable to noncontrolling interests amounted to NT$266 million in 2010, compared to the net loss of ThaiLin attributable to noncontrolling interests of NT$149 million in 2009.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ChipMOS. As a result of the foregoing, the net income attributable to ChipMOS was NT$1,645 million in 2010, compared to a net loss attributable to ChipMOS of NT$4,419 million in 2009.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with ROC GAAP. Under ROC GAAP, we are required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time those estimates, judgments and assumptions are made, and our financial condition or results of operations may be materially impacted if we use different but nonetheless reasonable estimates, judgments or assumptions about those matters for that particular period or if we change our estimates, judgments or assumptions from period to period.

Under ROC GAAP, the significant accounting policies are set forth in Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. The significant accounting policies that require us to make estimates and assumptions about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain are discussed below. In connection with the reconciliation of our consolidated financial statements to US GAAP, there are no additional accounting policies that we believe are critical to us except as described below under “— Convertible Notes” and “— Share-Based Compensation”.

Allowance for Doubtful Receivables and Sales Returns

Our accounts receivable balance on our balance sheet is affected by our allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns, which reflect our estimate of the expected amount of the receivables that we will not be able to collect and our estimate of the expected amount of sales returns.

Our determination of the allowance for doubtful receivables is based on our determination of two different types of reserves. The first type of reserve involves an individual examination of available information regarding any customer that we have reason to believe may have an inability to meet its financial obligations. For these customers, we use our judgment, based on the available facts and circumstances, and record a specific reserve for that customer against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount that is expected to be collected. These specific reserves are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received. The second type of reserve is a general reserve established for all customers based on a range of percentages applied to aging categories. These percentages are based on historical collection and write-off experience. If circumstances change, our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could be reduced by a material amount. As of December 31, 2011, we provided NT$65 million (US$2 million) for the first type of reserve and NT$2 million (US$66 thousand) for the second type of reserve. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Customers”.

 

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Our determination of the allowances for sales returns as of the end of any quarter is based upon calculating an average historical return rate, usually based on the previous three quarters, and multiplying this by the revenue of that quarter. As of December 31, 2011, we provided NT$119 million (US$4 million) for the allowance of sales returns.

The allowance we set aside for doubtful receivables and sales returns was NT$2,937 million as of December 31, 2009, NT$262 million as of December 31, 2010 and NT$186 million (US$6 million) as of December 31, 2011. The allowances as of December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 represented 53%, 7% and 5%, respectively, of our accounts receivable and other receivables as of those dates. The allowance in 2009, 2010 and 2011 reflected a reduction of NT$1,065 million, NT$74 million and NT$2 million (US$66 thousand), respectively, in accounts receivable and other receivables that were charged to sales and marketing expenses. If we were to change our estimate of the allowance for doubtful receivables either upward or downward 10%, our operating income would be affected by NT$1 million (US$33 thousand) for 2011.

An increase in our allowance for doubtful receivables and sales returns would increase our sales and marketing expenses, decrease our recorded revenue and our current assets.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of standard cost (adjusted to the approximate weighted average cost on the balance sheet date) or net realizable value. Inventory write-down is made on an item-by-item basis, except where it may be appropriate to group similar or related items. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price of inventories less all estimated costs of completion and necessary selling costs. Prior to January 1, 2009, inventories were stated at the lower of cost or market value. Any write-down was made on a total-inventory basis. Market value represented replacement cost for raw materials and net realizable value for finished goods and work in progress.

In 2009, 2010 and 2011, we reserved NT$199 million, NT$37 million and NT$85 million (US$3 million) of inventory valuation allowance, primarily due to the market price of tested and assembled DRAM and SDRAM inventory was below cost. In addition, we reserved NT$1 million in 2009, NT$28 million in 2010 and NT$36 million (US$1 million) in 2011 for identified slow-moving inventories.

As of December 31, 2011, we recorded NT$121 million (US$4 million) of inventory valuation allowances. If the prevailing market price of our testing and assembly services had been 10% lower, we would have been required to recognize a valuation allowance of approximately NT$55 million (US$2 million) in 2011 and would have decreased our inventory value by 4% and increased our net loss by 362%, respectively.

Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets

When we have net operating loss carry forwards, investment tax credits or temporary differences in the amount of tax recorded for tax purposes and accounting purposes, we may be able to reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in future periods. We recognize all existing future tax benefits arising from these tax attributes as deferred tax assets and then, based on our internal estimates of our future profits, establish a valuation allowance equal to the extent, if any, that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. We record an income tax expense or benefit in our statement of operations when there is a net change in our total deferred tax assets and liabilities in a period. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the net operating losses and temporary differences become deductible or the investment tax credits may be utilized. Specifically, our valuation allowances are impacted by our expected future revenue growth and profitability, tax holidays, alternative minimum tax, and the amount of tax credits that can be utilized within the statutory period. In determining the amount of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011, we considered past performance, the general outlook of the semiconductor industry, future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.

Because the determination of the amount of valuation allowance is based, in part, on our forecast of future profitability, it is inherently uncertain and subjective. Changes in market conditions and our assumptions may cause the actual future profitability to differ materially from our current expectation, which may require us to increase or decrease the amount of valuation allowance that we have recorded. Because our expectation for future profitability is generally less during periods of reduced revenue, we will be more likely to provide significant valuation allowances with respect to deferred tax assets during those periods of already reduced income.

As of December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, the ending balance for valuation allowances were NT$2,400 million, NT$1,171 million and NT$825 million (US$27 million), respectively.

 

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Impairment Loss of Long-Lived Assets

Under ROC GAAP, we record impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations if events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the recoverable amounts of the assets of the cash-generating unit are less than the carrying amounts of those items. Assumptions about the recoverable amounts of the long-lived assets require significant judgment on our expected cash flow. Our cash flow estimates are based on historical results adjusted to reflect our best estimate of future market and operating conditions. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is reduced to fair value. Our management periodically reviews the carrying value of our long-lived assets and this review is based upon our projections of anticipated future cash flows.

In determining whether any impairment charges were necessary for the property, plant and equipment and other assets as of December 31, 2011, we assumed that the semiconductor industry will continue its growth in the next few years. Based upon our assumption of growth in the semiconductor industry and our other assumptions in our internal budget, for the purpose of determining whether any impairment charges are necessary as of December 31, 2011, we estimated that our discounted future cash flows are not smaller than our property, plant and equipment. Therefore, no impairment loss has been recognized in respect of property, plant and equipment. If our current estimates of future cash flows decreases, those cash flows would be less than the reported amount of long-lived assets, and we would be required to recognize additional impairment loss, which would significantly decrease our net income before taxes.

Under US GAAP, an impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset or a group of assets is not recoverable from the expected future cash flows and the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of the asset or group of assets. The impairment loss is recorded in earnings and cannot be reversed subsequently. Long-lived assets (excluding goodwill) held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

Based on the assessment of our management, in 2011, we recognized NT$168 million (US$6 million) of impairment loss for other long-lived assets under ROC GAAP and US GAAP.

While we believe that our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows could materially affect our evaluations.

Convertible Notes

Under US GAAP, we are required to account for the conversion features in the Convertible Notes issued in 2006 (“2006 Notes”), the Convertible Notes issued in 2009 (“2009 Notes”), the Convertible Notes issued in 2010 (“2010 Notes”) and the Convertible Notes issued in 2011 (“2011 Notes”) as derivative liabilities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”.

The change in fair value on revaluation of the embedded derivative liabilities represents the difference between the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities at the beginning of the reporting period and their fair value at the end of the reporting period. We are required to record the change in fair value as a loss or gain on embedded derivative liabilities in determining net income under US GAAP. As of December 31, 2011, all the 2006 Notes, the 2009 Notes, the 2010 Notes and the 2011 Notes have been redeemed or converted and there was nil balance of embedded derivative liabilities. During 2011, the changes of the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities resulted in a loss on embedded derivative liabilities of NT$57 million (US$2 million). The loss was taken into account when determining our net income under US GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2011. The fair values of embedded derivatives are determined using option pricing models, which require us to make various assumptions, including among others, the expected volatility of our stock over the life of the option, market interest rates, credit spread and the expected life of the option. In determining these input assumptions, we consider historical trends and other relevant factors which may change from period to period. Because the option pricing models are sensitive to change in the input assumptions, different determinations of the required inputs may result in different fair value estimates of the options.

Under ROC GAAP, we are required to bifurcate and separately account for embedded derivatives contained in our convertible notes issued after 2005 in accordance with SFAS No. 34 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”. For more information, see Notes 13 and 25i to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

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Share-Based Compensation

Under US GAAP, we are required to account for our employee share option plans under the fair-value-based method and to recognize share-based compensation arrangements as expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, in accordance with FASB ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation”. The determination of the fair value of our share options on the date of grant under the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model is affected by the price of our common shares and assumptions of a number of variables, including the risk-free interest rate, the expected life of the options, the estimated fair value of our common shares and the expected price volatility of our common shares over the term of the options. In 2011, the share-based compensation expense amounted to NT$26 million (US$1 million), which was taken into account when determining our net income and shareholders’ equity under US GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Prior to adopting FASB ASC 718 in 2006, share-based compensation arrangements were accounted for under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, which utilized an intrinsic value approach in recognizing compensation expense. Under ROC GAAP and prior to January 1, 2008, we accounted for our share-based compensation arrangements under the intrinsic value method. Commencing January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS No. 39 “Share-based Payment”. After the adoption of SFAS No. 39, our share-based compensation has been measured at the fair value of the options at grant date using an option valuation model. For more information, see Notes 2, 25j and 26h to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Senior Management’s Discussion with the Audit Committee

Our management has discussed the critical accounting policies described above with the audit committee of our board of directors and the audit committee has reviewed our disclosure relating to the critical accounting policies in this section.

Impact of Foreign Currency Fluctuations and Governmental or Political Factors

For a discussion of the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and governmental economics, fiscal, monetary or political policies or factors that may directly or indirect impact us, see “Item 3. Key Information—Risks Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in foreign exchange losses” and “Item 3. Key Information—Risks Factors—Risks Relating to Countries in Which We Conduct Operations”.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Since our inception, we have funded our operations and growth primarily through the issuance of equity, a mixture of short- and long-term loans and cash flow from operations. As of December 31, 2011, our primary sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents (excluding restricted cash and cash equivalents) of NT$7,358 million (US$243 million), and short-term loans of NT$869 million (US$29 million) available to us in undrawn facilities, which have expired or will expire before November 2012. To meet our liquidity, capital spending and other capital needs, we have taken certain steps discussed below.

In December 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan reached agreement with and received approval from its bank creditors for an extension of its repayment schedule on its short-term loans. This loan repayment schedule is further discussed under Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. The following related key extended repayment terms and conditions apply to ChipMOS Taiwan’s bank loans due between 2009 to 2013. For repayment of non-revolving short-term loans, ChipMOS Taiwan agreed to repay 20% of the outstanding principal on December 31, 2010, to repay the balance outstanding in eight quarterly installments by the end of 2012, and to set aside NT$50 million per month with Bank of Taiwan from January 2011 until December 2012 to fund the scheduled estimated principal repayments. ChipMOS Taiwan may maintain its current revolving short-term facilities but is required to increase its collateral to secure up to 60% of the outstanding principal amount by the end of 2011. For repayment of long-term loans, ChipMOS Taiwan agreed to set aside with Bank of Taiwan NT$300 million per month for 2011, NT$270 million per month for 2012 and NT$150 million per month for 2013 to meet the principal repayment schedule. The bank creditors agreed that ChipMOS Taiwan may arrange additional bank loans for purchasing operating materials by using its available assets as collateral. These banks also agreed not to unilaterally foreclose and seize any machinery, property or deposits of ChipMOS Taiwan and agreed to waive any penalties that might have to be imposed on the Company in case of breach under the existing loan agreements.

In July 2011, ChipMOS Taiwan obtained a syndicated loan facility from banks in Taiwan in the amount of NT$8,410 million (US$278 million) separated into two parts with its respective term of four years and five years. This loan facility was used to refinance the existing bank debts and equipment leases in July and August 2011.

 

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Our bank creditors provided us with a waiver in February 2010 relating to any potential covenant breaches under a syndicated loan facility agreement with Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited as agent. The application by the Company for early repayment of the outstanding loan in four installments was approved in April 2010 without penalty. The syndicated loan facility was fully repaid in January 2011. See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Our significant amount of indebtedness and interest expense will limit our cash flow and could adversely affect our operations” for additional information.

Liquidity

The following table sets forth our cash flows with respect to operating activities, investing activities, financing activities and the effect of exchange rate changes on cash for the periods indicated.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2009     2010     2011     2011  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in millions)  

Net cash provided by (used in):

        

Operating activities

   $ 781.0      $ 8,688.9      $ 5,898.0      $ 194.8   

Investing activities

     (1,042.5     (2,454.2     (3,250.7     (107.4

Financing activities

     (2,503.8     (2,959.5     (2,464.6     (81.4

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (1.8     (16.8     31.9        1.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

   $ (2,767.1   $ 3,258.4      $ 214.6      $ 7.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled NT$5,898 million (US$195 million) in 2011, compared to NT$8,689 million in 2010. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a net loss of NT$15 million (US$1 million) in 2011, compared to net income of NT$1,645 million in 2010, an increase of accounts receivables of NT$693 million (US$23 million) in 2011 compared to a decrease of accounts receivable of NT$1,564 million in 2010, the decrease of depreciation expenses, which was NT$5,514 million (US$182 million) in 2011 compared to NT$6,133 million in 2010, a decrease of accrued expenses and other liabilities of NT$219 million (US$7 million) in 2011 compared to an increase of accrued expenses and other liabilities of NT$473 million in 2010. The net cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by the recovery of allowance for doubtful receivables, which was NT$69 million (US$2 million) in 2011 compared to NT$2,718 million in 2010.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled NT$8,689 million in 2010, compared to NT$781 million in 2009. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a net income of NT$1,645 million in 2010, compared to net loss of NT$4,419 million in 2009 and a decrease of accounts receivable of NT$1,564 million in 2010 compared to an increase of accounts receivable of NT$1,241 million in 2009. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was also partially offset by the increase of recovery of allowance for doubtful receivables, which was NT$2,718 million in 2010 compared to NT$561 million in 2009.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled NT$3,251 million (US$107 million) in 2011, compared to NT$2,454 million in 2010. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of a decrease in the proceeds from sales of ChipMOS Taiwan's outstanding shares to Siliconware Precision which decreased to NT$487 million (US$16 million) in 2011 from NT$1,133 million in 2010.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled NT$2,454 million in 2010, compared to NT$1,043 million in 2009. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of an increase in capital expenditures and partially offset by the proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment which increased to NT$899 million in 2010 from NT$19 million in 2009 and the proceeds from the sales of 11.0% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding share to Siliconware Precision of NT$1,133 million in 2010. Capital expenditures were NT$4,468 million in 2010, compared to NT$1,245 million in 2009.

 

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Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities totaled NT$2,465 million (US$81 million) in 2011, compared to NT$2,959 million in 2010. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily the result of the net payments of long-term loans of NT$1,398 million (US$46 million) in 2011, compared to NT$2,227 million in 2010 and net payments of short-term loans of NT$948 million (US$31 million) in 2011, compared to NT$869 million in 2010. This was partially offset by the net proceeds of convertible notes of NT$131 million in 2010.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled NT$2,959 million in 2010, compared to NT$2,504 million in 2009. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily the result of the net payments of long-term loans of NT$2,227 million in 2010, compared to NT$1,573 million in 2009 and the net payments of short-term bank loans of NT$869 million in 2010, compared to NT$382 million in 2009. This was partially offset by the net proceeds of convertible notes of NT$131 million in 2010 compared to the net payments of NT$517 million in 2009.

Capital Resources

Capital expenditures in 2009 were funded by NT$781 million in cash flows from operating activities. Capital expenditures in 2010 were funded by NT$8,689 million in cash flows from operating activities. Capital expenditures in 2011 were funded by NT$5,898 million (US$195 million) in cash flows from operating activities.

Steps taken with respect to generating additional working capital and to saving cash are further discussed under “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Loans

As of December 31, 2011, we had long-term loans of NT$9,168 million (US$303 million) (including current portions of such long-term loans of NT$684 million (US$23 million)). As of December 31, 2011, all the credit line of long-term bank loans were fully utilized. As of December 31, 2011, NT$5,478 million (US$181 million) of our long-term loans were collateralized by equipment, and NT$3,690 million (US$122 million) were collateralized by land and buildings. Of our long-term loans, in the aggregate:

 

   

NT$9,072 million (US$300 million) were floating rate loans with a rate between 1.92% and 3.0421% as of December 31, 2011, repayable quarterly or semi-annually until January 2015 to March 2018; and

 

   

NT$96 million (US$3 million) were floating rate loans with a rate of 2.315% as of December 31, 2011, repayable quarterly until February 2012.

As of December 31, 2011, we had entered into the following syndicated loan facilities:

 

   

On March 21, 2003, we obtained a syndicated loan facility in the amount of NT$1,000 million. This loan facility is separated into two parts with its respective term of seven years and five years. This loan facility is secured by ThaiLin’s facilities and the testing equipment at Chupei. This loan facility was fully repaid in May 2011.

 

   

On July 27, 2004, we obtained a syndicated loan facility in the amount of NT$1,000 million for a term of five years. This loan facility is secured by our facilities at the Southern Taiwan Science Park and our testing and assembly equipment located within our facilities at Chupei, the Hsinchu Science Park and the Southern Taiwan Science Park. This loan facility was fully repaid in August 2011.

 

   

On June 7, 2005, we obtained a syndicated loan facility in the amount of NT$1,000 million for a term of four years. This loan facility is secured by our facilities at the Hsinchu Science Park. This loan facility was fully repaid in July 2011.

 

   

In January 2006, we obtained a syndicated loan facility from banks in Taiwan in the amount of NT$6,000 million for a term of five years. This loan facility is secured by our facilities at the Hsinchu Science Park and our testing and assembly equipment located within our facilities at Chupei, the Hsinchu Science Park and the Southern Taiwan Science Park. This loan facility was fully repaid in July 2011.

 

   

In February 2006, we obtained a syndicated loan facility from banks in Taiwan in the amount of NT$3,000 million for a term of six years. This loan facility is secured by ThaiLin’s facilities at Chupei. The last withdraw date was August 2009, and the facility was adjusted to NT$1,500 million. As of December 31, 2011, this loan facility was fully drawn.

 

   

In June 2007, we obtained a syndicated loan facility from banks in Taiwan in the amount of NT$6,000 million for a term of five years. This loan facility is secured by our facilities at the Southern Taiwan Science Park and equipment located within our facilities at Chupei, the Hsinchu Science Park and the Southern Taiwan Science Park. In November 2009, the facility downward adjusted to NT$2,100 million. This loan facility was fully repaid in August 2011.

 

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In July 2008, we obtained a syndicated loan facility from banks in Taiwan in the amount of US$74.5 million for a term of three years. This loan facility is guaranteed by ChipMOS Taiwan. This loan facility was fully repaid on January 31, 2011.

 

   

On July 14, 2011, we obtained a syndicated loan facility from banks in Taiwan in the amount of NT$8,410 million (US$278 million) separated into two parts with its respective term of four years and five years. This loan facility is secured by existing land and buildings and equipment owned by ChipMOS Taiwan. As of December 31, 2011, this loan facility was fully drawn.

Certain of our loan agreements and indentures contain covenants that, if violated, could result in the obligations under these agreements becoming due prior to the originally scheduled maturity dates. These covenants include financial covenants that require us to:

 

   

maintain a current assets to current liabilities ratio above 1:2 and 1:1;

 

   

maintain total indebtedness to shareholders’ equity (excluding goodwill and other intangible assets) ratio below 1.5:1;

 

   

maintain total indebtedness to shareholders’ equity ratio below 1.2:1 and 1.6:1; and

 

   

maintain the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to gross interest expense ratio above 1.5:1 and 2:1 and 2.5:1.

In December 2009, ThaiLin was waived from compliance with the earnings to principal and interest ratio requirement for 2009. ThaiLin was in compliance with the financial ratio requirement for 2010 and 2011. In February and November 2009 and November 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan received three separate waiver request approvals from its creditors and was waived from compliance with the financial ratio requirements for 2009 and 2010, respectively. ChipMOS Taiwan was in compliance with the financial ratio requirement for 2011. Pursuant to a bank creditors meetings and the approval notice from Standard Chartered Bank on February 9, 2010, ChipMOS Bermuda, as borrower, and ChipMOS Taiwan, as guarantor, were waived from compliance with the financial ratio requirements as of December 31, 2009.

In December 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan further received approval for its request for repayment extension from over 50% of the creditor banks for its short-term loans and the amount of NT$1,468 million has been extended on December 31, 2010. The key extension repayment terms include agreement by ChipMOS Taiwan to repay 20% of the outstanding short-term loans on December 31, 2010 and to repay the balance in eight installments by setting aside monthly installments of NT$50 million with Bank of Taiwan, the largest bank creditor, commencing January 2011 to December 2012.

In addition, a substantial portion of our short-term and long-term borrowings may be subject to repayment upon a material deterioration of our financial condition, results of operations or our ability to perform under the loan agreements.

Set forth below are the maturities of our long-term bank loans outstanding as of December 31, 2011:

 

     As of
December 31,  2011
 
     NT$      US$  
     (in millions)  

During 2012

   $ 684       $ 23   

During 2013

     2,278         75   

During 2014

     2,370         78   

During 2015

     1,794         59   

During 2016 and onwards

     2,042         68   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 9,168       $ 303   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011, certain of our land and buildings and machinery with an aggregate net book value of NT$5,514 million (US$182 million) and NT$5,151 million (US$170 million), respectively, were pledged as collateral in connection with our long-term borrowings. Approximately 77% of our net property, plant and equipment in terms of book value was pledged as collateral for our long-term loans.

Our unused credit lines for short-term loans, as of December 31, 2011, totaled NT$869 million (US$29 million), which have expired or will expire from January 2012 to November 2012. As of December 31, 2011, our long-term credit facilities were fully drawn.

 

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As of December 31, 2011, we had unsecured short-term credit loans for importing raw materials in the total amount of NT$132 million (US$4 million), which were due between January 2012 and February 2012, and secured loans for import in the total amount of NT$115 million (US$4 million), which were due between February 2012 and March 2012, and an unsecured short-term working capital loan of NT$300 million (US$10 million), which was due in January 2012.

On March 7, 2012, ChipMOS Shanghai obtained banking facilities of US$9 million (NT$278 million) for a term of three years from a bank. The banking facilities are secured by land use right, building and equipment and US$0.7 million (NT$21 million) have been drawdown as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

We believe our current cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations and available credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our capital spending and other capital needs through the end of 2012. See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Our significant amount of indebtedness and interest expense will limit our cash flow and could adversely affect our operations”. There can be no assurance regarding these matters, however, considering prevailing global economic conditions which continue to have a negative impact on our ability to accurately forecast our revenues, results of operations and cash position.

Capital Lease Obligations

ChipMOS Taiwan negotiated with its lessors and converted the leases of certain equipment into capital leases in November 2009. As of December 31, 2010, ChipMOS Taiwan had capital lease obligations of NT$1,454 million to be repaid between 2011 and 2013, with an interest rate between 4.0888% to 4.0973%. The leased equipment and the corresponding capital leases payable are recorded at the lower of the fair value of the leased equipment and the present value of the minimum lease payments of such assets. The capital leases were fully repaid with the proceeds of the new NT$8,410 million (US$278 million) long-term loans in July 2011.

Convertible Notes

As of December 31, 2011, all convertible notes have been fully converted or redeemed and no convertible notes remained outstanding.

On November 3, 2004, ChipMOS Bermuda issued US$85 million of 1.75 % Convertible Senior Notes due 2009 (the “2004 Notes”), with a conversion price of US$7.85 per share (which was later adjusted to a conversion price of US$6.28 per share). In December 2004, we repurchased and cancelled approximately US$1 million of the 2004 Notes. In October 2006, we made an induced conversion offer to the noteholders of the 2004 Notes in which noteholders converted approximately US$7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 Notes into a combination of common shares and cash. In November 2006, we repurchased approximately US$6 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 Notes pursuant to the noteholders’ put option under the indenture. In 2007, ThaiLin, ChipMOS Taiwan’s 42.9% owned subsidiary, purchased approximately US$9 million of the 2004 Notes. During 2008, we repurchased approximately US$15 million of the 2004 Notes. In October 2009, we completed the closing of two privately negotiated transactions with two investors holding, in aggregate, US$54 million of the 2004 Notes. In the first transaction, the Company and an institutional investor completed the exchange of US$45 million in outstanding 2004 Notes for US$15 million in cash and US$16 million of the 10% Notes (as defined below) issued pursuant to an indenture with The Bank of New York Mellon as indenture trustee. In the second transaction, the Company and ThaiLin, ChipMOS Taiwan’s 42.9% owned subsidiary, completed an exchange of US$9 million in outstanding 2004 Notes for US$3 million of the 10% Notes and US$6 million of the 8% Notes (as defined below) issued by us. The remaining 2004 Notes, approximately US$2 million, were repaid in full at maturity in 2009.

In September 2006, we issued US$100 million 3.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2011 with a conversion price of US$6.85 (US$27.4) per share, issued pursuant to an indenture with The Bank of New York Mellon as the indenture trustee (the “2006 Notes”). In 2007, we repurchased approximately US$1 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2006 Notes. In 2008, we repurchased approximately US$97 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2006 Notes, primarily pursuant to the put option offered under the indenture. On March 31, 2011, the Company has elected to redeem approximately US$2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2006 Notes, then outstanding. The effective date of the redemption is May 3, 2011.

In 2009, we issued the following convertible notes (collectively, the “2009 Notes”):

 

   

US$16 million of 10% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 with conversion price of US$1.5 (US$6.0) per share, issued in October 2009 pursuant to an indenture with The Bank of New York Mellon as indenture trustee (the “10% Notes”);

 

   

US$3 million of 10% Senior Convertible Bonds due 2014 with a conversion price of US$1.5 (US$6.0) per share, pursuant to notes issued in October 2009 by us directly to ThaiLin, ChipMOS Taiwan’s 42.9% owned subsidiary, in exchange of outstanding 2004 Notes (also, the “10% Notes”); and

 

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US$21 million of 8% Senior Convertible Bonds due 2014 with conversion price of US$1.25 (US$5.0) per share, pursuant to notes issued by us directly to the noteholders thereof (the “8% Notes”), of which, US$16 million were issued to ThaiLin in October 2009. Approximately US$6 million of which principal amount was issued in exchange for outstanding 2004 Notes and US$10 million of which principal amount was purchased by ThaiLin at face value.

In December 2009, we entered into purchase agreements with seven other investors (the “Purchasers”) for the purchase of 8% Notes at face value in the principal aggregate amount of US$10 million. The Purchasers included the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng, who purchased the 8% Notes in the principal amount of US$1 million on the same terms and conditions as the other Purchasers. The closing occurred on December 29, 2009 for all Purchasers other than PacMOS and the Chairman of PacMOS, Mr. Chi Hung Yip. The closing for PacMOS and Mr. Chi Hung Yip (in the aggregate amount of US$5 million) occurred in March 2010.

As of December 31, 2011, all 2009 Notes have been fully converted into our common shares, in various conversion transactions that occurred during the first quarter of 2010 through to second quarter of 2011. The conversion prices of our convertible notes disclosed in the foregoing paragraph contain corresponding adjusted figures in brackets denoting the effect of the Company’s 1-for-every-4 reverse stock split effective on January 21, 2011.

In March 2010, we issued US$5 million of 8% Senior Convertible Bonds due 2015, upon the same commercial terms as the 8% Notes (the “2010 Notes”), all of which have been fully converted into our common shares, in conversion transactions that occurred in May 2010 and April 2011.

The amount converted to our common shares upon conversion of the 2009 Notes and the 2010 Notes included an amount equal to the sum of any make-whole amount and any accrued and unpaid interest, calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 2009 Notes and the 2010 Notes. The make-whole amount was the amount of interest that would have accrued from the applicable conversion date until the stated maturity, discounted to the present value using the published yield on U.S. treasury notes having a comparable remaining tenor on the determination date plus 50 basis points; provided that the additional 50 basis points was not added if the applicable treasury note rate is greater than two percent (2%) of any unpaid interest accrued as of the conversion date. Under the 2009 Notes’ and 2010 Notes’ “PIK” or payment in kind provisions, unpaid interest was payable on a quarterly basis and the Company had the option, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, of paying interest in cash or common shares or a combination thereof. When interest was paid in our common shares, the number of common shares was equal to the amount of interest payable in common shares divided by the volume weighted average price of our common shares over a period of 10 consecutive trading days ending on the sixth day prior to the applicable payment date.

See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Economic Conditions and the Financial Markets” for additional information. For a discussion of the accounting for the conversion feature of the convertible notes under US GAAP, see “— Critical Accounting Policies—Convertible Notes” and “— US GAAP Reconciliation”.

Research and development, patents and licenses

See the discussion under “Item 4. Information on the Company—Research and Development”.

Trend Information

See the discussion under “Item 4. Information on the Company—Industry Background” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—Competition”.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2011, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

US GAAP Reconciliation

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with ROC GAAP, which differs in certain material respects from US GAAP. The following table sets forth a comparison of our net income (loss), total assets and shareholders’ equity (including noncontrolling interests) in accordance with ROC GAAP and US GAAP for the periods indicated:

 

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     Year ended as of December 31,  
     2009     2010      2011     2011  
     NT$     NT$      NT$     US$  
     (in millions)  

Net income (loss) attributable to ChipMOS in accordance with:

         

ROC GAAP

   $ (4,418.7   $ 1,644.7       $ (15.2   $ (0.5

US GAAP

     (4,550.3     1,616.9         46.1        1.5   

Total assets in accordance with:

         

ROC GAAP

     30,356.2        31,315.0         28,281.1        934.3   

US GAAP

     30,116.4        31,035.1         27,964.2        923.8   

Total equity (including noncontrolling interests) in accordance with:

         

ROC GAAP

     9,952.2        14,043.4         14,983.3        495.0   

US GAAP

   $ 9,433.6      $ 13,372.6       $ 14,288.9      $ 472.0   

Note 25 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F describes the principal differences between ROC GAAP and US GAAP as they relate to us, and a reconciliation to US GAAP for certain items, including net income (loss) and shareholders’ equity. Differences between ROC GAAP and US GAAP which have an effect on our net income (loss) as reported under ROC GAAP relate to, among other things, depreciation policy, treatment of loss on partial disposal of subsidiary while retaining control, pension expenses, share-based compensation and accounting for our convertible notes.

Under FASB ASC 718, share-based compensation transactions are generally required to be accounted for using a fair-value-based method and recognized as expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The standards became effective for the first interim period beginning after December 15, 2005. For more information, see “— Critical Accounting Policies—Share-Based Compensation” and Notes 25j and 26h to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Under FASB ASC 815, we are required to bifurcate and separately account for the conversion feature of our convertible notes as embedded derivatives contained in the convertible notes. Under US GAAP, we are required to carry these embedded derivatives on our balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair values of these embedded derivatives are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. The change in fair value for embedded derivative liabilities for the conversion feature for the year ended December 31, 2011, under US GAAP was NT$57 million (US$2 million) and the resulting net income for the year ended December 31, 2011, under US GAAP was approximately NT$46 million (US$2 million). For more information, see Note 25i to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 26a to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F for a description of the authoritative accounting principles recognized by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), FASB’s issuance of FASB ASC guidance and the extent to which these will impact our consolidated financial statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Information Derived from US GAAP Measures

To supplement our consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2011, on a ROC GAAP basis, our management uses a non-GAAP measure of net income, which is net income pursuant to US GAAP adjusted to exclude two non-cash items referred to as special items. The two non-cash items excluded are changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities and amortization of discount on convertible notes. These items are considered by the management to be outside of our core operating results. For example, changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities relate heavily to the price of our company’s common shares, interest rate and volatility, all of which are difficult to predict and outside of the control of our management.

For these reasons, our management uses non-GAAP adjusted measures of net income and non-GAAP net income per share, both derived from US GAAP measures to evaluate the performance of our core businesses and to estimate future core performance. In addition, this information facilitates our management’s internal comparisons to our historical operating results as well as to the operating results of our competitors.

Our management finds these supplemental non-GAAP measures to be useful, and believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in enabling them to perform additional analyses of past, present and future operating performance and as a supplemental means to evaluate our core operating results. However, readers are reminded that non-GAAP numbers are merely a supplement to, and not a replacement for, ROC GAAP or US GAAP financial measures. They should be read in conjunction with ROC GAAP and US GAAP financial measures. It should be noted as well that our non-GAAP information may be different from the non-GAAP information provided by other companies.

 

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The following table sets forth, for the year ended December 31, 2011, reconciliation of US GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income:

     Year ended December  31,
2011
 
    NT$     US$  
    (in millions, except for
per share data)
 

US GAAP Net Income Attributable to ChipMOS (Basic)(1)

  $ 46.1      $ 1.5   

US GAAP Net Income Attributable to ChipMOS (Diluted)

    46.1        1.5   

Special Items (in Non-Operating Income (Expenses), Net)

   

Changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities(2)

    57.1        1.9   

Amortization of discount on convertible notes(3)

    1.3        0.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Special Items

    58.4        1.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income Attributable to ChipMOS (Basic)

  $ 104.5      $ 3.4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income Attributable to ChipMOS (Diluted)

  $ 104.5      $ 3.4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

US GAAP Net Income Per Share (Basic)

  $ 1.73      $ 0.06   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for special items

    2.20        0.07   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Net Income Per Share (Basic)

  $ 3.93      $ 0.13   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

US GAAP Net Income Per Share (Diluted)

  $ 1.71      $ 0.06   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustment for special items

    2.17        0.07   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Net Income Per Share (Diluted)

  $ 3.88      $ 0.13   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1) Reflects the US GAAP adjustments as described in Note 25 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
(2) The management of our company believes excluding non-cash special item for the changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities from its non-GAAP financial measure of net income is useful for itself and investors as such loss does not have any impact on cash available to our company.
(3) The management of our company believes excluding non-cash amortization expense of discount on convertible notes from its non-GAAP financial measure of net income is useful for itself and investors as such expense does not have any impact on cash available to our company.

Taxation

ChipMOS Taiwan is entitled to tax incentives generally available to Taiwan companies under the ROC Statute of Upgrading Industries, including tax credits of 30% for certain research and development and employee training expenses (and, if the amount of expenditure exceeds the average amount of expenditure for the preceding two years, 50% of the excess amount may be credited against tax payable) and from 5% to 7% for certain investments in automated equipment and technology. These tax credits must be utilized within five years from the date on which they were earned. In addition, except for the last year of the five-year period, the aggregate tax reduction from these tax credits for any year cannot exceed 50% of that year’s income tax liability. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, tax credits resulted in tax savings for ChipMOS Taiwan of nil, nil and approximately NT$164 million (US$5 million), respectively.

ThaiLin was granted a ROC income tax exemption for a period of five years on income attributable to the expansion of its production capacity as a result of purchases of new equipment funded by capital increase in 2002, which expired on December 31, 2009.

ThaiLin is also entitled to other tax incentives generally available to Taiwan companies under the ROC Statute of Upgrading Industries, including tax credits of 5% to 7% for certain investment in automated equipment and technology. These tax credits must be utilized within five years from the date on which they were earned. In addition, except for the last year of the five-year period, the aggregate tax reduction from these tax credits for any year cannot exceed 50% of such year’s income tax liability. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, tax credits resulted in tax savings for ThaiLin of nil, approximately NT$9 million and NT$15 million (US$496 thousand), respectively.

Net income generated by ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin after January 1, 1998, which is not distributed in the year following the year the income was generated, is subject to income tax at the rate of 10%. If that net income is subsequently distributed, the income tax previously paid on that income is credited against the amount of withholding tax payable by shareholders, who are not individuals or entities of the Republic of China (for taxation purposes), in connection with the distribution.

The ROC government enacted the ROC Alternative Minimum Tax Act (“AMT Act”) that became effective on January 1, 2006. The alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) imposed under the AMT Act is a supplemental tax which is payable if the income tax payable pursuant to the ROC Income Tax Act is below the minimum amount prescribed under the AMT Act. The taxable income for calculating the AMT includes most income that is exempted from income tax under various legislations, such as tax holidays and investment tax credits. The AMT rate for business entities is 10%. However, the AMT Act grandfathered certain tax exemptions and tax credits granted prior to the enactment of the AMT. The effects of the AMT on the tax expenses of ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin were reflected in 2011.

 

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In accordance with the relevant tax rules and regulations of the PRC, ChipMOS Shanghai is entitled to an income tax exemption starting from the first profit making year, with a full exemption available for the first two years and a 50% exemption available for three additional years thereafter. As the first profit-making year for ChipMOS Shanghai was 2004, the profits made in the years 2004 and 2005 were fully exempt, and the profits made in the years 2006 through 2008 were subject to a 50% tax exemption. Commencing January 1, 2009, ChipMOS Shanghai is subject to a 25% tax on profits. Any tax losses can only be carried forward for five years.

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2011, or the periods indicated:

 

      Payments Due by Period  

Contractual Obligations

   Total      Less than
1 year
     2-3 years      4-5 years      More than
5 years
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (in millions)  

Long-term debts(1)

   $ 9,870.1       $ 942.1       $ 4,990.8       $ 3,810.5       $ 126.7   

Short-term loans(1)

     549.4         549.4         —           —           —     

Operating leases

     204.4         26.3         52.3         49.3         76.5   

Capital commitments

     686.9         686.9         —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 11,310.8       $ 2,204.7       $ 5,043.1       $ 3,859.8       $ 203.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1) Includes interest payments. Assumes level of relevant interest rates remains at December 31, 2011, level throughout all relevant periods.

In addition to the commitments set forth in the contractual obligations table above, we have certain outstanding purchase orders relating to the procurement of raw materials for which there are no definite delivery dates or deadlines.

 

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

Directors and Senior Management

Our board of directors currently comprises nine directors who were elected by our shareholders. The number of directors, which must not be less than three nor greater than nine according to our bye-laws, is set by our directors but so long as a quorum of directors remains in office, casual vacancies on the board may be filled by the board. The quorum for a meeting of the directors is set by the board and otherwise is two in number. The chairman of the board is appointed from among the members of the board.

There is no requirement under Bermuda law that a director be a shareholder.

The following table sets out the names of our directors and executive officers, their positions with our company and their ages as of March 31, 2012. The business address for our directors and executive officers is No. 1, R&D Road 1, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China.

 

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Name

   Age     

Position

   Term Expires

Shih-Jye Cheng

     54      

Chairman and Director/Chief Executive Officer

   2014

Antonio R. Alvarez

     56      

Independent Director

   2014

Chin-Shyh Ou

     55      

Deputy Chairman and Independent Director

   2014

Hsing-Ti Tuan

     68      

Director

   2012

Yeong-Her Wang

     56      

Independent Director

   2012

Shou-Kang Chen

     51      

Chief Financial Officer and Director

   2012

John Yee Woon Seto

     68      

Independent Director

   2013

Chao-Jung Tsai

     58      

Director

   2013

Rong Hsu

     62      

Independent Director

   2013

Carl Lei

     48      

Acting President of ChipMOS Shanghai

   —  

Lafair Cho

     50      

President of ThaiLin

   —  

Li-Chun Li

     55      

Chief Operating Officer

   —  

Steve Cheng