Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 4, 2009

 

 

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, 2008

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$0.01 each    The NASDAQ Global Select 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, 2008, 83,971,012 Common Shares, par value US$0.01 each, were outstanding.

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    2
Item 2.    Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable    2
Item 3.    Key Information    2
Item 4.    Information on the Company    25
Item 4A.    Unresolved Staff Comments    53
Item 5.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects    53
Item 6.    Directors, Senior Management and Employees    80
Item 7.    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions    91
Item 8.    Financial Information    96
Item 9.    The Offer and Listing    98
Item 10.    Additional Information    99
Item 11.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk    107
Item 12.    Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities    108
PART II
Item 13.    Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies    108
Item 14.    Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds    108
Item 15.    Controls and Procedures    108
Item 16A.    Audit Committee Financial Expert    110
Item 16B.    Code of Ethics    110
Item 16C.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services    110
Item 16D.    Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees    110
Item 16E.    Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers    111
Item 16F.    Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant    111
Item 16G.    Corporate Governance    111
PART III
Item 17.    Financial Statements    114
Item 18.    Financial Statements    114
Item 19.    Exhibits    114


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.

 

1


Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

 

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, 2007 and 2008 and our consolidated statement of operations and cash flows data for 2006, 2007 and 2008 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, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the consolidated statement of operations and cash flows data for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 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,  
     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

            

ROC GAAP:

            

Net revenue:

            

Related parties(1)

   $ 4,844.4     $ 4,603.5     $ 5,654.4     $ 6,915.9     $ 3,122.9     $ 95.3  

Others

     10,191.4       10,610.5       14,720.8       16,681.7       13,887.3       423.9  
                                                

Total net revenue

     15,035.8       15,214.0       20,375.2       23,597.6       17,010.2       519.2  

Cost of revenue

     10,857.5       11,262.6       14,253.4       17,444.1       16,969.9       518.0  
            

Gross profit

     4,178.3       3,951.4       6,121.8       6,153.5       40.3       1.2  
            

Operating expenses:

            

Research and development

     296.4       274.4       274.8       322.3       435.6       13.3  

General and administrative

     673.3       793.3       813.0       1,070.5       885.6       27.0  

Sales and marketing

     308.5       232.9       107.4       98.3       2,362.7       72.1  
                                                

Total operating expenses

     1,278.2       1,300.6       1,195.2       1,491.1       3,683.9       112.4  
                                                

Income (loss) from operations

     2,900.1       2,650.8       4,926.6       4,662.4       (3,643.6 )     (111.2 )
                                                

Other expenses, net

     (395.8 )     (506.5 )     (223.2 )     (669.2 )     (3,286.8 )     (100.3 )
                                                

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

     2,504.3       2,144.3       4,703.4       3,993.2       (6,930.4 )     (211.5 )

Income tax benefit (expense)

     141.8       (112.0 )     (636.5 )     (768.2 )     (120.8 )     (3.7 )
                                                

Income (loss) before minority interests and interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries(2)

     2,646.1       2,032.3       4,066.9       3,225.0       (7,051.2 )     (215.2 )

Minority interests

     (997.9 )     (977.0 )     (1,799.4 )     (720.0 )     143.3       4.4  

Interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries(2)

     —         (127.1 )     (149.5 )     (285.8 )     (362.4 )     (11.1 )

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles

     —         —         3.3       —         —         —    

Pre-acquisition earnings(3)

     27.7       —         —         —         —         —    
                                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,675.9     $ 928.2     $ 2,121.3     $ 2,219.2     $ (7,270.3 )   $ (221.9 )
                                                

Earning (loss) per share:

            

Basic

   $ 26.54     $ 13.74     $ 30.84     $ 27.63     $ (86.66 )   $ (2.65 )

Diluted

   $ 26.38     $ 11.82     $ 25.00     $ 24.24     $ (86.66 )   $ (2.65 )

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:

            

Basic

     63.1       67.5       68.8       80.3       83.9       83.9  

Diluted

     63.5       82.6       88.3       108.2       83.9       83.9  

 

2


Table of Contents
     Year ended December 31,  
     2004    2005    2006    2007    2008     2008  
     NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$     US$  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

US GAAP:(4)

                

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,665.5    $ 805.4    $ 1,253.1    $ 2,901.7    $ (7,177.7 )   $ (219.1 )

Earning (loss) per share:

                

Basic

   $ 26.38    $ 11.92    $ 18.22    $ 36.13    $ (85.56 )   $ (2.61 )

Diluted

   $ 26.22    $ 11.21    $ 17.52    $ 21.07    $ (85.56 )   $ (2.61 )

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:

                

Basic

     63.1      67.5      68.8      80.3      83.9       83.9  

Diluted

     63.5      82.6      71.5      108.2      83.9       83.9  

 

(1) Related parties include Mosel Vitelic Inc., or Mosel, Siliconware Precision Industries Co. Ltd., or Siliconware Precision, ProMOS Technologies Inc., or ProMOS, DenMOS Technology Inc., or DenMOS, and, Jesper Limited. See Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. Effective April 1, 2004, PlusMOS was merged into Chantek with Chantek as the surviving entity. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Our Structure and History—CHANTEK ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.”. AMCT was liquidated in October 2004. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Our Structure and History—Advanced Micro Chip Technology Co., Ltd.”. On November 21, 2005, Chantek was merged into ChipMOS Taiwan, with ChipMOS Taiwan as the surviving company. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Our Structure and History—ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC”.
(2) Refers to bonuses to directors, supervisors and employees paid by subsidiaries.
(3) For 2004, represents our share of pre-acquisition profits of Chantek prior to April 1, 2004, the date when we began to consolidate the accounts of Chantek, the surviving entity after the merger of Chantek and PlusMOS.
(4) 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.

 

     As of December 31,
     2004    2005    2006    2007    2008    2008
     NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    US$
     (in millions)

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

                 

ROC GAAP:

                 

Current assets:

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,849.1    $ 4,607.0    $ 5,895.9    $ 5,133.6    $ 6,651.9    $ 203.0

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     87.0      169.3      65.1      87.0      59.5      1.8

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

     2,832.6      186.1      1,929.1      555.6      102.1      3.1

Held-to-maturity financial assets

     —        —        —        —        250.0      7.6

Investment with no active market

     —        —        —        —        100.0      3.1

Notes receivable

                 

—related parties

     —        —        —        —        195.0      6.0

—third parties

     62.2      30.6      31.1      28.0      14.2      0.4

Accounts receivable

                 

—related parties

     1,411.0      1,418.4      1,839.1      1,498.8      0.4      —  

—third parties

     1,926.1      2,525.9      3,190.5      3,795.9      1,296.5      39.6

Other receivables

                 

—related parties

     6.6      4.3      14.0      11.9      30.0      0.9

—third parties

     164.6      161.9      31.8      31.2      172.2      5.3

Inventories

     661.0      627.5      945.8      1,043.6      1,001.5      30.6

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     116.9      76.7      155.8      334.5      265.2      8.1

Total current assets

     12,707.7      10,046.9      14,232.6      12,605.2      10,494.3      320.3

Long-term investments

     642.4      404.1      366.7      358.0      437.8      13.4

Property, plant and equipment, net

     17,426.6      20,420.1      30,494.3      30,020.4      23,654.9      722.0

Intangible assets—net

     163.3      170.8      172.4      180.4      107.8      3.3

Other assets

     605.1      716.1      745.9      2,152.1      746.8      22.8

Total assets

     31,545.1      31,758.0      46,011.9      45,316.1      35,441.6      1,081.8

Current liabilities:

                 

Short-term bank loans

     800.6      467.8      1,055.3      1,249.2      2,745.4      83.8

Current portion of long-term loans

     1,821.8      2,300.9      2,335.3      3,686.2      4,603.7      140.5

Current portion of long-term bonds payable

     1,200.0      —        —        —        —        —  

Convertible notes

     —        2,769.3      —        3,014.9      1,541.6      47.1

Derivative liabilities

     —        —        —        96.0      —        —  

Deferred credit

     28.0      3.5      3.6      3.9      2.4      —  

Notes payable

     49.1      3.9      —        —        —        —  

Accounts payable

     607.8      728.7      803.0      976.1      477.9      14.6

Other payables

                 

—related parties

     2.8      1.2      —        —        —        —  

—third parties

     324.7      404.9      549.6      604.1      628.0      19.2

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     608.6      474.1      713.6      886.7      469.4      14.3

Total current liabilities

     5,915.4      7,857.5      6,747.5      11,374.2      10,721.6      327.3

Long-term liabilities

     7,608.1      4,433.9      15,900.5      11,323.7      9,832.6      300.1

Other liabilities

     768.5      374.7      479.0      370.1      344.6      10.5

Total liabilities

     14,292.0      12,666.1      23,127.0      23,068.0      20,898.8      637.9

Total shareholders’ equity (including minority interests)

   $ 17,253.1    $ 19,091.9    $ 22,884.9    $ 22,248.1    $ 14,542.8    $ 443.9

 

3


Table of Contents
     As of December 31,
     2004    2005    2006    2007    2008    2008
     NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    US$
     (in millions)

US GAAP(1):

                 

Current assets:

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,849.1    $ 4,607.0    $ 5,895.9    $ 5,133.6    $ 6,651.9    $ 203.0

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     87.0      169.3      65.1      87.0      59.5      1.8

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

     2,839.6      189.2      1,929.1      555.6      102.1      3.1

Held-to-maturity financial assets

     —        —        —        —        250.0      7.6

Available-for-sale financial assets

     —        —        —        —        100.0      3.1

Notes receivable

                 

—related parties

     —        —        —        —        195.0      6.0

—third parties

     62.2      30.6      31.1      28.0      14.2      0.4

Accounts receivable

                 

—related parties

     1,411.0      1,418.4      1,839.1      1,498.8      0.4      —  

—third parties

     1,926.1      2,525.9      3,190.5      3,795.9      1,296.5      39.6

Other receivables

                 

—related parties

     6.6      4.3      14.0      11.9      30.0      0.9

—third parties

     164.6      161.9      31.8      31.2      172.2      5.3

Inventories

     661.0      627.7      946.1      1,044.3      966.1      29.5

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     116.9      76.7      155.8      334.5      265.2      8.1

Total current assets

     12,714.7      10,050.2      14,232.9      12,603.4      10,452.6      319.1

Long-term investments

     636.8      387.1      366.7      358.0      437.8      13.4

Property, plant and equipment, net

     17,411.7      20,340.9      30,377.7      29,861.6      23,427.2      715.1

Intangible assets—net

     163.3      170.8      172.4      180.4      107.8      3.3

Other assets

     595.2      704.6      826.4      2,262.6      731.6      22.3

Total assets

     31,521.7      31,653.6      45,976.1      45,266.0      35,157.0      1,073.2

Current liabilities:

                 

Short-term bank loans

     800.6      467.8      1,055.3      1,249.2      2,745.4      83.8

Current portion of long-term loans

     1,821.8      2,300.9      2,335.3      3,686.2      4,603.7      140.5

Current portion of long-term bonds payable

     1,200.0      —        —        —        —        —  

Convertible notes

     —        2,531.1      —        3,056.4      1,453.0      44.4

Derivative liabilities

     —        160.9      —        85.4      —        —  

Deferred credit

     28.0      3.5      3.6      3.9      2.4      —  

Notes payable

     49.1      3.9      —        —        —        —  

Accounts payable

     607.8      728.7      803.0      976.1      477.9      14.6

Other payables

                 

—related parties

     2.8      1.2      —        —        —        —  

—third parties

     324.7      404.9      549.6      604.1      628.0      19.2

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     608.6      743.1      1,173.1      1,321.0      469.4      14.3

Total current liabilities

     5,915.4      8,049.3      7,207.0      11,839.3      10,632.9      324.6

Long-term liabilities

     7,608.1      4,433.9      16,836.2      11,179.3      9,832.6      300.1

Other liabilities

     772.7      345.0      502.2      596.5      537.3      16.4

Total liabilities

     14,296.2      12,828.2      24,545.4      23,615.1      21,002.8      641.1

Total shareholders’ equity (including minority interests)

   $ 17,225.5    $ 18,825.4    $ 21,430.7    $ 21,650.9    $ 14,154.2    $ 432.1

 

(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.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in millions)  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:

            

ROC GAAP:

            

Capital expenditures

   $ 8,331.0     $ 7,677.2     $ 15,717.8     $ 6,093.8     $ 2,188.4     $ 66.8  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,536.8       4,339.1       5,558.8       6,834.8       7,174.5       219.0  

Net cash provided by (used in):

            

Operating activities

     4,915.7       8,822.6       7,316.4       10,882.9       5,164.2       157.6  

Investing activities

     (8,273.3 )     (7,622.5 )     (14,988.2 )     (12,212.1 )     (2,296.9 )     (70.1  )

Financing activities

     6,544.3       (1,519.9 )     8,947.9       528.1       (1,395.3 )     (42.6  )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (68.5  )     77.7       12.8       38.8       46.3       1.4  

Net increase (decrease) in cash

   $ 3,118.2     $ (242.1 )   $ 1,288.9     $ (762.3 )   $ 1,518.3     $ 46.3  

 

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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 31, 2008, which was NT$32.76 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 May 29, 2009, the noon buying rate was NT$32.57 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

2004

   33.37    34.16    31.74    31.74

2005

   32.16    33.77    30.65    32.80

2006

   32.51    33.31    31.28    32.59

2007

   32.85    33.41    32.26    32.43

2008

   31.52    33.55    29.99    32.76

November

   33.10    33.42    32.77    33.29

December

   33.16    33.58    32.45    32.76

2009

           

January

   33.37    33.70    32.82    33.70

February

   34.24    35.00    33.61    35.00

March

   34.30    35.21    33.75    33.87

April

   33.64    33.88    33.05    33.06

May (through May 29, 2009)

   32.87    33.14    32.55    32.57

Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Risk Factors

Risks Relating to Economic Conditions and the Financial Markets

There can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully accomplish our plans for generating additional working capital and saving cash by negotiating future debt repayment extensions, raising new investment capital and reorganizing our businesses. Even if we successfully accomplish these plans, we may not have sufficient liquidity to finance our ongoing obligations and operations, which raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

We incurred a loss of NT$7,270 million (US$222 million) for the year ended December 31, 2008, and had net current liabilities of NT$227 million (US$7 million) as of December 31, 2008, that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. To meet our liquidity, capital spending and other capital needs, our plans include taking certain steps discussed below:

 

   

negotiation with bank creditors for the extension of repayment terms of bank loans;

 

   

negotiation with the holders of our convertible notes due 2009 for extension of repayment date or restructuring our convertible notes due 2009;

 

   

raising new investment capital, either in the form of equity or loans; and

 

   

reorganization of our businesses.

        In negotiations with our bank creditors we have requested a waiver relating to any potential covenant breaches under a syndicated loan facility agreement with Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited as agent and a related guarantee agreement. If a default occurs under these agreements, at the request of a majority of the facility lenders, the entire outstanding facility balance could become immediately due and payable. We have provided written notice to the indenture trustee for our outstanding convertible notes due 2009 and 2011, respectively, about the nature of these negotiations and our waiver request. Under the indenture for these notes, an event of default would occur if our repayment obligations under the facility accelerate, if the indenture trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of these notes deliver notice of this potential default and if this default is not cured within 30 days after notice.

Our plans with respect to addressing these matters and steps that we have taken and plan to take to generate additional working capital and to save cash are discussed in greater detail under “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Notes 2 and 22a to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Whilst we believe the loan repayment schedule extension by bank creditors of ChipMOS Taiwan would significantly improve our cash position and reduce our net current liabilities, there can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully accomplish these plans. Even if we successfully accomplish these plans, there can be no assurances that as a result of doing so, or that as a result of steps taken to generate additional working capital and to save cash, we will eventually attain profitable operations or will have sufficient liquidity to finance our ongoing obligations and operations in order to continue as a going concern. Without sufficient liquidity to finance our ongoing obligations and operations we would not be able to continue as a going concern and could potentially be forced to seek relief through bankruptcy or similar proceedings.

 

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

In 2008 and continuing in 2009, 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.

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. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, and continuing with unprecedented severity towards the end of 2008, the semiconductor industry, especially the assembly and testing services for DRAM products sector, experienced a significant downturn which has adversely affected our business. As a result of the industry downturn, our net revenue for 2008 decreased 28% from 2007 levels. We incurred a net loss of NT$7,270 million (US$222 million) in 2008, a decrease from a net income of NT$2,219 million in 2007. This industry downturn is still continuing and we cannot give any assurances that industry conditions will improve or 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. The weak demand for LCD and other flat-panel display products that began in 2007 adversely affected our operating results in 2007, 2008 and first quarter of 2009. Any significant decrease in demand for end-user applications of semiconductors will negatively affect our net revenue and earnings.

 

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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.

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 the market or 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 74%, 78% and 75% of our net revenue in 2006, 2007 and 2008, 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 first quarter of 2009 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. Any failure of the demand for DRAM to increase or any decrease in the demand or prices for memory products may decrease the demand for our services and our service fees and significantly reduce our net revenue and net income.

 

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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$4,446 million, NT$3,996 million and NT$2,805 million (US$86 million) in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. We spent NT$2,418 million, NT$714 million and NT$157 million (US$5 million) in 2006, 2007 and 2008, 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. In 2008, our gross margin for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services decreased significantly to negative 18% from 8% in 2007 primarily as a result of the weak demand for LCD and other flat-panel display products, which in turn significantly decreased our capacity utilization rates and average selling prices. Any future decrease in demand for our LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services would significantly impair our capacity utilization rates and 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 further 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. We had approximately NT$8,891 million (US$271 million) and NT$9,833 million (US$300 million) in short- and long-term indebtedness, respectively, outstanding as of December 31, 2008, including NT$1,542 million (US$47 million) of the 1.75% convertible notes due 2009 issued in November 2004, or the 2004 notes, and NT$74 million (US$2 million) of the 3.375% convertible notes due 2011 issued in September 2006, or the 2006 notes. In addition, ThaiLin, our 42.9% owned consolidated subsidiary, holds US$9 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes. Noteholders may cause ChipMOS Bermuda to repurchase the 2004 notes and the 2006 notes only upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes.

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 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.

The indentures governing the 2004 notes and the 2006 notes do not limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness in the future. As we incur additional indebtedness, the risks that we face could intensify. Our ability to make required payments on the 2004 notes and the 2006 notes and to satisfy any other debt obligations will depend on our future operating performance and our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing on commercially reasonable terms. In negotiations with our bank creditors we have requested a waiver relating to any potential covenant breaches under a syndicated loan facility agreement with Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited as agent and a related guarantee agreement. If a default occurs under these agreements, at the request of a majority of the facility lenders, the entire outstanding facility balance could become immediately due and payable. We have provided written notice to the indenture trustee for our outstanding convertible notes due 2009 and 2011, respectively, about the nature of these negotiations and our waiver request. Under the indenture for these notes, an event of default would occur if our repayment obligations under the facility accelerate, if the indenture trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of these notes deliver notice of this potential default and if this default is not cured within 30 days after notice. For additional information on our indebtedness, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Resources”.

 

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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. As of March 31, 2009, the special committee was comprised of two independent directors, Messrs. Yeong-Her Wang and Pierre Laflamme. 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.

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

 

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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.

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 charges 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 three pre-trial hearings in 2008 and one pre-trial hearing in March 2009. The Court may in its discretion request additional pre-trial hearings. No trial date has been set.

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 2008, our five largest customers, collectively accounted for 63% of our net revenue. As part of our strategy, we have been focusing on sales to key customers through long-term service agreements. 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. We expect that we will continue to depend on a relatively limited number of customers for a significant portion of our net revenue, even as we increase the volume of our business with smaller customers and customers who do not place orders on a regular basis. 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.

 

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ProMOS is an affiliate of Mosel, which, as of March 31, 2009, indirectly owned approximately 13.3% of our outstanding common shares. In March 2008, ProMOS has defaulted on its payment obligations under the long-term service agreement. In November 2008, we entered into a revised subcontracting contract with PoMOS 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. See “Item 4. Information on the Company— Customers”.

In January 2009, Spansion has defaulted on its payment obligations under the long-term service agreement and we have subsequently terminated the long-term service agreement with Spansion on February 19, 2009. On March 1, 2009, Spansion has 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 has been 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. 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, continue to maintain our relationship with existing smaller customers and effectively utilize our excess capacity, 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 mixed-signal semiconductor testing services, our fixed costs represented 70%, 75% and 79% of our total cost of revenue in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. For memory and mixed-signal semiconductor assembly services, our fixed costs represented 24%, 24% and 30% of our total cost of revenue in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. For LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services, our fixed costs represented 50%, 54% and 57% of our total cost of revenue in 2006, 2007 and 2008, 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

 

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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.

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. As a result of the industry downturn, we incurred a loss of NT$7,270 million (US$222 million) for the year ended December 31, 2008, and had net current liabilities of NT$227 million (US$7 million) as of December 31, 2008, that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. 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” and Notes 2 and 22a to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. In negotiations with our bank creditors we have requested a waiver relating to any potential covenant breaches under a syndicated loan facility agreement with Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited as agent and a related guarantee agreement. If a default occurs under these agreements, at the request of a majority of the facility lenders, the entire outstanding facility balance could become immediately due and payable. We have provided written notice to the indenture trustee for our outstanding convertible notes due 2009 and 2011, respectively, about the nature of these negotiations and our waiver request. Under the indenture for these notes, an event of default would occur if our repayment obligations under the facility accelerate, if the indenture trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of these notes deliver notice of this potential default and if this default is not cured within 30 days after notice.

There can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully accomplish these plans. Even if we successfully accomplish these plans, there can be no assurances that as a result of doing so, or that as a result of steps taken to generate additional working capital and to save cash, we will eventually attain profitable operations or will have sufficient liquidity to finance our ongoing obligations and operations in order to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

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.

 

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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. The situation is exacerbated by our inability to ascertain what patent applications have been filed in the United States or elsewhere 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.

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

 

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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. Under our long-term service agreement we have entered into with Spansion in September 2005, we have committed to acquire certain wafer sorting testers and probers. Spansion has defaulted on its payment obligations under the long-term service agreement and we have subsequently terminated the long-term service agreement with Spansion on February 19, 2009. Currently, we do not have any other long-term service agreements that require our commitment to acquire additional testing and assembly equipment or facilities, however we can not 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.

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.

 

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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, 2008, based on criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by 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. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the US dollars depreciated against the NT dollar by 3.4%. 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 and joint ventures, 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 or establish joint ventures. For example, on November 21, 2005, we merged Chantek into ChipMOS Taiwan, and on December 1, 2005, we merged ChipMOS Logic TECHNOLOGIES INC., or ChipMOS Logic, into ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp., or ThaiLin. In November 2004, we acquired certain testing and assembly equipment from First International Computer Testing and Assembly, or FICTA, as well as a 67.8% stake in First Semiconductor Technology Inc., which interest we transferred to First Semiconductor Technology Inc. in April 2005 for approximately US$2 million. In September 2007, we acquired all outstanding common shares of ChipMOS Taiwan through a share exchange transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan. The success of our acquisitions, investments and joint ventures depends on a number of factors, including:

 

   

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

 

   

our ability to reach an agreement for an acquisition, investment or joint venture 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 and joint ventures, 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, 2009, 6.9% of the workforce at our facilities is 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.

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.

 

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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

The investment in Mainland China by our controlled consolidated subsidiary, Modern Mind, through ChipMOS Shanghai, and the related contractual arrangements may result in Mosel or Siliconware Precision violating ROC laws governing investments in Mainland China by ROC companies or persons. Any sanctions on Mosel or Siliconware Precision as a result of any violation of ROC laws may cause Mosel or Siliconware Precision to decrease its ownership in us significantly or cause Mosel or Siliconware Precision to take other actions that may not be in the best interest of our other shareholders.

ROC laws and regulations generally prohibit investment by ROC entities in Mainland China in most aspects of the semiconductor testing and assembly industry. “Investment” is defined for this purpose to mean:

 

   

establishing a new company or enterprise in Mainland China;

 

   

increasing one’s equity interest in an existing company or enterprise in Mainland China;

 

   

acquiring shares of an existing company or enterprise in Mainland China (other than shares of publicly traded companies, acquisition of which is prohibited under current policy of the Investment Commission of the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs, or the Investment Commission); or

 

   

establishing or expanding a branch office in Mainland China.

 

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We provide our services in Mainland China through ChipMOS Shanghai, a company incorporated under the laws of the PRC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Modern Mind. Modern Mind is a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and is wholly-owned by Jesper Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. While we do not own any equity interest in Modern Mind, we control Modern Mind through our ownership of a demand note issued by Modern Mind, convertible into common shares with a controlling equity interest in Modern Mind at a conversion rate of one common share of Modern Mind for every US$1.00 if repayment is not made when due. Under accounting principles that are applicable to us, Modern Mind is our controlled consolidated subsidiary. In addition, we have obtained from Jesper Limited an irrevocable option to acquire the common shares of Modern Mind then owned by Jesper Limited. Payment under the demand notes is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Jesper Limited and secured by a pledge agreement in respect of the entire equity interest in Modern Mind and ChipMOS Shanghai. We have also entered into other contractual arrangements with regard to ChipMOS Shanghai. For more information, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Our Structure and History—MODERN MIND TECHNOLOGY LIMITED and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Shanghai) LTD.”.

As the regulations described above are applicable only to entities organized within the ROC with respect to specified investments in Mainland China made by these entities, in the opinion of Lee and Li, our ROC special counsel, ChipMOS Bermuda’s indirect control over ChipMOS Shanghai through the ownership of demand notes issued by Modern Mind and the above contemplated contractual arrangements are in compliance with all existing ROC laws and regulations. There are, however, substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of ROC laws and regulations, including the laws and regulations governing the enforcement and performance of our contractual arrangements. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that ROC regulatory authorities will not take a view contrary to the opinion of our ROC special counsel.

In addition, under current applicable ROC regulations, if a company incorporated in the ROC has directly or indirectly invested in a company incorporated outside of the ROC and has controlling power over the management and operations of such non-ROC company, any investment by such non-ROC company in the PRC will constitute an investment by the controlling ROC company that is subject to ROC laws and regulations. As a result, for the purposes of these regulations, any investment (within the meaning of the ROC laws regulating investments in Mainland China) by ChipMOS Bermuda in ChipMOS Shanghai may be deemed to be an investment in Mainland China by Mosel and/or Siliconware Precision, if Mosel and/or Siliconware Precision is determined to have controlling power over our management and operations. While the regulations do not define what constitutes “controlling power over management and operations”, we understand from our ROC special counsel, Lee and Li, that, due to Mosel’s and/or Siliconware Precision’s equity interest in us and representatives on our board of directors, any conversion of the convertible notes or demand notes into shares of Modern Mind or other acquisition of shares of Modern Mind or ChipMOS Shanghai by ChipMOS Bermuda may be deemed an investment in Mainland China by Mosel and/or Siliconware Precision and require approval by the Investment Commission, and be subject to the prohibitions described in the first paragraph of this risk factor. As a result, so long as Mosel and/or Siliconware Precision is deemed to have controlling power over ChipMOS Bermuda’s management and operations, ChipMOS Bermuda may have to choose not to convert its convertible notes or demand notes into common shares of Modern Mind in order to avoid any violations by Mosel and/or Siliconware Precision under these regulations. As a result, any significant ownership of our common shares by Mosel and/or Siliconware Precision could materially and adversely restrict our ability and flexibility in structuring our investment in Mainland China and thereby affect our business prospects.

If Mosel or Siliconware Precision was determined to be in violation of the applicable ROC laws and regulations governing investments in Mainland China, Mosel or Siliconware Precision may be ordered by the Investment Commission to cease such investment activities in Mainland China within a specified period of time and may be subject to a fine of between NT$50 thousand and NT$25 million. Mosel or Siliconware Precision could comply with the order of the Investment Commission either by causing us to terminate our investment activities in Mainland China or by taking actions that will cause Mosel or Siliconware Precision to cease having controlling power over our management and operations. If Mosel or Siliconware Precision does not comply with the order of

 

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the Investment Commission, the ROC government can impose on the chairman of Mosel or Siliconware Precision up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to NT$25 million, or both. We cannot provide any assurance that any actions taken by Mosel or Siliconware Precision to address any orders by the Investment Commission will be in the best interest of our other shareholders. Any termination or disposal of ChipMOS Shanghai’s operations in Mainland China could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or prospects, as well as the market price of our common shares.

ROC laws and regulations 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 such prohibition, which may result in 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 prohibit 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. 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 also provided ChipMOS Taiwan 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. ChipMOS Bermuda will continue to license such technologies to ChipMOS Shanghai pursuant to the above mentioned technology transfer agreement dated August 1, 2002.

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 regarding the interpretation and application of those laws and regulations exist. 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 ordered by the Investment Commission to terminate such activity within a specified period of time and may be subject to a fine of between NT$50 thousand and NT$25 million. In addition, if ChipMOS Taiwan does not comply with the order of the Investment Commission, the ROC government can impose on the chairman of ChipMOS Taiwan up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to NT$25 million, or both. 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 current ownership structure and contractual arrangements with Jesper Limited, Modern Mind and ChipMOS Shanghai may not be effective in providing operational control of our Mainland China operations.

We provide our services in Mainland China through ChipMOS Shanghai, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Modern Mind. While we do not own any equity interest in Modern Mind, we have a controlling interest in Modern Mind through our ownership of a demand note issued by Modern Mind. In 2004, we restructured our control of ChipMOS Shanghai and the way we provide our services in Mainland China through contractual arrangements with Jesper Limited, Modern Mind, and ChipMOS Shanghai. These contractual arrangements, however, may not be as effective in providing control over our Mainland China operations as would direct

 

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ownership in ChipMOS Shanghai. See “— The investment in Mainland China by our controlled consolidated subsidiary, Modern Mind, through ChipMOS Shanghai, and the related contractual arrangements may result in Mosel or Siliconware Precision violating ROC laws governing investments in Mainland China by ROC companies or persons. Any sanctions on Mosel or Siliconware Precision as a result of any violation of ROC laws may cause Mosel or Siliconware Precision to decrease its ownership in us significantly or cause Mosel or Siliconware Precision to take other actions that may not be in the best interest of our other shareholders”.

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 ThaiLin, our 42.9% subsidiary as of March 31, 2009, and ChipMOS Shanghai, in which we exercise control without holding any direct or indirect equity interest. 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 avian influenza or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and more recently, the New Influenza A (H1N1) or more commonly known as the “swine flu”, 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 at this time the impact of the development of New Influenza A or any future outbreak of other disease 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 outside 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 established during recent years between the ROC and the PRC, relations have often been strained. In March 2005, the PRC government enacted an “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.

 

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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.

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 have experienced production disruption reportedly due to power stoppages caused by the failure of certain electricity supply system in the area where the plant located. We cannot assure you that our facilities in the Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone will not be adversely affected by future snowstorms, power shortages, earthquake or other similar events.

In addition, 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 affected, 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, our production schedule could be interrupted or delayed. As a result, a major earthquake, snowstorm, other natural disaster or other disruptive event in 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.

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.

We are a holding company, and our most significant asset is our ownership interest in ChipMOS Taiwan. Although we control ChipMOS Shanghai through Modern Mind, we do not hold any equity interest in these entities due to ROC regulatory restrictions on investments in Mainland China. As long as we do not hold any equity interest in these entities, we are not entitled to any dividends distributed by these entities and our contractual arrangements may not effectively prevent these entities from declaring any dividends to their shareholders. Dividends we receive from our subsidiaries, if any, will be subject to taxation.

The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends, repay intercompany loans from us 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.

 

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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.

Siliconware Precision and Mosel, our two largest shareholders, 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.

Siliconware Precision and Mosel directly and indirectly owned approximately 14.5% and 13.3% of our common shares as of March 31, 2009, respectively. As the two largest shareholders that own more than 10% of our common shares respectively, Siliconware Precision and Mosel have significant influence over all 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 Siliconware Precision or Mosel or their respective affiliates, which could involve conflicts of interest; and

 

   

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

Siliconware Precision and Mosel’s substantial interests in our company could also:

 

   

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.

In addition, one of our directors, Mr. Hsing-Ti Tuan, also acts as a director of ProMOS, a subsidiary of Mosel. As a result, conflicts of interest between Mr. Tuan’s duty to us and ProMOS and/or Mosel may arise. For an example of such a conflict of interest, see “— Risks Relating to Countries in Which We Conduct Operations—The investment in Mainland China by our controlled consolidated subsidiary, Modern Mind, through ChipMOS Shanghai, and the related contractual arrangements may result in Mosel or Siliconware Precision violating ROC laws governing investments in Mainland China by ROC companies or persons. Any sanctions on Mosel or Siliconware Precision as a result of any violation of ROC laws may cause Mosel or Siliconware Precision to decrease its ownership in us significantly or cause Mosel or Siliconware Precision to take other actions that may not be in the best interest of our other shareholders”. We cannot give any assurances that when conflicts of interest arise, Mr. Tuan will act in our interests, or that conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor.

 

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Moreover, because Siliconware Precision and Mosel 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 us 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.

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 changes in control 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, 2009, we had approximately 84 million shares outstanding, including approximately 48 million shares of which are freely tradable within the United States without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Siliconware Precision, Mosel, Trivium Capital Management, LLC and ThaiLin, our four largest shareholders, owned 12,174,998, 11,194,644, 8,612,506 and 5,732,553 common

 

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shares as of March 31, 2009, respectively, representing in the aggregate of approximately 44.9 % of our outstanding common shares. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders”. As of March 31, 2009, we had US$56 million aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes outstanding (including US$9 million aggregate principal amount held by ThaiLin, our 42.9% owned consolidated subsidiary) and US$2 million aggregate principal amount of the 2006 notes outstanding. The 2004 notes and the 2006 notes are convertible into our common shares at the conversion price of US$6.28 per share and US$6.85 per share, respectively, in each case the conversion price may be subject to certain adjustments.

Mosel in the past decided to sell a significant portion of our common shares in order to raise funds. On December 9, 2005, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form F-3, pursuant to which we registered for potential offering approximately US$194 million of additional common shares or debt securities convertible into common shares. In June 2006, Mosel sold 6,956,522 common shares through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Giant Haven, under this shelf registration statement. More than three years have elapsed since this registration statement became effective and therefore no further offers or sales of registered shares may be made pursuant to this registration statement. In addition, in March 2007, we issued 12,174,998 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 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 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 Global Select 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.

On September 14, 2007, ChipMOS Bermuda issued 604,124 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. 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, 2009, owned 3.8% 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.

 

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Conversion of our outstanding convertible notes will dilute the ownership interest of existing shareholders and future issuances of our securities could dilute your ownership.

In November 2004, we issued US$85 million of the 2004 notes, which bear interest at an annual rate of 1.75%. In December 2004, we repurchased and cancelled approximately US$1 million of the 2004 notes. As of March 31, 2009, the 2004 notes are convertible into our common shares at a conversion price of US$6.28, which was adjusted from the initial conversion price of US$7.85 pursuant to the terms of the convertible notes. In September 2006, we issued US$100 million of the 2006 notes, which bear interest at an annual rate of 3.375% and have an initial conversion price of US$6.85 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The conversion of some or all of these convertible notes will dilute the ownership interest of existing shareholders. Any sales in the public market of the common shares issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common shares. In addition, the existence of these convertible notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the notes could depress the price of our common shares. In October 2006, we made an induced conversion offer to the holders of our 2004 notes pursuant to which we offered to each holder, as incentive for such holder to convert its 2004 notes, a cash payment equal to 7% of the principal amount of the 2004 notes converted by such holder. Pursuant to the induced conversion offer, noteholders converted US$7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes into 1,114,649 common shares and received from us aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$490 thousand. On November 3, 2006, we repurchased US$6 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes pursuant to the noteholders’ put option under the indenture. ThaiLin, our 42.9% owned consolidated subsidiary, purchased US$7 million and US$2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes in November 2007 and December 2008, respectively. During 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased the 2004 notes in aggregate principal amount of US$2 million, US$11 million, and US$2 million on August 29, September 9, and December 2, respectively. On November 29, 2007, we repurchased US$1 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2006 notes. On May 23, June 2, June 13, June 17 and June 30, 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased the 2006 notes in aggregate principal amount US$1 million, US$5 million, US$9 million, US$1 million and US$2 million, respectively. On September 29, 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased aggregate principal amount US$79 million pursuant to the offer of the put option offered under the indenture. The noteholders of the 2004 and 2006 notes may cause ChipMOS Bermuda to repurchase the notes only upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes. As of March 31, 2009, we had US$56 million aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes outstanding (including US$9 million aggregate principal amount held by ThaiLin, our 42.9% owned consolidated subsidiary) and US$2 million aggregate principal amount of the 2006 notes outstanding. The 2004 notes and the 2006 notes are convertible into our common shares at the conversion price of US$6.28 per share and US$6.85 per share, respectively, in each case the conversion price may be subject to certain adjustments. For more information, see Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20F. As of March 31, 2009, no other conversion of these convertible notes had taken place.

 

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 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.

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

 

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3988. We provide most of our services in Taiwan through our wholly-owned subsidiary, ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC., or ChipMOS Taiwan, 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 one of our controlled consolidated subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2009, Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd., or Siliconware Precision, owned approximately 14.5% of our common shares, and Mosel Vitelic Inc., or Mosel, indirectly owned approximately 13.3% 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, 2009(1)

LOGO

 

 

(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%. From 2004, we consolidated the financial results of ChipMOS Taiwan, ChipMOS Japan, ChipMOS USA, ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (H.K.) Limited, or ChipMOS Hong Kong, Modern Mind and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ChipMOS Shanghai, ThaiLin, Advanced Micro Chip Technology Co., Ltd. (which was liquidated in October 2004), ChipMOS Logic (which was merged into ThaiLin in December 2005), Chantek (which was merged into ChipMOS Taiwan in November 2005), WWT (which was merged into ChipMOS Logic in April 2004) and First Semiconductor Technology, Inc. (in which ChipMOS Taiwan acquired a 67.8% equity interest on November 1, 2004 and transferred back this interest to First Semiconductor Technology, Inc. on April 29, 2005).
(2) As of March 31, 2009, 3,899,999 shares of ChipMOS Hong Kong were issued to us and one share was issued to Shih-Jye Cheng, our chairman and chief executive officer, representing 100% of the then issued share capital of ChipMOS Hong Kong. Shih-Jye Cheng holds the one share issued to him as trustee for and on behalf of our company.
(3) 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 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.
(4) We control Modern Mind through our ownership of a convertible note issued by Modern Mind that may be converted into a controlling equity interest in Modern Mind. We do not currently own any equity interest in Modern Mind. ChipMOS Shanghai is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Modern Mind.

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 common shares in exchange for 5,633,442 ChipMOS Taiwan common shares held by these employees.

 

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On June 16, 2005, ChipMOS Taiwan and Chantek, a 68.0% subsidiary of ChipMOS Taiwan, agreed to merge in a stock-for-stock transaction. Under the merger agreement, as amended on September 2, 2005, shareholders of Chantek (other than ChipMOS Taiwan) were entitled to elect to receive cash or ChipMOS Taiwan shares in exchange for their Chantek shares at the ratio of 3.6 to 1. As a result, ChipMOS Taiwan paid NT$81 million in cash and issued 6 million (which represented approximately 0.7% of ChipMOS Taiwan’s outstanding shares immediately after the completion of the transaction) shares to Chantek shareholders pursuant to the merger agreement. The transaction closed on November 21, 2005.

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 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 new common shares. Following the completion of the share exchange transaction, ChipMOS Taiwan became our wholly-owned subsidiary.

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. As of March 31, 2009, we held 100% of the outstanding common shares of ChipMOS Hong Kong.

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 Limited on December 31, 2002. In 2003, we acquired from Jesper Limited 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. As of March 31, 2009, the aggregate amount of total loans we extended to Modern Mind was US$130.3 million. The demand notes are 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 demand notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Jesper Limited and secured by a pledge agreement in respect of the entire equity interest in Modern Mind and ChipMOS Shanghai. We have obtained from Jesper Limited an irrevocable option to acquire at any time the common shares of Modern Mind then owned by Jesper Limited.

In addition, on April 22, 2004, ChipMOS Hong Kong and ChipMOS Shanghai entered into an exclusive services agreement, pursuant to which ChipMOS Shanghai will provide its services exclusively to ChipMOS Hong Kong or customers designated by ChipMOS Hong Kong. Under the exclusive services agreement, ChipMOS Hong Kong will purchase and consign to ChipMOS Shanghai all of the equipment required to render those services. The exclusive services agreement has a term of ten years, which is automatically renewable for an additional ten-year period unless either party provides written notice of intention to terminate at least 30 days prior to the expiration of such ten-year term. In addition, ChipMOS Hong Kong may terminate the exclusive services agreement at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice.

 

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For risks associated with our investment in Mainland China and these contractual arrangements, see “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Countries in Which We Conduct Operations—The investments in Mainland China by our controlled consolidated subsidiary, Modern Mind, through ChipMOS Shanghai, and the related contractual arrangements may result in Mosel or Siliconware Precision violating ROC laws governing investments in Mainland China by ROC companies or persons. Any sanctions on Mosel or Siliconware Precision as a result of any violation of ROC laws may cause Mosel or Siliconware Precision to decrease its ownership in us significantly or cause Mosel or Siliconware Precision to take other actions that may not be in the best interest of our other shareholders” and “Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Countries in Which We Conduct Operations—Our current ownership structure and contractual arrangements with Jesper Limited, Modern Mind and ChipMOS Shanghai may not be effective in providing operational control of our Mainland China operations”.

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.

In August 2004, ThaiLin completed a NT$1,000 million convertible bond offering, and ChipMOS Taiwan purchased bonds in an amount of NT$100 million in that offering to maintain its percentage ownership in ThaiLin. ChipMOS Taiwan converted these convertible bonds in March 2005.

On August 15, 2005, ThaiLin entered into a merger agreement with ChipMOS Logic, whereby ChipMOS Logic agreed to be merged into ThaiLin, with ThaiLin as surviving entity. Under the merger agreement, shareholders of ChipMOS Logic received one common share of ThaiLin in exchange for 2.8 common shares of ChipMOS Logic. As a result, ThaiLin issued approximately 43 million shares (which represented approximately 14.4% of ThaiLin’s outstanding shares immediately after the completion of the transaction) to ChipMOS Logic shareholders. The transaction closed on December 1, 2005.

On March 4, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan made a loan in an amount of NT$145 million (US$4 million) to Taiwan Kolin Co. Ltd., or Kolin, a major shareholder of ThaiLin. The loan is repayable within one year and bears interest at a rate of 4.69% per annum. 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, 2009, 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. S.J. 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, six of the nine directors of ThaiLin are appointed by ChipMOS Taiwan.

As of March 31, 2009, ThaiLin held 5,732,553 of our outstanding shares, corresponding to 6.8% of all of our outstanding shares. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Related Party Transactions—ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp.”.

Advanced Micro Chip Technology Co., Ltd. AMCT was incorporated in Taiwan in March 2000. It provided gold bumping services, which are used in connection with the assembly of LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. In February 2003, ChipMOS Taiwan acquired a 23.1% interest in AMCT and increased its ownership during 2003 to 30.8% as of December 31, 2003. ChipMOS Taiwan purchased additional interests in AMCT in January, February and March 2004. As a result, ChipMOS Taiwan held a 99.7% equity interest In AMCT as of April 30, 2004. ChipMOS Taiwan completed the integration of all of AMCT’s business operations into ChipMOS Taiwan in April 2004 and completed the liquidation of AMCT in October 2004.

 

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CHANTEK ELECTRONIC CO., LTD. Chantek was incorporated in Taiwan in May 1989 and was listed on the GreTai Securities Market in Taiwan until November 16, 2005. It provides semiconductor assembly services for low-density volatile and non-volatile memory semiconductors, consumer semiconductors and microcontroller semiconductors. ChipMOS Taiwan acquired its ownership interest in Chantek in September 2002.

PlusMOS was incorporated in Taiwan in March 2000 as a joint venture between ChipMOS Taiwan and Mosel for the manufacture, design and sale of DRAM modules. On April 1, 2004, PlusMOS was merged into Chantek in a stock-for-stock merger pursuant to which shareholders of PlusMOS received 1.1 common shares of Chantek in exchange for one common share of PlusMOS. The merger was approved by the shareholders of Chantek and PlusMOS in December 2003. Upon consummation of this merger, ChipMOS Taiwan directly held a 34.2% interest in Chantek, which is the surviving entity. As a result, ChipMOS Taiwan became the controlling shareholder of Chantek. Starting from April 1, 2004, we began consolidating Chantek into our consolidated financial results and increased our interest in Chantek to 68.0% on November 30, 2004.

On November 21, 2005, Chantek was merged into ChipMOS Taiwan, with ChipMOS Taiwan as the surviving entity. For additional information regarding the merger agreement, see “— ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.” above.

ChipMOS Logic TECHNOLOGIES INC. ChipMOS Logic was incorporated in Taiwan in January 2004, with ChipMOS Taiwan holding a 62.5% interest and ThaiLin holding a 37.5% interest. ChipMOS Logic is engaged in logic testing services. On April 30, 2004, WWT, a Taiwan-based company engaged in logic testing services, merged into ChipMOS Logic, with ChipMOS Logic as the surviving entity, in a stock-for-stock merger pursuant to which shareholders of WWT received one common share of ChipMOS Logic in exchange for 10 common shares of WWT. Upon consummation of the merger between WWT and ChipMOS Logic, ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin owned approximately 52.9% and 24.6%, respectively, of ChipMOS Logic, with the original management team of WWT, two original shareholders of WWT, including one creditor bank, and the management team of ChipMOS Logic owning the remaining interest.

On December 1, 2005, ChipMOS Logic was merged into ThaiLin, with ThaiLin as the surviving entity. For additional information regarding the merger agreement, see “— ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp.” above.

First Semiconductor Technology, Inc. First Semiconductor Technology, Inc. was incorporated in the United States of America in June 1998 and engages in IC logic testing services. ChipMOS Taiwan acquired a 67.8% ownership interest in First Semiconductor Technology, Inc. on November 1, 2004 in connection with the purchase of certain assets and equipment from First International Computer Testing and Assembly, and transferred this interest to First Semiconductor Technology, Inc. on April 29, 2005 pursuant to a share repurchase agreement.

Industry Background

We provide a broad range of back-end testing services, including engineering testing, wafer probing and final testing of memory and mixed-signal semiconductors. We also offer a broad selection of leadframe-based and organic substrate-based package assembly services for memory and 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 2008, 51.7% our net revenue was derived from testing services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors, 31.8% from assembly services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors, and 16.5% from LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services.

 

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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 towards the end of 2008 and is still continuing.

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 increases in average memory size per PC and PC unit shipment. Flash memory market potential growth is expected to be driven by increasing memory requirements for cellular handsets, digital cameras and digital audio and video devices.

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. Thin-film-transistor LCDs, or TFT-LCDs, account for about three-fourths of the flat-panel display market. The end-user demand for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor experienced a significant downturn in 2007 and in 2008 that is still continuing.

Mixed-Signal Semiconductor Market

The communications market is one of the main drivers of potential growth in the semiconductor industry. 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. 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:

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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.

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.

 

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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.

Our Strategy

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

 

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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, mixed-signal and LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors. In 2008, our revenue from testing and assembly of semiconductors for these segments accounted for all of our net revenue. 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 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 technologies for wafer-level burn-in and testing before assembly;

 

   

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;

 

   

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; and

 

   

implementing of radio frequency identification (RFID) logistics management system for the wafer probing process.

In 2008, we spent approximately 2.5% 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, 2009, our research and development team comprised 262 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.

 

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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 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.

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, 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 include a reputable mixed-signal customer based in the US. See “— Customers” below for a more detailed discussion of these long-term agreements.

Recent global market and economic conditions have been unprecedented and challenging with tight credit conditions and recession in most major economies continuing into 2009. 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.

 

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Principal Products and Services

The following table presents, for the periods shown, revenue by service segment as a percentage of our net revenue.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2006     2007     2008  

Testing

      

Memory testing revenue

   43.0 %   46.1 %   48.4 %

Mixed-signal testing revenue

   2.9     2.7     3.3  

Total testing revenue

   45.9     48.8     51.7  

Assembly

      

Memory assembly revenue

   30.6     32.1     27.0  

Mixed-signal assembly revenue

   1.7     2.2     4.8  

Total assembly revenue

   32.3     34.3     31.8  

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

   21.8     16.9     16.5  
                  

Total net revenue

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

Memory and Mixed-Signal Semiconductors

Testing

We provide testing services for memory and 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.

Mixed-Signal. We conduct tests on a wide variety of mixed-signal semiconductors, with lead counts ranging from the single digits to over 1024 and operating frequencies of up to 600 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.

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.

 

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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.

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.

 

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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

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.

 

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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)    8-72    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)    80-128    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)    64-128    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)    8-44    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:

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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    36-208    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    54-84    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)    44-53    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    36-208    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    66-208    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

LCD and Other Flat-Panel Display Driver Semiconductors

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

 

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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 polyamide-down 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 TCP and COF assembly process involves the following steps:

 

Wafer Lapping    Wafers are ground 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 sealed with an epoxy.
Potting Cure    The potting cure process matures the epoxy used during the potting stage with high temperatures.
Marking    A laser marker is used to provide product identification.
Marking Cure    The marking cure process matures the marking ink by subjecting the semiconductor to high temperatures.

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:

 

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.
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 in 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.

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

 

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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 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 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, was 130, 90 and 90. Our top 15 customers in terms of revenue in 2008 were (in alphabetical order):

Cypress Semiconductor Corp.

Elite Semiconductor Memory Technology Inc.

Etron Technology, Inc.

FIDELIX CO., LTD.

Himax Technologies, Inc.

ILI TECHNOLOGY CORP.

Integrated Circuit Solution Inc.

Macronix International Co., Ltd.

Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd.

MStar Semiconductor Inc.

Novatek Microelectronics Corp., Ltd.

Powerchip Semiconductor Corp.

ProMOS Technologies Inc.

Standard Microsystems Corp.

Spansion LLC

In 2006, our largest customer was ProMOS, our second-largest customer was Powerchip Semiconductor Corp., or Powerchip, and our third-largest customer was Himax, accounting for 27%, 14% and 11% of our net revenue, respectively. In 2007, our largest customer was ProMOS, our second-largest customer was Spansion and our third-largest customer was Powerchip, accounting for approximately 29%, 16% and 10% of our net revenue, respectively. In 2008, our largest customer was Spansion, our second-largest customer was ProMOS, and our third-largest customer was Novatek, accounting for approximately 23%, 18% and 9% 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 mixed-signal 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 (US$14 million) to February 15, 2009. The deferred service fees, bore an interest at a rate of 4.69% per annum, were recorded as long-term accounts receivables as of December 31, 2007, which 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. As of December 31, 2008, ProMOS owed the Company NT$809 million (US$25 million). ProMOS had repaid to us NT$195 million (US$6 million) of this amount by March 31, 2009. NT$584 million (US$18 million) of allowance of the foregoing receivables was reserved as of December 31, 2008. Currently all of the service fees payable to us by ProMOS are via cash on delivery. 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 has defaulted on its payment obligations under the long-term service agreement and we have 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 (US$47 million). Full amount of allowance of the foregoing doubtful receivables was reserved as of December 31, 2008. Currently all of the service fees payable to us by Spansion are via cash on delivery. On March 1, 2009, Spansion has 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 has been 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.

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,  
     2006     2007     2008  

Taiwan

   78 %   72 %   60 %

United States

   15     21     34  

Korea

   3     3     3  

Japan

   3     1     1  

Hong Kong SAR

   1     1     (1)

Others

   (1)   2     2  
                  

Total

   100 %   100 %   100 %
                  

 

(1) Less than 1%.

 

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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, Hong Kong, Japan, 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, 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, and module manufacturing in Taiwan and Mainland China. As of March 31, 2009, our sales and marketing efforts were primarily carried out by teams of sales professionals, application engineers and technicians, totaling 35 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.

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 3% of our revenue from services for memory semiconductors in the United States, Japan and Korea. In 2006, 2007 and 2008, we paid approximately NT$36 million, NT$25 million and NT$12 million (US$366 thousand), respectively, in commissions to our sales agent.

Research and Development

We believe that research and development is critical to our future success. In 2006, 2007 and 2008, we spent approximately NT$275 million, or 1%, NT$322 million, or 1% and NT$436 million (US$13 million), or 3%, respectively, of our net revenue on research and development. We intend to sustain these efforts.

 

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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 complex, high-speed, high-parallel, high-pin count, high-density, and fine-pitch semiconductor wafers and packages. Our projects include:

 

   

development of testing environments for simultaneous wafer probing and package testing;

 

   

development/conversion of test programs;

 

   

development of wafer-level burn-in;

 

   

development of wafer-level testing;

 

   

development of multi-chip testing;

 

   

implementation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) logistics management system to monitor the wafer probing process;

 

   

testing new products using existing machines; and

 

   

providing customers remote access to monitor test results.

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

For assembly, our research and development efforts focus on:

 

   

high performance;

 

   

fine pitch;

 

   

miniaturization;

 

   

multi-chip assembly;

 

   

multi-chip modules;

 

   

stacked-dice chip scale package;

 

   

thinner and more flexible assembly such as COF packages;

 

   

three-dimensional assembly; and

 

   

developing environmentally friendly assembly services.

Our projects include developing multi-chip package, flip-chip technologies, environmentally friendly products, 12-inch wafer technologies, fine-pitch wire bonding technologies, 50-micron wafer thinning technology, advanced packages for DDR III, COF modules, fine-pitch LCD driver bumping, testing and assembly technologies, and advanced probe card technologies. We work closely with our customers to design and modify testing 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, 2009, we employed 262 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. The implementation of computer simulation substantially reduces the time required to validate the feasibility of a package design for a given application, as compared with physical testing methods.

 

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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, 2009, we employed 348 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. With respect to our quality management system, on November 26, 2003, ChipMOS Taiwan obtained ISO/TS 16949:2002 quality system certification. ThaiLin and ChipMOS Shanghai also obtained ISO/TS 16949:2002 quality system certification on September 6, 2005 and January 28, 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. 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 and humidity bias 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.

 

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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.

As a result of our ongoing focus on quality, in 2008, we achieved monthly assembly yields of an average of 99.97% for our memory and mixed-signal assembly packages, 99.89% for our COF packages and 99.75% 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 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 13%, 15% and 17% of our net revenue in 2006, 2007 and 2008, 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. 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., International Semiconductor Technology Ltd., 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

 

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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.

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 of operationing 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, 2009, we held 443 patents in Taiwan, one patent in the United Kingdom, one patent in France, one patent in Germany, 43 patents in the United States and 53 patents in the People’s Republic of China relating to various semiconductor testing and assembly technologies. These patents will expire at various dates through to August 2027. As of March 31, 2009, we also had a total of 109 pending patent applications in the United States, 215 in Taiwan, and 209 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 in 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 April 7, 2004, ChipMOS Bermuda entered into an assignment agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan, as amended on May 14 and October 11, 2004, pursuant to which ChipMOS Taiwan transferred all of the technologies it owned as of that date to ChipMOS Bermuda for a purchase price of US$19.7 million, which was paid in November 2004.

On April 7, 2004, ChipMOS Bermuda entered into a patent license agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan, which was amended on July 8, 2004, October 11, 2004 and December 30, 2004, pursuant to which ChipMOS Bermuda grants to ChipMOS Taiwan a non-exclusive royalty-bearing license with respect to certain patents and patent applications until the last expiration date of the term of these patents. Under the patent license agreement, ChipMOS Taiwan will pay ChipMOS Bermuda a royalty in the aggregate of US$20 million, payable in 80 quarterly installments of US$250 thousand each.

 

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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.

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 leads 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 testing facility at the Hsinchu Science Park won both the “Plant Greenery and Beautification Award” in 1999, 2000 and 2002 and the “Safety & Health Excellent Personnel Award” in 2001 from the Science Park Administration, the “Green Office Award” from the Environment Protection Administration of the ROC in 2000 and the “Outstanding Voluntary Protection Program Award” by the Labor Affairs Commission of the ROC in 1999. Our assembly facility at the Southern Taiwan Science Park won the “Green Office Award” from the Environment Protection Administration of the ROC in 2001. In 2003, we won several environmental awards, including the “Environmental Protection Excellent Unit Award,” the “Plant Greenery and Beautification Award,” the “Environment Maintain Award” and the “Safety & Health Excellent Personnel Award,” each awarded by the Science Park Administration.

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,

 

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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. Standardizing on green, “environmentally friendly” products, production facilities and management systems, which has become an industry trend and to many companies, becoming 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$53,626 million and NT$3,507 million, respectively. ChipMOS Shanghai also maintains property insurance policies for a maximum coverage of approximately RMB862 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.

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 2026, respectively, and Southern Taiwan Science Park facility with lease expiration in year 2017.

In March 2002, Modern Mind entered into a cooperation agreement with the Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone Development Group Company under which Modern Mind has agreed to construct a permanent wholly-owned facility in the Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone to provide testing and assembly services. Modern Mind commenced construction of the facility in Shanghai in June 2002 and moved into the new facility in August 2005, with the grand opening of the new facility in November 2005. Modern Mind currently offers testing and assembly services of memory semiconductors. In connection with the Shanghai operations, Modern Mind has invested US$130 million in ChipMOS Shanghai for the facility and related equipment.

On August 24, 2004, we, through ThaiLin and ChipMOS Taiwan, entered into an agreement for the acquisition of certain testing and assembly assets of FICTA, including 52 testers, 133 wire bonders, machinery, equipment, raw materials, spare parts and related patents.

 

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In December 2004, we sold our Kaohsiung testing facility to Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation.

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, 2009.

 

Location of Facility

  

Primary Use

   Floor Area (m2)   

Principal Equipment

Chupei, Hsinchu    Wafer Testing/Gold Bumping    25,954   

4 steppers

11 sputters

264 testers

Hsinchu Industrial Park, Taiwan    Testing    27,124   

139 testers

56 burn-in ovens

Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan    Testing/Module    40,294   

128 testers

94 burn-in ovens

Southern Taiwan Science Park, Taiwan    Assembly/Testing    109,676   

433 wire bonders

124 inner-lead bonders

193 testers

Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone, Mainland China    Assembly/Testing    66,817   

17 testers

158 wire bonders

19 burn-in ovens

Equipment

Testing of Memory and Mixed-Signal Semiconductors

Starting Second quarter of 2008, several of our principal suppliers have required us to give them more lead-time for delivery of supplies to us as they reduced inventory level since economic downturn.

Testing equipment is the most capital-intensive component of the memory and 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, 2009, we operated 741 testers for testing memory and 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 major international manufacturers, including Advantest Corporation, Verigy Ltd. and Credence Systems 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 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, 2009, we operated 591 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., Athlete FA Corp. and Sharp Takaya Electronics Corp. As of March 31, 2009, we operated 4 steppers and 11 sputters for gold bumping and 124 inner-lead bonders for assembly and 193 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. We intend to and are able to take actions required for the Company to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F therefore have been prepared to reflect the assumption that we will continue as a going concern.

We incurred a loss of NT$7,270 million (US$222 million) for the year ended December 31, 2008, and had net current liabilities of NT$227 million (US$7 million) as of December 31, 2008, that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our plans with respect to addressing these matters generally include generating additional working capital and saving cash by:

 

   

negotiation with bank creditors for the extension of repayment terms of bank loans;

 

   

negotiation with the holders of our convertible notes due 2009 for extension of repayment date or restructuring our convertible notes due 2009;

 

   

raising new investment capital, either in the form of equity or loans; and

 

   

reorganization of our businesses.

Our plans with respect to addressing these matters and steps that we have taken and plan to take to generate additional working capital and to save cash are discussed in greater detail under “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Notes 2 and 22a to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

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There can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully accomplish these plans. Even if we successfully accomplish these plans, there can be no assurances that as a result of doing so, or that as a result of steps taken to generate additional working capital and to save cash, we will eventually attain profitable operations or will have sufficient liquidity to finance our ongoing obligations and operations in order to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Overview

We provide a broad range of back-end testing services, including wafer probing and final testing of memory and mixed-signal semiconductors. We also offer a broad selection of leadframe-based and organic substrate-based package assembly services for memory and 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 2008, our consolidated net revenue was NT$17,010 million (US$519 million) and our net loss was NT$7,270 million (US$222 million).

We are a holding company, incorporated in Bermuda on August 1, 2000. We provide most of our services through our wholly-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 our company and ChipMOS Taiwan on September 14, 2007, ChipMOS Taiwan became a wholly-owned subsidiary of our company. 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, which is one of our controlled consolidated subsidiaries. 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. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Overview of the Company” for more details.

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. Due to the global credit and financial market crisis, we have experienced decrease in our capacity utilization rates for our testing and assembly equipment during 2008 and therefore decrease in our gross margins.

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$65 thousand each and inner-lead bonders for TCP and COF assembly cost approximately US$300 thousand each and COG chip sorters cost approximately US$140 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.

 

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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 and increased in severity towards the end of 2008 and is still continuing. The significant decrease in market demand for semiconductors during such period adversely affected our results of operations for 2008. 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.

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.

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. 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 in the second half of 2007, 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.

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 and 12-inch wafer processing have increased as a percentage of our total net revenue over the 2006 to 2008 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

On June 16, 2005, ChipMOS Taiwan and Chantek entered into a merger agreement, whereby Chantek agreed to be merged into ChipMOS Taiwan, with ChipMOS Taiwan as the surviving entity. Under the merger agreement, as amended on September 2, 2005, shareholders of Chantek (other than ChipMOS Taiwan) were entitled to elect to receive cash or ChipMOS Taiwan shares in exchange for their Chantek shares at the ratio of 3.6 to 1. As a result, ChipMOS Taiwan paid NT$81 million in cash and issued 6 million shares to Chantek shareholders pursuant to the merger agreement. The transaction closed on November 21, 2005.

 

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On August 15, 2005, ThaiLin entered into a merger agreement with ChipMOS Logic, whereby ChipMOS Logic agreed to be merged into ThaiLin, with ThaiLin as surviving entity. Under the merger agreement, shareholders of ChipMOS Logic received one common share of ThaiLin in exchange for 2.8 common shares of ChipMOS Logic. The transaction closed on December 1, 2005, and as of March 31, 2009, ChipMOS Taiwan held a 42.9% interest in ThaiLin.

On February 13, 2007, we entered into a share purchase and subscription agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan and Siliconware Precision under which we and ChipMOS Taiwan agreed to purchase all of Siliconware Precision’s equity interest in ChipMOS Taiwan, and Siliconware Precision agreed to subscribe for 12,174,998 of our newly issued common shares through a private placement. The transaction closed on March 27, 2007, and as of March 31, 2007, we held 99.1% of the outstanding common shares of ChipMOS Taiwan.

On April 12, 2007, we entered into a share exchange agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan pursuant to which we agreed to exchange one common share for every 8.4 ChipMOS Taiwan shares outstanding. The transaction closed on September 14, 2007, and we issued 604,124 common shares to the holders of the ChipMOS Taiwan common shares in exchange for their ChipMOS Taiwan shares, and we and ChipMOS Taiwan paid NT$53 million in cash to purchase fractional shares and shares held by dissenting shareholders. Following the completion of the share exchange transaction on September 14, 2007, ChipMOS Taiwan became our wholly-owned subsidiary.

Net Revenue

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

 

     Year ended December 31,
     2006    2007    2008    2008
     NT$    NT$    NT$    US$
     (in millions)

Testing

           

Memory

   $ 8,759.5    $ 10,856.2    $ 8,226.9    $ 251.1

Mixed-signal

     580.6      646.2      560.1      17.1

Total testing

     9,340.1      11,502.4      8,787.0      268.2

Assembly

           

Memory

     6,240.2      7,576.0      4,591.1      140.2

Mixed-signal

     349.4      523.6      826.6      25.2

Total assembly

     6,589.6      8,099.6      5,417.7      165.4

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

     4,445.5      3,995.6      2,805.5      85.6
                           

Total

   $ 20,375.2    $ 23,597.6    $ 17,010.2    $ 519.2
                           

 

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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, mixed-signal semiconductors and testing and assembly services for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors.

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 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.

 

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Revenue Recognition

We generally 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. Revenue from product sales is recognized when risks of ownership are transferred to customers, generally upon shipment of the products. We submit invoices at the time of shipment or delivery and generally require customers to pay within 60 days after the last day of the month during which the invoice was sent, except that we require Spansion and ProMOS, our largest and second largest customers, to pay by cash upon delivery. We experienced significant collection problems for our services in connection with NT$277 million of receivables from Ultima. We received from Ultima 4,250,000 and 4,190,000 shares of Ultima Technology Corp. (BVI) common stock on September 24 and December 18, 2004, respectively, as collateral for the outstanding receivables. We provided an allowance of NT$194 million and NT$83 million for these doubtful receivables in 2004 and 2005 respectively. These doubtful receivables were fully written off during 2006. In April 2007, we settled the civil proceedings related to these doubtful receivables with Ultima for NT$700 thousand and recorded such amount as other income.

In January 2008, at the request of ProMOS, we agreed to permit ProMOS to defer payment of aggregate service fees of NT$450 million (US$ 14 million) to February 15, 2009. The deferred service fees, which were paid in full by ProMOS in March and April 2008, bore interest at a rate of 4.69% per annum, and were recorded as long-term accounts receivables as of December 31, 2007. We also experienced collection problems for our receivables in connection with NT$578 million (US$18 million) of receivables from ProMOS. Full amount of allowance of the foregoing doubtful receivables was reserved as of December 31, 2008. Currently all of the services fees payable to us by ProMOS are via cash on delivery. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Customers”.

We also experienced collection problems for our services in connection with NT$1,539 million (US$47 million) of receivables from Spansion. Full amount of allowance of the foregoing doubtful receivables was reserved as of December 31, 2008. Currently all of the service fees payable to us by Spansion are via cash on delivery. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Customers”.

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

Related Party Revenues

In 2006, 2007 and 2008, 28%, 29% and 18%, 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 78%, 72% and 60% of our net revenue in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. We also generate net revenue from customers in the United States, 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.

 

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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 expensable equipments, sub-contracting fees and rental expenses. 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 and future acquisitions of testing and assembly equipment and facilities, including our investment in our Mainland China operations. Our profitability depends in part not only on absolute pricing levels for our services, but also on our capacity utilization rates. As of March 31, 2009, we had 741 testers, 169 burn-in ovens, 591 wire bonders, 124 inner-lead bonders, four steppers and 11 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. Our average capacity utilization rate for testing of memory and mixed-signal semiconductors was 86% in 2006, 78% in 2007 and 65% in 2008. Our average capacity utilization rate for assembly of memory and mixed-signal semiconductors was 75% in 2006, 86% in 2007 and 63% in 2008. In addition, our average capacity utilization rate for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly was 79% in 2006, 71% in 2007 and 52% in 2008.

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.

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,  
     2006     2007     2008     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in millions)  

Gross profit (loss):

        

Testing

        

Memory

   $ 3,779.3     $ 4,200.6     $ 746.6     $ 22.8  

Mixed-signal

     (0.4 )     174.4       114.0       3.5  

Total testing

     3,778.9       4,375.0       860.6       26.3  

Assembly

        

Memory

     1,430.0       1,452.5       (245.5 )     (7.5 )

Mixed-signal

     18.4       19.7       (78.4 )     (2.4 )

Total assembly

     1,448.4       1,472.2       (323.9 )     (9.9 )

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

     894.5       306.3       (496.4 )     (15.2 )
                                

Total

   $ 6,121.8     $ 6,153.5     $ 40.3     $ 1.2  
                                

Gross profit (loss) margin:

        

Testing

        

Memory

     43.1 %     38.7 %     9.1 %     9.1 %

Mixed-signal

     (0.1 )     27.0       20.4       20.4  

Total testing

     40.5       38.0       9.8       9.8  

Assembly

        

Memory

     22.9       19.2       (5.3 )     (5.3 )

Mixed-signal

     5.3       3.8       (9.5 )     (9.5 )

Total assembly

     22.0       18.2       (6.0 )     (6.0 )

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

     20.1       7.7       (17.7 )     (7.7 )

Overall

     30.0 %     26.1 %     0.2 %     0.2 %

 

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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, particularly our Mainland China operations.

Other Income (Expenses), Net

Our other income principally consists of interest income, foreign exchange gains, warehouse space rental revenue, 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 in March 2009 that bears interest at a rate of 4.69% per annum. 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

 

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Transactions—ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp.”. Our other expenses principally consist of interest expense, investment losses recognized by equity method, fair value loss on financial assets, financing costs, impairment losses, losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment, loss on embedded derivative, loss on redemption of convertible notes and foreign exchange losses.

Minority Interests and Interest in Bonuses Paid by Subsidiaries

Minority interests represent the portion of our income that is attributable to the shareholding in our consolidated subsidiaries that we do not own. In 2006 and 2007, our minority interests were attributable to the minority interests owned by Siliconware Precision and other investors in ChipMOS Taiwan prior to the completion of the share exchange transaction between ChipMOS Bermuda and ChipMOS Taiwan on September 14, 2007, and the public shareholders’ interest in ThaiLin. Since ChipMOS Taiwan became our wholly-owned subsidiary as a result of the completion of the share exchange transaction we entered into with ChipMOS Taiwan, we expect minority interests to be substantially less in future periods.

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 paid bonuses to directors, supervisors and employees of NT$242 million and NT$74 million, respectively, in 2006, NT$391 million and NT$82 million, respectively, in 2007 and NT$387 million (US$12 million) and NT$58 million (US$2 million) in 2008. Please see “— US GAAP Reconciliation” for a discussion of the significant impact such bonuses had on our net income under US GAAP.

Net Income

Our net income was NT$2,121 million and NT$2,219 million in 2006 and 2007 and net loss was NT$7,270 million (US$222 million) in 2008, 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”.

Results of Operations

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

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2006     2007     2008  

ROC GAAP:

      

Net revenue

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of revenue

   70.0     73.9     99.8  
                  

Gross profit margin

   30.0     26.1     0.2  
                  

Operating expenses:

      

Research and development

   1.3     1.4     2.5  

Sales and marketing

   0.5     0.4     13.9  

General and administrative

   4.0     4.5     5.2  
                  

Total operating expenses

   5.8     6.3     21.6  
                  

Income (loss) from operations

   24.2     19.8     (21.4 )
                  

Other expenses, net

   (1.1 )   (2.8 )   (19.3 )
                  

Income (loss) before income tax, minority interests and interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries(1)

   23.1     17.0     (40.7 )

Income tax expense

   (3.1 )   (3.3 )   (0.7 )
                  

Income (loss) before minority interests and interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries

   20.0     13.7     (41.4 )

Minority interests

   (8.8 )   (3.1 )   0.8  

Interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries(1)

   (0.8 )   (1.2 )   (2.1 )
                  

Net income (loss)

   10.4 %   9.4 %   (42.7 )%
                  

 

(1) Refers to bonuses to directors, supervisors and employees.

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

Net Revenue. Our net revenue decreased by NT$6,588 million, or 28%, to NT$17,010 million (US$519 million) in 2008 from NT$23,598 million in 2007.

Net revenue from testing services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors decreased by NT$2,715 million, or 24%, to NT$8,787 million (US$268 million) in 2008 from NT$11,502 million in 2007, mainly due to a decrease in net revenue from testing services for memory semiconductors. Net revenue from testing services for memory semiconductors decreased by NT$2,629 million, or 24%, to NT$8,227 million (US$251 million) in 2008 from NT$10,856 million in 2007, principally due to decreased capacity utilization rates and lower average selling price for DRAM products. Revenue for testing services for mixed-signal semiconductors decreased by NT$86 million, or 13%, to NT$560 million (US$17 million) in 2008 from NT$646 million in 2007, principally due to decreased capacity utilization rates.

Net revenue from assembly services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors, which includes from assembly services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors and revenue from our memory module manufacturing business, decreased by NT$2,682 million, or 33%, to NT$5,418 million (US$165 million) in 2008 from NT$8,100 million in 2007. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in net revenue from assembly services for memory semiconductors. Net revenue from assembly services for memory semiconductors decreased by NT$2,985 million, or 39%, to NT$4,591 million (US$140 million) in 2008 from NT$7,576 million in 2007, primarily as a result of decreased capacity utilization rate and lower average price for DDR II SDRAM products. Net revenue from assembly services for mixed-signal semiconductors increased by NT$303 million, or 58%, to NT$827 million (US$25 million) in 2008 from NT$524 million in 2007, principally as resulted from higher customer demand.

Net revenue from LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services decreased by NT$1,191 million, or 30%, to NT$2,805 million (US$86 million) in 2008 from NT$3,996 million in 2007. This decrease was principally as a result of the weak demand for LCD and other flat-panel display products in 2008, which in turn led to decrease capacity utilization rates as well as decreased average selling prices for services.

 

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Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin. Cost of revenue decreased by NT$474 million, or 3%, to NT$16,970 million (US$518 million) in 2008 from NT$17,444 million in 2007, primarily due to the net effect of increase in leasing expense of NT$878 million (US$27 million) and a decrease of expensable equipment of NT$224 million (US$7 million), direct material and direct labor by NT$603 million (US$18 million) and NT$332 million (US$10 million), respectively. Leasing expense increased due to the increase of leased machinery. Direct material decreased principally as result of decline of capacity utilization rate.

Our gross profit decreased to NT$40 million (US$1 million) in 2008 from NT$6,154 million in 2007. Our gross margin was 0.2% in 2008, compared to 26% in 2007.

Our gross margin for testing services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors decreased to 10% in 2008 from 38% in 2007, primarily due to lower capacity utilization rate, which decreased to 65% in 2008 from 78% in 2007.

Our gross margin for assembly services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors decreased to negative 6% in 2008 from 18% in 2007 primarily due to a pricing pressure resulted from the decreasing pricing of end products.

Our gross margin for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services decreased significantly to negative 18% in 2008 from 8% in 2007, primarily as a result of a decrease in capacity utilization rate from 71% in 2007 to 52% in 2008 as well as decreased average selling price for our services.

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses increased by NT$114 million, or 35%, to NT$436 million (US$13 million) in 2008 from NT$322 million in 2007. This increase was primarily due to higher salary expenses associated with an increase in research and development personnel. We currently expect our research and development expenses will increase in the future to our focus on research and development projects relating to advanced applications, such as multi-chip package for DDR III SDRAM, low temperature assembly technologies for LCD driver IC, fine pitch LCD driver IC testing and assembly technologies, and frequency identification (RFID) logistics management system implementation.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by NT$184 million, or 17%, to NT$886 million (US$27 million) in 2008 from NT$1,070 million in 2007, primarily due to decreased salary and fringes for the cost saving program.

Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased by NT$2,265 million, or 2,311%, to NT$2,363 million (US$72 million) in 2008 from NT$98 million in 2007, primarily due to an increase of NT$2,282 million (US$70 million) in bad debt. The increase in bad debt was primarily due to the full allowance made on outstanding receivables from Spansion and ProMOS.

Other Expenses, Net. Other expenses, net increased by NT$2,618 million, or 391%, to NT$3,287 million (US$100 million) in 2008 from NT$669 million in 2007. This increase was primarily due to the impairment loss on goodwill of NT$917 million (US$28 million) and impairment loss on property, plant and equipment of NT$1,599 million (US$49 million) recognized in 2008. The significant increase in impairment loss in 2008 was primarily due to a decreased estimated future cash inflow from the use of the related property, plant and equipment and resulted in the recoverable amount of the property, plant and equipment being lower than its carrying amount.

Income (loss) Before Income Tax, Minority Interests and Interest in Bonuses to Directors, Supervisors and Employees Paid by Subsidiaries. As a result of the foregoing, income before income tax, minority interests and interests in bonuses to directors, supervisors and employees paid by subsidiaries decreased by 274% to a loss of NT$6,930 million (US$212 million) in 2008 from an income of NT$3,993 million in 2007.

 

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Income Taxes. Income tax expenses decreased by NT$647 million, or 84%, to NT$121 million (US$4 million) in 2008 from NT$768 million in 2007, primarily due to a significant increase in loss before income tax in 2008.

Minority Interests. In 2008, our minority interests’ share of loss of ThaiLin amounted to NT$143 million (US$4 million), compared to minority interests’ share of income of ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin of NT$720 million in 2007.

Interest in Bonuses paid by Subsidiaries. Interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries increased by 27% to NT$362 million (US$11 million) in 2008 from NT$286 million in 2007 primarily as a result of ChipMOS Taiwan becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary in September 2007.

Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, our net loss was NT$7,270 million (US$222 million) in 2008 compared to a net income NT$2,219 million in 2007.

Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006

Net Revenue. Our net revenue increased by NT$3,223 million, or 16%, to NT$23,598 million in 2007 from NT$20,375 million in 2006.

Net revenue from testing services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors increased by NT$2,162 million, or 23%, to NT$11,502 million in 2007 from NT$9,340 million in 2006, mainly due to an increase in net revenue from testing services for memory semiconductor. Net revenue from testing services for memory semiconductors increased by NT$2,096 million, or 24%, to NT$10,856 million in 2007 from NT$8,760 million in 2006, principally due to increased capacity, which was partially offset by lower average selling prices for our DRAM products and decreased capacity utilization rates. Net revenue from testing services for mixed-signal semiconductors increased by NT$65 million, or 11%, to NT$646 million in 2007 from NT$581 million in 2006, principally due to increased capacity and increased capacity utilization rates.

Net revenue from assembly services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors, which includes revenue from assembly services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors and revenue from our memory module manufacturing business, increased by NT$1,510 million, or 23%, to NT$8,100 million in 2007 from NT$6,590 million in 2006. 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$1,336 million, or 21%, to NT$7,576 million in 2007 from NT$6,240 million in 2006, primarily as a result of increased capacity and increased sales of products with higher average selling prices, such as certain BGA packages for DDR II SDRAM products. Net revenue from assembly services for mixed-signal semiconductors increased by NT$175 million, or 50%, to NT$524 million in 2007 from NT$349 million in 2006, principally as a result of the increased capacity utilization rate that resulted from higher customer demand, particularly in the third quarter of 2007.

Net revenue from LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services decreased by NT$450 million, or 10%, to NT$3,996 million in 2007 from NT$4,446 million in 2006. This decrease was principally as a result of the weak demand for LCD and other flat-panel display products in 2007, which in turn led to decreased capacity utilization rates as well as decreased average selling prices for our services.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin. Cost of revenue increased by NT$3,191 million, or 22%, to NT$17,444 million in 2007 from NT$14,253 million in 2006, primarily due to the increased overhead expenses of NT$2,342 million. Overhead expenses increased principally as a result of an increase in depreciation expenses, an increase in rental expenses, as well as an increase in re-tooling and equipment spare part expenses that resulted from our change in product mix.

 

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Our gross profit increased to NT$6,154 million in 2007 from NT$6,122 million in 2006. Our gross margin was 26% in 2007, compared to 30% in 2006.

Our gross margin for testing services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors decreased to 38% in 2007 from 41% in 2006, primarily due to a lower capacity utilization rate, which decreased to 78% in 2007 from 86% in 2006.

Our gross margin for assembly services for memory and mixed-signal semiconductors decreased to 18% in 2007 from 22% in 2006, mainly due to a pricing pressure resulted from the decreasing price of end products and the change of our TSOP product mix.

Our gross margin for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services decreased significantly to 8% in 2007 from 20% in 2006, primarily as a result of a decrease in capacity utilization rate from 79% in 2006 to 71% in 2007 as well as decreased average selling prices for our services.

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses increased by NT$47 million, or 17%, to NT$322 million in 2007 from NT$275 million in 2006. This increase was primarily due to higher salary expenses associated with an increase in research and development personnel. We currently expect our research and development expenses will increase in the future due to our focus on research and development projects relating to advanced applications, such as multi-chip packages for DDR III SDRAM, low temperature assembly technologies for LCD driver IC, fine pitch LCD driver IC testing and assembly technologies, and radio frequency identification (RFID) logistics management system implementation.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by NT$257 million, or 32%, to NT$1,070 million in 2007 from NT$813 million in 2006, primarily due to higher salary expenses that resulted from an increase in general and administrative personnel, as well as increased utilities expenses.

Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses decreased by NT$9 million, or 8%, to NT$98 million in 2007 from NT$107 million in 2006, primarily due to a decrease of NT$11 million in commission expenses. The decrease in commission expenses was mainly a result of our strategy to focus on increasing sales to key customers through long-term agreements.

Other Expenses, Net. Other expenses, net increased by NT$446 million, or 200%, to NT$669 million in 2007 from NT$223 million in 2006. This increase was primarily due to the increase in our interest expenses to NT$865 million in 2007 from NT$399 million in 2006. The significant increase in interest expenses in 2007 was primarily due to the full-year effect of interest on the 2006 notes.

Income Before Income Tax, Minority Interests and Interest in Bonuses to Directors, Supervisors and Employees Paid by Subsidiaries. As a result of the foregoing, income before income tax, minority interests and interest in bonuses to directors, supervisors and employees paid by subsidiaries decreased by 15% to NT$3,993 million in 2007 from NT$4,703 million in 2006.

Income Taxes. Income tax expenses increased by NT$132 million, or 21%, to NT$768 million in 2007 from NT$636 million in 2006, primarily due to a significant decrease in loss carry forwards and income tax credits.

Minority Interests. Minority interests decreased by NT$1,079 million, or 60%, to NT$720 million in 2007 from NT$1,799 million in 2006, primarily as a result of ChipMOS Taiwan becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary in September 2007.

Interest in Bonuses paid by subsidiaries. Interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries increased by 92% to NT$286 million in 2007 from NT$149 million in 2006 mainly due to increase in bonuses paid by ChipMOS Taiwan and the increase in our share of such bonus, as ChipMOS Taiwan became a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2007.

 

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Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, our net income increased by NT$98 million to NT$2,219 million in 2007 from NT$2,121 million in 2006.

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, 2008, we provided NT$2,163 million (US$66 million) for the first type of reserve and NT$163 million (US$5 million) for the second type of reserve. For the first type of reserve, we reserved NT$1,539 million (US$47 million) and NT$584 million (US$18 million) for Spansion and ProMOS, respectively. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Customers”.

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, 2008, we provided NT$107 million (US$3 million) for the allowance of sales returns.

The allowance we set aside for doubtful receivables and sales returns was NT$161 million as of December 31, 2006, NT$260 million as of December 31, 2007 and NT$2,433 million (US$74 million) as of December 31, 2008. The allowances as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 represented 3%, 5% and 62%, respectively, of our accounts receivable and other receivables as of those dates. The allowance in 2006, 2007 and 2008 reflected a reduction of NT$884 thousand, NT$5 million and NT$2,292 million (US$70 million), respectively, in accounts receivable and other receivables that was charged to sales and marketing expenses. If we were to change our estimate of the allowance for doubtful receivables and sales returns either upward or downward 10%, our operating income would be affected by NT$4 million (US$122 thousand) for 2008.

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

 

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Inventory Valuation

We state our inventories at the lower of cost or market value. Market value represents net realizable value for finished goods and work in process and replacement value for raw materials. We use the standard cost method to determine the cost of our inventories, adjusted to approximate weighted-average cost at the end of the period. We periodically evaluate the composition of our inventory and identify slow-moving inventories. Inventory items identified as slow-moving are evaluated to determine whether reserves are required.

In 2006, 2007 and 2008, we reserved NT$20 million, NT$8 million and NT$99 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$88 million in 2006, NT$56 million in 2007 and NT$3 million (US$92 thousand) in 2008 for identified slow-moving inventories.

As of December 31, 2008, we recorded NT$102 million (US$3 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$98 million (US$3 million) in 2008 and would have decreased our inventory value by 9.8% and increased our net loss by 1.4%, 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, 2008, 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, 2006, 2007 and 2008, the ending balance for valuation allowances were NT$1,079 million, and NT$834 million and NT$1,823 million (US$56 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, 2008, we have assumed that the semiconductor industry will continue to experience market weakness for the next two years. Based upon our assumption of the market condition 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, 2008, we estimate that our discounted future cash flows are smaller than our other property, plant and equipment and other assets. This indicated that these long-lived assets may be impaired. If our current estimates of future cash flows had decreased, those cash flows would have been less than the reported amount of long-lived assets, and we would have been required to recognize additional impairment loss that would have significantly increased our net loss 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 2008, we recognized NT$220 million (US$7 million) and NT$1,603 million (US$49 million) of impairment loss for long-term investments and other long-lived assets under ROC GAAP and US GAAP, respectively.

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

Goodwill

Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the acquired net identified tangible and intangible assets. Under US GAAP, and effective on January 1, 2005 under ROC GAAP, we assess the impairment of goodwill on an annual basis, or more frequently whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicated that goodwill may be impaired and its carrying value may not be recoverable. Moreover, effective on January 1, 2006, goodwill is no longer amortizable under ROC GAAP. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include, without limitation, the following:

 

   

a significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and

 

   

a significant decline in our market capitalization relative to net book value.

Application of the goodwill impairment test is highly subjective and requires significant judgment, including the identification of cash generating units, assigning assets and liabilities to the relevant cash generating units, assigning goodwill to the relevant cash generating units, and determining the fair value of the relevant cash generating units. Under ROC GAAP, the fair value of the cash generating units is compared to the associated carrying value including goodwill, while under US GAAP, the fair value of the reporting units is compared to the associated carrying value including goodwill.

Under ROC GAAP, goodwill recorded from the acquisition of ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis. Based on our most recent evaluation, the fair value calculated by using the discounted future cash flows was lower than

 

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the associated carrying value. According to management’s analysis incorporing the declining market capitalization in 2008, as well as the significant market deterioration and economic uncertainties impacting expected future demand management concluded that the entire goodwill balance of NT$917 million (US$28 million) was impaired, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of approximately NT$917 million (US$28 million) for the year ended December 31, 2008 to write-off the entire carrying value of goodwill.

Under US GAAP, the measurement of impairment of goodwill consists of two steps. In the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. In connection with the preparation of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, management made a determination of the fair value of the two reporting units. Fair value is determined using a combination of an income approach, which estimate fair value based upon future revenue, expenses and cash flows discounted to their present value, and a market approach, which estimates fair value using market multiples to various financial measures compared to a set of comparable public companies listed on Taiwan Stock Exchange. Management concluded the estimated fair values of the reporting units were less than their net book value. Accordingly, the guidance in US Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142 requires a second step to determine the implied fair value of the Company’s goodwill, and to compare it to the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill is adopted. Second step includes valuing all of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had been acquired in a business combination, including valuing all of its intangible assets even if they were not currently recorded to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. Based on management’s analysis incorporating the declining market capitalization in 2008, as well as the significant market deterioration and economic uncertainties impacting expected future demand, management concluded that the entire goodwill balance of NT$969 million (US$ 30 million) was impaired.

Convertible Notes

Under US GAAP, we are required to account for the conversion option in the 2004 notes and the 2006 notes as derivative liabilities in accordance with SFAS No. 133 “Accounting For Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities” and Emerging Interpretation Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-19 “Accounting For Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed To And Potentially Settled In A Company’s Own Stock”. The discount attributable to the issuance date aggregate fair value of the conversion option, totaling NT$1,199 million, is amortized using the effective interest method over the terms of the 2004 notes and the 2006 notes.

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 our net income under US GAAP. As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities was nil.

The fair value of the embedded derivative is determined using an option pricing model, which requires 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 model is 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 put and call option features contained in our convertible notes issued after 2005 in accordance with SFAS No. 34 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”. We issued the 2006 notes in September 2006 and carried the embedded put and call option features of the 2006 notes on the balance sheet at fair value with gains and losses reflected in our earnings. For more information, see Notes 25l and 26i 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 SFAS No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payments”, which became effective for the first interim period beginning after December 15, 2005. 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 2008, the share-based compensation expense amounted to NT$287 million (US$9 million), which was taken into account when determining our net income and shareholders’ equity under US GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Prior to adopting SFAS No. 123(R), 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 ROC 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, 25m 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 rate 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, 2008, our primary sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents (excluding restricted cash and cash equivalents) of NT$6,652 million (US$203 million), short-term loans of NT$6,802 million (US$208 million) available to us in undrawn facilities, which have expired or will expire before 2009, and long-term loans of NT$5,475 million (US$167 million) available to us in undrawn facilities, which have expired or will expire before December 2013.

As a result of the industry downturn, we incurred a loss of NT$7,270 million (US$222 million) for the year ended December 31, 2008, and had net current liabilities of NT$227 million (US$7 million) as of December 31, 2008, that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. To meet our liquidity, capital spending and other capital needs, our plans include taking certain steps discussed below:

 

   

negotiation with bank creditors for the extension of repayment terms of bank loans;

 

   

negotiation with the holders of our convertible notes due 2009 for extension of repayment date or restructuring our convertible notes due 2009;

 

   

raising new investment capital, either in the form of equity or loans; and

 

   

reorganization of our businesses.

 

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ChipMOS Taiwan requested and received from its bank creditors loan repayment extensions and modifications of certain terms on its loans due from 2009 to 2013. Key extended repayment terms and conditions include: agreement by ChipMOS Taiwan to set aside NT$50 million per month with Bank of Taiwan for repayment of bank loans; agreement by all the banks that have loans due from ChipMOS Taiwan in 2009 to 2013, to not unilaterally foreclose and seize any machinery, property or deposits of ChipMOS Taiwan; and agreement by these banks to waive any penalties that might have to be imposed on the Company in case of breach under the original loan agreements. This loan repayment schedule is further discussed under Note 22a to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. Although there can be no assurances that as a result of this loan repayment schedule extension we will eventually attain profitable operations or will have sufficient liquidity to finance our ongoing obligations and operations, we believe that this extension significantly improves our cash position and reduces our net current liabilities.

In negotiations with our bank creditors we have requested a waiver relating to any potential covenant breaches under a syndicated loan facility agreement with Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited as agent and a related guarantee agreement. If a default occurs under these agreements, at the request of a majority of the facility lenders, the entire outstanding facility balance could become immediately due and payable. We have provided written notice to the indenture trustee for our outstanding convertible notes due 2009 and 2011, respectively, about the nature of these negotiations and our waiver request. Under the indenture for these notes, an event of default would occur if our repayment obligations under the facility accelerate, if the indenture trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of these notes deliver notice of this potential default and if this default is not cured within 30 days after notice. We have approached our equipment lessor and holders of our convertible notes due 2009 with a view to renegotiate the respective transaction terms including, without limitation, by extension of repayment terms and other restructuring of our obligations. There can be no assurances that the waiver will be obtained or that our negotiations with our creditors will succeed by resulting in these transaction term modifications. Even if the waiver is obtained and the negotiations with our creditors are successful, there can be no assurances that as a result we will eventually attain profitable operations or will have sufficient liquidity to finance our ongoing obligations and operations. We believe, however, that if obtained, the waiver of any potential covenant breach and the negotiations with our creditors are successful, will be significant additional steps toward accomplishing our plans to address going concern risks.

Our plans with respect to addressing these matters and steps that we have taken and plan to take to generate additional working capital and to save cash are further discussed under Notes 2 and 22a to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. There can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully accomplish these plans. Even if we successfully accomplish these plans there can be no assurances that we will eventually attain profitable operations or will have sufficient liquidity to finance our ongoing obligations and operations in order to continue as a going concern. We believe, however, that our actions to generate additional working capital and to save cash as called for by these plans are significant steps toward achieving our objective of reducing going concern risks.

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,  
     2006     2007     2008     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in millions)  

Net cash provided by (used in):

        

Operating activities

   $ 7,316.4     $ 10,882.9     $ 5,164.2     $ 157.6  

Investing activities

     (14,988.2 )     (12,212.1 )     (2,296.9 )     (70.1 )

Financing activities

     8,947.9       528.1       (1,395.3 )     (42.6 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     12.8       38.8       46.3       1.4  
                                

Net increase (decrease) in cash

   $ 1,288.9     $ (762.3 )   $ 1,518.3     $ 46.3  
                                

 

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Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled NT$5,164 million (US$158 million) in 2008, compared to NT$10,883 million in 2007. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a net loss of NT$7,270 million (US$222 million) in 2008, compared to net income of NT$2,219 million in 2007. Allowance for doubtful receivables increased to NT$2,292 million (US$70 million) in 2008 from NT$130 million in 2007. This increase was primarily due to the deteriorating financial condition of key customers as a result of the downturn in general economic conditions in 2008. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was also due to an increase in impairment loss on property, plant and equipment of NT$1,599 million (US$49 million) in 2008, compared to nil in 2007. The increase in impairment loss on property, plant and equipment was primarily the result of the decline in sales of testing and assembly semiconductors which caused a decrease in cash inflows from the use of the related machinery and resulted in the recoverable amount of certain equipment being lower than the carrying value.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled NT$10,883 million in 2007, compared to NT$7,316 million in 2006. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflected a decrease in financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss and an increase in depreciation expenses, which were partially offset by a decrease in minority interests. The decrease in financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss was NT$1,289 million in 2007, compared to an increase in financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss of NT$1,743 million in 2006. The decrease in financial assets held at fair value through profit and loss in 2007 primarily resulted from a decrease in our holding of investment funds, as well as a decrease in the value of such holdings. Depreciation expenses increased to NT$6,719 million in 2007 from NT$5,489 million in 2006, primarily the result of additional equipment acquired in connection with our capacity expansion. Minority interests were NT$720 million in 2007 compared to NT$1,799 million in 2006, mainly because ChipMOS Taiwan became our wholly-owned subsidiary in 2007 as a result of the completion of our share purchase and subscription transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan and Siliconware Precision and our share exchange transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled NT$2,297 million (US$70 million) in 2008, compared to NT$12,212 million in 2007. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of a decrease in capital expenditures. Capital expenditures were NT$2,391 million (US$73 million) in 2008, compared to NT$6,633 million in 2007. We incurred significantly higher capital expenditures in 2007 primarily due to the capacity expansion for our agreement with Spansion. Cash payments incurred in connection with acquisitions of subsidiaries, which were nil in 2008 compared to NT$5,305 million in 2007, related primarily to our acquisition of Siliconware Precision’s shares of ChipMOS Taiwan in March 2007 and our exchange transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan on September 14, 2007.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled NT$12,212 million in 2007, compared to NT$14,988 million in 2006. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of a decrease in capital expenditures, which was partially offset by an increase in cash payments incurred in connection with acquisitions of subsidiaries. Capital expenditures were NT$6,633 million in 2007, compared to NT$15,190 million in 2006. We incurred significantly higher capital expenditures in 2006 primarily due to the capacity expansion for our agreement with Spansion. Cash payments incurred in connection with acquisitions of subsidiaries, which were NT$5,305 million in 2007 compared to nil in 2006, related primarily to our acquisition of Siliconware Precision’s shares of ChipMOS Taiwan in March 2007 and our share exchange transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan on September 14, 2007. See “Item 4. Information on the Company – Our Structure and History”.

 

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Net Cash Used in and Provided by Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities totaled NT$1,395 million (US$43 million) in 2008, compared to net cash provided by financing activities NT$528 million in 2007. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily the result of a decrease in convertible notes. Payments on convertible notes were NT$3,498 million (US$107 million) in 2008, compared to NT$244 million in 2007, primarily due to the buy back of convertible notes in 2008. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was also partially offset by an increase in proceeds from bank loan of NT$1,788 million (US$55 million) in 2008, compared to NT$396 million in 2007.

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled NT$528 million in 2007, compared to NT$8,948 million in 2006. Net cash provided by financing activities reflected the proceeds from new long-term loans of NT$172 million in 2007, compared to the proceeds from long-term loans of NT$6,279 million in 2006. In addition, net cash provided by financing activities in 2006 was significantly higher partly due to the proceeds from the issuance of the 2006 notes of NT$3,191 million.

Capital Resources

Capital expenditures in 2006 were funded by NT$7,316 million in cash flows from operating activities and NT$8,948 million in cash flows from financing activities, including proceeds from long-term debt facilities and the issuance of the 2006 notes. Capital expenditures in 2007 were funded by NT$10,883 million in cash flows from operating activities and NT$528 million in cash flows from financing activities, mainly comprising new bank borrowings. Capital expenditures in 2008 were funded by NT$5,164 million (US$158 million) in cash flows from operations.

We anticipate facing significantly reduced cash, those from operating activities and from financing activities in 2009. We incurred a loss of NT$7,270 million (US$222 million) for the year ended December 31, 2008, and had net current liabilities of NT$227 million (US$7 million) as of December 31, 2008, that raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Our plans with respect to generating additional working capital and to saving cash are further discussed under “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Notes 2 and 22a to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. We believe, however, that our actions to generate additional working capital and to save cash as called for by these plans are significant steps toward achieving our objective of reducing going concern risks.

As of December 31, 2008, we had long-term loans of NT$14,362 million (US$438 million) (including current portions of such long-term loans of NT$4,604 million (US$140 million)). As of December 31, 2008, NT$8,481 million (US$259 million) of our long-term loans were collateralized by equipment, NT$2,075 million (US$63 million) were collateralized by land and buildings (including land use rights) and NT$10 million (US$296 thousand) were collateralized by time deposits. Of our long-term loans, in the aggregate:

 

   

NT$11,308 million (US$345 million) were floating rate loans with a rate between 2.37% and 4% as of December 31, 2008 repayable quarterly, semi-annually or totally until December 2013;

 

   

NT$135 million (US$4 million) were fixed rate loans with a rate between 1% and 4.69% as of December 31, 2008 repayable quarterly until April 2010; and

 

   

US$89 million (NT$2,919 million) were floating rate loans with a rate between 2.63% and 5.175% as of December 31, 2008 repayable quarterly, or totally until August 2011.

Other than the NT$10 million 1% fixed rate industrial research and development advancement loan, all of our outstanding long-term loans as of December 31, 2008 were drawdowns under various bank loans and syndicated loan facilities. As of December 31, 2008, 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

 

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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. As of December 31, 2008, this loan facility was fully drawn.

 

   

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. As of December 31, 2008, this loan facility was fully drawn.

 

   

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. As of December 31, 2008, this loan facility was fully drawn.

 

   

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. As of December 31, 2008, this loan facility was fully drawn.

 

   

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. As of December 31, 2008, NT$1,425 million (US$43 million) was drawn under this loan facility.

 

   

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. As of December 31, 2008, NT$2,100 million (US$64 million) was drawn under this loan facility.

 

   

In July 2008, we obtained a syndicated loan facility from banks in Taiwan in the amount of US$74.5 million (NT$2,444 million) for a term of three years. This loan facility is guaranteed by ChipMOS Taiwan. As of December 31, 2008, this loan facility was fully drawn.

On November 3, 2004, ChipMOS Bermuda issued US$85 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes, which bear interest at 1.75% per annum, and on September 29, 2006, ChipMOS Bermuda issued US$100 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2006 notes, which bear interest at 3.375% per annum. The noteholders may convert the 2004 notes and the 2006 notes into our common shares at the conversion price of US$6.28 per share (adjusted down from the initial conversion price of US$7.85 per share) and US$6.85 per share, respectively, subject to certain adjustments. 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 holders of the 2004 notes pursuant to which we offered to each holder, as incentive for such holder to convert its 2004 notes, a cash payment equal to 7% of the principal amount of the 2004 notes. Pursuant to the offer, noteholders converted approximately US$7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes into 1,114,649 common shares and received an aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$490 thousand. On November 3, 2006, we repurchased approximately US$6 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes pursuant to the noteholders’ put option under the indenture. ThaiLin, our 42.9% owned consolidated subsidiary, purchased approximately US$7 million and US$2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes, on November 9, 2007 and December 2, 2008, respectively. During 2008, we repurchased the 2004 notes in aggregate principal amount of approximately US$2 million, US$11 million and US$2 million on August 29, September 9, and December 2 respectively. On November 29, 2007, we repurchased approximately US$1 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2006 notes. On May 23, June 2, June 13, June 17 and June 30, 2008, we repurchased the 2006 notes US$1 million, US$5 million, US$9 million, US$1 million and US$2 million, respectively. On September 29, 2008, we repurchased aggregate principal amount of approximately US$79 million, pursuant to the put option offered under the indenture. As of March 31, 2009, we had US$56 million aggregate principal amount of the 2004 notes outstanding (including the US$9 million aggregate principal amount held by ThaiLin), and US$2 million aggregate principal amount of the 2006 notes outstanding. We have

 

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approached holders of our 2004 notes with a view to renegotiate the repayment date or restructuring our 2004 notes. See “Item 3, Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Economic Conditions and the Financial Markets”. 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”.

In addition, if certain fundamental changes occur, the noteholders have the right to require us to purchase the 2004 notes and the 2006 notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest on those notes to, but excluding, the repurchase date. Generally, a “fundamental change” will be deemed to have occurred if:

 

   

any “person” other than us and our subsidiaries is or becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of our common shares;

 

   

during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted our board of directors cease for any reason to constitute a majority of our board of directors then in office;

 

   

the termination of trading of our common shares; or

 

   

certain mergers or consolidation involving us or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets.

The noteholders’ right to require us to repurchase the 2004 notes and the 2006 notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change is subject to a number of exceptions, including a trading price exception pursuant to which the repurchase right will not be exercisable if the trading price of our common shares exceeds a certain percentage of the conversion price.

The conversion prices of the 2004 notes and the 2006 notes are subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events, including the declaration of stock dividends on our common shares and the repurchase of our common shares for consideration in excess of the market price.

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

 

   

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

As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda and ThaiLin were in compliance with the financial ratio requirements under the syndicated bank loans facility agreements. Pursuant to a bank creditors meeting hosted by Bank of Taiwan on February 13, 2009, ChipMOS Taiwan was waived from compliance of the financial ratio requirements as of December 31, 2008. See Note 22a to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F for extension of loan repayment and Company’s future minimum principal payments under the short and long-term bank loans as of December 31, 2008 when definitive agreements with respective bank creditors are executed.

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.

 

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Set forth below are the maturities of our long-term bank loans outstanding as of December 31, 2008:

 

     As of
December 31, 2008
     NT$    US$
     (in millions)

During 2009

   $ 4,603    $ 140

During 2010

     4,474      136

During 2011

     4,126      126

During 2012

     974      30

During 2013 and onwards

     185      6
             
   $ 14,362    $ 438
             

As of December 31, 2008, certain of our land and buildings (including land use rights) and machinery with an aggregate net book value of NT$3,620 million (US$111 million) and NT$10,594 million (US$323 million), respectively, and time deposits in the aggregate amount of NT$12 million (US$366 thousand) were pledged as collateral in connection with our long-term borrowings. Approximately 60% 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, 2008, totaled NT$6,802 million (US$208 million), which have expired or will expire before 2009. As of December 31, 2008, we had available undrawn long-term credit facilities totaling NT$5,475 million (US$167 million).

As of December 31, 2008, we had credit loans for imports of machinery in the total amount of NT$23 million (US$1 million), which are due between May 2009 and June 2009. We also had a short-term credit loan for importing raw materials and equipment in the total amount of NT$263 million (US$8 million), which is due between May 2009 and June 2009, and short-term working capital loan in the total amount of NT$2,459 million (US$75 million), which was due or will be due by October 2009.

Should the negotiation with our creditors be successful, 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 June 2010. 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.

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, 2008, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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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, total assets and shareholders’ equity in accordance with ROC GAAP and US GAAP for the periods indicated:

 

     Year ended as of December 31,  
     2006    2007    2008     2008  
     NT$    NT$    NT$     US$  
     (in millions)  

Net income (loss) in accordance with:

          

ROC GAAP

   $ 2,121.3    $ 2,219.2    $ (7,270.3 )   $ (221.9 )

US GAAP

     1,253.1      2,901.7      (7,177.7 )     (219.1 )

Total assets in accordance with:

          

ROC GAAP

     46,011.9      45,316.1      35,441.6       1,081.8  

US GAAP

     45,976.1      45,266.0      35,157.0       1,073.2  

Shareholders’ equity (including minority interests) in accordance with:

          

ROC GAAP

     22,884.9      22,248.1      14,542.8       443.9  

US GAAP

     21,430.7      21,650.9      14,154.2       432.1  

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 of certain items, including net income and shareholders’ equity. Differences between ROC GAAP and US GAAP which have an effect on our net income as reported under ROC GAAP relate to, among other things, accrual for bonuses to employees, directors and supervisors, share-based compensation and accounting for our convertible notes.

Under SFAS No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment” adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and Staff Accounting Bulletin 107 “Share-Based Payment” by the SEC, 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 25m and 26h to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Under SFAS No. 133 “Accounting For Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities” and EITF Issue No. 00-19 “Accounting For Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed To And Potentially Settled In A Company’s Own Stock,” 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, 2008 under US GAAP was NT$204 million (US$6 million) and the resulting net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 under US GAAP was approximately NT$7,178 million (US$219 million). For more information, see Notes 25l and 26i to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

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Non-GAAP Financial Information Derived from US GAAP Measures

To supplement our consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2008 on a ROC GAAP basis, our management uses a non-GAAP measure of net loss, which is net loss 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.

The following table sets forth, for the year ended December 31, 2008, reconciliation of US GAAP net loss to non-GAAP net loss:

 

     Year ended December 31,
2008
 
     NT$     US$  
     (in millions, except for per share data)  

US GAAP Net Loss (Basic)(1)

   $ (7,177.7 )   $ (219.1 )

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

    

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

     (191.4 )     (5.8 )

Amortization of discount on convertible notes(3)

     277.1       8.4  
                

Total Special Items

     85.7       2.6  
                

Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Loss (Basic)

   $ (7,092.0 )   $ (216.5 )
                

US GAAP Net Loss Per Share (Basic)

   $ (85.56 )   $ (2.61 )
                

Adjustment for special items

     1.02       0.03  
                

Non-GAAP Net Loss Per Share (Basic)

   $ (84.54 )   $ (2.58 )
                

US GAAP Net Loss Per Share (Diluted)

   $ (85.56 )   $ (2.61 )
                

Adjustment for special items

     1.02       0.03  
                

Non-GAAP Net Loss Per Share (Diluted)

   $ (84.54 )   $ (2.58 )
                

 

(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 gain 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.

 

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Taxation

ChipMOS Taiwan was granted a Republic of China income tax exemption for a period of four years on income attributable to the expansion of its production capacity as a result of purchases of new equipment funded by capital increases in 1998, 1999 and 2000. The tax exemption relating to the expansion of production capacity in 1998 and 1999 expired on December 31, 2002. The tax exemption relating to the expansion of production capacity in 2000 expired on December 31, 2005. The tax exemption relating to the expansion of production capacity in 2001 expired on December 31, 2008, and has resulted in tax savings for ChipMOS Taiwan of approximately NT$235 million in 2006 and NT$135 million in 2007.

ChipMOS Taiwan is also entitled to other 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 2006, 2007 and 2008, tax credits resulted in tax savings for ChipMOS Taiwan of approximately NT$295 million, NT$623 million and NT$161 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 will expire on December 31, 2009. It has resulted in tax savings for ThaiLin of approximately NT$30 million in 2006, approximately NT$25 million in 2007 and NT$153 thousand (US$5 thousand) in 2008.

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 2006, 2007 and 2008, tax credits resulted in tax savings for ThaiLin of approximately NT$101 million, NT$101 million and NT$5 million (US$153 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

 

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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 in 2008 were not significant.

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. 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, 2008 for 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 debt(1)

   $ 17,089.9    $ 6,867.9 (2)   $ 9,035.1    $ 1,186.9      —  

Short-term loans(1)

     2,763.6      2,763.6       —        —        —  

Operating leases

     2,527.6      1,565.6       819.6      40.4      102.0

Capital commitments

     485.3      485.3       —        —        —  
                                   

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 22,866.4    $ 11,682.4     $ 9,854.7    $ 1,227.3    $ 102.0
                                   

 

(1) Includes interest payments. Assumes level of relevant interest rates remains at December 31, 2008 level throughout all relevant periods.
(2) Included potential obligation in connection with the 2004 notes, which will be due on November 3, 2009.

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, eight of whom were elected by our shareholders and one of whom was appointed by directors to fill a vacancy on our board. 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.

 

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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, 2009. The business address for our directors and executive officers is No. 1, R&D Road 1, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China.

 

Name

   Age   

Position

   Term Expires
Shih-Jye Cheng    51    Chairman and Director/Chief Executive Officer    2011
Antonio R. Alvarez    53    Independent Director    2011
Chin-Shyh Ou    52    Independent Director    2011
Hsing-Ti Tuan    65    Director    2009
Yeong-Her Wang    53    Independent Director    2009
Shou-Kang Chen    48    Chief Financial Officer and Director    2009
Pierre Laflamme    63    Deputy Chairman and Independent Director    2010
Chao-Jung Tsai    55    Director    2010
Rong Hsu    59    Independent Director    2010
Adam Hsien    50    Acting President of ChipMOS Shanghai    —  
Lafair Cho    47    President of ThaiLin    —  
F.J. Tsai    51    Vice President, Business Operation Management Center    —  
Steve Cheng    47    President of ChipMOS USA    —  
Joyce Chang    48    Vice President, LCDD Production Group    —  
Michael Lee    44    Vice President, Wafer Sort Business Unit    —  
Ivan Hsu    43    Vice President, Memory Production Group    —  
Jesse Huang    43    Vice President, Assembly Production Group    —  
David W. Wang    61    Vice President, Research & Strategy Development Center    —  

Shih-Jye Cheng has served as one of our directors and chief executive officer since our inception. He was our deputy chairman from our inception to May 2004 and became our chairman in May 2004. He has also served as a director and president of ChipMOS Taiwan since 1997, the chairman of ChipMOS Taiwan since June 2003, the chairman of ThaiLin since 2002. He was a director of Syntax-Brillian Corporation from November 2005 to June 2008, the chairman of ChipMOS Shanghai from 2002 to June 2005, the chairman of Chantek from 2002 to November 2005, the chairman of ChipMOS Logic from January 2004 to November 2005, the chairman of Advanced Micro Chip Technology Co., Ltd. from 2003 to April 2004 and a director of Ultima Electronics Corp. from 2000 to June 2003. He was a division head of the back-end operation of Mosel from 1992 to 1997. Mr. Cheng has a master’s degree in business administration from Saginaw Valley State University. Mr. Cheng is currently under indictment of the Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office for matters relating to the purchase by ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin of certain repurchase notes in 2004. Although Mr. Cheng was found not guilty by the Taipei District Court on October 1, 2007, the prosecutor appealed the Taipei District Court’s decision on October 27, 2007. For more information, please see “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—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”.

 

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Antonio R. Alvarez has served as one of our directors from July 2005. Mr. Alvarez has been the president and chief executive officer, and a director of Leadis Technology Inc. since November 2005. Since March 2006, he has been a member of the board of directors of Validity Sensors Inc. He was senior vice president and general manager of the memory products division of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation from 1998 to July 2005, and senior vice president of research and development from 1991 to 2001. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is a member of the advisory board of the Electrical Engineering Department. He is a member of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Chin-Shyh Ou has served as one of our directors since August 2008. He has served as a director of ChipMOS Taiwan since June 2007. Mr. Ou joined the National Chengchi University as an associate professor in 1993 and then became professor in 1997. In 1998, he joined National Chung Cheng University as a professor and the chairman of the Department of Accounting. He led a project to establish the executive MBA program and Graduate Institute of Accounting and Information Technology of National Chung Cheng University in 1999. Mr. Ou holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Ph.D. degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Ou holds several professional licenses and qualifications, including U.S. Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor.

Hsing-Ti Tuan has served as one of our directors since August 2000. Mr. Tuan currently is the executive vice president and the deputy chairman of ProMOS Technologies Inc. Mr. Tuan has served as a director of ProMOS since 1997. He has been the president of Mosel Vitelic Corp., USA since 1994. He was the acting president of Mosel from November 2004 to December 2005 and previously served as the executive vice president of their research and development division. He was also the vice president of Mosel from 1992 to 1996. Mr. Tuan also serves as a director of Mosel and SyncMOS Technology International. Mr. Tuan holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Utah State University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.

Yeong-Her Wang has served as one of our directors since July 2004 and a member of the board of directors of ChipMOS Taiwan. He has been a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering of National Cheng Kung University since 1992. He serves as the vice president of National Applied Research Laboratories since 2007. He was also an associate dean of the College of Engineering between 1999 and 2003, chairman of the Department of Electrical Engineering between 1996 and 1999, associate director of the Department of Electrical Engineering between 1993 and 1996 and director of the Electrical Factory, College of Engineering of National Cheng Kung University between 1995 and 1996. Mr. Wang holds Ph.D., master’s and bachelor’s degrees from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.

Shou-Kang Chen has served as one of our directors since June 2005. He has served as our chief financial officer, investor relations officer and head of the finance division of ChipMOS Taiwan since 2002. He was the head of our strategy development department from 2000 to 2001. He was the department head of the quality lab of ChipMOS Taiwan from 1998 to 2000. Mr. Chen holds a bachelor’s degree in mining and petroleum engineering and a master of science degree and a Ph.D. degree from the graduate school of mining, metallurgy and material science of National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.

Pierre Laflamme has served as one of our directors since February 2001, and as our deputy chairman since June 2005. Since July 2003, he has been engaged in international consultancy works and also participated in developing new residential housing concepts and projects. Since April 2007, he has been the chairman of the board of Capital BLF Inc., (ticker BLF.V on the TSX Venture). As of May 2009, he is a member of the Independent Valuation Committee of Solidarity Fund, a CAD$6.9 billion investment fund in Canada. He was the president and chief operating officer of SGF Tech Inc. from January 2000 to July 2003.

 

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Before that, he was the vice president of high technology investments of Société Générale de Financement du Québec from 1997 to 2000. He was the senior vice president of Solidarity Fund from 1996 to 1997 and a deputy minister of the Quebec Prime Minister’s Department from 1994 to 1996. Mr. Laflamme holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Université de Montréal.

Chao-Jung Tsai has served as one of our directors since November 2004. Mr. Tsai was a director of ChipMOS Taiwan from January 2001 to December 2005, as a representative of Siliconware Precision, where he has been a director since June 2005 and served as a supervisor from June 2002 to June 2005. He has also been a supervisor of Phoenix Precision Technology Co. Ltd. since June 2005. He has also been a supervisor of Phoenix Technology Co., Ltd. since June 2005. He was previously president of Grand Cathay Securities Co., Ltd. and assistant vice president of China Trust Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. Mr. Tsai received his bachelor’s degree in statistics from National Cheng Kung University and master’s degree in management of technology from National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan. He holds Taiwan CPA and CFA licenses.

Rong Hsu was appointed by our board of directors on October 1, 2008 to fill the vacancy from Mr. Takaki Yamada’s resignation. He has served as one of our directors from July 2005 to August 2008. He has been the director of Corp. R&D, Delta Electronics since February 2009. He has been the vice president of Spatial Photonics Inc. since May 2006. He was a founder of eLCOS Microdisplay Technology Group where he was the president from April 2001 to December 2005, senior director of operations at Aurora Systems Co. from 1999 to March 2001, director of manufacturing for micro-display systems and testing at S-Vision Co. from 1996 to 1999, manager of manufacturing at nCHIP Co. from 1991 to 1996, research engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 1988 to 1991 and senior engineer at Intel Corporation from 1982 to 1988. He has a doctorate degree in material engineering from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in material science from Brown University and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from National Taiwan University. He is a founding member and senior advisor of the Chinese American Semiconductor Professional Association.

Adam Hsien has served as the acting president of ChipMOS Shanghai since September 2006 and vice president since July 2006. He was executive vice president of Camtech Optronics Inc. from 2004 to 2006 and the director of the bumping operation division of He Jian Technology Inc. in Suzhou from 2003 to 2004. Mr. Hsien received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Feng Chia University in Taiwan.

Lafair Cho has served as ThaiLin’s president since December 1, 2003 and a director since December 30, 2002. He was vice president of ThaiLin from February 1, 2003 to November 30, 2003. He has also served as vice president of the memory production group of ChipMOS Taiwan from July 2003 to August 2004 and as a director of ChipMOS Taiwan since October 2003. He served as a deputy assistant vice president of the IC testing division of ChipMOS Taiwan from April 2000 to December 2001 and as an assistant vice president of the IC testing division of ChipMOS Taiwan from January 2002 to January 2003. He served as manager of production material control of Mosel from 1993 to 1997. He holds a master’s degree in industrial management from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.

F.J. Tsai has served as the President of ChipMOS USA since January 2008 and ChipMOS Taiwan’s vice president of business operation management since November 2005. From 2003 to 2005, he served as the president of Chantek. He also served as an assistant vice president of the strategy development center of ChipMOS Taiwan from 1998 to 2003. He received a master’s degree in business administration from National Sun Yat-Sen University in Taiwan.

Steve Cheng has served as the president of ChipMOS U.S.A. since August 2008. Mr. Cheng has served as the director of Finance and Administration in ChipMOS U.S.A. since July 2004. He has been serving in ChipMOS U.S.A. since November 1999. He received a bachelor’s degree in business banking and insurance from Feng Chia University in Taiwan.

Joyce Chang has served as ChipMOS Taiwan’s vice president of LCD Driver production group since June 2004. She was assistant vice president of ChipMOS Taiwan from 2002 to 2004 and manager of ChipMOS Taiwan from 2000 to 2002. Ms. Chang received a bachelor’s degree from Chung Yuan Christian University in Taiwan.

 

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Michael Lee has served as ChipMOS Taiwan’s vice president of wafer sort business unit since June 2004. He was assistant vice president of ChipMOS Taiwan from 2003 to 2004 and assistant vice president of King Yuan ELECTRONIC CO., LTD. from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Lee received a master’s degree from National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan.

Ivan Hsu has served as ChipMOS Taiwan’s vice president of memory production group since December 2004. He was ChipMOS Taiwan’s assistant vice president from 2003 to 2004 and deputy assistant vice president from 2002 to 2003. Mr. Hsu received a bachelor’s degree from Feng Chia University in Taiwan.

Jesse Huang has served as ChipMOS Taiwan’s vice president of assembly production group since April 2007. He was the assistant vice president of assembly engineering division formerly. He received a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Soochow University in Taiwan.

David W. Wang joined ChipMOS as vice president of research and strategy development center in 2007. Prior to joining ChipMOS, he served as the president of Fibera, Inc. from 2001 to 2007. Mr. Wang also served as a senior director of Lam Research Corporation in charge of product introduction and regional support teams of its etch group from 1996 to 2001. Mr. Wang also served in the microelectronics division of IBM as a manager in the packaging engineering, materials and process development and marketing departments. He holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Michigan and is a member of Phi Lambda Upsilon.

Board Practice and Terms of Directorship

Our board of directors consists of three classes of directors. The first class of directors, consisting of Shih-Jye Cheng, Antonio R. Alvarez and Chin-Shyh Ou, is up for re-election at the annual general meeting in 2011 and then every third annual general meeting thereafter. The second class, consisting of Hsing-Ti Tuan, Yeong-Her Wang and Shou-Kang Chen, is up for re-election at the annual general meeting in 2009 and then every third annual general meeting thereafter. The third class, consisting of Pierre Laflamme, Chao-Jung Tsai and Rong Hsu, is up for re-election at the annual general meeting in 2010 and then every third annual general meeting thereafter.

Any director vacates his or her office if he or she:

 

   

is prohibited by law from being a director or ceases to be a director by virtue of the Bermuda Companies Act;

 

   

resigns from his or her office;

 

   

becomes bankrupt under the laws of any country or compounds with his or her creditors;

 

   

becomes of unsound mind or a patient for the purpose of any statute or applicable law relating to mental health and the board resolves that his or her office is vacated; or

 

   

is removed by a resolution passed by our shareholders at a special general meeting called for that purpose.

 

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Share Ownership

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 31, 2009 with respect to our common shares owned by our directors and executive officers.

 

Name

   Number of
Common
Shares Held
   Percentage
of Shares
Issued and
Outstanding
    Number of
Options
Held (1)
   Exercise Price
of Options
(US$)
   Expiration Date of
Options

Shih-Jye Cheng

   1,107,178    1.3 %   255,000    1.7425-5.372    2009/10/1-2013/8/31

Antonio R. Alvarez

   —      —       *    *    *

Chin-Shyh Ou

   —      —       *    *    *

Hsing-Ti Tuan

   *    *     *    *    *

Yeong-Her Wang

   —      —       *    *    *

Shou-Kang Chen

   *    *     *    *    *

Pierre Laflamme

   —      —       *    *    *

Chao-Jung Tsai

   —      —       *    *    *

Rong Hsu

   —      —       *    *    *

Adam Hsieh

   —      —       *    *    *

Lafair Cho

   *    *     *    *    *

Steve Cheng

   —      —       *    *    *

F.J. Tsai

   *    *     *    *    *

Joyce Chang

   *    *     *    *    *

Michael Lee

   *    *     *    *    *

Ivan Hsu

   *    *     *    *    *

Jesse Huang

   *    *     *    *    *

David W. Wang

   —      —       *    *    *

 

* Upon exercise of options currently exercisable or vested within 60 days after March 31, 2009, would beneficially own less than 1% of our ordinary shares.
(1) Each option covers one of our common shares.

Compensation and Compensation Committee

The aggregate compensation paid in 2008 to our directors and our executive officers, including cash, share bonuses and accrued pension payable upon retirement, was approximately NT$128 million (US$4 million). In 2008, we granted options to purchase 692,000 of our common shares to our directors and executive officers as set forth in the table below. These options will vest over a period of four to five years, with an equal proportion vesting on each of August 31 and November 20, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, except for certain options granted on August 31, 2008 that vested on the date of grant.

 

Number of common shares issuable upon exercise of options

   Expiration date    Exercise price (US$)    Considerations paid
for options granted

549,000

   August 31, 2014    1.9380    None

60,000

   August 31, 2018    1.9380    None

83,000

   November 20, 2018    0.1870    None

We do not provide our directors with any benefits upon termination of employment.

Our compensation committee currently consists of Antonio R. Alvarez, Pierre Laflamme and Yeong-Her Wang. This committee reviews and recommends to our board of directors the compensation of all our directors and officers on at least an annual basis.

Audit Committee

Under our audit committee charter adopted on February 28, 2001 and amended on May 14, 2004 and December 21, 2004, our audit committee:

 

   

is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of our external auditors or any other public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or to perform audit, review or attestation services;

 

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oversees our accounting principles and policies, financial reporting and internal control over financial reporting, internal audit controls and procedures, financial statements and independent audits;

 

   

meets with management, our external auditors and, if appropriate, the head of the auditing department to discuss audited financial statements, audit reports or other communications, including, without limitation, any audit problems or difficulties relating to our financial statements, any major issues regarding accounting principles and the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting;

 

   

pre-approves, or adopts appropriate procedures to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services, if any, provided to us by our external auditors;

 

   

establishes our internal complaints procedure for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and for the confidential, anonymous submission thereof by our employees;

 

   

evaluates the independence of and discuss with management the timing and process for implementing the rotation of the audit partners of the outside auditors; and

 

   

reviews and approves all our related party transactions.

The audit committee currently consists of Pierre Laflamme, Chin-Shyh Ou and Yeong-Her Wang all of whom are independent directors according to Nasdaq Marketplace Rules requirements. Mr. Chin-Shyh Ou serves as a financial expert to the Audit Committee.

Nominations Committee

Under our nominations committee charter adopted on August 26, 2005, our nominations committee:

 

   

identifies individuals qualified to become members of the board of directors, selects or recommends nominees to the board of directors and, in the case of a vacancy of a director, recommends to the board of directors an individual to fill such vacancy;

 

   

develops and recommends to the board of directors standards to be applied in making determinations as to the absence of material relationships between us and a director;

 

   

identifies members of the board of directors qualified to fill vacancies on any committee thereof and recommends the appointment of the identified member(s) to the respective committee;

 

   

assists our management in the preparation of the disclosure in our annual proxy statement regarding the operations of the nominations committee; and

 

   

performs any other duties or responsibilities expressly delegated to the nominations committee by the board of directors from time to time relating to the nomination of members of the board of directors and any committee thereof.

Yeong-Her Wang, Rong Hsu and Pierre Laflamme are currently the members of our nominations committee.

Special Investigation Committee

On December 21, 2004, in connection with alleged embezzlement at Pacific Electric by our former directors, Mr. Hung-Chiu Hu and Mr. Jwo-Yi Miao, and money laundering by our former director, Mr. Robert Ma Kam Fook, our board established a special investigation committee to identify and investigate any past and present dealings between ChipMOS Bermuda, including any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, and Messrs. Hu, Miao and Ma, and any companies or entities affiliated with them. For additional information on the allegations, see “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—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”.

 

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The special investigation committee was solely comprised of Messrs. Pierre Laflamme and Yeong-Her Wang, two of our company’s independent directors. Concurrent with the establishment of the special investigation committee, our board requested the resignations of Mr. Hu and Mr. Miao, who subsequently resigned from our board on June 2 and June 8, 2005, respectively. On December 21, 2004, our board also accepted the resignation of Mr. Ma. The special investigation committee engaged Ernst & Young as its forensic accounting advisor and Baker & McKenzie as its legal advisor to review transactions that were similar in nature to the transactions that allegedly implicated Messrs. Hu, Miao and Ma at Pacific Electric as well as significant related party transactions between ChipMOS Bermuda, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, and Messrs. Hu, Miao and Ma and any companies or entities affiliated with any of them. The special investigation committee also engaged Hong Kong counsel.

On June 23, 2005, the special investigation committee presented its final report to our board of directors. The special investigation committee concluded that the review conducted by Ernst & Young and Baker & McKenzie did not reveal previously unknown information regarding losses suffered by ChipMOS Bermuda, other than a potential liability relating to a credit facility entered into with Trident (Asia) Investments Limited, or Trident, and HSH Nordbank AG, Hong Kong Branch, or Nordbank. The special investigation committee noted that total losses from transactions reviewed by it in the amount of NT$454 million (US$14 million), relating to impairment losses and realized losses of certain investments, were reflected in our 2002, 2003 and 2004 financial statements, and a potential decline in the value of our investment in respect of Ultima Technology Corp. (BVI). In 2005, we recognized an impairment loss of NT$188 million (US$6 million) as a result of the decline in the value of our investment to Ultima Technology Corp. (BVI). See Note 8 to our audited consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F and “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions”. The special investigation committee did not make any factual findings as to the business purpose of the transactions reviewed or as to persons at our company responsible for such transactions. On August 26, 2005, our board dissolved the special investigation committee.

The Special Investigation Committee provided the following recommendations to our board of directors:

 

   

reinforce the internal controls related to our company’s investment decisions, including the design and adoption of comprehensive internal control procedures for investments in connection with our company’s implementation of the internal control procedures required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 404”);

 

   

strengthen the role of the board of directors in overseeing our company’s investment activities;

 

   

develop an internal control mechanism applicable to our company’s selection of banks that our company will use for deposits so as to address both commercial risks and reputational risks; and

 

   

develop more prudent and conservative procedures regarding the entry by our company into banking or other credit relationships.

As of December 31, 2006, we had taken the following measures to implement the recommendations of the Special Investigation Committee:

 

   

engaged Ernst & Young to advise on the internal control over financial reporting requirements under Section 404, including testing and monitoring the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting;

 

   

enhanced the board of directors’ ability to oversee our financial activities by adopting new internal control procedures, pursuant to which decisions relating to derivatives, loans to others, endorsement and guarantee for third parties, and equity investments, exceeding certain limits, are subject to the board of directors’ approval; and

 

   

reduced the risks inherent in banking or other credit activities by adopting new internal control procedures, under which the application for any credit line or the opening of any account at any overseas banks is required to be approved by the board of directors.

 

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Special Committee

In connection with the indictment of Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng by the Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office, our board of directors formed a special committee to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the indictment. As of March 31, 2009, the special committee was comprised of two independent directors, Messrs. Yeong-Her Wang and Pierre Laflamme. The special committee has engaged K&L Gates LLP (formerly Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP) as its independent international legal counsel and Baker & McKenzie as its independent ROC legal counsel, and Ernst & Young (formerly know as Diwan, Ernest & Young) as its accounting advisor to assist in its evaluation and provide recommendations.

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. 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, have found that the evidence produced by the prosecutor seems to be inadequate and that there is a low probability of the charges in the indictment being founded; (3) the financial advisor to the special committee have 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 our 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 maintains 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.

During its engagement by the special committee, Ernst & Young identified certain internal control weaknesses that existed during the relevant period of the special committee’s investigation within ChipMOS Taiwan, ThaiLin and ChipMOS Logic (which was merged into ThaiLin on December 1, 2005). These weaknesses were in areas related to segregation of duties and of corporate governance on investment authorizations, insufficiency of training for financial personnel in respect of derivative transactions, and non-compliance with the applicable ROC regulations. These identified internal control weaknesses have either been addressed previously or are in the process of being remedied by our company and our subsidiaries.

In light of the identification of these internal control weaknesses, the special committee recommended that the audit committee of the board of directors lead a special task force and report to the board of the directors as to the effectiveness of the implementation of internal control over financial reporting, with an aim to enhance our company’s financial personnel’s knowledge of derivative transactions. The board of directors unanimously resolved to accept and adopt the special committee’s recommendation in this regard.

In August 2006, we engaged Ernst & Young to design certain employee training sessions regarding derivative transactions and the applicable accounting treatment for these transactions.

See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—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”.

 

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Employees

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, the number of our full-time employees serving in the functions indicated:

 

Function

   As of December 31,    As of
March 31,
   2006    2007    2008    2009

General operations

   3,312    3,601    2,716    2,313

Quality control

   460    471    379    348

Engineering

   1,447    1,580    1,350    1,278

Research and development

   253    296    276    262

Sales, administration and finance

   218    225    201    192

Others

   391    408    364    352
                   

Total

   6,081    6,581    5,286    4,745
                   

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, a breakdown of the number of our full-time employees by geographic location:

 

Location

   As of December 31,    As of
March 31,
   2006    2007    2008    2009

ChipMOS H.K. Taiwan Branch (Hsinchu)

   14    15    11    11

ThaiLin (Hsinchu Industrial Park)

   783    763    632    561

ChipMOS Taiwan Hsinchu Production Group

   1,870    2,013    1,715    1,547

ChipMOS Taiwan Southern Taiwan Production Group

   2,757    3,052    2,330    2,150

Shanghai

   649    730    591    469

Japan and the United States

   8    8    7    7
                   

Total

   6,081    6,581    5,286    4,745
                   

Our employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced any strikes or work stoppages by our employees and believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

Share Option Plan and Share Appreciation Rights Plan

We adopted a broad-based share option plan in 2001, which was amended at a special general meeting on March 19, 2004 to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the share option plan from 5,800,000 to 9,000,000. In August 2006, we adopted a second broad-based share option plan, which has 7,000,000 shares available for issuance. Each share option plan provides that our directors, officers, employees and those of our affiliates may, at the discretion of our board of directors or a committee, be

 

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granted options to purchase our shares at an exercise price of no less than the par value of our common shares. The board or the committee has complete discretion to determine which eligible individuals are to receive option grants, the number of shares subject to each grant, the exercise price of all options granted, the vesting schedule to be in effect for each option grant and the maximum term for which each granted option is to remain outstanding, up to a maximum term of ten years.

In 2006, we granted 2,170,510 share options, with an exercise price of ranging from US$4.8110 to US$5.7205 per share. In 2006, 319,200 share options were cancelled and 1,322,143 share options were exercised. In 2007, we granted 1,884,400 share options, with an exercise price ranging from US$3.6380 to US$6.4770 per share. In 2007, 228,631 share options were cancelled and 865,612 share options were exercised. In 2008, we granted 3,981,487 share options, with an exercise price ranging from US$0.1870 to US$6.4770 per share. In 2008, 763,229 share options were cancelled, 1,180,738 share options were expired and 127,850 share options were exercised. As of December 31, 2008, we have 9,258,563 share options outstanding, with an exercise price ranging from US$0.1870 to US$6.6300.

In September 2006 and August 2008, we adopted a share appreciation rights (“SARs”) plan pursuant to which we may issue up to 2,000,000 and 3,000,000 cash-settled SARs to our directors, officers, employees and those of our affiliates. Under the share appreciation rights plan, each holder of SARs, issued thereunder will be entitled to receive, on the applicable exercise date, cash in an amount equal to the excess of the market value of our common shares on such date over the exercise price of such rights. Our board of directors or a relevant committee thereof has complete discretion over the administration of the share appreciation rights plan, including determining the recipients of the share appreciation right awards, the number of rights awarded, the exercise date, the exercise price and other relevant terms. Unless earlier terminated by our board of directors or the relevant board committee, the plan will remain effective until September 2016 and August 2018. In 2006, 1,229,110 SARs were granted, with an exercise price of ranging from US$4.8110 to US$5.7205. In 2006, 27,000 SARs were forfeited. In 2007, 582,000 SARs were granted, with an exercise price of ranging from US$3.6380 to US$6.4770. In 2007, 152,475 SARs were forfeited and 1,500 SARs were exercised. In 2008, 623,285 SARs were granted, with an exercise price of ranging from US$0.1870 to US$2.9750. In 2008, 367,890 SARs were forfeited. As of December 31, 2008, we have 1,885,530 SARs outstanding, with an exercise price ranging from US$0.1870 to US$6.4770.

 

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Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

Major Shareholders

The following table and information set out certain information as of March 31, 2009 regarding the ownership of our common shares by (1) each person known to us to be the owner of more than five percent of our common shares and (2) the total amount owned by our directors and executive officers as a group.

 

Identity of person or group

   Number of
shares owned
   Percentage
Owned

Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd(1)

   12,174,998    14.5

Mosel Vitelic Inc.(2)(3)

   11,194,644    13.3

Trivium Capital Management, LLC(4)

   8,612,506    10.3

ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp.(5)

   5,732,553    6.8

Directors and executive officers, as a group(6)

   1,474,077    1.8

 

(1) Siliconware Precision completed a share purchase and subscription transaction with ChipMOS Taiwan and us on March 27, 2007, pursuant to which we and ChipMOS Taiwan purchased all of Siliconware Precision’s equity interest in ChipMOS Taiwan, and Siliconware Precision subscribed for 12,174,998 of our common shares through a private placement. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Our Structure and History—ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC”.
(2) Mosel owned 10,850,052 shares indirectly through Giant Haven, and 344,592 shares indirectly through Mou-Fu Investment Ltd. In June 2006, Mosel sold 6,956,522 common shares through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Giant Haven pursuant to our shelf registration statement. In July 2007, Mosel sold 8,121, 266 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. Mosel is a public company listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange whose largest known shareholder owned less than 4.3% of its outstanding shares as of April 21, 2009.
(3) Excludes shares owned by PacMOS Technologies Holdings Limited, or PacMOS, that may be beneficially owned by Mosel.
(4) According to the Form 13F filed by Trivium Capital Management LLC on November 14, 2008, as of September 30, 2008, Trivium Capital Management LLC beneficially owned 8,328,118 of our common shares and 284,388 of which, it reported that it did not have voting authority over the 284,388 shares.
(5) From December 29, 2008 to March 31, 2009, ThaiLin acquired 1,671,920 shares accumulated from the Rule 10b5-1/10b-18 securities purchase program, which was initiated, after a 30-day “cooling off period”, on December 28, 2008 and further acquired 4,060,633 shares in March 2009 pursuant to its enforcement of the collateral provided by ProMOS under the Stock Pledge Agreement entered into between ThaiLin and ProMOS dated December 3, 2008.
(6) Excludes Mosel’s beneficial ownership of our common shares which may be considered to be beneficially held by some of our directors or officers. Includes shares held by certain family members of certain directors.

According to the Schedule 13G/A filed by Highbridge International LLC, or Highbridge, on February 10, 2009, as of December 31, 2008, Highbridge beneficially owned $45 million aggregate principal amount of our 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2009, which are convertible into an aggregate of 7,165,606 of our common shares. As of March 31, 2009, none of the convertible notes beneficially owned by Highbridge had been converted into our common shares. As a result of Highbridge’s conversion right, Highbridge is treated as a major shareholder for the purpose of this section in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. If Highbridge were to convert, on an as converted basis, it would own 7.9% of our outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2009.

As of March 31, 2009, approximately 58% of our common shares were held of record by shareholders located in the United States. All holders of our common shares have the same voting rights with respect to their shares.

 

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Related Party Transactions

Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd.

As of March 31, 2009, Siliconware Precision owned 14.5% of our outstanding common shares. 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 of our newly issued common shares through a private placement. ChipMOS Taiwan became our wholly-owned subsidiary on September 14, 2007. Siliconware Precision is an independent provider of semiconductor testing and packaging services. Siliconware Precision currently has, and is expected to continue to have from time to time in the future, contractual and other business relationships with us. From time to time, Siliconware Precision provides assembly services to us. Often, Siliconware Precision renders these assembly services directly to our customers through customer referrals from us. On January 1, 2001, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a subcontracting agreement for a term of two years with Siliconware Precision, pursuant to which Siliconware Precision is obligated to provide assembly services to us. This agreement was extended for another two years from January 2004 to December 2005. Sales to Siliconware Precision in 2006 was NT$83 thousand. In 2007 and 2008, we did not outsource to Siliconware Precision any sales.

Mosel Vitelic Inc.

As of March 31, 2009, Mosel indirectly owned 13.3% of our outstanding common shares. Mosel designs and manufactures semiconductor products, including SRAM, flash memory, LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors and power-related semiconductors. In the period from July to December 2003, Mosel transferred all of its DRAM business to its affiliate ProMOS. Mosel is also engaged in the semiconductor testing and assembly business through its shareholding in our company. Although Mosel was our second-largest customer in 2003, accounting for 19% of our net revenue in 2003, it ceased to be a key customer of ours following the transfer of its DRAM business to ProMOS, with sales to Mosel accounting for 0.1% of our net revenue in 2004. Mosel and its affiliates currently have, and are expected to continue to have from time to time in the future, contractual and other business relationships with us. Our relationships include the following:

 

   

Rental revenue from Mosel was NT$2 million in 2006.

 

   

In 2006, 2007 and 2008, we paid NT$144 thousand, NT$148 thousand and NT$148 thousand (US$5 thousand) in website fees to Mosel for provision of certain website services.

Registration Rights Agreements with Siliconware Precision, Giant Haven, ProMOS and Powertech Technology Inc.

In March 2007, we issued 12,174,998 common shares pursuant to a share purchase and subscription agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan and Siliconware Precision, and we entered into a registration rights agreement, dated March 27, 2007, with Siliconware Precision, pursuant to which Siliconware Precision agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer any of our common shares it acquired in the share purchase and acquisition for a period of nine months after March 27, 2007, and we granted to Siliconware Precision certain rights, including demand registration, “piggyback” registration and Form F-3 registration rights, to require us to register its common shares for sale under the Securities Act. In addition, we entered into a registration rights agreement, dated August 8, 2007, with Giant Haven, ProMOS and Powertech Technology Inc., pursuant to which we granted to Mosel, ProMOS and Powertech Technology Inc. certain registration rights, including customary demand and “piggyback” registration rights, common shares for the sale of our common shares under the Securities Act. In March 2009, ThaiLin acquired 4,060,633 common shares from ProMOS pursuant to its enforcement of the collateral under a Stock Pledge Agreement entered into between ThaiLin and ProMOS dated December 3, 2008.

DenMOS Technology Inc.

We do not own any equity interest in DenMOS. As of March 31, 2009, Mosel directly owned 44.1% of common shares of DenMOS. Sales to DenMOS were NT$125 million, NT$32 million and NT$9 million (US$275 thousand) in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

 

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On October 15, 2003, we entered into a long-term agreement with DenMOS, under which we reserve a specified amount of capacity for LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductor testing and assembly services to DenMOS and under which DenMOS guarantees to place orders in the amount of the reserved capacity for a period of 48 months. This agreement supersedes a similar agreement that we entered into on May 25, 2002. The price for our services under this agreement will be agreed upon, based on our general price list, at the time DenMOS places orders under this agreement. If we are unable to test and assemble the agreed number of LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors, DenMOS may use a third party to cover the shortfall. However, we are entitled to cure any shortfall in the following month. If we fail to do so, we may be liable for damages up to the amount equal to the number of shortfall units in the given month multiplied by the average sales price per unit in that month. If DenMOS fails to place orders according to the reserved capacity, we are entitled to damages based on our costs for the equipment, tooling costs, costs for personnel dedicated to the provisions of capacity to such customer, and the costs for raw materials.

SyncMOS Technologies Inc.

We do not own any equity interest in SyncMOS Technologies, Inc., or SyncMOS. As of March 31, 2009, Mosel indirectly owned 41.5% of SyncMOS Technologies Inc. In 2006, 2007 and 2008, we provided storage services to SyncMOS and rental revenue from SyncMOS was NT$1,864 thousand, NT$2,208 thousand and NT$2,208 thousand (US$67 thousand), respectively.

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Shanghai) LTD.

ChipMOS Shanghai is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Modern Mind, which is one of our controlled consolidated subsidiaries. Under a technology transfer agreement dated August 1, 2002, we licensed certain technologies and systems, and agreed to provide certain technical support and consulting services to ChipMOS Shanghai relating to those technologies and systems, and ChipMOS Shanghai paid an aggregate of US$25 million to us in 2002 for the technology and services we provide under this agreement.

On April 20, 2004, ChipMOS Hong Kong and ChipMOS Shanghai entered into an exclusive services agreement, pursuant to which ChipMOS Shanghai will provide its services exclusively to ChipMOS Hong Kong or customers designated by ChipMOS Hong Kong. Under the exclusive services agreement, ChipMOS Hong Kong will purchase and consign to ChipMOS Shanghai all of the equipment required to render those services. The exclusive services agreement has a term of ten years and will automatically be renewed for periods of ten years, unless terminated by either party at least 30 days prior to the expiration of such ten-year term. In addition, ChipMOS Hong Kong may terminate the exclusive services agreement at any time by giving 30 days’ prior notice.

CHANTEK ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.

In 2003, ChipMOS Taiwan purchased equipment from Chantek at a cost of NT$10 million and sold equipment to Chantek for NT$17 million. In addition, ChipMOS Taiwan recognized gains on the disposal of certain properties to Chantek in the amount of NT$9 million. Chantek leased equipment and provided raw material and semiconductor processing services to ChipMOS Taiwan pursuant to certain agreements between Chantek and ChipMOS Taiwan. Under these agreements, we paid an aggregate of approximately NT$3 million and NT$0.2 million to Chantek in 2002 and 2003, respectively. In addition, we paid an aggregate of NT$8 million in rental fees to Chantek in 2003. We did not pay any fees under these arrangements or any rental fees to Chantek during the period from January to April 2004. From January to April 2004, we had revenues from Chantek of NT$15 million. ChipMOS Taiwan acquired 3,846,154 shares of common stock of AMCT from Chantek at an aggregate price of NT$38 million on March 19, 2004.

Chantek has been our consolidated subsidiary since April 2004. On November 21, 2005, Chantek merged into ChipMOS Taiwan, with ChipMOS Taiwan as the surviving entity. For additional information regarding the merger, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Our Structure and History—ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.”.

 

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ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp.

ChipMOS Taiwan leased equipment and transferred certain technology to ThaiLin pursuant to certain agreements between ThaiLin and ChipMOS Taiwan. The rents paid by ThaiLin to ChipMOS Taiwan amounted to an aggregate of approximately NT$8 million in 2003. In 2003, ThaiLin purchased certain equipment from ChipMOS Taiwan for approximately NT$245 million, and sold certain equipment to ChipMOS Taiwan for approximately NT$105 million.

On March 4, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan made a loan in an amount of NT$145 million (US$4 million) to Kolin, a major shareholder of ThaiLin. The loan is repayable within one year and bears interest at a rate of 4.69% per annum. The loan is secured by a pledge by Kolin of 11 million common shares of ThaiLin. On August 22, 2008, Kolin repaid NT$15 million (US$458 thousand) of the loan. On December 23, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan notified Kolin to proceed with the transfer of the collateral’s ownership, the payment of unpaid loan and interest accrued in the amount of NT$130 million (US$4 million), and the payment of interest incurred due to loan repayment default under the loan. On January 20, 2009, Kolin informed ChipMOS that it could not fulfill request made by ChipMOS, including the transfer of shares since it is prohibited to do so under an interim restrictive order of disposition. Subsequently, Kolin was granted on March 27, 2009, pursuant to a ruling of Taiwan District Court on (Civil Ruling no.7 and No.9 of 2009), the approval for its reorganization and declaration of creditor’s rights application. Therefore, such shares shall still be deemed as the creditor’s collateral. ChipMOS made the creditor’s rights application on April 21, 2009.

As of March 31, 2009, ThaiLin held 5,732,553 of our outstanding shares, corresponding to 6.8% of all of our outstanding shares. ThaiLin’s current Company holding includes 4,060,633 shares or 4.8% of our outstanding shares acquired pursuant to ThaiLin’s enforcement of the collateral provided by ProMOS under the Stock Pledge Agreement dated December 3, 2008 entered into between ThaiLin and ProMOS and 1,671,920 shares or 2.0% of Company’s outstanding shares accumulated from the Rule 10b5-1/10b-18 securities purchase program launched in December 2008.

ThaiLin has been our consolidated subsidiary since December 2003. On December 1, 2005, ChipMOS Logic merged into ThaiLin, with ThaiLin as the surviving entity. See, “Item 4. Information on the Company— Our Structure and History—ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp.”.

ProMOS Technologies Inc.

As of March 31, 2009, Mosel directly and indirectly owned 12.0% of ProMOS. Following the transfer of Mosel’s DRAM business to ProMOS in 2003, sales to ProMOS accounted for 27% of our net revenue in 2006, 29% of our net revenue in 2007 and 18% of our net revenue in 2008.

On July 1, 2003, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a long-term agreement with ProMOS, under which ChipMOS Taiwan reserves a specified amount of capacity for DRAM testing and assembly services to ProMOS and under which ProMOS guarantees to place orders in the amount of the reserved capacity. This agreement was superseded in July 2007, when ChipMOS Taiwan and ProMOS entered into a new long-term agreement with similar terms and conditions, except that under the new agreement, ProMOS will give ChipMOS 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). The price for the services of ChipMOS Taiwan under this agreement will be agreed upon quarterly, subject to certain price adjustments. If ChipMOS Taiwan is unable to test and assemble the agreed number of DRAM, ProMOS may use a third party to cover the shortfall and ChipMOS Taiwan may be liable for, among other damages, any operation loss of ProMOS caused by such delay or any additional costs in using a third party to cover the shortfall. If ProMOS fails to place orders in the amount of the reserved capacity, ChipMOS Taiwan is entitled to damages calculated based on the difference between the value of the reserved capacity and the value of the actual used capacity, provided that the value of the capacity by ChipMOS Taiwan that has been used for other customers shall be deducted. In March 2008, ProMOS failed to place orders in the amount of the reserved capacity. 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. See Note 19 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Rental revenue from ProMOS in 2006 and 2007 was NT$9 million and NT$16 million, respectively. We received no rental revenue from ProMOS in 2008.

Mou-Fu Investment Ltd.

As of March 31, 2009, Mosel held directly a 99.9% equity interest in Mou-Fu. In 2006, we paid Mou-Fu NT$3 million, for the provision of shareholders’ services and NT$2 million for management expenses.

 

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Item 8. Financial Information

Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information

Please see “Item 18. Financial Statements” and pages F-1 through F-61.

Legal Proceedings

In 2003, we had a tax dispute with the ROC tax authority in the amount of NT$31 million relating to our income tax in 2000. We submitted our objections to this assessment to the relevant tax authority in March 2004 and we received a request from the ROC tax authority in April 2006 to make the payment of approximately NT$2 million (US$61 thousand), which we paid in May 2006.

In February 2006, ChipMOS Taiwan and ChipMOS USA received notice of a lawsuit filed by Tessera Technologies, Inc., or Tessera. The complaint was initially filed in United States District Court for the Northern District of California (Civil Action No. C05-04063CW), or the California court. In an amended complaint, Tessera added ChipMOS Taiwan and ChipMOS USA, among several other semiconductor companies, as co-defendants. The amended complaint alleges that ChipMOS Taiwan, ChipMOS USA and the other co-defendants infringed certain patents owned by Tessera and that ChipMOS Taiwan is in breach of a license agreement with Tessera, or the Tessera license agreement. Tessera also sought unspecified damages and injunctive relief. ChipMOS Taiwan and ChipMOS USA have responded to the lawsuit by denying Tessera’s claims of patent infringement and breach of contract. ChipMOS USA and ChipMOS Taiwan have also raised various counterclaims for declaratory judgment and related affirmative defenses that the Tessera patents are invalid and unenforceable. In May 2007, the California court, with the concurrence of ChipMOS Taiwan and ChipMOS USA, stayed all litigation in the California court as a result of a related investigation by the International Trade Commission, or ITC, initiated by Tessera against certain other co-defendants. In addition, a co-defendant in the Tessera lawsuit requested the United States Patent and Trademark Office to reexamine the patentability of each of Tessera’s patents that are at issue in the case in the California court. The requests were granted and, in February 2007, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office concluded that certain claims of the patents were invalid on the basis of prior art. In April 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda, ChipMOS USA and ChipMOS Taiwan received notice that Tessera requested the ITC to initiate another investigation alleging that the sale for and after importation into the United States as well as importation into the United States of certain small format non-tape based BGA semiconductor packages by ChipMOS Bermuda, ChipMOS Taiwan and ChipMOS USA infringe three of the five Tessera patents at issue in the case pending in the California court. Tessera sought, among other things, an investigation by the ITC and general exclusion orders to prohibit the infringing products from entry into the United States. The ITC initiated the investigation in May 2008. On March 13, 2009, after the close of discovery, Tessera submitted a request to terminate the proceedings at the ITC. The ITC has not ruled on this request. Litigation in the Northern District of California and the Eastern District of Texas may resume once the ITC complies a comparison investigation against other companies. Our counsel has not formed an opinion as to the outcome of the case.

In April 2006, ChipMOS Bermuda and ChipMOS Hong Kong received an Amended Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim from Pacific Electric, alleging that certain properties held in trust for Pacific Electric were improperly used to secure a HK$150 million credit facility that ChipMOS Bermuda, ChipMOS Hong Kong and Trident entered into with Nordbank in January 2003 without Pacific Electric’s consent, and that Nordbank’s security interests in such properties are therefore null and void or otherwise unenforceable. ChipMOS Hong Kong borrowed funds under the Nordbank facility in 2003 and repaid them in 2004, and ChipMOS Bermuda has never borrowed under the facility. According to information provided by Trident, the credit facility was fully paid in November 2006 and there is no outstanding loan balance.

In September 2007, ChipMOS Taiwan filed five lawsuits against Walton Advanced Engineering, Inc. and Walton Chaintech Corporation in Taiwan Kaohsiung District Court and Taiwan Banciao District Court, alleging infringement by these two companies of ChipMOS Taiwan’s package related patents for SDRAM, DDR I SDRAM and DDR II SDRAM devices. As of March 31, 2009, all of these lawsuits were pending.

 

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Other than the matters described above, we were not involved in any material litigation in 2008 and are not currently involved in any material litigation.

Pursuant to the long-term service agreement we have entered into with Spansion in September 2005, Spansion agreed to provide ChipMOS with six month rolling forecast on testing and assembly service orders to be placed to us. In January 2009, Spansion has defaulted on its payment obligations under the long-term service agreement and ChipMOS has subsequently terminated the long-term service agreement with Spansion on February 19, 2009. On March 1, 2009, Spansion has 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 has been elected to be the co-chairman of the Unsecured Creditor Committee to represent unsecured creditors in Spansion’s efforts to reorganize its debts under Chapter 11 petition.

For certain information regarding legal proceedings relating to certain of our current and former directors, see “Item 3.—Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—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”.

Dividend Policy

To date, we have not distributed any dividends. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business and thus do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. In addition, we have no current plans to pay stock dividends.

 

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Item 9. The Offer and Listing

Listing

Nasdaq Global Select Market is the principal trading market for our common shares, which are not listed or quoted on any other markets in or outside the United States. Our common shares have been quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (formerly the Nasdaq National Market) under the symbol “IMOS” since June 19, 2001 and our common shares have been quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market since July 1, 2006. The CUSIP number for our common shares is “G2110R106”. As of March 31, 2009, there were 83,971,012 common shares issued and outstanding. The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high, low and average closing prices on the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market for our common shares.

 

     Nasdaq(1) Price per share
(US$)
   Average    High    Low

2004

   8.24    15.00    3.60

2005

   6.21    7.55    4.80

2006

   6.35    8.10    5.45

2007

   6.42    7.89    4.11

First Quarter

   7.22    7.89    6.72

Second Quarter

   6.71    7.39    6.04

Third Quarter

   6.64    7.51    5.92

Fourth Quarter

   5.18    6.14    4.11

2008

   2.33    4.10    0.19

First Quarter

   3.39    4.10    2.67

Second Quarter

   3.13    3.40    2.78

Third Quarter

   2.37    3.13    1.70

November

   0.33    0.52    0.20

December

   0.23    0.27    0.19

Fourth Quarter

   0.48    1.64    0.19

2009

        

January

   0.34    0.46    0.26

February

   0.25    0.27    0.25

March

   0.29    0.40    0.20

First Quarter

   0.29    0.46    0.20

April

   0.51    0.70    0.38

May (through May 29, 2009)

   0.59    0.65    0.49

 

(1) Trading in our common shares commenced on June 19, 2001 on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (formerly the Nasdaq National Market).

 

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Item 10. Additional Information

Description of Share Capital

Our authorized share capital consists of 250 million common shares, par value US$0.01 per share, and 75 million preferred shares, par value US$0.01 per share.

Common Shares

Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each common share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Cumulative voting for the election of directors is not provided for in our bye-laws, which means that the holders of a majority of the shares voted can elect all of the directors then standing for election. The common shares are not entitled to preemptive rights and are not subject to conversion or redemption. Upon the occurrence of a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of common shares would be entitled to share ratably in the distribution of all of our assets remaining available for distribution after satisfaction of all liabilities.

Preferred Shares

Currently there are no specific rights attached to the preferred shares. The specific rights of the preferred shares could include rights, preferences or privileges in priority to our common shares and the establishment of such rights or the delegation to the board of directors to establish such rights will need to be approved by our shareholders. As of March 31, 2009, no preferred shares have been issued by our company.

Bermuda Law

We are an exempted company organized under the Bermuda Companies Act. The rights of our shareholders are governed by Bermuda law and our memorandum of association and bye-laws. The Bermuda Companies Act differs in some material respects from laws generally applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders.

Dividends

Under Bermuda law, a company may pay dividends that are declared from time to time by its board of directors unless there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is or would, after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of its assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities, issued share capital and share premium accounts. The holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available for such purposes at times and in amounts as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Any dividend unclaimed for a period of six years from its date of declaration will be forfeited and will revert to our company.

Voting Rights

Under Bermuda law, except as otherwise provided in the Bermuda Companies Act or our bye-laws, questions brought before a general meeting of shareholders are decided by a majority vote of shareholders present at the meeting. Our bye-laws provide that, subject to the provisions of the Bermuda Companies Act, and except for extraordinary resolutions, any question properly proposed for the consideration of the shareholders will be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast, either on a show of hands or on a poll, with each shareholder present (and each person holding proxies for any shareholder) entitled to one vote on a show of hands, or on a poll, one vote for each fully paid-up common share held by the shareholder. In the case of an equality of votes cast, the chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. Any resolution for any of the following extraordinary transactions will require the approval of shareholders holding at least 70.0% of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting:

 

   

a resolution for the merger, amalgamation or any other consolidation of us with any other company, wherever incorporated;

 

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a resolution for the sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our consolidated assets; or

 

   

a resolution for the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation of our company.

Rights in Liquidation

Under Bermuda law, in the event of liquidation or winding-up of a company, after satisfaction in full of all claims of creditors and subject to the preferential rights accorded to any series of preferred shares, the proceeds of the liquidation or winding-up are distributed pro rata in specie or in kind among the holders of our common shares.

Meetings of Shareholders

Under Bermuda law, a company is required to convene at least one general shareholders’ meeting each calendar year. Bermuda law provides that a special general meeting may be called by the board of directors and must be called upon the request of shareholders holding not less than 10% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right to vote. Bermuda law also requires that shareholders be given at least five days’ advance notice of a general meeting but the accidental omission to give notice to any person does not invalidate the proceedings at a meeting. Under our bye-laws, we must give each shareholder written notice at least five days prior to the annual general meeting, unless otherwise agreed by all shareholders having the right to vote at that annual general meeting, and written notice at least five days prior to any special general meeting, unless otherwise agreed by a majority of shareholders having a right to vote at that special general meeting, and together holding at least 95% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right to vote at that meeting.

Under Bermuda law, the number of shareholders constituting a quorum at any general meeting of shareholders is determined by the bye-laws of the company. Our bye-laws provide that at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy and holding shares representing at least 50% of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting constitute a quorum. Our bye-laws further provide that, in respect of a general meeting adjourned for lack of quorum, at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy holding shares representing 33 1/3% of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting constitute a quorum.

Access to Books and Records and Dissemination of Information

Members of the general public have the right to inspect the public documents of a company available at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda. These documents include a company’s certificate of incorporation, its memorandum of association (including its objects and powers), and any alteration to its memorandum of association and documents relating to an increase or reduction of authorized capital. The shareholders have the additional right to inspect the bye-laws of the company, minutes of general meetings and the company’s audited financial statements, which, unless agreed by all shareholders and directors, must be laid before the annual general meeting. The register of shareholders of a company is also open to inspection by shareholders without charge and by members of the general public on the payment of a fee. A company is required to maintain its share register in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of Bermuda law, establish a branch register outside Bermuda. We maintain a share register in Hamilton, Bermuda and a branch register in New Jersey, USA. A company is required to keep at its registered office a register of its directors and officers which is open for inspection for not less than two hours each day by members of the public without charge. Bermuda law does not, however, provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records.

 

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Election or Removal of Directors

Under Bermuda law and our bye-laws, directors are elected or appointed at an annual general meeting and serve until re-elected or re-appointed or until their successors are elected or appointed, unless they are earlier removed for cause or resign or otherwise cease to be directors under Bermuda law or our bye-laws.

A director may be removed for cause at a special general meeting of shareholders specifically called for that purpose, provided that the director is served with at least 14 days’ notice. The director has a right to be heard at that meeting. Any vacancy created by the removal of a director at a special general meeting may be filled at that meeting by the election of another director in his or her place or, in the absence of any election by the shareholders, by the board of directors.

Board Actions

Our bye-laws provide that the quorum necessary for the transaction of business is two directors of the board, and that questions arising at a properly convened meeting of the board of directors must be approved by a majority of the votes present and entitled to be cast. In the case of an equality of votes, the chairman of the meeting is entitled to a second or casting vote.

The board of directors may appoint any of our directors to act as our managing director or other senior executive, on such terms and conditions as it may determine, including with respect to remuneration.

Amendment of Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws

Bermuda law provides that the memorandum of association of a company may, with the consent of the Minister of Finance of Bermuda (if required), be amended by a resolution passed at a general meeting of shareholders of which due notice has been given. Our bye-laws, other than the bye-laws separating our board of directors into three classes, may be amended by the board of directors if the amendment is approved by a majority of votes cast by our directors and by our shareholders by a resolution passed by a majority of votes cast at a general meeting. Any amendment to our bye-laws separating a board of directors into three classes must be approved by our board of directors and by shareholders of shares representing at least 60% of our outstanding shares.

Under Bermuda law, the holders of an aggregate of no less than 20% in par value of a company’s issued share capital or any class of issued share capital have the right to apply to the Bermuda Court for an annulment of any amendment of the memorandum of association adopted by shareholders at any general meeting, other than an amendment that alters or reduces a company’s share capital as provided in the Bermuda Companies Act. Where an application is made, the amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda Court. An application for the annulment of an amendment of the memorandum of association must be made within 21 days after the date on which the resolution altering the company’s memorandum of association is passed and may be made on behalf of the person entitled to make the application by one or more of their number as they may appoint in writing for the purpose. No application may be made by persons voting in favor of the amendment.

Appraisal Rights and Shareholder Suits

Under Bermuda law, in the event of an amalgamation of two Bermuda companies, a shareholder who is not satisfied that fair value has been paid for his or her shares may apply to the Bermuda Court to appraise the fair value of his or her shares. The amalgamation of a company with another company requires the amalgamation agreement to be approved by the board of directors and, except where the amalgamation is between a holding company and one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries or between two or more wholly-owned subsidiaries, by meetings of the holders of shares of each company and of each class of such shares. Under Bermuda law, an amalgamation also requires the consent of the Bermuda Minister of Finance, who may grant or withhold his consent at his discretion.

 

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Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under Bermuda law. The Bermuda Court, however, would ordinarily be expected to permit a shareholder to commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong done to the company where the act complained of is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or is illegal or would result in the violation of the company’s memorandum of association or bye-laws. Further consideration would be given by the Bermuda Court to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or, for instance, where an act requires the approval of a greater percentage of the company’s shareholders than that which actually approved it.

When the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner oppressive or prejudicial to the interests of some part of the shareholders, one or more shareholders may apply to the Bermuda Court for an order regulating the company’s conduct of affairs in the future or compelling the purchase of the shares by any shareholder, by other shareholders or by the company.

Exchange Controls

The following discussion is based on the advice of Appleby, our Bermuda counsel.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority, or BMA, has designated us as non-resident for exchange control purposes. The BMA has also granted its consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 and regulations promulgated thereunder for the issue or transfer to non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes of our common shares, subject to the common shares remaining quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Share Issuance and Transfers by Non-Bermuda and Bermuda Residents

Under Bermuda law, there are no limitations on the rights of non-Bermuda residents to hold or vote their shares of Bermuda companies. Because we have been designated as a non-resident for Bermuda exchange control purposes, there are no restrictions on our ability to transfer funds in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States residents who are holders of our common shares other than in respect of local Bermuda currency.

Under Bermuda law, we are an exempted company. An exempted company is exempt from the provisions of Bermuda law, which stipulate that at least 60% of the equity must be beneficially owned by Bermuda persons. Persons regarded as residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes require specific consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 to acquire securities issued by us. The Exchange Control Act 1972 permits companies to adopt bye-law provisions relating to the transfer of securities. None of Bermuda law, our memorandum of association or our bye-laws imposes limitations on the right of foreign nationals or non-residents of Bermuda to hold our shares or vote such shares.

As an exempted company, we may not participate in certain business transactions, including: (1) the acquisition or holding of land in Bermuda, except (i) land acquired for its business by way of lease or tenancy agreement for a term not exceeding fifty years, or (ii) with the consent of the Minister of Finance granted in his discretion, land by way of lease or tenancy agreement for a term not exceeding twenty-one years in order to provide accommodation or recreational facilities for its officers and employees; (2) the taking of mortgages on land in Bermuda to secure an amount in excess of US$50,000 without the consent of the Bermuda Minister of Finance; or (3) the carrying on of business of any kind in Bermuda, except in furtherance of our business carried on outside Bermuda or under a license granted by the Bermuda Minister of Finance. In addition, present BMA policy permits no more than 20% of the share capital of an exempted company to be held by Bermuda persons.

The Bermuda government actively encourages foreign investment in exempted entities like us that are based in Bermuda but do not operate in competition with local business. In addition to having no restrictions on the degree of foreign ownership, we are subject neither to taxes on our income or dividends nor to any foreign exchange controls in Bermuda. In addition, there is no capital gains tax in Bermuda, and profits can be accumulated by us without limitation.

 

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Director’s Interests

Under the Bermuda Companies Act, a director of a company may, notwithstanding his office, be a party to or otherwise interested in any transaction or arrangement with the company or in which the company is otherwise interested. He or she may also be a director or officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any corporate body promoted by the same company or an interested company. Therefore, where it is necessary, so long as a director of a Bermuda company declares the nature of his or her interest at the first opportunity at a meeting of the board or by writing to the directors as required by the Bermuda Companies Act, that director shall not by reason of his or her office be accountable to a company for any benefit he or she derives from any office or employment to which the bye-laws of the company allow him or her to be appointed or from any transaction or arrangement in which the bye-laws of such company allow him or her to be interested, and no such transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or benefit. A general notice to the directors by a director or officer declaring that he or she is a director or officer or has an interest in a person and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction or arrangement made with that person shall be sufficient declaration of interest in relation to any transaction or arrangement so made.

Share Issuance and Transfer

We have been designated as a non-resident for exchange control purposes by the BMA, whose permission for the issuance and transfer of common shares has been obtained subject to the common shares being quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

The transfer of common shares between persons regarded as non-resident in Bermuda for exchange control purposes and the issuance of shares after the completion of the currently contemplated offering of our common shares to those persons may be effected without specific consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 of Bermuda and regulations thereunder subject to the common shares remaining quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Issuance and transfer of shares to any person regarded as resident in Bermuda for exchange control purposes require specific prior approval under the Exchange Control Act 1972.

There are no limitations on the rights of persons regarded as non-residents of Bermuda for foreign exchange control purposes who own common shares to hold or vote their common shares. Since we have been designated as a non-resident for Bermuda exchange control purposes, there are no restrictions on our ability to transfer funds in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States residents or other non-residents of Bermuda who are holders of common shares, other than in respect of local Bermuda currency. Furthermore, it is not our intent to maintain Bermuda dollar deposits and, accordingly, will not pay dividends on the common shares in Bermuda currency.

Bermuda law requires that share certificates be issued only in the names of corporations or individuals. Where an applicant for common shares acts in a special capacity, such as an executor or trustee, certificates may, at the request of that applicant, record the capacity in which the applicant is acting. Our recording of any special capacity, however, shall not be construed as obliging us either to investigate, or to incur any responsibility or liability in respect of, the proper administration of any trust or estate. Regardless of whether or not we have had notice of a trust, no notice shall be taken of any trust, equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any interest in any fractional part of a share or any other right in respect of any common shares.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Appleby Management (Bermuda) Ltd. (formerly known as Reid Management Limited) serves as our principal registrar and transfer agent in Bermuda for the common shares. Mellon Investor Services, L.L.C. serves as our United States transfer agent and registrar for the common shares.

 

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Material Contracts

We have entered into the following contracts within the two years preceding the date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F that are or may be material:

 

   

A share purchase and subscription agreement, dated February 13, 2007, among our company, ChipMOS Taiwan and Siliconware Precision, under which we and ChipMOS Taiwan agreed to purchase all of Siliconware Precision’s equity interest in ChipMOS Taiwan, and Siliconware Precision agreed to subscribe for 12,174,998 of our newly issued common shares through a private placement. The share purchase and subscription transaction closed on March 27, 2007.

 

   

A registration rights agreement, dated March 27, 2007, between our company and Siliconware Precision, pursuant to which Siliconware Precision agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer any of our common shares it acquired in the share purchase and acquisition for a period of nine months after March 27, 2007, and we granted to Siliconware Precision certain rights, including demand registration, “piggyback” registration and Form F-3 registration rights, to require us to register its common shares for sale under the Securities Act. The registration rights agreement was entered into in connection with share purchase and subscription transaction described above.

 

   

An assignment agreement, date April 12, 2007, by and between our company and 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.

 

   

A registration rights agreement, dated August 8, 2007, among our company, Giant Haven, ProMOS and Powertech Technology Inc., pursuant to which we granted to Mosel, ProMOS and Powertech Technology Inc. certain registration rights, including customary demand and “piggyback” registration rights, common shares for the sale of our common shares under the Securities Act.

Please see also “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” for summaries of contracts with certain of our related parties.

Bermuda Taxation

This summary is based on laws, regulations, treaty provisions and interpretations now in effect and available as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F. The laws, regulations, treaty provisions and interpretations, however, may change at any time, and any change could be retroactive to the date of issuance of our common shares. These laws, regulations and treaty provisions are also subject to various interpretations, and the relevant tax authorities or the courts could later disagree with the explanations or conclusions set out below.

At the date hereof, there is no Bermuda income, corporation or profits tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty or inheritance tax payable by us or our shareholders other than shareholders ordinarily resident in Bermuda. We are not subject to stamp or other similar duty on the issuance, transfer or redemption of our common shares.

We have obtained an assurance from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertaking Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event there is enacted in Bermuda any legislation imposing tax computed on profits or income or computed on any capital assets, gain or appreciation or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax shall not be applicable to us or to our operations, or to the common shares, debentures or our other obligations until March 28, 2016, except insofar as such tax applies to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda and holding such common shares, debentures or our other obligations or any real property or leasehold interests in Bermuda owned by us. No reciprocal income tax treaty affecting us exists between Bermuda and the United States.

 

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As an exempted company, we are liable to pay in Bermuda an annual registration fee calculated on a sliding scale basis by reference to our assessable capital, which is the aggregate of our authorized common share capital and the premium on our issued common shares currently at a rate not exceeding US$31,120 per annum.

United States Federal Income Taxation

In General

This section describes the material United States federal income tax consequences generally applicable to ownership by a U.S. holder (as defined below) of our common shares. It applies to you only if you hold your common shares as capital assets for tax purposes. This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including:

 

   

a dealer in securities;

 

   

a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings;

 

   

a tax-exempt organization;

 

   

a life insurance company;

 

   

a person liable for alternative minimum tax;

 

   

a person that actually or constructively owns 10% or more of our voting stock;

 

   

a person that holds common shares as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction; or

 

   

a person whose functional currency is not the US dollar.

This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. There is currently no comprehensive income tax treaty between the United States and Bermuda.

You are a U.S. holder if you are a beneficial owner of common shares and you are:

 

   

a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a domestic corporation;

 

   

an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

If a partnership holds the common shares, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. If you hold the common shares as a partner in a partnership you should consult your tax advisor with regard to the United States federal income tax treatment of an investment in the common shares.

You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state and local and the Bermuda and other tax consequences of owning and disposing of common shares in your particular circumstances.

This discussion addresses only United States federal income taxation.

Taxation of Dividends

Under the United States federal income tax laws, and subject to the passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, rules discussed below, if you are a U.S. holder, the gross amount of any dividend we pay out of our current or accumulated earnings

 

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and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) is subject to United States federal income taxation. If you are a noncorporate U.S. holder, dividends paid to you in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to you at a maximum tax rate of 15% provided that you hold the common shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and meet other holding period requirements. Dividends we pay with respect to the common shares generally will be qualified dividend income provided that, in the year that you receive the dividend, the common shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. We believe that our shares, which are listed on the NASDAQ, are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States; however, there can be no assurance that our shares will continue to be readily tradable on an established securities market.

The dividend is taxable to you when you receive the dividend, actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to United States corporations in respect of dividends received from other United States corporations. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your basis in the common shares and thereafter as capital gain.

Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to the maximum 15% tax rate.

Dividends will be income from sources outside the United States, but dividends paid in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2007 generally will be “passive” or “financial services” income, and dividends paid in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006 will, depending on your circumstances, be “passive” or “general” income which, in either case, is treated separately from other types of income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to you. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the foreign tax credit rules.

Taxation of Capital Gains

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, if you are a U.S. holder and you sell or otherwise dispose of your common shares, you will recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the amount that you realize and your tax basis in your common shares. Capital gain of a noncorporate U.S. holder that is recognized in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15% where the holder has a holding period greater than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

PFIC Rules. We believe that our common shares should not be treated as stock of a Personal Foreign Investment Company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a legal and factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change. If we were to be treated as a PFIC, unless a U.S. holder elects to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to the shares, gain realized on the sale or other disposition of your common shares would in general not be treated as capital gain. Instead, if you are a U.S. holder, you would be treated as if you had realized such gain and certain “excess distributions” ratably over your holding period for the common shares and would not be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. With certain exceptions, your common shares will be treated as stock in a PFIC if we were a PFIC at any time during your holding period in your common shares. Dividends that you receive from us will not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if we are treated as a PFIC with respect to you either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead will be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.

Documents on Display

We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Commission’s Public Reference Room by calling the Commission in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Commission also maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission.

 

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Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Market Risks

Our exposure to financial market risks relates primarily to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. To mitigate these risks, we utilize derivative financial instruments, the application of which is primarily for hedging, and not for speculative, purposes.

Interest Rate Risks

As of December 31, 2008, we had aggregate debt outstanding of NT$18,723 million (US$572 million), which was incurred for capital expenditure and general operating expenses. Of our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2008, 76% bears interest at variable rates. The interest rate for the majority of our variable rate debt varies based on a fixed percentage spread over the prime rate established by our lenders. Our variable rate debt had an annual weighted average interest rate of 3.1% as of December 31, 2008. Accordingly, we have cash flow and earnings exposure due to market interest rate changes for our variable rate debt. An increase in interest rates of 1% would increase our annual interest charge by NT$142 million (US$4 million) based on our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2008.

As of December 31, 2007 and 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan had no interest rate swap agreements outstanding. ChipMOS Taiwan had entered into five interest rate swap agreements during the year of 2004 and 2005. On October 4, 2005, ChipMOS Taiwan terminated the swap with a notional amount of NT$300 million, which was entered into on October 13, 2004, and entered into two interest rate swap agreements each with a notional amount of NT$100 million, which were terminated on November 8, 2005 and December 5, 2005, respectively. On November 2, 2005, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of NT$200 million, which was terminated on November 4, 2005. On November 4, 2005, the swap with a notional amount of NT$500 million, which was entered into on July 28, 2004, was also terminated. For these swaps, the difference in interest rates is calculated quarterly and credited or charged in the current period. In 2005, we recognized as NT$11 million of non-operating expense as a result of the swaps.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risks

Our foreign currency exposure gives rise to market risks associated with exchange rate movements against the NT dollar, the Japanese yen and the US dollar. As of December 31, 2008, 65% of our accounts receivable are denominated in US dollars and Japanese yen, and 32% of our accounts payable and payables for properties are denominated in Japanese yen and US dollars. To minimize foreign currency exchange risk, from time to time we utilize forward exchange contracts and foreign currency options to hedge our exchange rate risk on foreign currency assets or liabilities positions. These hedging transactions help to reduce, but do not eliminate, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements. An average depreciation of the NT dollar against all other relevant foreign currencies of 5% would increase our annual exchange gain by NT$18 million (US$549 thousand) based on our outstanding assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies as of December 31, 2008. As of December 31 2006, 2007 and 2008, we had no outstanding forward exchange or foreign currency option contracts. Our net gains on forward exchange contracts were NT$2 million, NT$123 thousand and nil for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

See Note 23 of our audited consolidated financial statements for additional information on these derivative transactions.

 

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Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

Not applicable.

PART II

 

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

None.

 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2008.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is set forth below.

 

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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

June 4, 2009

Management of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the Republic of China and the required reconciliation to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

As of December 31, 2008, the Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting using criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, the Company’s management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 was effective.

Moore Stephens, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report of the Company on Form-20F for the year ended December 31, 2008 and has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. The attestation report is set forth in “Item 18. Financial Statements”.

 

/s/ Shih-Jye Cheng

   

/s/ Shou-Kang Chen

Name:   Shih-Jye Cheng     Name:   Shou-Kang Chen
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer     Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. During 2008, no change to our internal control over financial reporting occurred that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our Board of Directors have determined that Chin-Shyh Ou, one of our independent directors, qualified as audit committee financial expert and meets the independence requirement as defined in Item 16A to Form 20-F.

 

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to our directors, officers and employees. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is filed as Exhibit 11.1 to this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The table below summarizes the aggregate fees that we paid or accrued for services provided by Moore Stephens for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008.

 

     2007    2008
     (In thousands)

Audit Fees

   NT$ 10,604    NT$ 11,564

Audit Related Fees

     195      —  

Tax Fees

     —        —  

All Other Fees

     —        —  
             

Total

   NT$ 10,799    NT$ 11,564
             

Audit Fees. This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements and services that are normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. For 2007 and 2008, this category primarily includes the audit of our financial statements and our internal control over financial reporting contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Audit-Related Fees. This category includes fees reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and not included in the category of Audit Fees (described above).

All non-audit services are pre-approved by our Audit Committee on a case-by-case basis. Accordingly, we have not established any pre-approval policies and procedures.

All audit services that Moore Stephens was engaged to carry out after May 6, 2003, the effective date of revised Rule 2-01(c) (7) of Regulation S-X entitled “Audit Committee Administration of the Engagement” on strengthening requirements regarding auditor independence, were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable.

 

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Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

On November 15, 2008, the Board of our subsidiary, ThaiLin, approved and subsequently implemented a securities purchase program to purchase through a broker our common shares as an affiliated purchaser, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with a maximum purchase amount of US$3 million. In addition, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, Mr. Shih-Jye Cheng implemented a separate securities purchase program to purchase through a broker our common shares as an affiliated purchaser in accordance with the requirement of Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with a maximum purchase amount of US$500 thousand.

The table sets forth certain information about the purchase of our common shares under these affiliated purchasers’ purchase programs for the year ended as of December 31, 2008.

Purchases of Equity Securities by Affiliated Purchasers

 

Purchasers

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   Average Price
Paid Per
Share (US$)
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs

(US$ Million)

December 2008

           

Purchases by ThaiLin

   197,400    0.27    197,400    2.9

December 2008

           

Purchases by Shih-Jye Cheng

   33,330    0.27    33,330    0.5
                 

Total

   230,730       230,730    3.4
                 

 

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not applicable.

 

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

Our corporate governance practices are governed by applicable Bermuda law, specifically, the Bermuda Companies Act, and our memorandum of association and bye-laws. Also, because our securities are listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”), we are subject to corporate governance requirements applicable to Nasdaq-listed foreign private issuers under Nasdaq listing rules.

Under Nasdaq Rule 5615(a)(3), Nasdaq-listed foreign private issuers may, in general, follow their home country corporate governance practices instead of most Nasdaq corporate governance requirements. However, all Nasdaq-listed, foreign private issuers must comply with Nasdaq Rules 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii), 5605(c)(3), 5625 and 5640.

 

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Item 16G requires a foreign private issuer to provide in its annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a brief, general summary of any significant ways its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by Nasdaq-listed domestic companies. The table below provides this summary information as required by Item 16G and by Nasdaq Rule 5615(a)(3):

 

Nasdaq Listing Rule

  

Corporate Governance Practice To Be
Followed by Domestic Companies

  

Our Corporate Governance Practice

5605(b)    Requires a majority independent board and an independent director executive session.    We follow the same Nasdaq listing rule governance practice as followed by domestic companies.
5605(c)(1)    Audit committee charter requirements.    We follow the same Nasdaq listing rule governance practice as followed by domestic companies.
5605(c)(2)(A)(ii)    Audit committee composition and independence requirements.    We follow the same Nasdaq listing rule governance practice as followed by domestic companies.
5605(c)(2)(A)(i), (iii), (iv)    Audit committee financial sophistication requirements.    We follow governance practices under Bermuda law: Bermuda Companies Act does not have such requirement.
5605(c)(3)    Audit committee responsibilities and authority requirements.    We follow the same Nasdaq listing rule governance practice as followed by domestic companies.
5605(d), (e)    Requires independent director oversight of executive officer compensation and director nominations.    We follow governance practices under Bermuda law: Bermuda Companies Act does not have such requirement.
5610    Requires a code of conduct for directors, officers and employees.    We follow the same Nasdaq listing rule governance practice as followed by domestic companies.
5620    Annual shareholder meeting requirements.   

We follow governance practices under Bermuda law.

 

The Bermuda Companies Act and our bye-laws provide for certain requirements for the annual shareholder meeting, including the following:

 

(a) an annual general meeting at least once in every calendar year;

 

(b) Bermuda Companies Act does not have express provisions requiring proxy solicitation; and

 

(c) under bye-law 49, the quorum for any annual general meeting shall be at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy and holding shares representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting and entitled to vote.

5625    Requires an issuer to notify Nasdaq of any material noncompliance with the Rule 5600 series.    We follow the same Nasdaq listing rule governance practice as followed by domestic companies.
5630    Requires oversight of related party transactions.    We follow the same Nasdaq listing rule governance practice as followed by domestic companies.

 

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Nasdaq Listing Rule

  

Corporate Governance Practice To Be
Followed by Domestic Companies

  

Our Corporate Governance Practice

5635    Circumstances that require shareholder approval.   

We follow governance practices under Bermuda law. The Bermuda Companies Act and our bye-laws provide for certain circumstances which require shareholders’ approval, including the following:

 

(a) under bye-law 5, subject to the Bermuda Companies Act, all or any of the special rights for the time being attached to any class of shares for the time being issued may from time to time be altered or abrogated with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than 75% of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution of our shareholders passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of such shares voting in person or by proxy;

 

(b) under bye-law 129, subject to the Bermuda Companies Act and our bye-laws, any resolution proposed for consideration at any general meeting to approve (i) the merger, amalgamation or any other consolidation of us with any other company, wherever incorporated; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our consolidated assets; and (iii) the adoption for any plan or proposal for our liquidation, shall require the approval of our shareholders holding shares representing at least 70% of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting; and

 

(c) under the Bermuda Companies Act, there are provisions setting out the requirements as well as specified shareholders’ approval for a scheme of arrangement, compulsory acquisition or amalgamation.

5640    Shareholder voting rights requirements.    We follow the same Nasdaq listing rule governance practice as followed by domestic companies.

 

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PART III

 

Item 17. Financial Statements

The Company has elected to provide the financial statements and related information specified in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.

 

Item 18. Financial Statements

 

Item 19. Exhibits

 

Exhibits

 

Description

1.1   Memorandum of Association of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.(1)
1.2   Bye-laws of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.
2.1   Certificate of Incorporation of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD., dated August 15, 2000.(1)
4.1   Joint Venture Agreement, dated July 14, 1997, between Mosel Vitelic Inc. and Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. (1)
4.2   Asset Sales Agreement, dated June 14, 1999, between Microchip Technology Taiwan and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.3   Tessera Compliant Chip License Agreement, dated April 20, 1999, between Tessera Inc. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.4   License Agreement, dated April 1, 1999, between Fujitsu Ltd. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.5   Sales Agreement, dated February 10, 2000, between Sharp Corp. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (1)
4.6   Raw Materials Processing Agreement, dated August 10, 2000, between Mosel Vitelic Inc. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.7   Raw Materials Processing Agreement, dated January 1, 2001, between Siliconware Precision Co. Ltd. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.8   Integrated Circuit Processing Agreement, dated January 1, 2001, between Siliconware Precision Co. Ltd. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.9   Integrated Circuit Processing and Warehousing Management Agreement, dated August 10, 2000, between Mosel Vitelic Inc. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.10   Land Lease Agreement, dated November 26, 1997, between Science Based Industrial Park Administration and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.11   Land Lease Agreement, dated November 26, 1997, between Science Based Industrial Park Administration and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.12   Land Lease Agreement, dated September 1, 1997, between Science Based Industrial Park Administration and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(1)
4.13   Purchase Agreement, dated July 31, 1997, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and Mosel Vitelic Inc.(1)
4.14   Form of Share Exchange Covenant Letter from the Company to the Shareholders.(1)
4.15   Amendment to the Integrated Circuit Processing and Warehousing Management Agreement, dated August 10, 2000, between Mosel Vitelic Inc. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC, dated September 1, 2001. (2)

 

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4.16   Purchase Agreement, dated October 15, 2003, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and DenMOS Technology Inc.(2)
4.17   Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated April 25, 2003, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and Ron How Investment Corp. (English Translation)(3)
4.18   Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated April 25, 2003, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and Yuan Shan Investment Corp. (English Translation)(3)
4.19   Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated April 25, 2003, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and Mosel Vitelic Inc. (English Translation)(3)
4.20   Laser Stamping Machine Lease Agreement, dated November 1, 2002, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and CHANTEK ELECTRONIC CO., LTD. (English Translation)(3)
4.21   Automatic Stamping Machine Lease Agreement, dated December 1, 2002, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and CHANTEK ELECTRONIC CO., LTD. (English Translation)(3)
4.22   Raw Materials Processing Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and CHANTEK ELECTRONIC CO., LTD. (English Translation)(3)
4.23   Integrated Circuit Processing Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and CHANTEK ELECTRONIC CO., LTD. (English Translation)(3)
4.24   Technology Transfer Agreement, dated December 24, 2002, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp. (English Translation)(3)
4.25   Tester Equipment Lease Agreement, dated November 14, 2002, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp. (English Translation)(3)
4.26   Tester Equipment Lease Agreement, dated December 3, 2002, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp. (English Translation)(3)
4.27   Joint Engagement Letter, undated, by and among Ultima Electronics Corp., ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and Sun-Fund Securities Ltd. (English Translation)(3)
4.28   Lease Agreement, dated June 1, 2002, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and SyncMOS Technologies, Inc. (English Translation)(3)
4.29   Technology Transfer Agreement, dated August 1, 2002, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Shanghai) LTD.(3)
4.30   Promissory Note from Modern Mind Technology Limited to Jesper Limited, dated November 4, 2002.(3)
4.31   Deed of Variation, dated December 2, 2002, between Modern Mind Technology Limited and Jesper Limited.(3)
4.32   Deed of Assignment, dated December 27, 2002, between Jesper Limited and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. (3)
4.33   Deed of Assignment, dated June 25, 2003, between Jesper Limited and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(3)
4.34   Agreement, dated May 3, 2003, between Jesper Limited and Modern Mind Technology Limited.(3)

 

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4.35   Master loan agreement, dated July 12, 2004, among ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD., Modern Mind Technology Limited and Jesper Limited.(5)
4.36   Cooperation Agreement, dated March 27, 2002, between Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone Development (Group) Company and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. (English Translation)(3)
4.37   Deed of assignment, dated December 17, 2003, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.(4)
4.38   Supplemental deed of assignment, dated May 14, 2004 between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.(4)
4.39   Second supplemental deed of assignment, dated October 11, 2004, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(5)
4.40   Assignment agreement, dated April 7, 2004, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (4)
4.41   Supplemental assignment agreement, dated May 14, 2004, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (4)
4.42   Second supplemental assignment agreement, dated October 11, 2004, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(5)
4.43   Patent license agreement, dated April 7, 2004, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(4)
4.44   Supplemental patent license agreement dated July 8, 2004, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(5)
4.45   Second supplemental patent license agreement dated October 11, 2004, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(5)
4.46   Third supplemental patent license agreement dated December 30, 2004, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(5)
4.47   Assembly and Testing Service Agreement, dated November 27, 2005, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and Spansion LLC.(6)
4.48   Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement, dated February 13, 2007, among ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD., ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. (7)
4.49   Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 27, 2007, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. (7)
4.50   Share Exchange Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2007, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (9)
4.51   Assignment Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.(8)
4.52   Form of Change In Control Severance Agreement.(9)
4.53   Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration Land Lease Agreement, dated June 1, 2007, between Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (English Translation) (9)

 

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  4.54   Second Amendment to Assembly and Test Service Agreement, dated July 16, 2007, by and between Spansion LLC and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (9)
  4.55   Service Agreement for Integrated Circuit Products, dated July 17, 2007, by and between ProMOS Technologies Inc. and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (English Translation) (9)
  4.56   Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 8, 2007, among ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD., Giant Haven Investment Limited, ProMOS Technologies Inc. and Powertech Technology Inc. (9)
  4.57   Third Amendment to Assembly and Test Services Agreement, dated November 30, 2007, by and between Spansion LLC and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (9)
  4.58   Science Park Administration Land Lease Agreement, dated December 1, 2007, between Science Park Administration and ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (English Translation) (9)
  4.59   Lease Agreement, dated April 2, 2008, between ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp. (English Translation) (9)
  8.1   List of principal subsidiaries of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.
11.1   Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.(4)
12.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
12.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
13.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Exchange Act.
13.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Exchange Act.
15.1   Consent of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-13218), filed on February 28, 2001.
(2) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 0-31106), filed on June 17, 2002.
(3) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 0-31106), filed on June 30, 2003.
(4) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 0-31106), filed on June 17, 2004.
(5) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 0-31106), filed on June 29, 2005.
(6) Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-130230), filed on December 9, 2005.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Schedule 13D filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission by Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. on April 4, 2007.
(8) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 0-31106), filed on June 8 2007.
(9) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 0-31106), filed on June 6, 2008.

We have not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to our long-term debt, the amount of debt authorized under each of which does not exceed 10% of our total assets, and we agree to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant certifies that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and it has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 20-F to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China, on June 4, 2009.

 

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.
By:  

/s/    Shih-Jye Cheng

Name:   Shih-Jye Cheng
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

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ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

   F-8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   F-9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-11

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

LOGO

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) (see Note 1) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, all expressed in New Taiwan dollars. We have also audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the Republic of China and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

F-2


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (continued)

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of China. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Treadway Commission (COSO).

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred a loss of NT$7,270,245 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 and had net current liabilities of NT$227,275 thousand as of 31 December 2008 that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of China vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of net income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, and the determination of shareholders’ equity and financial position at December 31, 2008 and 2007, to the extent summarized in Note 25.

 

/s/    Moore Stephens
Certified Public Accountants
Hong Kong

April 20, 2009

 

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Table of Contents

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2007 and 2008 (Notes 1 and 17)

(In Thousands of New Taiwan and U.S. Dollars, Except Par Value)

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     US$  
                 (Note 3)  

ASSETS

      

CURRENT ASSETS

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   5,133,580     6,651,909     203,050  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Note 20)

   86,975     59,485     1,816  

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss (Notes 2, 4 and 19)

   555,608     102,137     3,118  

Held-to-maturity financial assets (Note 5)

   —       250,000     7,631  

Investments with no active market (Notes 2 and 8)

   —       100,000     3,052  

Notes receivable

      

Related parties (Note 19)

   —       195,000     5,952  

Third parties

   28,032     14,174     433  

Accounts receivable - net of allowance for doubtful receivables and sales return allowances of NT$242,325 in 2007 and NT$2,423,978 in 2008 (Notes 2 and 6)

      

Related parties (Note 19)

   1,498,833     359     11  

Third parties

   3,795,838     1,296,525     39,576  

Other receivables - net of allowance for doubtful receivables and sales return allowances of NT$18,274 in 2007 and NT$9,035 in 2008 (Notes 2 and 6)

      

Related parties (Note 19)

   11,922     30,000     916  

Third parties

   31,176     172,239     5,257  

Inventories - net (Notes 2 and 7)

   1,043,620     1,001,529     30,572  

Deferred income tax - net (Notes 2 and 18)

   85,080     355,716     10,858  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   334,485     265,194     8,095  
                  

Total Current Assets

   12,605,149     10,494,267     320,337  
                  

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS (Notes 2 and 8)

      

Financial assets carried at cost

   358,017     137,834     4,207  

Investments with no active market

   —       300,000     9,158  
                  

Total long-term investments

   358,017     437,834     13,365  
                  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET (Notes 2 and 15)

      

Cost

      

Land

   532,605     532,605     16,258  

Buildings and auxiliary equipment

   8,515,871     9,473,985     289,194  

Machinery and equipment

   41,859,292     42,289,143     1,290,877  

Furniture and fixtures

   1,405,522     1,351,017     41,240  

Transportation equipment

   45,339     44,462     1,357  

Tools

   2,757,546     3,045,774     92,972  

Leasehold improvements

   6,217     2,503     76  
                  

Total cost

   55,122,392     56,739,489     1,731,974  

Accumulated depreciation (Note 9)

   (26,298,244 )   (32,310,287 )   (986,272 )

Accumulated impairment

   (109,275 )   (1,472,083 )   (44,935 )

Construction in progress and advance payments

   1,305,559     697,821     21,301  
                  

Net Property, Plant and Equipment

   30,020,432     23,654,940     722,068  
                  

INTANGIBLE ASSETS - NET (Notes 2 and 10)

   180,434     107,797     3,291  
                  

OTHER ASSETS

      

Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Note 20)

   29,983     11,500     351  

Employee dormitory buildings - net of accumulated depreciation of NT$141,060 in 2007 and NT$174,601 in 2008 (Note 2)

   338,764     325,052     9,922  

Refundable deposits

   36,513     35,425     1,081  

Goodwill (Note 2)

   917,181     —       —    

Long-term accounts receivable-related parties (Note 19)

   449,827     —       —    

Prepaid pension (Notes 2 and 16)

   —       12,604     385  

Others (Note 2)

   379,785     362,180     11,056  
                  

Total Other Assets

   2,152,053     746,761     22,795  
                  

TOTAL ASSETS

   45,316,085     35,441,599     1,081,856  
                  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

December 31, 2007 and 2008 (Notes 1 and 17)

(In Thousands of New Taiwan and U.S. Dollars, Except Par Value)

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     US$  
                 (Note 3)  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

CURRENT LIABILITIES

      

Bank loans (Note 11)

   1,249,196     2,745,390     83,803  

Current portion of long-term loans (Note 15)

   3,686,216     4,603,637     140,526  

Convertible notes (Note 14)

   3,014,937     1,541,633     47,058  

Derivative liabilities

   95,996     —       —    

Deferred credit

   3,862     2,380     73  

Accounts payable

   976,147     477,873     14,587  

Other payables

      

Related parties (Note 19)

   13     13     —    

Third parties (Note 12)

   604,145     628,042     19,171  

Income tax payable (Note 2)

   402,863     1,580     48  

Payables to contractors and equipment suppliers

   454,075     251,557     7,679  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 13)

   886,736     469,437     14,330  
                  

Total Current Liabilities

   11,374,186     10,721,542     327,275  
                  

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

      

Convertible notes (Note 14)

   2,075,553     74,128     2,263  

Long-term loans (Note 15)

   9,248,157     9,758,479     297,878  
                  

Total Long-Term Liabilities

   11,323,710     9,832,607     300,141  
                  

OTHER LIABILITIES

      

Deferred income tax – net (Notes 2 and 18)

   180,400     233,723     7,134  

Deferred credit

   169,942     102,329     3,124  

Accrued pension cost (Notes 2 and 16)

   12,261     4,775     146  

Guarantee deposits

   7,458     3,810     116  
                  

Total Other Liabilities

   370,061     344,637     10,520  
                  

Total Liabilities

   23,067,957     20,898,786     637,936  
                  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 21)

      

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Notes 2 and 17)

      

Capital stock NT$0.328 (US$0.01) par value

      

Authorized 250,000 thousand common shares and 75,000 thousand preferred shares

      

Issued 83,971 thousand common shares (2007: 83,843 thousand common shares)

      

Outstanding 83,774 thousand common shares (2007: 83,843 thousand common shares)

   27,517     27,557     841  

Capital surplus

   12,475,936     12,784,081     390,235  

Deferred compensation

   (69,368 )   (26,000 )   (794 )

Retained earnings (accumulated losses)

   6,291,008     (998,319 )   (30,474 )

Cumulative translation adjustments

   277,464     433,714     13,239  

Treasury stock

   —       (1,779 )   (54 )

Minority interests

   3,245,571     2,323,559     70,927  
                  

Total Shareholders’ Equity

   22,248,128     14,542,813     443,920  
                  

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   45,316,085     35,441,599     1,081,856  
                  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Notes 1 and 17)

(In Thousands of New Taiwan and U.S. Dollars, Except Earnings Per Share)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006    2007    2008  
     NT$    NT$    NT$     US$  
                     (Note 3)  

NET REVENUE (Notes 2, 19 and 24)

          

Related parties

   5,654,396    6,915,907    3,122,925     95,327  

Third parties

   14,720,791    16,681,691    13,887,237     423,909  
                      

Total Net Revenues

   20,375,187    23,597,598    17,010,162     519,236  
                      

COST OF REVENUE (Notes 19 and 24)

          

Related parties

   4,217,605    5,035,137    3,574,156     109,101  

Third parties

   10,035,740    12,408,927    13,395,724     408,905  
                      

Total Cost of Revenue

   14,253,345    17,444,064    16,969,880     518,006  
                      

GROSS PROFIT

   6,121,842    6,153,534    40,282     1,230  
                      

OPERATING EXPENSES (Note 19)

          

Research and development (Note 2)

   274,752    322,325    435,583     13,296  

General and administrative

   813,046    1,070,438    885,645     27,035  

Sales and marketing (Note 2)

   107,450    98,328    2,362,686     72,121  
                      

Total Operating Expenses

   1,195,248    1,491,091    3,683,914     112,452  
                      

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

   4,926,594    4,662,443    (3,643,632 )   (111,222 )
                      

NON-OPERATING INCOME

          

Gain on embedded derivative

   57,749    —      —       —    

Foreign exchange gain - net (Note 2)

   37,934    71,092    143,932     4,394  

Rental (Note 19)

   23,374    28,062    12,099     369  

Interest (Note 19)

   102,033    117,060    112,132     3,423  

Cash dividend from financial assets

   2,434    18,662    —       —    

Fair value gain on financial assets

   37,344    —      —       —    

Subsidy income

   9,592    6,338    —       —    

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment (Note 2)

   25,171    9,567    38,634     1,179  

Gain on disposal of long-term investments

   1,059    —      —       —    

Gain on disposal of financial assets

   —      23,778    5,954     182  

Gain on redemption of convertible notes

   —      —      66,808     2,039  

Gain on disposal of land use rights (Note 10)

   —      —      69,524     2,122  

Other

   65,817    151,173    105,898     3,233  
                      

Total Non-Operating Income

   362,507    425,732    554,981     16,941  
                      

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Notes 1 and 17)

(In Thousands of New Taiwan and U.S. Dollars, Except Earnings Per Share)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
                       (Note 3)  

NON-OPERATING EXPENSES

        

Interest

   398,964     864,949     765,005     23,352  

Financing cost

   39,301     34,459     35,503     1,084  

Fair value loss on financial assets

   —       84,966     148,569     4,535  

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (Note 2)

   918     5,594     2,408     74  

Loss on disposal of financial assets

   1,627     —       —       —    

Loss on redemption of convertible notes

   5,642     23,384     —       —    

Impairment loss on long-term investments (Note 8)

   57,779     8,735     220,183     6,721  

Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment

   —       —       1,599,424     48,822  

Impairment loss on other assets

   —       —       3,460     106  

Impairment loss on goodwill

   —       —       917,181     27,997  

Loss on embedded derivative

   —       18,022     105,110     3,209  

Other

   81,445     54,799     44,889     1,370  
                        

Total Non-Operating Expenses

   585,676     1,094,908     3,841,732     117,270  
                        

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX, MINORITY INTERESTS AND INTEREST IN BONUSES PAID BY SUBSIDIARIES

   4,703,425     3,993,267     (6,930,383 )   (211,551 )

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (Notes 2 and 18)

   (636,499 )   (768,235 )   (120,792 )   (3,687 )
                        

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTERESTS AND INTEREST IN BONUSES PAID BY SUBSIDIARIES

   4,066,926     3,225,032     (7,051,175 )   (215,238 )

MINORITY INTERESTS

   (1,799,405 )   (720,007 )   143,297     4,374  

INTEREST IN BONUSES PAID BY SUBSIDIARIES

   (149,456 )   (285,823 )   (362,367 )   (11,061 )

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

   3,277     —       —       —    
                        

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   2,121,342     2,219,202     (7,270,245 )   (221,925 )
                        

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE – BASIC

   30.84     27.63     (86.66 )   (2.65 )
                        

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING – BASIC

   68,781     80,305     83,894     83,894  
                        

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE – DILUTED (Note 2)

   25.00     24.24     (86.66 )   (2.65 )
                        

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING – DILUTED (Note 2)

   88,296     108,207     83,894     83,894  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Notes 1 and 17)

(In Thousands of New Taiwan Dollars, Except Number of Shares)

 

     CAPITAL STOCK
ISSUED
   CAPITAL
SURPLUS
    DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
    RETAINED
EARNINGS
(ACCUMULATED
LOSSES)
    UNREALIZED
LOSS ON
LONG-TERM
INVESTMENTS
(Note 2)
    CUMULATIVE
TRANSLATION
ADJUSTMENTS
(Note 2)
    TREASURY
STOCK
    MINORITY
INTERESTS
    TOTAL
SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY
 
     Shares     Amount                 
     (Thousands)     NT$    NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$  

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2006

   67,762     22,226    9,021,058     (18,806 )   2,200,809     (1,178 )   (10,271 )   —       7,878,123     19,091,961  

Exercise of stock options

   1,319     427    130,841     —       —       —       —       —       —       131,268  

Issue of option warrants

   —       —      36,680     (37,768 )   —       —       —       —       —       (1,088 )

Conversion of convertible notes

   1,115     369    231,331     —       —       —       —       —       —       231,700  

Equity component of convertible notes

   —       —      265,650     —       —       —       —       —       —       265,650  

Adjustment arising from change in ownership percentage in subsidiaries

   —       —      86,316     —       —       —       —       —       —       86,316  

Net profit for 2006

   —       —      —       —       2,121,342     —       —       —       1,799,405     3,920,747  

Adjustment of
equity method for long-term investments

   —       —      —       —       —       1,178     —       —       —       1,178  

Changes in minority interests

   —       —      —       —       —       —       —       —       (921,210 )   (921,210 )

Translation adjustments

   —       —      —       —       —       —       78,345     —       —       78,345  
                                                           

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2006

   70,196     23,022    9,771,876     (56,574 )   4,322,151     —       68,074     —       8,756,318     22,884,867  

Exercise of stock options

   867     284    89,566     —       —       —       —       —       —       89,850  

Issue of shares

   12,780     4,211    2,599,168     —       —       —       —       —       —       2,603,379  

Issue of option warrants

   —       —      36,874     (12,794 )   —       —       —       —       —       24,080  

Repurchase of convertible notes

   —       —      (2,657 )   —       (611 )   —       —       —       —       (3,268 )

Net profit for 2007

   —       —      —       —       2,219,202     —       —       —       720,007     2,939,209  

Adjustment of equity method for long-term investments

   —       —      (18,891 )   —       (249,734 )   —       —       —       —       (268,625 )

Changes in minority interests

   —       —      —       —       —       —       —       —       (6,230,754 )   (6,230,754 )

Translation adjustments

   —       —      —       —       —       —       209,390     —       —       209,390  
                                                           

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2007

   83,843     27,517    12,475,936     (69,368 )   6,291,008     —       277,464     —       3,245,571     22,248,128  

Exercise of stock options

   128     40    4,508     —       —       —       —       —       —       4,548  

Issuance of option warrants

   —       —      21,743     43,368     —       —       —       —       —       65,111  

Repurchase of convertible notes

   —       —      197,299     —       —       —       —       —       —       197,299  

Net loss for 2008

   —       —      —       —       (7,270,245 )   —       —       —       (143,297 )   (7,413,542 )

Adjustment of equity method for long-term investments

   —       —      84,595     —       (19,082 )   —       —       —       —       65,513  

Changes in minority interests

   —       —      —       —       —       —       —       —       (778,715 )   (778,715 )

Stock purchased by a subsidiary

   (197 )   —      —       —       —       —       —       (1,779 )   —       (1,779 )

Translation adjustments

   —       —      —       —       —       —       156,250     —       —       156,250  
                                                           

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2008

   83,774     27,557    12,784,081     (26,000 )   (998,319 )   —       433,714     (1,779 )   2,323,559     14,542,813  
                                                           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Notes 1 and 17)

(In Thousands of New Taiwan and U.S. Dollars)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
         (Note 3 )

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

        

Net income (loss)

   2,121,342     2,219,202     (7,270,245 )   (221,925 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

        

Depreciation

   5,489,468     6,718,762     6,999,590     213,663  

Amortization of intangible and other assets

   69,373     116,025     174,934     5,340  

Amortization of discount of convertible notes

   57,213     178,613     184,829     5,642  

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   52,586     130,038     2,292,229     69,970  

Recovery of allowance for doubtful receivables

   (16,357 )   (30,095 )   (119,815 )   (3,657 )

Deferred compensation

   (1,088 )   24,080     65,111     1,988  

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment – net

   (24,253 )   (3,973 )   (36,226 )   (1,105 )

Gain on disposal of land use right

   —       —       (69,524 )   (2,122 )

Gain on disposal of long-term investments

   (1,059 )   —       —       —    

Loss (gain) on redemption of convertible notes

   5,642     23,384     (66,808 )   (2,039 )

Loss (gain) on embedded derivative

   (57,749 )   18,022     105,110     3,209  

Impairment loss on long-term investments

   57,779     8,735     220,183     6,721  

Impairment loss on goodwill

   —       —       917,181     27,997  

Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment

   —       —       1,599,424     48,822  

Impairment loss on other assets

   —       —       3,460     106  

Fair value loss on financial assets

   —       84,966     148,569     4,535  

Accrued pension cost

   (34,086 )   (35,312 )   (7,486 )   (229 )

Deferred income tax – net

   254,135     (6,758 )   (215,608 )   (6,582 )

Minority interests

   1,799,405     720,007     (143,297 )   (4,374 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

        

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

   (1,742,987 )   1,288,549     261,564     7,984  

Notes receivable

   (523 )   3,071     (181,142 )   (5,529 )

Accounts receivable

   (1,117,926 )   (803,369 )   1,175,360     35,878  

Other receivables

   120,468     552     (146,822 )   (4,481 )

Inventories

   (316,842 )   (93,071 )   47,533     1,451  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   (78,400 )   (176,977 )   71,050     2,168  

Other assets

   42,233     22,175     449,802     13,730  

Notes payable

   (3,927 )   —       —       —    

Accounts payable

   72,612     167,605     (502,241 )   (15,331 )

Other payables

   142,375     53,755     22,157     676  

Income tax payable

   206,191     109,028     (401,283 )   (12,249 )

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

   238,703     171,309     (409,554 )   (12,503 )

Deferred credit

   (17,936 )   (25,477 )   (3,809 )   (116 )
                        

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   7,316,392     10,882,846     5,164,226     157,638  
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

        

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash and cash equivalents

   104,469     (20,892 )   47,135     1,439  

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

   238,721     42,324     113,595     3,467  

Proceeds from sales of long-term investments

   1,059     —       —       —    

Proceeds from sales of intangible assets

   —       —       73,709     2,250  

Acquisitions of:

        

Long-term investments

   (20,742 )   (10 )   —       —    

Property, plant and equipment

   (15,190,487 )   (6,632,887 )   (2,390,911 )   (72,983 )

Deferred assets

   (101,263 )   (269,573 )   (139,505 )   (4,258 )

Employee dormitory building

   (7,656 )   (20,107 )   (2,025 )   (62 )

Subsidiary

   —       (5,305,030 )   —       —    

Decrease/(increase) in refundable deposits

   (12,314 )   (5,909 )   1,088     33  
                        

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

   (14,988,213 )   (12,212,084 )   (2,296,914 )   (70,114 )
                        

 

F-9


Table of Contents

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Notes 1 and 17)

(In Thousands of New Taiwan and U.S. Dollars)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
         (Note 3 )

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

        

Payments on:

        

Bank loans

   (147,768 )   (208,982 )   (291,444 )   (8,896 )

Commercial paper payable

   (149,413 )   —       —       —    

Long-term loans

   —       (297,157 )   —       —    

Convertible notes

   (256,605 )   (244,466 )   (3,498,282 )   (106,785 )

Treasury stock

   —       —       (1,779 )   (54 )

Proceeds from:

        

Bank loans

   730,777     395,836     1,787,638     54,568  

Convertible notes

   3,191,300     —       —       —    

Long-term loans

   6,278,523     171,730     1,386,370     42,319  

Issuance of capital stock

   131,268     2,693,229     4,548     139  

Changes in minority interests

   (834,604 )   (1,983,687 )   (778,715 )   (23,770 )

Increase (decrease) in guarantee deposits

   4,396     1,624     (3,648 )   (112 )
                        

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

   8,947,874     528,127     (1,395,312 )   (42,591 )
                        

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

   12,848     38,787     46,329     1,414  
                        

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and cash equivalents

   1,288,901     (762,324 )   1,518,329     46,347  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year

   4,607,003     5,895,904     5,133,580     156,703  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

   5,895,904     5,133,580     6,651,909     203,050  
                        

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

        

Income tax paid

   178,001     665,691     747,551     22,819  
                        

Interest paid

   291,491     818,712     641,727     19,589  
                        

NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES

        

Current portion of long-term loans

   2,335,284     3,686,216     4,603,637     140,526  
                        

PARTIAL CASH PAID FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES

        

Cash paid for acquisition of property, plant and equipment

        

Total acquisitions

   15,717,760     6,093,771     2,188,393     66,801  

Increase (decrease) in payables to contractors and equipment suppliers

   (527,273 )   539,116     202,518     6,182  
                        
   15,190,487     6,632,887     2,390,911     72,983  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. (ChipMOS Bermuda) was incorporated under the laws of Bermuda on August 1, 2000, and its common shares have been traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market since June 2001. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda was 13.33% and 14.50% owned by Mosel Vitelic Inc. (MVI) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Giant Haven Investment Ltd. and its indirectly-owned subsidiary, Mou-Fu Investment Ltd. (Mou-Fu) and Siliconware Precision Industries Co. Ltd (SPIL). As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda owned 100% (2007: 100%) of the outstanding common shares of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (ChipMOS Taiwan).

LOGO

ChipMOS Taiwan was incorporated in Taiwan on July 28, 1997 as a joint venture company between MVI and SPIL. Its operations consist of testing and assembly of semiconductors. In connection with a corporate restructuring on January 12, 2001, the holders of an aggregate of 583,419 thousand common shares of ChipMOS Taiwan executed a Purchase and Subscription Agreement whereby they transferred their shares of ChipMOS Taiwan to ChipMOS Bermuda in exchange for 58,342 thousand common shares in ChipMOS Bermuda. The selling shareholders, who previously held an aggregate of 70.25% of the entire outstanding common shares of ChipMOS Taiwan, thus became the holders of the entire outstanding common shares of ChipMOS Bermuda. Because 100% of the outstanding common shares of ChipMOS Bermuda were owned by former shareholders of ChipMOS Taiwan, the exchange of shares has been accounted for as a merger as if ChipMOS Bermuda was the acquirer. Equity and operations attributable to ChipMOS Taiwan shareholders not participating in the exchange offer were reflected as minority interest in the historical financial statements. In March 2007, ChipMOS Bermuda, ChipMOS Taiwan and SPIL completed a share purchase and subscription transaction whereby ChipMOS Bermuda purchased 100% of SPIL’s equity interest in ChipMOS Taiwan at US$0.75 per share. SPIL also subscribed to 12,174,998 newly issued common shares of ChipMOS Bermuda through a private placement of US$6.28 per share. After the transaction, ChipMOS Taiwan became a 99.14% subsidiary of ChipMOS Bermuda and SPIL owned 14.7% of ChipMOS Bermuda. In September 2007, another share exchange transaction was completed whereby ChipMOS Bermuda offered to exchange one share of ChipMOS Bermuda for 8.4 shares of ChipMOS Taiwan shares. The exchange was completed in September 2007 and ChipMOS Taiwan became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ChipMOS Bermuda. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda held a 100% interest in ChipMOS Taiwan.

ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp. (ThaiLin) was incorporated on May 15, 1996 and is listed on the GreTai Securities Market in Taiwan. ThaiLin is engaged in wafer and semiconductor testing services. On December 31, 2002, ChipMOS Taiwan acquired an equity interest of 41.8% in ThaiLin. On December 1, 2003, ChipMOS Taiwan obtained controlling influence over ThaiLin’s decisions on its operations, personnel and financial policies. Therefore, ThaiLin has been consolidated into these financial statements from December 1, 2003 in spite of the fact that ChipMOS Taiwan holds an equity interest of less than 50% in ThaiLin. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan held a 42.76% equity interest in ThaiLin.

ChipMOS Japan Inc. (ChipMOS Japan) was incorporated in Japan in June 1999, and ChipMOS USA Inc. (ChipMOS USA) was incorporated in the United States of America in October 1999. These two companies engage in sales and customer services and all the expenses incurred from these activities are charged to current income. ChipMOS Japan began generating revenue in 2000, while ChipMOS USA began generating revenue in 2001. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan owned 100% of the outstanding shares of both ChipMOS Japan and ChipMOS USA.

 

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1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS (continued)

 

MODERN MIND TECHNOLOGY LIMITED (Modern Mind) was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on January 29, 2002. Modern Mind conducts its operations through ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Shanghai) LTD. (ChipMOS Shanghai). ChipMOS Bermuda acquired a 100% equity interest in Modern Mind on December 12, 2002, and then transferred it to Jesper Limited (Jesper) on December 31, 2002. In December 2002 and 2003, ChipMOS Bermuda acquired from Jesper and ChipMOS Taiwan, respectively, convertible notes issued by Modern Mind that are convertible into a controlling equity interest in Modern Mind if the repayment is not made when due. Accordingly, ChipMOS Bermuda is deemed to have a controlling interest in Modern Mind.

ChipMOS Shanghai a wholly-owned subsidiary of Modern Mind, was established in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on June 7, 2002. ChipMOS Shanghai is engaged in wafer testing, semiconductor assembly and testing, and module and subsystem manufacturing. ChipMOS Shanghai commenced commercial production in 2003.

ChipMOS Bermuda controls both Modern Mind and its 100% subsidiary, ChipMOS Shanghai, as ChipMOS Bermuda possesses the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of Modern Mind by contract or otherwise and thereby has established a parent-subsidiary relationship over Modern Mind and ChipMOS Shanghai. For this reason, Modern Mind and ChipMOS Shanghai have been consolidated into these financial statements in spite of the fact that ChipMOS Bermuda does not hold an equity interest in Modern Mind.

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (H.K.) Limited (ChipMOS HK) was incorporated in Hong Kong on November 18, 2002. It is engaged in semiconductor testing and assembly services and trading of spare parts and tools. ChipMOS HK is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ChipMOS Bermuda.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ChipMOS Bermuda and all subsidiaries in which ChipMOS Bermuda (hereinafter, referred to individually or collectively as the “Company”) holds a controlling interest or voting interests in excess of 50% in accordance with the requirements of ROC Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS No. 7”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include for 2006, 2007 and 2008, the financial results of ChipMOS Taiwan and its subsidiaries, ThaiLin, ChipMOS Japan and ChipMOS USA, ChipMOS HK and Modern Mind and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ChipMOS Shanghai.

Adoption of new and revised ROC SFAS and Interpretations issued by the Accounting Research and Development Foundation (“ARDF”)

Commencing from January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 39 “Share-based Payment”. Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 39, employee stock-based compensation has been accounted for under the intrinsic value based method. After the adoption of SFAS No. 39, employee stock-based compensation has been measured at the fair value of the options at grant date using an option valuation model. The total stock-based compensation expense resulting from stock options is included in the consolidated statement of operations. The stock-based compensation recorded using fair value for the year ended December 31, 2008 amounted to NT$39,809 thousand.

Commencing from January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Interpretation No. 96-052 issued by the ARDF. (No. 96-052). Prior to adoption of No. 96-052, bonuses to employees, directors and supervisors were recorded as an appropriation of retained earnings when they are paid out. After the adoption of No. 96-052, bonuses to employees, directors and supervisors were accrued and recorded in the consolidated statements of operations according to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. The adoption of No. 96-052 has not resulted in any financial impact for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Going concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has incurred a loss of NT$7,270,245 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 and had net current liabilities of NT$227,275 thousand as of December 31, 2008 that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.

The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. It is management’s plan to generate additional working capital by raising additional capital from investors and/or obtain financing to continue operations in 2009.

Management’s plans with regards to these issues are as follows:

 

  1. negotiation with bank creditors for extension of repayment terms of bank loans

 

  2. negotiation with the holders of the convertible notes due 2009 for extension of repayment date or restructuring the convertible notes due 2009

 

  3. raising new investment capital, either in the form of equity or loans

 

  4. reorganization of the Company’s businesses

On April 6, 2009, Bank of Taiwan issued a letter to ChipMOS Taiwan informing ChipMOS Taiwan that the bank creditors whose loan amounts aggregated over 50% of the total bank loans due in 2009 to 2013 formally agreed to the extension of loan repayment and amendments on other terms and conditions on these loans (see Note 22a).

After the extension of the repayment, a significant amount of principal to be paid originally in 2009 and 2010 will be deferred to 2011 and thereafter according to the new agreement (see Note 22a).

The Company has commenced to reorganize its businesses in the last quarter of 2008 with the objective of saving sufficient cash to keep the Company operating as a going concern:

 

   

through consolidation of production lines and elimination of unprofitable/loss-making services and products

 

   

through implementation of cost reduction measures in payroll and operating expenses by reducing 10% manpower, reducing salaries of senior management of 20% to 50% and enforcing unpaid leave

 

   

through suspension of spending on capital expenditure in the following two years

The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to successfully accomplish the plans described in the preceding paragraphs and eventually attain profitable operations. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

Concentration of credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash, accounts and other receivables.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had credit risk exposure of uninsured cash in banks of approximately NT$6,722,894 thousand (US$205,217 thousand).

A substantial portion of revenue is earned from a small number of customers on credit and generally without any requirement of collateral, except for ProMOS Technologies Inc. (ProMOS) (Note 19).

The Company had two customers that had balances greater than ten percent of total notes and accounts receivable as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively:

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2008  

Related party (Note 19)

    

ProMOS

   34 %   20 %

Third party

    

Spansion LLC (Spansion)

   19 %   41 %

Credit evaluation of each customer is performed and reserves for potential credit losses are maintained.

 

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the recorded amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of the Company. The Company continually evaluates these estimates, including those related to allowances for doubtful amounts, inventories, useful lives of properties, income tax valuation allowances, pension plans and the fair value of financial instruments. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions, which it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Cash equivalents

Repurchase notes with original maturity dates of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents.

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include investments for trading purposes and those designated as financial assets reported at fair value, with the subsequent changes in fair value recognized in earnings.

Held-to-maturity investments and investments with no active market

Held-to-maturity investments and investments with no active market are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Company assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is any objective evidence that the investments are impaired. If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred, the amount of the loss is recognized and measured as the difference between the investment’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the investment’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the investment shall be reduced either directly or through use of an allowance account. The amount of the loss shall be recognized in profit or loss.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the previously recognized impairment loss shall be reversed either directly or by adjusting an allowance account. The reversal shall not result in a carrying amount of the investment that exceeds what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized at the date the impairment is reversed. The amount of the reversal shall be recognized in profit or loss.

Allowance for doubtful receivables

The allowance for doubtful receivables reflects estimates of the expected amount of the receivables that the Company will not be able to collect. The Company first examines the available information regarding any customer that the Company has reason to believe may be unable to meet its financial obligations. For these customers, the Company uses its judgment, based on the available facts and circumstances, and records a specific allowance for that customer against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount that is expected to be collected. These specific allowances are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received. Secondly, for all other customers, the Company maintains an allowance based on a range of percentages applied to aging categories. These percentages are based on our historical collection and write-off experience. Additional allowances may be required in the future if the financial condition of our customers or general economic conditions deteriorate, and this additional allowance would reduce the Company’s net income.

Allowances for sales returns and discounts

Allowances for sales returns and discounts are provided based on the sales returns from past experience; such provisions are deducted from sales and the related costs of products are deducted from cost of products sold.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of standard cost (which approximates actual weighted average cost) or market value. Unbilled processing charges incurred are included in finished goods and work in progress and are stated at actual cost. Market value represents replacement cost for raw materials and net realizable value for finished goods and work in progress.

 

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Long-term investments

Investments in shares of stock of companies wherein the Company exercises significant influence on operational or financial decisions are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the investments are initially carried at cost and subsequently adjusted for the proportionate equity of the Company in the net income or net loss of the investees.

The Company will discontinue its recognition of its equity in the net loss of the investees when the carrying value of the investment (including advances) is reduced to zero. However, in cases where the Company guarantees the obligations or is committed to provide further financial support to an investee, or if the investee’s losses are temporary and evidence sufficiently shows imminent return to profitability in the foreseeable future, then the Company continues to recognize its share in the net loss of the investees. (The resulting credit balances of the long-term investments are presented as part of other receivables from related parties.)

Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the investees’ financial statements into the functional currency of the Company are recorded as cumulative translation adjustments in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.

Property, plant and equipment and employee dormitory buildings

Property, plant and equipment and employee dormitory buildings (presented as part of Other Assets) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major additions, renewals and improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs are expensed currently.

The initial estimate of the service lives of property, plant and equipment is as follows: machinery and equipment, 1 to 5 years; buildings and auxiliary equipment, 1 to 54 years; furniture and fixtures, 1 to 5 years; tooling, 1 to 2 years; transportation equipment, 5 years; and leasehold improvements, the lower of lease term or 1 to 10 years. Salvage value is considered when determining the basis of depreciated assets. If items of property, plant and equipment and employee dormitory buildings are still in good condition and useful at the end of their original service lives, the salvage value is depreciated over any extended useful life.

Upon sale or disposal of items of properties, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is credited or charged to current income.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are recorded at cost except for donation from the government, which is measured at fair value. Subsequent to their initial recognition, the book values are the cost and their incremental value that resulted from revaluation minus accumulated amortization and impairment loss.

Amortization is computed using the straight-line method. The Company reevaluates the residual value, estimated useful lives, and amortization method at least once every year. Changes in the above factors will be regarded as changes in accounting estimate.

Deferred charges

Deferred charges are amortized using the straight-line method over the following periods: technology know-how, 5 years; technology license fees, 5 years; software, 2 to 4 years; bond issuance costs, using the average method.

Goodwill and negative goodwill

Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the Company’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of an investee company at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recognized as an asset and carried at cost less accumulated impairment.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of an associate or a jointly controlled entity is included within the carrying amount of the associate or jointly controlled entity. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is presented separately in the balance sheet.

Negative goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the Company’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of an investee company over the cost of acquisition at the date of acquisition. Negative goodwill is allocated to the related assets according to the method applied to identify net assets at the process of acquisition.

 

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Asset impairment

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including properties, assets leased to others and deferred charges, to look for any indication that an asset may be impaired as of the balance sheet date. An impairment loss is recognized whenever the recoverable amount of the asset of the cash-generating unit is below the carrying amount of an asset. If there is an indicator that an asset may be impaired, then the Company calculates the recoverable amount of the asset or the cash-generating unit. Recoverability is determined by comparing the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) on the date it is tested for recoverability to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition.

After the recognition of an impairment loss, the depreciation (amortization) charged on the assets is adjusted in future periods by the revised carrying values of the assets (net of accumulated impairment), less their salvage value, on a systematic basis over their remaining useful lives.

If an asset impairment loss (excluding goodwill) is reversed, the increase in the carrying value resulting from the reversal is credited to current income or debited to accumulated impairment to increase the carrying value of the asset to its recoverable amount. However, loss reversal is limited to the carrying value (net of depreciation or amortization) of the asset as if the impairment had not been recognized.

Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis regardless of whether there is any indication of impairment. Recognized impairment losses of goodwill cannot be reversed.

Revenue recognition

Revenue from testing and assembly services is generally recognized upon shipment of tested and assembled semiconductors to locations designated by customers, including the Company’s internal warehouse for customers using the Company’s warehousing services. Revenue from product sales is recognized when title of products and risks of ownership are transferred to customers, generally upon shipment of the products. Other criteria that the Company uses to determine when to recognize revenue are: (1) existence of persuasive evidence of the services provided, (2) customers’ fixed commitment to purchase the products, (3) the selling price is fixed or determinable and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured.

The Company does not take ownership of: (1) bare semiconductor wafers received from customers that it assembles into finished semiconductors, and (2) assembled semiconductors received from the customers that it tests. The title and risk of loss remains with the customer for those bare semiconductors and/or assembled semiconductors. Accordingly, the customer-supplied semiconductor materials are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

These policies are consistent with provisions in the Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, as revised by No. 104, issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or U.S. SEC.

The Company does not provide warranties to customers except in cases of defects in the assembly services provided and deficiencies in testing services provided. An appropriate sales allowance is recognized in the period during which the sale is recognized, and is estimated based on historical experience.

Government grant

A government grant is recognized at its fair value and credited to the income statement. Where the grant relates to an asset, the fair value is credited to a deferred income account and is recognized as income over the periods necessary to match the related amortization of the asset, on a systematic basis.

Research and development costs

Research and development costs consist of expenditure incurred during the course of planned research and investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge which will be useful for developing new products or production processes, or significantly enhancing existing products or production processes, and the implementation of such through design and testing of product alternatives or construction of prototypes. All expenses incurred in connection with the Company’s research and development activities are charged to current income.

 

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Pension and retirement costs

Defined benefit pension costs are recorded based on actuarial calculations. Provisions for pension costs are accrued based on actuarially determined amounts which include service cost, interest, amortization of unrecognized net transition obligation and expected return on pension assets. Unrecognized net transition obligation is amortized over 15 years.

Retirement benefit contributions are made to a pension scheme and/or retirement funds, the assets of which are managed by independent investment firms and/or government agencies. Contributions are made based on a percentage of the employees’ salaries and bonus, if applicable, and are charged to the income statement as incurred.

Income tax

The Company has adopted the inter-period income tax allocation method. Deferred income tax assets are recognized for the tax effects of deductible temporary differences, unused tax credits, and operating loss carryforwards and those of taxable temporary differences are recognized as deferred income tax liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets that are not certain to be realized. A deferred tax asset or liability is classified as current or non-current based on the classification of the related asset or liability. However, if a deferred asset or liability cannot be related to an asset or liability in the financial statements, then it is classified as current or non-current based on the expected reversal dates of the temporary difference.

Any tax credit arising from the purchase of machinery, equipment and technology, research and development expenditures, personnel training, or investments in important technology-based enterprise is recognized as incurred.

Adjustments of prior years’ tax liabilities are added to or deducted from the current year’s tax provision.

Income taxes (10%) on unappropriated earnings generated by ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin are recorded as an expense in the year when the stockholders have effectively resolved that earnings shall be retained.

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) has been effective in the ROC since January 1, 2007. The calculation base for income tax payment should be either the taxable income calculated by the AMT plus tax exemptions granted under other laws, taxed at the rate of 10% as set by the Executive Yuan of the ROC, or that calculated in accordance with the AMT, whichever is higher. The Company includes the effect of the AMT for ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin in the current income tax provision.

Advertising costs

Advertising costs included in sales and marketing expenses are expensed when incurred.

Derivative financial instruments

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts (forward contracts), entered into for purposes other than trading, are recorded as follows: the differences in the New Taiwan dollar amounts translated using the spot rates as of the contract date and the amounts translated using the contracted forward rates are amortized over the terms of the forward contract using the straight-line method. At the balance sheet dates, the receivables or payables arising from forward contracts are restated using the prevailing spot rates and the resulting differences are recognized in income. Also, the receivables and payables related to the forward contract are netted and the resulting net amount is presented as either an asset or liability.

The aggregate amount of the foreign currency to be acquired or sold under European option contracts, entered into as a hedge of anticipated transactions, is not recorded as an asset or a liability. The amounts received on options written and the amounts paid on options purchased are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the contract. The gains arising from the exercise of the options or the losses arising from options not exercised are recognized as adjustments to the carrying values when the hedged transaction occurs.

 

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Foreign-currency transactions

Foreign-currency transactions, except for derivative financial instruments, are recorded in New Taiwan dollars at the rates of exchange in effect when the transactions occur. Gains or losses resulting from the application of different foreign exchange rates when cash in foreign currency is converted into New Taiwan dollars, or when foreign-currency receivables or payables are settled, are credited or charged to income in the year of conversion or settlement. On the balance sheet dates, the balances of foreign-currency assets and liabilities are restated at the prevailing exchange rates and the resulting differences are charged to current income except those foreign currencies- denominated investments in shares of stock where such differences are accounted for as translation adjustments under stockholders’ equity. ROC SFAS No. 14, “Accounting for Foreign-Currency Transactions,” applies to foreign operations, with the local currency of each foreign subsidiary as its functional currency. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into New Taiwan dollars at the following exchange rates: assets and liabilities—current rate; shareholders’ equity—historical rates; income and expenses—weighted average rate during the year. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding in each period, adjusted retroactively for stock dividends and stock bonuses issued subsequently. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities by including other potential common stock equivalents, including stock options and warrants, and convertible securities in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year, if dilutive.

The following table reconciles the denominator to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

     December 31,
     2006    2007    2008
     (in thousands)

Basic number of shares

   68,781    80,305    83,894

Add: stock options

   2,723    2,174    —  

convertible notes

   16,792    25,728    —  
              

Diluted number of shares

   88,296    108,207    83,894
              

The following table reconciles the numerator to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2006    2007    2008  
     NT$    NT$    NT$     US$  
     (in thousands)  

Net income (loss)

   2,121,342    2,219,202    (7,270,245 )   (221,925 )

Add: interest expense and other expenses (net of tax)

   85,831    403,310    —       —    
                      

Income (loss) available to common stockholders adjusted for the effects of assumed exercise of options and conversion of notes

   2,207,173    2,622,512    (7,270,245 )   (221,925 )
                      

Stock-based compensation

Employee stock-based compensation has been accounted for at fair value at grant date using an option valuation model. Share appreciation rights have been accounted for using the fair value method. Cash-settled stock appreciation rights have been recognized as a liability.

 

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Convertible notes

Convertible notes issued before January 1, 2006 were accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 21 and thus, the related interest premium payable and amortization of discount or premium should be recognized.

Convertible notes issued after January 1, 2006 are split into liability and equity components. If a convertible debt instrument has an embedded call or put option feature, the assessment of whether the call or put option is closely related to the host debt contract is made in accordance with SFAS No. 34. If the derivatives embedded in the convertible notes are not closely related to the host debt contract, the put and call option features are carried at fair value with gains and losses in earnings. The other conversion features are recorded in equity.

The excess of the stated redemption price over the par value is accrued as compensation interest payable over the redemption period, using the effective interest method.

When holders of convertible notes exercise their conversion right, the book value of the note is credited to common stock at an amount equal to the par value of the common stock and the excess is credited to capital surplus. No gain or loss is recognized upon conversion of notes.

 

3. TRANSLATION INTO U.S. DOLLAR AMOUNTS

The Company maintains its accounts and expresses its consolidated financial statements in New Taiwan dollars. For convenience purposes, U.S. dollar amounts presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been translated from New Taiwan dollars to U.S. dollars at the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of December 31, 2008, which was NT$32.76 to US$1.00. These convenience translations should not be construed as representations that the New Taiwan dollar amounts have been, or could in the future be, converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate of exchange.

 

4. FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT AND LOSS

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Stock

   254,470    102,137    3,118

Open-ended funds

   301,138    —      —  
              

Fair value

   555,608    102,137    3,118
              

The market value of open-ended funds is based on the market price at year-end.

ChipMOS Taiwan acquired 3,500 thousand shares of ProMOS in 2007.

As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan held 4,201 thousand (2007: 4,201 thousand) shares of common stock of ProMOS and ThaiLin held 3,600 thousand (2007: 3,600 thousand) shares of common stock of ProMOS. (Note 19)

 

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5. HELD-TO-MATURITY INVESTMENTS

 

     December 31,
           2007          2008
     NT$    NT$        US$    
     (in thousands)

Bonds

   —      250,000    7,631
              

The bonds were acquired from ProMOS to offset the receivables from ProMOS. It carries interest at the average of Chunghua Post and Bank of Taiwan’s one year fixed deposit rate plus 1.275% and will mature on September 1, 2009. (Note 19)

 

6. ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL RECEIVABLES AND SALES RETURN ALLOWANCES

The changes in the allowances are summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in thousands)  

Balance, beginning of year

   401,299     160,656     260,599     7,955  

Additions

   52,586     130,038     2,292,229     69,970  

Reversal

   (16,357 )   (30,095 )   (119,815 )   (3,657 )

Write offs

   (276,872 )   —       —       —    
                        

Balance, end of year

   160,656     260,599     2,433,013     74,268  
                        

 

7. INVENTORIES - NET

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in thousands)  

Finished goods

   97,694     414,166     12,643  

Work in progress

   190,955     108,787     3,321  

Raw materials

   818,743     580,718     17,726  
                  
   1,107,392     1,103,671     33,690  

Less - allowance for losses

   (63,772 )   (102,142 )   (3,118 )
                  
   1,043,620     1,001,529     30,572  
                  

The changes in the inventory valuation allowances are summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in thousands)  

Balance, beginning of year

   93,693     107,638     63,772     1,947  

Additions

   20,305     —       41,704     1,273  

Reversals

   (6,360 )   (43,866 )   (3,334 )   (102 )
                        

Balance, end of year

   107,638     63,772     102,142     3,118  
                        

 

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Table of Contents
8. LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     Carrying
Value
    % of
Ownership
   Carrying
Value
    % of
OwnerShip
     NT$          NT$     US$      
     (in thousands, except percentage interests)

Equity method:

           

Ultima Technology Corp. (Ultima Technology)

   —       30    —       —       30

Cost method:

           

Best Home Corp. Ltd. (Best Home)

   —       19    —       —       19

Sun Fund Securities Ltd. (Sun Fund)

   249,167     17    249,167     7,606     17

DigiMedia Technologies Co., Ltd. (DigiMedia Cayman)

   198,666     11    198,666     6,064     11

Validity Sensors Inc. (preferred shares)

   19,956     —      19,956     609     —  

Tashee Golf & Country Club

   10     —      10     —       —  

Less: Accumulated impairment

   (109,782 )      (329,965 )   (10,072 )  
                       
   358,017        137,834     4,207    

Investments with no active market:

           

Bonds

   —          400,000     12,210    

Less: current portion

   —          (100,000 )   (3,052 )  
                       
   358,017        437,834     13,365    
                       

The net income (loss) of Ultima Technology for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 was not accounted for by the Company as the investment was fully impaired since 2006.

The summarized financial information for Ultima Technology is as follows:

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Current assets

   1,986    2,006    61
              

Non-current liabilities

   19,369    14,975    457
              

Current liabilities

   156    157    5
              

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2006     2007    2008
     NT$     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Net income (loss)

   (74,338 )   2,211    4,592    140
                    

In July 2006, the Company exchanged its 14,550 thousand shares of DigiMedia Technology Co., Ltd. for 8,184 thousand shares of DigiMedia Cayman.

During 2006, impairment losses of NT$57,779 thousand were recognized in respect of investment in Ultima Technology. The investment in Ultima Technology was fully impaired as of December 31, 2006.

During 2007, impairment losses of NT$8,735 thousand were recognized in respect of investment in Sun Fund.

During 2008, impairment losses of NT$21,517 thousand and NT$198,666 thousand were recognized in respect of investment in Sun Fund and DigiMedia Cayman.

The bonds were acquired from ProMOS to offset the receivables from ProMOS. They are recoverable in four installments of NT$100,000 thousand each on June 28 of each year up to June 28, 2012. The portion recoverable on June 28, 2009 was classified as current assets. They carry interest at Chinfon Bank’s one year fixed deposit rate plus 1.375%. (Note 19)

 

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Table of Contents
9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT – NET

Accumulated depreciation consists of the following:

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Buildings and auxiliary equipment

   2,040,883    2,654,072    81,016

Machinery and equipment

   21,930,194    26,572,104    811,114

Furniture and fixtures

   603,047    796,843    24,323

Transportation equipment

   22,876    26,936    822

Tools

   1,699,620    2,259,283    68,965

Leasehold improvements

   1,624    1,049    32
              
   26,298,244    32,310,287    986,272
              

As of December 31, 2008, certain of the above buildings and machinery were mortgaged as collateral for long-term loans (Note 15).

 

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS – NET

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in thousands)  

Land use rights

      

Cost

   196,457     133,002     4,060  

Accumulated amortization

   (16,023 )   (25,205 )   (769 )
                  

Carrying value

   180,434     107,797     3,291  
                  

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company disposed of part of its land use rights at a gain of NT$69,524 thousand.

The amortization charge for 2008 amounted to NT$2,851 thousand (2007: NT$2,848 thousand, 2006: NT$2,690 thousand). The weighted average amortization period is 50 years (2007: 50 years). The estimated aggregate amortization charge for the five years ending December 31, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 amounts to approximately NT$3,000 thousand each year.

 

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Table of Contents
11. BANK LOANS

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Unsecured loans:

        

Loans for import of machinery:

        

US$1,458 thousand, repayable by January 2008, annual interest at 6.24384%

   47,283    —      —  

US$9,069 thousand, repayable by February 2008, annual interest at 5.95% - 6.24384%

   294,117    —      —  

US$14,580 thousand, repayable by March 2008, annual interest at 5.74696% - 6.3399%

   472,829    —      —  

US$336 thousand, repayable by April 2008, annual interest at 5.6237%

   10,897    —      —  

US$120 thousand, repayable by June 2008, annual interest at 5.67%

   3,892    —      —  

JPY203,220 thousand, repayable by January 2008, annual interest at 1.425412% - 1.46%

   58,873    —      —  

JPY712,118 thousand, repayable by February 2008, annual interest at 1.42% - 1.6081%

   206,301    —      —  

JPY40,650 thousand, repayable by June 2008, annual interest at 1.4757% - 1.6%

   11,776    —      —  

US$101 thousand, repayable by June 2009, annual interest at 2.376% - 2.661734%

   —      3,306    101

JPY55,140 thousand, repayable by May 2009, annual interest at 1.449%

   —      20,016    611

Loans for import :

        

JPY494,401 thousand, repayable by February 2008, annual interest at 1.4334% - 1.4704%

   143,228    —      —  

NT$74,530 thousand, repayable by May 2009, annual interest at 1.82% - 2.47%

   —      74,530    2,275

NT$42,029 thousand, repayable by June 2009, annual interest at 1.82% - 2.488%

   —      42,029    1,283

JPY338,263 thousand, repayable by May 2009, annual interest at 1.41015% - 1.45877%

   —      122,789    3,748

JPY65,343 thousand, repayable by June 2009, annual interest at 1.49683%

   —      23,720    724

Loans for working capital :

        

NT$500,000 thousand, repayable by January 2009, annual interest at 2.0% - 3.0%

   —      500,000    15,263

NT$699,000 thousand, repayable by February 2009, annual interest at 1.7% - 3.48%

   —      699,000    21,337

NT$500,000 thousand, repayable by April 2009, annual interest at 2.537%

   —      500,000    15,263

NT$150,000 thousand, repayable by May 2009, annual interest at 2.8%

   —      150,000    4,578

NT$360,000 thousand, repayable by June 2009, annual interest at 1.76% - 3.3%

   —      360,000    10,989

 

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Table of Contents
11. BANK LOANS (continued)

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

NT$90,000 thousand, repayable by October 2009, annual interest at 2.47%

   —      90,000    2,747

NT$160,000 thousand, repayable by February 2009, annual interest at 2.51% - 2.53%

   —      160,000    4,884
              
   1,249,196    2,745,390    83,803
              

Unused credit lines of short-term bank loans, as of December 31, 2008, totaled approximately NT$6,802,400 thousand, which will expire from January 2009 to December 2009.

The weighted average interest rate for bank loans was 3.9% per annum in 2008 (2007: 5.5% per annum).

 

12. OTHER PAYABLES – THIRD PARTIES

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Miscellaneous factory expenses

   256,941    135,051    4,122

Others

   347,204    492,991    15,049
              
   604,145    628,042    19,171
              

 

13. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Accrued bonus

   537,281    259,822    7,931

Others

   349,455    209,615    6,399
              
   886,736    469,437    14,330
              

 

14. CONVERTIBLE NOTES

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in thousands)  

Convertible notes

   5,090,490     1,615,761     49,321  

Less: current portion

   (3,014,937 )   (1,541,633 )   (47,058 )
                  
   2,075,553     74,128     2,263  
                  

 

F-24


Table of Contents
14. CONVERTIBLE NOTES (continued)

 

Convertible notes due 2009 (CN due 2009)

On November 3, 2004, ChipMOS Bermuda issued US$85,000 thousand (NT$2,784,600 thousand) CN due 2009. The CN due 2009 bear interest at 1.75% per annum. The noteholders may convert any outstanding notes into common shares of ChipMOS Bermuda, initially at the conversion price of US$7.85, at any time during the period from the 41st day after the latest original issuance date of the notes to the close of business on the fifth business day before the stated maturity date, subject to prior repurchase or redemption. The conversion price was subject to certain adjustments. On November 3, 2005, the conversion price was adjusted to US$6.28 per share from the initial conversion price of US$7.85 per share, pursuant to the terms of the CN due 2009. The market price of the Company’s stock on November 3, 2005 was US$6.00. There is no fixed discount to the common shares’ market price in relation to conversion. On December 20, 2004, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased US$699 thousand (NT$22,899 thousand) of the CN due 2009. No conversion had taken place during 2005, 2007 and 2008.

On October 18, 2006, noteholders of CN due 2009 converted US$7,000 thousand (NT$229,320 thousand) in aggregate principal amount into 1,114,649 common shares of ChipMOS Bermuda pursuant to ChipMOS Bermuda’s induced conversion offer, dated October 17, 2006. Pursuant to the induced conversion offer, ChipMOS Bermuda paid approximately US$490 thousand (NT$16,052 thousand) to the converting noteholders.

The noteholders of CN due 2009 had an option to cause ChipMOS Bermuda to repurchase for cash all or a portion of the notes on November 3, 2006 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of repurchase (put option). On November 3, 2006, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased US$6,300 thousand (NT$206,388 thousand) CN due 2009 pursuant to the put option. After November 3, 2006, noteholders may cause ChipMOS Bermuda to repurchase the CN due 2009 only upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes.

At any time on or after November 3, 2006, the Company may also at its option redeem the notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, (a) in whole or in part, if the market price of the Company’s common shares has been at least 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period, or (b) in whole only, if at least 90% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the notes have been converted, repurchased or redeemed (call option).

During 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased CN due 2009 US$2,000 thousand (NT$65,520 thousand), US$11,000 thousand (NT$360,360 thousand), and US$2,000 thousand (NT$65,520 thousand) on August 29, September 9, and December 2, respectively.

The CN due 2009 have been classified as current liabilities as of December 31, 2008 as they will mature on November 3, 2009.

Convertible notes due 2011 (CN due 2011)

On September 29, 2006, ChipMOS Bermuda issued US$100,000 thousand (NT$3,276,000 thousand) CN due 2011. The CN due 2011 bear interest at 3.375% per annum. The noteholders may convert any outstanding notes into common shares of ChipMOS Bermuda, initially at the conversion price of US$6.85, at any time during the period from the 41st day after the latest original issuance date of the notes to the close of business on the fifth business day before the stated maturity date, subject to prior repurchase or redemption. The conversion price will be subject to certain adjustments. No conversion had taken place during 2006, 2007 and 2008. On November 29, 2007, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased US$1,000 thousand (NT$32,760 thousand) of CN due 2011.

On May 23, 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased US$1,415 thousand (NT$46,355 thousand) of CN due 2011. On June 2, June 13, June 17, and June 30 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased US$5,000 thousand (NT$163,800 thousand), US$8,660 thousand (NT$283,702 thousand), US$1,000 thousand (NT$32,760 thousand), and US$2,000 thousand (NT$65,520 thousand) of CN due 2011, respectively.

The noteholders of CN due 2011 have an option to cause ChipMOS Bermuda to repurchase for cash all or a portion of the notes on September 29, 2008 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of repurchase (put option). On September 29, 2008, ChipMOS Bermuda repurchased aggregate principal US$78,665 thousand (NT$2,577,065 thousand) pursuant to the put option offer. After September 29, 2008, noteholders may cause ChipMOS Bermuda to repurchase the CN due 2011 only upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes.

At any time on or after September 29, 2008, the Company may also at its option redeem the notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, (a) in whole or in part, if the market price of the Company’s common shares has been at least 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period, or (b) in whole only, if at least 90% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the notes have been converted, repurchased or redeemed (call option).

The CN due 2011 have been reclassified as long term liabilities as of December 31, 2008.

 

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Table of Contents
15. LONG-TERM LOANS

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Syndicated bank loans within guarantee provided by ChipMOS Taiwan, repayable annually from August 2009 to August 2011, interest at floating rate (3.15313% as of December 31, 2008)

   —      2,443,600    74,591

Syndicated bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable quarterly from December 2003 to September 2008, interest at floating rate (2.945% as of December 31, 2007)

   64,084    —      —  

Syndicated bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable quarterly from June 2004 to March 2008, interest at floating rate (4.58% as of December 31, 2007)

   141,923    —      —  

Bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable quarterly from February 2005 to November 2008, interest at floating rate (3.01% as of December 31, 2007)

   87,505    —      —  

Syndicated bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable quarterly from June 2005 to December 2010, interest at floating rate (2.945% and 2.59% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   323,478    215,652    6,583

Syndicated bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable semi-annually from November 2006 to May 2010, interest at floating rate (4.33% and 4.00% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   625,000    375,000    11,447

Syndicated bank loans collateralized by buildings, repayable in September 2009, interest at floating rate (3.845% and 3.535% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   500,000    500,000    15,263

Syndicated bank loans repayable quarterly from March 2009 to September 2009, interest at floating rate (3.685% as of December 31, 2008)

   —      375,000    11,447

Bank loans, repayable quarterly from February 2006 to November 2009, interest at fixed rate of 4.69%

   250,000    125,000    3,816

Bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable quarterly from March 2006 to December 2010, interest at floating rate (3.05% and 2.55% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   264,000    176,000    5,372

Industrial research and development advancement loan, collateralized by time deposits in amounts of NT$11,500 thousand, repayable quarterly from January 2006 to April 2010, interest at fixed rate of 1%

   16,178    9,707    296

Syndicated bank loans, repayable in April 2008, interest at floating rate (3.995% as of December 31, 2007)

   500,000    —      —  

Syndicated bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable semi-annually from April 2008 to April 2011, interest at floating rate (3.48% and 3.15% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   6,000,000    4,285,714    130,822

Syndicated bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable semi-annually from June 2010 to December 2012, interest at floating rate (3.3615% and 3.0127% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   1,000,000    2,100,000    64,103

Bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable quarterly from July 2006 to April 2008, interest at fixed rate of 3.2%

   50,000    —      —  

 

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Table of Contents
15. LONG-TERM LOANS (continued)

 

     December 31,
     2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable quarterly from September 2008 to June 2011, interest at floating rate (2.4049% as of December 31, 2008)

   —      250,000    7,631

Bank loans repayable quarterly from December 2008 to September 2011, interest at floating rate (2.48% as of December 31, 2008)

   —      275,000    8,394

Bank loans, repayable quarterly from September 2007 to June 2009, interest at floating rate (3.58% as of December 31, 2007)

   150,000    —      —  

Bank loans, repayable quarterly from December 2007 to December 2009, interest at floating rate (3.41% and 2.37% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   355,500    177,500    5,418

Bank loans collateralized by buildings, repayable semi-annually from June 2009 to December 2013, interest at floating rate (3.51% and 2.45% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   800,000    800,000    24,420

Bank loans, repayable quarterly from September 2009 to March 2011, interest at floating rate (2.37% as of December 31, 2008)

   —      300,000    9,158

Bank loans, repayable quarterly from March 2010 to December 2013, interest at floating rate (3.21% as of December 31, 2008)

   —      100,000    3,053

Bank loans collateralized by buildings, repayable semi-annually from April 2010 to October 2011, interest at floating rate (2.45% as of December 31, 2008)

   —      300,000    9,158

Bank loans collateralized by equipment, repayable quarterly from May 2007 to February 2012, interest at floating rate (3.405%~3.419% and 2.826% - 3.419% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   1,112,526    1,078,579    32,924

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from September 2008 to June 2009, interest at floating rate (5.7675% as of December 31, 2007)

   64,860    —      —  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from December 2008 to July 2009, interest at floating rate (6.17% and 3.97125% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   12,972    3,280    100

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from December 2008 to September 2009, interest at floating rate (6.3725% and 3.89688% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   129,721    65,600    2,002

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from December 2008 to August 2009, interest at floating rate (6.2275% and 3.915% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   24,323    12,300    375

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from March 2009 to September 2009, interest at floating rate (5.895% and 4.265% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   55,131    27,880    851

 

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Table of Contents
15. LONG-TERM LOANS (continued)

 

     December 31,
     2007    2006
     NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in October 2009, interest at floating rate (5.87875% and 4.97875% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   1,297    1,312    40

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in November 2009, interest at floating rate (5.64625% and 4.065% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   3,206    3,243    99

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from March 2009 to November 2009, interest at floating rate (5.60313% and 3.49875% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   32,430    24,600    751

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from March 2009 to November 2009, interest at floating rate (5.65625% and 3.42125% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   87,562    66,420    2,028

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from March 2009 to December 2009, interest at floating rate (5.625% and 2.66375% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   59,996    45,510    1,389

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from June 2009 to December 2009, interest at floating rate (5.5275% and 2.65% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   8,108    8,200    250

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in December 2009, interest at floating rate (5.5175% and 2.63% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   2,368    2,395    73

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in December 2009, interest at floating rate (5.5175% and 2.63% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   2,277    2,302    70

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in January 2010, interest at floating rate (6.19625% and 3.91313% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   22,883    23,144    706

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in January 2010, interest at floating rate (6.19469% and 3.89375% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   21,423    21,667    661

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in January 2010, interest at floating rate (6.18688% and 3.88438% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   19,086    19,304    589

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in January 2010, interest at floating rate (6.18438% and 3.9% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   28,966    29,296    894

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in January 2010, interest at floating rate (6.17% and 3.97125% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   5,473    5,535    169

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in January 2010, interest at floating rate (6.17406% and 3.95688% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   2,492    2,521    77

 

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Table of Contents
15. LONG-TERM LOANS (continued)

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in thousands)  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in January 2010, interest at floating rate (6.12688% and 3.91625% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   32,305     32,674     997  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in February 2010, interest at floating rate (6.11438% and 3.91375% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   9,165     9,269     283  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in March 2010, interest at floating rate (6.2625% and 3.9175% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   1,109     1,122     34  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable quarterly from June 2009 to March 2010, interest at floating rate (6.27875% and 3.8875% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   37,781     38,212     1,166  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in March 2010, interest at floating rate (5.94125% and 4.775% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   5,662     5,726     175  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in March 2010, interest at floating rate (5.94438% and 4.8525% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   475     481     15  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in April 2010, interest at floating rate (6.02125% and 5.175% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   5,725     5,790     177  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in April 2010, interest at floating rate (5.87875% and 4.97875% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   15,512     15,689     479  

Bank loans collateralized by land and buildings, repayable in April 2010, interest at floating rate (5.80563% and 4.5% as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively)

   1,871     1,892     58  
                  
   12,934,373     14,362,116     438,404  

Less – current portion

   (3,686,216 )   (4,603,637 )   (140,526 )
                  
   9,248,157     9,758,479     297,878  
                  

Unused credit lines of long-term bank loans as of December 31, 2008 totaled approximately NT$5,475,357 thousand.

Under syndicated bank loans facility agreements, ChipMOS Bermuda, ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin are required to maintain certain financial ratios. ChipMOS Bermuda and ThaiLin were in compliance with the financial ratio requirements as of December 31, 2008. Pursuant to a bank creditors meeting hosted by Bank of Taiwan on February 13, 2009, ChipMOS Taiwan was waived from compliance of the financial ratio requirements as of December 31, 2008. (Note 22a)

As of December 31, 2008, certain land and buildings (including land use rights) and machinery with an aggregate net book value of NT$3,620,352 thousand and NT$10,594,450 thousand, respectively, and time deposits in an aggregate amount of NT$11,500 thousand were mortgaged as collateral for the long-term loans.

 

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Table of Contents
15. LONG-TERM LOANS (continued)

 

Future minimum principal payments under the long-term loans as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

     Amount
     NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

2009

   4,603,637    140,526

2010

   4,473,768    136,562

2011

   4,125,701    125,937

2012

   974,010    29,732

2013

   185,000    5,647
         
   14,362,116    438,404
         

 

16. PENSION PLAN

ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin have established defined benefit pension plans for all of their regular employees, which provide benefits based on the length of service and the average monthly salary for the six-month period immediately before retirement.

ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin make monthly contributions, equal to 2% of salaries and wages, to a pension fund that is administered by a pension fund monitoring committee and deposited in the Central Trust of China in the Republic of China.

Taiwan has a new pension scheme law effective July 1, 2005. The new pension scheme is a defined contribution scheme. All new employees who join or joined ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin after July 1, 2005 must participate in the new scheme. Existing employees can choose to stay with the old scheme or to join the new scheme. Under the new scheme, ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin are required to contribute 6% of the employees’ salary into the employees’ own pension fund accounts managed by the government.

The employees of ChipMOS Shanghai are required to participate in a central pension scheme operated by the local municipal government. Contributions are made based on a percentage of the employees’ salaries and bonuses, if applicable, and are charged to the income statement as incurred.

Certain pension information is as follows:

 

  a. Net pension cost

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in thousands)  

Service cost

   1,688     1,662     1,585     48  

Interest cost

   7,790     8,735     12,395     378  

Projected return on plan assets

   (4,740 )   (5,500 )   (7,865 )   (240 )

Amortization

   53     53     53     2  

Curtailment loss

   780     3,429     6,666     203  
                        
   5,571     8,379     12,834     391  
                        

 

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Table of Contents
16. PENSION PLAN (continued)

 

  b. Reconciliation of the fund status of the plan and accrued pension cost

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2007     2008  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in thousands)  

Actuarial present value of benefit obligations

        

Vested benefit obligation

   1,028     1,081     506     15  

Nonvested benefit obligation

   141,408     226,673     236,480     7,219  
                        

Accumulated benefit obligation

   142,436     227,754     236,986     7,234  

Additional benefits based on future salaries

   175,209     239,946     261,269     7,974  
                        

Projected benefit obligation

   317,645     467,700     498,255     15,208  

Plan assets at fair value

   (199,991 )   (249,637 )   (291,532 )   (8,899 )
                        

Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets

   117,654     218,063     206,723     6,309  

Unrecognized net transition obligation

   (610 )   (557 )   (504 )   (15 )

Unrecognized prior service cost

   —       —       4,617     141  

Unrecognized net gain

   (69,472 )   (205,245 )   (218,665 )   (6,674 )
                        

Accrued pension cost (prepaid pension)

   47,572     12,261     (7,829 )   (239 )
                        

 

  c. Actuarial assumptions

 

     2006     2007     2008  

Discount rate used in determining present values

   2.75 %   2.88 %   2.38 %

Future salary increase rate

   4.25 %   4.25 %   4.25 %

Expected rate of return on plan assets

   2.75 %   3.00 %   2.38 %

 

  d. Changes in pension fund

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2006    2007    2008
     NT$    NT$    NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Company contributions

   39,656    43,706    32,780    1,001
                   

Payment of benefits

   —      —      —      —  
                   

 

17. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Under ROC Company Law, capital surplus can only be used to offset deficits, except that capital surplus generated from (1) donations (donated capital) or (2) the excess of the issue price over the par value of capital stock (including stocks issued for new capital and mergers, and the purchase of treasury stock) can be transferred to capital as stock dividends when no deficit remains and shareholders approve such distribution.

ChipMOS Taiwan’s Articles of Incorporation provide that the following may be appropriated from the accumulated net income, after deducting any previously accumulated deficit and 10% legal reserve, subject to shareholders’ approval: (a) 10% as bonuses to employees, (b) not more than 0.5% as remuneration to directors and supervisors, (c) a special reserve, if deemed necessary, and (d) dividends to shareholders.

ThaiLin’s Articles of Incorporation provide that the following may be appropriated from the accumulated net income, after deducting any previously accumulated deficit and 10% legal reserve, subject to shareholders’ approval: (a) not more than 0.5% as remuneration to directors and supervisors, (b) not less than 10% as bonuses to employees, and (c) dividends to shareholders but not less than 50% should be distributed as cash dividends to shareholders.

These appropriations and the disposition of the remaining net income shall be resolved by the shareholders in the following year and given effect in the financial statements of that year.

 

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17. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

 

The aforementioned appropriation for legal reserve shall be made until the reserve equals the aggregate par value of ChipMOS Taiwan’s and ThaiLin’s outstanding capital stock. The reserve can only be used to offset a deficit, or when its balance has reached 50% of the aggregate par value of the outstanding capital stock of ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin, and up to 50% thereof can be distributed as stock dividends.

Stock Options

The Share Option plan provides that the directors, officers, employees and consultants of ChipMOS Bermuda and its affiliates may be granted options to purchase common shares of ChipMOS Bermuda at specified exercise prices.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2008.

 

Year
of Grant

  Exercise
Price
  Number
Outstanding
  Market
Price
at Grant
  Market
Price

at Year
End
  Number
Exercisable
on
or after
  Number
Exercisable
on
or after
  Number
Exercisable
on
or after
  Number
Exercisable
on
or after
  Number
Exercisable
on
or after
    US$       US$   US$                    
2003   1.7425   440,001   2.05

~ 3.70

  0.25   70,001

October ~

November

2004

  81,250

October ~

November

2005

  135,000

October ~

November

2006

  153,750

October ~

November

2007

 
2004   3.60

~ 6.63

  1,633,175   3.60

~ 7.80

  0.25   303,325

April ~

August

2005

  382,300

April ~

August

2006

  468,750

April ~

August

2007

  478,800

April ~

August

2008

 
2006   4.8110

~ 5.7205

  1,784,563   5.66

~ 6.73

  0.25   63,000

August,

2006

  453,422

August ~

December

2007

  443,201

August ~

December

2008

  412,470

August ~

December

2009

  412,470

August ~

December

2010

2007   3.6380

~ 6.4770

  1,644,677   4.28

~ 7.63

  0.25   63,000

August,

2007

  406,049

January ~

December

2008

  391,920

January ~

December

2009

  391,855

January ~

December

2010

  391,853

January ~

December

2011

2008   0.1870

~ 2.9750

  3,756,147   0.22

~ 3.50

  0.25   80,000

August ~

November
2008

  921,567

January ~

December

2009

  921,360

January ~

December

2010

  921,180

January ~

December

2011

  912,040

January ~

December

2012

                   
    9,258,563              
                   

Commencing from January 1, 2008, the Company has applied SFAS No. 39 for stock options issued to employees in accounting for its stock option plans. Therefore, NT$236,621 thousand (US$7,223 thousand) of compensation expense has been recognized with NT$63,131 thousand (US$1,927 thousand) (2007: NT$37,336 thousand) being accounted for through the statement of operations. The Company issued 3,981,487 (2007: 1,884,400) stock options in 2008 to its employees. In 2008, 763,229 (2007: 228,631) stock options were forfeited, 1,180,738 (2007: nil) stock options were expired and 127,850 (2007: 865,612) stock options were exercised, leaving 9,258,563 (2007: 7,348,893) stock options outstanding at December 31, 2008.

Share Appreciation Rights

The share appreciation rights plan provides that the directors, officers and employees of ChipMOS Bermuda and its affiliates may be granted cash-settled share appreciation rights.

 

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17. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

 

The following table summarizes information about share appreciation rights outstanding at December 31, 2008.

 

Year

of Grant

  Exercise
Price
  Number
Outstanding
  Market
Price

at Grant
  Market
Price
at Year
End
  Number
Exercisable
on

Or after
  Number
Exercisable
on

or after
  Number
Exercisable
on

or after
  Number
Exercisable
on

or after
2006   4.8110

~ 5.7205

  943,380   5.66

~ 6.73

  0.25   248,839

August ~
December
2007

  246,557

August ~
December
2008

  223,992

August ~
December
2009

  223,992

August ~
December
2010

2007   3.6380

~ 6.4770

  430,500   4.28

~ 7.62

  0.25   120,000

January ~

December
2008

  103,500

January ~

December
2009

  103,500

January ~

December
2010

  103,500

January ~

December
2011

2008   0.1870

~ 2.9750

  511,650   0.22

~ 3.50

  0.25   127,935

January ~

December
2009

  127,923

January ~

December
2010

  127,896

January ~

December
2011

  127,896

January ~

December
2012

                 
    1,885,530            
                 

During the year, 623,285 (2007: 582,000) rights were granted, 367,890 (2007: 152,475) rights were forfeited and nil (2007: 1,500) rights were exercised. As of December 31, 2008, there were 1,885,530 (2007: 1,630,135) share appreciation rights outstanding.

The Company recognized a reversal of compensation expense of NT$52,371 thousand (US$1,599 thousand) (2007: NT$28,534 thousand) in respect of share appreciation rights at fair value.

 

18. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

  a. A reconciliation of income tax expense – current before tax credits and income tax expense on income (loss) before income tax at statutory rates is shown below:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Tax on pretax income (loss) at 0%

   —       —       —       —    

Tax on pretax income (loss) at applicable statutory rates

   1,354,892     1,459,397     (1,117,426 )   (34,109 )

Tax effect:

        

Losses carried forward

   (246,352 )   (4,125 )   227,739     6,952  

Tax exempt income

   (165,760 )   (35,068 )   134,173     4,095  

Permanent differences

   (106,793 )   (58,424 )   460,272     14,049  

Temporary differences

   (108,075 )   (126,130 )   647,470     19,764  
                        

Income tax expense – current before tax credits

   727,912     1,235,650     352,228     10,751  
                        

The ROC statutory tax rates for 2006, 2007 and 2008 were 25%.

The PRC statutory rates for 2006, 2007 were 33% and 2008 was 25%.

 

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18. INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) (continued)

 

  b. Income tax expense consists of:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Income tax expense – current before tax credits

   727,912     1,235,650     352,228     10,751  

Additional 10% on the unappropriated earnings

   111,066     171,597     166,318     5,077  

Income tax credits

   (506,285 )   (723,594 )   (165,909 )   (5,064 )

Separate and foreign income tax

   —       44     —       —    
                        

Income tax for the current year

   332,693     683,697     352,637     10,764  

Net change in deferred income tax assets (liabilities) for the year

        

Tax credits

   (206,923 )   172,174     (22,867 )   (698 )

Temporary differences

   94,547     126,130     (647,470 )   (19,764 )

Losses recognized

   6,764     4,125     (227,739 )   (6,952 )

Valuation allowances

   280,359     (250,859 )   867,948     26,494  

Losses carried forward

   133,732     —       —       —    

Adjustment of prior years’ taxes

   (4,673 )   32,968     (201,717 )   (6,157 )
                        

Income tax expense

   636,499     768,235     120,792     3,687  
                        

Since the Company is an exempted company incorporated in Bermuda, a tax-free country, tax on pretax income is calculated at the Bermuda statutory rate of 0% for each year.

ChipMOS Taiwan, under Science Park Regulations, is entitled to an exemption from ROC income taxes for a period of four years on income attributable to the expansion of its production capacity as a result of purchases of new equipment funded by capital increases. Such tax exemption expired on December 31, 2008.

In accordance with the relevant tax rules and regulations in the PRC, ChipMOS Shanghai enjoys income tax exemptions for the first two profitable years and 50% reductions for the following three years. Tax losses can only be carried forward for five years. ChipMOS Shanghai is subject to PRC income tax at 25%.

 

  c. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:

 

     December 31,  
   2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Net current deferred income tax assets:

      

Unrealized foreign exchange losses

   2,321     (1,203 )   (37 )

Tax credits

   —       302,778     9,242  

Loss of market price decline and obsolete and slow-moving inventories

   13,734     21,174     646  

Unrealized loss on sale allowances

   53,279     26,683     815  

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   —       573,004     17,491  

Others

   15,746     12,699     387  
                  
   85,080     935,135     28,544  

Less: Valuation allowances

   —       (579,419 )   (17,686 )
                  
   85,080     355,716     10,858  
                  

Net non-current deferred income tax liabilities:

      

Losses carried forward

   134,754     612,329     18,691  

Tax credits

   946,302     666,391     20,342  

Depreciation differences

   (736,418 )   (667,730 )   (20,382 )

Unrealized impairment loss on idle fixed assets

   106     150     5  

Others

   308,993     398,323     12,159  
                  
   653,737     1,009,463     30,815  

Less: Valuation allowances

   (834,137 )   (1,243,186 )   (37,949 )
                  
   (180,400 )   (233,723 )   (7,134 )
                  

The deferred income tax components are measured at respective applicable statutory rates as of December 31, 2007 and 2008.

 

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18. INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) (continued)

 

  d. The balance and year of expiry of unused investment tax credits and losses carried forward as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

Year of expiry

   R & D
expenditures
   Machinery
and equipment
   Losses
carried
forward
   NT$    NT$    NT$
   (in thousands)

2009

   34,146    267,632    —  

2010

   —      322,712    26,328

2011

   59,451    165,735    93,155

2012

   44,988    74,505    123,283

2013 and after

   —      —      369,563
              
   138,585    830,584    612,329
              

The deferred tax assets relate to investment tax credits on research and development expenditure and purchases of machinery and equipment which will expire from 2009 to 2012. Under ROC tax regulations, tax credits can be utilized to reduce current income tax obligations only to the extent of 50% of such income tax obligations except in the year when such tax credits will expire, in which case, the entire amount of expiring tax credits may be utilized to reduce the current income tax obligation. The foregoing limitation on the utilization of tax credits, the expiry dates of the tax credits, the level of tax credits expected to be generated from future operations and the level of non-taxable income attributable to the four-year income tax holiday on capacity expansion led management to conclude that it is unlikely that these investment tax credits will be fully realized. Losses carried forward can be used to deduct current income tax obligations up to the extent of taxable income and will expire after ten years if not fully utilized by the Company. Accordingly, a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets is recognized as of December 31, 2007 and 2008.

The tax losses of ChipMOS Shanghai will expire after five years.

 

  e. According to ROC tax law, ChipMOS Taiwan’s and ThaiLin’s unappropriated earnings generated in 1998 and thereafter are subject to a tax of 10% in the year when the shareholders resolve that such earnings shall be retained. The retained earnings as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 consist of:

 

     December 31,
   2007    2008
   NT$    NT$    US$
   (in thousands)

Before 1998

   —      —      —  

1998 and thereafter

   8,246,742    1,756,607    53,620
              
   8,246,742    1,756,607    53,620
              

The income tax returns of ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin through 2006 have been assessed by the tax authorities.

 

19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company engages in business transactions with the following related parties:

 

  a. MVI: A major shareholder.

 

  b. DenMOS Technology Inc. (DenMOS): An investee of MVI.

 

  c. ProMOS: An investee of MVI.

 

  d. SPIL: A major shareholder.

 

  e. Mou-Fu: An investee of MVI.

 

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19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

 

The significant transactions with the aforementioned parties, other than those disclosed in other notes, are summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006    2007     2008  
   NT$    NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

During the year

         

Revenue

         

ProMOS

   5,529,273    6,883,749     3,114,149     95,059  

DenMOS

   125,040    32,158     8,776     268  

SPIL

   83    —       —       —    
                       
   5,654,396    6,915,907     3,122,925     95,327  
                       

Rental revenue

         

MVI

   2,160    —       —       —    

ProMOS

   9,371    15,600     —       —    
                       
   11,531    15,600     —       —    
                       

Purchases of materials

         

ProMOS

   —      —       164,609     5,025  

SPIL

   —      53     —       —    
                       
   —      53     164,609     5,025  
                       

Operating expenses

         

Management expenses

         

Mou-Fu

   1,950    —       —       —    
                       

Other expenses

         

MVI

   144    148     148     5  

DenMOS

   —      13     —       —    
                       
   144    161     148     5  
                       

Other revenue

         

SPIL

   62    —       —       —    

ProMOS

   73    1,969     —       —    
                       
   135    1,969     —       —    
                       

Interest income

         

ProMOS

   —      —       252     8  
                       

Fee for shareholders’ services

         

Mou-Fu

   2,520    —       —       —    
                       
          December 31,  
      2007     2008  
      NT$     NT$     US$  
      (in thousands)  

At the end of year

         

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

         

Stock

         

ProMOS

      67,871     18,957     579  
                     

Notes receivable

         

ProMOS

      —       195,000     5,952  
                     

Accounts receivable

         

ProMOS

      1,602,100     578,120     17,647  

DenMOS

      2,876     359     11  

Less: Allowances for doubtful receivables

      (106,143 )   (578,120 )   (17,647 )
                     
      1,498,833     359     11  
                     

Other receivables

         

ProMOS

      11,922     36,265     1,107  

Less: Allowances for doubtful receivables

      —       (6,265 )   (191 )
                     
      11,922     30,000     916  
                     

 

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Table of Contents
19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

 

     December 31,
   2007    2008
   NT$    NT$    US$
   (in thousands)

Long-term accounts receivable

        

ProMOS

   449,827          —            —  
              

Other payables

        

MVI

   13    13    —  
              
        

In the period from July to December 2003, MVI transferred its DRAM business to ProMOS. As a result, 27%, 29% and 18% of the Company’s 2006, 2007 and 2008 sales were made to ProMOS. The price was agreed upon quarterly, based on the then fair market price. The collection term for ProMOS is 75 days after month end, while other related parties have normal collection terms of 60 days after month end. The selling price is the same as for other customers.

On November 13, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan and ProMOS revised the subcontracting contract by requiring ProMOS to provide wafers with a value of 80% of the subcontracting fee as collateral.

In 2006, ThaiLin acquired motor vehicles from its president Lafair Cho at NT$1,400 thousand.

The payment terms for purchases from related parties are the same as those from other suppliers.

In 2007, ChipMOS Taiwan sold tooling to ProMOS at NT$6,528 thousand.

The long-term accounts receivable from ProMOS bears interest at 4.69% per annum and is repayable on February 15, 2008.

In 2008, ProMOS used its machinery of NT$407,460 thousand, and bonds of NT$250,000 thousand and NT$400,000 thousand, to settle the payable to ChipMOS Taiwan.

The other receivables from ProMOS carries an interest of 3.51% per annum and was secured by 4,061 thousand shares of ChipMOS Bermuda.

The Company consults its ROC counsel on certain related party transactions and obtains legal opinions, as appropriate, to ensure that such transactions do not violate relevant ROC laws and regulations.

 

20. RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

     December 31,
   2007    2008
   NT$    NT$    US$
   (in thousands)

Current:

        

Time deposits (maturing from January 2009 to January 2010)

   53,519    51,991    1,587

Deposit for letters of credit

   33,456    7,494    229
              
   86,975    59,485    1,816

Non-current:

        

Time deposits (maturing in December 2009)

   29,983    11,500    351
              
   116,958    70,985       2,167
              

Time deposits are pledged as collateral for the Company’s customs duties payable, letters of credit and research and development subsidy loans.

 

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Table of Contents
21. SIGNIFICANT COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

  a. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan leased parcels of land from the Hsinchu and Tainan Science Park under several agreements expiring on various dates from 2017 to 2026, with renewal options.

The future minimum lease payments under the above-mentioned leases as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

Year

   Amount
     NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

2009

   20,206    617

2010

   20,206    617

2011

   20,206    617

2012

   20,206    617

2013

   20,206    617

Thereafter

   101,939    3,111
         

Total minimum lease payments

   202,969    6,196
         

 

  b. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS USA leased its office under an agreement expiring in 2010.

The future minimum lease payments under the above-mentioned lease as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

Year

   Amount
     NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

2009

   3,669    112

2010

   3,145    96
         

Total minimum lease payments

   6,814    208
         

 

  c. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan leased machinery under an agreement expiring in 2011.

The future minimum lease payments under the above-mentioned leases as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

Year

   Amount
     NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

2009

   1,541,732    47,061

2010

   737,390    22,509

2011

   38,681    1,181
         

Total minimum lease payments

   2,317,803    70,751
         

 

  d. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan had capital commitments in relation to construction of factories, dormitories and purchase of plant and machinery in the amount of NT$324,842 thousand (US$9,916 thousand).

 

  e. As of December 31, 2008, ThaiLin had capital commitments in relation to construction of factories, dormitories and purchase of plant and machinery in the amount of NT$146,362 thousand (US$4,468 thousand).

 

  f. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Shanghai had capital commitments in relation to construction of factories, dormitories and purchase of plant and machinery in the amount of NT$14,052 thousand (US$429 thousand).

 

  g. On October 16, 2006, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (“Freescale”) unilaterally terminated an “Immunity Agreement” (the “Agreement”), ChipMOS Taiwan and Freescale, formerly part of Motorola, Inc. (“Motorola”), entered into in 1999 for ChipMOS Taiwan’s alleged breach of the Agreement. Under the Agreement, ChipMOS Taiwan promised to pay royalties and licensee fees to Motorola for using certain patents owned by Motorola. Freescale replaced Motorola as a party to the Agreement, after Freescale was spun off from Motorola. Freescale has alleged that ChipMOS Taiwan breached the Agreement by failing to pay royalties on certain packages assembled by ChipMOS Taiwan. Freescale claims that such packages are covered by one or more Freescale patents identified in the Agreement while ChipMOS Taiwan contends that such packages are not covered by any patents in the Agreement, or, if covered, those patents are invalid. As such, ChipMOS Taiwan argues Freescale’s unilateral termination of the Agreement has no legal effect. ChipMOS Taiwan has continued to make royalty payments for products it believes are covered by the Agreement. Any payments returned by Freescale have been deposited in a separate escrow account. If Freescale initiates a lawsuit, ChipMOS Taiwan expect to vigorously defend itself. The Company’s counsel has not formed any opinion as to the outcome of the case.

 

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21. SIGNIFICANT COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)

 

  h. On April 20, 1999, ChipMOS Taiwan entered into a semiconductor packaging technology license agreement with Tessera Technologies, Inc. (Tessera). Under this agreement, ChipMOS Taiwan agreed to pay a license fee of US$500 thousand and a royalty fee at a certain percentage of the net sales of certain products. ChipMOS Taiwan paid the total license fee of approximately US$500 thousand (NT$15,888 thousand) in 1999 and amortized the amount over 5 years using the straight-line method. ChipMOS Taiwan also paid approximately US$500 thousand (NT$16,708 thousand) in 2004 as the cumulative production and sales quantity of products bearing Tessera Compliant Chip packages did not meet the commitment schedule as set forth in the agreement. In February 2006, ChipMOS Taiwan and ChipMOS USA received notice of a patent infringement lawsuit brought by Tessera, alleging infringement of several Tessera patents and breach of an existing license agreement with ChipMOS Taiwan. According to Company’s counsel, previously scheduled fact discovery has been stayed in accordance with a Northern District of California Court order issued on May 24, 2007. The Company continues preparation for trial once the stay is lifted. On April 21, 2008, Tessera requested that the International Trade Commission (ITC) investigate ChipMOS Bermuda, ChipMOS Taiwan and ChipMOS USA (collectively referred to as the Companies) on the basis of alleged violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. In its request for investigation, Tessera alleged that the Companies infringed certain patents among which are three that were the subject of the stayed litigation in the Northern District of California. Tessera also requested that the ITC issue an exclusion order to enjoin the importation of accused products into the United States. On May 21, 2008, the ITM granted Tessera’s request for an investigation. Prior to this ruling, the Companies had filed a complaint for declaratory judgment in the Eastern District of Texas seeking a ruling that the additional patent was invalid or not infringed by the Companies. The request for declaratory judgment was also stayed pending completion of the ITC investigation. On March 13, 2009, after the close of discovery, Tessera submitted a request to terminate the proceedings at the ITC. The ITC has not ruled on this request. Litigation in the Northern District of California and the Eastern District of Texas may resume once the ITC completes a companion investigation against other companies. The Company’s counsel has not formed an opinion as to the outcome of the case.

 

22. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

 

  a. On January 14, 2009 a meeting was arranged by ChipMOS Taiwan with all the banks that have loans that will become due in 2009 to 2013 for an extension of repayments and amendments on other terms and conditions on these loans (“amendments”). A bank creditors’ meeting hosted by Bank of Taiwan, the largest bank creditor, was held on February 13, 2009 to discuss ChipMOS Taiwan’s request for an extension of loan repayment and amendments. At the meeting, it was resolved that the extension of loan repayment and amendments be approved and applicable to all bank creditors with loans due in 2009 to 2013 once the bank creditors with loans due in 2009 to 2013 whose loans aggregated over 50% of the total bank loans due in 2009 to 2013 agreed. On April 6, 2009, Bank of Taiwan issued a letter to ChipMOS Taiwan informing ChipMOS Taiwan that the bank creditors whose loan amounts aggregated over 50% of the total bank loans due in 2009 to 2013 formally agreed to the extension of loan repayment and amendments. According to the repayment schedule proposed in the meeting held on February 13, 2009, the Company’s future minimum principal payments under the short and long-term bank loans as of December 31, 2008 will be as follows:

 

     Amount
     NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Short-term bank loans

  

2009

   289,270    8,830

2010

   129,269    3,946

2011

   2,326,851    71,027
         
   2,745,390    83,803
         
     Amount
     NT$    US$
     (in thousands)

Long-term bank loans

  

2009

   1,404,012    42,858

2010

   1,725,644    52,675

2011

   5,568,022    169,964

2012

   3,335,296    101,810

2013

   1,984,142    60,566

Thereafter

   345,000    10,531
         
   14,362,116    438,404
         

 

  b. On February 19, 2009, ChipMOS Taiwan terminated the service agreement with Spansion as the receivables are in default for over 30 days.

 

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23. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

ChipMOS Taiwan has entered into forward exchange contracts and foreign currency options for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to hedge its exchange rate risk on foreign-currency assets or liabilities and anticipated transactions. No derivative financial instrument was used during 2008. Information on the derivative transactions is as follows:

 

  a. Forward exchange contracts

As of December 31, 2007 and 2008, there were no outstanding forward contracts.

Net exchange gains on forward exchange contracts were NT$2,257 thousand, NT$123 thousand and nil for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

 

  b. European option

ChipMOS Taiwan expects to receive U.S. dollars from its export sales and to pay Japanese yen for its importation of materials, machinery and equipment. It has entered into European-style foreign currency option contracts with banks to hedge exchange rate risks. As of December 31, 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan had no outstanding foreign currency option contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the realized loss on valuation of financial assets of NT$953 thousand was recognized to reduce the gain on disposal of investments.

 

  c. Transaction risks

 

  1) Credit risk. The banks with which the Company has entered into the above contracts are reputable and, therefore, the Company is not expected to be exposed to significant credit risks.

During the current year, we experienced significant collection problems for our services provided to ProMOS and Spansion. We have fully impaired the amounts receivable from ProMOS and Spansion as recoverability is remote.

 

  2) Market risk and hedge strategy. The Company is exposed to market risks arising from changes in currency exchange rates due to U.S. dollar denominated accounts receivable, Yen denominated accounts payable and U.S. dollar denominated debt. In order to manage these exposures, the Company sometimes enters into forward contracts and option contracts.

 

  3) Liquidity and cash requirements. The cash flow requirements with respect to the Company’s forward contracts are limited to the periodic premium payments and the net differences of the contracted settlement rates. On the other hand, call/put options may not have to be exercised at all in cases where the strike price is higher/lower than the related market price at exercise dates.

 

  d. The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

     December 31,
   2007    2008
   Carrying
Value
   Fair Value    Carrying
Value
   Fair Value
   NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    US$
   (in thousands)

Assets

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   5,133,580    5,133,580    6,651,909    6,651,909    203,050

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   86,975    86,975    59,485    59,485    1,816

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

   555,608    555,608    102,137    102,137    3,118

Held-to-maturity financial assets

   —      —      250,000    250,000    7,631

Notes receivable

              

Related parties

   —      —      195,000    195,000    5,952

Third parties

   28,032    28,032    14,174    14,174    433

Accounts receivable:

              

Related parties

   1,498,833    1,498,833    359    359    11

Third parties

   3,795,838    3,795,838    1,296,525    1,296,525    39,576

 

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23. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

 

     December 31,
   2007    2008
   Carrying
Value
   Fair Value    Carrying
Value
   Fair Value
   NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    US$
   (in thousands)

Assets

              

Other receivables:

              

Related parties

   11,922    11,922    30,000    30,000    916

Third parties

   31,176    31,176    172,239    172,239    5,257

Long-term investments

   358,017    358,017    137,834    137,834    4,207

Investments with no active market

   —      —      400,000    400,000    12,210

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

   29,983    29,983    11,500    11,500    351

Refundable deposits

   36,513    36,513    35,425    35,424    1,081

Long-term accounts receivable-related parties

   449,827    429,675    —      —      —  

Liabilities

              

Bank loans

   1,249,196    1,249,196    2,745,390    2,745,390    83,803

Accounts payable:

              

Third parties

   976,147    976,147    477,873    477,873    14,587

Other payables:

              

Related parties

   13    13    13    13    —  

Third parties

   604,145    604,145    628,042    628,042    19,171

Payables to contractors and equipment suppliers

   454,075    454,075    251,557    251,557    7,679

Convertible notes (including current portion)

   5,090,490    5,001,763    1,615,761    1,438,182    43,900

Long-term loans (including current portion)

   12,934,373    12,934,373    14,362,116    14,362,116    438,404

Guarantee deposits

   7,458    7,458    3,810    3,810    116

Fair values of financial instruments were determined as follows:

 

  1) Short-term financial instruments – market values.

 

  2) Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss – market values.

 

  3) Held-to-maturity investments – amortized cost.

 

  4) Long-term investments – market value for listed companies and net equity value for the others.

 

  5) Investments with no active market – amortized cost.

 

  6) Refundable deposits and guarantee deposits – future values.

 

  7) Long-term accounts receivable-related parties – discounted at applicable interest rate

 

  8) Long-term liabilities – based on forecasted cash flows discounted at current interest rates of similar long-term liabilities. The fair value of convertible notes in 2007 and 2008 is determined by an option pricing model. Other long-term liabilities are their carrying values as they use floating interest rates.

The fair value of non-financial instruments was not included in the fair values disclosed above. Accordingly, the sum of the fair values of the financial instruments listed above does not equal the fair value of the Company.

 

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24. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The Company engages mainly in the research and development, manufacturing, assembly and testing of semiconductors. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS No. 131”), the Company’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews these segment results by Testing, Assembly, Testing and Assembly for LCD and other Flat-Panel Display Driver Semiconductors when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing the performance of the Company. Financial segment information required by SFAS No. 131 is as follows:

 

  a. Semiconductor testing, assembly and LCD and other flat-panel display driver semiconductors services.

 

     2006
   Testing    Assembly    LCD    Segment
Totals
   Corporate &
Other

Assets
   Consolidated
Totals
   NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$
   (in thousands)

Revenue from customers

   9,340,098    6,589,568    4,445,521    20,375,187    —      20,375,187

Cost of revenues

   5,561,129    5,141,192    3,551,024    14,253,345    —      14,253,345
                             

Segment gross profit

   3,778,969    1,448,376    894,497    6,121,842    —      6,121,842
                             

Depreciation and amortization

   3,199,756    941,499    1,402,828    5,544,083    14,758    5,558,841
                             

Segment assets

   16,032,994    6,232,564    8,223,913    30,489,471    15,522,394    46,011,865
                             

Expenditure for segment assets

   8,654,928    3,171,805    3,888,814    15,715,547    2,213    15,717,760
                             
     2007
   Testing    Assembly    LCD    Segment
Totals
   Corporate &
Other
Assets
   Consolidated
Totals
   NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$
   (in thousands)

Revenue from customers

   11,502,373    8,099,620    3,995,605    23,597,598    —      23,597,598

Cost of revenues

   7,127,346    6,627,463    3,689,255    17,444,064    —      17,444,064
                             

Segment gross profit

   4,375,027    1,472,157    306,350    6,153,534    —      6,153,534
                             

Depreciation and amortization

   3,939,196    1,163,274    1,702,966    6,805,436    29,351    6,834,787
                             

Segment assets

   15,239,767    7,506,816    7,269,080    30,015,663    15,300,422    45,316,085
                             

Expenditure for segment assets

   3,057,523    2,066,121    968,946    6,092,590    1,181    6,093,771
                             

 

    2008
  Testing   Assembly     LCD     Segment
Totals
  Corporate &
Other
Assets
  Consolidated
Totals
  NT$   NT$     NT$     NT$   NT$   NT$   US$
  (in thousands)

Revenue from customers

  8,787,047   5,417,621     2,805,494     17,010,162   —     17,010,162   519,236

Cost of revenues

  7,926,469   5,741,513     3,301,898     16,969,880   —     16,969,880   518,006
                               

Segment gross profit (loss)

  860,578   (323,892 )   (496,404 )   40,282   —     40,282   1,230
                               

Depreciation and amortization

  4,051,282   1,392,195     1,680,046     7,123,523   51,001   7,174,524   219,003
                               

Segment assets

  12,400,520   5,964,952     5,289,467     23,654,939   11,786,660   35,441,599   1,081,856
                               

Expenditure for segment assets

  1,234,483   739,019     212,161     2,185,663   2,730   2,188,393   66,801
                               

Impairment loss on fixed and other assets recognized during the year

  381,564   965,281     256,039     1,602,884   —     1,602,884   48,928
                               

 

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24. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (continued)

 

The corporate and other assets consist of the total current assets, long-term investments, property and equipment located in the U.S. and Japan, intangible assets and other assets.

 

  b. Net revenue:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
   2006    2007    2008
   NT$    NT$    NT$    US$
   (in thousands)

Area

           

ROC

   15,870,717    16,965,381    10,304,575    314,548

U.S.

   3,061,059    5,058,246    5,773,109    176,224

Korea

   660,738    599,448    468,967    14,315

Japan

   541,961    223,095    111,774    3,412

Others

   240,712    751,428    351,737    10,737
                   
   20,375,187    23,597,598    17,010,162    519,236
                   

 

  c. Net sales to customers representing at least 10% of net total sales:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2006    2007    2008
     Amount    %    Amount    %    Amount    %    Amount
     NT$         NT$         NT$         US$
     (in thousands)

Customer

                    

Spansion

   1,808,486    9    3,698,010    16    3,927,770    23    119,895

ProMOS

   5,529,273    27    6,883,749    29    3,114,149    18    95,059

Himax Technologies Inc.

   2,245,355    11    1,708,242    7    905,573    5    27,643

Powerchip

   2,834,956    14    2,378,538    10    697,524    4    21,292

 

25. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY THE COMPANY AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of China (“ROC GAAP”), which differ in the following respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”):

 

  a. Bonuses to employees, directors and supervisors

According to ROC regulations and the Articles of Incorporation of ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin, a portion of distributable earnings should be appropriated as bonuses to employees and remuneration to directors and supervisors of ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin. The remuneration to directors and supervisors is paid in cash, while bonuses to employees may be granted in cash or stock or both. ChipMOS Bermuda’s portion of these appropriations is charged to earnings of ChipMOS Bermuda under ROC GAAP based on the amount to be paid as provided by ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin’s Articles of Incorporation and is presented as a separate line item below minority interest in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During 2008, ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin paid NT$386,698 thousand (2007: NT$391,067 thousand) and NT$57,908 thousand (2007: NT$82,301 thousand), respectively, in bonuses to directors, supervisors and employees. Commencing from January 1, 2008, bonuses to employees, directors and supervisors were accrued according to the Articles of Incorporation. As ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin incurred losses for the year ended December 31, 2008, no bonuses were accrued. There are no difference between ROC GAAP and U.S. GAAP effective January 1, 2008.

 

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25. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY THE COMPANY AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES (continued)

 

  b. Financial assets

Prior to January 1, 2006, under ROC GAAP, marketable equity securities were carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value, and debt securities at cost, with only unrealized losses recognized when losses are irrecoverable. Under SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, debt and equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are to be classified as either trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities. Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold-to-maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and reported at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities that are bought and traded for short-term profit are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders’ equity; however, unrealized losses relating to declines in fair value deemed to be other than temporary are recorded in earnings. The 2006 adjustments in the reconciliations below relate to the Company’s equity securities that are classified as trading and available-for-sale securities under U.S. GAAP. There is no difference between ROC GAAP and U.S. GAAP effective January 1, 2007.

 

  c. Long-term investments

Under both ROC and U.S. GAAP, investments in shares of companies wherein the Company owns over 20% but not more than 50% of the outstanding common stock and exercises significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investee companies are generally accounted for under the equity method. However, there are differences in applying equity accounting under ROC GAAP and U.S. GAAP. The Company’s proportionate share of the income (loss) from an equity investee may differ if the equity investee’s net income (loss) under ROC GAAP differs from that under U.S. GAAP. The differences between ROC GAAP and U.S. GAAP for the equity investees are nominal and thus do not appear in the reconciliations below.

Under the equity method, the Company’s proportionate share of the income (loss) of the investee is generally recognized in the year the income (loss) is earned. However, under ROC GAAP, if audited financial statements of an investee were not available for the Company to apply the equity method due to time constraints and such equity interests were below a certain materiality threshold, the Company was permitted to delay the recognition of income (loss) until the following year. Under U.S. GAAP, there are no provisions that allow the investor company to delay recognition of its equity in the investee’s income or loss. The 2006 U.S. GAAP adjustments represent the proportionate share of loss of long-term investment in 2006. In 2007 and 2008, there was no such difference.

 

  d. Technologies transferred in payment of capital stock

Pursuant to a Joint Venture Agreement entered into between MVI and SPIL on July 28, 1997, MVI and SPIL contributed, as payment for their subscription in the shares of stock of ChipMOS Taiwan, technologies relating to the testing and assembly of semiconductors at an agreed value of NT$750,000 thousand. Under ROC GAAP, such technology transfers in payment of capital stock are recorded as an intangible asset, and amortized by systematic charges to income over the periods estimated to be benefited. As permitted under ROC GAAP, the Company uses a five-year amortization period. Under U.S. GAAP, the technology contribution cannot be recognized due to the unavailability of a fair value for the technologies. Therefore, the carrying value of the technologies has been adjusted to zero under U.S. GAAP.

 

  e. Start-up costs

ROC GAAP requires start-up costs to be deferred and amortized in a systematic manner over its estimated useful beneficial life. Start-up costs include all costs incurred prior to production readiness. On the other hand, U.S. GAAP primarily requires that start-up costs be expensed as incurred. Some of the expenses were recorded in manufacturing expenses and therefore also affect ending inventory balances under U.S. GAAP.

 

  f. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and employee dormitory building

Under ROC GAAP, the estimated life of a building can be as long as 55 years based on the ROC Internal Revenue Code. For U.S. GAAP purposes, building lives are estimated to be 25 years. Some of the depreciation expenses were recorded in manufacturing expenses and therefore also affect ending inventory balances under U.S. GAAP.

 

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25. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY THE COMPANY AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES (continued)

 

  g. Transfer of building and facilities from MVI

The Company purchased buildings and facilities from MVI in 1997. The costs of assets purchased from MVI were based on MVI’s book value of such building and facilities on a specified cut-off date plus an additional payment of NT$173,174 thousand representing compensation to MVI. This additional payment of NT$173,174 thousand was capitalized by the Company as allowed under ROC GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, assets acquired are recorded at amounts that do not exceed their fair values. Also, generally under U.S. GAAP, the transferee should record the assets transferred from related parties with significant influence at the predecessor’s basis. Therefore, the transfer of assets from MVI was recorded at MVI’s predecessor cost basis and NT$173,174 thousand was deducted from the capital surplus and building and facilities for the purposes of U.S. GAAP. Some of the related depreciation expenses were recorded in manufacturing expenses and therefore also affect ending inventory balances under U.S. GAAP.

 

  h. Impairment of long-lived assets

Under U.S. GAAP, impairment losses for assets to be held and used are recorded in current period earnings and create a new cost basis for related assets going forward, and cannot be reversed subsequently. Under U.S. GAAP, in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, long-lived assets 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. An impairment loss shall be recognized only if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset (asset group) is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset (asset group) is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset (asset group). That assessment shall be based on the carrying amount of the asset (asset group) at the date it is tested for recoverability, whether in use or under development. An impairment loss shall be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset (asset group) exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined by the Company using future cash flows discounted at current rates. Prior to January 1, 2005, there is no requirement to provide for impairment of long-lived assets under ROC GAAP. In 2006, the adjustment represented the reversal of impairment loss recognized under ROC GAAP that was already recognized under U.S. GAAP in 2005. There are no differences in 2007 and 2008.

 

  i. Earnings per share (EPS)

In calculating the weighted average number of shares outstanding for EPS purposes under ROC GAAP, employee bonus shares have been treated as outstanding for all periods in a manner similar to a stock split or stock dividend. Under U.S. GAAP, employee bonus shares have been considered separately from the stock dividend or split and have been treated as outstanding from the date of shareholder approval.

 

  j. Interest capitalization

Under ROC GAAP, interest on borrowings during construction conceptually should be capitalized in the assets that are constructed or produced for a company’s own use. However, if equity capital is raised during a year, no capitalization interest is recorded for the amount of property acquired up to the equity capital raised in that year. Under U.S. GAAP, SFAS No. 34 “Capitalization of Interest Cost”, interest is generally capitalized on assets until they are available and ready for use.

 

  k. Inventories stated at lower of cost or market

ROC GAAP allows assessment of carrying values of inventories on an aggregate basis. An allowance was made when the aggregate carrying values of inventories were higher than market. As of December 31, 2008, the allowance for net realizable value of inventories under ROC GAAP amounted to NT$102,142 thousand.

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company’s assessed inventories at the lower of cost or market on an item-by-item basis. This resulted in an additional write-off of NT$36,818 thousand which was charged to the consolidated statement of operations a component of cost of revenue.

 

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25. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY THE COMPANY AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES (continued)

 

  l. Convertible notes

Under ROC GAAP, there is no requirement to account for the fair value of a conversion feature embedded in CN due 2009 as it was issued before January 1, 2006. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company accounts for the fair value of the conversion feature of its convertible notes in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting For Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 133”) and related pronouncements, which require the Company to bifurcate and separately account for the conversion feature as embedded derivatives contained in the Company’s convertible notes. The Company carried these embedded derivatives on its balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair values of these embedded derivatives are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. Commencing January 1, 2006, ROC GAAP requires the Company to bifurcate and separately account for put and call option features contained in the Company’s convertible notes issued after 2005. The Company issued convertible notes (CN due 2011) on September 29, 2006. The Company carried the put and call options of the CN due 2011 on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair values reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. The other conversion features are recorded in equity. (see Note 26 i)

Commencing from January 1, 2006, under ROC GAAP, the issue costs of convertible notes are recorded as a reduction of the convertible notes. Under U.S. GAAP the issue costs are capitalized as deferred assets and amortized over the period of the convertible notes.

 

  m. Share-based payments

Under ROC GAAP, the Company followed Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”), in accounting for its employee stock option plans prior to January 1, 2008. Under APB No. 25, when the exercise price of the Company’s stock options is less than the market price of the underlying shares on the date of grant, compensation expense is recognized. Under U.S. GAAP, commencing from January 1, 2006, the Company applies SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), Emerging Issues Task Force No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services” (“EITF No. 96-18”), with respect to options and warrants issued to non-employees. SFAS No. 123(R) requires the use of option valuation models to measure the fair value of the options and warrants at the measurement date as defined in EITF No. 96-18. The total stock-based compensation expense resulting from stock options was included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. As explained in Note 2 above, there is no difference between ROC GAAP and U.S. GAAP effective January 1, 2008 upon adoption of ROC SFAS No. 39 for options granted since January 1, 2008.

 

  n. Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Under U.S. GAAP, commencing from January 1, 2006, the Company applies SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer that sponsors one or more defined benefit pension plans or other postretirement plans to 1) recognize the funded status of a plan, measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation, in the balance sheet; 2) recognize in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost; 3) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end balance sheet; and 4) disclose in the notes to the financial statements additional information about the effects on net periodic benefit cost for the next fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and transition asset or obligation. Under ROC GAAP, there is no such requirement for recognition.

 

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25. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY THE COMPANY AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES (continued)

 

  o. Income tax expense

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN48 prescribes a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions and income tax disclosures.

Uncertain tax positions have been classified as non-current income tax liabilities unless these are expected to be paid in one year. The Company’s policy for interest and penalties related to income tax exposure is to recognize interest and penalties as a component of the provision of income taxes in the consolidated statement of operations.

The Company is potentially subject to income tax audits in the ROC and internationally until the applicable statute of limitations expire. Tax audits by their nature are often complex and can require several years to complete. The following is a summary of tax years, potentially subject to examination, in the significant tax and business jurisdictions in which the Company operates:

 

Jurisdiction

   Tax Years Subject to
Examination

Republic of China

   5 Years

United States

   3 Years

Hong Kong

   6 Years

People’s Republic of China

   Unlimited

Upon adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, the Company increased the allowance for current tax assets by NT$2,387 thousand (US$73 thousand) and increased long-term tax payable by NT$32,873 thousand (US$1,003 thousand) as FIN 48 specifies that tax positions for which the timing of the ultimate resolution is uncertain should be recognized as long term liabilities. As of December 31, 2008, the allowance for current tax assets was increased by NT$3,820 thousand (US$117 thousand) and the long-term tax payable was decreased by NT$14,605 thousand (US$446 thousand).

The Company’s subsidiaries are currently under examination by the relevant tax authorities for various tax years. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcome of these examinations in each of the taxing jurisdictions when determining the adequacy of the amount of unrecognized tax benefit recorded. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, the Company believes it has appropriately accrued for uncertain tax benefits. However, audit outcomes and timing of audit settlements and future events that would impact the previously recorded unrecognized tax benefits and the range of anticipated increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits are subject to significant uncertainty. It is possible that the ultimate outcome of current or future examinations may exceed current unrecognized tax benefits in amounts that could be material, but cannot be estimated as of December 31, 2008. The effective tax rate and net income in any given future period could therefore be materially impacted.

There are no such provisions under ROC GAAP.

 

  p. Investments with no active market

Under U.S. GAAP, the NT$ 400,000 thousand bonds are classified as available-for-sale investments. Changes in fair value are recorded in equity. Investment with no active market is not a category of investment under U.S. GAAP.

 

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25. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY THE COMPANY AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES (continued)

 

The following reconciles net income (loss) and shareholders’ equity under ROC GAAP as reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to net income and shareholders’ equity amounts determined under U.S. GAAP, giving effect to adjustments for the differences listed above.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  
Net income (loss)         

Net income (loss) based on ROC GAAP

   2,121,342     2,219,202     (7,270,245 )   (221,925 )

Adjustments:

        

Amortization of deferred charge

   (4,935 )   (19,722 )   (13,719 )   (419 )

Amortization of start-up costs

   2,237     2,198     1,694     52  

Pension expenses

   —       (10,773 )   (11,797 )   (360 )

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and employee dormitory building

   (22,200 )   (48,681 )   (56,169 )   (1,714 )

Transfer of building and facilities from MVI

   741     289     196     6  

Marketable securities – trading

   2,613     —       —       —    

Interest capitalization

   (19,793 )   (17,592 )   (15,539 )   (474 )

(Accrual) reversal of accrual for bonuses to employees, directors and supervisors

   (314,485 )   (143,952 )   368,945     11,262  

Loss on inventory valuation

   —       —       (36,818 )   (1,124 )

Impairment loss on goodwill

   —       —       (52,007 )   (1,588 )

Reversal of impairment loss on long-term investment

   33,130     —       —       —    

Effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments on income taxes

   10,512     11,547     29,608     904  

Adjustment for uncertain tax positions

   —       (35,260 )   10,785     329  

Stock-based compensation

   (90,870 )   (173,501 )   (257,460 )   (7,859 )

Amortization of discount on convertible notes

   (237,497 )   (114,132 )   (95,468 )   (2,914 )

Gain (loss) on embedded derivative liabilities

   (394,646 )   1,180,834     306,701     9,362  

Loss on redemption of convertible notes

   (10,549 )   (21,523 )   (97,227 )   (2,968 )

Minority interests

   193,635     72,736     10,859     332  

Equity accounting for long-term investment

   (16,129 )   —       —       —    
                        

Net increase (decrease) in net income

   (868,236 )   682,468     92,584     2,827  
                        

Net income (loss) based on U.S. GAAP

   1,253,106     2,901,670     (7,177,661 )   (219,098 )
                        

Earnings (loss) per share – basic

   18.22     36.13     (85.56 )   (2.61 )
                        

Earnings (loss) per share – diluted

   17.52     21.07     (85.56 )   (2.61 )
                        

Number of weighted average shares outstanding – basic

   68,781     80,305     83,894     83,894  
                        

Number of weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

   71,504     108,207     83,894     83,894  
                        

The following table reconciles the denominator to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

     December 31,
   2006    2007    2008
   (in thousands)

Basic number of shares

   68,781    80,305    83,894

Add: Stock options

   2,723    2,174    —  

Convertible notes

   —      25,728    —  
              

Diluted number of shares

   71,504    108,207    83,894
              

 

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25. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY THE COMPANY AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES (continued)

 

The following table reconciles the numerator to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006    2007     2008  
   NT$    NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Net income (loss) based on U.S. GAAP

   1,253,106    2,901,670     (7,177,661 )   (219,098 )

Add: Amortization of discount on convertible notes

   —      357,472     —       —    

Interest expense (net of tax)

   —      151,897     —       —    

Gains on embedded derivative

   —      (1,191,838 )   —       —    

Loss on redemption of convertible notes

   —      21,523     —       —    

Amortization of deferred charge on convertible notes

   —      38,799     —       —    
                       

Income (loss) available to common stockholders adjusted for the effects of assumed exercise of options and conversion of notes

   1,253,106    2,279,523     (7,177,661 )   (219,098 )
                       

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  
Shareholders’ equity         

Shareholders’ equity based on ROC GAAP

   22,884,867     22,248,128     14,542,813     443,920  
                        

Adjustments:

        

Technology transfer in payment of capital stock

        

Original cost

   (750,000 )   (750,000 )   (750,000 )   (22,894 )

Accumulated amortization of technology transfer in payment of capital stocks

   750,000     750,000     750,000     22,894  

Start-up costs

        

Original cost

   (60,151 )   (51,408 )   (51,283 )   (1,565 )

Accumulated amortization of start- up costs

   54,668     48,107     49,705     1,517  

Net effect on inventories

   (40 )   (25 )   (54 )   (2 )

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and employee dormitory building

   (122,589 )   (171,269 )   (227,438 )   (6,943 )

Transfer of building and facilities from MVI

        

Original cost

   (173,174 )   (173,174 )   (173,174 )   (5,286 )

Depreciation and gain on disposal of building and facilities from MVI

   169,883     170,163     170,361     5,200  

Net effect on inventories

   (13 )   (4 )   (6 )   —    

Accrual for bonuses to employees, directors and supervisors

   (459,539 )   (434,261 )   —       —    

Pension expenses

   (65,293 )   (226,896 )   (237,321 )   (7,244 )

Loss on inventory valuation

   —       —       (36,818 )   (1,124 )

Impairment loss on goodwill

   —       —       (52,007 )   (1,588 )

Interest capitalization

   118,757     118,757     118,757     3,625  

Amortization of interest capitalization

   (96,586 )   (114,178 )   (129,717 )   (3,960 )

Effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments on income taxes

   21,813     33,360     62,968     1,922  

Adjustment for uncertain tax positions

   —       (35,260 )   (24,475 )   (747 )

Equity component of convertible notes

   (271,509 )   (268,852 )   (466,151 )   (14,229 )

Loss on redemption of convertible notes

   (10,549 )   (32,072 )   (129,299 )   (3,947 )

Amortization of deferred charge

   (4,935 )   (24,657 )   (38,376 )   (1,171 )

Amortization of discount on convertible notes

   (309,977 )   (423,498 )   (518,966 )   (15,841 )

Gain on embedded derivative liabilities

   (244,914 )   935,920     1,242,621     37,931  

Minority interests

   —       52,007     52,007     1,588  
                        

Net decrease in shareholders’ equity

   (1,454,148 )   (597,240 )   (388,666 )   (11,864 )
                        

Shareholders’ equity based on U.S. GAAP

   21,430,719     21,650,888     14,154,147     432,056  
                        

 

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25. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY THE COMPANY AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Changes in shareholders’ equity based on U.S. GAAP

        

Balance, beginning of the year

   18,825,418     21,430,719     21,650,888     660,894  

Stock purchased by a subsidiary

   —       —       (1,779 )   (54 )

Issuance of shares

   —       2,603,379     —       —    

Issuance of option warrants

   (1,088 )   24,080     65,111     1,988  

Exercise of option warrants

   131,268     89,850     4,548     138  

Adjustment arising from change in ownership percentage in subsidiaries

   86,316     —       —       —    

Reversal of unrealized loss (gain) on available-for-sale securities

   (5,648 )   —       —       —    

Stock-based compensation

   90,870     173,501     257,460     7,859  

Cumulative translation adjustments

   78,345     209,390     156,250     4,770  

Net income (loss) for the year

   1,253,106     2,901,670     (7,177,661 )   (219,098 )

Adjustment of equity method for long-term Investment

   1,178     (268,625 )   95,186     2,905  

Unrecognized pension expenses

   (44,643 )   (161,134 )   952     29  

Conversion of convertible notes

   225,840     —       —       —    

Minority interests

   789,757     (5,351,942 )   (896,808 )   (27,375 )
                        

Balance, end of the year

   21,430,719     21,650,888     14,154,147     432,056  
                        

A reconciliation of the significant balance sheet accounts to the approximate amounts determined under U.S. GAAP is as follows:

 

     December 31,  
   2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Current assets

      

As reported

   12,605,149     10,494,267     320,337  

U.S. GAAP adjustments

      

Effect of inventory adjustments:

      

Start-up costs

   (25 )   (54 )   (2 )

Depreciation of fixed assets

   666     1,449     44  

Transfer of building and facilities from MVI

   (4 )   (6 )   —    

Inventory valuation

   —       (36,818 )   (1,124 )

Adjustment for uncertain tax positions

   (2,387 )   (6,207 )   (189 )
                  

As adjusted

   12,603,399     10,452,631     319,066  
                  

Property, plant and equipment – net

      

As reported

   30,020,432     23,654,940     722,068  

U.S. GAAP adjustments

      

Start-up costs

   (3,301 )   (1,578 )   (48 )

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (182,165 )   (237,486 )   (7,249 )

Transfer of building and facilities from MVI

   (3,011 )   (2,813 )   (86 )

Interest capitalization

   29,603     14,064     429  
                  

As adjusted

   29,861,558     23,427,127     715,114  
                  

Other assets

      

As reported

   2,152,053     746,761     22,795  

U.S. GAAP adjustments

      

Depreciation of employee dormitory building

   (14,794 )   (16,425 )   (501 )

Deferred charge

   73,284     1,226     37  

Goodwill

   52,007     52,007     1,588  

Impairment loss on goodwill

   —       (52,007 )   (1,588 )
                  

As adjusted

   2,262,550     731,562     22,331  
                  

 

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25. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY THE COMPANY AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES (continued)

 

     December 31,  
   2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Current liabilities

      

As reported

   11,374,186     10,721,542     327,275  

U.S. GAAP adjustments

      

Fair value of embedded derivative liabilities

   (10,602 )   —       —    

Discount on convertible notes

   41,421     (88,603 )   (2,704 )

Accrual for bonuses to employees, directors and supervisors

   434,261     —       —    
                  

As adjusted

   11,839,266     10,632,939     324,571  
                  

Long-term liabilities

      

As reported

   11,323,710     9,832,607     300,141  

U.S. GAAP adjustments

      

Loss on redemption of convertible notes

   26,485     193,634     5,911  

Equity component of convertible notes

   5,859     273,866     8,360  

Fair value of embedded derivative liabilities

   (651,593 )   (475,821 )   (14,525 )

Amortization of discount on convertible notes

   474,873     8,321     254  
                  

As adjusted

   11,179,334     9,832,607     300,141  
                  

Other liabilities

      

As reported

   370,061     344,637     10,520  

U.S. GAAP adjustments

      

Pension

   226,896     237,321     7,244  

Effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments on income taxes

   (33,360 )   (55,694 )   (1,700 )

Adjustments for uncertain tax positions

   32,873     10,994     335  
                  

As adjusted

   596,470     537,258     16,399  
                  

As a result of the adjustments presented above, the approximate amounts of total assets under U.S. GAAP were NT$45,265,958 thousand and NT$35,156,951 thousand as of December 31, 2007, and 2008, respectively.

The following U.S. GAAP condensed statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 have been derived from the audited financial statements and reflect the adjustments presented above. Certain accounts have been reclassified to conform to U.S. GAAP.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Net revenue

   20,375,187     23,597,598     17,010,162     519,236  

Cost of revenue

   (14,270,950 )   (17,496,720 )   (17,068,345 )   (521,012 )
                        

Gross profit (loss)

   6,104,237     6,100,878     (58,183 )   (1,776 )

Operating expenses

   (1,769,838 )   (2,114,723 )   (3,953,133 )   (120,670 )
                        

Income (loss) from operations

   4,334,399     3,986,155     (4,011,316 )   (122,446 )

Non-operating income (expenses) – net

   (849,536 )   354,734     (3,240,101 )   (98,904 )
                        

Income (loss) before income tax

   3,484,863     4,340,889     (7,251,417 )   (221,350 )
                        

Net income (loss)

   1,253,106     2,901,670     (7,177,661 )   (219,098 )
                        

 

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26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP

 

  a. Recent accounting pronouncements

The Company is required by U.S. SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 74 to make certain disclosures about the effect that recently issued accounting standards will have on the financial statements adopted for future periods.

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. However, in February 2008, the FASB released a FASB Staff Position (FSP FAS 157-2—Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157) which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The adoption of SFAS 157 for the Company’s financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Management is evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 157, effective January 1, 2009, will have on the Company’s non-financial assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three broad levels as follows:

Level 1—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2—Inputs other than level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable

Level 3—Unobservable inputs developed using the Company’s estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that market participants would use.

The following table sets forth the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by input level, as of December 31, 2008:

 

     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total
   NT$    NT$    NT$    NT$
   (in thousands)

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

   102,137    —      —      102,137

Available-for-sale investments

   —      —      400,000    400,000
                   
   102,137    —      400,000    502,137
                   

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss include investments in stocks and open-ended funds, which are measured using quoted price in active markets and are classified as Level 1.

Available-for-sale investments are comprised of bonds. The fair values are based on future cash flows discounted at current rates as the bonds are trading in an inactive market.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities - including an amendment of FAS 115 (“SFAS No. 159”), which allows entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. If a company elects the fair value option for an eligible item, changes in that item’s fair value in subsequent reporting periods must be recognized in earnings. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to draw comparison between entities that elect different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the impact SFAS No. 159 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary be reported as equity and the amount of consolidated net income specifically attributable to the noncontrolling interest be identified in the consolidated financial statements. It also calls for consistency in the manner of reporting changes in the parent’s ownership interest and requires fair value measurement of any noncontrolling equity investment retained in a deconsolidation. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact adopting SFAS No. 160 will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

 

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26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  a. Recent accounting pronouncements (continued)

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2008), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) broadens the guidance of SFAS No. 141, extending its applicability to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. It broadens the fair value measurement and recognition of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and interests transferred as a result of business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) expands on required disclosures to improve the statement users’ abilities to evaluate the nature and financial effects of business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) will have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for any future acquisitions.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities, including (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company does not expect that the adoption of the pronouncement will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP Accounting Principles Board Opinions (“APB”) 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments that May be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“FSP APB 14-1” or “the FSP”). The FSP requires cash settled convertible debt to be bifurcated into debt and equity components and accounted for separately at issuance. The value assigned to the debt component would be the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of a similar bond without the conversion feature. The difference between the bond cash proceeds and this estimated fair value would be recorded as a debt discount and amortized to interest expense over the life of the bond. The equity component of the convertible debt securities would be included in the paid-in-capital section of shareholders’ equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and the initial carrying values of these debt securities would be correspondingly reduced. Management does not expect that the application of this standard will have any significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB FSP SFAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (“FSP 157-3”). FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP 157-3 is effective upon issuance, including for prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued. Revisions resulting from a change in the valuation technique or its application should be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate following the guidance in SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” (“SFAS 154”). However, the disclosure provisions in SFAS 154 for a change in accounting estimate are not required for revisions resulting from a change in valuation technique or its application. Management considered FSP 157-3 in the determination of estimated fair values as of December 31, 2008, and the impact was not significant.

 

  b. Goodwill

 

     December 31,  
   2007    2008  
   NT$    NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Balance, January 1, 2008

   128,455    969,188     29,584  

Arising from acquisition of additional interest in a subsidiary

   840,733    —       —    

Impairment loss recognized

   —      (969,188 )   (29,584 )
                 

Balance, December 31, 2008

   969,188    —       —    
                 

 

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26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  b. Goodwill (continued)

 

The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit, which is measured based upon, among other factors, market multiples for comparable companies as well as a discounted cash flow analysis. The goodwill is allocated to two reporting units: ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin. If the recorded value of the assets, including goodwill, and liabilities (“net book value”) of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss may be required to be recognized.

Pursuant to the guidance in SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”), the measurement of impairment of goodwill consists of two steps. In the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. In connection with the preparation of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, management made a determination of the fair value of the two reporting units. Fair value is determined using a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value based upon future revenue, expenses and cash flows discounted to their present value, and a market approach, which estimates fair value using market multiples to various financial measures compared to a set of comparable public companies in listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Management concluded the estimated fair values of the reporting units were less than their net book values. Accordingly the guidance in SFAS 142 requires a second step to determine the implied fair value of the Company’s goodwill, and to compare it to the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill. This second step includes valuing all of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had been acquired in a business combination, including valuing all of its intangible assets even if they were not currently recorded to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. Based on management’s analysis incorporating the declining market capitalization in 2008, as well as the significant market deterioration and economic uncertainties impacting expected future demand, management concluded that the entire goodwill balance of NT$969,188 thousand was impaired. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of approximately NT$969,188 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 to write-off the entire carrying value of its goodwill.

 

  c. Income tax expense

Income (loss) before income tax, minority interest and interest in bonuses paid by subsidiaries consists of the following:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Bermuda

   (1,000,678 )   328,336     (1,359,727 )   (41,506 )

ROC

   4,839,755     4,533,334     (3,782,118 )   (115,449 )

Others

   (354,214 )   (520,781 )   (2,109,572 )   (64,395 )
                        
   3,484,863     4,340,889     (7,251,417 )   (221,350 )
                        

Income tax expense consists of:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Income tax for the current year

        

Bermuda

   89,895     347,107     346,754     10,585  

ROC

   296,878     406,463     4,867     148  

Others

   262     (69,873 )   1,016     31  
                        
   387,035     683,697     352,637     10,764  

Deferred income tax

        

Bermuda

   —       —       —       —    

ROC

   243,625     18,062     (332,955 )   (10,163 )

Others

   —       57,221     262,435     8,011  
                        
   243,625     75,283     (70,520 )   (2,152 )

Adjustment of prior years’ income taxes

   (4,673 )   32,968     (201,717 )   (6,158 )
                        

Income tax expense

   625,987     791,948     80,400     2,454  
                        

 

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Table of Contents
26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  c. Income tax expense (continued)

 

Reconciliation between the income tax calculated on pre-tax financial statement income based on the statutory tax rate and the income tax expense which conforms to U.S. GAAP is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Tax on pretax income (loss) at 0%

   —       —       —       —    

Tax on pretax income (loss) at applicable statutory rates

   1,350,042     1,447,850     (1,147,034 )   (35,013 )

Additional 10% on the unappropriated earnings

   111,066     171,597     166,318     5,077  

Tax effects of:

        

Tax-exempt (income) loss

   (196,026 )   (59,661 )   134,173     4,095  

Permanent differences

        

Non-taxable (gain)/loss on sales of investment

   32,130     (9,748 )   (2,153 )   (66 )

Non-deductible investment losses

   (117,131 )   (25,439 )   74,792     2,283  

Non-deductible expense

   (1,221 )   (1,027 )   378,483     11,553  

Other

   —       —       9,150     279  

Temporary differences

   —       2,427     —       —    

Tax credits - utilized

   (506,285 )   (723,594 )   (165,909 )   (5,064 )

          - deferred

   (206,923 )   172,174     (22,867 )   (698 )

Valuation allowance

   284,392     (248,472 )   871,769     26,611  

Loss recognized

   (6,764 )   4,125     —       —    

Losses carried forward

   (246,352 )   (4,125 )   227,739     6,952  

Losses carried forward – deferred

   133,732     —       (227,739 )   (6,952 )

Adjustment of prior year’s income tax

   (4,673 )   65,841     (216,322 )   (6,603 )
                        

Income tax expense

   625,987     791,948     80,400     2,454  
                        

The components of net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) were as follows:

 

     December 31,  
   2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Deferred income tax assets

      

Current

      

Unrealized foreign exchange loss

   2,321     (1,203 )   (36 )

Tax credits

   —       302,778     9,242  

Loss of market price decline and obsolete and slow-moving inventories

   13,734     21,174     646  

Unrealized loss on sale allowances

   53,279     26,684     815  

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   —       573,004     17,491  

Others

   15,746     5,425     165  
                  
   85,080     927,862     28,323  

Valuation allowance

   (2,387 )   (578,352 )   (17,654 )
                  
   82,693     349,510     10,669  
                  

Non-current

      

Unrealized impairment loss on idle fixed assets

   106     —       —    

Tax credits

   946,302     666,391     20,342  

Losses carried forward

   75,648     612,329     18,691  

Impairment loss

   —       150     4  

Building

   754     705     22  

Start-up costs

   831     407     12  

Others

   309,751     402,030     12,272  
                  
   1,333,392     1,682,012     51,343  

Valuation allowances

   (775,030 )   (1,243,186 )   (37,948 )
                  
   558,362     438,826     13,395  
                  

Deferred income tax liabilities

      

Non-current

      

Depreciation differences

   (698,001 )   (615,269 )   (18,781 )

Interest capitalization

   (7,401 )   (3,516 )   (107 )

Inventory valuation

   —       9,205     281  
                  
   (705,402 )   (609,580 )   (18,607 )
                  
   (147,040 )   (170,754 )   (5,212 )
                  

 

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Table of Contents
26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  d. Pension plans

The impact of the adoption of SFAS No.158 has been reflected within the consolidated financial statements as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Components of net periodic benefit cost

        

Service cost

   1,688     1,662     1,579     48  

Interest cost

   7,790     8,735     12,463     380  

Project return on plan assets

   (4,740 )   (5,500 )   (7,910 )   (241 )

Net amortization and deferral:

        

Unrecognized net transition obligation

   53     (293 )   (293 )   (9 )

Curtailment loss

   780     4,191     7,295     223  

Net prior service cost

   —       —       (56 )   (2 )
                        

Net periodic benefit cost

   5,571     8,795     13,078     399  
                        

Recognized in other comprehensive income:

        

Unrecognized net transition obligation

   5     (1,225 )   (62 )   (2 )

Net prior service cost

   —       —       (4,149 )   (126 )

Unrecognized actuarial loss

   44,638     162,359     3,259     99  
                        

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

   44,643     161,134     (952 )   (29 )
                        

Total recognized in total benefit cost and other comprehensive income

   50,214     169,929     12,126     370  
                        

The estimated net transition assets and actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into benefits cost in 2009 is NT$136 thousand (US$4 thousand) and NT$7,151 thousand (US$218 thousand), respectively.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Changes in benefit obligation

        

Benefit obligation at beginning of Year

   283,253     317,646     475,794     14,524  

Service cost

   1,688     1,662     1,579     48  

Interest cost

   7,781     8,735     12,463     380  

Plan amendments

   —       —       (3,581 )   (109 )

Actuarial loss

   24,924     147,751     10,293     314  
                        

Benefit obligation at end of year

   317,646     475,794     496,548     15,157  
                        

Changes in plan assets

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   156,171     199,991     249,596     7,619  

Actual return on plan assets

   4,165     5,955     9,156     279  

Employer contribution

   39,656     43,691     32,780     1,001  
                        
   199,992     249,637     291,532     8,899  
                        

Funds status

   (117,654 )   (226,157 )   (205,016 )   (6,258 )

Unrecognized actuarial loss

   68,184     (13,000 )   (24,476 )   (747 )
                        

Net amount recognized (recognized as accrued pension cost)

   (49,470 )   (239,157 )   (229,492 )   (7,005 )
                        

 

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Table of Contents
26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  d. Pension plans (continued)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of minority interests, consist of:

 

     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Unrecognized net transition obligation (asset)

   (3,323 )   (3,004 )   (92 )

Net prior service cost

   —       (3,525 )   (108 )

Unrecognized loss

   217,548     219,382     6,697  
                  

Gross amount recognized

   214,225     212,853     6,497  

Minority interests

   (8,448 )   (8,028 )   (245 )
                  

Total recognized in total benefit cost and other comprehensive income

   205,777     204,825     6,252  
                  
     2006     2007     2008  

Actuarial assumptions

      

Discount rate

   2.75 %   2.75 %   2.75 %

Rate of compensation increase

   4.25 %   4.25 %   4.25 %

Expected return on plan assets

   2.75 %   2.75 %   3.00 %

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was NT$232,107 thousand and NT$240,221 thousand at December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

There were no pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2007 and 2008.

The plan assets are all invested in the Central Trust of China. The plan benefits are based on employees’ years of service and compensation. The plan assets primarily consist of cash, government loans, equity securities, notes and bonds.

The fair value of the plan assets was NT$249,637 thousand and NT$291,532 thousand (US$8,899 thousand) at December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2007 and 2008, these assets were allocated among asset categories as follows:

 

Asset category

   2007     2008     Current minimum,
target and maximum
allocation policy
 

Equity securities

   10 %   31 %   11 %

Bonds

   13 %   15 %   2 %

Notes

   12 %   12 %   2 %

Government loans

   2 %   2 %   2 %

Foreign investment

   6 %   —       —    

Cash

   57 %   40 %   2 %
              

Total

   100 %   100 %  
              

Under ROC regulation, government authority will collect the fund as Labor Retirement Fund and determine the assets allocation and investment policy.

ChipMOS Taiwan and ThaiLin anticipate contributing NT$21,963 thousand to their pension plans during 2009.

The Company has no other post-retirement or post-employment benefit plans.

 

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26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  e. Statements of cash flows

ROC SFAS No. 17, “Statement of Cash Flows” has been applied. Its objectives and principles are similar to those set out in SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows” (“SFAS No. 95”). The principal differences between the standards relate to classification. Summarized cash flow data by operating, investing and financing activities in accordance with SFAS No. 95 are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007     2008  
   NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Net cash inflow (outflow) from:

        

Operating activities

   6,271,447     10,322,132     4,890,631     149,287  

Investing activities

   (15,086,913 )   (12,212,084 )   (2,296,914 )   (70,114 )

Financing activities

   9,881,178     522,085     (1,405,512 )   (42,903 )
                        
   1,065,712     (1,367,867 )   1,188,205     36,270  

Effect of changes in foreign exchange rate

   12,848     38,787     46,329     1,414  

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year

   4,607,003     5,685,563     4,356,483     132,982  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year

   5,685,563     4,356,483     5,591,017     170,666  
                        

 

  f. Statements of comprehensive income

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
   2006     2007    2008  
   NT$     NT$    NT$     US$  
   (in thousands)  

Net income based on U.S. GAAP

   1,253,106     2,901,670    (7,177,661 )   (219,098 )

Other comprehensive income (loss):

         

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale security

   (5,648 )   —      —       —    

Translation adjustment

   78,345     209,390    156,250     4,770  
                       

Comprehensive income

   1,325,803     3,111,060    (7,021,411 )   (214,328 )
                       

Components in other comprehensive income refer to investments in MVI and ProMOS. Under ROC laws, those losses and gains are not subject to income tax. Therefore, no tax expense or benefit is allocated to such investments.

 

  g. Statements of accumulated other comprehensive income

 

     Unrecognized
Pension Costs
    Translation
Adjustment
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     NT$     NT$    NT$

December 31, 2006

   (44,643 )   68,074    23,431

Addition in 2007

   (161,134 )   209,390    48,256
               

December 31, 2007

   (205,777 )   277,464    71,687

Addition in 2008

   952     156,250    157,202
               

December 31, 2008

   (204,825 )   433,714    228,889
               

 

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26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

 

  h. Shareholders’ equity

Employee stock-based compensation has been accounted for under SFAS No. 123(R).

The Company has in place a Share Option Plan (2001 Plan). Under the terms of the plan, the exercise price set on the grant of share options may not be less than the par value of a Company Share on the date of grant of such option. In August 2006, the Company adopted a second Share Option Plan (2006 Plan). The number of shares that may be issued under the two plans is 16,000,000 shares and may consist in whole or part of authorized but unissued shares of the Company which are not reserved for any other purpose. No consideration is payable for the grant of an option.

Under the plans, options may be granted to all directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its affiliates. Options are exercisable for a maximum of ten years from the date on which such option is granted and five years from the date on which such option is granted if the holder of the option owns more than 10% of the combined voting power of the Company at the time the option is granted.

In September 2006, the Company adopted a share appreciation rights plan. The share appreciation rights plan provides that the directors, officers and employees of the Company and its affiliates may be granted cash-settled share appreciation rights.

The fair value for options granted has been estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Year of grant

   Risk free
interest rate
    Expected life    Expected volatility     Expected
dividend yield
 

2002

   4.75 %   5 years    114.91 %   0 %

2003

   4.75 %   4.25 years    118.07% ~ 148.73 %   0 %

2004

   1.75 %   4.25 years    112.40% ~ 123.07 %   0 %

2006

   4.62% ~ 4.74 %   4.25 years    102.67% ~ 133.21 %   0 %

2007

   3.32% ~ 5.04 %   4.25 years    134.71% ~ 171.09 %   0 %

2008

   1.30% ~ 3.42 %   4.25 ~ 6 years    97.83% ~ 188.06 %   0 %

The following table presents the stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2008.

 

     Number of
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
           US$    US$
                (in thousands)

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

   6,558,736     4.03   

Granted

   1,884,400     5.34   

Forfeited

   (228,631 )   5.46   

Exercised

   (865,612 )   2.69   
           

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

   7,348,893     4.48   

Granted

   3,981,487     1.92   

Forfeited

   (763,229 )   4.34   

Exercised

   (127,850 )   0.81   

Expired

   (1,180,738 )   2.35   
           

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

   9,258,563     3.71    8
           

Exercisable at December 31, 2007

   3,538,111     3.68   
           

Exercisable at December 31, 2008

   3,501,848     4.77    —  
           

Vested and expected to vest in 2007

   7,158,354     4.46   
           

Vested and expected to vest in 2008

   8,970,727     3.73    7
           

 

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Table of Contents
26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  h. Shareholders’ equity (continued)

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total intrinsic value (i.e., the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of US$0.25 on December 31, 2008 (December 31, 2007: US$4.26) and the exercise price, times the number of options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2008. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2008 was nil (2007: NT$3,535 thousand). The total fair value of options vested and forfeited during the year ended December 31, 2008 was NT$121,802 thousand (US$3,718 thousand) (2007: NT$108,478 thousand). The number of options vested during the year ended December 31, 2008 was 127,850 (2007: 865,612). The weighted average remaining contractual term of the outstanding options at December 31, 2008 was 4.5 (2007: 6) years.

As of December 31, 2008, NT$40,878 thousand (US$1,248 thousand) (2007: NT$124,973 thousand) of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3 years.

The Company’s employees have the ability to exercise a stock option (i.e., remit cash consideration to the Company for the exercise price) in exchange for stock during the vesting period of the award.

The following table presents a summary of the number of and weighted average grant date fair values regarding the unvested share options as of December 31, 2008 and changes during the year then ended:

 

     Number of
Options
    Weighted
Average
Fair
Value
           US$

Unvested options outstanding at December 31, 2006

   3,332,810     4.34

Granted

   1,884,400     5.64

Vested

   (1,177,797 )   3.94

Forfeited

   (228,631 )   5.12
        

Unvested options outstanding at December 31, 2007

   3,810,782     5.06

Granted

   3,981,487     1.66

Vested

   (1,272,325 )   5.63

Forfeited

   (763,229 )   4.69
        

Unvested options outstanding at December 31, 2008

   5,756,715     3.06
        

The Company’s determination of fair value of employee share options on the date of grant using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards. Option pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options. Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance with SFAS 123(R) using an option pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

 

F-60


Table of Contents
26. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  i. Convertible notes

The Company accounts for the conversion option in the convertible notes as derivative liabilities in accordance with SFAS No. 133 and Emerging Interpretation Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-19 “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock”. The discount attributable to the issuance date aggregate fair value of the conversion option, totaling NT$1,198,510 thousand (US$36,585 thousand), is being amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the convertible notes.

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 their original issue date and their fair value on December 31, 2008 using an option pricing model. As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities amounted to nil thousand. The effect of the fair market value adjustment of NT$203,698 thousand (US$6,218 thousand) was recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.

The following assumptions were applied to the convertible notes using the option pricing model:

 

     December 31,
2008
    December 31,
2008
 
     CN due 2009     CN due 2011  

Market price

   US$ 0.25     US$ 0.25  

Conversion price

   US$ 6.28     US$ 6.85  

Term

     5 years       5 years  

Volatility

     82.7686 %     42.5321 %

Risk-free interest rate

     1.91917 %     1.68275 %

Please refer to Note 14 for details of the terms of the convertible notes.

 

F-61

Bye-laws of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD

Exhibit 1.2

BYE-LAWS

OF

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the within written Bye-Laws are a true copy of the Bye-Laws of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. (the “Company”) as adopted by a written resolution of the sole shareholder of the Company on the 12th day of January 2001, and amended up to a general meeting of the shareholders of the Company held on the 29 August 2008.

LOGO

 

 

 
  Director  

Prepared by

Appleby

8th Floor, Bank of America Tower

12 Harcourt Road

Central

Hong Kong


INDEX

 

BYE-LAW

  

SUBJECT

   PAGE

1

   Interpretation    1 - 3

2

   Registered Office    4

3,4

   Share Rights    4 - 5

5,6

   Modification of Rights    5 - 6

7-9

   Shares    6 - 7

10-12

   Certificates    7

13-15

   Lien    8 - 9

16-21

   Calls on Shares    9 - 10

22-28

   Forfeiture of Shares    10 - 12

29-29A

   Register of Shareholders    12 - 13

30

   Register of Directors and Officers    13

31-34

   Transfer of Shares    13 - 15

35-38

   Transmission of Shares    16 - 17

39-41

   Increase of Capital    17 - 18

42,43

   Alteration of Capital    18 - 19

44,45

   Reduction of Capital    19

46

   General Meetings and Written Resolutions    20 - 22

47,48

   Notice of General Meetings    22 - 23

49-55

   Proceedings at General Meetings    23 - 25

56-67

   Voting    25 - 28

68-73

   Proxies and Corporate Representatives    29 - 31

74-76

   Appointment and Removal of Directors    31 - 33


BYE-LAW

  

SUBJECT

   PAGE

77

   Resignation and Disqualification of Directors    33

78-80

   Alternate Directors    34

81

   Directors’ Fees and Additional Remuneration and Expenses    35

82

   Directors’ Interests    35 - 37

83-87

   Powers and Duties of the Board    37 - 38

88-90

   Delegation of the Board’s Powers    39

91-99

   Proceedings of the Board    40 - 42

100

   Officers    43

101

   Minutes    43 - 44

102, 103

   Secretary and Resident Representative    44

104

   The Seal    44 - 45

105-111

   Dividends and Other Payments    46 - 48

112

   Reserves    48

113,114

   Capitalization of Profits    48 - 49

115

   Record Dates    50

116-118

   Accounting Records    50 - 51

119

   Audit    51

120-122

   Service of Notices and Other Documents    51 - 54

123

   Winding Up    54

124-128

   Indemnity    54 - 57

129

   Extraordinary Transactions    57

130

   Continuation    58

131

   Alteration of Bye-Laws    58


BYE-LAWS

of

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.

INTERPRETATION

 

1.   (1)  

In these Bye-Laws unless the context otherwise requires -

 

“Bermuda” means the Islands of Bermuda;

 

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company or the Directors present at a meeting of Directors at which there is a quorum;

 

“the Companies Acts” means every Bermuda statute from time to time in force concerning companies insofar as the same applies to the Company;

 

“Company” means the company incorporated in Bermuda under the name of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. on 1st August, 2000;

 

“Director” means a director of the Company;

 

“Officer” means a person appointed by the Board pursuant to Bye-Law 100 of these Bye-Laws and shall not include an auditor of the Company;

 

“paid up” means paid up or credited as paid up;

 

1 “Principal Register” means the register of shareholders of the Company maintained in Bermuda;

 

2“Register” means the Principal Register and any branch register to be kept pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act;

 

“Registered Office” means the registered office for the time being of the Company;

 

1

New definition inserted on 14 Dec 2001

2

Definition amended on 14 Dec 2001

 

1


   

3Registration Office means in respect of any class of share capital, such place or places in the Relevant Territory or elsewhere where the Directors from time to time determine to keep a branch register of shareholders in respect of that class of share capital and where (except in the case where the Directors otherwise agree) transfers or other documents of title for such class of share capital are to be lodged for registration and are to be registered;

 

4Relevant Territory means such territory as the Directors may from time to time decide if the issued share capital of the Company is listed on a stock exchange in such territory;

 

Resident Representative means the individual (or, if permitted in accordance with the Companies Acts, the company) appointed to perform the duties of resident representative set out in the Companies Acts and includes any assistant or deputy Resident Representative appointed by the Board to perform any of the duties of the Resident Representative;

 

Resolution means a resolution of the Shareholders or, where required, of a separate class or separate classes of Shareholders, adopted either in general meeting or by written resolution, in accordance with the provisions of these Bye-Laws;

 

Seal means the common seal of the Company and includes any duplicate thereof;

 

Secretary includes a temporary or assistant or deputy Secretary and any person appointed by the Board to perform any of the duties of the Secretary of the Company;

 

 

3

New definition inserted on 14 Dec 2001

4

New Definition inserted on 14 Dec 2001

 

2


   

5“Securities Seal” means a seal for use for sealing certificates for shares or other securities issued by the Company which is a facsimile of the Seal of the Company with the addition on its face of the words “Securities Seal”:

 

6 “share”means a share of the Company and includes a fraction of a share;

 

“Shareholder” means a shareholder or member of the Company;

 

“these Bye-Laws” means these Bye-Laws in their present form or as from time to time amended;

  (2)   For the purposes of these Bye-Laws a corporation shall be deemed to be present in person if its representative duly authorised pursuant to the Companies Acts is present;
  (3)   Words importing only the singular number include the plural number and vice versa;
  (4)   Words importing only the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter genders respectively;
  (5)   Words importing persons include companies or associations or bodies of persons, whether corporate or un-incorporate;
  (6)   Reference to writing shall include typewriting, printing, lithography, photography and other modes of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form;
  (7)   Any words or expressions defined in the Companies Acts in force at the date when these Bye-Laws or any part thereof are adopted shall bear the same meaning in these Bye-Laws or such part (as the case may be).

 

5

New definition inserted on 14 Dec 2001

6

New Definition inserted on 29 Aug 2008

 

3


REGISTERED OFFICE

2.

   The Registered Office shall be at such place in Bermuda as the Board shall from time to time appoint.
SHARE RIGHTS

3.

   Subject to any special rights conferred on the holders of any share or class of shares, any share in the Company may be issued with or have attached thereto such preferred, deferred, qualified or other special rights or such restrictions, whether in regard to dividend, voting, return of capital or otherwise, as the Company may by Resolution determine or, if there has not been any such determination or so far as the same shall not make specific provision, as the Board may determine.

4.

   (1)    Subject to the Companies Acts, any preference shares may, with the sanction of a resolution of the Board, be issued on terms:
     

(a)    that they are to be redeemed on the happening of a specified event or on a given date; and/or,

 

(b)    that they arc liable to be redeemed at the option of the Company; and/or,

 

(c)    if authorised by the memorandum/incorporating act of the Company, that they are liable to be redeemed at the option of the holder.

 

The terms and manner of redemption shall he provided for in such resolution of the Board and shall be attached to but shall not form part of these Bye-Laws.

 

4


   (2)    7The Board may, at its discretion and without the sanction of a Resolution, authorise the acquisition by the Company of its own shares for cash or other consideration, to be held as treasury shares, upon such terms as the Board may in its discretion determine, PROVIDED ALWAYS that such acquisition is effected in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts. The Company shall be entered in the Register as a Shareholder in respect of the shares held by the Company as treasury shares and shall be a Shareholder of the Company but subject always to the provisions of the Companies Acts and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall not exercise any rights in respect of such shares, save as expressly provided for in the Companies Act.
MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS

5.

   Subject to the Companies Acts, all or any of the special rights for the time being attached to any class of shares for the time being issued may from time to time (whether or not the Company is being wound up) be altered or abrogated with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than seventy five percent of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a Resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of such shares voting in person or by proxy. To any such separate general meeting, all the provisions of these Bye-Laws as to general meetings of the Company shall mutatis mutandis apply, but so that the necessary quorum shall be two or more persons holding or representing by proxy any of the shares of the relevant class, that every holder of shares of the relevant class shall be entitled on a poll to one vote for every such share held by him and that any holder of shares of the relevant class present in person or by proxy may demand a poll; provided, however, that if the Company or a class of Shareholders shall have only one Shareholder, one Shareholder present in person or by proxy shall constitute the necessary quorum.

 

7

Bye-law 4(2) amended on 29 Aug 2008

 

5


6.    The special rights conferred upon the holders of any shares or class of shares shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided in the rights attaching to or the terms of issue of such shares, be deemed to be altered by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu therewith.
SHARES
7.    Subject to the provisions of these Bye-Laws, the unissued shares of the Company (whether forming part of the original capital or any increased capital) shall be at the disposal of the Board, which may offer, allot, grant options over or otherwise dispose of them to such persons, at such times and for such consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the Board may determine.

87A.

   Subject to the provisions of these Bye-Laws, any shares of the Company held by the Company as treasury shares shall be at the disposal of the Board, which may hold all or any of the shares, dispose of or transfer all or any of the shares for cash or other consideration, or cancel all or any of the shares.

8.

   The Board may in connection with the issue of any shares exercise all powers of paying commission and brokerage conferred or permitted by law.

9.

   Except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by law, no person shall be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon trust and the Company shall not be bound by or required in any way to recognise (even when having

 

8

Insertion of new Bye-law 7A on 29 Aug 2008

 

6


   notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any interest in any fractional part of a share or (except only as otherwise provided in these Bye-Laws, or by law) any other right in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the registered holder.
CERTIFICATES
10.    The preparation, issue and delivery of certificates shall be governed by the Companies Acts. In the case of a share held jointly by several persons, delivery of a certificate to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all.

11.

   If a share certificate is defaced, lost or destroyed it may be replaced without fee but on such terms (if any) as to evidence and indemnity and to payment of the costs and out of pocket expenses of the Company in investigating such evidence and preparing such indemnity as the Board may think fit and, in case of defacement, on delivery of the old certificate to the Company.

12.

   All certificates for share or loan capital or other securities of the Company (other than letters of allotment, scrip certificates and other like documents) shall, except to the extent that the terms and conditions for the time being relating thereto otherwise provide, be issued under the Seal. The Board may by resolution determine, either generally or in any particular case, that any signatures on any such certificates need not be autographic but may be affixed to such certificates by some mechanical means or may be printed thereon or that such certificates need not be signed by any persons.

 

7


LIEN
13.    The Company shall have a first and paramount lien on every share (not being a fully paid share) for all moneys, whether presently payable or not, called or payable, at a date fixed by or in accordance with the terms of issue of such share in respect of such share, and the Company shall also have a first and paramount lien on every share (other than a fully paid share) standing registered in the name of a Shareholder, whether singly or jointly with any other person, for all the debts and liabilities of such Shareholder or his estate to the Company, whether the same shall have been incurred before or after notice to the Company of any interest of any person other than such Shareholder, and whether the time for the payment or discharge of the same shall have actually arrived or not, and notwithstanding that the same are joint debts or liabilities of such Shareholder or his estate and any other person, whether a Shareholder or not. The Company’s lien on a share shall extend to all dividends payable thereon. The Board may at any time, either generally or in any particular case, waive any lien that has arisen or declare any share to be wholly or in part exempt from the provisions of this Bye-Law.
14.    The Company may sell, in such manner as the Board may think fit, any share on which the Company has a lien but no sale shall be made unless some sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable nor until the expiration of fourteen days after a notice in writing, stating and demanding payment of the sum presently payable and giving notice of the intention to sell in default of such payment, has been served on the holder for the time being of the share.

 

8


15.    The net proceeds of sale by the Company of any shares on which it has a lien shall be applied in or towards payment or discharge of the debt or liability in respect of which the lien exists so far as the same is presently payable, and any residue shall (subject to a like lien for debts or liabilities not presently payable as existed upon the share prior to the sale) be paid to the person who was the holder of the share immediately before such sale. For giving effect to any such sale the Board may authorise some person to transfer the share sold to the purchaser thereof The purchaser shall be registered as the holder of the share and he shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money, nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the sale.
CALLS ON SHARES
16.    The Board may from time to time make calls upon the Shareholders in respect of any moneys unpaid on their shares (whether on account of the par value of the shares or by way of premium) and not by the terms of issue thereof made payable at a date fixed by or in accordance with such terms of issue, and each Shareholder shall (subject to the Company serving upon him at least fourteen days notice specifying the time or times and place of payment) pay to the Company at the time or times and place so specified the amount called on his shares. A call may be revoked or postponed as the Board may determine.
17.    A call may be made payable by instalments and shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the Board authorising the call was passed.

 

9


18.

   The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect thereof.

19.

   If a sum called in respect of the share shall not be paid before or on the day appointed for payment thereof the person from whom the sum is due shall pay interest on the sum from the day appointed for the payment thereof to the time of actual payment at such rate as the Board may determine, but the Board shall be at liberty to waive payment of such interest wholly or in part.

20.

   Any sum which, by the terms of issue of a share, becomes payable on allotment or at any date fixed by or in accordance with such terms of issue, whether on account of the nominal amount of the share or by way of premium, shall for all the purposes of' these Bye-Laws be deemed to be a call duly made, notified and payable on the date on which, by the terms of issue, the same becomes payable and, in case of non-payment, all the relevant provisions of these Bye-Laws as to payment of interest, forfeiture or otherwise shall apply as if such sum had become payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.

21.

   The Board may on the issue of shares differentiate between the allottees or holders as to the amount of calls to be paid and the times of payment.
FORFEITURE OF SHARES

22.

   If a Shareholder fails to pay any call or installment of a call on the day appointed for payment thereof, the Board may at any time thereafter during such time as any part of such call or instalment remains unpaid serve a notice on him requiring payment of so much of the call or instalment as is unpaid, together with any interest which may have accrued.

 

10


23. The notice shall name a further day (not being less than 14 days from the date of the notice) on or before which, and the place where, the payment required by the notice is to be made and shall state that, in the event of non-payment on or before the day and at the place appointed, the shares in respect of which such call is made or instalment is payable will be liable to be forfeited. The Board may accept the surrender of any share liable to be forfeited hereunder and, in such case, references in these Bye-Laws to forfeiture shall include surrender.

 

24. If the requirements of any such notice as aforesaid are not complied with, any share in respect of which such notice has been given may at any time thereafter, before payment of all calls or instalments and interest due in respect thereof has been made, be forfeited by a resolution of the Board to that effect. Such forfeiture shall include all dividends declared in respect of the forfeited shares and not actually paid before the forfeiture.

 

25. When any share has been forfeited, notice of the forfeiture shall be served upon the person who was before forfeiture the holder of the share; but no forfeiture shall be in any manner invalidated by any omission or neglect to give such notice as aforesaid.

 

26. A forfeited share shall be deemed to be the property of the Company and may be sold, re-offered or otherwise disposed of either to the person who was, before forfeiture, the holder thereof or entitled thereto or to any other person upon such terms and in such manner as the Board shall think fit, and at any time before a sale, re-allotment or disposition the forfeiture may be cancelled on such terms as the Board may think fit.

 

11


27. A person whose shares have been forfeited shall thereupon cease to be a Shareholder in respect of the forfeited shares hut shall, notwithstanding the forfeiture, remain liable to pay to the Company all moneys which at the date of forfeiture were presently payable by him to the Company in respect of the shares with interest thereon at such rate as the Board may determine from the date of forfeiture until payment, and the Company may enforce payment without being under any obligation to make any allowance for the value of the shares forfeited.

 

28. An affidavit in writing that the deponent is a Director or the Secretary and that a share has been duly forfeited on the date stated in the affidavit shall be conclusive evidence of the facts therein stated as against all persons claiming to be entitled to the share, The Company may receive the consideration (if any) given for the share on the sale, re-allotment or disposition thereof and the Board may authorise some person to transfer the share to the person to whom the same is sold, re-allotted or disposed of, and he shall thereupon be registered as the holder of the share and shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money (if any) nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the forfeiture, sale, re-allotment or disposal of the share.

REGISTER OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

29. The Secretary shall establish and maintain the Register at the Registered Office in the manner prescribed by the Companies Acts. Unless the Board otherwise determines, the Register shall be open to inspection in the manner prescribed by the Companies Acts between 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 noon on every working day. Unless the Board so determines, no Shareholder or intending Shareholder shall be entitled to have entered in the Register any indication of any trust or any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or any interest in any fractional part of a share and if any such entry exists or is permitted by the Board it shall not be deemed to abrogate any of the provisions of Bye-Law 9.

 

12


929A. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts, if the Board considers it necessary or appropriate, the Company may establish and maintain a local or branch register at such location outside Bermuda as the Board thinks fit and, while the issued share capital of the Company is, with the consent of the Board, listed on any stock exchange in any place outside Bermuda, the Company shall keep a branch register in the place where the Company’s shares are listed.

REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

30. The Secretary shall establish and maintain a register of the Directors and Officers as required by the Companies Acts. The register of Directors and Officers shall be open to inspection in the manner prescribed by the Companies Acts between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on every working day.

TRANSFER OF SHARES

 

31. Subject to the Companies Acts and to such of the restrictions contained in these Bye-Laws as may be applicable, any Shareholder may transfer all or any of his shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual common form or in any other form which the Board may approve. 10No such instrument shall be required on the redemption of a share or on the purchase by the Company of a share.

 

9 New Bye-Law 29A inserted on 14 Dec 2001
10 Bye-law 31 amended on 29 Aug 2008

 

13


32. The instrument of transfer of a share shall be signed by or on behalf of the transferor and where any share is not fully-paid, the transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of the share until the name of the transferee is entered in the Register in respect thereof. All instruments of transfer when registered may be retained by the Company. The Board may, in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason therefor, decline to register any transfer of any share which is not a fully-paid share. The Board may also decline to register any transfer unless:-

 

  (1) the instrument of transfer is duly stamped (if required by law) and lodged with the Company, accompanied by the certificate for the shares to which it relates, and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

  (2) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share; and

 

  (3) where applicable, the permission of the Bermuda Monetary Authority with respect thereto has been obtained.

Subject to any directions of the Board from time to time in force, the Secretary may exercise the powers and discretions of the Board under this Bye-Law and Bye-Laws 31 and 33.

 

33. If the Board declines to register a transfer it shall, within the months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to the transferee notice of such refusal.

 

1133A     (1)             The Board may, in its absolute discretion, at any time and from time to time transfer any share upon the Principal Register to any branch register or any share on any branch register to the Principal Register or any other branch register.

  

 

11 New Bye-Law 33A inserted on 14 Dec 2001

 

14


  (2) Unless the Board otherwise agree (which agreement may be on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Board in its absolute discretion may from time to time stipulate, and which agreement it shall, without giving any reason therefor, be entitled in its absolute discretion to give or withhold) no shares on the Principal Register shall be transferred to any branch register nor shall shares on any branch register be transferred to the Principal Register or any other branch register and all transfers and other documents of title shall be lodged for registration, and registered, in the case of any shares on a branch register, at the relevant Registration Office, and, in the case of any shares on the Principal Register, at the transfer office where the Principal Register is kept. Unless the Board otherwise agrees, all transfers and other documents of title shall be lodged for registration with, and registered at, the relevant Registration Office.

 

  (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Bye-Law, the Company shall as soon as practicable and on a regular basis record in the Principal Register all transfers of shares effected on any branch register and shall at all times maintain the Principal Register in all respects in accordance with the Companies Act.

 

34. Subject to the Companies Acts, the Company may charge such reasonable fee as may be determined by the Board from time to time for registering any transfer, probate, letters of administration, certificate of death or marriage, power of attorney, distringas or stop notice, order of court or other instrument relating to or affecting the title to any share, or otherwise making an entry in the Register relating to any share.

 

15


TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

 

35. In the case of the death of a Shareholder, the survivor or survivors, where the deceased was a joint holder, and the estate representative, where he was sole holder, shall be the only person recognized by the Company as having any title to his shares; but nothing herein contained shall release the estate of a deceased holder (whether the sole or joint) from any liability in respect of any share held by him solely or jointly with other persons. For the purpose of this Bye-Law, estate representative means the person to whom probate or letters of administration has or have been granted in Bermuda or, failing any such person, such other person as the Board may in its absolute discretion determine to be the person recognised by the Company for the purpose of this Bye-Law.

 

36. Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death of a Shareholder or otherwise by operation of applicable law may, subject as hereafter provided and upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time be required by the Board as to his entitlement, either be registered himself as the holder of the share or elect to have some person nominated by him registered as the transferee thereof. If the person so becoming entitled elects to be registered himself, he shall deliver or send to the Company a notice in writing signed by him stating that he so elects. If he shall elect to have his nominee registered, he shall signify his election by signing an instrument of transfer of such share in favour of his nominee. All the limitations, restrictions and provisions of these Bye-Laws relating to the right to transfer and the registration of transfer of shares shall be applicable to any such notice or instrument of transfer as aforesaid as if the death of the Shareholder or other event giving rise to the transmission had not occurred and the notice or instrument of transfer was an instrument of transfer signed by such Shareholder.

 

16


37. A person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death of a Shareholder or otherwise by operation of applicable law shall (upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time be required by the Board as to his entitlement) be entitled to receive and may give a discharge for any dividends or other moneys payable in respect of the share, but he shall not be entitled in respect of the share to receive notices of or to attend or vote at general meetings of the Company or, save as aforesaid, to exercise in respect of the share any of the rights or privileges of a Shareholder until he shall have become registered as the holder thereof. The Board may at any time give notice requiring such person to elect either to be registered himself or to transfer the share and, if the notice is not complied with within sixty days, the Board may thereafter withhold payment of all dividends and other moneys payable in respect of the shares until the requirements of the notice have been complied with.

 

38. Subject to any directions of the Board from time to time in force, the Secretary may exercise the powers and discretions of the Board under Bye-Laws 35, 36 and 37.

INCREASE OF CAPITAL

 

39. The Company may from time to time increase its capital by such sum to be divided into shares of such par value as the Company by Resolution shall prescribe.

 

17


40. The Company may, by the Resolution increasing the capital, direct that the new shares or any of them shall be offered in the first instance either at par or at a premium or (subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts) at a discount to all the holders for the time being of shares of any class or classes in proportion to the number of such shares held by them respectively or make any other provision as to the issue of the new shares.

 

41. The new shares shall be subject to all the provisions of these Bye-Laws with reference to lien, the payment of calls, forfeiture, transfer, transmission and otherwise.

ALTERATION OF CAPITAL

 

42. The Company may from time to time by Resolution:-

 

  (1) divide its shares into several classes and attach thereto respectively any preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges or conditions;

 

  (2) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger par value than its existing shares;

 

  (3) sub-divide its shares or any of them into shares of smaller par value than is fixed by its memorandum, so, however, that in the sub-division the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in the case of the share from which the reduced share is derived;

 

  (4) make provision for the issue and allotment of shares which do not carry any voting rights;

 

  (5) cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the Resolution in that behalf, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled; and

 

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  (6) change the currency denomination of its share capital.

Where any difficulty arises in regard to any division, consolidation, or sub-division under this Bye-Law, the Board may settle the same as it thinks expedient and, in particular, may arrange for the sale of the shares representing fractions and the distribution of the net proceeds of sale in due proportion amongst the Shareholders who would have been entitled to the fractions, and for this purpose the Board may authorise some person to transfer the shares representing fractions to the purchaser thereof, who shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the sale.

 

43. Subject to the Companies Acts and to any confirmation or consent required by law or these Bye-Laws, the Company may by Resolution from time to time convert any preference shares into redeemable preference shares.

REDUCTION OF CAPITAL

 

44. Subject to the Companies Acts, its memorandum and any confirmation or consent required by law or these Bye-Laws, the Company may from time to time by Resolution authorise the reduction of its issued share capital or any share premium or contributed surplus account in any manner.

 

45. In relation to any such reduction, the Company may by Resolution determine the terms upon which such reduction is to be effected including in the case of a reduction of part only of a class of shares, those shares to be affected.

 

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GENERAL MEETINGS AND WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS

 

46.

  (1)  

The Board shall convene and the Company shall hold general meetings as Annual General Meetings in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Acts at such times and places as the Board shall appoint. The Board may, whenever it thinks fit, and shall, when required by the Companies Acts, convene general meetings other than Annual General Meetings which shall be called Special General Meetings.

  12(2)  

 

(A)        Subject to the Companies Acts, at any Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting of Shareholders, any proposals by Shareholders whether in relation to the nomination for election of Directors or otherwise (“Proposals”) shall be considered only if advance notice thereof has been timely given as provided herein and such Proposals or nominations are otherwise proper for consideration under the Companies Acts and these Bye-Laws. Notice of any Proposal to be presented by any Shareholder at any general meeting of Shareholders shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Company at its principal place of business not less than 75 nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the general meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the general meeting is first publicly announced or disclosed (in a public filing or otherwise) less than 85 days prior to the date of the general meeting, such advance notice shall be given not more than ten days after such date is first so announced or disclosed. Public notice shall be deemed to have been given more than 85 days in advance of an Annual General Meeting if the Company shall have previously disclosed, in these Bye-laws or otherwise, that the Annual General Meeting in each year is to be held on a determinable date, unless and until the Board determines to hold the Annual General Meeting on a different date.

   

  

 

12 New Bye-Law 46(2) amended on 12 Jan 2001 and 14 Dec 2001

 

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(B)        Any Shareholder who gives notice of any such Proposal shall deliver therewith the text of the Proposal to be presented and a brief written statement of the reasons why such Shareholder favors the Proposal and setting forth such Shareholder’s name and address, the number and class of all shares of each class of shares of the Company registered in the name of as well as beneficially owned by such Shareholder and any material interest of such Shareholder in the Proposal (other than as a Shareholder). Any Shareholder who gives notice of a Proposal to nominate any person for election as a Director shall also deliver with such notice a statement in writing setting forth the name of the person to be nominated, the number and class of all shares registered in the name of as well as beneficially owned by such person, such person’s signed consent to serve as a Director if elected.

    

(C)        The chairman of the general meeting, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the general meeting, shall determine whether such notice has been duly given and shall direct that Proposals and nominees not be considered if such notice has not been given. The decision of the chairman on such matters shall be final and conclusive.

 

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  (D) PROVIDED THAT, this Bye-law 46(2) shall not apply to any Proposal which is within the scope of Sections 79 and 80 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (as amended from time to time).

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

 

47. An Annual General Meeting shall be called by not less than 5 days notice in writing and a Special General Meeting shall be called by not less than 5 days notice in writing. The notice shall be exclusive of the day on which it is served or deemed to be served and of the day for which it is given, and shall specify the place, day and time of the meeting, and, the nature of the business to be considered. Notice of every general meeting shall be given in any manner permitted by Bye-Laws 120 and 121 to all Shareholders other than such as, under the provisions of these Bye-Laws or the terms of issue of the shares they hold, are not entitled to receive such notice from the Company and to any Director or Resident Representative who or which has delivered a written notice upon the Registered Office requiring that such notice be sent to him or it.

Notwithstanding that a meeting of the Company is called by shorter notice than that specified in this Bye-Law, it shall be deemed to have been duly called if it is so agreed:

 

  (1) in the case of a meeting called as an Annual General Meeting, by all the Shareholders entitled to attend and vote thereat;

 

  (2) in the case of any other meeting, by a majority in number of the Shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority together holding not less than 95 percent in nominal value of the shares giving that right.

 

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48. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting or (in cases where instruments of proxy are sent out with the notice) the accidental omission to send such instrument of proxy to, or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting or such instrument of proxy by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

 

49. No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present when the meeting proceeds to business, but the absence of a quorum shall not preclude the appointment, choice or election of a chairman which shall not be treated as part of the business of the meeting. Save as otherwise provided by these Bye-Laws, at least two Shareholders present in person or by proxy and 13holding shares representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting rights of all the Shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting and entitled to vote shall be a quorum for all purposes; provided, however, that if the Company or a class of Shareholders shall have only one Shareholder, one Shareholder present in person or by proxy shall constitute the necessary quorum.

 

50.

If within five minutes (or such longer time as the chairman of the meeting may determine to wait) after the time appointed for the meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened on the requisition of Shareholders, shall be dissolved. In any other case, it shall stand adjourned to such other day and such other time and place as the chairman of the meeting may determine and at such adjourned meeting two Shareholders present in person or by proxy and holding shares representing at least 14thirty-three and one-third percent (331/3%) of the total voting rights of all of the Shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting shall be a quorum provided that if the Company or a class of Shareholders shall have only one Shareholder, one Shareholder present in person or by proxy shall constitute the necessary quorum. The Company shall give not less than 5 days notice of any meeting adjourned through want of a quorum and such notice shall state that the sole Shareholder or, if more than one, two Shareholders present in person or by proxy holding shares representing at least 15331/3% of the total voting rights of all of the Shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting shall be a quorum.

 

13 Bye-Law 49 amended on 12 Jan 2001
14 Bye-Law 50 amended on 12 Jan 2001 and 14 Dec 2001
15 Bye-Law 50 amended on 14 Dec 2001

 

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51. A meeting of the Shareholders or any class thereof may be held by means of such telephone, electronic, 16internet (to the extent expressly permitted by the Companies Acts) or other communication facilities as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

52. Each Director upon giving the notice referred to in Bye-Law 47 above, and the Resident Representative, if any, shall be entitled to attend and speak at any general meeting of the Company.

 

53. The Chairman (if any) of the Board or, in his absence, the President shall preside as chairman at every general meeting. If there is no such Chairman or President, or if at any meeting neither the Chairman nor the President is present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or if neither of them is willing to act as chairman, the Directors present shall choose one of their number to act or if one Director only is present he shall preside as chairman if willing to act. If no Director is present, or if each of the Directors present declines to take the chair, the persons present and entitled to vote on a poll shall elect one of their number to be chairman.

 

16 Bye-Law 51 amended on 12 Jan 2001

 

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54. The chairman of the meeting may, with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting), adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting except business which might lawfully have been transacted at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. When a meeting is adjourned for three months or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting.

 

55. Save as expressly provided by these Bye-Laws, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting.

VOTING

 

56. Save where a greater majority is required by the Companies Acts or these Bye-Laws, any question proposed for consideration at any general meeting shall be decided on by a simple majority of votes cast.

 

57. At any general meeting, a Resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands unless (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands or on the withdrawal of any other demand for a poll) a poll is demanded by:-

 

  (1) the chairman of the meeting; or

 

  (2) at least three Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy; or

 

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  (3) any Shareholder or Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and holding between them not less than one tenth of the total voting rights of all the Shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting; or

 

  (4) a Shareholder or Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy holding shares conferring the right to vote at such meeting, being shares on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one tenth of the total sum paid up on all such shares conferring such right.

The demand for a poll may be withdrawn by the person or any of the persons making it at any time prior to the declaration of the result. Unless a poll is so demanded and the demand is not withdrawn, a declaration by the chairman that a Resolution has, on a show of hands, been carried or carried unanimously or by a particular majority or not carried by a particular majority or lost shall be final and conclusive, and an entry to that effect in the minute book of the Company shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of votes recorded for or against such Resolution.

 

58. If a poll is duly demanded, the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the Resolution of the meeting at which the poll is demanded.

 

59. A poll demanded on the election of a chairman, or on a question of adjournment, shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken in such manner and either forthwith or at such time (being not later than three months after the date of the demand) and place as the chairman shall direct. It shall not be necessary (unless the chairman otherwise directs) for notice to be given of a poll.

 

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60. The demand for a poll shall not prevent the continuance of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which the poll has been demanded and it may be withdrawn at any time before the close of the meeting or the taking of the poll, whichever is the earlier.

 

1761.

Subject to any special rights, privileges or restrictions as to voting for the time being attached to any class or classes of shares, at any general meeting on a show of hands every Shareholder who is present in person or by a duly authorised corporate representative or by a duly appointed proxy, shall have one vote, and on a poll, every Shareholder present in person or by a duly authorised corporate representative or by a duly appointed proxy, shall have one vote for every share of which he is the holder which is fully paid up (but so that no amount paid up or credited as paid up on a share in advance of calls or installments shall be treated for the purposes of this Bye-Law as paid up on the share).

 

62. A person entitled to more than one vote on a poll need not use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses in the same way.

 

63.

In the case of an equality of votes at a general meeting, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the chairman of such meeting shall 18be entitled to have second or casting vote.

 

64. In the case of joint holders of a share, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders, and for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the Register in respect of the joint holding.

 

17 New Bye-Law 61 adopted on 14 Dec 2001
18 Bye-Law 63 amended on 14 Dec 2001

 

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65. A Shareholder who is a patient for any purpose of any statute or applicable law relating to mental health or in respect of whom an order has been made by any Court having jurisdiction for the protection or management of the affairs of persons incapable of managing their own affairs may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his receiver, committee, curator bonis or other person in the nature of a receiver, committee or curator bonis appointed by such Court and such receiver, committee, curator bonis or other person may vote on a poll by proxy, and may otherwise act and be treated as such Shareholder for the purpose of general meetings.

 

66. No Shareholder shall, unless the Board otherwise determines, be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless all calls or other sums presently payable by him in respect of shares in the Company have been paid.

 

67. If:

(1) any objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter; or,

(2) any votes have been counted which ought not to have been counted or which might have been rejected; or,

(3) any votes are not counted which ought to have been counted, the objection or error shall not vitiate the decision of the meeting or adjourned meeting on any Resolution unless the same is raised or pointed out at the meeting or, as the case may be, the adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered or at which the error occurs. Any objection or error shall be referred to the chairman of the meeting and shall only vitiate the decision of the meeting on any Resolution if the chairman decides that the same may have affected the decision of the meeting. The decision of the chairman on such matters shall be final and conclusive.

 

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PROXIES AND CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES

 

68. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointor or of his attorney authorised by him in writing or, if the appointor is a corporation, either under its seal or under the hand of an officer, attorney or other person authorised to sign the same.

 

69. Any Shareholder may appoint a standing proxy or (if a corporation) representative by depositing at the Registered Office a proxy or (if a corporation) an authorisation and such proxy or authorisation shall be valid for all general meetings and adjournments thereof or, Resolutions in writing, as the case may be, until notice of revocation is received at the Registered Office. Where a standing proxy or authorisation exists, its operation shall be deemed to have been suspended at any general meeting or adjournment thereof at which the Shareholder is present or in respect to which the Shareholder has specially appointed a proxy or representative. The Board may from time to time require such evidence as it shall deem necessary as to the due execution and continuing validity of any such standing proxy or authorisation and the operation of any such standing proxy or authorisation shall be deemed to be suspended until such time as the Board determines that it has received the requested evidence or other evidence satisfactory to it.

 

70. Subject to Bye-Law 69, the instrument appointing a proxy together with such other evidence as to its due execution as the Board may from time to time require, shall be delivered at the Registered Office (or at such place as may be specified in the notice convening the meeting or in any notice of any adjournment or, in either case or the case of a written Resolution, in any document sent therewith) prior to the holding of the relevant meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote or, in the case of a poll taken subsequently to the date of a meeting or adjourned meeting, before the time appointed for the taking of the poll, or, in the case of a written Resolution, prior to the effective date of the written Resolution and in default the instrument of proxy shall not be treated as valid.

 

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71. Instruments of proxy shall be in any common form or in such other form as the Board may approve and the Board may, if it thinks fit, send out with the notice of any meeting or any written Resolution forms of instruments of proxy for use at that meeting or in connection with that written Resolution. The instrument of proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll and to vote on any amendment of a written Resolution or amendment of a Resolution put to the meeting for which it is given as the proxy thinks fit. The instrument of proxy shall unless the contrary is stated therein be valid as well for any adjournment of the meeting as for the meeting to which it relates.

 

72. A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid notwithstanding the previous death or unsoundness of mind of the principal, or revocation of the instrument of proxy or of the authority under which it was executed, provided that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity or revocation shall have been received by the Company at the Registered Office (or such other place as may be specified for the delivery of instruments of proxy in the notice convening the meeting or other documents sent therewith) one hour at least before the commencement of the meeting or adjourned meeting, or the taking of the poll, or the day before the effective date of any written Resolution at which the instrument of proxy is used.

 

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73. Subject to the Companies Acts, the Board may at its discretion waive any of the provisions of these Bye-Laws related to proxies or authorisations and, in particular, may accept such verbal or other assurances as it thinks fit as to the right of any person to attend and vote on behalf of any Shareholder at general meetings or to sign written Resolutions.

APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

 

74.

The number of Directors shall be such number not less than 19 three (3) nor more than nine (9) as determined by the Board of Directors. Commencing from the 12th day of January 2001, the Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as reasonably possible, as determined by the Board, with the initial term of office of the first class of such Directors to expire at the first Annual General Meeting thereafter, the initial term of office of the second class of such Directors to expire at the second Annual General Meeting thereafter and the initial term of office of the third class of such Directors to expire at the third Annual General Meeting thereafter, with each class of Directors to hold office until they are re-elected or their successors have been duly elected and qualified. At each Annual General Meeting following such initial classification and election, Directors elected to succeed the Directors whose terms expire at such Annual General Meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the Annual General Meeting in the third year following the year of their election and until they are re-elected or their successors have been duly elected and qualified. If the number of Directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain or attain a number of Directors in each class as nearly equal as reasonably possible, but no decrease in the number of Directors may shorten the term of any incumbent Director. No Director may be removed except for cause.

 

19 Bye-Law 74 amended on 12 Jan 2001, 14 Dec 2001 and 27 August 2004

 

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In the event that the holders of any class or series of shares of the Company shall be entitled, voting separately as a class, to elect any Directors, then the number of Directors that may be elected by such holders shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to this Bye-law and, except as otherwise expressly provided in the terms of such class or series, the terms of the Directors elected by such holders shall expire at the Annual General Meeting next succeeding their election without regard to the classification of the remaining Directors.

This Bye-law 74 may not be amended, modified or repealed except by the affirmative vote of the Shareholders holding shares representing at least 20sixty percent (60%) of the total voting rights of all the Shareholders having the right to vote at such general meeting.

 

2175. Without prejudice to the power of the Company by Resolution in pursuance of any of the provisions or these Bye-Laws to appoint any person to be a Director, the Board, so long as a quorum of Directors remains in office, shall have power at any time and from time to time to appoint any individual to be a Director so as to fill a casual vacancy or appoint additional Directors up to the maximum number of Directors determined by the Company. Where:

 

(a) the casual vacancy arises as a result of the vacation of office of an existing Director (“outgoing Director”), the term of office for such Director (“incoming Director”) shall be the remaining term of the outgoing Director; or

 

(b) in respect of addition(s) to the Board, the term of office for any such incoming Director shall be until the next Annual General Meeting where he shall be eligible for re-election and subject to rotation in accordance with Bye-law 74.

 

20 Bye-Law 74 amended on 14 Dec 2001
21 Bye-Law 75 amended on 14 Dec 2001

 

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76. The Company may in a Special General Meeting called for that purpose remove a Director, 22but only for cause, provided notice of any such meeting shall be served upon the Director concerned not less than 14 days before the meeting and he shall be entitled to be heard at that meeting. Any vacancy created by the removal of a Director at a Special General Meeting may be filled at the meeting by the election of another Director in his place or, in the absence of any such election, by the Board.

RESIGNATION AND DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

 

77. The office of a Director shall be vacated upon the happening of any of the following events:

 

  (1) if he resigns his office by notice in writing delivered to the Registered Office or tendered at a meeting of the Board;

 

  (2) if he becomes of unsound mind or a patient for any purpose of any statute or applicable law relating to mental health and the Board resolves that his office is vacated;

 

  (3) if he becomes bankrupt under the laws of any country or compounds with his creditors;

 

  (4) if he is prohibited by law from being a Director; or

 

  (5) if he ceases to be a Director by virtue of the Companies Acts or is removed from office pursuant to these Bye-Laws.

 

22 Bye-Law 76 amended on 12 Jan 2001

 

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ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

 

78. A Director may appoint and remove his own Alternate Director. Any appointment or removal of an Alternate Director by a Director shall be effected by depositing a notice of appointment or removal with the Secretary at the Registered Office, signed by such Director, and such appointment or removal shall become effective on the date of receipt by the Secretary. Any Alternate Director may be removed by resolution of the Board. Subject as aforesaid, the office of Alternate Director shall continue until the next annual election of Directors or, if earlier, the date on which the relevant Director ceases to be a Director. An Alternate Director may also be a Director in his own right and may act as alternate to more than one Director.

 

79. An Alternate Director shall be entitled to receive notices of all meetings of Directors, to attend, be counted in the quorum and vote at any such meeting at which any Director to whom he is alternate is not personally present, and generally to perform all the functions of any Director to whom he is alternate in his absence.

 

80. Every person acting as an Alternate Director shall (except as regards powers to appoint an alternate and remuneration) be subject in all respects to the provisions of these Bye-Laws relating to Directors and shall alone be responsible to the Company for his acts and defaults and shall not be deemed to be the agent of or for any Director for whom he is alternate. An Alternate Director may be paid expenses and shall be entitled to be indemnified by the Company to the same extent mutatis mutandis as if he were a Director. Every person acting as an Alternate Director shall have one vote for each Director for whom he acts as alternate (in addition to his own vote if he is also a Director). The signature of an Alternate Director to any resolution in writing of the Board or a committee of the Board shall, unless the terms of his appointment provides to the contrary, be as effective as the signature of the Director or Directors to whom he is alternate.

 

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DIRECTORS’ FEES AND ADDITIONAL REMUNERATION

AND EXPENSES

 

81. The amount, if any, of Directors’ fees shall from time to time be determined by the Company by Resolution and in the absence of a determination to the contrary such fees shall be deemed to accrue from day to day. Each Director may be paid his reasonable travel, hotel and incidental expenses in attending and returning from meetings of the Board or committees constituted pursuant to these Bye-Laws or general meetings and shall be paid all expenses properly and reasonably incurred by him in the conduct of the Company’s business or in the discharge of his duties as a Director. Any Director who, by request, goes or resides abroad for any purposes of the Company or who performs services which in the opinion of the Board go beyond the ordinary duties of a Director may be paid such extra remuneration (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board may determine, and such extra remuneration shall be in addition to any remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any other Bye-Law.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

 

82.   (1)   A Director may hold any other office or place of profit with the Company (except that of auditor) in conjunction with his office of Director for such period and upon such terms as the Board may determine, and may be paid such extra remuneration therefor (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board may determine, and such extra remuneration shall be in addition to any remuneration provided for by or pursuant to any other Bye-Law.

 

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  (2) A Director may act by himself or his firm in a professional capacity for the Company (otherwise than as auditor) and he or his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services as if he were not a Director.

 

  (3) Subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts, a Director may notwithstanding his office be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested; and be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate promoted by the Company or in which the Company is interested. The Board may also cause the voting power conferred by the shares in any other company held or owned by the Company to be exercised in such manner in all respects as it thinks fit, including the exercise thereof in favour of any resolution appointing the Directors or any of them to be directors or officers of such other company, or voting or providing for the payment of remuneration to the directors or officers of such other company.

 

  (4) So long as, where it is necessary, he declares the nature of his interest at the first opportunity at a meeting of the Board or by writing to the Directors as required by the Companies Acts, a Director shall not by reason of his office be accountable to the Company for any benefit which he derives from any office or employment to which these Bye-Laws allow him to be appointed or from any transaction or arrangement in which these Bye-Laws allow him to be interested, and no such transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any interest or benefit.

 

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  (5) Subject to the Companies Acts and any further disclosure required thereby, a general notice to the Directors by a Director or Officer declaring that he is a director or officer or has an interest in a person and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction or arrangement made with that person, shall be a sufficient declaration of interest in relation to any transaction or arrangement so made.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD

 

83. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts and these Bye-Laws and to any directions given by the Company by Resolution, the Board shall manage the business of the Company and may pay all expenses incurred in promoting and incorporating the Company and may exercise all the powers of the Company. No alteration of these Bye-Laws and no such direction shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if that alteration had not been made or that direction had not been given. The powers given by this Bye-Law shall not be limited by any special power given to the Board by these Bye-Laws and a meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present shall be competent to exercise all the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in or exercisable by the Board.

 

84. The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of the undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital of the Company and to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any other persons.

 

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85. All cheques, promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange and other instruments, whether negotiable or transferable or not, and all receipts for money paid to the Company shall be signed, drawn, accepted, endorsed or otherwise executed, as the case may be, in such manner as the Board shall from time to time by resolution determine.

 

86. The Board on behalf of the Company may provide benefits, whether by the payment of gratuities or pensions or otherwise, for any person including any Director or former Director who has held any executive office or employment with the Company or with any body corporate which is or has been a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or a predecessor in the business of the Company or of any such subsidiary or affiliate, and to any member of his family or any person who is or was dependent on him, and may contribute to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any such gratuity, pension or other benefit, or for the insurance of any such person.

 

87. The Board may from time to time appoint one or more of its body to be a managing director, joint managing director or an assistant managing director or to hold any other employment or executive office with the Company for such period and upon such terms as the Board may determine and may revoke or terminate any such appointments. Any such revocation or termination as aforesaid shall be without prejudice to any claim for damages that such Director may have against the Company or the Company may have against such Director for any breach of any contract of service between him and the Company which may be involved in such revocation or termination. Any person so appointed shall receive such remuneration (if any) (whether by way of salary, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board may determine, and either in addition to or in lieu of his remuneration as a Director.

 

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DELEGATION OF THE BOARD’S POWERS

 

88. The Board may by power of attorney appoint any company, firm or person or any fluctuating body of persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Board, to be the attorney or attorneys of the Company for such purposes and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the Board under these Bye-Laws) and for such period and subject to such conditions as it may think fit, and any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney and of such attorney as the Board may think fit, and may also authorise any such attorney to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions vested in him.

 

89. The Board may entrust to and confer upon any Director, Officer or, without prejudice to the provisions of Bye-Law 90, other individual any of the powers exercisable by it upon such terms and conditions with such restrictions as it thinks fit, and either collaterally with, or to the exclusion of, its own powers, and may from time to time revoke or vary all or any of such powers but no person dealing in good faith and without notice of such revocation or variation shall be affected thereby.

 

90. The Board may delegate any of its powers, authorities and discretions to committees, consisting of such person or persons (whether a member or members of its body or not) as it thinks fit. Any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers, authorities and discretions so delegated, and in conducting its proceedings conform to any regulations which may be imposed upon it by the Board. If no regulations are imposed by the Board the proceedings of a committee with two or more members shall be, as far as is practicable, governed by the Bye-Laws regulating the proceedings of the Board.

 

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD

 

91. The Board may meet for the despatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings as it thinks fit. Questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes. In the case of an equality of votes 23the chairman of the meeting shall be entitled to a second or casting vote. A Director may, and the Secretary on the requisition of a Director shall, at any time summon a meeting of the Board.

 

92. Notice of a meeting of the Board shall be deemed to be duly given to a Director if it is given to him personally or by word of mouth or sent to him by post, cable, telex, telecopier or other mode of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form at his last known address or any other address given by him to the Company for this purpose. A Director may retrospectively waive the requirement for notice of any meeting by consenting in writing to the business conducted at the meeting.

 

93.    (1)    The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Board may be fixed by the Board and, unless so fixed at any other number, shall be two individuals. Any Director who ceases to be a Director at a meeting of the Board may continue to be present and to act as a Director and be counted in the quorum until the termination of the meeting if no other Director objects and if otherwise a quorum of Directors would not be present.

 

23 Bye-Law 91 amended on 14 Dec 2001

 

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   (2 )   A Director who to his knowledge is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract, transaction or arrangement with the Company and has complied with the provisions of the Companies Acts and these Bye-Laws with regard to disclosure of his interest shall be entitled to vote in respect of any contract, transaction or arrangement in which he is so interested and if he shall do so his vote shall be counted, and he shall be taken into account in ascertaining whether a quorum is present.
   (3 )  

The Resident Representative shall, upon delivering written notice of an address for the purposes of receipt of notice, to the Registered Office, be entitled to receive notice of, attend and be heard at, and to receive minutes of all meetings of the Board.

 

94. So long as a quorum of Directors remains in office, the continuing Directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board but, if no such quorum remains, the continuing Directors or a sole continuing Director may act only for the purpose of calling a general meeting.

 

95. The Chairman (or President) or, in his absence, the Deputy Chairman (or Vice-President), shall preside as chairman at every meeting of the Board. If at any meeting the Chairman or Deputy Chairman (or the President or Vice-President) is not present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or is not willing to act as chairman, the Directors present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

 

96. The meetings and proceedings of any committee consisting of two or more members shall be governed by the provisions contained in these Bye-Laws for regulating the meetings and proceedings of the Board so far as the same are applicable and are not superseded by any regulations imposed by the Board.

 

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97. A resolution in writing signed by all the Directors for the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the Board or by all the members of a committee for the time being shall be as valid and effectual as a resolution passed at a meeting of the Board or, as the case may be, of such committee duly called and constituted. Such resolution may be contained in one document or in several documents in the like form each signed by one or more of the Directors or members of the committee concerned.

 

98. A meeting of the Board or a committee appointed by the Board may be held by means of such telephone, electronic, 24internet (to the extent expressly permitted by the Companies Acts) or other communication facilities as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. 25Such a meeting shall be deemed to take place where the chairman of the meeting then is.

 

99. All acts done by the Board or by any committee or by any person acting as a Director or member of a committee or any person duly authorised by the Board or any committee, shall, notwithstanding that it is afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any member of the Board or such committee or person acting as aforesaid or that they or any of them were disqualified or had vacated their office, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was qualified and had continued to be a Director, member of such committee or person so authorised.

 

24 Bye-Law 98 amended on 12 Jan 2001
25 By-law 98 amended on 29 Aug 2008

 

42


OFFICERS

 

100. The Officers shall include a President and a Vice-President or a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman who shall be Directors and shall be elected by the Board as soon as possible after the statutory meeting and each Annual General Meeting. In addition, the Board may appoint any person whether or not he is a Director to hold such office as the Board may from time to time determine. Any person elected or appointed pursuant to this Bye-Law shall hold office for such period and upon such terms as the Board may determine and the Board may revoke or terminate any such election or appointment. Any such revocation or termination shall be without prejudice to any claim for damages that such Officer may have against the Company or the Company may have against such Officer for any breach of any contract of service between him and the Company which may be involved in such revocation or termination. Save as provided in the Companies Acts or these Bye-Laws, the powers and duties of the Officers shall be such (if any) as are determined from time to time by the Board.

MINUTES

 

101. The Board shall cause minutes to be made and books kept for the purpose of recording:-

 

  (1) all appointments of Officers made by the Board;

 

  (2) the names of the Directors and other persons (if any) present at each meeting of the Board and of any committee;

 

  (3) of all proceedings at meetings of the Company, of the holders of any class of shares in the Company, of the Board and of committees appointed by the Board or the Shareholders; and

 

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  (4) of all proceedings of its managers (if any).

Shareholders shall only be entitled to see the Register of Directors and Officers, the Register, the financial information provided for in Bye-Law 118 and the minutes of meetings of the Shareholders of the Company.

SECRETARY AND RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE

 

102. The Secretary (including one or more deputy or assistant secretaries) and, if required, the Resident Representative, shall be appointed by the Board at such remuneration (if any) and upon such terms as it may think fit and any Secretary and Resident Representative so appointed may be removed by the Board. The duties of the Secretary and the duties of the Resident Representative shall be those prescribed by the Companies Acts together with such other duties as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Board.

 

103. A provision of the Companies Acts or these Bye-Laws requiring or authorising a thing to be done by or to a Director and the Secretary shall not be satisfied by its being done by or to the same person acting both as Director and as, or in the place of, the Secretary.

THE SEAL

 

104.    (1)    The Seal shall consist of a circular metal device with the name of the Company around the outer margin thereof and the country and year of incorporation across the centre thereof. Should the Seal not have been received at the Registered Office in such form at the date of adoption of this Bye-Law then, pending such receipt, any document requiring to be sealed with the Seal shall be sealed by affixing a red wafer seal to the document with the name of the Company, and the country and year of incorporation type written across the centre thereof.

 

44


  (2) The Board shall provide for the custody of every Seal. A Seal shall only be used by authority of the Board or of a committee constituted by the Board. Subject to these Bye-laws, any instrument to which a Seal is affixed shall be signed by either two Directors, or by the Secretary and one Director, or by the Secretary or by any one person whether or not a Director or Officer, who has been authorised either generally or specifically to affirm the use of a Seal; provided that the Secretary or a Director may affix a Seal over his signature alone to authenticate copies of these Bye-Laws, the minutes of any meeting or any other documents requiring authentication

 

  26(3) The Company may have a Securities Seal for use for sealing certificates for shares or other securities issued by the Company. Subject to such other provision as may be determined by way of resolutions passed by the Board from time to time, no signature of any Director, officer or other person and no mechanical reproduction thereof shall be required on any such certificates or other document and any such certificates or other document to which such Securities Seal is affixed shall be valid and deemed to have been sealed and executed with the authority of the Board notwithstanding the absence of any such signature or mechanical reproduction as aforesaid.

 

26 New Bye-Law 104(3) inserted on 14 Dec 2001

 

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DIVIDENDS AND OTHER PAYMENTS

 

105. The Board may from time to time declare dividends or distributions out of contributed surplus to be paid to the Shareholders according to their rights and interests including such interim dividends as appear to the Board to be justified by the position of the Company. The Board, in its discretion, may determine that any dividend shall be paid in cash or shall be satisfied, subject to Bye-Law 113, in paying up in full shares in the Company to be issued to the Shareholders credited as fully paid or partly paid or partly in one way and partly the other. The Board may also pay any fixed cash dividend which is payable on any shares of the Company half yearly or on such other dates, whenever the position of the Company, in the opinion of the Board, justifies such payment.

 

106. Except insofar as the rights attaching to, or the terms of issue of, any share otherwise provide:-

 

  (1) all dividends or distributions out of contributed surplus may be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the shares in respect of which the dividend or distribution is paid, and an amount paid up on a share in advance of calls may be treated for the purpose of this Bye-Law as paid-up on the share;

 

  (2) dividends or distributions out of contributed surplus may be apportioned and paid pro rata according to the amounts paid-up on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend or distribution is paid.

 

107. The Board may deduct from any dividend, distribution or other moneys payable to a Shareholder by the Company on or in respect of any shares all sums or money (if any) presently payable by him to the Company on account of calls or otherwise in respect of shares of the Company.

 

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108. No dividend, distribution or other moneys payable by the Company on or in respect of any share shall bear interest against the Company.

 

109. Any dividend, distribution or interest, or part thereof payable in cash, or any other sum payable in cash to the holder of shares may be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post addressed to the holder at his address in the Register or, in the case of joint holders, addressed to the holder whose name stands first in the Register in respect of the shares at his registered address as appearing in the Register or addressed to such person at such address as the holder or joint holders may in writing direct. Every such cheque or warrant shall, unless the holder or joint holders otherwise direct, be made payable to the order of the holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the order of the holder whose name stands first in the Register in respect of such shares, and shall be sent at his or their risk and payment of the cheque or warrant by the bank on which it is drawn shall constitute a good discharge to the Company. Any one of two or more joint holders may give effectual receipts for any dividends, distributions or other moneys payable or property distributable in respect of the shares held by such joint holders.

 

110. Any dividend or distribution out of contributed surplus unclaimed for a period of six years from the date of declaration of such dividend or distribution shall be forfeited and shall revert to the Company and the payment by the Board of any unclaimed dividend, distribution, interest or other sum payable on or in respect of the share into a separate account shall not constitute the Company a trustee in respect thereof.

 

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111. The Board may also, in addition to its other powers, direct payment or satisfaction of any dividend or distribution out of contributed surplus wholly or in part by the distribution of specific assets, and in particular of paid-up shares or debentures of any other company, and where any difficulty arises in regard to such distribution or dividend the Board may settle it as it thinks expedient, and in particular, may authorise any person to sell and transfer any fractions or may ignore fractions altogether, and may fix the value for distribution or dividend purposes of any such specific assets and may determine that cash payments shall be made to any Shareholders upon the footing of the values so fixed in order to secure equality of distribution and may vest any such specific assets in trustees as may seem expedient to the Board provided that such dividend or distribution may not be satisfied by the distribution of any partly paid shares or debentures of any company without the sanction of a Resolution.

RESERVES

 

112. The Board may, before recommending or declaring any dividend or distribution out of contributed surplus, set aside such sums as it thinks proper as reserves which shall, at the discretion of the Board, be applicable for any purpose of the Company and pending such application may, also at such discretion, either be employed in the business of the Company or be invested in such investments as the Board may from time to time think fit. The Board may also without placing the same to reserve carry forward any sums which it may think it prudent not to distribute.

CAPITALIZATION OF PROFITS

 

113.

The Board may, from time to time resolve to capitalise all or any part of any amount for the time being standing to the credit of any reserve or fund which is available for distribution or to the credit of any share premium account and accordingly that such

 

48


 

amount be set free for distribution amongst the Shareholders or any class of Shareholders who would be entitled thereto if distributed by way of dividend and in the same proportions, on the footing that the same be not paid in cash but be applied either in or towards paying up amounts for the time being unpaid on any shares in the Company held by such Shareholders respectively or in payment up in full or unissued shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company, to be allotted and distributed credited as fully paid amongst such Shareholders, or partly in one way and partly in the other, provided that for the purpose of this Bye-Law, a share premium account may be applied only in paying up of unissued shares to be issued to such Shareholders credited as fully paid and provided further that any sum standing to the credit of a share premium account may only be applied in crediting as fully paid shares of the same class as that from which the relevant share premium was derived.

 

114. Where any difficulty arises in regard to any distribution under the last preceding Bye-Law, the Board may settle the same as it thinks expedient and, in particular, may authorise any person to sell and transfer any fractions or may resolve that the distribution should be as nearly as may be practicable in the correct proportion but not exactly so or may ignore fractions altogether, and may determine that cash payments should be made to any Shareholders in order to adjust the rights of all parties, as may seem expedient to the Board. The Board may appoint any person to sign on behalf of the persons entitled to participate in the distribution any contract necessary or desirable for giving effect thereto and such appointment shall be effective and binding upon the Shareholders.

 

49


RECORD DATES

 

115.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bye-Laws, 27the Board may fix any date as the record date for any dividend, distribution, allotment or issue and for the purpose of identifying the persons entitled to receive notices of 28and/or attend and vote at general meetings. Any such record date may be on or at any time before or after any date on which such dividend, distribution, allotment or issue is declared, paid or made or such notice is despatched.

ACCOUNTING RECORDS

 

116. The Board shall cause to be kept accounting records sufficient to give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs and to show and explain its transactions, in accordance with the Companies Acts.

 

117. The records of account shall be kept at the Registered Office or at such other place or places as the Board thinks fit, and shall at all times be open to inspection by the Directors: PROVIDED that if the records of account are kept at some place outside Bermuda, there shall be kept at an office of the Company in Bermuda such records as will enable the Directors to ascertain with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Company at the end of each three month period. No Shareholder (other than an Officer) shall have any right to inspect any accounting record or book or document of the Company except as conferred by law or authorised by the Board or by Resolution.

 

27

Bye-Law 115 amended on 14 Dec 2001

28

Bye-Law 115 amended on 14 Dec 2001

 

50


118. A copy of every balance sheet and statement of income and expenditure, including every document required by law to be annexed thereto, which is to be laid before the Company in general meeting, together with a copy of the auditors’ report, shall be sent to each person entitled thereto in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Acts.

AUDIT

 

119. Save and to the extent that an audit is waived in the manner permitted by the Companies Acts, auditors shall be appointed and their duties regulated in accordance with the Companies Acts, any other applicable law and such requirements not inconsistent with the Companies Acts as the Board may from time to time determine.

SERVICE OF NOTICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

 

29120.

Subject to Bye-Law 121 and to the extent permitted by the Companies Act, any notice or other document (including but not limited to a share certificate, any notice of a general meeting of the Company, any instrument of proxy and any document to be sent in accordance with Bye-Law 118) may be sent to, served on or delivered to any Shareholder and each person entitled thereto by the Company:

 

  120.1 personally;

 

  120.2 by sending it through the post (by airmail where applicable) in a pre-paid letter addressed to such Shareholder at his address as appearing in the Register;

 

29

Bye-Law 120 amended 14 Dec 2001 and 29 Aug 2008

 

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  120.3 by sending it by courier to or leaving it at the Shareholder’s address appearing in the Register;

 

  120.4 by, where applicable, sending it by email or facsimile or other mode of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form or by sending an electronic record of it by electronic means, in each case to an address or number provided by such Shareholder for the purposes of communication in such manner; or

 

  120.5 by publication of an electronic record of it on a website on the internet and notification of such publication (which shall include the address of the website and how the document may be accessed on the website) by any of the methods set out in paragraphs 120.1, 120.2, 120.3 and 120.4 of this Bye-Law in accordance with the Companies Act.

In the case of joint holders of a share, service or delivery of any notice or other document on or to one of the joint holders shall for all purposes be deemed as sufficient service on or delivery to all the joint holders.

 

30121. Any notice or other document shall be deemed to have been served on or delivered to any Shareholder by the Company

 

  121.1 if sent by personal delivery, at the time of delivery;

 

  121.2 if sent by post, forty-eight (48) hours after it is put in the post;

 

30 Bye-Law 121 amended on 12 Jan 2001 and 29 Aug 2008

 

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  121.3 if sent by courier or facsimile, twenty-four (24) hours after sending;

 

  121.4 if sent by email or other mode of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form or as an electronic record by electronic means, twelve (12) hours after sending; or

 

  121.5 if published as an electronic record on a website on the internet, at the time that the notification of such publication shall be deemed to have been delivered to such Shareholder,

and where more than one mode of service, whichever is the earliest. In proving such service or delivery, it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice or document was properly addressed and stamped and put in the post, published on a website in accordance with the Companies Acts and the provisions of these Bye-Laws, or sent by courier, facsimile, email or as an electronic record by electronic means, as the case may be, in accordance with these Bye-Laws.

Each Shareholder and each person becoming a Shareholder subsequent to the adoption of these Bye-laws, by virtue of its holding or its acquisition and continued holding of a share, as applicable, shall be deemed to have acknowledged and agreed that any notice or other document (excluding a share certificate) may be provided by the Company by way of accessing them on a website instead of being provided by other means.”

 

122.

Any notice or other document delivered, sent or given to a Shareholder in any manner permitted by these Bye-Laws shall, notwithstanding that such Shareholder is then dead or bankrupt or that any other event has occurred, and whether or not the

 

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Company has notice of the death or bankruptcy or other event, be deemed to have been duly served or delivered in respect of any share registered in the name of such Shareholder as sole or joint holder unless his name shall, at the time of the service or delivery of the notice or document, have been removed from the Register as the holder of the share, and such service or delivery shall for all purposes be deemed as sufficient service or delivery of such notice or document on all persons interested (whether jointly with or as claiming through or under him) in the share.

WINDING UP

 

123. If the Company shall be wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a Resolution of the Company and any other sanction required by the Companies Acts, divide amongst the Shareholders in specie or kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may for such purposes set such values as he deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the Shareholders or different classes of Shareholders. The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trust for the benefit of the contributories as the liquidator, with the like sanction, shall think fit, but so that no Shareholder shall be compelled to accept any shares or other assets upon which there is any liability.

INDEMNITY

 

124.

Subject to the proviso below, every Director, Officer and member of a committee constituted under Bye-Law 90 and any Resident Representative shall be indemnified out of the funds of the Company against all liabilities, loss, damage or expense

 

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(including but not limited to liabilities under contract, tort and statute or any applicable foreign law or regulation and all reasonable legal and other costs and expenses properly payable) incurred or suffered by him as such Director, Officer, committee member or Resident Representative and the indemnity contained in this Bye-Law shall extend to any person acting as a Director, Officer, committee member or Resident Representative in the reasonable belief that he has been so appointed or elected notwithstanding any defect in such appointment or election PROVIDED ALWAYS that the indemnity contained in this Bye-Law shall not extend to any matter which would render it void pursuant to the Companies Acts. 31 No amendment, modification or repeal of this Bye-law 124 shall adversely affect any right or protection of a Director, officer or member of committee that exists at the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

 

125. Every Director, Officer, member of a committee duly constituted under Bye-Law 90 or Resident Representative of the Company shall be indemnified out of the funds of the Company against all liabilities incurred by him as such Director, Officer, committee member or Resident Representative in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is given in his favour, or in which he is acquitted, or in connection with any application under the Companies Acts in which relief from liability is granted to him by the court. 32 No amendment, modification or repeal of this Bye-law 125 shall adversely affect any right or protection of a Director, officer or member of committee that exists at the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

 

31 Bye-Law 124 amended on 12 Jan 2001
32 Bye-Law 125 amended on 12 Jan 2001

 

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126. To the extent that any Director, Officer, member of a committee duly constituted under Bye-Law 90 or Resident Representative is entitled to claim an indemnity pursuant to these Bye-Laws in respect of amounts paid or discharged by him, the relative indemnity shall take effect as an obligation of the Company to reimburse the person making such payment or effecting such discharge.

 

127. Each Shareholder and the Company agree to waive any claim or right of action he or it may at any time have, whether individually or by or in the right of the Company, against any Director, Officer, or member of a committee duly constituted under Bye-Law 90 on account of any action taken by such Director, Officer, or member of a committee or the failure of such Director, Officer, or member of a committee to take any action in the performance of his duties with or for the Company PROVIDED HOWEVER that such waiver shall not apply to any claims or rights of action arising out of the fraud of such Director, Officer, or member of a committee duly constituted under Bye-Law 90 or to recover any gain, personal profit or advantage to which such Director, Officer, or member of a committee duly constituted under Bye-Law 90 is not legally entitled.

 

128. Subject to the Companies Acts, expenses incurred in defending any civil or criminal action or proceeding for which indemnification is required pursuant to Bye-Laws 124 and 125 shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the indemnified party to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the indemnified party is not entitled to be indemnified pursuant to Bye-Laws 124 and 125.

Each Shareholder or the Company, by virtue of its acquisition and continued holding of a share, shall be deemed to have acknowledged and agreed that the advances of funds may be made by the Company as aforesaid, and when made by the

 

56


Company under this Bye-Law 128 are made to meet expenditures incurred for the purpose of enabling such Director, Officer, or member of a committee duly constituted under Bye-Law 90 to properly perform his or her duties as an officer of the Company.

EXTRAORDINARY TRANSACTIONS

 

33129. Subject to the Companies Acts and these Bye-Laws, any resolution proposed for consideration at any general meeting to approve (i) the merger, amalgamation or any other consolidation of the Company with any other company, wherever incorporated; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company; and (iii) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation of the Company shall require the approval of Shareholders holding shares representing at least seventy percent (70%) of the total voting rights of all the Shareholders having the right to vote at such meeting and the quorum for such meeting shall be that required in Bye-Law 49 and a poll may be demanded in respect of such resolution in accordance with the provisions of Bye-Law 57.

 

33 Bye-Law 129 amended on 12 Jan 2001

 

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CONTINUATION

 

130. Subject to the Companies Acts, the Board may approve the discontinuation of the Company in Bermuda and the continuation of the Company in a jurisdiction outside Bermuda. The Board, having resolved to approve the discontinuation of the Company, may further resolve not to proceed with any application to discontinue the Company in Bermuda or may vary such application as it sees fit.

ALTERATION OF BYE-LAWS

 

131. These Bye-Laws may be amended from time to time in the manner provided for in the Companies Acts.

 

58

List of principal subsidiaries of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD

Exhibit 8.1

List of Principal Subsidiaries

 

Name

 

Place of Incorporation

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.   Republic of China
ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (H.K.) Limited   Hong Kong
MODERN MIND TECHNOLOGY LIMITED   British Virgin Islands
ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Shanghai) LTD.   People’s Republic of China
ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp.   Republic of China
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a)

Exhibit 12.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Shih-Jye Cheng, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: June 4, 2009

 

/s/ Shih-Jye Cheng

Name:   Shih-Jye Cheng
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a)

Exhibit 12.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Shou-Kang Chen, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: June 4, 2009

 

/s/ Shou-Kang Chen

Name:   Shou-Kang Chen
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b)

Exhibit 13.1

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, the undersigned, Shih-Jye Cheng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to his knowledge, that the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: June 4, 2009

 

/s/ Shih-Jye Cheng

Name:   Shih-Jye Cheng
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b)

Exhibit 13.2

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, the undersigned, Shou-Kang Chen, Chief Financial Officer of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to his knowledge, that the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: June 4, 2009

 

/s/ Shou-Kang Chen

Name:   Shou-Kang Chen
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

Consent of independent registered public accounting firm

Exhibit 15.1

 

June 4, 2009

 

The Board of Directors

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.

No. 1, R & D Road 1

Hsinchu Science Park

Hsinchu City, 30076

Republic of China

 

Attention: Mr. S.J. Cheng

  LOGO

Dear Sirs,

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM’S CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-130230 on Form F-3 and Registration Statements Nos. 333-137838, 333-116670 and 333-85290 on Form S-8 of our report dated April 20, 2009, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F of ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. for the year ended December 31, 2008 (the “Annual Report”). We also consent to the inclusion of our report in the Annual Report.

Yours faithfully,

 

/s/ Moore Stephens
Certified Public Accountants
Hong Kong