FORM 20-F
AU OPTRONICS CORP. | TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA |
(Translation of Registrants name into English) | (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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 of par value NT$10.00 each | The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.* |
*
Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on
the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. of American Depositary Shares
representing such Common
Shares
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 4,024,194,453 Common Shares and 101,265 Entitlement Certificates
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 Ö No ___
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 Ö Item 18 ___
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |||
|
|||
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS | 2 | ||
PART I | 3 | ||
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers | 3 | ||
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable | 3 | ||
Item 3. Key Information | 3 | ||
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA | 3 | ||
CURRENCY TRANSLATIONS AND EXCHANGE RATE | 6 | ||
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS | 6 | ||
REASON FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS | 6 | ||
RISK FACTORS | 7 | ||
Item 4. | Information on the Company | 22 | |
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY | 22 | ||
BUSINESS OVERVIEW | 23 | ||
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE | 33 | ||
PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT | 34 | ||
Item 5. | OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS | 35 | |
OPERATING RESULTS AND TREND INFORMATION | 35 | ||
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT | 54 | ||
Item 6. | Directors, Senior Management and Employees | 55 | |
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT | 55 | ||
COMPENSATION | 57 | ||
EMPLOYEES | 57 | ||
SHARE OWNERSHIP | 58 | ||
Item 7. | Major Shareholders | 58 | |
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS | 58 | ||
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 59 | ||
Item 8. | Financial Information | 62 | |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 62 | ||
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | 62 | ||
DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND POLICY | 62 | ||
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES | 63 | ||
Item 9. | Listing Details | 63 | |
MARKET PRICE INFORMATION AND MARKETS | 63 | ||
Item 10. | Additional Information | 64 | |
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION | 64 | ||
MATERIAL CONTRACTS | 69 | ||
EXCHANGE CONTROLS | 70 | ||
TAXATION | 70 | ||
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY | 76 | ||
Item 11. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 76 | |
Item 12. | Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities | 78 | |
PART II | 78 | ||
Item 13. | Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies | 78 | |
Item 14. | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds | 78 | |
Item 15. | Controls and Procedures | 78 | |
PART III | 78 | ||
Item 17. | Financial Statements | 78 | |
Item 18. | Financial Statements | 79 | |
Item 19. | Exhibits | 79 |
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although these forward-looking statements, which may include statements regarding our future results of operations, financial condition, or business prospects, are based on our own information and information from other sources we believe to be reliable, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this annual report. Our actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, among other things, the cyclical nature of our industry, our dependence on introducing new products on a timely basis, our dependence on growth in the demand for our products, our ability to compete effectively, our ability to successfully expand our capacity, our dependence on key personnel, general economic and political conditions, including those related to the TFT-LCD industry, possible disruptions in commercial activities caused by natural and human-induced disasters, including terrorist activity and armed conflict, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and other factors. For a discussion of these risks and other factors, please see Item 3. Key InformationRisk Factors.
2
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 selected statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 set forth below have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included herein. The selected statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 1998 and 1999, have been derived from our unaudited financial statements that have not been included herein. The selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2000 have been derived from our audited financial statements that have not been included herein. Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 have been audited by KPMG, independent accountants, whose report thereon, which is based partially on the report of other auditors, is included herein. The selected financial and operating data set forth below should be read in conjunction with Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and the consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included herein.
On September 1, 2001, we completed a merger through which Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation (Unipac), an affiliate of United Microelectronics Corporation, merged into Acer Display Technology, Inc. (Acer Display). Upon consumption of the merger, the company was renamed "AU Optronics Corp." Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with ROC GAAP. Under ROC GAAP, the merger of Unipac into Acer Display has been accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting, whereby the historical financial statements of the previously separate companies for periods prior to the merger have been restated on a combined basis. As a result, unless otherwise indicated, our operational and financial data, under ROC GAAP, presented herein for periods or dates prior to September 1, 2001 represent the combined operational and financial data of Acer Display and Unipac. In contrast, under US GAAP, the merger of Unipac into Acer Display has been accounted for as the acquisition of Unipac by Acer Display under the purchase method of accounting, whereby our cost of acquiring Unipac was measured by the market value of the shares we issued to Unipac shareholders in connection with the merger. Such acquisition cost has been allocated to the assets of Unipac we acquired and the liabilities of Unipac we assumed, based on their fair value as of September 1, 2001. Our financial data, under US GAAP, presented herein for periods or as of dates prior to September 1, 2001, do not include the financial data of Unipac.
For a discussion of significant differences between ROC GAAP and US GAAP as they relate to us, and the effects of such differences on net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, and stockholders equity as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, see note 26 to our consolidated financial statements. In addition, our consolidated financial statements prepared and presented in accordance with US GAAP as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, have been included in note 26 to the consolidated financial statements.
The table below sets forth certain financial data under ROC GAAP for the periods and as of the dates indicated. As more fully discussed above in the second paragraph of this section, such data have been prepared under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting under ROC GAAP, whereby the financial data of both Ac er Display and Unipac for the periods and as of the dates prior to September 1, 2001, the date of the completion of our merger with Unipac, have been restated on a combined basis. The combined operational and financial data of our company presented herein do not purport to be indicative of what our actual operational and financial results would have been if our merger with Unipac had actually taken place on January 1, 2000 or 2001, respectively, for the purpose of presenting our statement of operations, statement of changes in stockholders equity and statement of cash flows data for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, respectively, or if our merger with Unipac had actually taken place as of December 31, 2001 for the purpose of presenting our balance sheet data as of December 31, 2001.
3
Year Ended and as of December 31, | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||
(in millions, except percentages and per common share and per ADS data) |
Statement of Operations Data: | ||||||||||||
ROC GAAP | ||||||||||||
Net sales | 734.8 | 5,816.5 | 25,583.2 | 37,588.6 | 75,689.2 | 2,181.2 | ||||||
Cost of goods sold | 1,153.3 | 4,775.1 | 20,737.5 | 40,373.6 | 63,606.2 | 1,833.0 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Gross profit (loss) | (418.5 | ) | 1,041.4 | 4,845.7 | (2,785.0 | ) | 12,083.0 | 348.2 | ||||
Operating expenses | 708.8 | 1,957.9 | 3,724.2 | 3,505.7 | 4,369.1 | 125.9 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Operating income (loss) | (1,127.3 | ) | (916.5 | ) | 1,121.5 | (6,290.7 | ) | 7,713.9 | 222.3 | |||
Non-operating income | 463.9 | 571.8 | 1,640.2 | 704.0 | 541.8 | 15.6 | ||||||
Non-operating expenses and losses | 77.3 | 305.2 | 825.3 | 1,157.8 | 2,232.9 | 64.3 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | (740.7 | ) | (649.9 | ) | 1,936.4 | (6,744.5 | ) | 6,022.8 | 173.6 | |||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 120.5 | 1,267.8 | 926.3 | 34.3 | (0.1 | ) | - | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net income (loss) | (620.2 | ) | 617.9 | 2,862.7 | (6,710.2 | ) | 6,022.7 | 173.6 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
Basic | 798.8 | 1,769.5 | 2,384.9 | 2,870.0 | 3,639.8 | 3,639.8 | ||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 798.8 | 1,769.5 | 2,384.9 | 2,870.0 | 3,894.8 | 3,894.8 | ||||||
Earnings (loss) per share Basic | (0.78 | ) | 0.35 | 1.20 | (2.34 | ) | 1.65 | 0.05 | ||||
Earnings (loss) per share Diluted | (0.78 | ) | 0.35 | 1.20 | (2.34 | ) | 1.58 | 0.05 | ||||
Earnings (loss) per ADS equivalent Basic | (7.76 | ) | 3.49 | 12.00 | (23.38 | ) | 16.54 | 0.48 | ||||
Earnings (loss) per ADS equivalent Diluted | (7.76 | ) | 3.49 | 12.00 | (23.38 | ) | 15.79 | 0.46 | ||||
Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||
ROC GAAP | ||||||||||||
Current assets | 10,187.4 | 18,736.6 | 19,221.0 | 30,515.7 | 49,830.0 | 1,436.0 | ||||||
Long-term investments | | 631.0 | 50.9 | 48.6 | 84.3 | 2.4 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 6,526.8 | 29,498.1 | 60,695.4 | 65,669.6 | 71,045.3 | 2,047.4 | ||||||
Intangible assets | 1,415.3 | 3,537.1 | 3,618.4 | 3,069.6 | 2,984.5 | 86.0 | ||||||
Other assets | 407.6 | 3,629.0 | 3,821.2 | 4,096.9 | 5,227.3 | 150.7 | ||||||
Total assets | 18,537.0 | 56,031.8 | 87,406.9 | 103,400.4 | 129,171.4 | 3,722.5 | ||||||
Current liabilities | 1,258.9 | 6,008.7 | 14,707.5 | 19,495.4 | 25,204.3 | 726.3 | ||||||
Long-term liabilities | 357.8 | 10,094.8 | 29,818.4 | 39,877.8 | 26,027.6 | 750.1 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 20.2 | 27.0 | 115.8 | 79.9 | 111.4 | 3.2 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 1,636.9 | 16,130.5 | 44,641.7 | 59,453.1 | 51,343.4 | 1,479.6 | ||||||
Capital stock | 11,832.7 | 23,849.5 | 23,849.5 | 29,705.8 | 40,243.0 | 1,159.7 | ||||||
Cash dividend | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity | 16,900.2 | 39,901.3 | 42,765.2 | 43,947.3 | 77,828.0 | 2,242.9 | ||||||
Other Financial Data: | ||||||||||||
ROC GAAP | ||||||||||||
Gross margin | (57.0 | )% | 17.9 | % | 18.9 | % | (7.4 | )% | 16.0 | % | 16.0 | % |
Operating margin | (153.4 | )% | (15.8 | )% | 4.4 | % | (16.7 | )% | 10.2 | % | 10.2 | % |
Net margin | (84.4 | )% | 10.6 | % | 11.2 | % | (17.9 | )% | 8.0 | % | 8.0 | % |
Capital expenditures | 4,314.6 | 22,008.2 | 36,901.6 | 13,987.3 | 18,035.3 | 519.7 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 406.1 | 1,555.2 | 5,741.3 | 8,880.3 | 12,989.9 | 374.4 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | (505.3 | ) | (205.0 | ) | 2,796.5 | 1,215.8 | 20,821.7 | 600.1 | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities | (6,887.3 | ) | (27,225.1 | ) | (36,652.1 | ) | (15,299.5 | ) | (18,125.0 | ) | (522.3 | ) |
Cash flows from financing activities | 9,324.0 | 32,329.2 | 27,471.8 | 16,779.5 | 16,754.3 | 482.8 |
4
The
table below sets forth certain financial data under US GAAP
for the periods and as of the dates indicated. As more fully
discussed above in the second paragraph of this section, such
data have been prepared under the purchase method of accounting
under US GAAP, whereby only the financial data of Acer Display
are presented for the periods and as of the dates prior to September
1, 2001, the date of the completion of our merger with Unipac.
Year Ended and as of December 31, | ||||||||
|
||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
(in millions, except percentages and per common share and per ADS data) |
Statement of Operations Data: | ||||||||
US GAAP | ||||||||
Net sales | 14,839.8 | 28,513.4 | 75,689.2 | 2,181.2 | ||||
Cost of goods sold | 12,562.8 | 31,491.1 | 66,197.1 | 1,907.7 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross profit (loss) | 2,277.0 | (2,977.7 | ) | 9,492.1 | 273.5 | |||
Operating expenses | 1,507.9 | 1,670.5 | 3,678.7 | 106.0 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating income (loss) | 769.1 | (4,648.2 | ) | 5,813.4 | 167.5 | |||
Non-operating income | 289.9 | 408.1 | 705.4 | 20.3 | ||||
Non-operating expenses and losses(1) | 405.0 | 1,100.5 | 1,367.9 | 39.4 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Income (loss) before income tax | 654.0 | (5,340.6 | ) | 5,150.9 | 148.4 | |||
Income tax provision | - | 0.3 | 212.0 | 6.1 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income (loss) | 654.0 | (5,340.9 | ) | 4,938.9 | 142.3 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Weighted average shares outstanding Basic | 1,100.0 | 1,791.8 | 3,639.8 | 3,639.8 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding Diluted | 1,100.0 | 1,791.8 | 3,894.8 | 3,894.8 | ||||
Earnings (loss) per shareBasic | 0.59 | (2.98 | ) | 1.36 | 0.04 | |||
Earnings (loss) per shareDiluted | 0.59 | (2.98 | ) | 1.32 | 0.04 | |||
Earnings (loss) per ADS equivalentBasic | 5.95 | (29.81 | ) | 13.57 | 0.39 | |||
Earnings (loss) per ADS equivalentDiluted | 5.95 | (29.81 | ) | 13.16 | 0.38 | |||
Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||
US GAAP | ||||||||
Current assets | 7,992.2 | 30,955.9 | 48,967.9 | 1,411.2 | ||||
Investments in equity-method investees | - | 117.2 | 73.4 | 2.1 | ||||
Property, plant and equipment | 31,681.9 | 65,592.0 | 72,195.3 | 2,080.6 | ||||
Goodwill | - | 11,599.7 | 11,599.7 | 334.3 | ||||
Other intangible assets net | 2,444.6 | 10,416.1 | 9,281.4 | 267.5 | ||||
Other assets | 948.5 | 1,333.3 | 1,413.7 | 40.7 | ||||
Total assets | 43,067.2 | 120,014.2 | 143,531.4 | 4,136.4 | ||||
Current liabilities | 5,502.1 | 19,676.4 | 25,789.5 | 743.2 | ||||
Long-term borrowings | 16,627.6 | 39,054.8 | 25,959.1 | 748.1 | ||||
Other liabilities | 65.8 | 1,144.7 | 1,190.6 | 34.3 | ||||
Total liabilities | 22,195.5 | 59,875.9 | 52,939.2 | 1,525.6 | ||||
Total stockholders equity | 20,871.7 | 60,138.3 | 90,592.2 | 2,610.8 | ||||
Other Financial Data: | ||||||||
US GAAP | ||||||||
Gross margin(2) | 15.3 | % | (10.4 | )% | 12.5 | % | 12.5 | % |
Operating margin(3) | 5.2 | % | (16.3 | )% | 7.7 | % | 7.7 | % |
Net margin(4) | 4.4 | % | (18.7 | )% | 6.5 | % | 6.5 | % |
Capital expenditures | 18,140.2 | 8,311.5 | 18,035.3 | 519.7 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 3,285.3 | 6,649.6 | 14,614.0 | 421.2 | ||||
Cash flows from operating activities | 2,342.2 | 503.1 | 21,227.5 | 611.7 | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities | (19,602.9 | ) | (8,067.7 | ) | (18,549.9 | ) | (534.6 | ) |
Cash flows from financing activities | 15,234.2 | 12,986.3 | 16,773.4 | 483.4 |
|
|
(1) | Includes the cumulative effect of an accounting charge of NT$0.5 million, net of tax in 2001. |
(2) | Gross margin is calculated by dividing gross profit by net sales. |
(3) | Operating margin is calculated by dividing operating income (loss) by net sales. |
(4) | Net margin is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by net sales. |
5
Year Ended and as of December 31, | ||||||
|
||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||
|
|
|
||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||
Operational Data: | ||||||
Large-size panels shipped(1) | 1,786.1 | 4,606.3 | 8,321.6 | |||
Percent of net sales accounted for by large-size panels(1) | 81.0 | % | 85.2 | % | 88.3 | % |
Small- to medium-size panels shipped(2) | 4,255.2 | 4,887.1 | 9,092.1 |
|
|
(1) | Includes panels measuring 8.4 inches and larger. |
(2) | Includes panels smaller than 8.4 inches. |
CURRENCY TRANSLATIONS AND EXCHANGE RATE
We publish our financial statements in NT dollars, the lawful currency of the Republic of China. This annual report contains translations of NT dollar amounts into U.S. dollars at specific rates solely for the convenience of the reader. For convenience only and unless otherwise noted, all translations from NT dollars to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to NT dollars herein were made at a rate of NT$34.70 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect as of December 31, 2002. No representation is made that the NT dollar or U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or NT dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. On June 16, 2003, the noon buying rate was NT$34.60 to US$1.00.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between NT dollars and U.S. dollars will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the NT dollar price of our shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and, as a result, will likely affect the market price of the ADSs. These fluctuations will also affect the U.S. dollar conversion by the depositary of cash dividends paid in NT dollars on, and the NT dollar proceeds received by the depositary from any sale of, our shares represented by ADSs.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning the number of NT dollars for which one U.S. dollar could be exchanged based on the noon buying rate for cable transfers in NT dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
NT dollars per U.S. dollar Noon Buying Rate | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Average | High | Low | Period-End | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
(of
month end
rates) |
||||||||||
1998 | NT$ | 33.50 | NT$ | 34.95 | NT$ | 32.05 | NT$ | 32.27 | ||
1999 | 32.28 | 33.40 | 31.39 | 31.39 | ||||||
2000 | 31.37 | 33.25 | 30.35 | 33.17 | ||||||
2001 | 33.91 | 35.13 | 32.23 | 33.08 | ||||||
2002 | 34.55 | 35.16 | 32.85 | 34.70 | ||||||
December 2002 | 34.80 | 34.89 | 34.70 | 34.70 | ||||||
2003 | ||||||||||
January | 34.57 | 34.76 | 34.40 | 34.61 | ||||||
February | 34.73 | 34.82 | 34.61 | 34.78 | ||||||
March | 34.72 | 34.80 | 34.58 | 34.75 | ||||||
April | 34.82 | 34.98 | 34.79 | 34.85 | ||||||
May | 34.70 | 34.85 | 34.60 | 34.71 | ||||||
June (until June 16) | 34.68 | 34.70 | 34.65 | 34.60 |
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not applicable.
REASON FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
6
RISK FACTORS
Risks Relating to Our Financial Condition, Our Business and the Industry
The industry in which we operate is cyclical. As a result, price fluctuations in response to supply and demand imbalances could harm our operating results.
The TFT-LCD industry in general has been characterized by cyclical market conditions. The industry has been subject to significant and rapid downturns, which have been reflected in the past by the excess of supply growth over demand growth, causing sharp declines in prices. Commencing in the second half of 2000, intense competition in the TF T-LCD industry worldwide, due principally to the substantial addition of new fabs by most major manufacturers in Taiwan, Korea and Japan, including our company, resulted in declines in the average selling prices of many of our products. As a result, we experienced substantial downward pricing pressure on our large-size panels. The average selling prices of our large-size panels decreased by 40.1% between 2000 and 2001. From the first half of 2002, expectation for strong demands for TFT-LCD panels resulted in panel price recovery in the TFT-LCD industry. The average selling prices of our large-size panels increased by 21.5% between the fourth quarter of 2001 and the first quarter of 2002 and further increased by 13.9% between the first quarter and the second quarter of 2002. However, the significant increase in the average selling prices of large-size panels in the first half of 2002 led to a slowdown in demand growth in the second half of 2002, which in turn resulted in an oversupply in the market and caused sharp declines in prices in that period. As a result, the average selling prices of our large-size panels decreased by 13.0% between the second quarter and the third quarter of 2002 and further decreased by 21.7% between the third quarter and the fourth quarter of 2002. Capacity expansion currently being undertaken or anticipated in the TFT-LCD industry could lead to a future period or periods of general excess capacity in the industry. We cannot assure you that any future downturns resulting from such excess capacity or other factors affecting the industry will not be severe or that any such downturn would not seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
TFT-LCD prices worldwide generally fluctuate in response to imbalances in supply and demand. Accordingly, our ability to maintain or increase our revenues will be highly dependent upon our ability to maintain market share, increase unit sales of existing products, and introduce and sell new products, which compensate for the anticipated fluctuation and long-term declines in the average selling prices of our existing products. During periods of oversupply, we may price our panels below cost and incur a loss to maintain our market share. As a result, our gross margins and profits will be negatively affected unless we are able to introduce new products with higher margins or reduce our cost per panel to offset declines in average selling prices. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain or expand market share, increase unit sales, and introduce and sell new products, to the extent necessary to compensate for market oversupply.
We had a net loss for 2001. Although we were profitable in 2002, if we are not profitable in 2003 and beyond, the value of your investment may be negatively affected.
We experienced a net loss in 2001 due principally to a decline in the average selling prices of our products caused by the oversupply of TFT-LCD panels in the market. The decline in average selling prices resulted in a decrease in our gross margins. We expect that average selling prices for many of our existing products will continue to decline over the long term. If we are not able to reduce our costs of manufacturing these panels to offset such declines in average selling prices, our gross margin will continue to decline, which could seriously harm our business and reduce the value of your investment. No assurances can be given that we will be profitable in 2003 or beyond.
Our future net sales, gross profit and operating income may vary significantly due to a combination of factors, including, but not limited to:
7
Our operating results fluctuate from quarter to quarter, which makes it difficult to predict our future performance.
Our results of operations have varied significantly in the past and may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in the future due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our business and operations may be negatively affected by:
Due to the factors noted above and other risks discussed in this section, many of which are beyond our control, you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons to predict our future performance. Unfavorable changes in any of the above factors may seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors in some future periods, which may result in a decline in the price of the ADSs or Shares.
Our financial condition may be adversely affected if we cannot introduce new prod ucts on a timely basis or if our new products do not gain market acceptance.
Early product development by itself cannot guarantee the success of a new product. Success also depends on other factors such as product acceptance by the market. For example, although TFT-LCD technology was initially introduced commercially about ten years ago, this technology began to receive wide market acceptance only in the last few years, especially in the consumer electronics sector. New products are developed in anticipation of future demand. Our delay in the development of commercially successful products with anticipated technological advancement may adversely affect our business. We cannot assure you that the launch of any new product will be successful, or that we will be able to produce sufficient quantities of these products to meet market demand.
We plan to continue to expand our operations to meet the growing needs of high-growth applications in consumer electronics, LCD televisions and other markets as demand develops. Because these products, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras and LCD televisions, are expected to be marketed to a diversified group of end-users with demands for different specifications, functions and prices, we have developed different marketing strategies to promote our panels for these products. We cannot assure you that our expansion
8
strategy for these panels will be successful. If we fail to successfully market panels for these products, our results of operations would be adversely affected.
A downturn in the demand for notebook computers or a further decrease in the average selling prices of our products used in notebook computers may severely affect our results of operations.
A significant percentage of our net sales is derived from customers who use our TFT-LCD panels in their notebook computers. In 2000, 2001 and 2002, 78.6%, 45.2% and 29.6%, respectively, of our net sales were attributable to panels for notebook computers. Any significant decrease in the demand for notebook computers may therefore reduce the demand for our panels and would have an adverse effect on our results of operations. The demand for notebook computers may be affected by various reasons, including the slowdown in information technology spending by corporations due to the general slowdown in the global economy. The notebook computer industry grew at a lower than expected rate in 2001 and 2002. This lower than expected growth contributed to the downward pressure on the average selling prices of panels for notebook computers. Any further decrease in the average selling prices of our products used in notebook computers may reduce our net sales and materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our net sales and operating results may suffer if the rate of substitution by end-users purchasing TFT-LCD monitors to replace cathode ray tube monitors is lower than expected or if brand companies change their bundling policy.
In addition to the general demand for notebook and desktop computers, demand for our products is affected by a number of factors, including the rate of substitution by end-users and the bundling policy of brand companies. We believe that a significant percentage of our net sales is, and will continue to be, derived from end-users purchasing TFT-LCD monitors to replace their existing cathode ray tube monitors. The rate of substitution of TFT-LCD monitors for cathode ray tube monitors may be affected by the slowdown in information technology spending by corporations due to the general slowdown in the global economy. In addition, some brand companies sell their computer products bundled with TFT-LCD monitors, which also increases the demand of our TFT-LCD panels. As a result, if the rate of substitution of TFT-LCD panels for cathode ray tube monitors is lower than expected or if brand companies change their bundling policy, such factors may have an adverse effect on our net revenues and results of operations.
If end-users do not purchase LCD televisions to replace traditional cathode ray tube television, or if the volume of their purchases is less than our expectations, our net sales may not grow at the rate we expect and our operating results may suffer.
We commenced commercial production of display panels for LCD televisions in the fourth quarter of 2002. As end-users may find LCD televisions attractive to them due to the compact size of LCD televisions as compared to traditional cathode ray tube televisions, we believe that a substantial portion of our sales growth will be derived from end-users who purchase LCD televisions to replace their traditional cathode ray tube televisions, or end-users who purchase LCD televisions as second televisions. We have installed, and we expect to continue to install, capacity in anticipation of increased LCD television demand generated by this trend toward the market acceptance of LCD televisions. As a result, if end-users purchase LCD televisions at a lower rate than expected, we will not be able to maintain high utilization rate of the capacity installed or allocated to manufacture panels for LCD televisions. In addition, we may face downward pricing pressures on our TFT-LCD products due to the over-production of such products by utilizing excess capacity, which may have an adverse effect on our operating results.
If we are unable to maintain high capacity utilization rates, our profitability will be adversely affected.
High capacity utilization allows us to allocate fixed costs over a greater number of panels produced. Increases or decreases in capacity utilization rates can have a significant effect on our gross margin. Accordingly, our ability to maintain or enhance our gross margins will continue to depend, in part, on maintaining high capacity utilization rates. In turn, our ability to maintain high capacity utilization will depend on the demand for our products and our ability to offer products that meet our customers requirements at competitive prices.
Although we are currently maintaining a high utilization rate of our capacity, operating at near full capacity, our operating results in the past have been negatively affected by low capacity utilization. We cannot assure you that we
9
will be able to maintain high capacity utilization rates. If demand for our products does not meet our expectations, our capacity utilization would decrease and our gross margins would suffer.
We depend on a small number of customers for a substantial portion of our net sales and a loss of any one of these customers would result in the loss of a significant portion of our net sales.
We are dependent on a small group of customers for a substantial portion of our business. In 2000, 2001 and 2002, 68.7%, 62.1% and 54.0% of our net sales, respectively, was derived from sales to our top ten customers in those years. In addition, some customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our net sales for each of the last three years. In 2000, Acer Inc., IBM Corporation and Matsushita accounted for 14.5%, 10.3% and 10.2% of our net sales, respectively. In 2001, BenQ Corporation accounted for 17.8% of our net sales. In 2002, BenQ Corporation, together with its subsidiary BenQ (IT), accounted for 20.8% of our net sales. As some of our major customers are brand companies which also provide original equipment manufacturing services for other brand companies, such as BenQ Corporation, our panels shipped to those customers include both panels ordered for their own account as well as panels ordered by or on behalf of their brand company customers.
In recent years, our largest customers have varied due to changes in our product mix. We expect that we will continue to depend on a relatively limited number of customers for a significant portion of our net sales and may continue to experience fluctuations in the percentage shares of our sales among our largest customers as we periodically adjust our product mix. Our ability to maintain close and satisfactory relationships with our customers is important to the ongoing success and profitability of our business. If any of our significant customers reduces, delays or cancels its orders, our business would be seriously harmed because each one of these customers accounts for a significant portion of our net sales. Similarly, our failure to manufacture sufficient quantities of panels to meet the demands of these customers may cause us to lose customers and our business may suffer as a result.
Our customers generally do not place purchase orders far in advance, which makes it difficult for us to predict our future revenues, adjust production costs and allocate capacity efficiently on a timely basis.
Our customers generally provide rolling forecasts four to six months in advance of, and do not place firm purchase orders until one month before, expected shipment date. In addition, due to the cyclical nature of the TFT-LCD industry, our customers purchase orders have varied significantly from period to period. As a result, we do not typically operate with any significant backlog. The lack of significant backlog makes it difficult for us to forecast our revenues in future periods. Moreover, we incur expenses based in part on our expectations of future sales, and we may be unable to adjust production costs or allocate production capacity in a timely manner to compensate for shortfalls in sales. We expect that, in the future, our sales in any quarter will continue to be substantially dependent upon purchase orders received in that quarter. Our lack of flexibility to adjust production costs or to allocate production capacity quickly to respond to the demand for our products may affect our ability to maximize operating results, which may result in a negative impact on the value of your investment.
If capital resources required for our expansion plans are not available, we may be unable to successfully implement our business strategy.
Historically, we have been able to finance our capital expenditures through the issuance of equity securities, long-term borrowings, and the issuance of convertible and other debt securities. Our ability to expand will continue to be largely dependent on our ability to obtain external funding. We expect to make substantial capital expenditures in connection with the expansion of our production capacity, including investments in 2003 and 2004 in the ramp up of two new fifth-generation fabs, our L8A fab with input substrate size of 1,100 x 1,250 millimeters, and L8B fab with input substrate size of 1,100 x 1,300 millimeters, the establishment of color filter production facilities housed at our L8B fab, the establishment of the new TFT-LCD flat panel research and development center, AU Technology Center, and the establishment of a sixth- or seventh-generation fab. These capital expenditures will be made well in advance of any additional sales to be generated from these expenditures. We may incur operating losses if we do not have the capital resources to complete our expansion plans or if our actual expenditures exceed our planned expenditures for a variety of reasons, including changes in:
10
We cannot assure you that any required additional financing will be available to us on satisfactory terms, if at all. If adequate funds are not available on satisfactory terms, we may be forced to curtail our expansion plans, which could result in a loss of customers, restrain our ability to successfully implement our business strategy and limit the growth of our business.
We operate in a highly competitive environment and we may not be able to sustain our current market position if we fail to compete successfully.
The markets for our products in Taiwan and abroad are highly competitive. We experience pressure on our prices and profit margins, due largely to additional industry capacity from competitors in Taiwan, Korea and Japan. The ability to manufacture on a large scale with greater cost efficiencies is a competitive advantage in our industry. Some of our competitors have greater access to capital and substantially greater production, research and development, intellectual property, marketing and other resources than we do. Some of our competitors have announced their plans to develop, and have already invested substantial resources in, fifth-generation capacity. They may be able to introduce products manufactured using such capacity in advance of our companys schedule. In addition, some of our larger competitors have more extensive intellectual property portfolios than ours, which they may use to their advantage when negotiating cross-licensing agreements for technologies. As a result, these companies may be able to compete more aggressively over a longer period of time than we can.
The principal elements of competition in the TFT-LCD industry include:
Our ability to compete successfully in the TFT-LCD industry also depends on factors partially outside of our control, including industry and general economic conditions.
If brand companies do not continue to outsource the manufacturing of their products to original equipment manufacturing service providers with production operations in Taiwan or the Peoples Republic of China , our sales could be adversely affected.
In recent years, brand companies have increasingly outsourced the manufacturing of their products to original equipment manufacturing service providers in Taiwan, or such providers with part or all of their production operations in the Peoples Republic of China. We believe that we have benefited from this outsourcing trend in large part due to our production locations in both Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China, which has allowed us to better coordinate our production and services with our customers requirements, especially in the areas of delivery time and product design support. There can be no assurance that this outsourcing trend will continue. If brand companies do not continue to outsource the manufacturing of their products to original equipment manufacturing service providers with their production operations in Taiwan or the Peoples Republic of China, our sales and operating results will suffer.
If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, our business could be negatively affected.
We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, growth in the scope and complexity of our operations and in the number of our employees. For example, we are currently devoting significant resources in the ramp up of our new fifth-generation fab, our L8A fab, the construction of another new fifth-generation fab, our L8B
11
fab and the establishment of AU Technology Center. This growth may be strained by our existing managerial, financial and other resources. In order to manage our growth, we must continue to implement additional operating and financial controls and hire and train additional personnel for these functions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so in the future, and our failure to do so could jeopardize our expansion plans and seriously harm our operations.
The loss of any key management personnel or the undue distraction of any of these personnel may disrupt our business.
Our success depends largely upon the continued services of key senior management, including our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. We do not carry key person life insurance on any of our senior management personnel. If we lose the services of key senior management personnel, it would be very difficult to find and integrate replacement personnel in a timely manner or at all, which would seriously harm our business.
In addition, our continuing growth will, to a large extent, depend on the attention of key management personnel to our companys daily affairs. For the foreseeable future, we expect that Mr. Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lees time will be divided between serving as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of our company and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BenQ Corporation. If Mr. Lee is not able to devote enough time to our company, our operations and the value of or ADSs may be negatively affected.
We depend on our technical personnel, including research and development and other personnel, and the inability to attract and retain such personnel would jeopardize our operations and expansion plans.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain skilled employees, particularly engineering and technical personnel in research and development and manufacturing processing areas. We are currently establishing a new TFT-LCD flat panel research and development center, AU Technology Center, in Hsinchu Science-Based Industrial Park. The research center plans to house eight to sixteen research labs and training facilities, which is targeted for completion by third quarter of 2004. Without sufficient number of skilled employees, our operations would suffer, resulting in the deterioration in production quality. Competition for qualified technical personnel and operators in Taiwan is intense and the replacement of skilled employees is difficult. We may encounter this problem in the future, as we require increased number of skilled employees for our expansion. If we are unable to attract and retain our technical personnel and other employees, this may adversely affect our business and our operating efficiency would deteriorate.
Potential conflicts of interest with BenQ Corporation and United Microelectronics Corporation may cause us to lose opportunities to expand and improve our operations.
As of December 31, 2002, BenQ Corporation owned 14.8% of our outstanding shares, and four of our directors and one of our supervisors are representatives of BenQ Corporation. See Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions. Since BenQ Corporation, together with its subsidiary BenQ (IT), are currently the largest customer for our products, its substantial interest in our company may lead to conflicts of interest in our sales decisions or allocations. In addition, because four of our directors are representatives of BenQ Corporation, and Mr. Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is also Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BenQ Corporation, conflicts of interest between their duties to BenQ Corporation and us may arise. See The loss of any key management personnel or the undue distraction of any of these personnel may disrupt our business. In addition, as of December 31, 2002, United Microelectronics Corporation owned 11.4% of our outstanding shares. See Item 7. Major Shareholders Related Party Transactions. Three of our directors and one of our supervisors are representatives of United Microelectronics Corporation. Since United Microelectronics Corporation also owns a 25.8% equity interest in Novatek Corporation, which is one of our suppliers of driver integrated circuit components, United Microelectronics Corporations substantial interest in our company may lead to conflicts of interest in our purchasing decisions or allocations. In addition, because three of our directors are representatives of United Microelectronics Corporation, conflicts of interest between their duties to United Microelectronics Corporation and us may arise.
We cannot assure you that, when conflicts of interest arise with respect to representatives of either BenQ Corporation or United Microelectronics Corporation, our interested directors will act completely in our interest or that conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor. These conflicts may result in lost corporate opportunities,
12
including opportunities that are never brought to our attention, or actions that may prevent us from taking advantage of opportunities to expand and improve our operations.
The differences between Taiwan and U.S. accounting standards resulted in different amounts of our net income (loss) under those standards, which makes evaluating our financial performance difficult.
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented under ROC GAAP, which differ in many respects from US GAAP. For example, under ROC GAAP, the merger of Unipac into Acer Display has been accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting, whereby the historical financial statements of the previously separate companies for periods prior to the merger have been restated on a combined basis. In contrast, under US GAAP, the merger of Unipac into Acer Display has been accounted for as the acquisition of Unipac by Acer Display under the purchase method of accounting. Under purchase accounting, the cost of the acquired entity is measured based on the fair value of the securities issued and is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. As a result, our financial data under US GAAP include the results of operations of Unipac only from September 1, 2001, the date of acquisition. In addition, ROC GAAP does not require the recognition of the value of shares distributed as bonuses to employees when calculating net income. We generated a net loss of NT$5,340.9 million in 2001 and net income of NT$4,938.9 million (US$142.3 million) in 2002 under US GAAP, compared to a net loss of NT$6,710.2 million in 2001 and net income of NT$6,022.7 million (US$173.6 million) in 2002 under ROC GAAP.
Risks Relating to Manufacturing
Our manufacturing processes are highly complex, costly and potentially vulnerable to disruptions that can significantly increase our costs and delay product shipments to our customers.
Our manufacturing processes are highly complex, require advanced and costly equipment and are periodically modified to improve manufacturing yields and production efficiency. We face the risk of production difficulties from time to time that could cause delivery delays and reduced yields. These production difficulties include capacity constraints, construction delays, difficulties in upgrading or expanding existing facilities, difficulties in changing our manufacturing technology and delays in the delivery or relocation of specialized equipment. We may encounter many of these difficulties in connection with the planned construction of, and a ramp up of production capacity for, our fifth-generation fabs or higher-generation fabs. We may also encounter these difficulties in connection with the establishment of our in-house color filter production facilities as well as the adoption of new manufacturing process technologies, such as technologies utilizing low temperature poly-silicon, or LTPS, technologies in our L3 fab. We cannot assure you that we will be able to complete our fifth-generation fabs without material delays or difficulties, or that we will not encounter these manufacturing difficulties in the future.
If we are unable to obtain raw materials and components in suitable quantity and quality from our suppliers, our production schedules would be delayed and we may lose customers.
Raw material and component costs accounted for the majority of our cost of goods sold for each of 2000, 2001 and 2002. We must obtain sufficient quantities of high quality raw materials and components at acceptable prices and in a timely manner. We source most of our raw materials and components, including critical materials like color filters, driver integrated circuits, cold cathode fluorescent lamp, or CCFL, and backlight units, polarizer and glass substrates, from a limited group of suppliers, both foreign and domestic. In 2001, we experienced a shortage of glass substrates due to the closure of the production facility at one of our two major suppliers of glass substrates. In addition, based on announced plans for new TFT-LCD production capacity worldwide, there could be a shortage in the supply of color filters, glass substrates and CCFL in the second half of 2003 or beyond. Our operations would be adversely affected if we cannot obtain raw materials and components in sufficient quantity. We may also experience difficulties in sourcing adequate supplies for our operations if there is a ramp up of production capacity by TFT-LCD manufacturers, including our company, without a corresponding increase in the supply of raw materials and components.
Although local suppliers of raw materials and components provided approximately 63.2% of our raw materials and components in 2002, we are dependent on supplies of many major raw materials and components from suppliers in Japan. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain sufficient quantities of raw materials and components and other supplies of an acceptable quality in the future. Our inability to obtain high-quality raw materials and
13
components in a timely and cost-effective manner would cause us to delay our production and delivery schedules, which may result in the loss of our customers and revenues.
If we are unable to obtain equipment from our suppliers, we may be forced to delay our expansion plans.
We have purchased, and expect to purchase, a substantial portion of our equipment from foreign suppliers, especially for our planned fifth-generation fab, L8B fab. From time to time, increased demand for new equipment may cause lead times to extend beyond those normally required by equipment vendors. For example, in the past, increased demand for equipment caused some equipment suppliers to only partially satisfy our equipment orders in the normal time frame. The unavailability of equipment, delays in the delivery of equipment, or the delivery of equipment that does not meet our specifications, could delay implementation of our expansion plans and impair our ability to meet customer orders. If we are unable to implement our expansion plans on schedule or in line with customer expectations, our business may suffer.
If we are unable to successfully manufacture our products within the acceptable range of quality, our results of operations will suffer.
TFT-LCD manufacturing processes are complex and involve a number of precise steps. Defective production can result from a number of factors, including:
From time to time, we have experienced, and may in the future experience, lower than anticipated production yields as a result of the above factors, particularly in connection with the expansion of our capacity or change in our manufacturing processes. In addition, our yield on new products will be lower than average as we develop the necessary expertise and experience to produce those products. If we fail to maintain high production yield and high quality production standards, our reputation may suffer and our customers may cancel their orders or return our panels for rework, which will negatively affect our results of operations.
If we violate environmental regulations, we may be subject to fines or restrictions that could cause our operations to be delayed or interrupted and our business to suffer.
Our operations can expose us to the risk of environmental claims that could result in damages or fines imposed against us. We must comply with regulations relating to storage, handling, generation, treatment, emission, release, discharge and disposal of certain materials and wastes resulting from our manufacturing processes. In December, 2002 and March 2001, we incurred small fines for non-compliance with a waste storage-labeling requirement. In addition, at the end of 1999, we incurred a small fine when our L5 fab increased its waste volume by expanding production, resulting in a waste volume in excess of the volume permitted under its original permit.
Future changes to existing environmental regulations or unknown contamination of our sites, including contamination by prior owners and operators of our sites, may give rise to additional compliance costs or potential exposure to liability for environmental claims that may seriously affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Our Technologies and Intellectual Property
If we cannot successfully introduce, develop or acquire advanced technologies, our profitability may suffer.
Technology and industry standards in the TFT-LCD industry evolve quickly, resulting in steep price declines in the advanced stages of a products life cycle. To remain competitive, we must continually develop or acquire advanced manufacturing process technologies and build next generation fabs to lower production costs and enable
14
timely release of new products. In addition, we expect to utilize more advanced technologies, such as organic light-emitting diode, or OLED, LTPS and plasma display to develop advanced products. Our ability to manufacture products by utilizing more advanced manufacturing process technologies to increase production yields will be critical to our sustained competitiveness. We plan to invest a substantial amount of capital, and have committed significant management and research and development resources, to develop our fifth-generation production capacity and AU Technology Center, our new TFT-LCD flat panel research and development center. However, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in completing the development of this fifth-generation production capacity or AU Technology Center, or that we will be able to build them without material delays or at the expected costs. If we fail to do so, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. We also cannot assure you that there will be no material delays in connection with our efforts to develop new technology and manufacture more technologically advanced products. If we fail to develop or make advancements in product technologies or manufacturing process technologies on a timely basis, we may become less competitive.
If we lose the support of our technology partners or the legal rights to use our licensed manufacturing process or product technologies, our business may suffer.
Enhancing our manufacturing process and product technologies is critical to our ability to provide high quality products to our customers at competitive prices. We intend to continue to advance our manufacturing process and product technologies through internal research and development and licensing from other companies. We currently have licensing arrangements with IBM, Matsushita, Fujitsu and Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation, or FDTC, for product and manufacturing process technologies used to produce a substantial amount of our TFT-LCD panels. These agreements are for terms of five to seven years. In March 2003, we also established a joint research and development program with FDTC to develop the product and manufacturing process technologies for TFT-LCD panels. If we are unable to renew our technology licensing or joint research and development arrangements with IBM, Matsushita, Fujitsu or FDTC on mutually beneficial economic terms, we may lose the legal protection to use certain of the processes and designs we employ to manufacture our products. Similarly, if we cannot license or otherwise acquire or develop new manufacturing process and product technologies that are critical to the development of our business or products, we may lose important customers because we are unable to continue providing our customers with products based on leading-edge manufacturing process and product technologies.
We have entered into patent and intellectual property license agreements that require periodic royalty payments. In the future, we may need to obtain additional patent licenses or renew existing license agreements. We cannot assure you that these license agreements can be obtained or renewed on acceptable terms. If not, our business and future operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
Disputes over intellectual property rights could be costly and deprive us of the technology to stay competitive.
As technology is an integral part of our manufacturing process and product, we have, in the past, received communications alleging that our products or processes infringe product or manufacturing process technology rights held by others, and expect to continue to receive such communications.
We were involved in a patent infringement dispute with Sharp Corporation. Sharp claimed that five of its patents had been infringed upon by Unipacs production of four TFT-LCD models. In November 2000, Sharp made a criminal complaint against certain officers of Unipac with the Public Prosecutors Office in the Hsinchu District Court, naming Mr. Ing-Dar Liu, the Chairman of Unipac and the former Vice Chairman of our company, as defendant. On January 23, 2003, the Public Prosecutor discharged the criminal complaint against Mr. Liu due to a change under the ROC Patent Law pursuant to which patent infringement is no longer a criminal offense. As of the date of this annual report, neither Sharp nor any third party has brought any civil or criminal action against either Unipac, Acer Display or our company in connection with the alleged patent infringement described above.
We are currently involved in a patent infringement dispute with Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. In June 2002, Semiconductor Energy filed a complaint in the Northern District of California alleging that we had infringed its patents in our production of TFT-LCD panels, seeking unspecified monetary damages, including punitive damages, and an injunction against the further production or sale of our TFT-LCD products. We intend to defend the case vigorously. The litigation is currently in the late stages of discovery.
We have no means of knowing what patent applications have been filed in the United States or elsewhere until they are granted. If any third party were to make valid intellectual property infringement claims against our customers or us, we may be required to:
15
If our products or manufacturing processes are found to infringe third-party rights, we may be subject to significant liabilities and be required to change our manufacturing processes or products. This could restrict us from making, using, selling or exporting some of our products, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition. In addition, any litigation, whether to enforce our patents or other intellectual property rights or to defend ourselves against claims that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of others, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations because of the management attention required and legal costs incurred.
In addition, we have acquired patents and trademarks to protect some of our proprietary technologies and products. We cannot assure you that these measures will provide meaningful protection of our intellectual property rights. For example, our competitors may be able to develop similar or superior products, or we may not have sufficient financial and legal resources to protect and enforce our rights.
Political, Geographical and Economic Risks
The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, in the Peoples Republic of China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and certain other countries may have an adverse effect on the economies and financial markets of certain Asian countries and may adversely affect our results of operations.
Beginning in March 2003, Guangdong Province of China, Hong Kong, Singapore and certain other Asian countries encountered an outbreak of SARS, a highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia. Since April 2003, the outbreak of SARS has spread to certain other regions, including Taiwan. Although as of the date hereof the SARS outbreak seems to be under control, no assurances can be given that a recurrence of the outbreak would not occur. While the long-term impact of the SARS outbreak is unclear at this time, the outbreak of SARS may have an adverse effect on the economy conditions of certain countries in Asia. Each of the governments of Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan has revised downward its gross domestic product growth forecasts for 2003 due to SARS. As a result, the economic fallout of the SARS outbreak may result in a decrease in the demand for our TFT-LCD products, or a decrease in information technology spending. In addition, our production operations and that of our suppliers or customers may be seriously interrupted due to the SARS outbreak or the measures taken by the government of the Republic of China, Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China or other countries against SARS, which would have an adverse affect on our results of operations.
Due to the location of our operations in Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China, we and many of our customers and suppliers are vulnerable to natural disasters and other events outside of our control, which may seriously disrupt our operations.
Most of our existing manufacturing operations, and the operations of many of our customers and suppliers, are located in Taiwan, which is vulnerable to natural disasters. In 2002, approximately 52.7% of our net sales was derived from Taiwan-based customers. In addition, we have expanded our module-assembly operations to the Peoples Republic of China since July 2002. Our module-assembly operations in the Peoples Republic of China, and the operations of many of our customers and suppliers in that area, may also be vulnerable to natural disasters. As a result of this geographic concentration, disruption of operations at our fabs or the facilities of our customers and suppliers for any reason, including work stoppages, power outages or water supply shortages, fire, typhoons,
16
earthquakes or other natural disasters, could cause delays in production and shipments of our products. This could lead our customers to obtain products from other sources.
For instance, our operations stopped completely for five days in September 1999, largely because of a power outage caused by a severe earthquake. After the stoppage, it took us several days to ramp up to full operations. Shortages or suspension of power supplies have occasionally occurred, and have disrupted our operations. The occurrence of power outage in the future could seriously hurt our business.
Our manufacturing processes require a substantial amount of water. Although currently more than 70% of the water used in production process is recycled, our production operations may be seriously disrupted by water shortage. For instance, the Hsinchu area, where three out of our five fabs are located, experienced a drought in 2002. The Taiwan authorities have implemented water-rationing measures, including sourcing water from alternative sources, and therefore we did not encounter water shortage in that year. We may encounter a drought in both Hsinchu and Taoyuan area in the future, where most of our production operations are located. If another drought were to occur and we or the authorities were unable to source water from alternative sources in sufficient quantity, we may be required to temporarily shut down or substantially reduce the operations of these fabs, which would seriously affect our operations. In addition, even if we were able to source water from alternative sources, our reliance on supplemental water supplies would increase our operating costs. Furthermore, the disruption of operations at our customers facilities could lead to reduced demand for our products. The occurrence of any of these events in the future could adversely affect our business.
We have made investments, and are exploring the possibility of expanding our businesses and operations to, or making additional investments in, the Peoples Republic of China, which may expose us to additional political, regulatory, economic and foreign investment risks.
Many of our customers and competitors have expanded their businesses and operations to the Peoples Republic of China. In order to remain cost competitive and to take advantage of the developing mainland China market, as permitted by Republic of China regulations governing investment in the Peoples Republic of China by Republic of China companies, we established two module assembly facilities, our S1 and S2 fabs, in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province of the Peoples Republic of China, and commenced mass production at such fabs since July 2002. Module assembly involves connecting components to the previously fabricated glass panel. We may further explore the possibility of investing in other businesses or operations in the Peoples Republic of China as and when we are legally permitted to do so. Currently, the Republic of China laws and regulations permit investment in module-assembly operations in the Peoples Republic of China but do not permit investments in array and cell operations. The array process is the first step of the manufacturing process and involves fabricating transistors on the back substrate, while the cell process is the second step and involves the filling of liquid crystal and joining the arrayed back substrate and the front substrate with a color filter. We do not know when or if such Republic of China laws and regulations governing investment in the Peoples Republic of China will be amended , and we cannot assure you that any such amendments to those regulations will permit us to invest in operations involving array and cell processes in the Peoples Republic of China. Our businesses and operations and our future expansion or investment plans in the Peoples Republic of China are subject, to a significant degree, to the political and economic situation, regulatory control and general legal developments in the Peoples Republic of China and other foreign investment risks. In addition, our businesses and operations in the Peoples Republic of China and our future expansion or investment plans could be adversely affected if relations between the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of China deteriorate.
Disruptions in Taiwans political environment could seriously harm our business and the market price of our shares and ADSs.
Most of our assets and operations are located in Taiwan and about half of our net sales are derived from customers in Taiwan. Accordingly, our business and financial condition may be affected by changes in local governmental policies, and political and social instability.
Taiwan has a unique international political status. The government of the Peoples Republic of China asserts sovereignty over mainland China and Taiwan, and does not recognize the legitimacy of the government of the Republic of China. The government of the Peoples Republic of China has indicated that it may use military force to gain control over Taiwan if Taiwan declares independence or a foreign power interferes in Taiwans domestic affairs.
17
Relations between Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China and other factors affecting Taiwans political environment could affect our business.
If economic conditions in Taiwan deteriorate, our current business and future growth would be materially and adversely affected.
In recent years, the currencies of many East Asian countries, including Taiwan, have experienced considerable volatility and depreciation. The Central Bank of China, which is the central bank of Taiwan, has from time to time intervened in the foreign exchange market to minimize the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar/NT dollar exchange rate and to prevent significant decline in the value of the New Taiwan dollar. New Taiwan dollars have depreciated against U.S. dollars from US$1.00 = NT$27.52 on January 2, 1997 to US$1.00 = NT$34.59 on June 20, 2003, based on the noon buying rates published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
In addition, the banking and financial sectors in Taiwan has been seriously harmed by the general economic downturn in Asia and Taiwan, which has caused a depressed property market, and an increase in the number of companies filing for corporate reorganization and bankruptcy protection. As a result, financial institutions are more cautious in providing credit for businesses in Taiwan. We cannot assure you that we will continue to have access to credit at commercially reasonable rates of interest or at all.
The market value of our ADSs may fluctuate due to the volatility of the Republic of China securities market.
The trading price of our ADSs may be affected by the trading price of our shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. The Taiwan Stock Exchange is smaller and more volatile than the securities markets in the United States. The Taiwan Stock Exchange has experienced substantial fluctuations in the prices and volumes of trading of securities. In the past decade, the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index peaked at 12,495.34 in February 1990 and subsequently fell to a low of 2,560.47 in October 1990. On March 13, 2000, the Taiwan Stock
18
Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index experienced a 617-point drop, which represented the single largest decrease in the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index in its history. The Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index experienced a 17.1% increase in 2001 and a 19.8% decrease in 2002. During the period from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002, the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index peaked at 6,462.30 on April 22, 2002, and reached a low of 3,850.04 on October 11, 2002. Over the same period, daily closing values of our shares ranged from NT$61.5 per share to NT$16.0 per share. On June 27, 2003, the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index closed at 4,877.90, and the closing value of our shares was NT$23.70 per share.
The Taiwan Stock Exchange is particularly volatile during times of political instability including when relations between Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China are strained. Several investment funds affiliated with the Taiwan government have also from time to time purchased securities from the Taiwan Stock Exchange to support the trading level of the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Moreover, the Taiwan Stock Exchange has experienced problems including market manipulation, insider trading and settlement defaults. The recurrence of these or similar problems could have adverse effect on the market price and liquidity of our shares and ADSs.
If New Taiwan dollars or other currencies in which our sales, raw materials and components and capital expenditures are denominated fluctuate significantly against U.S. dollars or Japanese yen, our profitability may be seriously affected.
We have significant foreign currency exposure, and are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates among the U.S. dollar, the Japanese yen, the New Taiwan dollar and other currencies. Our sales, raw materials and components and capital expenditures are denominated in U.S. dollars, Japanese yen and New Taiwan dollars in varying amounts. For example, in 2002, approximately 88.1% of our net sales was denominated in U.S. dollars. During the same period, approximately 66.9%, 24.5% and 8.6% of our cost of goods sold, mainly raw material and component costs, were denominated in New Taiwan dollars, Japanese yen and U.S. dollars, respectively. In addition, in 2002, approximately 16.9%, 58.7% and 21.9% of our total capital expenditures, mainly for the purchase of equipment, were denominated in New Taiwan dollars, Japanese yen and U.S. dollars, respectively. From time to time, we enter into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposure, but we cannot assure you that we will be fully protected against exchange rate fluctuations.
Disruptions in the international trading environment may seriously decrease our international sales.
A substantial portion of our net sales is derived from sales to customers located outside of Taiwan. In 2000, 2001 and 2002, sales to our overseas customers accounted for 29.0%, 23.7% and 47.3%, respectively, of our net sales. In addition, the majority of our sales to customers in Taiwan are made to original equipment manufacturing service provider customers that use our display panels in the products that they manufacture on a contract basis for brand companies worldwide. We expect sales to customers outside of Taiwan to continue to represent a significant portion of our net sales. As a result, our business will continue to be vulnerable to disruptions in the international trading environment, including adverse changes in foreign government regulations, political unrest and international economic downturns. These disruptions in the international trading environment may affect the demand for our products and change the terms upon which we sell our products overseas, which could seriously decrease our international sales.
Risks Related to Our ADSs and Our Trading Market
The market value of the ADSs may fluctuate due to the volatility of the securities markets.
The securities markets in the United States and other countries have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. Volatility in the price of our ADSs may be caused by factors outside of our control and may be unrelated to, or disproportionate to changes in, our operating results. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public companys securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against that company. Litigation of this kind could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our managements attention and resources.
The liquidity and value of our ADSs may be affected by the withdrawal of our shares from our ADS facility.
Although ADS holders are entitled to withdraw the shares underlying the ADSs from the depositary, Republic of China law requires that the shares be held in an account in the Republic of China or sold for the benefit of the
19
holder on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. In connection with any withdrawal of shares from our ADS facility, the ADSs evidencing these shares will be cancelled. Unless additional ADSs are issued, the effect of withdrawals will be to reduce the number of outstanding ADSs and, if a significant number of withdrawals are affected, to reduce the liquidity of the ADSs. We cannot assure you that the depositary will be able to arrange for a sale of deposited shares in a timely manner or at a specified price, particularly during periods of illiquidity or volatility with respect to our shares.
Restrictions on the ability to deposit our shares into our ADS facility may adversely affect the liquidity and price of our ADSs.
The ability to deposit shares into our ADS facility is restricted by Republic of China law. A significant number of withdrawals of shares underlying our ADSs would reduce the liquidity of the ADSs by reducing the number of ADSs outstanding. As a result, the prevailing market price of our ADSs may differ from the prevailing market price of our shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Under current Republic of China law, no person or entity, including you and us, may deposit our shares in our ADS facility without specific approval of the Securities and Futures Commission of the Republic of China, unless:
The ADS holders will not have the same voting rights as our shareholders, which may affect the value of ADSs.
The ADS holders voting rights as to the shares represented by such holders ADSs are governed by the deposit agreement. The ADS holders will not be able to exercise voting rights on an individual basis. If holders representing at least 51% of the ADSs outstanding at the relevant record date instruct the depositary to vote in the same manner regarding a resolution, including the election of directors and supervisors, the depositary will cause all shares represented by the ADSs to be voted in that manner. If, at the relevant record date, the depositary does not receive instructions representing at least 51% of the ADSs outstanding to vote in the same manner for any resolution, including the election of directors and supervisors, the ADS holders will be deemed to have instructed the depositary or its nominee to authorize all the shares represented by the ADS holders ADSs to be voted at the discretion of our Chairman or his designee, which may not be in the ADS holders interest.
The ADS holders right to participate in our rights offerings would be limited, which would cause dilution to the ADS holders holdings.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not offer the ADS holders those rights unless both the distribution of the rights and the underlying securities to all our ADS holders are either registered under the Securities Act or exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Although we may be eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions under the Securities Act available to certain foreign issuers for rights offerings, we can give no assurances that we will be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement for any of these rights. Accordingly, the ADS holders may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of the ADS holders holdings.
20
Our issuance of stock bonuses to employees may likely have a dilutive effect on the ADSs.
Similar to other Republic of China technology companies, from time to time we may issue bonuses in the form of shares, valued at par, under the Republic of China Company Law and our articles of incorporation. Because these shares are issued at par value, the issuance of these shares may have a dilutive effect on the ADSs.
Our public shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests than they would as shareholders of a U.S. corporation.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our articles of incorporation and by the laws governing Republic of China corporations. The rights and responsibilities of our shareholders and members of our board of directors under Republic of China law are different from those that apply to a U.S. corporation. Directors of Republic of China corporations are required to conduct business faithfully and act with the care of good administrators. However, the duty of care as required of an Republic of China corporations directors may not be the same as the fiduciary duty of a director of a U.S. corporation. In addition, controlling shareholders of U.S. corporations owe fiduciary duties to minority shareholders, while controlling shareholders in Republic of China corporations do not. The Republic of China Company Law also requires that a shareholder continuously hold at least 3% of our issued and outstanding shares for at least a year in order to request that a supervisor institute an action against a director on the company's behalf. Therefore, our public shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests against actions of our management, members of our board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as shareholders of a U.S. corporation.
Future sales of securities by us, our executive officers, directors, supervisors or existing shareholders may hurt the price of our ADSs.
The market price of our ADSs could decline as a result of sales of ADSs or shares or the perception that these sales could occur. Without giving effect to the conversion into shares of any of our outstanding convertible bonds due 2008, as of March 31, 2003, we had an aggregate of 4,025,865,331 shares, including our shares and entitlement certificates, issued and outstanding, which were be freely tradable, except for 190,641,363 shares which were subject to lock-up limitations imposed by the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Beginning in February 2002, our outstanding convertible bonds became eligible for conversion into 632,911,392 of our shares, of which bondholders had exercised their conversion rights to receive 555,283,724 of our shares, including our common shares and entitlement certificates, as of March 31, 2003. If we, our executive officers, directors, supervisors or our shareholders, sell ADSs or shares, the market price for our shares or ADSs could decline. Future sales, or the perception of future sales, of ADSs or shares by us, our executive officers, directors, supervisors or existing shareholders could cause the market price of our ADSs to decline.
You should read the entire annual report carefully and should not consider any particular statement in this annual report or in published news reports or any published financial projections without carefully considering the risks and other information contained in this annual report.
In late April 2002, we released financial projections in Taiwan as required to comply with applicable Republic of China regulatory requirements. Among other things, these financial projections stated that we expect our net sales, operating income and net income for 2002 under ROC GAAP to be NT$93.0 billion, NT$16.1 billion and NT$14.3 billion, respectively. As a result of the slower than expected recovery in the information technology industry, slowing customer demand and deteriorating prices environment, our net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 fell by 28% below previously released financial projection. The revised financial projections were released on October 23, 2002. These projections were prepared by us based on projected market demand and price trends for our products, our projected production capacity, projected costs of raw materials and components and other relevant factors in effect as of or prior to the date of these projections, many of which factors are beyond our control. These projections were intended to comply with applicable Republic of China regulatory requirements and not to provide any assurance of our actual operating results in any given period of time.
The projections described above were based upon a number of estimates and assumptions and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, including the timing and cost of the completion of our capacity expansion, the volume and size of our customer orders, our market penetration, competition and economic and market conditions. These projections have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, our management. These projections were not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the United States
21
Securities and Exchange Commission, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or generally accepted accounting principles and, accordingly, you should not rely on this information. No independent accountant has examined or compiled these projections for purposes of their inclusion in an annual report to be provided to investors in the United States. The independent accountants reports included in this annual report relate only to our historical financial information and that of Unipac and do not extend to the projections described above. Projections are forward-looking statements that are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that one or more of the estimates on which the projections were based will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results, and such variances will likely increase over time. You should not regard the inclusion of the projections described above as a representation by us or any other person that these projections or the assumptions underlying the projections will be achieved. For these reasons, you should only consider these projections after carefully evaluating all of the information in this annual report, including the risks described in this section and throughout this annual report.
You may not be able to enforce a judgment of a foreign court against us.
We are a company limited by shares and incorporated under the Republic of China Company Law. All of our directors, supervisors and executive officers, and some of the experts named herein, are residents of Taiwan. As a result, it may not be possible for holders of our shares or ADSs to effect service of process upon us or those persons within the United States, or to enforce against us or them judgments obtained both in and outside the United States courts, including those predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. There is doubt as to the enforceability in the Republic of China, either in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of civil liabilities predicated on the United States federal securities laws.
Item 4. Information on the Company.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
Our legal and commercial name is AU Optronics Corp. We were incorporated as Acer Display Technology, Inc. under the laws of the Republic of China as a company limited by shares in 1996. The shares of Acer Display were listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange on September 8, 2000. As more fully described herein, our former name was Acer Display Technology, Inc. On May 22, 2001, we changed our name to AU Optronics Corp., and on September 1, 2001, we completed a merger with Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation.
Our principal executive offices are located at No. 1, Li-Hsin Road 2, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China and our telephone number is 886-3-563-2939. Our agent for service in the United States is CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011 and our agents telephone number is 212-894-8940.
Our ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 29, 2002.
22
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Introduction
We manufacture and assemble TFT-LCD panels. Our products are used in computers, consumer electronics products and LCD televisions. We began commercial production of small- to medium-size panels in 1994 and large-size panels in 1999. We have expanded our capacity significantly since 1999 and we manufactured and assembled our panels at four fabs and three module assembly facilities as of December 31, 2002. In March 2003, we commenced commercial production at a new fifth-generation fab production facility, our L8A fab, and we expect to commence commercial production at another fifth-generation fab, our L8B fab, by the second quarter of 2004.
To enhance our manufacturing process and product technologies, we continue to seek opportunities to work closely with other leading TFT-LCD developers or manufacturers with advanced TFT-LCD product or manufacturing process technologies. For example, in March 2003, we established a joint research and development program with FDTC, a subsidiary of Fujitsu focusing on the development and manufacture of TFT-LCD panels, for the joint development of the product and manufacturing process technologies for TFT-LCD panels. We also invested in 20% of the outstanding shares of FDTC at the aggregate price of approximately ¥1.5 billion.
Strategy
Our goal is to strengthen our position as a leading manufacturer of flat panel displays. In order to achieve this objective, we will focus our efforts on implementing the following strategies:
Continue to Develop TFT-LCD and Other Flat Panel Display Technologies
We strive to be a leading manufacturer of flat panel displays to our customers for diverse applications and using a range of technologies. We currently manufacture most of our panels using amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT-LCD technology, which is currently the most commonly used technology for flat panel displays. We are also developing alternative flat panel display technologies such as LTPS, OLED and plasma display. In the third quarter of 2001, we converted our L1 fab into a research and development facility focusing on the development of alternative flat panel display technologies. We plan to commence commercial production of display panels using LTPS process technology in 2003.
Invest in Advanced Production Facilities to Meet Demand and Enhance Economies of Scale
We intend to continue to invest in advanced production facilities. We commenced commercial production at one of our fifth-generation fabs, our L8A fab, in March 2003. We are currently in the process of constructing another fifth-generation fab, our L8B fab, and expect to commence commercial production at such fab by the second quarter of 2004. The L8A and L8B fabs are designed to process substrates that are more than twice as large as those processed at fourth-generation fabs, such as our L6 fab. These new fabs will enable us to cut substantially more panels per substrate or to cut panels more efficiently for applications that require larger panels. As a result, we expect that, upon the completion of the ramp up process, our L8A and L8B fabs, with estimated substrate input capacity of 1.44 million substrates per year, will enable us to produce computer display panels at lower cost and also to take advantage of the potential growth in the LCD television market.
Build on Our Range of Products to Strengthen Our Current Market Position and Enter New Markets
We plan to build on our range of products to expand sales in our current markets and enter new markets as they emerge. We can more efficiently utilize our different fabs, as we try to use each fab for the production of only those panel sizes for which it is particularly well suited. We are also able to reduce our exposure to the fluctuations in prices by leveraging our presence in the different market segments for large-size panels and small- to medium-size panels. We expect to continue to expand our product range as we plan to enter new markets for large-size panels, such as LCD televisions, and new markets for small- to medium-size panels, such as mobile phones, electronic books, portable games and digital photo albums.
23
Invest in Research and Development
We intend to continue to invest in research and development aimed at enhancing our manufacturing processes to improve production efficiency, increase production yields and lower costs, as well as improving our product quality and performance and introducing new products.
In November 2002, we announced a plan to establish a dedicated TFT-LCD flat panel research and development center, AU Technology Center, which is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2004. Research activities at AU Technology Center will initially be divided into several general segments, including advanced technology development in OLED, LTPS and plasma display. In addition to new product development and module processing, AU Technology Center will also devote substantial efforts to improving current TFT-LCD panel product and manufacturing process technologies. Upon completion, we intend to fully integrate our research and development resources at AU Technology Center in order to achieve optimal efficiency and advanced technology development. While we expect that we will continue to derive the majority of our revenues from TFT-LCD panels, we intend to introduce panels using other technologies, depending on market demand and the progress of our research and development efforts.
Emphasize Customer Service
We work closely with our customers at several levels, involving senior management, marketing staff and customer engineers, research and development staff, and engineers at our fabs. We cooperate with our customers in their product development and work jointly with them, including at their premises, to design TFT-LCD panels tailored to their specific requirements. We intend to continue to emphasize customer service, and continue to have close interaction with our customers in order to strengthen our relationships with them and enhance our competitiveness.
Focus on Cost Reduction
We will continue to focus on our cost reduction efforts by:
Principal Products
We manufacture a wide range of TFT-LCD display panels for the following principal product categories:
24
We design and manufacture our display panels to address specific needs of the end-products in which they are used, including thinness, light weight, resolution, color quality, brightness, low power consumption, touch panel features, fast response time and wide viewing angles. For example, it is more important for notebook computer displays to be lightweight and thin, and to have low power consumption, while desktop monitors require high brightness and wider viewing angles.
The following table sets forth our production volume by product category for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|
||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||
|
|
|
||||
(panels in thousands) | ||||||
Computer Products | ||||||
Notebook Computers | 1,755.4 | 2,758.2 | 3,133.7 | |||
Desktop Monitors | 30.7 | 1,848.1 | 5,186.3 | |||
|
|
|
||||
Total for Computer Products | 1,786.1 | 4,606.3 | 8,320.0 | |||
|
|
|
||||
Consumer Electronics Products | 4,255.2 | 4,887.1 | 9,092.1 | |||
|
|
|
||||
LCD Television | | | 1.6 | |||
|
|
|
||||
Total | 6,041.3 | 9,493.4 | 17,413.7 | |||
|
|
|
The following table sets forth our net sales by product category for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|
||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Computer Products | ||||||||
Notebook Computers | 20,096.9 | 16,989.1 | 22,386.5 | 645.1 | ||||
Desktop Monitors | 623.5 | 15,023.7 | 44,434.7 | 1,280.5 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total for Computer Products | 20,720.4 | 32,012.8 | 66,821.2 | 974.7 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Consumer Electronics Products | 4,284.8 | 4,295.5 | 6,731.5 | 194.0 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
LCD Television | | | 31.2 | 0.9 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other(1 ) | 578.0 | 1,280.3 | 2,105.3 | 60.7 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total | 25,583.2 | 37,588.6 | 75,689.2 | 2,181.2 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Computer Products
Notebook Computers . In 2000, 2001 and 2002, our panels for notebook computers accounted for 78.6%, 45.2% and 29.6%, respectively, of our net sales.
The size of mainstream panels for notebooks changes as the generation of TFT-LCD production technology migrates. We typically increase our production of mainstream panels for notebooks one to two quarters ahead of product migration trend. Starting from 1999, the mainstream panels for notebooks have migrated into 13.3-inch panels. As a result, our 13.3-inch notebook computer panels accounted for a significant portion of our notebook computer panel sales in 2000. In 2001, the mainstream panels for notebooks started to migrate into larger 14.1-inch panels. In response to the changing demand, we increased our production of 14.1-inch panels in early 2001. In 2002, our 14.1-inch notebook computer panels accounted for a significant portion of our notebook computer panel sales. We expect the mainstream panels for notebooks will migrate to 15-inch in 2003 and therefore we have significantly increased the production of our 15-inch panels since 2002. We expect that our sales of notebook computer panels, particularly sales of 15-inch panels, will continue to increase in 2003.
25
In 2002, unit sales of our panels for notebook computers was approximately 3.1 million, of which approximately 91.8% was accounted for by panels with sizes ranging from 14.1-inch to 15-inch and above. In 2002, our net sales accounted for by panels for notebook computers was approximately NT$22.4 billion, of which approximately 94.0% was accounted for by panels with sizes ranging from 14.1-inch to 15-inch and above.
Desktop Monitors . We started commercial production of desktop monitor display panels in the first quarter of 2000. Our sales of desktop monitor panels, as a percentage of our net sales, increased from 40.0% in 2001 to 58.7% in 2002. We expect that our sales of desktop monitor panels will continue to grow in 2003, primarily as a result of our capacity expansion and rapid demand growth due to the trend toward the use of TFT-LCD monitors.
The mainstream size of desktop monitors changes as the generation of TFT-LCD technology migrates. The mainstream panels for desktop monitors are 15-inch panels in 2002 and we expect 17-inch panels will gradually become mainstream panels for desktop monitors in 2003. In 2002, our unit sales of our panels for desktop monitors was approximately 5.2 million, of which approximately 99.9% was accounted for by 15-inch panels and 17-inch panels. In 2002, our net sales accounted for by panels for desktop monitors was approximately NT$44.4 billion, of which approximately 99.9% was accounted for by 15-inch panels and 17-inch panels.
Consumer Electronics Products
Our TFT-LCD display panels for the small- to medium-size consumer electronics products consist of display panels ranging from 1.5 inches to 7 inches in size, for products including digital cameras, camcorders, car televisions, car navigation systems, portable DVD players and televisions. Our sales of panels for consumer electronics products as a percentage of our total sales has decreased from 16.7% in 2000 to 11.4% in 2001 and to 8.9% in 2002, primarily due to the increase in the sales of our large-size panels. The markets for our consumer electronics are typically more stable and less cyclical than the markets for our computer products because of the high level of our involvement in the design process of our customers and the customized nature of consumer electronics display panels.
We plan to expand our consumer electronics product range to include panels for use in such as mobile phones and mobile computing devices like webpads, electronic books and digital photo albums, as well as increase our production of existing products, such as panels for portable DVD players.
LCD Television
Our panels for LCD televisions consist of display panels with panel size of 15 inches or above . We commenced commercial production of display panels for LCD televisions with panels ranging from 15 inches to 20 inches in the fourth quarter of 2002. We expect to commence trial production of 26-inch display panels for LCD televisions in the third quarter of 2003. We expect that our sales of panels for LCD televisions will continue to grow in 2003, primarily as a result of our capacity expansion at our fifth-generation fabs and rapid demand growth due to the trend toward the market acceptance of LCD televisions.
Customers, Sales and Marketing
We sell our panels primarily to original equipment manufacturing service providers. Some of these companies include BenQ, Compal, Lite-On Technology, Proview and Sampo. BenQ, formerly known as Acer Communications and Multimedia, is a shareholder of our company, holding 14.8% of our outstanding shares as of December 31, 2002. These original equipment manufacturing service providers, most of whose production operations are located in Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China, use our display panels in the products they manufacture on a contract basis for brand companies. Our major original equipment manufacturing service provider customers accounted for 43.7% of our sales in 2002. We also sell our products to some brand companies on a direct shipment basis. In addition, we sell some of our panels to component manufacturers of consumer electronics products.
The following table sets forth the geographic breakdown of our net sales by the location of our customers placing orders for the periods indicated:
26
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Region | Net Sales | % | Net Sales | % | Net Sales | % | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
(in NT$millions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||
Taiwan | 18,165 | 71.0 | % | 28,686 | 76.3 | % | 39,902 | 52.7 | % | |||
Japan | 4,066 | 15.9 | 1,634 | 4.4 | 3,396 | 4.5 | ||||||
Asia(1) | 1,080 | 4.2 | 3,954 | 10.5 | 28,057 | 37.1 | ||||||
Europe | 314 | 1.2 | 1,715 | 4.6 | 1,693 | 2.0 | ||||||
United States | 1,954 | 7.7 | 1,585 | 4.2 | 1,479 | 2.2 | ||||||
Others | 4 | | 15 | | 1,162 | 1.5 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total | 25,583 | 100.0 | % | 37,589 | 100.0 | % | 75,689 | 100.0 | % | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our sales in Taiwan, as set forth in the table above, represent a major portion of our net sales for the past three years. The majority of these sales were made to original equipment manufacturing service providers who use our display panels in the products they manufacture on a contract basis for brand companies worldwide.
Computer Products
Notebook Computers . We sell our notebook computer display panels primarily to original equipment manufacturing service providers with production operations in Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China, that design and manufacture notebook computers based on the specifications of their brand customers. Some of our original equipment manufacturing service provider customers include Arima, Compal and Wistron Infocomm. We market our panels to, and negotiate prices with, both our original equipment manufacturing service provider customers and their brand customers, as display panels often constitute a significant part of the end product. Furthermore, due to the need to manufacture notebook computer panels to meet particular customer specifications, we are generally involved in the design process for the notebook computers, and brand customers typically qualify our production facilities and often specify our panels to their original equipment manufacturing service providers.
Desktop Monitors . We sell our display panels for desktop monitors through sales channels similar to those for notebook computers. We supply desktop monitor display panels primarily to original equipment manufacturing service providers such as BenQ, Lite-On Technology, Proview and Sampo.
Consumer Electronics Products
We sell almost all of our panels for digital cameras and camcorders to brand companies based in Japan. We sell our panels for car televisions primarily to component manufacturers for automotive audio and video products based in the United States. We have recently begun to sell our display panels for portable DVD players primarily to original equipment manufacturing service providers and component manufacturers, most of which are located in Taiwan, the Peoples Republic of China and other Asian countries.
LCD Televisions
We commenced in the fourth quarter of 2002 to sell panels for LCD televisions, primarily to brand companies based in Taiwan.
Although we are not dependent on any single customer, a significant portion of our net sales is attributable to a small number of our customers. In 2000, 2001 and 2002, our five largest customers accounted for 47.6%, 41.6% and 39.3%, respectively, of our net sales. In addition, some customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our net sales for each of the last three years. In 2000, Acer Inc., IBM and Matsushita accounted for 14.5%, 10.3% and 10.2% of our net sales, respectively. In 2001, BenQ Corporation accounted for 17.8% of our net sales. In 2002, BenQ Corporation, including its subsidiary BenQ (IT), accounted for 20.8% of our net sales. As BenQ Corporation is a brand company which also provides original equipment manufacturing services for its brand company customers, our panels shipped to BenQ Corporation include both panels ordered on its own account as well as panels ordered by or on behalf of its brand company customers.
We focus our sales activities on a number of large customers with whom we seek to build close relationships. We serve key customers by appointing a sales manager as a point person for these major accounts. Each product
27
category has its own sales and marketing division, and is further subdivided into smaller teams dedicated to each of our major customers. Each dedicated customer team is headed by an account manager who is primarily responsible for our relationship with that specific customer.
We do not typically enter into long-term contracts with our customers. However, most of our customers provide us each month with four to six months non-binding rolling forecasts, and typically place purchase orders one month before expected shipment date. We generally provide a limited warranty to our customers, including the provision of replacement parts and after-sale service for our products. In connection with these warranty policies, based on our historical experience, we have set aside, and plan to continue to set aside, an amount as a reserve to cover these warranty obligations. As of December 31, 2002, we had reserved NT$122.0 million (US$3.5 million) for these purposes. In addition, we are required under several of our sales contracts to provide replacement parts for our products, at agreed prices, for a specified period of time.
The pricing of our panels takes into account the prevailing market conditions, in addition to the complexity of the product, the order size, the strength and history of our relationship with the customer and our capacity utilization. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Description of Certain Statement of Operations Items Net Sales. Purchase prices and payment terms for our sales to related parties are not significantly different from those for other suppliers. Our credit policy for sales to related parties and other customers typically requires payment within 30 to 60 days. The average collection days extended for sales to our customers for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, were 33 days, 59 days and 46 days, respectively. We have not experienced any material problems relating to customer payments.
The TFT-LCD Manufacturing Process
The basic structure of a TFT-LCD panel may be thought of as two glass substrates sandwiching a layer of liquid crystal. The front glass substrate is fitted with a color filter, while the back glass substrate has transistors fabricated on it. A light source is located at the back of the panel and is called a backlight unit.
The manufacturing process consists of hundreds of steps, but may be divided into three primary steps. The first step is the array process, which involves fabricating transistors on the back substrate using film deposition, lithography and etching. The array process is similar to the semiconductor manufacturing process, except that transistors are fabricated on a glass substrate instead of a silicon wafer. The second step is the cell process, which joins the array back substrate and the front color filter substrate. The space between the two substrates is filled with liquid crystal. The third step is the module assembly process, which involves connecting additional components, such as driver integrated circuits and backlight units, to the fabricated glass panel.
The array and cell processes are capital-intensive and require highly automated production equipment. TFT-LCD manufacturers typically design their own fabs and purchase production equipment from various suppliers, most of which are based in Japan. Each TFT-LCD manufacturer combines various equipment according to its manufacturing process technologies to form a TFT-LCD fab. In addition to developing our own manufacturing process technologies, we also license such technologies from other companies, such as IBM, Matsushita and FDTC. We have automated our array and cell processes, with the exception of some steps in the cell process, such as panel inspection, panel baking, and injection of liquid crystal. In contrast to the array and cell processes, the module-assembly process is highly labor-intensive as it involves manual labor to assemble the pieces. We started to move a substantial portion of our module-assembly process to the Peoples Republic of China since the completion of our two module-assembly facilities, namely our S1 and S2 fabs, in Suzhou in July 2002, as part of our efforts to reduce our labor costs.
Raw Materials and Components and Suppliers
Our manufacturing operations require adequate supplies of high-quality raw materials and components on a timely basis. We purchase our raw materials and components based on forecasts from our customers as well as our own assessments of our customers needs. Our forecasts are generally made three months in advance and updated monthly. We source most of our raw materials and components, including critical materials such as glass substrates, color filters, backlight units and driver integrated circuits, from a limited group of suppliers. In order to reduce our raw material and component costs and our dependence on any one supplier, we generally purchase our raw materials and components from multiple sources.
28
Set forth below are our major suppliers of key raw materials and components:
Driver | |||||
Integrated | |||||
Glass Substrates | Liquid Crystals | Color Filters | Polarizers | Backlight Units | Circuits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corning Taiwan (T)(1) | Merck (J) | Cando (T) | Nitto Denko (T) | Coretronic (T) | Matsushita (J) |
NH Technoglass (J)(2) | Nichimen Corp.(J) | Dai Nippon | Optimax (T) | Helix Technology | NEC (J) |
Nippon Electric Glass (T) | Printing (J) | (T) | Novatek (T) | ||
Toppan (J) | Radiant (T) | Toshiba (J) |
|
(1) T signifies a Taiwan company. |
(2) J signifies a Japanese company. |
Although, in limited instances, we have prepaid suppliers to ensure a stable supply of necessary raw materials and components, we do not generally enter into contracts with our suppliers. We use a large amount of water and electricity in our manufacturing process. We obtain water supplies from government-owned entities and recycle more than 70% of the water that we use in production. We use electricity supplied by Taiwan Power Corporation. We maintain back-up generators that provide electricity in case of power interruptions, which we have experienced from time to time. In September 1999, a power outage caused by a large earthquake resulted in a suspension of production at our fabs for five days. Except for this power outage, power interruptions in general have not materially affected our production processes.
Equipment and Suppliers
We depend on a limited number of equipment manufacturers that make and sell the equipment that we use in our manufacturing processes. Our manufacturing processes depend on the quality and technological capacity of our equipment. We purchase equipment that is tailored to our specific requirements for our manufacturing processes. The principal types of equipment we use to manufacture TFT-LCD panels include chemical vapor deposition equipment, steppers, developers and coaters.
We expect to make significant purchases of equipment in 2003 to implement our capacity expansion and technology advancement plans. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Liquidity and Capital Resources. We purchase equipment from a small number of qualified vendors to assure consistent quality and performance. We typically order equipment four to twelve months or longer in advance of our planned installation.
Competition
The TFT-LCD industry is highly competitive. Most of our competitors operate fabs in Korea, Taiwan and Japan. We believe that there are no TFT-LCD fabs in the United States or Europe. Our principal competitors are:
The principal elements of competition for customers in the TFT-LCD market include:
29
Quality Control
We have implemented quality inspection and testing procedures at all of our fabs and module-assembly facilities. Our quality control procedures include statistical process control, which involves sampling measurements to monitor and control the production processes. We perform outgoing quality control based on sampling plans, ongoing reliability tests covering a wide range of application conditions, in-process quality control to prevent potential quality deviations, and other programs designed for process measurement and improvement, reduction of manufacturing costs, maintenance of on-time delivery, increasing in-process yields and improving field reliability of our products. If a problem is detected, we take containment actions, conduct defect analyses to identify the cause of the problem, and take appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
We visually inspect and test all completed display panels to ensure that production standards are met. To ensure the effective and consistent application of our quality control procedures, we provide quality control training to all of our production line employees according to a certification system depending on the particular level of the skills and knowledge required.
We also perform quality control procedures for the raw materials and components that we purchase. These procedures include testing samples for large batches, obtaining vendor testing reports and testing to ensure compatibility with other raw materials and components, as well as vendor qualification and vendor rating.
Our quality control programs have received accredited International Organization of Standards ISO 9001 certifications, as well as qualifications from our customers. In addition, most of our facilities have been certified as meeting the International Organization of Standards ISO-14001 environmental protection standards, with certification for our M3 fab and L8B fab pending. The International Organization of Standards certification process involves subjecting our manufacturing processes and quality management systems to semi-annual reviews and observation for various periods. International Organization of Standards certification is required by certain European countries in connection with sales of industrial products in those countries. We believe that certification also provides independent verification to our customers regarding the quality control employed in our manufacturing and assembly processes.
Intellectual Property
We currently hold a total of 193 patents, including 138 in Taiwan and 45 in the United States. These include patents for TFT-LCD manufacturing processes and products. These patents will expire at various dates from 2009 through 2020. We also have a total of 392 pending patent applications in Taiwan, 137 in the United States and 252 in other jurisdictions, including the Peoples Republic of China, Japan and Korea. In addition, we are in the process of registering AU Optronics as trademarks and service marks in Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China.
License from Matsushita for Amorphous Silicon TFT-LCDs . Unipac entered into a five -year Technology Assistance and Patent License Agreement with Matsushita as of October 30, 1998, which provides for the nontransferable and nonexclusive license and technical support to manufacture TFT-LCD panels between 13.3 inches and 19.0 inches in size at our L1 and L2 fabs. The agreement provides for a fixed license fee, and, subject to a maximum payment requirement, ongoing royalty payments at a percentage of the sales of the panels we manufacture using the licensed technology. Currently, we pay royalties for production of 13.3 -inch and 14.1-inch TFT-LCD panels manufactured at our L2 fab. This agreement may be terminated by Matsushita with a written notice following certain events, which includes the dissolution of Unipac following the merger. To date, Matsushita has not served such a written notice on us although the merger might have triggered Matsushitas termination right under the agreement. In connection with the merger, Matsushita verbally agreed that we would succeed to the rights and obligations of Unipac under the agreement, and that it would execute an amended license agreement with us, which we expect will be substantially similar to the 1998 agreement. We are currently in discussions with Matsushita regarding the terms of an amended license agreement. Under the terms of the current agreement, we have a right to renew our license upon the termination or expiration of the license, subject to commercially reasonable consideration. If we fail to reach an agreement with Matsushita on the terms of the renewal, we are entitled to a grace period of three years during which we can continue using the license while proceeding with negotiation efforts for the license renewal.
30
Licenses from IBM for Amorphous Silicon TFT-LCDs . We entered into license agreements with IBM as of March 12, 1998, and August 1, 1999, which provide for nonexclusive and nontransferable licenses for IBMs third-generation TFT-LCD manufacturing process technology and its amorphous silicon TFT-LCD enabling technology until March 12, 2005, and technical support until March 12, 2000. The agreements provide for a fixed license fee, and ongoing royalty payments at a percentage of the sales of the panels we manufacture using the licensed technology. Currently, we pay IBM ongoing royalties for panels manufactured at our L5 and L6 fabs. Furthermore, we are obligated to license to IBM any improvements and know-how that we develop from the licensed technology. In connection with the merger, we executed assignments with IBM, dated September 1, 2001, to assign all rights of Acer Display under the licenses to AU Optronics.
License from FDTC for Amorphous Silicon TFT-LCDs. We entered into a license agreement with FDTC effective as of March 31, 2003, which provides for the nontransferable and nonexclusive license and technical support to manufacture all of our TFT-LCD panels at all our facilities. The agreement provides for an initial license fee and fixed royalty payments to be paid for each of the first four consecutive 12 months following the effective date of this agreement. Each party agrees to review and discuss in good faith terms and conditions of this agreement after the fourth anniversary of this agreement.
In 2000, 2001 and 2002, our running royalty expenses to the companies from which we license intellectual property were NT$139.7 million, NT$297.6 million and NT$229.4 million, respectively, which accounted for 0.5%, 0.8% and 0.3%, respectively of our net sales. We expect that our royalty expenses relating to intellectual property licenses will increase in the future due to increases in unit sales. We intend to continue to file patent applications, where appropriate, to protect our proprietary technologies. We may find it necessary to enforce our patents or other intellectual property rights or defend ourselves against claimed infringement of the rights of others through litigation, which could result in substantial cost and diversion of our resources. We may suffer legal liabilities and damages if we infringe product or process technology rights held by others.
We require all of our employees to sign an employment agreement which prohibits the disclosure of any of our trade secrets and proprietary technologies and also require technical personnel to assign to us any inventions they develop that are related to our business.
Insurance
We maintain insurance policies on our production facilities, buildings, machinery and inventories covering property damage and damage due to fire, earthquakes, floods, and other natural and accidental perils. Our property insurance covers replacement costs for our assets. As of December 31, 2002, our insurance also included protection from covered losses, including property damage up to maximum coverage of NT$5,144.8 million (US$148.3 million) for all of our inventories and NT$82,568.0 million (US$2,379.5 million) for our equipment and facilities. In addition, as of December 31, 2002, we had insurance coverage for business interruptions in the aggregate amount of NT$10,500.0 million (US$302.6 million). See Item 3. Key Information Risk Factors Due to the location of our operations in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China, we and many of our customers and suppliers are vulnerable to natural disasters and other events outside our control, which may seriously disrupt our operations.
We also maintain insurance policies, including director and officer liability insurance, employee group health insurance, travel and life insurances, employer liability insurance, general liability insurance, and policies that provide coverage for risks during the shipment of goods and equipment, as well as during equipment installation at our fabs.
We are not involved in any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings relating to claims that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See Item 8. Financial Information Legal Proceedings.
Environmental Matters
Our manufacturing processes involve the use of hazardous materials and generate a significant amount of waste products, including wastewater, liquid waste products and hazardous gases, which are strictly monitored by the local environmental protection bureau. To meet Republic of China environmental standards, we employ various types of pollution control equipment for the treatment of hazardous gases, liquid waste, solid waste and the treatment of
31
wastewater and chemicals in our fabs. We control exhaust gas and wastewater on-site. The solid and liquid wastes are treated by subcontracting with third parties off-site to meet pollution control requirements.
We incurred small fines in December 2002 and March 2001 for non-compliance with a waste storage-labeling requirement. In addition, at the end of 1999, we incurred a small fine when our L5 fab increased its waste volume by expanding production, resulting in waste volume in excess of the volume permitted under its original permit. Following this occurrence, we have taken the necessary steps to obtain the appropriate permit and believe that we are in compliance with the existing environmental laws and regulations in Taiwan. In addition, we have obtained all governmental approvals necessary for the expansion of our L5 and L6 fabs.
32
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The following chart illustrates our corporate structure and effective ownership interest in each of our principal operating subsidiaries and affiliates as of December 31, 2002. The following chart does not include wholly-owned intermediate holding companies.
The following table sets forth summary information for our subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002.
Subsidiary | Main Activities |
Jurisdiction
of Incorporation |
Total
Paid-
in Capital |
Percentage
of
Our Ownership Interest |
Percentage
of
Our Voting Power |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
AU Optronics (L) Corp. |
Holding
company for AU Optronics Corporation
America, AU Optronics (Suzhou) Corp. and AU Optronics Corporation Japan |
Malaysia | NT$ | 1,744.3 million | 100% | 100% | |||
AU Optronics Corporation America | Sale service in the United States | United States | NT$ | 31.2 million | 100%(1) | 100%(1) | |||
AU Optronics (Suzhou) Corp. |
Assembly
of TFT-LCD modules in the Peoples
Republic of China |
Peoples
Republic of China |
NT$ | 1,706.2 million | 100%(1) | 100%(1) | |||
AU
Optronics
Corporation Japan |
Sale service in Japan | Japan | NT$ | 5.6 million | 100%(1) | 100%(1) | |||
Konly Venture Corp. | Venture capital investment | Republic of China | NT$ | 200.0 million | 100% | 100% | |||
33
PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
Current Facilities
As of December 31, 2002, we manufactured our products at four large fabs located in Taiwan and three module-assembly facilities, one located in Taiwan and two located in Suzhou, PRC. In March 2003, we commenced commercial production at our new fifth-generation fab, our L8A fab. We believe that, as a result of having five large fabs, we are able to produce a large number of panels with various panel sizes. For example, our L6 fab can cut either six 15-inch panels, four 17-inch panels, four 19-inch panels or four 20-inch panels per substrate, while our L2, L3 and L5 fabs can cut either six 14.1-inch panels, four 15-inch panels or four 17-inch panels per substrate. As a result, we typically use our L6 fab to produce 15-inch, 19-inch and 20.1-inch panels, while we use our L2 and L3 fabs to produce small- to medium-size panels and 14.1-inch and 17-inch panels, in order to optimize our production efficiency.
In the third quarter of 2001, we converted our L1 fab into a research and development facility focusing on developing alternative flat panel display technologies, including LTPS and OLED.
The following table sets forth the size, primary use and capacity of our fabs, research and development facility, and module-assembly facilities, and indicates whether such facilities, including land and buildings, are owned or leased. All land in the Hsinchu Science-Based Industrial Park is leased from the Republic of China government.
Leases for L1, L2, L3 and L5 Facilities . We have four separate leases with Hsinchu Science-Based Industrial Park Administration that govern our L1, L2, L3 and L5 facilities, respectively:
34
Lease for L6, L8A and M1 Facilities . We have a lease with Min Tour Inc. that governs our L6, L8A and M1 facilities. The term of the lease began on February 1, 2000 and will expire on January 31, 2015.
Lease for S1 and S2 Facilities . We have a lease with China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Co., Ltd. that governs our S1 and S2 facilities. The term of the lease began on September 25, 2001 and will expire on September 24, 2051.
Expansion Projects
Two New Fifth-Generation Fabs . In addition to expanding our existing fabs, we continue to establish advanced production facilities to meet demand and enhance economies of scale, such as our two new fifth-generation fabs, our L8A and L8B fabs. We commenced commercial production at our L8A fab in March 2003. We are currently in the process of constructing our L8B fab and expect to commence commercial production at such fab by the second quarter of 2004. The L8A and L8B fabs are designed to process substrates that are more than twice as large as those processed at a fourth-generation fab, such as our L6 fab. These new fabs will enable us to cut substantially more panels per substrate or to cut panels more efficiently for applications that require larger panels. Upon the completion of the ramp up process, these two fifth-generation fabs are expected to have a substrate input capacity of approximately 1.44 million substrates per year.
In order to improve our cost structure by building our own raw material and component production capability, we are currently in the process of establishing color filter production facilities housed at our new L8B fab, in order to meet part of the demand in such component at our two fifth-generation fabs and other existing fabs. We expect to commence mass production of color filters at such facilities by the end of 2003.
As of March 31, 2003, we had invested a total of NT$8.8 billion (US$253.6 million) in our L8A fab and L8B fab, including the color filter production facilities housed at the L8B fab. We expect to invest an additional NT$54.0 billion (US$1.6 billion) in order to complete these expansion projects. We expect to finance these expansion projects with the proceeds of the offering of ADSs we received in May 2002, long-term debts and the funds generated from cash flow from operations .
New Research and Development Center. In November 2002, we announced a plan to establish a dedicated TFT-LCD flat panel research and development center, AU Technology Center, which is targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2004. Research activities at AU Technology Center will initially be divided into several general segments, including advanced technology development in OLED, LTPS and plasma display. In addition to new product development and module processing, AU Technology Center will also devote substantial efforts to improving current TFT-LCD panel product and manufacturing process technologies. Upon completion, AU Technology Center will fully integrate our research and development resources in achieving optimal efficiency and advanced technology development. While we expect that we will continue to derive the majority of our revenues from TFT-LCD panels, we intend to introduce panels using other technologies, depending on market demand and the progress of our research and development efforts.
As of March 31, 2003, we had invested a total of NT$9.0 million (US$0.3 million) in AU Technology Center, and we expect to invest additional NT$1,200 million in order to complete the construction of AU Technology Center. We expect to finance the completion of AU Technology Center with funds generated through cash flow from operations.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS.
OPERATING RESULTS AND TREND INFORMATION
Overview
The TFT-LCD industry has been characterized by cyclical market conditions, primarily as a result of the imbalance of supply of and demand for TFT-LCD panels, which have been reflected in the past by the fluctuations
35
in the average selling prices of TFT-LCD panels. For example, in the second half of 2000, intense competition in the TFT-LCD industry worldwide, due principally to the substantial addition of new fabs by most major manufacturers in Taiwan, Korea and Japan, including our company, resulted in declines in the average selling prices of many of our products. As a result, we experienced substantial downward pricing pressure on large-size panels. The average selling prices of our large-size panels decreased by 40.1% between 2000 and 2001. From the first half of 2002, however, expectation for strong demands for TFT-LCD panels resulted in panel price recovery in the TFT-LCD industry. The average selling prices of our large -size panels increased by 21.5% between the fourth quarter of 2001 and the first quarter of 2002 and further increased by 13.9% between the first quarter and the second quarter of 2002. However, lower than expected demand growth for TFT-LCD panels in the second half of 2002 led to oversupply in the market, causing sharp declines in prices again in that period. As a result, the average selling prices of our large-size panels decreased by 13.0% between the second quarter and the third quarter of 2002 and further decreased by 21.7% between the third quarter and the fourth quarter of 2002.
Our revenues depend substantially on the average selling prices of our panels and are affected by fluctuations in those prices. The average selling prices of our large-size panels increased by 15.6% between 2001 and 2002. The increases in the average selling prices of our panels and decreases in depreciation and amortization expenses and other fixed costs associated with the expansion of our production capacity on a per panel basis contributed to the increase in our gross margins from (7.4)% in 2001 to 16.0% in 2002. We believe that the recent increase in the average selling prices has resulted from the relative shortage of supply, compared to the demand for TFT-LCD panels. However, in response to the supply shortage, TFT-LCD manufacturers, including our company, may expand their capacity. If such expansion in capacity is not matched by an increase in demand, it could lead to overcapacity and declines in the average selling prices of our panels in the future. In addition, regardless of whether capacity is expanded, we expect that average selling prices for our existing product lines will eventually decline as the cost of manufacturing TFT-LCD panels declines.
Production Capacity
We measure the capacity of a fab in terms of the number of mainstream panels we could produce if all of the substrates at the fab were cut to produce such panels. The standard mainstream panel was 15-inch panel prior to 2002 and 17-inch panel since 2003. We refer to this unit of measurement as the 15-inch or 17-inch panel equivalent. We had reached an annual capacity of approximately 11.0 million 15-inch panel equivalents, or 9.6 million 17-inch panel equivalents, as of December 31, 2002. However, the actual panels shipped will vary from time to time due to the utilization rate of our production facilities and the change of our product mix reflecting market conditions. We increased our annual substrate capacity to approximately 2.4 million substrates as of December 31, 2002.
As a result of economies of scale resulting from a substantial increase in our production, our cost of goods sold per large-size panel decreased by 18.2% between 2000 and 2001 and by 14.1% between 2001 and 2002. As we made significant investments in 2001 and 2002, our total depreciation and amortization expenses increased significantly. While in the case of full utilization of our production facilities, depreciation and amortization expenses divided by the total number of large-size panels shipped should decrease resulting from a substantial increase in our production of large-size panels. However, our depreciation and amortization expenses divided by the total number of large-size panels shipped increased from NT$1,366.6 (US$39.0) in the fourth quarter of 2001 to NT$1,604.5 (US$46.2) in the fourth quarter of 2002, due primarily to a lower utilization rate of our production facilities in 2002 as demand for TFT-LCD panels declined in the second half of 2002.
Fab Construction and Ramp Up Process
Once the design of a new fab is completed, it typically takes five to eight quarters before the fab commences commercial production, during which time we construct the building, install the machinery and equipment and conduct trial production at the fab. It then takes an additional two to three quarters for the fab to be in a position to produce at the installed capacity and with high production yield, where production yield is the number of good panels produced expressed as a percentage of the total number of panels produced. This process is commonly referred to as ramp up. At the beginning of the ramp up process, fixed costs, such as depreciation and amortization, labor, general and administrative and other expenses, are relatively high on a per panel basis, primarily as a result of the low output. Variable costs, particularly raw material and component costs, are also relatively high on a per panel basis since production yield is typically low in the early stages of a fabs ramp up, leading to greater wastage of raw materials and components. Generally, as a fab completes the ramp up process, its production reaches
36
close to its installed capacity, leading to lower fixed costs per panel as a result of higher output, and lower raw material and component costs per panel as a result of higher production yield.
We typically construct our new fabs in phases in order to allocate our aggregate capital expenditure across a greater period of time. As a result, the installed capacity in the early phases of production at a new fab is typically lower than the maximum capacity that can be installed at a fab. For example, in the third quarter of 1999, we commenced construction of the first phase of our L6 fab, our largest fab in operation. We began commercial operations at L6 in the first quarter of 2001 and reached full commercial production in the fourth quarter of 2001, when this fab started processing substrates equal to its installed capacity of 35,000 substrates per month. We completed the second phase of our L6 fab to increase its installed capacity from 35,000 to 60,000 substrates per month. As of December 31, 2002, we had invested a total of NT$18,772 million (US$541.0 million) in our L6 fab.
Product Mix
Our product mix affects our sales and profitability, as the prices and costs of different size panels may vary significantly. The larger panel sizes command higher prices, but also have higher manufacturing costs. In 2002, the trend toward notebook computers with bigger screens and the substantial increase in demand for TFT-LCD panels for desktop monitors due to the substitution effect led us to change our product mix to include more 14.1-inch and 15-inch panels and fewer 13.3 -inch panels for notebook computers and more 15-inch and 17-inch panels for desktop monitors. The completion of the ramp up process at our L6 fab, which enabled us to produce 15-inch panels at lower cost, also contributed to the change in our product mix. We periodically review and adjust our product mix based on the demand for, and profitability of, each panel size.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts of our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We continually evaluate these estimates, including those related to allowances for doubtful accounts, inventories, useful lives of properties, consolidated debits, income tax valuation allowances, pension plans and the fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. We have identified below the accounting policies that are critical to our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when title to the products and risk of ownership are transferred to the customers, which occurs principally at the time of shipment. Customers have the right to return purchased products within 20 days after delivery for replacement if the products have an unacceptable number of defects in accordance with our specified, objective inspection standards. We continuously evaluate whether our products meet these inspection standards and can reliably estimate sales returns expected to result from customer inspections. As a result, we account for the estimated costs associated with the returns as a provision for warranty costs.
Analysis of Long-Lived Assets
We review our long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets, including purchased intangible assets for impairment, whenever we feel that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of our assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the fair value of the asset. If we consider our assets to be impaired, the impairment we would recognize is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Furthermore, assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell.
Provision for Accounts Receivable
We evaluate our outstanding accounts receivable balance on a monthly basis for collectibility purposes. Our evaluation includes an analysis of the number of days outstanding for each outstanding accounts receivable account. When appropriate, we provide a provision that is based on the number of days for which the account has been
37
outstanding. The provision provided on each aged account is based on our average historical loss experience over the prior two years.
Provision for Inventory Obsolescence
Provisions for inventory obsolescence and devaluation are recorded when we determine that the fair values of inventories are less than their cost basis, which may be affected by the number of months inventory items that remain unsold. Additionally, our analysis of our provision for obsolete and devalued inventory is partially based upon forecasts of demand for our products and any change to these forecasts.
Description of Certain Statement of Operations Items
Net Sales
We generate our sales primarily from manufacturing and selling TFT-LCD panels. We manufacture TFT-LCDs for computer products and consumer electronics products. In 2002, we shipped 9.1 million panels for small- to medium-size panels and 8.3 million panels for large-size panels. Our large-size panels accounted for 88.3% of our net sales in 2002. Although we expect to continue to derive a majority of our revenues from the sales of panels for computer products, we intend to increase our focus on sales of panels for consumer electronics products.
The pricing of our panels takes into account the prevailing market conditions, in addition to the complexity of the product, the order size, the strength and history of our relationship with the customer, and our capacity utilization. For most of our large-size panels, which are relatively standardized, such as 15-inch panels for desktop monitors, we determine our prices primarily in accordance with global supply and demand conditions. For small- to medium-size panels, which require a high level of customer involvement in the design process, we determine our prices based on negotiations with our customers with reference to current market prices.
Net sales are recognized when title to the products and risk of ownership are transferred to the buyer, which is primarily at the time of shipment. We generally bill our customers at the time of shipment, with varying terms of credit, generally not exceeding 60 days from the time of billing. In connection with the sales of our products, we do not accept non-monetary consideration.
Given our long-term relationships with most of our customers, and the level of related historical sales volumes, we have not experienced a high degree of losses on uncollectible accounts receivable accounts.
Cost of Goods Sold
Our cost of goods sold consists principally of:
Under US GAAP, the amortization of the fixed license and patent fees under our technology license agreements, which we treat as a research and development expense under ROC GAAP, is included as part of our cost of goods sold. See note 26 to the consolidated financial statements.
We have continued to undertake efforts to reduce our raw material and component costs in an effort to partially offset the impact of the declining average selling prices of our panels on our gross margins. These cost reduction efforts include:
38
See Item 4. Information on the Company Our Strategy Focus on Cost Reduction.
We have substantially reduced our raw material and component costs on a per panel basis. For example, our raw material and component costs per panel for panels for computer products decreased by 16.4% between 2001 and 2002. However, our raw material and component costs as a percentage of total cost of goods sold remained at a stable level, primarily due to the reduction in fixed costs per panel as a percentage of cost of goods sold. We expect that raw material and component costs will continue to decline on a per panel basis in absolute terms, but will constitute a larger percentage of our cost of goods sold as we increase our production.
Due to our substantial investments in capacity over the past three years, depreciation and amortization expenses have increased significantly. However, our depreciation and amortization expenses on a per panel basis have decreased significantly over the same period as a result of the increase of production efficiency, which was primarily due to the migration toward advanced production facilities. As a percentage of cost of goods sold, depreciation and amortization expenses decreased from 27.7% in 2000 to 22.0% in 2001, and decreased to 20.4% in 2002. We expect depreciation and amortization costs as a percentage of total cost of goods sold to continue to decline in 2003 as a result of the increase of production efficiency as a result of the migration toward advanced production facilities. In absolute terms, however, we expect depreciation and amortization expenses to increase in 2003 as we make further investments to expand our capacity.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses have increased significantly over the past few years as we have increased our production and capacity. However, on a per panel basis, operating expenses have decreased.
Our operating expenses consist of the following:
Selling Expenses . Selling expenses consist primarily of selling commissions, salaries and related personnel expenses and other marketing expenses. In addition, our selling expenses include an estimate based on our historical experience of our obligations under warranty policies to provide, among other things, replacement parts and after-sale services for our products. We expect that our selling expenses will increase as we seek to further expand our unit sales and customer base.
Administrative Expenses . Administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries for our executive, administrative, finance and human resource personnel, fees for professional services, and the cost of computers to support our operations. In addition, before we commence commercial production at a particular fab, we account for all production-related costs, including direct labor costs and overhead costs, as administrative expenses. After the commencement of commercial production, these expenses are accounted for as our cost of goods sold. We expect our administrative expenses to grow as we expect to hire additional supporting staff in conjunction with our growth.
Research and Development Expenses . Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, bonuses and related costs for product and technology development, amortization of fixed license fees under technology license agreements, and depreciation and maintenance on the equipment and various materials used in our research and development processes. We expect our research and development expenses to grow as we hire additional staff and purchase additional equipment for research and development purposes. Under US GAAP, the amortization of the fixed license fees and ongoing royalty payments under our technology license agreements have been included as part of our cost of goods sold. See note 26 to the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that our operating expenses will increase as our operations continue to grow. However, we expect our operating expenses to decrease on a per panel basis as a result of our increased production capacity.
39
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain of our results of operations data as a percentage of our net sales for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||
|
|
|
||||
% | % | % | ||||
Net sales | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | |||
Cost of goods sold | 81.1 | 107.4 | 84.0 | |||
|
|
|
||||
Gross profit (loss) | 18.9 | (7.4 | ) | 16.0 | ||
Operating expenses: | 14.5 | 9.3 | 5.8 | |||
Selling expenses | 1.7 | 1.2 | 0.7 | |||
Administrative expenses | 6.6 | 3.2 | 2.1 | |||
Research and development expenses | 6.2 | 4.9 | 3.0 | |||
Operating income (loss) | 4.4 | (16.7 | ) | 10.2 | ||
|
|
|
||||
Investment income | 3.3 | | | |||
Net non-operating income (loss) | (0.1 | ) | (1.2 | ) | (2.2 | ) |
|
|
|
||||
Income (loss) before income tax | 7.6 | (17.9 | ) | 8.0 | ||
Income tax benefit (expenses) | 3.6 | 0.1 | (0.0 | ) | ||
|
|
|
||||
Net income (loss) | 11.2 | (17.8 | ) | 8.0 | ||
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001
Net Sales
Our net sales increased by 101.4% from NT$37,588.6 million in 2001 to NT$75,689.2 million (US$2,181.2 million) in 2002. This increase was primarily due to significant increases in the average selling prices and unit sales for our large -size panels in the first half of 2002, partially offset by a decrease in average selling prices and unit sales in the second half of 2002. The increases in both average selling prices and unit sales of large-size panels in the first half of 2002 were due primarily to market expectations of strong demand in the end use market for TFT-LCD panels in 2002. The decline in the average selling prices and unit sales of our large-size panels in the second half of 2002 were due primarily to oversupply of large-size panels in the market as a result of lower than expected demand growth for TFT-LCD panels and inventory build-up in that period.
Cost of Goods Sold
Our cost of goods sold increased by 57.5% from NT$40,373.6 million in 2001 to NT$63,606.2 million (US$1,833.0 million) in 2002. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold decreased from 107.4% in 2001 to 84.0% in 2002. We significantly reduced our cost of goods sold per panel for computer products as a result of lower raw material and component costs and lower fixed costs per panel, primarily due to the improved production efficiency and enlarged economies of scale achieved by capacity expansions. Our raw material and component costs per panel for computer products decreased by 16.4% between 2001 and 2002. Our depreciation and amortization expenses increased from NT$8,880.3 million in 2001 to NT$12,989.9 million (US$374.3 million) in 2002, primarily due to the additional purchase of equipment for the manufacturing of panels for computer products, mainly at our L6 fabs. However, our depreciation and amortization expenses divided by the total number of large-size panels sold decreased from NT$3,214.4 in 2000 to NT$1,927.8 in 2001, and to NT$1,561.0 (US$45.0) in 2002, and our depreciation and amortization expenses decreased as a percentage of cost of goods sold from 22.0% in 2001 to 20.4% in 2002, due to an increase in our production.
Gross Profit (Loss) and Gross Margin
We recorded a gross loss of NT$2,785.0 million in 2001 and recognized gross profit of NT$12,083.0 million (US$348.2 million) in 2002, due principally to a substantial decline in the cost of goods sold and an increase in the average selling prices of most of our large-size panels.
40
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased by 24.6% from NT$3,505.7 million in 2001 to NT$4,369.1 million (US$125.9 million) in 2002. As a percentage of net sales, our operating expenses decreased from 9.3% to 5.8%, primarily due to increased sales of our panels.
Selling Expenses . Selling expenses increased by 16.5% from NT$446.2 million in 2001 to NT$520.0 million (US$15.0 million) in 2002, primarily due to increases in transportation costs, selling commissions and promotion expenses as a result of increased sales in 2002. As a percentage of net sales, our selling expenses decreased from 1.2% in 2001 to 0.7% in 2002.
Administrative Expenses . Administrative expenses increased by 34.3% from NT$1,203.4 million in 2001 to NT$1,616.0 million (US$46.6 million) in 2002, primarily due to the production-related costs, including direct labor costs and overhead costs, at our L8A fab and module-assembly fabs in Suzhou prior to the commercial production at such fabs. As a percentage of our net sales, our administrative expenses decreased from 3.2% in 2001 to 2.1% in 2002, due primarily to the economies of scale.
Research and Development Expenses . Research and development expenses increased by 20.3% from NT$1,856.1 million in 2001 to NT$2,233.1 million (US$64.3 million) in 2002, primarily due to an increase in depreciation expenses for research and development equipment in connection with the development of new technologies, an increase in the cost of raw materials and components relating to research and development activities and an increase in additional expenses for research and development personnel due to additional hiring and salary level increases. Research and development expenses as a percentage of our net sales decreased from 4.9% in 2001 to 3.0% in 2002 as our net sales increased by 101.4% in that period.
Operating Income (Loss) and Operating Margin
We generated an operating loss of NT$6,290.7 million in 2001, compared to operating income of NT$7,713.9 million (US$223.3 million) in 2002, and our operating margin increased from (16.7)% in 2001 to 10.2% in 2002. These increases were primarily due to an increase in the average selling prices of most of our panels due to strong market demands and a reduction in our cost of goods sold per panel.
Net Non-Operating Income (Loss)
Net non-operating loss increased by 272.6% from NT$453.9 million in 2001 to NT$1,691.1 million (US$48.7 million) in 2002 primarily due to an investment loss of NT$650.6 million and a net exchange loss of NT$210.8 million in 2002. The investment loss was primarily due to the write-off of our short-term investment in PixTech in the amount of NT$523.7 million in 2002. The net exchange loss was primarily due to the depreciation of US dollar against NT dollar in the second quarter of 2002.
Net Income (Loss)
As a result of the foregoing, we generated a net loss of NT$6,710.2 million in 2001, compared to net income of NT$6,022.7 million (US$173.6 million) for 2002.
For the Years Ended December 31, 2000 and 2001
Net Sales
Our net sales increased by 46.9% from NT$25,583.2 million in 2000 to NT$37,588.6 million in 2001. This increase was primarily due to significant increases in unit sales of our large-size panels as a result of our increased capacity. The unit sales of our large-size panels increased by 155.6 % from 1.8 million in 2000 to 4.6 million in 2001. The increases in our net sales, attributable to increases in unit sales of our large-size panels, were partially offset by declines in average selling prices of most of our large-size panels. The average selling price of large-size panels declined by 40.1% from 2001 to 2000, primarily due to the growth of supply at a more rapid rate than demand during the first three quarters of 2001 and reflecting the declining costs of production per panel.
41
Cost of Goods Sold
Our cost of goods sold increased by 94.7% from NT$20,737.5 million in 2000 to NT$40,373.6 million in 2001. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased from 81.1% in 2000 to 107.4% in 2001. However, we significantly reduced our cost of goods sold per large-size panel, due to lower raw material and component costs and lower fixed costs per large-size panel primarily due to the increase in the number of panels sold. Our raw material and component costs per panel for large-size panels decreased by 0.3% between 2000 and 2001. Our depreciation and amortization expenses increased from NT$5,741.3 million in 2000 to NT$8,880.3 million in 2001, primarily due to the additional purchase of equipment for the manufacturing of large-size panels at our L3 and L6 fabs. Our depreciation and amortization expenses, however, decreased as a percentage of cost of goods sold from 27.7% in 2000 to 22.0% in 2001, due to an increase in our production.
Gross Profit (Loss) and Gross Margin
We recognized a gross profit of NT$4,845.7 million in 2000 and recorded a gross loss of NT$2,785.0 million in 2001, due principally to the substantial declines in the average selling prices of most of our large-size panels, partially offset by a decrease in the cost of goods sold per panel.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses decreased by 5.9% from NT$3,724.2 million in 2000 to NT$3,505.7 million in 2001. As a percentage of net sales, our operating expenses decreased from 14.5% to 9.3%, primarily due to increased sales of our panels.
Selling Expenses . Selling expenses increased by 0.9% from NT$442.1 million in 2000 to NT$446.2 million in 2001, primarily due to increases in transportation costs, selling commissions and promotion expenses as a result of increased sales in 2001. As a percentage of net sales, our selling expenses decreased from 1.7% in 2000 and 1.2% in 2001.
Administrative Expenses . Administrative expenses decreased by 28.5% from NT$1,683.3 million in 2000 to NT$1,203.4 million in 2001, primarily due to the commencement of the production at our L3 fab in November 2000 and at our L6 fab in February 2001. Before we commenced commercial production at our L3 and L6 fabs, we accounted for all production-related costs at these fabs, including direct labor costs and overhead costs, as administrative expenses. As a result of the timing for commencement of commercial production at these two fabs, the substantial majority of such costs were reflected in our administrative expenses for 2000, when these administrative expenses for L3 and L6 totaled NT$416.6 million. In 2001, following the commencement of commercial operations at our L3 fab, these administrative expenses decreased to NT$143.3 million as they related solely to our L6 fab. As a percentage of our net sales, our administrative expenses decreased from 6.6% in 2000 to 3.2% in 2001.
Research and Development Expenses . Research and development expenses increased by 16.1% from NT$1,598.8 million in 2000 to NT$1,856.1 million in 2001, primarily due to an increase in amortization expenses, an increase in depreciation expenses for research and development equipment in connection with the development of new technologies, such as LTPS, OLED and plasma display, and an increase in salary expenses for research and development personnel due to additional hiring and salary level increases. Research and development expenses as a percentage of our net sales decreased from 6.2% in 2000 to 4.9% in 2001.
Operating Income (Loss) and Operating Margin
We generated operating income of NT$1,121.5 million in 2000, compared to an operating loss of NT$6,290.7 million in 2001, and our operating margin decreased from 4.4% in 2000 to (16.7)% in 2001. These decreases were primarily due to the substantial decline in the average selling prices of most of our panels in the first three quarters of 2001.
Net Non-Operating Income (Loss)
We generated net non-operating income of NT$814.9 million in 2000, compared to a net non-operating loss of NT$453.8 million in 2001. The difference was primarily due to:
42
Net Income (Loss)
For the reasons set forth above, we generated net income of NT$2,862.7 million for 2000, compared to a net loss of NT$6,710.2 million in 2001.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We need cash primarily for capacity expansion and working capital. Although we have historically been able to satisfy our working capital needs from cash flow from operations, our ability to expand our capacity has been largely dependent upon, and to a certain extent will continue to depend upon, our ability to finance these activities through the issuance of equity securities, long-term borrowings and the issuance of convertible and other debt securities. If adequate funds are not available, whether on satisfactory terms or at all, we may be forced to curtail our expansion plans. Our ability to meet our working capital needs from cash flow from operations will be affected by the demand for our products, which in turn may be affected by several factors. Many of these factors are outside of our control, such as economic downturns and declines in the average selling prices of our products caused by oversupply in the market. The average selling prices of our existing product lines are reasonably likely to be subject to further downward pressure in the future. To the extent that we do not generate sufficient cash flow from our operations to meet our cash requirements, we may rely on external borrowings and securities offerings. Other than as described in Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, we have not historically relied, and we do not plan to rely in the foreseeable future, on off-balance sheet financing arrangements to finance our operations or expansion.
As of December 31, 2002, our primary source of liquidity was NT$25,957.2 million (US$748.0 million) of cash and cash equivalents and NT$3,231.8 million (US$93.1 million) of short-term investments. As of December 31, 2002, we had total availability under existing short-term lines of credit and trade facilities of NT$13,774.0 million (US$396.9 million) available from more than 30 domestic and foreign financial institutions, of which we had borrowed NT$770.4 million (US$22.2 million) as of December 31, 2002. All of our short-term loans are revolving facilities with a term of one year, which may be extended for terms of one year each with lender consent. We are subject to restrictions on the sale, lease, transfer or other disposal of our assets under some of our short-term loan facilities. Our obligations under our short-term loan are unsecured. We believe that our existing credit lines under our short-term loan, together with cash generated from our operations, are sufficient to finance our current working capital needs.
As of December 31, 2002, we had outstanding long-term borrowings of NT$28,353.2 million (US$817.1 million) owed to financial institutions. The interest rates of these long-term borrowings are variable rates, which as of December 31, 2002 ranged between 2.89% and 5.02% per year.
In November 2001, we issued NT$10,000.0 million of convertible bonds. These bonds have a stated interest rate of 2.0% and an effective interest rate of 4.50%, and are convertible into our shares. These bonds, which are scheduled to mature in November 2008, are convertible at the option of the bondholders beginning in February 2002, and are redeemable by us under certain circumstances beginning in November 2002. The terms of the bonds also provide for early redemption at the option of the bondholders in October 2005 and October 2006. These convertible bonds have not received any credit rating. As of December 31, 2002, bondholders had exercised conversion rights to receive 553,714,100 of our shares.
In August 1999, we issued NT$1,500 million of secured bonds. These bonds have a stated interest rate of 6.05%, and are scheduled to mature in August 2004. We are obligated to repay the principal amount of these bonds in six semi-annual installments each in the amount of NT$250 million, commencing on February 26, 2002. In November 1999, we issued NT$1,500 million of secured bonds. These bonds have a stated interest rate of 5.85%, and are scheduled to mature in November 2004. We are obligated to repay the principal amount of these bonds in six equal semi-annual installments, each in the amount of NT$250 million, commencing on May 7, 2002.
In September 1998, we established a long-term facility with an aggregate initial commitment amount of NT$7,000.0 million and a term of 5.5 years for the issuance of commercial paper. Since March 1999, we have had at
43
all times outstanding commercial paper issued under this facility in an aggregate principal amount equal to the initial commitment amount, with revolving maturities of up to 180 days and effective interest rates of 1.45% as of December 31, 2002. The commitment amount will be reduced by repayments in five equal semi-annual installments, each in the amount of NT$1.4 billion starting on March 18, 2002. Our repayment of the borrowings will reduce the commitment amount under this commercial paper facility by the amount of our repayment. Our repayment obligations under this commercial paper facility are guaranteed by a syndicate of commercial banks in Taiwan pursuant to the terms of this commercial paper facility. This commercial paper facility has not received any credit rating. As of December 31, 2002, we had outstanding borrowings under this facility in the amount of NT$3,887.6 million (US$112.0 million).
Our asset pledged as collateral, including building, machinery and equipment, amounted to NT$39,571.5 million (US$1,140.4 million) as of December 31, 2002, to secure our obligations under the long-term borrowings and bonds and commercial paper issued.
Set forth below are the aggregate amounts, as of December 31, 2002, of our future cash payment obligations under our existing debt and lease arrangements.
Due by Payments Period | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Contractual Obligations | Total |
Less
than 1
year |
1-3 years | 4-5 years | After 5 years | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | ||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||
Short-term borrowings | 770.4 | 770.4 | | | | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Long-term debt(1) | 34,232.9 | 9,492.1 | 14,277.4 | 10,463.4 | | |||||
Lease obligations(2) | 2,458.8 | 149.2 | 309.2 | 324.7 | 1,675.7 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total contractual cash obligations | 37,462.1 | 10,411.7 | 14,586.6 | 10,788.1 | 1,675.7 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Includes principal payment obligations only, as our interest obligations relating to the majority of our long-term debt are floating rate obligations. |
(2) | Represents our obligations to make lease payments to use the land on which our fabs and module assembly facilities are located. |
In addition to the contractual obligations set forth above, we also have continuing obligations to make cash royalty payments under our technology license agreements, the amount of which are determined based on net sales of our panels. We have already begun to place orders related to the installation of machinery and equipment at our new fifth-generation fabs, our L8A and L8B fabs, together with the color filter production facilities housed at the L8B fab. As of December 31, 2002, we had made commitments of approximately NT$24.3 billion (US$700.3 million), primarily relating to the fifth-generation fabs and color filter production, which commitments may be cancelled subject to the payment of certain penalties.
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or similar commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of third parties. In addition, we do not have any written options on non financial assets. Our long-term loan and commercial paper facilities and lease agreements include certain provisions that would trigger a requirement for early payment. Under the terms of our credit facilities for long-term borrowings, we are required to comply with financial covenants, including current ratio and debt-equity ratio and other technical requirements. Our debt under these facilities may be accelerated if there is a default, including defaults triggered by failure to comply with these financial covenants and other technical requirements.
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to NT$2,755.7 million in 2000, NT$1,215.8 million in 2001 and NT$20,821.7 million (US$600.0 million) in 2002. Our depreciation and amortization was NT$5,741.3 million in 2000, NT$8,880.3 million in 2001 and NT$12,989.9 million (US$374.3 million) in 2002. The increases in our notes and accounts payable was NT$1,084.6 million in 2000, NT$7,339.7 million in 2001 and NT$1,322.0 million (US$38.1 million) in 2002. The increases in depreciation and amortization were primarily due to increased capital investment for the expansion of our production capacity. See Results of Operations. Our depreciation and amortization and increases in our notes and accounts payable were partially offset by increases in notes and accounts receivable of NT$1,418.6 million in 2000, NT$5,930.2 million in 2001 and NT$1,203.9 million (US$34.7 million) in 2002 and increases in inventories of NT$5,269.3 million in 2000 and NT$2,124.2 million in 2001. Notes and accounts receivable increased significantly in 2001 from NT$3,031.3 million in 2000 to NT$9,021.7 million in 2001, due to increased sales in 2001 of NT$12,005.4 million over sales from 2000.
44
Net cash used for investing activities was NT$36,652.1 million in 2000, NT$15,299.5 million in 2001 and NT$18,125.0 million (US$522.3 million) in 2002. Net cash used for investing activities primarily reflected capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment of NT$36,901.6 million in 2000, NT$13,987.3 million in 2001 and NT$18,035.3 million (US$519.7 million) in 2002. These capital expenditures were primarily funded with net cash provided by financing activities, primarily from long-term bank borrowings and the issuance of shares.
Cash provided by financing activities totaled NT$27,512.7 million in 2000. In 2001, cash provided by financing activities was NT$16,779.5 million, reflecting primarily our issuance of NT$10.0 billion of convertible bonds, share issuances totaling NT$7.9 billion and borrowings of NT$4,270.1 million under long-term loans, partially offset by our repayment of short-term loans of NT$5,291.0 million. In 2002, cash provided by financing activities was NT$16,754.3 million (US$482.8 million), reflecting primarily our share issuance totaling NT$19,170.3 million (US$552.5 million), partially offset by our repayment of long-term loans and convertible bonds of NT$5,104.1 million (US$147.1 million).
We have made, and expect to continue to make, substantial capital expenditures in connection with the expansion of our production capacity. Substantially all of our investments in capital expenditures are located in Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China. The table below sets forth our principal capital expenditures, paid or committed, for the periods indicated.
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Equipment purchases | 31,606.7 | 11,264.8 | 16,715.1 | 481.7 | ||||
Land and building purchases | 4,528.2 | 1,513.8 | 1,874.5 | 54.0 |
We are sometimes required to prepay our purchases of land and equipment. Prepayments for purchases of land are the result of a standard processing procedure by the Republic of China government related to the transfer of legal title. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, our prepayments for purchases of land amounted to NT$88 million and NT$30 million, respectively. Prepayments for purchases of equipment result from contractual agreements involving down payments to suppliers when the equipment is ordered by us. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, prepayments for purchases of equipment amounted to NT$8,815 million and NT$10,055 million, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2002, our capital expenditures amounted to NT$18,589.6 million (US$535.7 million), primarily to purchase equipment to build our fifth-generation fabs, including the color filter production facilities housed at our L8B fab, expand our existing fabs and expand our module-assembly operations. As of April 21, 2003, we estimated our capital expenditures to be approximately NT$37,769 million (US$1,088.4 million) for 2003, primarily to purchase equipment to build our fifth-generation fabs, including the color filter production facilities at our L8B fab, expand our existing fabs and expand our module assembly operations. We may adjust the amount of our capital expenditures upward or downward based on cash flow from operations, the progress of our expansion plans, and market conditions. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and expected cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure, working capital, cash obligations under our existing debt and lease arrangements, and other requirements for at least the next twelve months. We frequently need to invest in new capacity to improve our economies of scale and reduce our production costs, which may require us to raise additional capital. We cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital should it become necessary on terms acceptable to us or at all. The sale of additional equity or equity-linked securities may result in additional dilution to our shareholders.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have, from time to time, entered into non-derivative financial instruments, including letters of credit to finance or secure our purchase payment obligations. As of December 31, 2002, we had off-balance sheet outstanding letters of credit of US$18.8 million and JPY724.2 million. We also provided an off-balance sheet guarantee of NT$30.1 million as of December 31, 2002 in connection with a research and development grant from the Republic of China Ministry of Economic Affairs. See note 23 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. In addition, we have entered into interest rate swap transactions to hedge our interest rate exposure arising out of our commercial paper facility, and foreign currency forward contracts to hedge our existing assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and identifiable foreign currency purchase commitments.
45
Transactions with Related Parties
We have not extended any loans or credit to any of our directors, supervisors or executive officers, and we have not provided guarantees for borrowings by any of these persons. We have not entered into any fee-paying contract with any of these persons for such person to provide services not within such person's capacity as a director, supervisor or executive officer of the company.
We have, from time to time, purchased raw materials and components and sold our panels to our affiliated companies. We believe that these transactions with related parties have been conducted on arms-length terms, or on terms more favorable to us than arms- length terms. See Item 4. Information on the CompanyBusiness Overview Customers, Sales and Marketing and Item 7. Major Shareholders Related Party Transactions. Given the nature of our business, it is not practical for us to review many of these related party transactions on a day-to-day basis. However, at the meeting of our board of directors on April 11, 2002, we adopted an amended related party transactions policy which requires, among other things:
Inflation
The inflation rate in Taiwan was 1.26% in 2000, 0.01% in 2001 and (0.2)% in 2002. We do not believe that inflation in Taiwan has had a material impact on our results of operations.
Taxation
The corporate income tax rate in Taiwan that applies to us is 25%. Until January 20, 2001, the corporate income tax rate in Taiwan that applied to us was 20% for our production located in the Hsinchu Science-Based Industrial Park and 25% for our production located elsewhere in Taiwan. However, we did not generate any income in any year except 2000 and 2002. In 2000, although we generated income before tax, we applied certain loss carryforwards that we accumulated from previous years to offset the tax liability to which we could otherwise have been subject. As a result, we did not incur any income tax expense during any of our fiscal years.
Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets
Our valuation allowance provided on deferred tax assets is calculated differently under ROC GAAP, compared to US GAAP. This difference has a significant impact on us because we have a significant amount of deferred tax assets as a result of the various tax credits available to us under Republic of China governmental tax incentive programs and net operating loss carryforwards. The net deferred income tax assets we are able to recognize under ROC GAAP as of December 31, 2002 amounted to NT$2,522.0 million (US$72.7 million). This recognition of net deferred tax assets under ROC GAAP resulted primarily from the projection of income before tax for the year ended December 31, 2003. If we do not achieve the projection of income before tax for 2003, the amount of the deferred tax assets recognized may be significantly reduced.
46
Tax Exemptions
Based on our status as a company engaged in the TFT-LCD business in Taiwan, all income attributable to the use of equipment that we purchase, in part or in whole, with proceeds we raise through share offerings, may be exempted from corporate income tax in Taiwan if our shareholders determine to allow us, instead of the shareholders themselves, to use these tax exemptions. In addition, income attributable to the use of equipment that we purchase, in whole or in part, with retained earnings that we capitalize, may be exempted from corporate income tax in Taiwan. These exemptions typically apply for four or five consecutive years, commencing in a year to be designated by us within two years following the commencement of commercial production using such equipment. We set forth below certain information with respect to our tax exemptions:
If we make a qualified rights offering, our shareholders will be entitled, pursuant to a majority vote at a shareholders meeting held within two years after the rights offering, to elect to receive a tax credit for themselves of up to 10% (which percentage will be decreased by 1% every two years from 2000) of their subscription amount against taxes payable within five years after expiration of the first three years of investment, during which period such shareholders are required to hold onto their investment in order to utilize the tax credit. Except for the last year of that period, the tax credit deductible shall not exceed 50% of the total income tax payable by such shareholder in a particular year. Even if the shareholders elect to receive the shareholders tax credit, it is unlikely that ADS holders would be able to benefit from such tax credits. The Republic of China statute governing this tax credit does not expressly prohibit holders of ADSs from benefiting from such tax credit. However, in practice, even if an ADS holder may have other Republic of China sources of income against which to use the tax credit, ADS holders would not be able to prove that they meet the holding requirement necessary to claim the tax credit.
47
Loss Carryforwards
We may use the loss carryforwards in the amount of NT$5,239.4 million that we generated in 1999 and 2001 to offset any taxable income generated by the end of 2006. As of December 31, 2002, we have used all such loss carryforwards to offset our taxable income generated in 2002.
Tax Credits
We also benefit from tax credits that we may apply to reduce our tax liabilities. We received tax credits at a rate of 10% of the purchase price in connection with our purchase of imported equipment and at a rate of 20% of the purchase price in connection with our purchase of locally manufactured equipment. As a result of the Republic of China becoming a member of the World Trade Organization, the Republic of China Ministry of Economic Affairs has amended the tax credit rules in April 2002 to adopt a tax credit at a rate of 13% to be applied to the purchase of equipment, regardless of the location of production of the equipment. As of December 31, 2002, we had accumulated NT$7,251 million (US$209.0 million) of these tax credits. These tax credits are expected to expire four years from the end of the year in which we received the equipment. As of December 31, 2002, NT$1,787 million (US$ 51.5 million), NT$2,830 million (US$81.6 million), NT$1,102 million (US$31.8 million) and NT$1,532 million (US$44.1 million) of these tax credits are expected to expire in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
We also benefit from other tax credits of up to 35% of research and development and employee training expenses. If the amount of these expenses that we incur in any year exceeds the average of such expenses for the proceeding two years, an additional 50% of the excess amount may be included in the applicable tax credit for such year. As of December 31, 2002, we had accumulated NT$666.0 million (US$19.2 million) of these tax credits. These tax credits are expected to expire after four years from the year expenses are incurred. As of December 31, 2002, NT$117 million (US$3.4 million), NT$315 million (US$9.1 million) and NT$234 million (US$6.7 million) of these tax credits are expected to expire in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively.
Tax on Retained Earnings
In 1997, the Republic of China Income Tax Law was amended to integrate the corporate income tax and shareholder dividend tax. Under the amendment, after-tax earnings generated from January 1, 1998 and not distributed to shareholders as dividends in the following year will be assessed a 10% retained earnings tax. See Item 10. Additional Information Taxtion Republic of China Tax Considerations Tax Reform. As a result, if we do not distribute as dividends in any year all of our annual retained earnings generated in the preceding year, our applicable corporate income tax rate may exceed 25% for such year.
US GAAP Reconciliation Analysis
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with ROC GAAP, which differs in many material respects from US GAAP. Such significant differences include, among other things, the accounting for our business combination with Unipac under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting under ROC GAAP, compared to the purchase method of accounting under US GAAP, and differences in the accounting for the beneficial conversion feature of our convertible bonds, compensation costs, derivative financial instruments, income taxes, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, and marketable securities and equity-investment securities, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP. Please see note 26 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in the annual report for further discussion and quantification of these and other differences. The condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations presented below have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP, which financial data have been derived from our US GAAP consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations appearing in note 26 to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this annual report.
48
.
US GAAP Condensed Financial Data
As
of, or for the Year Ended,
December 31, |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||
(in millions, except per share data) | ||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | ||||||||
Net sales | 14,839.8 | 28,513.4 | 75,689.2 | 2,181.2 | ||||
Cost of goods sold | 12,562.8 | 31,491.1 | 66,197.1 | 1,907.7 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross profit (loss) | 2,277.0 | (2,977.7 | ) | 9,492.1 | 273.5 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||
Selling | 278.3 | 225.0 | 537.3 | 15.5 | ||||
General and administrative | 847.3 | 811.8 | 1,729.5 | 49.8 | ||||
Research and development | 382.3 | 633.7 | 1,411.9 | 40.7 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
1,507.9 | 1,670.5 | 3,678.7 | 106.0 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating income (loss) | 769.1 | (4,648.2 | ) | 5,813.4 | 167.5 | |||
Non-operating income | 289.9 | 408.1 | 705.4 | 20.3 | ||||
Non-operating expenses and losses | 405.0 | 1,100.0 | 1,367.9 | 39.4 | ||||
Income tax provision | - | 0.3 | 212.0 | 6.1 | ||||
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax | - | (0.5 | ) | - | - | |||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income (loss) | 654.0 | (5,340.9 | ) | 4,938.9 | 142.3 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Weighted average shares outstanding Basic | 1,100.0 | 1,791.8 | 3,639.8 | 3,639.8 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding Diluted | 1,100.0 | 1,791.8 | 3,894.8 | 3,894.8 | ||||
Earnings (loss) per share Basic | 0.59 | (2.98 | ) | 1.36 | 0.04 | |||
Earnings (loss) per share Diluted | 0.59 | (2.98 | ) | 1.32 | 0.04 | |||
Earnings (loss) per ADS equivalent Basic | 5.95 | (29.81 | ) | 13.57 | 0.39 | |||
Earnings (loss) per ADS equivalent Diluted | 5.95 | (29.81 | ) | 13.16 | 0.38 | |||
Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,069.5 | 6,496.3 | 25,957.2 | 748.0 | ||||
Securities available for sale | 1,567.4 | 5,536.9 | 3,087.2 | 89.0 | ||||
Notes and accounts receivable, net | 1,399.9 | 6,661.6 | 6,415.0 | 184.9 | ||||
Receivables from related parties, net | 367.1 | 2,428.7 | 3,646.4 | 105.1 | ||||
Inventories | 3,087.2 | 8,979.7 | 8,475.6 | 244.2 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 501.1 | 852.7 | 1,386.5 | 40.0 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets | 7,992.2 | 30,955.9 | 48,967.9 | 1,411.2 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Investments in equity-method investees | - | 117.2 | 73.4 | 2.1 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net property, plant and equipment | 31,681.9 | 65,592.0 | 72,195.3 | 2,080.6 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Intangible assets: | ||||||||
Goodwill | - | 11,599.7 | 11,599.7 | 334.3 | ||||
Other tangible assets, net | 2,444.6 | 10,416.1 | 9,281.4 | 267.5 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
2,444.6 | 22,015.8 | 20,881.1 | 601.8 | |||||
Other assets | 948.5 | 1,333.3 | 1,413.7 | 40.7 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets | 43,067.2 | 120,014.2 | 143,531.4 | 4,136.4 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Short-term borrowings and current installments of long-term | 2,097.5 | 7,408.7 | 10,299.3 | 296.8 | ||||
borrowings and commercial paper | ||||||||
Accounts payable including related parties and accounts payable for | 1,892.6 | 10,756.5 | 12,958.2 | 373.4 | ||||
equipment and construction in progress | ||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 1,512.0 | 1,511.2 | 2,532.0 | 73.0 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities | 5,502.1 | 19,676.4 | 25,789.5 | 743.2 | ||||
Long-term borrowings | 16,627.6 | 39,054.8 | 25,959.1 | 748.1 | ||||
Other liabilities | 65.8 | 1,144.7 | 1,190.6 | 34.3 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities | 22,195.5 | 59,875.9 | 52,939.2 | 1,525.6 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total stockholders equity | 20,871.1 | 60,138.3 | 90,592.2 | 2,610.8 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity | 43,067.2 | 120,014.2 | 143,531.4 | 4,136.4 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The principal differences between ROC GAAP and US GAAP, as they relate to our statements of operations and stockholders equity, are the accounting for: (1) our merger with Unipac, (2) the beneficial conversion feature of our convertible bonds, (3) compensation costs, (4) derivative financial instruments, (5) income taxes, (6) depreciation of property, plant and equipment and (7) investment securities.
49
Business Combination
We completed our merger with Unipac on September 1, 2001 through the issuance of 1,512,281,607 of our shares in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Unipac. Under ROC GAAP, the merger was accounted for using the pooling-of-interests method and, accordingly, all of our consolidated financial statements for prior periods included in this annual report have been restated to include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Unipac. Further, according to the Republic of China Company Law, the excess of Unipacs net assets over the par value of our common shares issued for completion of the merger has been appropriated from unappropriated earnings and recorded as capital surplus. Under US GAAP, the merger has been accounted for as the acquisition of Unipac, using the purchase method of accounting. Under purchase accounting, the aggregate purchase price of NT$39,636.9 million was calculated as the market value of our shares issued and this amount was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. The market value of our shares was based on the average market price of our shares over the five -day period before and after the terms of the acquisition were agreed upon and announced. Our management is responsible for the determination of the fair value of the assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed of Unipac. In determining such fair values, management considered a number of factors, including valuation reports by third parties. Based on the results of these valuations and our best estimates of fair value, we allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in accordance with US GAAP. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the net assets that we acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, has been recorded as goodwill. The financial results of Unipac prior to the acquisition date of September 1, 2001 have been excluded from our US GAAP results of operations.
We recorded NT$8,730.4 million of acquired intangible assets as part of the purchase price for Unipac, of which NT$53.5 million was assigned to in-process research and development assets that were then written off at the date of acquisition in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Interpretation No. 4, Applicability of FASB Statement No. 2 to Business Combinations Accounted for by the Purchase Method. Those write-offs were included in research and development expenses in 2001. The remaining NT$8,676.9 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately eighty-eight months and no estimated residual value. These intangible assets include large-size TFT-LCD product and manufacturing process technologies of NT$3,123.6 million and small- to medium-size TFT-LCD panel product and manufacturing process technologies of NT$5,553.3 million. The key technology for small and mid-size TFT-LCD production includes the technologies independently developed by Unipac and 13 related patents. The key technology for large-size TFT-LCD production includes the technologies jointly developed by Unipac and Matsushita, product technologies developed by Unipac and three related patents.
We also recorded NT$11,599.7 million in goodwill. In accordance with US GAAP Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 141, Business Combinations, goodwill arising from a purchase accounting business combination consummated after June 30, 2001 is not amortized but is tested for impairment. Effective January 1, 2002, for US GAAP purposes, we adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. As a result, we will test goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis at the reporting unit level.
Under US GAAP, the difference in the carrying amount of our investment in PixTech, Inc. and PixTechs underlying net assets of NT$86.4 million that is equity-method goodwill is not amortized as it was acquired after June 30, 2001 as a result of the Unipac acquisition.
Beneficial Conversion Feature of Convertible Bonds
When we issued our convertible bonds in November 2001, ROC GAAP did not require us to recognize or account for any beneficial conversion feature embedded in the bonds. However, under US GAAP, the beneficial conversion feature should be recognized and measured by allocating a portion of the proceeds equal to the intrinsic value of that feature to capital surplus. The amount of the beneficial conversion feature was calculated at the commitment date as the difference between the conversion price and the fair value of our shares, multiplied by the number of shares into which the bonds are convertible. As a result of our allocating a portion of the proceeds equal to the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature to capital surplus for US GAAP purposes, a discount on the bonds was recognized. The discount resulting from this allocation will be recognized as interest expense over the life of the bonds.
50
We reported the carrying amount of the convertible bonds of NT$1,206.0 million (US$34.8 million) at December 31, 2002, and the related unamortized discount from the beneficial conversion feature was NT$80.9 million (US$2.3 million) on the same date. The effective interest rate of the bonds is approximately 6%.
Compensation Costs
Remuneration to Directors and Supervisors . Our articles of incorporation require a cash remuneration payment equal to 1% of our annual distributable earnings to our directors and supervisors. Under ROC GAAP, these payments are charged directly to retained earnings for the period during which our shareholders approve these payments. Under US GAAP, these cash payments have been recorded as compensation expense in the period when the related services are rendered.
Employee Bonuses . Certain of our employees are entitled to bonuses in accordance with our articles of incorporation, which specify a bonus amount ranging from 5% to 10% of our annual distributable earnings. Employee bonuses may be paid in cash, shares, or a combination of both. Under ROC GAAP, these bonuses are appropriated from retained earnings in the period our shareholders approval is obtained. If these employee bonuses are settled through the issuance of our shares, the amount charged against retained earnings is based on the par value of our shares issued.
Under US GAAP, the employee bonus expense is charged to income in the year during which services are provided. Shares we issue as part of these bonuses are recorded at fair value. Since the amount and form of the bonuses are not finally determinable until our s hareholders meeting in the following year, the total amount of these bonuses is initially accrued based on the minimum cash value to be paid. Any difference between the amount initially accrued and the fair value of these bonuses settled by the issuance of our shares is recognized in the year of approval by our shareholders.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We sell our products to customers worldwide and source a significant portion of our raw materials and components from suppliers outside Taiwan. This exposes us to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We also have exposure to changes in interest rates that affect our cash flows on long-term borrowings. We use financial instruments, including derivatives such as foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps, to reduce our foreign currency and interest rate exposure.
Under ROC GAAP, there are no specific rules related to accounting for derivative financial instruments and no criteria for hedge accounting. For ROC GAAP purposes, we record our interest rate swaps as hedge transactions, by recording the net receivable or payable each month related to these interest rate swap contracts, offsetting or adding to our interest expense of the related debt. For foreign currency forward contracts, we record unrealized gains or losses measured using the change in the spot rate of the contracts in our consolidated statements of operations if the contracts are used to hedge existing foreign currency denominated receivables and payables, or we defer recognition of unrealized gains or losses for those contracts hedging anticipated transactions that will be denominated in a foreign currency. The discount or premium on a forward contract is amortized into earnings over the life of the contract.
For US GAAP purposes, we adopted SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, as of January 1, 2001. In accordance with the related transition provisions of SFAS No. 133, we recorded an after-tax charge to earnings of NT$0.6 million, representing the cumulative effect of the adoption related to the foreign currency forward contracts for the year ended December 31, 2001. The after-tax earnings charge to the statements of operations had no material effect on our US GAAP earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2001.
After our adoption of SFAS No. 133, as amended, none of our existing derivatives met the US GAAP hedge accounting criteria. As a result, all derivative contracts are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair value at each balance sheet date. Changes in fair values of derivative instruments arising subsequent to the transition date amounted to a charge of NT$78.0 million and are included in other non-operating income for US GAAP purposes. In addition, we reclassified NT$9.4 million, net of tax, of the deferred losses from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings from the interest rate swap contracts during 2002. Changes in the fair
51
value of these derivatives in subsequent periods could result in increased volatility of our results of operations under US GAAP.
Income Taxes
Our valuation allowance provided on deferred tax assets is calculated differently under ROC GAAP, compared to US GAAP. This difference has a significant impact on us because we have a significant amount of potential deferred tax assets as a result of the various tax credits available to us under Republic of China governmental tax incentive programs and net operating loss carryforwards. See Item 10. Additional Information Taxation Tax Credit for a discussion of different types of tax credits and benefits available to us. US GAAP requires more stringent criteria by which such valuation allowance is determined. Under US GAAP, cumulative losses in recent years are a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome with projections of future taxable income for the purpose of determining the valuation allowance. The net deferred income tax assets we are able to recognize under ROC GAAP, as of December 31, 2002 amounted to NT$2,522.0 million (US$72.7 million), compared to net deferred income tax liabilities of NT$857.9 (US$24.7 million) under US GAAP. This recognition of net deferred tax assets under ROC GAAP resulted primarily from the projection of income before tax for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Under US GAAP, in assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods those temporary differences become deductible. We have considered the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities in making this assessment, but we have not considered future projected taxable income due to the cumulative losses incurred in recent years.
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
Under ROC GAAP, we depreciate buildings over estimated lives of 20 or 50 years based on guidance from the Republic of China Internal Revenue Code. Under US GAAP, buildings are depreciated over an estimated useful life of 20 years.
Marketable Securities and Equity-Method Investments
Under ROC GAAP, marketable equity securities are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market. Under US GAAP, equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are classified as either trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities. 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. Equity securities not classified as trading securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Under US GAAP, the unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities amounted to NT$692.7 million and NT$(1,751.2) million (US$(50.5) million) at December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively.
We held a 21% ownership interest in PixTech as of December 31, 2002. Under ROC GAAP, because we do not intend to hold this interest in PixTechs stock for the long term, our investment in PixTech is recorded as a short-term investment and accounted for at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value, with changes in fair value being reported in the consolidated statements of operations. Under US GAAP, our investment in PixTech is accounted for under the equity method. PixTech filed a petition for bankruptcy on April 12, 2002 and therefore we wrote-off our short-term investment in PixTech in 2002 so that the carrying value of such investment was nil as of December 31, 2002.
We held a 41% ownership interest in Patentop Ltd. as of December 31, 2002. As permitted under ROC GAAP, we recognize our equity in income (loss) of Patentop in the following year on a one year lag basis. Under US GAAP, we recognize our equity in the income (loss) of Patentop and PixTech in the current year.
Recent US GAAP Accounting Pronouncements
We believe that there are no recent accounting pronouncements under ROC GAAP that would have a significant impact on our results of operations. Set forth below is a summary of recent accounting pronouncements under US GAAP.
52
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations". SFAS No. 143 requires that legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets be recorded as a liability and measured at fair value when those obligations are incurred if an estimate of fair value is possible. When a company initially recognizes a liability for an asset retirement obligation, it must capitalize the cost by recognizing an increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. We adopted SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003 and the adoption did not have a material effect on the results of operations and financial position.
In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections". SFAS No. 145 provides for the rescission of several previously issued accounting standards, new accounting guidance for the accounting for certain lease modifications and various technical corrections that are not substantive in nature to existing pronouncements. We adopted SFAS No. 145 on January 1, 2003, except for the provisions relating to the amendment of SFAS No.13, which was adopted for transactions occurring subsequent to May 15, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 145 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. SFAS No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)". This statement requires recognition of a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity when the liability is incurred, as opposed to when the entity commits to an exit plan under EITF No. 94-3. The provisions of this statement are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002, with early application encouraged. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 has not had a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FIN No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34". This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and have not had a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51". This Interpretation addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities as defined in the Interpretation. The Interpretation applies immediately to variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interests in variable interest entities obtained after January 31, 2003. For nonpublic enterprises with a variable interest in a variable interest entity created before February 1, 2003, the Interpretation is applied to the enterprise no later than the end of the first annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003. The application of this Interpretation is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. The Interpretation requires certain disclosures in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003 if it is reasonably possible that variable interest entities will be consolidated or their information will be disclosed information when the Interpretation becomes effective.
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. We currently have no outstanding stock-based compensation plans.
In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative
53
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. All provisions of SFAS 149 will be applied prospectively. Management believes the adoption of SFAS 149 will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS 150 establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity, and requires the classification of a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Management believes the adoption of SFAS 150 will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The TFT-LCD industry is characterized by rapid technological changes. We incurred research and development costs of NT$1,598.8 million, NT$1,856.1 million and NT$2,233.1 million (US$64.4 million) in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively, which represented 6.3%, 4.9% and 3.0%, respectively, of our net sales.
Our research and development activities are principally directed toward advancing our manufacturing process technologies and product development, including improving the features of our products and working jointly with our customers to design products that are tailored to their specific requirements. We have a product development team dedicated to each of our primary product categories, including notebook computers, desktop monitors and consumer electronics. Each of these teams focuses on development of our existing products for its respective markets. To support our fabs, we maintain a centralized research and development team that works to improve our manufacturing processes, as well as a team of technical support personnel that focuses on computer integrated manufacturing. We also have three research and development teams that are dedicated to the development of LTPS, OLED and plasma display technologies, respectively. Monetary incentives are provided to our employees if research projects result in successful patents. As of December 31, 2002, we employed approximately 470 research and development engineers in our company.
We plan to continue to increase our spending on research and development with the goal of improving our TFT-LCD manufacturing process and developing new TFT-LCD products such as high-resolution 17-inch panels for desktop monitors and 20.1-inch panels for televisions. We are also developing alternative technologies such as LTPS, OLED and plasma display. In the third quarter of 2001, we converted our L1 fab to a research and development facility focused on the development of LTPS and OLED technologies. In particular, we are developing color active-matrix OLED technology for small- to medium-size panels, which we expect to be utilized in products such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants.
In November 2002, we announced a plan to establish a dedicated TFT-LCD flat panel research and development center, AU Technology Center, which is targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2004. Research activities at AU Technology Center will initially be divided in several general segments, including advance technology development in OLED, LTPS and plasma display. In addition to new product development and module processing, AU Technology Center will also devote substantial efforts in improving current TFT-LCD panel product and manufacturing process technologies. Upon completion, AU Technology Center will fully integrate our research and development resources in achieving optimal efficiency and advanced technology development. As of March 31, 2003, we had invested a total of NT$9.0 million (US$0.3 million) in AU Technology Center, and we expect to invest additional NT$1,200 million in order to complete the construction of AU Technology Center.
54
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Directors and Supervisors
The following table sets forth information regarding all of our directors and supervisors as of May 30, 2003. The business address of all of our directors and supervisors is the companys principal executive office.
Name | Age | Position | Term Expires |
Years
with
Us |
Principal
Business Activities Performed
Outside Our Company |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee(1) | 51 | Chairman | 2004 | 7 |
Chairman,
President and Chief ExecutiveOfficer of BenQ Corporation;
Chairman of Darfon Electronics Corp.; and Director of Gallant Precision Machining Co., Ltd. and Bri-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. |
||||
Hong-Jen Wu(2) | 51 | Director | 2004 | 2 |
Director
and general manager of Quality Assurance Department of
United Microelectronics Corporation |
||||
Hsi-Hua Sheaffer Lee(1) | 48 | Director | 2004 | 7 | Vice President of BenQ Corporation and Director of AVID Electronics Corporation | ||||
Hsuan Bin (H.B.) Chen(1) | 52 | Director | 2004 | 6 | Director of Topro Technology, Inc. | ||||
Po-Yen Lu(1) | 52 | Director | 2004 | 6 | None | ||||
Hui Hsiung(2) | 49 | Director | 2004 | 7 | None | ||||
Cheng-Chien Chien(2) | 47 | Director | 2004 | 2 |
Division
Director of the Finance Division of United
Microelectronics Corporation; Director of SerComm Corporation; and Supervisor of Unimicron Technology Corp. |
||||
Tze-Kaing Yang(3) | 49 | Director | 2004 | 2 |
Director
of Far EasTone Telecommunication and
China Steel Corporation |
||||
Ko-Yung (Eric) Yu(1) | 47 | Supervisor | 2004 | 7 |
Chief
Financial Officer of BenQ Corporation;
Director of Acer Media Technology, Inc.; and Supervisor of Darfon Elcronics Corp. |
||||
Chun Kuan(2)(4) | 41 | Supervisor | 2004 | - |
Director
of Accounting Division of United
Microelectronics Corporation |
||||
|
|
(1) | Representing BenQ Corporation. |
(2) | Representing United Microelectronics Corporation. |
(3) | Representing CDIB Equity Inc. |
(4) | Appointed by United Microelectronics Corporation, which was effective on May 30, 2003. |
Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee has been the Chairman of our company since 1996 and a Director of our company since 1996. Mr. Lee received his Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the National Taiwan University in Taiwan in 1974 and his Master of Business Administration from the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland in 1990.
Hong-Jen Wu has been a Director of our company since 2001. He was the Director and general manager of Quality Assurance Department of United Microelectronics Corporation since 1980. He received a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Taiwan University in Taiwan in 1974 and a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Taiwan University in 1976.
Hsi-Hua Sheaffer Lee has been a Director of our company since 1996. Mr. Lee has also been a Vice President of BenQ Corporation since August 1994. He received a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan in 1978.
Hsuan Bin (H.B.) Chen has been a Director of our company since 1998. In addition, Mr. Chen has been our President and Chief Operating Officer since 1997. Mr. Chen received his Bachelors degree in Communications Engineering from the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan in 1975. Mr. Chen worked for Acer Technologies Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia from 1992 to 1997 before he joined Acer Display in 1997.
Po-Yen Lu has been a Director of our company since 2001. Mr. Lu is also an Executive Vice President of our company in charge of all operating units of our company. He received a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Taiwan University in Taiwan in 1974 and a Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 1982. Before he joined our company in 1997, Mr. Lu worked for Gould Labs from 1978 to 1980, Bell Lab as Technical Manager from 1982 to 1995, and Electronics Research &
55
Service Organization, Industrial Technology Research Institute as a Deputy Director of Display R&D from 1995 to 1997.
Hui Hsiung has been a Director of our company since early 2002. Mr. Hsiung joined our company in 1996 as Director of the Research and Development Department, and from 1997 to 1999 served in positions in the companys Marketing & Sales Division. Mr. Hsiung was a Director of Acer Display from April 1999 to August 2001. Since June 2002, Mr. Hsiung also served as our Executive Vice President in charge of all business units of our company. He received a Bachelors degree in Physics from the National Taiwan University in Taiwan in 1975 and a Ph.D. degree in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1985.
Cheng-Chien Chien has been a Director of our company since early 2002. Mr. Chien has been the Finance Director of United Microelectronics Corporation since January 2000. He received a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Fong Chia University in Taiwan in 1979 and a Master of Business Administration degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 1993.
Tze-Kaing Yang has been a Director of our company since 2003. Mr. Yang has also been a president of CDIB Equity Inc. since January 2002. He received a Ph.D. degree in Business Administration from National Chengchi University in 1987.
Ko-Yung (Eric) Yu has been a Supervisor of our company since 1996. Mr. Yu was the Controller of Acer Peripherals, Inc. from 1996 to 1999. Thereafter, Mr. Yu was the Chief Financial Officer of Acer Communications and Multimedia Inc. from November 1999 to December 2001, and has served as a Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of BenQ Corporation since January 2002. He received a Bachelors degree in Accounting from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan in 1980 and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Strathclyde Graduate Business School in United Kingdom in 1995.
Chun Kuan was appointed by United Microelectronics Corporation as our Supervisor, which was effective on May 30, 2003. Mr. Kuan has served as the director of Accounting Division of United Microelectronics Corporation since 2001. He received a Master of Business Administration degree from the Southern New Hampshire University in 1992.
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information regarding all of our executive officers as of March 31, 2003.
Name | Age | Position | Years with Us | |
|
|
|
|
|
Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee | 51 | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | 7 | |
Hsuan Bin (H.B.) Chen | 52 | President and Chief Operating Officer | 6 | |
Po-Yen Lu | 52 | Executive Vice President | 6 | |
Hui Hsiung | 49 | Executive Vice President | 7 | |
Max Weishun Cheng | 40 | Chief Financial Officer; Chief Accounting Officer; and | 5 | |
Controller |
Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee . See Directors and Supervisors.
Hsuan Bin (H.B.) Chen . See Directors and Supervisors.
Po-Yen Lu . See Directors and Supervisors.
Hui Hsiung . See Directors and Supervisors.
Max Weishun Cheng has been our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller since 1998. He graduated from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration in 1985 and Northern Illinois University with a Masters degree in Accounting in 1990. Before he joined our company in 1998, Mr. Cheng served as the Controller of Acer Technologies Sdn. Bhd. from 1995 to 1998.
56
Audit Committee
The audit committee has responsibility for, among other things, monitoring the integrity of our financial reporting process and internal controls, monitoring the independence of our independent auditors and our officers performing internal audit functions and providing an avenue of communication between the auditors, management, the officers performing internal audit functions and the board of directors. The audit committee comprises two of our Directors and two of our Supervisors. The audit committee must meet at least once annually and more frequently as circumstances dictate. The audit committee must meet at least once annually with management officers performing internal audit functions, independent auditors and as a committee to discuss any matters that the audit committee or each of these groups believes should be discussed.
COMPENSATION
According to our articles of incorporation, we may distribute 1% of distributable earnings in cash to our directors and supervisors as compensation after the distribution of 5% to 10% of our distributable earnings to employees as bonuses. In the event that a director or supervisor serves as a representative of a legal entity, such compensation is paid to the legal entity. We pay our executive officers monthly salaries, in addition to employee bonuses. See Item 10. Additional Information Articles of Incorporation Dividends and Distributions. We did not pay compensation to our directors and supervisors for their services rendered in 2001 due to our net loss in that year. The aggregate compensation paid in 2002 to our executive officers for their services was approximately NT$11.7 million (US$0.3 million).
Pension Plan
We have a defined benefit pension plan covering our regular employees. Retirement benefits are based on length of service and average salaries or wages in the last six months before retirement. We make monthly contributions, at 2.0% of salaries and wages, to a pension fund that is deposited in the name of, and administered by, the employees pension plan committee. Our accrued pension cost as of December 31, 2002 was NT$62.0 million (US$1.8 million). See note 16 of notes to consolidated financial statements.
EMPLOYEES
Employees
The following table provides a breakdown of our employees by function as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
As of December 31, | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||
Function | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
Production | 3,461 | 5,042 | 7,181 | |||
Technical(1) | 1,497 | 1,411 | 1,967 | |||
Sales and Marketing | 64 | 81 | 108 | |||
Management and Administration | 288 | 605 | 863 | |||
|
|
|
||||
Total | 5,310 | 7,139 | 10,119 | |||
|
|
|
||||
|
||||||
(1) Includes research and development personnel. |
The following table provides a breakdown of our employees by geographic location as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
As of December 31, | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||
Location | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
Taiwan(1) | 5,310 | 7,087 | 7,635 | |||
Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, the Peoples Republic of China(2) | - | 44 | 2,474 | |||
Others | - | 8 | 10 | |||
|
|
|
||||
Total | 5,310 | 7,139 | 10,119 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Employed by AU Optronics Corp. |
(2) | Employed by AU Optronics (Suzhou) Corp. |
57
Employee salaries are reviewed and adjusted annually, while performance appraisals are conducted semi-annually. Salaries are adjusted based on inflation and individual performance. As an incentive, discretionary cash bonuses may be paid based on the performance of individuals. In addition, Republic of China law generally requires that our employees in Taiwan be given preemptive rights to subscribe for between 10% and 15% of any of our rights issues or share offerings.
Our employees in Taiwan participate in our profit distribution under our articles of incorporation. Employees in Taiwan are entitled to receive bonus shares, cash or a combination of bonus shares and cash, based on a percentage of our allocable surplus income. The amount allocated in shares was paid by valuing the shares at their par value, or NT$10.00 per share, and was paid to our employees in Taiwan based on individual performance and job seniority. We did not allocate any such amount for employees in Taiwan in 2002 for work performed in 2001 due to our net loss in 2001.
The Hsinchu Science-Based Park Administration offers a variety of employee-related services, including medical examinations, health insurance, career planning advice and other services for our employees in Taiwan. In addition to the services provided by the Hsinchu Science-Based Park Administration, we have established a welfare committee, a pension fund committee, and other employee committees and a variety of employee benefit programs.
We do not have an employee option plan as of December 31, 2002. We do not have any collective bargaining arrangement with our employees. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.
SHARE OWNERSHIP
None of our Directors, Supervisors or executive officers owned more than 1% of our shares as of March 31, 2003.
The table below sets forth the share ownership, as of March 31, 2003, of the legal entities represented by our directors and supervisors.
Name |
Number
of
Shares Owned |
Percentage
of
Shares Owned(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
BenQ Corporation | 596,254,368 | 14.8 | |
United Microelectronics Corporation(1) | 455,276,250 | 11.3% | |
CDIB Equity Inc. | 1,041,280 | 0.03% |
|
|
(1) | In early May 2002, United Microelectronics Corporation completed an offering of exchangeable bonds outside of the United States. Such bonds are exchangeable after June 19, 2002 at the option of the holders of the bonds for our shares held by United Microelectronics Corporation. Assuming that all of the exchangeable bonds of United Microelectronics Corporation are exchanged by the holders of the bonds for our shares held by United Microelectronics Corporation as of March 31, 2002, the number of shares owned and the percentage of shares owned would have been 335,589,277 and 8.34%, respectively. |
(2) | See column entitled Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned (Fully Diluted) in the Major Shareholders section for information regarding the percentage of shares owned assuming the conversion of our outstanding convertible bonds. |
Item 7. Major Shareholders.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
As of March 31, 2003, BenQ Corporation owned a 14.8% equity interest in our company, and four of our Directors and one of our Supervisors are representatives of BenQ Corporation. Since BenQ Corporation is currently the largest customer for our products, its substantial interest in our company may lead to conflicts of interest in our sales decisions or allocations. In addition, because four of our Directors are representatives of BenQ Corporation, and Mr. Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BenQ Corporation, conflicts of interest between their duties to BenQ Corporation and our company may arise.
In addition, as of March 31, 2003, United Microelectronics Corporation owned a 11.3% equity interest in our company, and three of our Directors and one of our Supervisors are representatives of United Microelectronics Corporation. Since United Microelectronics Corporation also owns a 25.8% equity interest in Novatek Corporation, which is one of our suppliers of driver integrated circuit components, United Microelectronics Corporations substantial interest in our company may lead to conflicts of interest in our purchasing decisions or allocations. In addition, because three of our Directors are representatives of United Microelectronics Corporation, conflicts of interest between their duties to United Microelectronics Corporation and us may arise.
58
There have been no changes in our major shareholders or significant changes in the amount of shares each major shareholder holds since March 31, 2003.
The following table sets forth information known to us with respect to the beneficial ownership of our shares as of March 31, 2003, the most recent practicable date, by (1) each shareholder known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our shares and (2) all directors, supervisors and executive officers as a group.
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Number
of
Shares Beneficially Owned |
Percentage
of Shares
Beneficially Owned |
Percentage
of Shares
Beneficially Owned (Fully Diluted)(1) |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
BenQ
Corporation(2)(3)
157, Shan-Ying Road, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, Republic of China |
596,254,368 | 14.8 | % | 14.5 | % | |||
United
Microelectronics Corporation(4)
No. 3 Lee-Hsing Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu City, Taiwan, Republic of China |
455,276,250 | (5) | 11.3 | % | 11.1 | % | ||
Representatives
of directors and supervisors, and
executive officers as a group |
||||||||
14,161,307 | 0.4 | % | 0.3 | % |
|
|
(1) | Include 77,626,582 shares eligible for conversion upon the exercise of conversion rights by the bondholders of our outstanding convertible bonds. |
(2) | Formerly Acer Communications and Multimedia Inc. |
(3 | As of March 31, 2003, BenQ Corporation was 20.5% owned by Acer Inc. As of March 31, 2003, Acer Inc. owned 24,562,079 shares, which represented 0.6% of our shares. |
(4) | In early May 2002, United Microelectronics Corporation completed an offering of exchangeable bonds outside of the United States. Such bonds are exchangeable after June 19, 2002 at the option of the holders of the bonds for our shares held by United Microelectronics Corporation. Assuming that all of the exchangeable bonds of United Microelectronics Corporation are exchanged by the holders of the bonds for our shares held by United Microelectronics Corporation as of March 31, 2003, the number of shares beneficially owned, percentage of shares beneficially owned and percentage of shares beneficially owned (fully diluted) would have been 315,506,723, 7.8% and 7.7%, respectively. |
None of our major shareholders have different voting rights from those of our other shareholders. To the best of our knowledge, we are not directly or indirectly controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government, or any other natural or legal person, severally or jointly.
We are not aware of any arrangement that may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of our company.
As of March 31, 2003, approximately 4,025.8 million of our shares were outstanding. We believe that, of such shares, approximately 82.7 million were held by approximately 1,559 holders in the United States.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
BenQ Corporation and Related Companies
BenQ Corporation
BenQ Corporation is one of our major shareholders, owning a 14.8% equity interest in our company as of March 31, 2003. In addition, four of our eight Directors and one of our two Supervisors are legal representatives of BenQ Corporation.
We sell desktop monitor display panels to BenQ Corporation. We generated net sales to BenQ Corporation in the amount of NT$884.1 million in 2000, NT$6,696.4 million in 2001 and NT$5,823.4 million (US$167.8 million) in 2002, and our receivables from these sales were NT$197.6 million as of December 31, 2000 and NT$1,983.1 million as of December 31, 2001.
We also purchase printed circuit boards from BenQ Corporation. Our purchases from BenQ Corporation amounted to NT$111.6 million in 2000 and NT$1,106.1 million in 2001 and NT$1,177.0 million (US$33.92 million) in 2002. We acquired TFT-LCD monitors, projectors and mobile phones from BenQ Corporation for use in our business. We paid BenQ Corporation NT$24.5 million in 2000 and NT$7.2 million in 2001 in connection with these purchases.
BenQ I.T. Co., Ltd. (BQS)
BQS, an affiliate of our company, was 100% owned by BenQ Corporation as of December 31, 2002. We sell notebook computer display panels to BQS. We generated net sales to BQS in the amount of NT$9,922.9
59
million (US$286.0 million) in 2002, and our receivables from these sales was NT$3,083.7 million (US$87.6 million) as of December 31, 2002.
BenQ Mexicana S.A. De C.V. (BQX)
BQX, an affiliate of our company, was 84.5% owned by BenQ Corporation as of December 31, 2002. We sell notebook computer display panels to BQX. We generated net sales to BQX in the amount of NT$721.6 million (US$20.8 million) in 2002, and our receivables from these sales was NT$157.9 million (US$4.6 million) as of December 31, 2002.
Acer Inc.
Acer Inc. is our affiliate, owning a 20.5% equity interest in BenQ Corporation as of December 31, 2002. We sell notebook computer display panels to Acer Inc. We generated net sales to Acer Inc. in the amount of NT$3,714.9 million in 2000, NT$1,480.0 million in 2001 and NT$853.7 million (US$24.6 million) in 2002. Our receivables from these sales were NT$174.7 million at December 31, 2000, NT$7.4 million as of December 31, 2001 and NT$219.0 million (US$6.3 million) as of December 31, 2002.
Acer Inc. also provided us with market promotion services in 2000 for a fee of NT$51.9 million, which was paid by us in 2001.
Wistron Corp.
Wistron Corp., an affiliate of our company, was 37.8% owned by Acer Inc. as of December 31, 2002. We sell notebook computer display panels to Wistron. We generated net sales to Wistron in the amount of NT$1,017.7 million (US$29.3 million) in 2002.
Aopen Inc.
Aopen Inc., an affiliate of our company, was 34.8% owned by Wistron Corp. as of December 31, 2002. We sell notebook computer display panels to Aopen. We generated net sales to Aopen in the amount of NT$301.6 million (US$8.7 million) in 2002.
Wistron Infocomm (Philippines) Corp.
Wistron Infocomm (Philippines) Corp., an affiliate of our company, was 100.0% owned by Wistron Corp. as of December 31, 2002. We sell notebook computer display panels to Wistron. We generated net sales to Wistron Infocomm (Philippines) Corp. in the amount of NT$89.8 million in 2000, NT$1,399.8 million in 2001 and NT$2,104.3 million (US$60.6 million) in 2002, and our receivables from these sales were NT$84.9 million, NT$332.9 million and NT$35.6 million (US$1.0 million) as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.
Acer Sertek Inc.
Acer Sertek Inc., an affiliate of our company, was 28.9% owned by Acer Inc. before the merger with Acer Inc. in March 2002. We acquired personal computers and accessories for office use from Acer Sertek Inc. In connection with these purchases, we paid Acer Sertek NT$57.1 million in 2000 and NT$32.1 million in 2001.
Min Tour Inc.
Min Tour, Inc., an affiliate of our company, was 100.0% owned by Acer Inc. as of December 31, 2002. In 2000, we entered into lease agreements with Min Tour for land, building, dormitory and equipment. We paid Min Tour related rent and administration fees in the amount of NT$54.5 million in 2000, NT$62.7 million in 2001 and NT$67.2 million (US$1.9 million) in 2002. As security for our obligations under these agreements, we made refundable deposits, the outstanding balance of which amounted to NT$840.0 million as of December 31, 2000, NT$867.0 million as of December 31, 2001 and NT$867.0 million (US$25.0 million) in 2002.
60
United Microelectronics Corporation and Related Companies
United Microelectronics Corporation
United Microelectronics is one of our major shareholders, owning an 11.3% equity interest in our company as of March 31, 2003. In addition, three of our eight Directors and one of our two Supervisors are legal representatives of United Microelectronics.
We also purchased processed wafers from United Microelectronics. Our purchases from United Microelectronics amounted to NT$40.8 million in 2000.
We acquired plant and equipment in 2001 from United Microelectronics. In connection with these purchases, we paid United Microelectronics NT$0.3 million in 2001. Beginning in 1990, Unipac entered into lease agreements with United Microelectronics for land, building, dormitory and equipment. We paid United Microelectronics related rent in the amount of NT$65.9 million in 2000, NT$65.2 million in 2001 and NT$41.4 million (US$1.2 million) in 2002. As security for our obligations under these agreements, we made refundable deposits of NT$0.2 million in 2000 and NT$0.2 million in 2001.
Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
Novatek Microelectronics Corp., an affiliate of our company, was 25.8% owned by United Microelectronics as of December 31, 2002. We purchase driver integrated circuits from Novatek Microelectronics. Our purchases from Novatek Microelectronics amounted to NT$498.3 million in 2000, NT$734.3 million in 2001 and NT$2,370.3 million (US$68.3 million) in 2002.
Faraday Technology Corp.
Faraday Technology Corp., an affiliate of our company, was 19.7% owned by United Microelectronics as of December 31, 2002. We purchase application specific integrated circuits from Faraday Technology. Our purchases from Faraday Technology amounted to NT$128.8 million in 2000, NT$100.7 million in 2001 and NT$144.7 million (US$4.2 million) in 2002.
Applied Component Technology Corp.
Applied Component Technology Corp., an affiliate of our company, was 23.7% owned by United Microelectronics Corporation as of December 31, 2002. We sell TFT-LCD panels to Applied Component Technology. We generated net sales to Applied Component Technology in the amount of NT$114.8 million in 2001 and NT$747.6 million (US$21.5 million) in 2002. Our receivables from sales to Applied Component Technology were NT$2.7 million as of December 31, 2000, NT$89.7 million at December 31, 2001 and NT$65.3 million (US$1.9 million) at December 31, 2002.
Unimicron Technology Corp.
Unimicron Technology Corp. (formerly known as World Wiser Electronics Inc.), an affiliate of our company, was 23.8% owned by United Microelectronics Corporation as of December 31, 2002. We purchase printed circuit boards from Unimicron Technology Corp. Our purchases from Unimicron Technology amounted to NT$2.8 million in 2000 and NT$76.3 million in 2001.
Chiao Tung Bank Co., Ltd.
As of December 31, 2002, Chiao Tung Bank owned a 1.5% equity interest in our company. Our loans from Chiao Tung Bank are summarized as follows:
Year | Maximum Balance | Interest Rate | Ending Balance | Interest Expenses | Interest Payable | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
(in NT$millions, except interest rate) | ||||||||||||
2002 | | | | | | |||||||
2001 | $ | 331.8 | Floating rate | | 4.9 | | ||||||
2000 | $ | 412.4 | Floating rate | 331.8 | 10.7 | 0.2 |
61
From time to time, we also enter into short-term credit facilities with Chiao Tung Bank. As of December 31, 2002, we had no outstanding short-term borrowings owed to Chiao Tung Bank.
Item 8. Financial Information.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated financial statements are set forth under Item 17. Financial Statements.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In November 2000, Sharp Corporation notified Unipac, along with several other Taiwan TFT-LCD manufacturers, of Sharps claim that certain of its patents had been infringed. Sharp claimed in its formal notice to Unipac that five of Sharps patents had been infringed by Unipacs production of four TFT-LCD models. Subsequently, Sharp made a criminal complaint against certain officers of Unipac with the Public Prosecutors Office in the Hsinchu District Court, naming Mr. Ing-Dar Liu, who was the Chairman of Unipac and former Vice Chairman of our company, as a defendant. On January 23, 2003, the Public Prosecutor discharged the criminal complaint against Mr. Liu due to a change under the ROC Patent Law pursuant to which patent infringement is no longer a criminal offense. As of the date of this annual report, neither Sharp nor any third party has brought any civil or criminal action against either Unipac, Acer Display or our company in connection with the alleged patent infringement described above. We do not believe that any of the five patents that are the subject of Sharps complaint is material to our current operations.
We are currently involved in a patent infringement dispute with Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. In June 2002, Semiconductor Energy filed a complaint in the Northern District of California alleging that we had infringed its patents in our production of TFT-LCD panels, seeking unspecified monetary damages, including punitive damages, and an injunction against the further production or sale of our TFT-LCD products. We intend to defend the case vigorously. The litigation is currently in the late stages of discovery.
DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND POLICY
The following table sets forth as a percentage the stock dividends per share paid during 2001 on the shares outstanding on the relevant record date for each of Acer Display and Unipac. Other than in 2001, neither company had previously paid any stock dividends. In addition, neither company had previously paid any cash dividends.
Dividend Paid in 2001 |
Stock
Dividend Per Share(1) |
Dividend
Payment Date |
Total
Number of Shares Issued as Stock Dividend(2) |
Aggregate
Stock Dividend
Amount |
Outstanding
Shares as of August 31, 2001(4) |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
NT$(3) | US$ | |||||||||
(in thousands) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Acer Display Technology, Inc. | 1.60 | September 3, 2001 | 208,300 | 2,083,000 | 59,514 | 1,458,300,000 | ||||
Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation | 1.42 | July 9, 2001 | 227,120 | 2,271,200 | 64,891 | 1,757,120,000 |
|
|
(1) | Stock dividend is declared in NT dollar amount per share. A shareholder receives as a stock dividend the number of shares equal to the NT dollar amount per share of the dividend declared, multiplied by the number of shares owned by the shareholder, and divided by the par value of NT$10.00 per share. Fractional shares are not issued, but are paid in cash. |
(2) | Total number of shares issued as stock dividend includes shares issued from retained earnings and from capital reserves. |
(3) | The NT dollar amount of stock dividends paid is calculated based upon the par value of NT$10.00 per share. |
(4) | The merger of Acer Display and Unipac was completed on September 1, 2001. |
No cash or stock dividends were distributed for the year 2001 due to our net loss in that year. Our Board of Directors recommended cash dividends of NT$0.5 and stock dividends of NT$0.5 per share for the year 2002 at a meeting held on March 6, 2003, which was approved by our shareholders at a shareholders meeting held on May 29, 2003.
Our articles of incorporation provide that the cash portion of any dividend shall generally not be less than 10% of the annual dividend. However, the ratio for cash dividend may be adjusted in accordance with actual earnings and
62
operation conditions. The form, frequency and amount of future dividends will depend upon our earnings, cash flow, financial condition, reinvestment opportunities and other factors.
We are generally not permitted under the Republic of China Company Law to distribute dividends or to make any other distributions to shareholders for any fiscal year in which we have no earnings. Our articles of incorporation provide that we shall allocate 10% of our earnings as a legal reserve in a fiscal year after:
When we make an earnings distribution, it is made in the following manner:
In addition to permitting dividends to be paid out of accumulated earnings after deducting losses, we are permitted under the Republic of China Company Law to make distributions to our shareholders of additional shares by capitalizing reserves, including the legal reserve. However, the capitalized portion payable out of our legal reserve is limited to 50% of the total accumulated legal reserve, and only if and to the extent the accumulated legal reserve exceeds 50% of our paid-in capital. See Item 10. Additional Information Articles of Incorporation Dividends and Distributions.
The holders of ADSs will be entitled to receive dividends to the same extent as the holders of our shares, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement.
Any cash dividends will be paid to the depositary in New Taiwan dollars and, after deduction of any applicable Republic of China taxes and fees and expenses of the depositary and custodian, except as otherwise provided in the deposit agreement, will be converted by the depositary into U.S. dollars and paid to the holders of ADSs. Whenever the depositary receives any free distribution of shares, including stock dividends, on any ADSs that the holders of ADSs hold, the depositary may, and will if we so instruct, deliver to the holders of ADSs additional ADSs which represent the number of shares received in the free distribution, after deduction of applicable taxes and the fees and expenses of the depositary and the custodian. If additional ADSs are not so delivered, each ADS that the holders of ADSs hold shall represent its proportionate interest in the additional shares distributed.
For information relating to Taiwans withholding taxes payable on dividends, see Item 10. Additional Information Taxation Republic of China Tax Considerations Dividends.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Other than those changes disclosed in Legal Proceedings above, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of the annual financial statements.
Item 9. Listing Details.
MARKET PRICE INFORMATION AND MARKETS
Our shares have been listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange since September 8, 2000 under the number 2409. The ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AUO since May 23, 2002. The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the Taiwan Stock Exchange for the shares and the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the New York Exchange for the shares represented by ADSs.
63
Taiwan Stock Exchange | New York Stock Exchange (1) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Closing
Price per
Share |
Closing
Price per
ADS |
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
High | Low |
Average
Daily
Trading V olume |
High | Low |
Average
Daily
Trading V olume |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
(NT$) | (NT$) |
(in
thousands
of shares) |
(US$) | (US$) |
(in
thousand
of ADSs) |
|||||||
2000: | ||||||||||||
Third Quarter (from September 8) | 70.50 | 46.30 | 48,866 | |||||||||
Fourth Quarter | 47.50 | 19.50 | 16,447 | |||||||||
2001: | ||||||||||||
First Quarter | 37.00 | 20.70 | 11,096 | |||||||||
Second Quarter | 40.90 | 30.40 | 21,164 | |||||||||
Third Quarter | 31.90 | 13.90 | 16,876 | |||||||||
Fourth Quarter | 37.40 | 11.95 | 80,908 | |||||||||
2002: | ||||||||||||
First Quarter | 61.50 | 34.80 | 80,237 | |||||||||
Second Quarter | 56.50 | 31.50 | 69,206 | 12.95 | 8.31 | 1,658 | ||||||
Third Quarter | 37.00 | 18.80 | 86,799 | 10.45 | 5.49 | 681 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter | 26.30 | 16.00 | 117,238 | 7.63 | 4.51 | 327 | ||||||
October | 21.90 | 16.00 | 123,733 | 6.70 | 4.51 | 567 | ||||||
November | 26.30 | 22.60 | 150,825 | 7.63 | 6.70 | 276 | ||||||
December | 25.30 | 19.00 | 78,684 | 7.14 | 5.52 | 111 | ||||||
2003: | ||||||||||||
First Quarter | 25.10 | 19.20 | 63,737 | 7.38 | 5.60 | 140 | ||||||
January | 25.10 | 21.20 | 79,741 | 7.38 | 6.25 | 132 | ||||||
February | 24.50 | 22.00 | 70,750 | 7.05 | 6.38 | 156 | ||||||
March | 23.30 | 19.20 | 43,913 | 6.61 | 5.60 | 134 | ||||||
Second Quarter (through June 26) | 25.70 | 17.70 | 69,253 | 7.43 | 5.05 | 181 | ||||||
April | 21.30 | 17.70 | 43,192 | 6.1 | 5.2 | 55 | ||||||
May | 21.80 | 17.70 | 50,610 | 6.65 | 5.05 | 156 | ||||||
June (through June 26) | 25.70 | 23.00 | 122,855 | 7.43 | 6.60 | 347 |
Item 10. Additional Information.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The following statements summarize the material elements of our capital structure and the more important rights and privileges of our shareholders conferred by Taiwan law and our Articles of Incorporation.
Objects and Purpose
The scope or our business as set forth in Article 2 of our Articles of Incorporation, includes the research, development, production, manufacturing and sale of the following products: plasma display and related systems, liquid crystal display and related systems, OLED and related systems, amorphous silicon photo sensor device parts and components, thin film photo diode sensor device parts and components, thin film transistor photo sensor device parts and components, touch imaging sensors, full color active-matrix flat panel displays, field emission displays, single crystal liquid crystal displays, original equipment manufacturing for amorphous silicon thin film transistor process and flat panel display modules, original design manufacturing and original equipment manufacturing business for flat panel display modules and the simultaneous operation of a trade business relating to our business.
Directors
Our articles of incorporation provide that our board of directors is elected by our shareholders, and is responsible for the management of our business. Currently, our board of directors is composed of eight Directors, while our articles of incorporation provide that we may have from seven to nine directors. The Chairman of our board is elected by our Directors. The Chairman presides at all meetings of our board of directors, and also has the authority to represent our company. The term of office for our Directors is three years. In addition, under our articles of incorporation, our shareholders shall elect three Supervisors. The duties of the Supervisors include, among other things, investigating our condition, reviewing internal audit reports, inspecting our corporate records, calling our shareholders meetings, representing us in negotiations with our Directors and notifying, when appropriate, our board of directors to cease acting in contravention of applicable law or regulation or in contravention of our articles
64
of incorporation. The term of office for our Supervisors is three years. Our Supervisors cannot concurrently serve as our Directors or officers. The election of our Directors and Supervisors by our shareholders may be conducted by means of cumulative voting or other voting mechanics, if any, adopted in our articles of incorporation. Pursuant to the Republic of China Company Law, the election of our Directors and Supervisors is currently conducted by means of cumulative voting, as our articles of incorporation do not adopt another voting mechanism. The next election for all of the Directors and Supervisors is expected to be held in late 2004. Pursuant to the Republic of China Company Law, a person may serve as a director or supervisor in his or her personal capacity or as the representative of another legal entity. A legal entity that owns our shares may be elected as a Director or Supervisor, in which case a natural person must be designated to act as the legal entitys representative. A legal entity that is our shareholder may designate its representative to be elected as our Director or Supervisor on its behalf. In the event several representatives are designated by the same legal entity, any or all of them may be elected. A natural person who serves as the representative of a legal entity as a director or supervisor may be removed or replaced at any time at the discretion of such legal entity, and the replacement director or supervisor may serve the remainder of the term of office of the replaced director or supervisor. Currently, all of our Directors and Supervisors are representatives of other legal entities, as shown in Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees Directors and Senior Management Directors and Supervisors.
Shares
As of May 29, 2003, our authorized share capital was NT$58 billion, divided into 5.8 billion shares, of which 100 million shares are reserved for the purposes of issuance of employee stock option, and 4,025,865,331 shares were issued and outstanding. In November 2001, we issued NT$10,000 million principal amount of convertible bonds, which became eligible in February 2002 for conversion into approximately 632,911,392 shares. As of March 31, 2003, bondholders of our convertible bonds had exercised conversion rights to receive 555,283,724 of our shares, including our shares and entitlement certificates.
All shares presently issued are fully paid and in registered form, and existing shareholders are not obligated to contribute additional capital. The shares underlying your ADSs, when issued, will be fully paid, in registered form and will not be obligated by any capital calls.
New Shares and Preemptive Rights
Except for new shares issued for conversion of convertible bonds or new shares issued upon exercise of employee stock option, new shares may only be issued with the prior approval of our board of directors. If our issuance of any new shares will result in any change in our authorized share capital, we are required under Republic of China law to amend our articles of incorporation and obtain approval of our shareholders in a shareholders meeting. We must also obtain the approval of, or submit a registration to, the Securities and Futures Commission and the Hsinchu Science-Based Industrial Park Administration Bureau, as applicable. Generally, when a company issues capital stock for cash, 10% to 15% of the issue must be offered to its employees. In addition, if a public company intends to offer new shares for cash, at least 10% of the issue must also be offered to the public. This percentage can be increased by a resolution passed at a shareholders meeting, which will reduce the number of new shares in which existing shareholders may have preemptive rights. Unless the percentage of the shares offered to the public is increased by a resolution, existing shareholders of the company have a preemptive right to acquire the remaining 75% to 80% of the issue in proportion to their existing shareholdings.
Under current Republic of China law, whenever we issue shares for cash, we will deliver one or more certificates of payment evidencing the aggregate number of shares to the subscriber. Each certificate of payment will represent the irrevocable right to receive the relevant number of shares after all required Republic of China share issuance procedures have been complied with. We are required under Republic of China law to file an amendment to our corporate registration within 15 days after we receive the proceeds of an offering. Under the Republic of China Securities and Exchange Law and applicable regulations, we are required to deliver physical share certificates to the relevant subscribers within 30 days after receiving approval from the applicable Republic of China governmental authorities of our amendment to our corporate registration. It will take approximately 45 days after this offering for us to issue physical share certificates to the ADS custodian in exchange for any certificate of payment held in our ADS facility.
65
Shareholders and Record Date
We only recognize persons registered in our register as our shareholders. The Republic of China Company Law permits us, by giving advance public notice, to set a record date and close the register of shareholders for a specified period in order to determine the shareholders or pledgees that are entitled to certain rights pertaining to our shares by giving advance public notice. Under the Republic of China Company Law, our register of shareholders should be closed for a period of sixty days before each ordinary meeting of shareholders, thirty days before each extraordinary meeting of shareholders and five days immediately before each record date.
Transfer of Shares
Under the Republic of China Company Law, shares are transferred by endorsement and delivery of the related share certificates. In addition, transferees must have their names and addresses registered on our register in order to assert shareholders rights against us. Our shareholders are required to file their specimen seals with our share registrar, SinoPac Securities Corporation. The settlement of trading of our shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange will be carried out on the book-entry system maintained by Taiwan Securities Central Depository Co., Ltd.
Shareholders Meetings
We are required to hold an annual ordinary shareholders meeting once every calendar year, generally within six months after the end of each fiscal year. Our Directors may convene an extraordinary meeting whenever they think fit, and they must do so if requested in writing by shareholders holding not less than 3% of our paid-in share capital who have held their shares for more than a year. In addition, any of our Supervisors may convene a shareholders meeting under certain circumstances. For a public company in Taiwan, such as our company, at least 15 days advance written notice must be given of every extraordinary shareholders meeting and at least 30 days advance written notice must be given of every annual ordinary shareholders meeting. Unless otherwise required by law or by our articles of incorporation, voting for an ordinary resolution requires an affirmative vote of a simple majority of those present and voting. A distribution of cash dividends would be an example of an act requiring an ordinary resolution. A special resolution may be adopted in a meeting of shareholders convened with a quorum of holders of at least two-thirds of our total outstanding shares at which the holders of at least a majority of our shares represented at the meeting vote in favor thereof. A special resolution is necessary for various matters under Republic of China law, including:
However, in the case of a public company such as our company, the special resolution may be adopted by holders of at least two-thirds of the shares represented at a meeting of shareholders at which holders of at least a majority of the total outstanding shares are present.
Voting Rights
Except for treasury shares, our articles of incorporation provide that a holder of our shares has one vote for each share held at shareholders meetings; provided that the votes of a holder of more than 3% of our total outstanding and issued shares are required to be diluted by a factor of 1% with respect to the portion of shares held in excess of 3%, which we refer to as the dilution provision. The dilution provision was, prior to November 14, 2001, required by the Republic of China Company Law to be included in our articles of incorporation. However, the Republic of China Company Law was amended, effective from November 14, 2001, to eliminate the requirement for the dilution provision. Our shareholders approved such an amendment to our articles of incorporation at our shareholders meeting held on May 21, 2002. There is cumulative voting for the election of Directors and Supervisors. In all other matters, shareholders must cast all their votes in the same direction on any resolution.
66
Our shareholders may be represented at an ordinary or extraordinary shareholders meeting by proxy if a valid proxy form is delivered to us five days before the commencement of the ordinary or extraordinary shareholders meeting. Voting rights attached to our shares that are exercised by our shareholders proxy are subject to Republic of China proxy regulations. Any shareholder who has a personal interest in a matter to be discussed at our shareholders meeting, the outcome of which may impair our interests, is not permitted to vote or exercise voting rights nor vote or exercise voting rights on behalf of another shareholder on such matter.
You will not be able to exercise voting rights on the shares underlying your ADSs on an individual basis.
Dividends and Distributions
We may distribute dividends in any year in which we have accumulated earnings. Before distributing a dividend to shareholders following the end of a fiscal year, we must recover any past losses, pay all outstanding taxes, and set aside in a legal reserve 10% of our net income for that fiscal year until our legal reserve equals our paid-in capital.
At the shareholders annual ordinary meeting, our board of directors submits to the shareholders for approval proposals for the distribution of a dividend or the making of any other distribution to shareholders from our accumulated earnings or reserves for the preceding fiscal year. Dividends may be distributed either in cash or in shares. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that the cash portion of any dividend shall generally not be less than 10% of the annual dividend. However, the ratio for cash dividend may be adjusted in accordance with actual earnings and operation conditions. Dividends are paid proportionately to shareholders as listed on the register of shareholders on the relevant record date.
Our articles of incorporation provide that we shall allocate 10% of our earnings as a legal reserve in a fiscal year after:
When we make an earnings distribution, it is made in the following manner:
In addition to permitting dividends to be paid out of accumulated earnings after deducting losses, we are permitted under the Republic of China Company Law to make distributions to our shareholders of additional shares by capitalizing reserves, including the legal reserve. However, the capitalized portion payable out of our legal reserve is limited to 50% of the total accumulated legal reserve, and only if and to the extent the accumulated legal reserve exceeds 50% of our paid-in capital.
For information on the dividends paid by us in recent years, see Item 8. Financial Information Dividends and Dividend Policy. For information as to Taiwan taxes on dividends and distributions, see Taxation Republic of China Tax Considerations Dividends.
Acquisition of Shares by Our Company
Pursuant to an amendment to the Securities and Exchange Law which took effect on July 21, 2000, we may, by a board resolution adopted by majority consent at a meeting with two-thirds of our directors present, purchase our shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or by a tender offer, in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the Securities and Futures Commission, for the following purposes:
67
We are not allowed to purchase more than 10% of our aggregate issued and outstanding shares. In addition, we may not spend more than the aggregate amount of our retained earnings, the premium from issuing stock and the realized portion of the capital reserve to purchase our shares.
We may not pledge or hypothecate any purchased shares. In addition, we may not exercise any shareholders rights attaching to such shares. In the event that we purchase our shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, our affiliates, Directors, Supervisors, officers and their respective spouses and minor children and/or nominees are prohibited from selling any of our shares during the period in which we purchase our shares.
According to the Republic of China Company Law, as amended and effective from November 14, 2001, an entity, referred to as a controlled entity, in which our company directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the voting shares or paid-in capital, may not purchase our shares. Also, if our company and a controlled entity jointly own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting shares or paid-in capital of another entity, referred to as a third entity, the third entity may not purchase shares in either our company or a controlled entity. This restriction does not, however, affect any of our shares acquired by a controlled entity or a third entity prior to November 14, 2001.
On October 14, 2002, our board of directors approved a buyback program for market repurchases of up to 10 million shares during the period between October 15, 2002 and December 14, 2002 at the target purchase price of between NT$15 and NT$20 per share, with a view to awarding the shares to our employees in the future as stock bonuses. We did not make any repurchases under this buyback program. On December 16, 2002, our board of directors approved another buyback program for market repurchases of up to 20 million shares during the period between December 17, 2002 and February 16, 2003 at the target price of between NT$17.5 and NT$23.5 per share for the same purpose. We repurchased an aggregate of 12 million shares at an average purchase price of NT$20.9 per share, or an aggregate purchase price of NT$250.8 million, under this buyback program.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of our liquidation, the assets remaining after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses, taxes and distributions to holders of preferred shares, if any, will be distributed pro rata to our shareholders in accordance with the Republic of China Company Law.
Rights to Bring Shareholder Suits
Under the Republic of China Company Law, a shareholder may bring suit against us in the following events:
Shareholders may bring suit against our Directors and Supervisors under the following circumstances:
68
six months after the acquisition of such shares, or repurchases the shares within six months after the sale, we may make a claim for recovery of any profits realized from the sale and purchase. If our board of directors or our supervisors fail to make a claim for recovery, any shareholder may request that our board of directors or our s upervisors exercise the right of claim within 30 days. After such 30-day period, such requesting shareholder will have the right to make a claim for such recovery on our behalf. Our directors and supervisors will be jointly and severally liable for damages suffered by us as a result of their failure to exercise the right of claim.
Financial Statements
For a period of at least ten days before our annual shareholders meeting, we must make available our annual financial statements at our principal offices in Hsinchu, Taiwan and our share register in Taipei, for inspection by our shareholders.
Transfer Restrictions
Our directors, supervisors, officers and shareholders holding more than 10% of our issued and outstanding shares, which we refer to as insiders, are required to report any changes in their shareholding to us on a monthly basis. No insider is permitted to sell shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange for six months from the date on which the relevant person becomes an insider. In addition, the number of shares that insiders can sell or transfer on the Taiwan Stock Exchange on a daily basis is limited by Republic of China law. Furthermore, insiders may sell or transfer our shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange only after reporting to the Securities and Futures Commission at least three days before the transfer, provided that such reporting is not required if the number of shares transferred does not exceed 10,000.
Other Rights of Shareholders
Under the Republic of China Company Law, dissenting shareholde rs are entitled to appraisal rights in the event of a spin-off or a merger and various other major corporate actions. Dissenting shareholders may request us to redeem their shares at a fair price to be determined by mutual agreement. If no agreement can be reached, the valuation will be determined by a court order. Dissenting shareholders may exercise their appraisal rights by notifying us before the related shareholders meeting or by raising and registering their dissent at the shareholders meeting.
One or more shareholders who have held more than 3% of the issued and outstanding shares for over a year may require a supervisor to bring a derivative action against a director for the directors liability to our company resulting from the directors unlawful actions or failure to act.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our shares is SinoPac Securities Corporation, 3rd Floor, 53, Po Ai Road, Taipei, Taiwan; telephone number: 886-2-2381 6288. The transfer agent and registrar for our ADS is Citibank, N.A., 111, Wall Street, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10005, USA; telephone number: 1-877-248-4237.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Merger Agreement between Acer Display and Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation. We were incorporated as Acer Display Technology, Inc. in 1996. On April 9, 2001, Acer Display Technology, Inc. and Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation entered into a merger agreement, under which the parties thereto agreed that Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation will merge into Acer Display through a share exchange, and Acer Display will change its name to AU Optronics. Under this agreement, 0.8607 shares of AU Optronics Corp. shares was issued in exchange for each share of Unipac 1,757,120,000 common shares outstanding.
License from FDTC for Amorphous Silicon TFT-LCDs. We entered into a license agreement with FDTC effective as of March 31, 2003, which provides for the nontransferable and nonexclusive license and technical support to manufacture all of our TFT-LCD panels at all our facilities. The agreement provides for an initial license fee and fixed royalty payments to be paid for each of the first four consecutive 12 months following the effective date of this agreement. Each party agrees to review and discuss in good faith terms and conditions of this agreement after the fourth anniversary of this agreement.
69
EXCHANGE CONTROLS
We have extracted from publicly available documents the information presented in this section. Please note that citizens of the Peoples Republic of China and entities organized in the Peoples Republic of China are subject to special Republic of China laws, rules and regulations, which are not discussed in this section.
Taiwans Foreign Exchange Control Statute and regulations provide that all foreign exchange transactions must be executed by banks designated to handle foreign exchange transactions by the Ministry of Finance and by the Central Bank of China. Current regulations favor trade-related foreign exchange transactions. Consequently, foreign currency earned from exports of merchandise and services may now be retained and used freely by exporters. All foreign currency needed for the importation of merchandise and services may be purchased freely from the designated foreign exchange banks.
Aside from trade-related foreign exchange transactions, Taiwan companies and residents may remit to and from Taiwan foreign currencies of up to US$50 million and US$5 million, each calendar year. A requirement is also imposed on all private enterprises to report all medium- and long-term foreign debt with the Central Bank of China.
In addition, a foreign person without an alien resident card or an unrecognized foreign entity may remit to and from Taiwan foreign currencies of up to US$100,000 per remittance if required documentation is provided to Taiwan authorities. This limit applies only to remittances involving a conversion between NT dollars and U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies.
TAXATION
Republic of China Tax Considerations
The following summarizes the principal Taiwan tax consequences of owning and disposing of ADSs and shares if you are not a resident of Taiwan. You will be considered a non-resident of Taiwan for the purposes of this section if:
You should consult your own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of owning ADSs or shares in Taiwan and any other relevant taxing jurisdiction to which you are subject.
Dividends
Dividends, whether in cash or shares, declared by us out of retained earnings and paid out to a holder that is not a Taiwan resident in respect of shares represented by ADSs or shares are subject to Taiwan withholding tax. The current rate of withholding for non-residents is 20% of the amount of the distribution, in the case of cash dividends, or of the par value of the shares distributed in the case of stock dividends. As discussed below in Tax Reform, our after-tax earnings will be subject to an undistributed retained earnings tax. To the extent dividends are paid out of retained earnings that have been subject to the retained earnings tax, the amount of such tax will be used by us to offset a non-residents withholding tax liability on such dividend. Consequently, the effective rate of withholding on dividends paid out of retained earnings previously subject to the retained earnings tax will be less than 20%. There is no withholding tax with respect to stock dividends declared out of our capital reserves.
Capital Gains
Gains realized on Taiwan securities transactions in Taiwan are exempt from Taiwan income tax. In addition, transfers of ADSs by non-resident holders are not regarded as sales of Taiwan securities and, as a result, any gains on such transactions are currently not subject to Taiwan income tax.
70
Securities Transaction Tax
The Taiwan government imposes a securities transaction tax that will apply to sales of shares, but not to sales of ADSs. The transaction tax is payable by the seller for the sale of shares and is equal to 0.3% of the sales proceeds.
Estate and Gift Tax
Republic of China estate tax is payable on any property within the Republic of China of a deceased who is an individual, and Republic of China gift tax is payable on any property within the Republic of China donated by any such person. Estate tax is currently payable at rates ranging from 2% of the first NT$600,000 to 50% of amounts over NT$100,000,000. Gift tax is payable at rates ranging from 4% of the first NT$600,000 to 50% of amounts over NT$45,000,000. Under Republic of China estate and gift tax laws, shares issued by Republic of China companies are deemed located in the Republic of China regardless of the location of the holder. There is no tax ruling as to whether or not ADSs will be deemed assets located in the Republic of China for the purpose o f Republic of China gift and estate taxes.
Preemptive Rights
Distributions of statutory preemptive rights for shares in compliance with the Republic of China Company Law are not subject to Taiwan tax. Proceeds derived from sales of statutory preemptive rights evidenced by securities by a non-resident are exempted from income tax, but may be subject to Taiwan securities transaction tax, currently at the rate of 0.3% of the gross amount received. Proceeds derived from sales of statutory preemptive rights that are not evidenced by securities are subject to income tax at the rate of:
We have the sole discretion to determine whether statutory preemptive rights are evidenced by securities or not.
Tax Reform
The Republic of China Income Tax Laws were amended in 1997 to integrate the corporate income tax and the shareholder dividend tax with the goal of eliminating the double taxation effect.
Under such amendment, we are subject to a 10% retained earnings tax on our after-tax earnings generated after January 1, 1998 that are not distributed in the following year. The retained earnings tax so paid will further reduce the retained earnings available for future distribution. When we declare dividends out of those retained earnings, a maximum amount of up to 10% of the declared dividends will be credited against the 20% withholding tax imposed on the non-resident holders of our ADS or shares.
Tax Treaty
Taiwan does not have an income tax treaty with the United States. Taiwan has double tax treaties with Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Australia, Netherlands, Vietnam, New Zealand, Malaysia, Macedonia, Swaziland, Gambia and United Kingdom, which may limit the rate of Taiwan withholding tax on dividends paid with respect to shares. It is unclear whether if you hold ADSs, you will be considered to hold shares for the purposes of these treaties. Accordingly, if you may otherwise be entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty, you should consult your tax advisors concerning your eligibility for the benefits with respect to ADSs.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for United States Holders
The following is a discussion of the material United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our shares or ADSs. The discussion set forth below applies to beneficial owners of our shares or ADSs that purchase such shares or ADSs that hold the shares or ADSs as capital assets under the United States Internal Revenue Code and that are United States persons that do not have a fixed place of business or other
71
permanent establishment in Taiwan and are not physically present in Taiwan for 183 days or more within a calendar year. You are a United States person if for United States federal income tax purposes you are:
This summary is based on current law, which is subject to change, perhaps retroactively. In addition, it is based in part on representations by the depositary and assumes that each obligation under the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. This summary does not contain a detailed description of all the United States federal income tax consequences to you in light of your particular circumstances. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws, including if you are:
If a partnership holds our shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our shares or ADSs, you are urged to consult your tax advisor.
You are urged to consult your tax advisor concerning the particular United States federal income tax consequences to you of the ownership and disposition of the shares or ADSs, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
For United States federal income tax purposes, a United States person who is the beneficial owner of an ADS will be treated as the owner of the shares underlying its ADS, and a United States person who is the beneficial
72
owner of a certificate of payment ADS will be treated as the owner of the certificate of payment underlying its certificate of payment ADS. However, the United States Treasury has expressed concerns that parties involved in transactions in which depositary shares are pre-released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by the holders of ADSs. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Taiwan taxes described below could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the United States Treasury. Deposits or withdrawals of shares actually or constructively by United States persons for ADSs will not be subject to United States federal income tax.
Taxation of Dividends
Distributions of shares you receive on your shares or ADSs, including amounts withheld in respect of Taiwan withholding taxes, will generally be treated as dividend income to you if the distributions are made from our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as calculated according to United States federal income tax principles). Dividend income will be includible in your gross income as ordinary income on the day you receive it, which in the case of an ADS will be the date received by the depositary. In determining the amounts withheld in respect of Taiwanese taxes, any reduction of the amount withheld on account of a Taiwanese credit in respect of the 10% retained earnings tax imposed on us is not considered a withholding tax and will not be treated as distributed to you or creditable by you against your United States federal income tax. You will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to distributions you receive from us.
The amount of any dividend paid in NT dollars will equal the United States dollar value of the NT dollars you receive, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date you receive the dividend, which in the case of an ADS will be the date received by the depositary, regardless of whether the NT dollars are converted into United States dollars. Any gain or loss you realize if you subsequently sell or otherwise dispose of the NT dollars will be ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
Subject to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code, you may be entitled to a credit against your United States federal income taxes for the net amount of any Taiwan taxes that are withheld from dividend distributions made to you. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, dividends we pay with respect to shares or ADSs will be considered passive income or, for certain holders, financial services income. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. We therefore urge you to consult your tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under your particular circumstances.
Under recently enacted legislation, dividends received by noncorporate holders of our Shares or ADSs may be subject to U.S. federal income tax at lower rates than other types of ordinary income if certain conditions are met. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the application of this new legislation to your particular circumstances.
It is possible that pro rata distributions of shares to all shareholders may be made in a manner that is not subject to United States federal income tax. Such distribution will not give rise to U.S. federal income tax against which the Taiwan withholding tax imposed on these distributions may be credited. Any Taiwan tax of this nature will only be creditable against your United States federal income tax liability with respect to income in the general limitation income class and not passive income or financial services income, subject to applicable limitations and restrictions.
73
Taxation of Capital Gains
When you sell or otherwise dispose of your shares or ADSs, you will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the United States dollar value of the amount realized for the shares or ADSs and your adjusted tax basis in the shares or ADSs, determined in United States dollars. For foreign tax credit limitation purposes, such gain or loss will, subject to exceptions, be treated as United States source. If you are an individual, and the shares or ADSs being sold or otherwise disposed of have been held for more than one year, your gain recognized will be eligible for reduced rates of taxation, depending on your holding period. Your ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations.
If you pay any Taiwan securities transaction tax, such tax is not treated as an income tax for United States federal income tax purposes, and therefore will not be a creditable foreign tax for United States federal income tax purposes. However, subject to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code, such tax may be deductible. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the United States federal income tax consequences of these taxes.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
We believe that we will not be considered a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) for United States federal income tax purposes for 2002. However, since PFIC status depends upon the composition of our income and assets and the market value of our assets (including, among others, goodwill) from time to time, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which you held our Shares or ADSs, certain adverse consequences could apply to you.
74
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Unless you are an exempt recipient such as a corporation, information reporting will apply to dividends in respect of the shares or ADSs and to the proceeds from the sale of your shares or ADSs paid within the United States (and in some cases, outside of the United States). Additionally, if you fail to provide your taxpayer
75
identification number, or fail either to report in full dividend and interest income or to make the necessary certifications, you will be subject to backup withholding.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your United States federal income tax liability, provided you furnish the required information to the Internal Revenue Service.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
It is possible to read and copy documents referred to in this annual report that have been filed with the SEC at the SECs public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the reference rooms.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Market Risks
Market risk is the risk of loss related to adverse changes in market prices, including interest rates and foreign exchange rates, of financial instruments. We are exposed to various types of market risks, including changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, in the ordinary course of business.
We use financial instruments, including variable rate debt and swap and foreign currency forward contracts, to finance our operations and to manage risks associated with our interest rate and foreign currency exposures, through a controlled program of risk management in accordance with established policies. We have used, and intend to continue to use, derivative financial instruments only for hedging purposes. These policies are reviewed and approved by our board of directors. Our treasury operations are subject to the review of our internal audit department, which review is submitted for our Supervisors review on a quarterly basis.
As of December 31, 2002, we had U.S. dollar- and Japanese yen-denominated savings accounts of US$18.7 million and ¥2,641.7 million, respectively. We also had certificates of deposit denominated in U.S. dollars in the amount of US$99.1 million. Since export sales are primarily conducted in U.S. dollars, we had U.S. dollar-denominated accounts receivable of US$267.1 million as of December 31, 2002, which represents 91% of the total accounts receivable balance. We also had Japanese yen-denominated accounts receivable of ¥280.3 million attributable to our Japanese operations as of December 31, 2002, which represents 0.8% of the total accounts receivable balance. In addition, we had U.S. dollar- and Japanese yen-denominated accounts payable of US$84.4 million and ¥14,231.3 million, relating to our overseas vendors.
Our primary market risk exposures relate to interest rate movements on borrowings and exchange rate movements on foreign currency-denominated accounts receivable and capital expenditures relating to equipment used in our manufacturing processes and purchased primarily from Japan. The fair value of forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps has been determined by obtaining the estimated amount from our bankers that would be received/(paid) to terminate the contracts.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our long-term debt obligations. We incur debt obligations primarily to support general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and working capital needs. We use interest rate swaps to modify our exposure to interest rate movements and reduce borrowing costs. Interest rate swaps limit the risks of fluctuating interest rates by allowing us to convert a portion of the interest on our borrowings from a variable rate to a fixed rate.
As of December 31, 2002, we had four outstanding interest rate swap agreements with three major international financial institutions, having a total notional principal amount of NT$1,800 million.
The table below provides information about our derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps, debt obligations and certain assets. For debt obligations, the table sets forth principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swaps, the table presents notional amounts and weighted average interest rates by contractual maturity dates. Notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under a
76
contract. Weighted average variable rates are based on implied forward rates in the yield curve at the reporting date. The information is presented in the currencies in which the instruments are denominated. We do not have any capital lease obligations.
Expected Maturity Dates |
Fair
Value at
December 31, |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
2006
and
thereafter |
Total | 2002 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Certificates of Deposit: | |||||||||||||||
Fixed rate (US$) | 24,010 | 99,090 | | | | 99,090 | 99,090 | ||||||||
Average interest rate | 1.44 | % | 1.144 | % | | | | 1.144 | % | 1.144 | % | ||||
Fixed rate (NT$) | 3,549,542 | 17,399,649 | 17,399,649 | 17,399,649 | |||||||||||
Average interest rate | 2.24 | % | 1.436 | % | | | | 1.436 | % | 1.436 | % | ||||
Fixed rate (JP¥) | | 249,633 | | | | 249,633 | 249,633 | ||||||||
Average interest rate | | 0.03 | % | | | | 0.03 | % | 0.03 | % | |||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Bonds: | |||||||||||||||
Unsecured convertible (NT$) | | | | | 1,286,882 | 1,286,882 | 1,612,926 | ||||||||
Fixed rate | | | | | 2 | % | 2 | % | 2 | % | |||||
Secured (NT$) | 1,008,000 | 996,000 | 996,000 | | | 1,992,000 | 2,086,635 | ||||||||
Fixed rate | 5.95 | % | 5.95 | % | 5.95 | % | | | 5.95 | % | 5.95 | % | |||
Secured Long-term Loans: | |||||||||||||||
Variable rate (NT$) | 3,796,110 | 8,530,000 | 7,230,000 | 5,930,000 | 10,660,000 | 32,350,000 | 32,350,000 | ||||||||
Average interest rate | 2.96 | % | 1.70 | % | 1.70 | % | 1.82 | % | 2.03 | % | 1.83 | % | | ||
Interest Rate Swaps(1): | |||||||||||||||
Variable
to fixed
(NT$) |
1,500,000 | | | | | | | ||||||||
Receive rate(2) | 2.392 | % | | | | | | | |||||||
Pay rate | 6.16 | % | | | | | | | |||||||
Variable to fixed (NT$) | | | 1,800,000 | | | 1,800,000 | (89,871 | ) | |||||||
Receive rate(2) | | | 1.602 | % | | | | | |||||||
Pay rate | | | 5.88 | % | | | | |
|
|
(1) | 90-day Taipei Money Market Secondary middle rate settled quarterly (1.602% as of December 31, 2002). |
(2) | Floating rate receivable. |
Foreign Currency Risk
The primary foreign currencies to which we are exposed are the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar. We enter into short-term, forward exchange contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on certain underlying assets, liabilities, and firm commitments for purchasing raw materials and components and capital expenditures denominated in U.S. dollars. The purpose of entering into these hedges is to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the results of operations. Gains and losses on foreign currency contracts and foreign currency denominated liabilities are recorded in the period of the exchange rate changes, while gain and loss on foreign currency contracts that hedge foreign currency commitments are deferred until the commitments are realized. The contracts have maturity dates that do not exceed three months.
The table below sets forth our outstanding foreign currency forward contracts as of December 31, 2002:
Contracts to sell US$/Buy NT$: | |||||
Aggregate contract amount | US$388,000,000 | ||||
Average contractual exchange rate | NT$34.708 per US$ | ||||
Contracts to sell NT$/Buy Japanese yen: | |||||
Aggregate contract amount | NT$2,977,245,000 | ||||
Average contractual exchange rate | JPY0.2835 per NT$ | ||||
Contracts to sell RMB/Buy Japanese yen: | |||||
Aggregate contract amount | RMB42,000,000 | ||||
Average contractual exchange rate | JPY0.0708 per RMB |
77
Contracts to sell US$/Buy Japanese yen: | |||
Aggregate contract amount | US$30,000,000 | ||
Average contractual exchange rate | JPY119.234 per US$ | ||
Fair value of all forward contracts | NT$81,558,000 |
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.
Not applicable.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures .
Within 90 days prior to the date of this annual report, we, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective for gathering, analyzing and disclosing the information we are required to disclose in this annual report we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms. Our management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which by their nature can provide only reasonable assurance regarding managements control objectives.
There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and the report thereon by its independent auditors listed below are attached hereto as follows:
(a) | Independent Auditors Report of the Company and subsidiaries dated January 23, 2003 (except for note 27 which is as of March 27, 2003) (F-1). |
(b) | Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 (F-2). |
(c) | Consolidated Statements of Income of the Company and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 (F-4). |
(d) | Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity of the Company and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 (F-5). |
(e) | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of the Company and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 (F-6). |
(f) | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and subsidiaries (F-7). |
78
Item 18. Financial Statements.
The Company has elected to provide financial statements for fiscal year 2002 and the related information pursuant to Item 17 in lieu of Item 18.
Item 19. Exhibits.
(j) | Lease Agreement with Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park Administration in relation to government-owned land located at Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park, No. 76-6 Small Section, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Republic of China, with respect to part of the site of Fab L1 (in Chinese, with English summary translation). |
(k) | Lease Agreement with Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park Administration in relation to government-owned land located at Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park, No. 77 Small Section, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Republic of China, with respect to part of the site of Fab L1 (in Chinese, with English summary translation). |
(l) | Lease Agreement with Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park Administration in relation to government-owned land located at Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park, Nos. 255-46 Gin-Shan Section, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Republic of China, the site of Fab L2 (in Chinese, with English summary translation). |
(m) | Lease Agreement with Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park Administration in relation to government-owned land located at Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park, Nos. 114-4 Gin-Shan Section, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Republic of China, the site of Fab L3 (in Chinese, with English summary translation). |
(n) | Lease Agreement with Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park Administration in relation to government-owned land located at Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park, Nos. 472 etc, Gin-Shan Section, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Republic of China, the site of Fab L5 (in Chinese, with English summary translation). |
(o) | Lease Agreement by and between Acer Display Technology, Inc. and Min-Tour Inc. for No. 1 Xinhe Road Aspire Park, 325 Lungtan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China, the site of Fab L6 and Module Assembly Plant M1 (in Chinese, with English summary translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1 as submitted to the Commission on May 1, 2002). |
(p) | Lease Agreement by and between AU Optronics Corp. and United Microelectronics Corporation for No. 1, Gin-Shan Section 7 of Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Republic of China, the site of Module Assembly Plant M2 (in Chinese, with English summary translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1 as submitted to the Commission on May 1, 2002). |
(q) | Lease Agreement by and between AU Optronics (Suzhou) Corp. and Chinese-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Co., Ltd. for No. 398, Suhong Zhong Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, The Peoples Republic of China, the site of Module Assembly Plants S1 and S2 (in Chinese, with English summary translation). |
8. |
List
of Subsidiaries
|
99. | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
The Company agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request a copy of any instrument that defines the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
80
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AU OPTRONICS CORP. | |
By: | /s/ Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
Date: June 30, 2003
Certification
I, Kuen-Yau (K.Y.) Lee, the Chief Executive Officer of AU Optronics Corp., or the registrant, certify that: | |||||
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant; | ||||
2. | Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual report. | ||||
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; | ||||
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: | ||||
a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; | ||||
b) | evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the Evaluation Date); and | ||||
c) | presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; | ||||
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): | ||||
a) | all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrants auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and | ||||
b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal controls; and | ||||
6. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. |
Date: June 30, 2003
By: | /s/ Kuen-Yau (K.Y.) Lee |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
Certification
I, Max Weishun Cheng, the Chief Financial Officer of AU Optronics Corp., or the registrant, certify that: | |||||
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant; | ||||
2. | Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual report. | ||||
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; | ||||
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have: | ||||
a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; | ||||
b) | evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the Evaluation Date); and | ||||
c) | presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; | ||||
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): | ||||
a) | all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrants auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and | ||||
b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal controls; and | ||||
6. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. |
Date: June 30, 2003
By: | /s/ Max Weishun Cheng |
|
|
Max Weishun Cheng |
Independent Auditors Report
The Board of Directors
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AU Optronics Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
The consolidated financial statements of AU Optronics Corp. as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000, have been restated to reflect the pooling-of-interests transaction with Unipac Optoelectronics Corp. as described in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. We did not audit the 2000 financial statements of Unipac Optoelectronics Corp., which statements reflect total assets constituting 48 % as of December 31, 2000 and total revenues constituting 42 % in 2000 of the related consolidated totals. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Unipac Optoelectronics Corp. as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based upon our audits and the report of the other auditors, the accompanying consolidated financial statements referred to in the first paragraph present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AU Optronics Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of China.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2002, have been translated into United States dollars solely for the convenience of the readers. We have audited the translation and, in our opinion, the consolidated financial statements expressed in New Taiwan dollars have been translated into United States dollars on the basis set forth in note 2(v) to the consolidated financial statements.
Generally accepted accounting principles in the Republic of China vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America would have affected results of operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, and stockholders equity as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, to the extent summarized in note 26 to the consolidated financial statements.
KPMG Certified Public Accountants
Taipei,
Taiwan
(the Republic of China)
January
23, 2003, except for note 27 which is as of March 27, 2003
F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
2001
|
2002
|
||
|
|
NT$ |
NT$ |
US$ |
Assets |
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents (note 4) |
|
6,496,268 |
25,957,194 |
748,047 |
Short-term investments, net (note 5) |
|
5,026,543 |
3,231,835 |
93,136 |
Notes and accounts receivable, net (note 6) |
|
6,592,977 |
6,415,061 |
184,872 |
Receivables from related parties (note 21) |
|
2,428,680 |
3,646,403 |
105,084 |
Inventories, net (note 7) |
|
9,035,995 |
8,509,570 |
245,232 |
Prepayments and other current assets (notes 20 and 21) |
|
852,770 |
1,396,120 |
40,234 |
Net deferred tax assets (note 18) |
|
82,468 |
673,829 |
19,419 |
|
|
|
||
Total current assets |
|
30,515,701 |
49,830,012 |
1,436,024 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term investments (note 8) |
|
48,581 |
84,330 |
2,430 |
|
|
|
||
Property, plant and equipment (notes 9, 21 and 22): |
|
|
|
|
Land |
|
499,797 |
199,176 |
5,740 |
Buildings |
|
10,493,783 |
10,466,989 |
301,642 |
Machinery and equipment |
|
57,976,432 |
70,940,502 |
2,044,395 |
Leasehold improvements and other equipment |
|
2,315,771 |
3,208,361 |
92,460 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
71,285,783 |
84,815,028 |
2,444,237 |
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
(14,558,288) |
(25,666,631) |
(739,672) |
Construction in progress |
|
39,180 |
1,811,779 |
52,213 |
Prepayment for purchases of land and equipment |
|
8,902,928 |
10,085,107 |
290,637 |
|
|
|
||
Net property, plant and equipment |
|
65,669,603 |
71,045,283 |
2,047,415 |
|
|
|
||
Intangible assets (note 23) |
|
3,069,633 |
2,984,455 |
86,007 |
|
|
|
||
Other assets: |
|
|
|
|
Leased assets, net (note 9) |
|
- |
1,620,792 |
46,709 |
Net deferred tax assets (note 18) |
|
2,439,541 |
1,848,180 |
53,262 |
Refundable deposits (note 21) |
|
894,077 |
1,018,127 |
29,341 |
Deferred charges |
|
587,021 |
642,374 |
18,511 |
Restricted cash in bank |
|
149,542 |
52,200 |
1,504 |
Miscellaneous (note 22) |
|
26,696 |
45,649 |
1,316 |
|
|
|
||
Total other assets |
|
4,096,877 |
5,227,322 |
150,643 |
|
|
|
||
Total assets |
|
103,400,395 |
129,171,402 |
3,722,519 |
|
|
|
||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-2
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
|
|
2001 | 2002 | |
|
|
|
||
|
|
NT$ |
NT$ |
US$ |
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Short-term borrowings (note 10) |
|
2,095,008 |
770,444 |
22,203 |
Commercial paper (note 11) |
|
449,321 |
- |
- |
Accounts payable |
|
9,590,359 |
11,131,568 |
320,794 |
Payables to related parties (note 21) |
|
493,407 |
560,605 |
16,156 |
Current installments of long-term liabilities (notes 12, 13, 14 and 22) |
|
4,804,110 |
9,492,110 |
273,548 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (note 20) |
|
1,390,467 |
1,983,605 |
57,164 |
Equipment and construction in progress payable |
|
672,743 |
1,265,983 |
36,484 |
|
|
|
||
Total current liabilities |
|
19,495,415 |
25,204,315 |
726,349 |
|
|
|
||
Long-term liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Long-term borrowings excluding current installments (notes 12 and 22) |
|
23,688,330 |
22,457,152 |
647,180 |
Long-term commercial paper excluding current installments (notes 13 and 22) |
|
4,168,654 |
1,287,611 |
37,107 |
Bonds and convertible bonds payable excluding current installments (notes 14, 15 and 22) |
|
12,020,796 |
2,282,882 |
65,789 |
|
|
|
||
Total long-term liabilities |
|
39,877,780 |
26,027,645 |
750,076 |
|
|
|
||
Other liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Accrued pension liabilities (note 16) |
|
77,294 |
87,192 |
2,513 |
Guarantee deposits |
|
2,621 |
24,206 |
698 |
|
|
|
||
Total other liabilities |
|
79,915 |
111,398 |
3,211 |
|
|
|
||
Total liabilities |
|
59,453,110 |
51,343,358 |
1,479,636 |
|
|
|
||
Commitments and contingent liabilities (note 23) |
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity (note 17) : |
|
|
|
|
Capital stock: |
|
|
|
|
Common stock, NT$10 par value |
|
29,705,816 |
40,241,945 |
1,159,710 |
Certificates exchangeable for common stock |
|
- |
1,012 |
29 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
29,705,816 |
40,242,957 |
1,159,739 |
|
|
|
||
Capital surplus |
|
17,998,396 |
31,718,116 |
914,067 |
|
|
|
||
Retained earnings: |
|
|
|
|
Legal reserve |
|
232,014 |
- |
- |
Unappropriated retained earnings (accumulated deficit) |
|
(3,997,843) |
6,022,669 |
173,564 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
(3,765,829) |
6,022,669 |
173,564 |
|
|
|
||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
|
8,902 |
27,151 |
782 |
|
|
|
||
Treasury stock |
|
- |
(182,849) |
(5,269) |
|
|
|
||
Total stockholders equity |
|
43,947,285 |
77,828,044 |
2,242,883 |
|
|
|
||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
103,400,395 |
129,171,402 |
3,722,519 |
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002
(Expressed
in thousands of New Taiwan dollars and US dollars,
except for per share data)
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
||
|
|
NT$ |
NT$ |
NT$ |
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales (note 21) |
|
25,583,219 |
37,588,625 |
75,689,165 |
2,181,244 |
Cost of goods sold (note 21) |
|
20,737,513 |
40,373,595 |
63,606,190 |
1,833,031 |
|
|
|
|
||
Gross profit (loss) |
|
4,845,706 |
(2,784,970) |
12,082,975 |
348,213 |
|
|
|
|
||
Operating expenses (notes 16, 21 and 23): |
|
|
|
|
|
Selling |
|
442,153 |
446,233 |
520,016 |
14,986 |
Administrative |
|
1,683,292 |
1,203,355 |
1,615,959 |
46,569 |
Research and development |
|
1,598,812 |
1,856,087 |
2,233,119 |
64,355 |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
3,724,257 |
3,505,675 |
4,369,094 |
125,910 |
|
|
|
|
||
Total operating income (loss) |
|
1,121,449 |
(6,290,645) |
7,713,881 |
222,303 |
|
|
|
|
||
Non-operating income: |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
309,976 |
82,480 |
280,410 |
8,081 |
Gain on sale of short-term investments |
|
918,515 |
8,761 |
- |
- |
Foreign currency exchange gain, net (note 20) |
|
176,383 |
484,165 |
- |
- |
Other income (notes 21 and 23) |
|
235,327 |
128,549 |
261,409 |
7,533 |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
1,640,201 |
703,955 |
541,819 |
15,614 |
|
|
|
|
||
Non-operating expenses and losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense (notes 10 to 15, 20 and 21) |
|
716,508 |
1,120,788 |
1,231,514 |
35,491 |
Investment loss recognized by equity method (note 8) |
|
82,456 |
8,059 |
10,475 |
302 |
Short-term investment permanent impairment loss |
|
- |
- |
650,626 |
18,750 |
Foreign currency exchange loss, net (note 20) |
|
- |
- |
210,815 |
6,075 |
Other loss (note 21) |
|
26,301 |
29,014 |
129,510 |
3,732 |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
825,265 |
1,157,861 |
2,232,940 |
64,350 |
|
|
|
|
||
Income (loss) before income tax |
|
1,936,385 |
(6,744,551) |
6,022,760 |
173,567 |
Income tax expense (benefit) (note 18) |
|
(926,330) |
(34,321) |
91 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
||
Net income (loss) |
|
2,862,715 |
(6,710,230) |
6,022,669 |
173,564 |
|
|
|
|
||
Earnings per common share (note 19): |
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per common share |
|
1.20 |
(2.34) |
1.65 |
0.05 |
|
|
|
|
||
Diluted earnings per common share |
|
1.20 |
(2.34) |
1.58 |
0.05 |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
|
Capital
Stock
|
|
Retained
Earnings
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Common
share
|
Common
stock
|
Certificates
exchange-
able for common stock |
Capital
surplus
|
Legal
reserve
|
Unapprop-
riated earnings (accumulated deficit) |
Cumulative
translation adjustment
|
Treasury
stock
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at January 1, 2000 |
2,384,945 |
23,849,451 |
- |
15,500,681 |
867 |
550,303 |
- |
- |
39,901,302 |
Appropriation for legal reserve |
- |
- |
- |
- |
55,031 |
(55,031) |
- |
- |
- |
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment transferred to capital surplus |
- |
- |
- |
53 |
- |
(53) |
- |
- |
- |
Net income for 2000 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,862,715 |
- |
- |
2,862,715 |
Net income of Unipac transferred to capital surplus |
- |
- |
- |
1,101,502 |
- |
(1,101,502) |
- |
- |
- |
Cumulative translation adjustment |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1,215 |
- |
1,215 |
Balance at December 31, 2000 |
2,384,945 |
23,849,451 |
- |
16,602,236 |
55,898 |
2,256,432 |
1,215 |
- |
42,765,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock for cash |
377,336 |
3,773,365 |
- |
4,126,635 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
7,900,000 |
Appropriation for legal reserve |
- |
- |
- |
- |
176,116 |
(176,116) |
- |
- |
- |
Transfer of retained earnings to common stock |
137,500 |
1,375,000 |
- |
- |
- |
(1,375,000) |
- |
- |
- |
Transfer of employees profit sharing to common stock |
8,300 |
83,000 |
- |
- |
- |
(83,000) |
- |
- |
- |
Directors and supervisors remuneration |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(8,303) |
- |
- |
(8,303) |
Transfer of capital surplus to common stock |
62,500 |
625,000 |
- |
(625,000) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Net loss for 2001 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(6,710,230) |
- |
- |
(6,710,230) |
Net loss of Unipac transferred to capital surplus |
- |
- |
- |
(2,105,475) |
- |
2,098,374 |
(2,937) |
- |
(10,038) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative translation adjustment |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
10,624 |
- |
10,624 |
Balance at December 31, 2001 |
2,970,581 |
29,705,816 |
- |
17,998,396 |
232,014 |
(3,997,843) |
8,902 |
- |
43,947,285 |
Issuance of common stock for cash |
500,000 |
5,000,000 |
- |
14,170,256 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
19,170,256 |
Transfer of legal reserve to unappropriated earnings |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(232,014) |
232,014 |
- |
- |
- |
Transfer of capital surplus to unappropriated earnings |
- |
- |
- |
(3,765,829) |
- |
3,765,829 |
- |
- |
- |
Net income for 2002 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6,022,669 |
- |
- |
6,022,669 |
Purchase of treasury stock |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(182,849) |
(182,849) |
Cumulative translation adjustment |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
18,249 |
- |
18,249 |
Convertible bonds converted to common stock |
553,613 |
5,536,129 |
1,012 |
3,315,293 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
8,852,434 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2002 |
4,024,194 |
40,241,945 |
1,012 |
31,718,116 |
- |
6,022,669 |
27,151 |
(182,849) |
77,828,044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002
(Expressed in thousands of New Taiwan dollars and US
dollars)
|
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
||||
|
|
NT$ |
NT$ |
NT$ |
US$ |
|||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net income (loss) |
|
2,862,715 |
(6,710,230) |
6,022,669 |
173,564 |
|||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Depreciation |
|
4,869,022 |
7,826,561 |
11,498,954 |
331,382 |
|||
Amortization of intangible assets and deferred charges |
|
872,322 |
1,053,761 |
1,490,968 |
42,967 |
|||
Provision
for early redemption of convertible bonds and amortization
of discount
|
|
(40,863) |
71,691 |
114,548 |
3,301 |
|||
Loss(gain) from disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
5,047 |
2,910 |
(3,293) |
(95) |
|||
Unrealized exchange loss (gain), net |
|
(44,677) |
(270,375) |
348,155 |
10,033 |
|||
Provision for inventory devaluation |
|
72,735 |
235,094 |
- |
- |
|||
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns and discounts |
|
8,616 |
7,642 |
32,420 |
934 |
|||
Long-term investment loss under equity method |
|
82,456 |
8,059 |
10,475 |
302 |
|||
Short-term investment permanent impairment loss |
|
- |
- |
650,626 |
18,750 |
|||
Increase in notes and accounts receivable (including related parties) |
|
(1,418,570) |
(5,930,234) |
(1,203,910) |
(34,695) |
|||
Decrease (increase) in inventories |
|
(5,269,277) |
(2,124,168) |
526,425 |
15,171 |
|||
Increase in prepayments and other current assets |
|
(73,253) |
(157,868) |
(484,340) |
(13,958) |
|||
Increase in deferred tax assets |
|
(929,195) |
(36,792) |
- |
- |
|||
Increase in notes and accounts payable (including related parties) |
|
1,084,566 |
7,339,717 |
1,321,956 |
38,097 |
|||
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
673,375 |
(138,204) |
486,166 |
14,011 |
|||
Increase in accrued pension liabilities |
|
640 |
38,190 |
9,898 |
285 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
2,755,659 |
1,215,754 |
20,821,717 |
600,049 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Decrease (increase) in short-term investments |
|
226,552 |
(786,502) |
1,144,082 |
32,971 |
|||
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment |
|
(36,901,618) |
(13,987,290) |
(18,035,305) |
(519,749) |
|||
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
926 |
1,514 |
78,719 |
2,269 |
|||
Increase in long-term equity investments |
|
(49,658) |
- |
(46,586) |
(1,343) |
|||
Decrease in restricted cash in bank |
|
1,996,855 |
74,549 |
97,342 |
2,805 |
|||
Increase in intangible assets |
|
(913,147) |
(338,495) |
(840,787) |
(32,089) |
|||
Increase in other assets |
|
(1,011,997) |
(263,257) |
(522,419) |
(7,197) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
(36,652,087) |
(15,299,481) |
(18,124,954) |
(522,333) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings |
|
7,384,829 |
(5,290,961) |
(1,815,517) |
(52,320) |
|||
Increase (decrease) in guarantee deposits |
|
75,482 |
(74,099) |
21,585 |
622 |
|||
Increase (decrease) in long-term borrowings |
|
20,076,831 |
4,270,091 |
(439,178) |
(12,656) |
|||
Purchase of treasury stock |
|
- |
- |
(182,849) |
(5,269) |
|||
Issuance of common stock for cash |
|
- |
7,900,000 |
19,170,256 |
552,457 |
|||
Issuance of convertible bonds and bonds payable |
|
- |
10,000,000 |
- |
- |
|||
Bond issuance costs |
|
(24,450) |
(7,219) |
- |
- |
|||
Directors and supervisors remuneration |
|
- |
(18,341) |
- |
- |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
27,512,692 |
16,779,471 |
16,754,297 |
482,834 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Effect of exchange rate change on cash |
|
9,278 |
5,205 |
9,866 |
284 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
(6,374,458) |
2,700,949 |
19,460,926 |
560,834 |
|||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
10,169,777 |
3,795,319 |
6,496,268 |
187,212 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
|
3,795,319 |
6,496,268 |
25,957,194 |
748,046 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash paid for interest expense |
$ |
654,037 |
1,079,709 |
1,253,983 |
36,138 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash paid for income taxes |
$ |
10,350 |
4,986 |
19,343 |
557 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Additions to property, plant and equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Increase in property, plant and equipment |
$ |
36,134,960 |
12,778,584 |
18,589,628 |
535,724 |
|||
Decrease (increase) in equipment acquisitions payable |
|
766,658 |
1,208,706 |
(554,323) |
(15,975) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash paid |
$ |
36,901,618 |
13,987,290 |
18,035,305 |
519,749 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Supplementary disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities | ||||||||
Convertible bonds applying for conversion |
$ |
- |
- |
8,852,434 |
255,113 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
(1) | Organization and Principal Activities | ||
AU Optronics Corp. (AU, formerly known as Acer Display Technology Inc.) was founded in the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park of the Republic of China on August 12, 1996. AUs main activities are the research, development, production and sale of thin film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs), and other flat panel displays used in a wide variety of applications, including notebook personal computers, desktop monitors, televisions, personal digital assistants, car televisions, digital cameras and camcorders, car navigation systems and mobile phones. AU sells its products primarily in Asia and to a lesser extent, Europe and North America. | |||
AU Optronics (L) Corp. (AUL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AU and was incorporated in September 2000. AUL is a holding company investing in the wholly owned foreign subsidiaries including AU Optronics Corporation America (AUA, formerly known as Acer Display Technology American Inc.), AU Optronics (Suzhou) Corp. (AUS) and AU Optronics Corporation Japan (AUJ). AUAs primary business activities include the sale of TFT-LCDs in the United States. AUS is primarily engaged in the assembly of TFT-LCD module products in Mainland China. AUJ is mainly engaged in the sale of TFT-LCDs and other flat-panel display modules in Japan. | |||
Konly Venture Corp. (Konly), a wholly owned subsidiary of AU, was incorporated in August 2002. Konly is an investment holding company for future investments AU plans to make in other similar technology companies. | |||
(2) | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | ||
(a) | Accounting principles and consolidation policy | ||
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AU and the aforementioned subsidiaries, hereinafter, referred to individually or collectively as the Company. | |||
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of China (ROC GAAP). These consolidated financial statements are not intended to present the financial position of the Company and the related results of operations and cash flows based on accounting principles and practices generally accepted in countries and jurisdictions other than the Republic of China. | |||
All significant inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. | |||
(Continued)
F-7
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(b) | Revenue recognition | ||
Revenue is recognized when title to the products and risk of ownership are transferred to the customers, which occurs principally at the time of shipment. | |||
Customers have the right to return purchased products within 20 days after delivery for replacement if the products have an unacceptable number of defects in accordance with Company-specified, objective inspection standards. The Company continuously evaluates whether its products meet these inspection standards and can reliably estimate sales returns expected to result from customer inspections. As a result, the Company accounts for the estimated costs associated with the returns as a provision for warranty costs. | |||
(c) | Use of estimates | ||
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Economic conditions and events could cause actual results to differ significantly from such management estimates. | |||
(d) | Foreign currency transactions and translation | ||
AUs functional currency is the New Taiwan dollar. The Company and its subsidiaries record transactions in their respective local currencies. The translation from the applicable foreign currency assets and liabilities to the New Taiwan dollar is performed using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date except for stockholders equity, which is translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated using average exchange rates during the year. Gains and losses resulting from such translations are recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment, a separate component of stockholders equity. | |||
Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the exchange rates prevailing at the transaction dates. At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rates prevailing on that date. The resulting exchange gains or losses from settlement of such transactions or translations of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. | |||
(e) | Cash equivalents and restricted cash in bank | ||
The Company considers all highly liquid investments, such as investments in government bonds with repurchase agreements, with maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Time deposits, which are provided as collateral, are classified as current assets or non-current assets depending on the term of the obligation secured by such collateral. |
(Continued)
F-8
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(f) | Short-term investments | ||
Short-term investments, which consist primarily of marketable securities such as publicly listed stock, open-end mutual funds, are recorded at cost when acquired and are stated at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value at the balance sheet date. The fair value of listed stocks is determined by the average closing prices during the last month prior to the balance sheet date. The fair value for open-end mutual funds is determined by their net asset value at the balance sheet date. The amount by which aggregate cost exceeds fair value is reported as a loss in the current year. In subsequent periods, recoveries of fair value are recognized as a gain to the extent that the fair value does not exceed the original aggregate cost of the investment. Valuation losses are recorded as non-operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Losses doe to permanent impairment are charged to the statement of operations at the time the impairment occurs. Stock dividends are not treated as income, but as an increase in shares held. | |||
(g) | Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns and discounts | ||
The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the age, credit quality and results of the Companys evaluation of collectibility of the outstanding balance of notes and accounts receivable. An allowance for sales returns and discount is based upon managements estimation of sales returns based upon actual experience and managements granting of sales discounts to certain customers subsequent to the initial sale of product. | |||
(h) | Inventories | ||
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or fair value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average method. The fair value of raw material is determined on the basis of replacement cost. Fair values of finished goods and work-in-process are determined on the basis of net realizable value. A provision for inventory obsolescence and devaluation is recorded when management determines that the fair valves of inventories are less than its cost basis. The provision is calculated based on the number of months inventory items remain unsold. | |||
(i) | Long-term investments | ||
Long-term equity investments in which the Company owns less than 20% of the investees voting shares or is not able to exercise significant influence over the investees operations and financial policies are accounted for by the cost method. If there is evidence indicating that a decline in the value of an investment is other than temporary, then the carrying amount of the investment is reduced to reflect its net realizable value. The related loss is recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. |
(Continued)
F-9
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
When the Company has significant influence over the operating, financial and dividend policies of investees or has the intention to hold the investment for a long term period, and owns between 20 and 50 percent of the investees voting shares, those investments are accounted for using the equity method. The difference between the acquisition cost and the net equity of the investee as of the acquisition date is deferred and amortized over fifteen years using the straight-line method, and the amortization is recorded as investment income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. | ||
If investees are unable to forward their audited financial statements in timely fashion, the Company recognizes the income (loss) of the investees in the following year. This time lag is consistent from period to period. | ||
Unrealized inter-company profits or losses resulting from transactions between the Company and an investee accounted for under the equity method are deferred. The profits or losses resulting from depreciated or amortized assets are recognized over the estimated economic lives of such assets. The profits or losses from other assets are recognized when realized | ||
The differences resulting from translation of the financial statements of the foreign investees accounted for under the equity method into New Taiwan dollars, net of the related tax effect, are recorded as cumulative translation adjustments, a separate component of stockholders equity. | ||
(j) | Property, plant and equipment | |
Property, plant and equipment are stated at acquisition cost. Excluding land, depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method less any salvage value. The range of the estimated useful lives are as follows: buildings 20 to 50 years, machinery and equipment 3 to 10 years, leasehold improvement shorter of 5 years or the lease term, and other equipment 3 to 5 years. Interest costs related to the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalized and included in the cost of the related asset. Property, plant and equipment leased to other parties under operating lease are classified as leased assets. | ||
Gains or losses on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are recorded as non-operating income or expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Before December 27, 2001, any gains, net of related income taxes, were required to transfer from unappropriated earnings to capital surplus in the year of disposal in accordance with the Republic of China Company Law. |
(Continued)
F-10
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(k) | Impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of | |
Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. | ||
(l) | Technology related fees | |
The costs incurred to license the product and process technology for TFT-LCDs and other flat-panel displays are capitalized and amortized over the respective contract period of three to fifteen years on a straight-line basis. The amortization of the technology fixed license fees is included in research and development expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. On-going royalty fees associated with product production and sales related to these licenses are included in costs of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations. | ||
(m) | Deferred charges | |
The cost of software systems, electrical facility installation charges, syndicated loan and bond issuances are accounted for as deferred charges. The costs of the software systems are amortized over the estimated useful lives of three years on a straight-line basis, and electrical facility installation charges are amortized over the estimated useful lives of six years on a straight-line basis. The expenses associated with the syndicated loan are amortized over the term of the debt on a straight-line basis. The expenses associated with issuing bonds payable and convertible bonds are amortized by using the straight-line method over the period from the issuance date to the maturity date (five or seven years). | ||
(n) | Convertible bonds | |
The Company issued convertible bonds, which provide for early redemption at the option of the Company or bondholders cash at a premium over par value. The excess of the stated redemption price over the par value is accrued as provision for early redemption during the redemption period, using the effective interest method. When the redemption right expires, the balance of the provision for early redemption is amortized over the period from the expiration date to the maturity date using the effective interest method. | ||
If the bondholders exercise their conversion right, the unamortized issuing costs, forfeited unpaid interest, provision for early redemption and par value of the extinguished bonds are transferred to stockholders equity. The excess of such amounts over the par value of the stock for conversion of the convertible bond is recorded as capital surplus in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and no gain or loss is recognized on bond conversion. |
(Continued)
F-11
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(o) | Employee retirement plan | |
The Company has established an employee noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plan (the Plan) covering full-time employees in the Republic of China. In accordance with the Plan, employees are eligible for retirement or are required to retire after meeting certain age or service requirements. Payments of retirement benefits are based on years of service and the average salary for the six-month period before the employees retirement. Each employee earns two months of salary for the first fifteen years of service, and one month of salary for each year of service thereafter. The maximum retirement benefit is 45 months of salary. The Company contributes two percent of wages and salaries to a pension fund maintained with the Central Trust of China on a monthly basis. Retirement benefits are paid to eligible participants on a lump-sum basis upon retirement. | ||
The Company has adopted Republic of China Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 18, Accounting for Pensions, for its retirement plan. SFAS No. 18 requires the Company to perform an actuarial calculation on its pension obligation as of each fiscal year-end. Based on the actuarial calculation, the Company recognizes a minimum pension liability and net periodic pension costs covering the service lives of the retirement plan participants. | ||
AUL, AUA, AUS and AUJ have defined contribution retirement plans. Cash contributions to these plans are expensed as incurred, and amounted to NT$0 thousand; NT$1,281 thousand and NT$204 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. | ||
(p) | Government grants | |
Income from government grants for research and development is recognized as non-operating income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as qualifying expenditures are made and the grant income is realizable. | ||
(q) | Income tax | |
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are determined based on differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect during the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The income tax effects resulting from taxable temporary differences are recognized as deferred income tax liabilities. The income tax effects resulting from deductible temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and income tax credits are recognized as deferred income tax assets. The realization of the deferred income tax assets is evaluated, and if it is considered more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized accordingly. |
(Continued)
F-12
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Classification of the deferred income tax assets or liabilities as current or non-current is based on the classification of the related asset or liability. If the deferred income tax asset or liability is not directly related to a specific asset or liability, then the classification is based on the expected realization date of such deferred income tax asset or liability | |||
According to the Republic of China Income Tax Law, AUs undistributed income, if any, earned after December 31, 1997, is subject to an additional 10 percent retained earning tax. The surtax is charged to income tax expense after the appropriation of earnings is approved by the stockholders in the following year. | |||
(r) | Investment tax credit | ||
Income tax expense is reduced by investment tax credits in the year in which the credit arises. | |||
(s) | Derivative financial instruments | ||
(i) | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | ||
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are purchased to hedge currency fluctuations affecting foreign currency transactions. These forward exchange contract receivables and payables are recorded at the spot rate at the date of inception. The discount or premium on a forward contract is included in determining net income over the life of the contract. Realized and unrealized gains or losses on these contracts resulting from actual settlement or balance sheet date translation are charged or credited to current operations. However, if the purpose of the contracts is to hedge the exchange risk of foreign currency commitments, the differences are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the transaction price on the transaction date. | |||
(ii) | Interest rate swaps | ||
The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to hedge changes in cash flows associated with existing variable rate long-term commercial paper. Under this interest rate swap contracts, the Company makes specified payments based on fixed interest rate and notional principal amounts and receives amounts based on variable rate of interest and notional principal. The net amounts received or paid under the contracts are reported as adjustments to interest expense on long-term commercial paper. | |||
(t) | Treasury stock | ||
The Company has adopted Republic of China SFAS No. 30, Accounting for Treasury Stock for treasury stock repurchased by the Company. SFAS No. 30 requires that treasury stock be accounted for under the cost method. The cost of treasury stock is shown as a deduction to stockholders equity, while any gain or loss of selling treasury stock is treated as an adjustment to capital surplus or retained earnings. |
(Continued)
F-13
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(u) | Earnings per common share | |
Earnings per share of common stock are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The Company issued convertible bonds in November 2001. Therefore, assuming the convertible bonds are converted to common stock, only basic earnings per share (EPS) will be disclosed if there is no dilutive effect. If there is a dilutive effect, both basic EPS and diluted EPS will be disclosed. EPS for prior periods has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of stock issued from transactions involving recapitalization of capital surplus, retained earnings and employee bonuses. | ||
(v) | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars | |
The consolidated financial statements are stated in New Taiwan dollars. Translation of the 2002 New Taiwan dollar amounts into U.S. dollar amounts is included solely for the convenience of the readers, using the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank in New York on December 31, 2002, of NT$34.7 to US$1. The convenience translations should not be construed as representations that the New Taiwan dollar amounts have been, could have been, or could in the future be converted into U.S. dollars at this rate or any other rate of exchange. | ||
(3) | Merger | |
On May 10, 2001, the Companys stockholders approved a proposal to merge with Unipac Optoelectronics Corp. (Unipac). Unipac was subsequently dissolved. | ||
Unipac was incorporated in the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park of the Republic of China on November 16, 1990, and commenced operations in January 1994. Unipac was principally engaged in the research, development, design, manufacture and sale of TFT-LCD and LCD modules used in wide variety of applications, including notebook, personal computers, desktop monitor, digital cameras and camcorders, car televisions, car navigation systems, personal digital assistants and internet appliances. | ||
On September 1, 2001, Unipac was merged with and into the Company in a transaction accounted for in accordance with the pooling-of-interests method of accounting. As a result, the consolidated financial statements for the periods presented have been restated to include the financial statement amounts of Unipac. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the Company issued 0.8607 shares of common stock in exchange for each share of Unipacs 1,757,120 thousand common shares outstanding. As of September 1, 2001, Unipac had NT$43,610 million in total assets, NT$21,339 million in total liabilities, and NT$22,271 million in stockholders equity. | ||
In accordance with ROC GAAP and Republic of China Company Law, the excess of Unipacs net assets over the par value of the Companys issued common stock issued in connection with the merger was appropriated from unappropriated earnings and accounted for as capital surplus. Due to the restatement of prior years financial statements, Unipacs accumulated losses as of December 31, 1999 amounting to NT$1,452,666 thousand, and Unipacs net income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the period from January 1, 2001 to August 31, 2001 amounting to NT$1,101,502 thousand and NT$(2,098,374) thousand, respectively, has been retroactively transferred to capital surplus. |
(Continued)
F-14
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Restated consolidated financial statements of the Company combine the separate results of the Company and Unipac for the year ended December 31, 2000, and the eight months ended August 31, 2001. No adjustments were necessary to conform accounting policies of the entities. There were no intercompany transactions requiring elimination in any period presented. The following table shows the historical results of the Company and Unipac for the periods prior to the consummation of the merger. |
|
|
|
Year
ended
December 31, 2000 |
Eight
months
ended August 31, 2001 |
|
|
|
NT$ | NT$ |
|
|
|
(in thousands) | (unaudited) |
Net sales |
|
|
|
|
AU, as previously reported |
|
|
14,839,840 |
10,582,231 |
Unipac, as previously reported |
|
|
10,743,379 |
9,075,235 |
|
|
|||
Total |
|
|
25,583,219 |
19,657,466 |
|
|
|||
Net income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
AU, as previously reported |
|
|
1,761,213 |
(2,416,647) |
Unipac, as previously reported |
|
|
1,101,502 |
(2,098,374) |
|
|
|||
Total |
|
|
2,862,715 |
(4,515,021) |
|
|
(4) | Cash and Cash Equivalents | ||
Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 consisted of the following: |
|
|
December 31, | ||
|
||||
|
|
2001 | 2002 | |
|
|
|||
|
|
NT$ |
NT$ |
US$ |
|
|
(in thousands) | ||
Cash and bank deposits |
|
5,029,301 |
22,850,349 |
658,512 |
Government bonds acquired under reverse repurchase agreements |
|
1,466,967 |
3,106,845 |
89,535 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
6,496,268 |
25,957,194 |
748,047 |
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-15
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company purchases government bonds under agreements to resell substantially the same securities within 30 days of the repurchase agreements. These agreements represent short-term investments and are reflected as cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company may sell, loan or otherwise dispose of such securities to other parties in the normal course of operations provided that substantially the same securities are delivered to the counter parties as agreed. | |||
Reverse repurchase agreements averaged NT$751,618 thousand and NT$4,217,362 thousand during the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The maximum amount of such agreements outstanding at any month end was NT$2,689,886 thousand and NT$8,255,308 thousand during the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, reverse repurchase agreements for NT$1,466,967 thousand and NT$3,106,845 thousand were outstanding, respectively. The fair values of the securities held under these agreements as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 approximated their carrying amounts. None of the securities held under these agreements were sold or repledged during the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002. | |||
(5) | Short-term Investments | ||
Short-term investments as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 consisted of the following: |
|
|
December 31,
|
||
|
|
2001
|
2002
|
|
|
|
NT$ | NT$ | US$ |
|
|
(in thousands) | ||
Publicly listed stocks |
|
2,591,144 |
1,824,030 |
52,566 |
Mutual funds |
|
2,435,399 |
1,534,688 |
44,227 |
Less: allowance for decline in fair value |
|
- |
(126,883) |
(3,657) |
|
|
|
||
|
5,026,543 |
3,231,835 |
93,136 |
|
|
|
|
||
Fair value |
|
5,507,748 |
3,231,835 |
93,136 |
|
|
|
(6) | Notes and Accounts Receivable | ||
Notes and accounts receivable as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, consisted of the following: |
|
|
December 31,
|
||
|
|
2001
|
2002
|
|
|
|
NT$ | NT$ | US$ |
|
|
(in thousands) | ||
Notes receivable |
|
2,173 |
- |
- |
Accounts receivable |
|
6,681,281 |
6,540,984 |
188,501 |
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns and discount |
|
(90,477) |
(125,923) |
(3,629) |
|
|
|
||
|
|
6,592,977 |
6,415,061 |
184,872 |
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-16
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(7) | Inventories |
Components of inventories as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 consisted of the following: |
|
|
December 31,
|
|||
|
|
2001
|
2002
|
||
|
|
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |
|
|
(in thousands) | |||
Finished goods |
|
2,545,429 | 3,224,519 | 92,926 | |
Work in process |
|
4,478,583 | 3,255,697 | 93,824 | |
Raw materials and spare parts |
|
2,409,287 | 2,423,645 | 69,845 | |
|
|
|
|||
|
9,433,299 | 8,903,861 | 256,595 | ||
Less: provision for inventory obsolescence and devaluation |
|
(397,304) | (394,291) | (11,363) | |
|
|
|
|||
|
9,035,995 | 8,509,570 | 245,232 | ||
|
|
|
|||
Insurance coverage on inventories |
|
9,959,324 | 5,144,805 | 148,265 | |
|
|
|
(8) | Long-term Investments | ||
Long-term investments as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 consisted of the following: |
|
December 31,
|
|||||
2001
|
2002
|
|||||
Percentage
of ownership |
Amount
|
Percentage
of ownership |
Amount
|
|||
|
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||
|
(in thousands) | |||||
Equity method: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patentop Ltd. | 41% | 48,581 | 41% | 37,744 | 1,088 | |
|
|
|
||||
Cost method: | ||||||
Wellypower Optronic Corporation Ltd. | - | 1.45% | 26,586 | 766 | ||
Promate Electronic Co., Ltd. | - | 0.61% | 10,000 | 288 | ||
Darly3 Venture Inc. | - | 2.49% | 10,000 | 288 | ||
|
|
|
||||
|
- | 46,586 | 1,342 | |||
|
|
|
||||
|
48,581 | 84,330 | 2,430 | |||
|
|
|
||||
(Continued)
F-17
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In order to acquire the right to use TFT-LCD related products and process technology patents, the Company invested in Patentop Ltd. (Patentop) in July 2000. As Patentop was historically unable to forward its stand-alone audited financial statements in a timely fashion, the Company recognizes the income (loss) of the investee in the following year. | |||
The investment losses related to investment accounted for under the equity method were NT$82,456 thousands and NT$8,059 thousand and NT$10,475 (US$302) thousand for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. | |||
(9) | Leased Assets, Interest Capitalization and Insurance Coverage on Property, Plant and Equipment | ||
The Company has leased the following assets to other unralted party at December 31, 2002. |
For the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, the details of interest capitalized were as follows: |
|
|
For the year ended December 31,
|
||||
|
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
||
|
|
NT$ |
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |
|
|
(in thousands) |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
||
Buildings |
|
6,539 |
53,895 |
2,353 |
68 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
404,895 |
756,411 |
205,044 |
5,909 |
|
Other equipment |
|
8,136 |
- |
4,061 |
117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
419,570 |
810,306 |
211,458 |
6,094 |
|
|
|
|
|
The capitalization interest rates ranged from 4.83% to 6.36%, 4.28% to 6.35% and 2.99% to 5.04% in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. | |
Insurance coverage on property, plant and equipment amounted to NT$73,351,000 thousand and NT$82,568,000 thousand as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively. |
(Continued)
F-18
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2002, the Company bought land amounting to NT$39,180 thousand for a plant site. Because the title of the land is not allowed to transfer temporarily due to the nature of the land under the regulation, the Company has contracted with the landowner to specify the right and obligation and secure the ownership of the land. | |||
The property, plant and equipment were pledged as collateral against long-term borrowings (see note 22). | |||
(10) | Short-term Borrowings | ||
Short-term borrowings are bank loans used for the purchase of raw materials and other routine business operations. | |||
As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, unused credit lines amounted to NT$3,505,000 thousand and NT$13,774,000 thousand, respectively. | |||
The interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 ranged from 0.63% to 3.5% and 0.02% to 1.75%, respectively. | |||
(11) | Commercial Paper | ||
The components of commercial paper as of December 31, 2001 are summarized as follows: |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2001
|
|
|
|
NT$ |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial paper |
|
450,000 |
|
Less: unamortized discount |
|
(679) |
|
|
|||
|
|
449,321 |
|
|
|||
Maturity date |
|
January 1, 2002 to January 25, 2002 |
The Company did not have commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2002. | |||
Weighted-average interest rate on commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2001 was 2.67%. |
(Continued)
F-19
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(12) |
Long-term Borrowings |
||
The components of long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, are summarized below: |
December 31,
|
||||||
Bank
|
Purpose
|
Term
|
2001
|
2002
|
||
|
|
|
NT$ |
NT$ |
US$ |
|
(in thousands) | ||||||
International Commercial Bank of China | Purchase of machinery and equipment | From Dec. 21, 2000 through Dec. 21, 2007. Repayable in 10 semi-annual installments starting on June 22, 2003 | 11,000,000 | 11,000,000 | 317,003 | |
International Commercial Bank of China | Purchase of machinery, equipment and building | From Dec. 23, 1999 through Dec. 23, 2005. Repayable in 9 semi-annual installments starting on Dec. 24, 2001 | 3,984,440 | 2,988,330 | 86,119 | |
Chinatrust Commercial Bank | Purchase of machinery, equipment and building | From Sep. 21, 2000 through Sep. 21, 2007. Repayable in 10 semi-annual installments starting on Mar. 22, 2003 | 9,700,000 | 13,500,000 | 389,049 | |
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China | Purchase of machinery, equipment and building | From June 11, 2002 through June 10, 2007. Repayable in 2 installments starting on June 10, 2006 | - | 117,564 | 3,388 | |
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China | Purchase of machinery, equipment and building | From April 11,2002 through April 10, 2007.Repayable on April 10, 2007. | - | 243,524 | 7,018 | |
Bank of China | Purchase of machinery, equipment and building | From Mar. 20, 2002 through Mar.19, 2007. Repayable in 5 semi-annual installments starting on Mar. 20, 2005 | - | 503,844 | 14,520 | |
Less: current portion |
(996,110) | (5,896,110) | (169,917) | |||
|
|
|
||||
|
23,688,330 | 22,457,152 | 647,180 | |||
|
|
|
||||
Unused available balance |
3,800,000 | 16,625,000 | 479,107 | |||
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-20
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company entered into syndication loan agreements with Chinatrust Commercial Bank and Intrnational Commercial Bank of China to obtain credit facilities, for building construction projects and the purchase of TFT-LCD production line related machinery and equipment. The commitment fee is charged per annum, payable quarterly, based on the committed-to-withdraw, but unborrowed balance, if any. No commitment fees were paid for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002. During the loan repayment period, the current ratio, debt-equity ratio, times interest earned, tangible assets ratio and other financial ratios of the Company must comply with certain restrictions as specified in the agreements. The Company has complied with the aforementioned debt covenants in 2001 and 2002. | |||
Interest rates on long-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 ranged from 3.94% to 4.02% and 2.89% to 5.02%, respectively. | |||
As of December 31, 2002 long-term borrowings, long-term commercial paper, bonds payable and convertible bonds that will become due during the next five years and thereafter are as follows: |
NT$
|
||
|
(in thousands) |
|
2003 |
9,492,110 |
|
2004 |
8,179,722 |
|
2005 |
6,097,649 |
|
2006 |
5,177,114 |
|
2007 |
6,573,160 |
|
|
||
Total |
35,519,755 |
|
|
(13) | Long-Term Commercial Paper |
|
December 31,
|
|||||
Financial
Institution |
Repayment Term
|
|
2001
|
2002
|
||
|
|
NT$ |
NT$ |
US$ |
||
|
|
(in thousands) | ||||
Citibank N.A. |
From March 18, 1999 through September 18, 2004. Repayable in 5 semi-annual installments starting on March 18, 2002 |
|
7,000,000 |
3,900,000 |
112,392 |
|
Less: unamortized discount |
|
(31,346) |
(12,389) |
(357) |
||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
6,968,654 |
3,887,611 |
112,035 |
||
Less: current portion |
|
(2,800,000) |
(2,600,000) |
(74,928) |
||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
4,168,654 |
1,287,611 |
37,107 |
|
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-21
AU
OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company established a long-term commercial paper facility guaranteed by Citibank N.A. and twenty-two other banks (the Banks) on September 22, 1998, to obtain NT$7 billion in credit facilities for the purchase of TFT-LCD production line related machinery and equipment. The Company is permitted to revolve the long-term commercial paper in the term range of the above credit facility during the contract period. During the loan repayment period, the current ratio, debt-equity ratio, times interest earned and other financial ratios of the Company must comply with certain restrictions as specified in the agreement. The Company has complied with the aforementioned debt covenants in 2001 and 2002. The Company issued the full amount of available commercial paper under this facility during 1999. The long-term commercial paper shall at all times rank pari passu with all other secured obligation of the Company. | |
Interest rates on long-term commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, were 2.28% and 1.45%, respectively. | |
Machinery and equipment were pledged as collateral against long-term debt. (see note 22) | |
(14) | Bonds Payable |
Bonds payable at December 31, 2001 and 2002 consisted of the following: |
|
|
December 31,
|
|||
|
|
2001
|
2002
|
||
|
|
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |
|
|
(in thousands) | |||
Secured bonds payable |
|
3,000,000 |
1,992,000 |
57,406 |
|
Less: current portion |
|
(1,008,000) |
(996,000) |
(28,703) |
|
|
|
|
|||
|
1,992,000 |
996,000 |
28,703 |
||
|
|
|
|||
Interest payable |
|
44,225 |
29,199 |
841 |
|
|
|
|
|||
The significant terms of secured bonds payable are as follows: |
(Continued)
F-22
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(15) | Convertible Bonds |
On November 19, 2001, the Company issued unsubordinated and unsecured convertible bonds at par value with a face value of NT$10,000 million. The components of convertible bonds payable as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, are summarized below: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
Bonds payable | 10,000,000 | 1,251,300 | 36,061 | ||||||
Provision for early redemption | 28,796 | 35,582 | 1,025 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
10,028,796 | 1,286,882 | 37,086 | |||||||
|
|
|
The significant terms of the convertible bonds are as follows: |
(a) | Coupon rate: 2%. |
(b) | Duration: seven years (November 19, 2001 to November 18, 2008). |
(c) | Status: the bonds constitute a direct, unconditional, unsubordinated and unsecured obligation of the Company. However, if the Company subsequently issues secured convertible bonds, the bonds shall rank pari passu with the subsequently issued secured convertible bonds and other secured obligations. |
(d) | Final redemption: unless previously redeemed at the option of the Company or the bondholders, or converted in accordance with the offering of the convertible bonds, the convertible bonds are to be redeemed at the outstanding principal amount on November 18, 2008. |
(e) | Redemption at the option of the Company: |
1. | On or after November 19, 2002, and up to forty days before the bonds maturity date if the closing price of the Companys common stock on the Taiwan Stock Exchange for a period of 30 consecutive trading days has been at least 150% of the conversion price in effect on each such trading day, the Company may redeem the convertible bonds at a redemption price based on a certain yield rate determined by the outstanding period. After November 19, 2002, and up to the date that the bond has been outstanding for four years, the yield rate will be 4%; if the bond has been outstanding more than four years but less than five years, the yield rate will be 4.5%; and if the bond has been outstanding over five years but less than forty days before the maturity date, the yield rate will be the coupon rate. |
2. | In the event that at least 90 percent of the principal amount of the convertible bonds originally outstanding has been either redeemed or converted. |
(Continued)
F-23
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(f) | Redemption at the option of bondholders: the bondholders have the right to require the Company to repurchase the convertible bonds at a price equal to 108.49% and 113.68% of the unpaid principal amount together with unpaid interest on October 18, of 2005 and 2006, respectively. |
(g) | Terms of conversion: |
1. | Bondholders may elect to have the convertible bonds converted into a certificate for common stock of the Company from February 19, 2002, to November 8, 2008. The certificate may be converted into common stock of the Company on four dates of each year. |
2. | Conversion price: NT$15.8 per share of common stock on the issuance date. The conversion price is subject to adjustment for capital increases in order to protect the bondholders from dilution. In addition, from 2002 to 2007, the conversion price may be reset to 101% of the average share price, which is the lowest of the average share price over a 20 business-day period, a 15 business-day period and a 10 business-day period ending on the ex-dividend date of each year, or in the absence of a stock dividend, on June 28 of each year (such lowest price is referred to as the average share price). The conversion price is reset to the average share price if the latter is greater than 80% but less than 100% of the previous conversion price. If the average share price is less than 80% of the previous conversion price, the new conversion price shall be 80% of the previous conversion price. |
The effective interest rate on the convertible bonds as a result of the accretion of the provision for early redemption is 4.5%. |
As of December 31, 2002, the total principal value of convertible bonds, which have been converted to common stock, totaled NT$8,748,700 thousand, which amounted to NT$5,537,141 thousand in NT$10 par value common stock (including certificates exchangeable for common stock) and a premium amount of NT$3,315,293 thousand recorded as capital surplus. |
(Continued)
F-24
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(16) | Retirement Plan |
The following table sets forth the benefit obligation and accrued pension liabilities balance related to the Companys retirement plan in the Republic of China as of December 31, 2001 and 2002: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
Benefit obligation: | |||||||||
Vested benefit obligation | - | - | - | ||||||
Non-vested benefit obligation | (60,515 | ) | (100,932 | ) | (2,909 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|||||||
Accumulated benefit obligation | (60,515 | ) | (100,932 | ) | (2,909 | ) | |||
Additions based on future salaries | (113,691 | ) | (197,811 | ) | (5,701 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|||||||
Projected benefit obligation | (174,206 | ) | (298,743 | ) | (8,610 | ) | |||
Fair value of plan assets | 102,927 | 159,540 | 4,598 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
Funded status | (71,279 | ) | (139,203 | ) | (4,012 | ) | |||
Unrecognized pension loss (gain) | (23,111 | ) | 35,998 | 1,037 | |||||
Unrecognized transitional asset | 17,096 | 16,013 | 462 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
Accrued pension liabilities | (77,294 | ) | (87,192 | ) | 2,513 | ||||
|
|
|
The components of net periodic pension cost for 2000, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Service cost | 42,537 | 71,022 | 59,361 | 1,711 | |||||||
Interest cost | 6,545 | 10,735 | 7,839 | 226 | |||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (2,242 | ) | (5,822 | ) | (4,086 | ) | (118 | ) | |||
Amortization | 1,739 | 5,069 | (689 | ) | (20 | ) | |||||
Loss from settlements | |||||||||||
- | 785 | - | - | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Net pension cost | 48,579 | 81,789 | 62,425 | 1,799 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Significant actuarial assumptions used in the above calculations are summarized as follows: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||
Discount rate | 5.75%-6.00% | 4.50% | 3.75% | ||||||
Rate of increase in future compensation levels | 5.00%-7.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | ||||||
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 5.75%-6.00% | 4.50% | 3.75% |
(Continued)
F-25
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
At the time of the merger, the Company integrated the existing Unipacs defined benefit plan into the Companys defined benefit plan. Before the merger consummation, Unipac made a pension benefits settlement for all Unipacs employees by permanently removing the outstanding years of service that had been earned by all of Unipacs employees prior to the formation of Acer Display Technology Inc.s defined benefit plan in 1996. This pension settlement was calculated based on one month of salary for each year of settled service and the resulting cash payout was paid from the plans assets, resulting in a settlement loss of NT$785 thousand. |
(17) | Stockholders Equity |
(a) | Common stock and capital increase |
The Republic of China GAAP and Company Law provides that capital is created from stock issuance and donated capital. Additionally, companies can transfer capital to common stock as a result of certain transactions involving employee bonuses, donated capital and premium on issuance of common stock. |
Based on stockholder resolutions the Company increased its common stock through the issuance of 377,336 thousand shares for NT$7,900,000 thousand in 2001. In addition, pursuant to the Republic of China Company Law, in 2001 the Company also increased its common stock by NT$2,083,000 thousand through the transfer of capital surplus, retained earnings and employee bonuses of NT$625,000 thousand, NT$1,375,000 thousand and NT$83,000 thousand, respectively. |
On December 10, 2001, the Company issued 500 million shares of its common stock in the form of 50 million American Deposition Shares (ADSs). Each ADS represents the right to receive 10 shares of common stock. The public offering price per ADS is US$11.57. The stock issuances described above were authorized by and registered with the government authorities. |
As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, the Companys authorized common stock, par value NT$10 per share, totaled NT$50,000,000 thousand, and the issued and outstanding common stock amounted to NT$29,705,816 thousand and NT$40,242,957 thousand (including the certificates exchangeable for common stock of NT$1,012 thousand), respectively. |
(Continued)
F-26
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(b) | Capital surplus |
Pursuant to the Republic of China Company Law, the capital surplus has to be used to offset a deficit, and then the capital surplus resulting from the income derived from the issuance of new shares at a premium and from endowments received by the Company can be used to increase common stock. Furthermore, pursuant to the Securities & Futures Exchange Commission (SFC) Law Enforcement Rules, the total sum of capital surplus capitalized per annual may not exceed 10 percent of the paid-in capital. Additionally, the capital surplus realized from a capital increase or other source, shall be capitalized only in the following fiscal year after being registered by the Company with the competent authority for approval. |
Based on a stockholders resolution on May 21, 2002, the Company offset the accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2001, with the capital surplus resulting from gain on disposal of assets of NT$99 thousand, and the capital surplus resulting from Unipac merger of NT$3,765,730 thousand. |
(c) | Legal reserve |
According to the Republic of China Company Law, the Company must retain 10 percent of its annual income as a legal reserve until such retention equals the amount of authorized common stock. The retention is accounted for by transfers to a legal reserve upon approval at the annual stockholders meeting. The legal reserve can only be used to offset an accumulated deficit and cannot be distributed as dividends. |
Based on a stockholders resolution on May 21, 2002, the Company offset the accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2001, with the legal reserve of NT$232,014 thousand. |
(d) | Distribution of earnings and dividend policy |
After establishing the legal and special reserves, earnings may be distributed in the following order in accordance with the Companys articles of incorporation: |
(i) | 5 to 10 percent as employee bonuses |
(ii) | 1 percent as remuneration to directors and supervisors |
(iii) | the remainder, after retaining a certain portion for business consideration, as common stockholders dividends. |
According to SFC regulations, when there is a deduction item in stockholders equity during the year, an amount equal to the deduction item before appropriation must be included as a special reserve within retained earnings. The special reserve will be available for dividend distribution only after the related stockholders equity deduction item has been reversed. |
In 2001, the Company did not distribute any employees bonuses and directors and supervisors remuneration. |
(Continued)
F-27
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(e) | Treasury stock |
Based on a board of directors resolution on December 16, 2002, the Company repurchased its own shares from Taiwan Securities Exchange for use as employee bonus shares in future periods. The Company owned treasury stock amounting to 9,041 thousand shares with a total cost of NT$182,849 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2002. None of the treasury stock has been disposed of or transferred to employees as of December 31, 2002. |
The SFC regulations imposed to treasury stock transaction are as follows: |
1. | Total shares of treasury stock shall not exceed 10% of the Companys common stock issued. |
2. | Total treasury stock purchases shall not exceed sum of retained earnings and capital surplus derived from premiums on capital stock plus other realized capital surplus. |
3. | Treasury stock shall not be pledged, nor does it possess voting rights or receive dividends until it is disposed of or transferred to employees. |
(18) | Income Taxes |
(a) | The Company is authorized to be a Science-based industry and Important technology-based industry as defined by the Republic of China Statute for the Establishment and Administration of Science-based Industrial Park (the Statute). Commencing from January 20, 2001, the statutory tax rate of the Company was 25% due to the revision of the Statute. The Companys earnings were subject to an income tax rate of 20% before January 20, 2001. |
The Companys purchase of machinery through proceeds from common stock issuances met the prescribed criteria under the Statute and the Statute for Upgrading Industries. Following are the details of the Companys tax exemption approved by the Ministry of Finance: |
Year
of
investment |
Tax
exemption
products |
Tax
exemption chosen
|
Tax
exemption
period |
||||||
1990 | TFT-LCD | Tax exemption of the Companys L1 facility | |||||||
corporate income taxes for four years | 1997-2001 | ||||||||
1993 | TFT-LCD | Tax exemption of the Companys L1 facility | |||||||
corporate income taxes for four years | 2000-2003 | ||||||||
1999 | TFT-LCD | Tax exemption of the Companys L2 facility | |||||||
corporate income taxes for four years | 2002-2005 | ||||||||
1996 | TFT-LCD | Tax exemption of the Companys L5 facility | |||||||
corporate income taxes for five years | 2003-2007 |
(Continued)
F-28
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(b) | The components of income tax expense (benefit) are summarized as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Current income tax expense | 2,865 | 2,471 | 91 | 3 | |||||||
Deferred income tax benefit | (929,195 | ) | (36,792 | ) | - | - | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
(926,330 | ) | (34,321 | ) | 91 | 3 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The differences between income tax expense (benefit) based on the statutory income tax rate and the income tax expense (benefit) as reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for 2000, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Expected income tax expense (benefit) | 387,277 | (1,686,138 | ) | 1,505,680 | 43,391 | ||||||
Tax exemption | (53,817 | ) | - | (234,220 | ) | (6,750 | ) | ||||
Write-off of loss carryforwards before merger | - | 884,193 | - | - | |||||||
Investment tax credits | (2,143,479 | ) | (3,034,847 | ) | (1,505,926 | ) | (43,398 | ) | |||
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance | 895,321 | 3,808,557 | (100,509 | ) | (2,896 | ) | |||||
Write off of loss carry forwards | |||||||||||
- | - | 311,383 | 8,973 | ||||||||
Other | (11,632 | ) | (6,086 | ) | 23,683 | 683 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (926,330 | ) | (34,321 | ) | 91 | 3 | |||||
|
|
|
|
Pursuant to Republic of China Income Tax Law, Unipacs loss carryforwards prior to the merger are not eligible for use by the Company after the merger. As a result, deferred tax assets related to the loss carryforwards that were previously recognized by Unipac were written off in 2001. |
(Continued)
F-29
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(c) | The components of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are summarized as follows: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
Current: | |||||||||
Provision for inventory obsolescence | 99,326 | 98,573 | 2,841 | ||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) | (67,594 | ) | 19,994 | 576 | |||||
Unrealized loss and expenses | 49,736 | 113,337 | 3,266 | ||||||
Investment tax credits | 146,181 | 1,903,818 | 54,865 | ||||||
Other | 1,000 | - | - | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
228,649 | 2,135,722 | 61,548 | |||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
Valuation allowance | (146,181 | ) | (1,461,893 | ) | (42,129 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|||||||
Net deferred tax assetscurrent | 82,468 | 673,829 | 19,419 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
Non-current: | |||||||||
Overseas investment loss under the equity method | 23,958 | 227,414 | 6,554 | ||||||
Difference between the carrying amounts and the tax | |||||||||
basis of accumulated depreciation | (548,280 | ) | (878,192 | ) | (25,308 | ) | |||
Investment tax credits | 6,294,122 | 6,012,431 | 173,269 | ||||||
Net operating loss carryforwards | 1,621,233 | - | - | ||||||
Other | - | 21,798 | 628 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
7,391,033 | 5,383,451 | 155,143 | |||||||
Valuation allowance | (4,951,492 | ) | (3,535,271 | ) | (101,881 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|||||||
Net deferred tax assetsnoncurrent | 2,439,541 | 1,848,180 | 53,262 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
2,522,009 | 2,522,009 | 72,681 | |||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
Total gross deferred tax assets | 8,235,556 | 8,397,365 | 241,999 | ||||||
Total gross deferred tax liabilities | (615,874 | ) | (878,192 | ) | (25,308 | ) | |||
Total valuation allowance | (5,097,673 | ) | (4,997,164 | ) | (144,010 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|||||||
2,522,009 | 2,522,009 | 72,681 | |||||||
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-30
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(d) | According to the Statute for Upgrading Industries, the purchase of machinery for the automation of production and pollution control, expenditure for research and development and training of professional personnel entitles the Company to tax credits. This credit may be applied over a period of five years. The amount of the credit that may be applied in any year except the final year is limited to 50% of the income tax payable for that year. There is no limitation on the amount of investment tax credit that may be applied in the final year. As of December 31, 2002, the Companys remaining investment tax credits and their related expiration years were as follows: |
Year
occurred
|
Unused
tax credits
|
Expiration
year
|
|||||
NT$ | NT$ | ||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
1999 | 1,903,818 | 54,865 | 2003 | ||||
2000 | 3,144,940 | 90,632 | 2004 | ||||
2001 | 1,335,688 | 38,492 | 2005 | ||||
2002 | 1,531,803 | 44,145 | 2006 | ||||
|
|
||||||
7,916,249 | 228,134 | ||||||
|
|
(e) | The tax authorities assessed Unipac additional income tax for 1995 in the amount of NT$11,223 thousand. The additional assessments were mainly due to different interpretations of inventory obsolescence losses. The Company disagreed with the assessments and subsequently filed tax appeals. The loss on inventory obsolescence was physically investigated by the Republic of China Customs and approved by the Administration Bureau of Science-based Industrial Park. As a result, the Company did not recognize the assessed additional income tax, and is awaiting a resolution of this appeal. |
In addition, the 1997 and 1998 income tax returns have been assessed by the tax authorities for additional income tax payable of NT$7,326 thousand and NT$7,694 thousand, respectively. The additional assessments resulted from different recognition of the research and development subsidies. The Company disagreed with the assessments and subsequently filed tax appeals. The Company did not recognize the assessed additional income tax, and is awaiting a favorable resolution of these appeals. |
As of December 31, 2002, the tax authorities had assessed the income tax returns of the Company and Unipac through 1998. |
(Continued)
F-31
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(f) | Information about the integrated income tax system |
Beginning in 1998, an integrated income tax system was implemented in the Republic of China. Under the new tax system, the income tax paid at the corporate level can be used to offset the Republic of China resident stockholders individual income tax. The Company is required to establish an Imputation Credit Account (ICA) to maintain a record of the corporate income taxes paid and imputation credit that can be allocated to each stockholder. The credit available to the Republic of China resident stockholders is calculated by multiplying the dividend by the creditable ratio. The creditable ratio is calculated as the balance of the ICA divided by earnings retained by the Company since January 1, 1998. |
Information related to the ICA is summarized below: |
December
31,
|
||||||
2001
|
2002
|
|||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||
(in thousands) | ||||||
Unappropriated earnings (accumulated deficits): | ||||||
Earned after January 1, 1998 | (3,997,843 | ) | 6,022,669 | 173,564 | ||
|
|
|
||||
ICA balance | 1,068 | 5,770 | 166 | |||
|
|
|
||||
Creditable ratio for earnings distribution to the | ||||||
Republic of China resident stockholders | - | 0.10 | % | |||
|
|
|
(19) | Earnings Per Common Share |
Earnings per common share in 2000, 2001 and 2002 are computed as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||||
Pre-tax
|
After
tax
|
Pre-tax
|
After
tax
|
Pre-tax
|
After
tax
|
||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share: | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 1,936,385 | 2,862,715 | (6,744,551 | ) | (6,710,230 | ) | 6,022,760 | 6,022,669 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Weighted average number of shares | |||||||||||||
outstanding (thousand shares): | |||||||||||||
Shares of common stock at the | |||||||||||||
beginning of the year | 2,384,945 | 2,384,945 | 2,384,945 | 2,384,945 | 2,970,582 | 2,970,582 | |||||||
Issuance of common stock for cash | - | - | 283,002 | 283,002 | 291,667 | 291,667 | |||||||
Transfer of retained earnings | |||||||||||||
to common stock | - | - | 202,051 | 202,051 | - | - | |||||||
Treasury stock | - | - | - | - | (377 | ) | (377 | ) | |||||
Certificates exchangeable for | |||||||||||||
common shares | - | - | - | - | 377,927 | 377,927 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Weighted average number of shares | |||||||||||||
outstanding during the year | 2,384,945 | 2,384,945 | 2,869,998 | 2,869,998 | 3,639,799 | 3,639,799 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Basic earnings per share (NT$) | 0.81 | 1.20 | (2.35 | ) | (2.34 | ) | 1.65 | 1.65 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-32
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For
the year ended
December 31, |
||||
|
||||
2002 | ||||
|
||||
Pre-tax | After tax | |||
|
|
|||
(in thousands) | ||||
Diluted earnings per share: | ||||
Net income | 6,022,760 | 6,022,669 | ||
Effects of potential common shares: | ||||
Adjustment for interest of convertible | ||||
bonds payable | 170,825 | 128,119 | ||
|
|
|||
6,193,585 | 6,150,788 | |||
|
|
|||
Shares of common stock at the beginning of | ||||
the year | 2,970,582 | 2,970,582 | ||
Potential number of common shares assumed | ||||
upon conversion of convertible bonds | 632,910 | 632,910 | ||
Issuance of common stock for cash | 291,667 | 291,667 | ||
Treasury stock | (377 | ) | (377 | ) |
Weighted average number of shares |
|
|
||
outstanding during the year | 3,894,782 | 3,894,782 | ||
|
|
|||
Diluted earnings per share (NT$) | 1.59 | 1.58 | ||
|
|
(20) | Financial Instruments |
(a) | Non-derivative financial instruments |
The Companys non-derivative financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, notes and accounts receivable, restricted cash in banks, receivables from related parties and long-term investments. The Companys non-derivative financial liabilities consist of short-term borrowings, long-term borrowings, bonds payable, commercial paper, convertible bonds payables, accounts payable, payables to related parties, and equipment and construction in progress payables. |
As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, the carrying amounts of non-derivatives financial instruments that were not equal to their fair values were as follows: |
December 31, 2001 | ||||
|
||||
Carrying | ||||
Fair value | amount | |||
|
|
|||
NT$ | NT$ | |||
Assets: | ||||
Short-term investments | 5,507,748 | 5,026,543 | ||
Liabilities: | ||||
Bonds payable | 3,167,751 | 3,000,000 | ||
Convertible bond payable | 17,600,000 | 10,028,796 |
(Continued)
F-33
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2002 | ||||||||
|
||||||||
Fair value | Carrying amount | |||||||
|
|
|||||||
NT$ | US$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||
Short-term investments | 3,231,835 | 93,136 | 3,231,835 | 93,136 | ||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||
Bonds payable | 2,086,635 | 60,134 | 1,992,000 | 57,406 | ||||
Convertible bond payable | 1,612,926 | 46,482 | 1,286,882 | 37,086 |
The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value for each class of non-derivative financial instruments: |
1. | The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, notes and accounts receivable, restricted cash in banks, accounts payable, payables to related parties, equipment and construction in progress payables and short-term borrowings approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. |
2. | The fair value of short-term investments is based on publicly quoted market prices. |
3. | It is not practicable to determine the fair value of long-term equity investments when these investments are not publicly traded. Refer to note 8 for information on the carrying amount. |
4. | Long-term borrowings and long-term commercial paper are issued at floating rates. The fair value approximates their carrying value. Refer to notes 12 and 13. |
5. | The fair value of bonds payable is based on the present value, which is forecasted and discounted using cash flows and interest rates of similar liabilities. The fair value of convertible bonds payable is based on publicly quoted market prices for the convertible bonds. |
(Continued)
F-34
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(b) | Derivative financial instruments |
1. | Interest rate swaps |
The Company has entered into interest rate swap transactions to hedge its exposure to changes in cash flows associated with rising interest rates on its floating rate long-term commercial paper. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, interest rate swap contracts outstanding were as follows: |
December 31, 2002 | ||||||||
|
||||||||
Fixed | Variable | |||||||
Notional | interest | interest rate | ||||||
Bank | Maturity | amount | rate paid | received | Fair value | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
NT$ | NT$ |
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Citibank N.A. | March 17, 2004 | 300,000 | 5.65 | % | 1.602 | % | (9,061 | ) |
Chinatrust | March 17, 2004 | 500,000 | 5.75 | % | 1.602 | % | (25,825 | ) |
Chinatrust | March 17, 2004 | 500,000 | 5.96 | % | 1.602 | % | (27,122 | ) |
Chinatrust | March 17, 2004 | 500,000 | 6.08 | % | 1.602 | % | (27,863 | ) |
|
||||||||
(89,871 | ) | |||||||
|
These agreements require the Company to make periodic fixed rate payments while receiving periodic variable rate payments indexed to the 90-day Taipei Money Market Secondary middle rate at 11:00 am Taipei Time determined on a simple average of rates appearing on Telerate page 6165. |
The additional interest expense as a result of these interest rate swap contracts for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 was NT$36,284 thousand, NT$63,930 thousand and NT$110,176 thousand, respectively. |
(Continued)
F-35
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. | Foreign currency forward contracts |
The Company used foreign currency forward contracts to hedge existing assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and identifiable foreign currency purchase commitments. The counter parties of the Companys derivative contracts are reputable financial institutions. |
As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, the details of foreign currency forward contracts outstanding were as follows: |
December 31, 2001 | |||||||
|
|||||||
Contract | Maturity | ||||||
Buy | Sell | amount | Fair value | Settlement date | amount | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
US$ | NT$ | ||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
NTD | USD | 25,000 | (13,271) | January 25, 2002 | NTD | 861,452 | |
USD | NTD | 19,000 | 2,478 | January 10,2002 - | USD | 19,000 | |
January 25, 2002 | |||||||
YEN | USD | 36,000 | (27,767) | January 10,2002 - | YEN | 4,618,190 | |
|
January 25, 2002 | ||||||
(38,560) | |||||||
|
|||||||
December 31, 2002 | |||||||
|
|||||||
Contract | Maturity | ||||||
Buy | Sell | amount | Fair value | Settlement date | amount | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
NT$ | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
NTD | USD | US$ | 388,000 | (22,720) | January 10, 2003- | NTD | 13,466,516 |
April 10, 2003 | |||||||
YEN | NTD | NT$ | 2,977,245 | 102,505 | January 24, 2003- | YEN | 10,500,000 |
February 25, 2003 | |||||||
YEN | USD | US$ | 30,000 | 5,581 | February 10, 2003- | YEN | 3,577,025 |
February 25, 2003 | |||||||
YEN | RMB | RMB$ | 42,000 | (3,808) | January 13, 2003 | YEN | 593,187 |
|
|||||||
81,558 | |||||||
|
The fair value of the derivative financial instruments is estimated based on quoted market prices from brokers or banks. |
As of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, the unrealized gain (loss) based on the spot rates of the above foreign currency forward contracts was NT$(662) thousand, NT$(59,009) thousand and NT$101,956 thousand, respectively. The realized gain (loss) resulting from foreign currency forward contracts was NT$(61,609) thousand, NT$11,343 thousand and NT$66,683 thousand in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. |
(Continued)
F-36
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The details of the above foreign currency forward contracts balance as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 is as follows: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
Foreign currency forward contracts receivable | 2,092,101 | 17,758,830 | 511,782 | ||||||
Foreign currency forward contracts payable | (2,134,939 | ) | (17,680,344 | ) | (509,520 | ) | |||
Unamortized premium | 11,318 | 12,727 | 367 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
Foreign currency forward contract receivable (payable), net | (31,520 | ) | 91,213 | 2,629 | |||||
|
|
|
(c) | Credit and other risk relating to financial instruments |
1. | Credit risk related to non-derivative instruments |
The Companys potential credit risk is derived primarily from cash in bank, short-term investments, and accounts receivable. |
The Company maintains its cash and short-term investments with various reputable financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one institution. As a result, the Company believes that there is a limited concentration of credit risk in cash and investments. |
The majority of the Companys customers are in the notebook personal computer and LCD monitor industry. The Company continuously evaluates the credit quality of its customers. If necessary, the Company will require collateral from those customers. In addition, the Company evaluates the collectibility of trade receivables and provides adequate reserves for bad debts, if necessary. It is managements belief that there will be no significant losses due to concentration of credit. |
2. | Credit risk relating to derivative instruments |
Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if the counter parties failed to perform. Credit risk will increase as the derivative instruments become more profitable to the Company. The Company entered into the above derivative contracts with major international foreign banks or reputable local banks. The likelihood of default on the part of the banks is considered remote. |
(Continued)
F-37
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3. | Market price risk relating to derivative instruments |
Market price risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized at the reporting date for the derivative financial instruments due to the changes in market interest rates or foreign exchange rates. As the Companys derivative financial instruments are for hedging purposes, the gains or losses due to changes in interest rates or foreign exchange rates will be offset by the hedged items. As a result, market price risk is considered low. |
4. | Liquidity risk |
Liquidity risk is the risk of being unable to settle the derivative contracts on schedule. The purpose of these instruments held by the Company is to manage and hedge changes in cash flows and risks associated with floating interest rate debt and foreign currency rates. There is no significant liquidity risk for the related cash flows. |
The fair values of the financial instruments disclosed herein are not necessarily representative of the potential gain or loss that could be realized under current credit and market price risks. The Company does not believe a significant loss on the above financial derivative contracts will occur. |
(21) | Related-party Transactions |
(a) | Name and relationship |
Name
of related party
|
Relationship
with the Company
|
||||
BenQ Inc. (BenQ) | Shareholder and represented on the Companys board of directors, formerly known as Acer Communications & Multimedia Inc. | ||||
United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) | Shareholder and represented on the Companys board of directors | ||||
Chiao Tung Bank Taiwan, Republic of China (CTB) | Shareholder and represented on the Companys board of directors before May 16, 2002 | ||||
BenQ Mexican, S.A. De C. V. (BQX) | Subsidiary of BenQ | ||||
BenQ (IT) Co., Ltd. Suzhou (BQS) | Investee of BenQ | ||||
Acer Inc. (AI) | Shareholder and represented on BenQs board of directors | ||||
Acer Sertek Inc. (Sertek) | Investee of AI (On March 27, 2002, Sertek was merged with and into AI) | ||||
Min Tour Inc. (MTI) | Investee of AI | ||||
Wistron Corp. (Wistron) | Subsidiary of AI | ||||
Wistron Infocomm (Philippines) Corp. (WPH) | Subsidiary of Wistron |
(Continued)
F-38
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Name
of related party
|
Relationship
with the Company
|
||||
Aopen Inc. (Aopen) | Investee of Wistron | ||||
Faraday Technology Corp. (Faraday) | Investee of UMC | ||||
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. (NVT) | Investee of UMC | ||||
Applied Component Technology Corp. (ACT) | Investee of UMC | ||||
Unimicron Technology Corp.(UTC, formerly known as World Wiser Electronics Inc.) | Investee of UMC |
(b) | Significant transactions with related parties |
1. | Sales and trade receivables |
Net sales to related parties were as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
BQS | - | - | 9,922,932 | 285,963 | |||||||
BenQ | 884,120 | 6,696,443 | 5,823,413 | 167,822 | |||||||
WPH | 89,776 | 1,399,799 | 2,104,295 | 60,643 | |||||||
Wistron | - | - | 1,017,734 | 29,330 | |||||||
AI | 3,714,850 | 1,479,904 | 853,692 | 24,602 | |||||||
ACT | - | 114,757 | 747,615 | 21,545 | |||||||
BQX | - | - | 721,631 | 20,796 | |||||||
Aopen | - | - | 301,573 | 8,691 | |||||||
Other | 4,992 | 1,500 | 533 | 15 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
4,693,738 | 9,692,403 | 21,493,418 | 619,407 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
The credit policy for sales to related parties and other customers is letter of credit on 15 to 60 days and 30 to 60 days, respectively. The average collection days extended for sales to related parties for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are 32 days, 52 days and 51 days, respectively, and for other customers are 33 days, 61 days and 64 days, respectively. The product price and other terms for sales to related parties are similar to other unrelated customers. |
(Continued)
F-39
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, receivables resulting from the above transactions were as follows: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
BQS | - | 3,038,663 | 87,570 | ||||||
BenQ | 1,983,056 | - | - | ||||||
AI | 7,426 | 218,994 | 6,311 | ||||||
BQX | - | 157,866 | 4,549 | ||||||
WPH | 332,931 | 35,584 | 1,025 | ||||||
ACT | 89,684 | 65,292 | 1,882 | ||||||
Other | 215 | 121,034 | 3,488 | ||||||
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts | (8,285 | ) | (5,370 | ) | (155 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|||||||
2,405,027 | 3,632,063 | 104,670 | |||||||
|
|
|
2. | Purchases |
Purchases from related parties were as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
BenQ | 111,614 | 1,106,116 | 1,176,992 | 33,919 | |||||||
NVT | 498,317 | 734,327 | 2,370,324 | 68,309 | |||||||
Faraday | 128,753 | 100,744 | 144,707 | 4,170 | |||||||
UTC | 2,767 | 76,319 | - | - | |||||||
Others | 63,397 | 3,184 | 11,260 | 325 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
804,848 | 2,020,690 | 3,703,283 | 106,723 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
The purchase prices and payment terms with these related parties were not materially different from those with other unrelated vendors. The payment period was both 30 to 120 days in 2001 and 2002. |
(Continued)
F-40
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3. | Acquisition of property, plant and equipment |
Acquisition of property, plant, equipment and computer software from related parties for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 was as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
BenQ | 24,516 | 7,178 | - | - | |||||||
AI | - | 29,766 | 38,331 | 1,105 | |||||||
Sertek | 57,138 | 32,124 | - | - | |||||||
Others | 292 | 12,803 | 34,345 | 990 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
81,946 | 81,871 | 72,676 | 2,095 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
4. | Sales of equipment |
Sales of equipment to UMC for the year ended December 31, 2002, amounted to NT$44,448 thousand. The related loss amounted to NT$157 thousand, which was included in non-operating loss. As of December 31, 2002, the receivable resulting from the above transaction was NT$1,954 thousand. |
5. | Operating leases and refundable deposits |
The Company entered into lease agreements for land, building, dormitory and equipment with related parties. The related rent expenses and administration fees for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, were as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
UMC | 65,884 | 65,186 | 41,355 | 1,192 | |||||||
MTI | 54,488 | 62,697 | 67,207 | 1,937 | |||||||
Others | 10,335 | 6,502 | 482 | 14 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
130,707 | 134,385 | 109,044 | 3,143 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-41
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, refundable deposits resulting from the above transactions were as follows: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
MTI | 867,000 | 867,000 | 24,986 | ||||||
Other | 208 | 100 | 3 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
867,208 | 867,100 | 24,989 | |||||||
|
|
|
The Company leased part of its L5 facility to related parties. The rental income amounted to NT$6,166 thousand; NT$24,809 thousand and NT$30,067 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, rental and other receivables, recorded as receivables, were NT$23,653 thousand and NT$12,386 thousand, respectively. |
6. | Other |
In 2001, AI provided market promotion services to the Company for a fee (recorded as selling expense) in the amount of NT$51,948 thousand, which had been paid in full as of December 31, 2001. |
Amounts paid to related parties for reimbursement of miscellaneous expenditures paid on behalf of the Company amounted to NT$40,825 thousand; NT$36,722 thousand and NT$48,061 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. |
As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, amounts due to related parties that resulted from the above purchases, acquisition of property, plant and equipment; lease agreements and operating expenses were as follows: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
BenQ | 237,650 | 40,152 | 1,157 | ||||||
NVT | 165,353 | 473,144 | 13,635 | ||||||
WWEI | 34,895 | 1,491 | 43 | ||||||
Others | 55,509 | 45,818 | 1,321 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
493,407 | 560,605 | 16,156 | |||||||
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-42
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7. | Financing |
The Companys loans from CTB are summarized as follows: |
Year
|
Maximum
balance |
Interest
rate |
Ending
balance
|
Interest
expenses |
Interest
payable |
||||||||
NTS$ | NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||
2001 | 331,849 | Floating | - | 4,880 | - | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(22) | Pledged Assets |
Assets pledged as collateral are summarized below: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||||
Pledged
assets
|
Pledged
to secure
|
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Restricted cash in banks | Oil purchase, customs duties and guarantees for foreign workers | 149,542 | 52,200 | 1,504 | |||||||
Building | Long-term borrowings | 2,408,471 | 2,760,727 | 79,560 | |||||||
Machinery and equipment | Long-term borrowings, commercial paper payable and bonds payable | 40,732,252 | 36,810,785 | 1,060,830 | |||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||
43,290,265 | 39,623,712 | 1,141,894 | |||||||||
|
|
|
(23) | Commitments and Contingencies |
(a) | As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, the Company had the following outstanding letters of credit: |
December
31,
|
|||||||
Currency |
2001
|
2002
|
|||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
USD | 5,925 | 18,820 | |||||
JPY | 2,116,986 | 724,191 |
The outstanding letters of credit facilitate the Companys purchase of machinery and equipment from foreign suppliers. The letters of credit are irrevocable and expire upon the Companys payment of the related obligations. |
(Continued)
F-43
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(b) | Technical service agreements |
(i) | In accordance with a plasma display panel co-development agreement dated November 21, 1996, between the Company and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the Company is required to pay ITRI a fixed license fee and running royalty based on net sales for a five-year period from the start of contract. The fixed license fee was recorded as deferred technology royalty fee and is being amortized over the contract period of five years. This license expired in 2001 and has not been renewed. |
(ii) | The Company entered into TFT-LCD technical transfer and co-development agreements with IBM in March 1998 and August 1999. In accordance with the agreements, the Company is required to pay IBM a fixed license fee and a percentage of net sales as a running royalty starting from the commercial production date. The fixed license fee was recorded as deferred technology royalty fee and is being amortized over the period of the contracts. In September 2002, the Company paid IBM a one time additional fee of NT$837,402 to replace all future royalty payments due under this agreement. This amount was capitalized and is being amortized over the remaining term of the related agreements. |
(iii) | The Company entered into a technical cooperation agreement with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. to manufacture TFT-LCD modules in October 1998. In accordance with the agreement, the Company paid a fixed license fee upon the effective date, and a percentage of net sales as a running royalty starting from the commercial production date. The fixed license fee was record as deferred technology license and patent fees, and is being amortized over the period of the contract. |
(iv) | In July 2000, the Company entered into a five-year product and process technology agreement for multi-domain vertical alignment technologies applicable to liquid crystal display modules with Fujitsu Limited. In accordance with the agreement, the Company paid Fujitsu Limited a fixed license fee and an ongoing percentage of net sales as running royalty of the licensed products. The fixed license fee was recorded as deferred fixed license and patent fees, and is being amortized over the contract period. |
The details of the above capitalized technology fixed license and patents fees for product and process technology were as follows: |
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
Technology fixed license and patent fees | 5,081,757 | 6,195,253 | 178,537 | ||||||
Less: accumulated amortization | (2,012,124 | ) | (3,210,798 | ) | (92,530 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|||||||
3,069,633 | 2,984,455 | 86,007 | |||||||
|
|
|
Amortization of capitalized technology fixed license and patent fees amounted to NT$831,765 thousand, NT$887,351 thousand and NT$1,198,674 thousand in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. |
(Continued)
F-44
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(c) | Government grants |
(i) | The Company entered into an agreement on April 14, 2000, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to obtain grants from MOEA for the 50" PDP Module Technology research and develop project from January 1, 2000 to March 31, 2002. According to the agreement, the grants totaled NT$43,333 thousand. The Company has the legal ownership of the result from the project. For the years ended in December 31, 2000, 2001, and 2002, the grants from MOEA, recognized as non-operating income, amounted to NT$21,016, NT$16,738 thousand, and NT$5,579 thousand, respectively. The Company provided an off-balance sheet guarantee of NT$43,333 thousand to guarantee the completion of the project as of December 31, 2001. The Company has completed the project in 2002. |
(ii) | The Company entered into an agreement in December 2002 with the MOEA to obtain grants from MOEA for the Full Color Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Display Technology research and develop project from December 1, 2002 to May 31, 2004. According to the agreement, the grants totaled NT$25,100 thousand. The Company has the legal ownership of the result of the project. For the year ended in December 31, 2002, the grant from MOEA, recognized as non-operating income, amounted to NT$1,560 thousand. The Company provided an off-balance-sheet guarantee of NT$30,120 thousand to guarantee the completion of the project as of December 31, 2002. |
(d) | As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, outstanding commitments for purchase agreements for major machinery and equipment totaled NT$6,806,074 thousand and NT$24,264,403 thousand, respectively. |
(e) | Operating leases agreements |
The Company entered into land lease agreements with Min Tour Inc. and the Science-based Industrial Park Administration Bureau for a period of 14 to 15 years and 20 years, respectively. In accordance with the lease agreements, rental payments are subject to adjustment 5 percent each year or as the government reappraises the land value, respectively. |
(Continued)
F-45
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2002, under the existing non-cancelable agreements are: |
Years | Minimum lease payments |
NT$
(in thousands) |
|
2003 | 149,199 |
2004 | 152,728 |
2005 | 156,434 |
2006 | 160,325 |
2007 | 164,411 |
After 2008 | 1,675,662 |
Rental expense for operating leases amounted to NT$278,962 thousand, NT$264,798 thousand and NT$231,548 thousand in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. |
(f) | Litigation |
(i) | In November 2000, Sharp Corp. (Sharp) notified Unipac, along with several other Taiwan TFT-LCD manufactures, of Sharps claim that certain of its patents had been infringed. Sharp claimed in its formal notice to Unipac that five of Sharps Taiwan patents had been infringed by Unipacs production of four TFT-LCD modules. Subsequently, Sharp made a criminal complaint against certain officers of Unipac with the Public Prosecutors Office in the Hsin-Chu District Court, naming the Chairman of Unipac, as a defendant. As of January 23, 2003, the court had discharged the former Chairman of Unipac, and as for the other part of the investigation, the Public Prosecutors Office has not concluded the investigation. |
The Company cannot predict the outcome of Sharps criminal complaint. Neither Sharp nor any third party has brought any civil or criminal action against the Company in connection with the claimed patent infringement described above. Management does not believe that any of the five patents that are the subject of Sharps complaint is material to the Companys current operations. |
(ii) | In June 2002, Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. (SEL) notified the Company that the Companys manufacturing technologies had infringed its patents. On June 28, 2002, the Company received the official prosecution notice with SEL from the United States District Court of U.S.A. The Company is evaluating, analyzing and preparing the related documents for future investigation, and currently, the proceeding has not moved to the stage of discovery. |
Management believe that the ultimate resolution of these above matters will not have a material effect on the Companys results of operations or financial position. |
(Continued)
F-46
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
To the Companys knowledge, there are no other asserted claims or litigation that could have or that have in the recent past, had any significant impact on its business results, financial situation, or ownership of assets and liabilities. |
(24) | Segment Information |
(a) | Industrial information |
The Company consists of a single reportable operating segment, namely, the research, development, production and sale of TFT-LCDs, and other flat panel displays. |
(b) | Geographic information |
Geographical breakdown of sales for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Taiwan | 18,165,010 | 28,685,638 | 40,091,288 | 1,155,369 | |||||||
The Peoples Republic of China | - | 636,084 | 18,341,517 | 528,574 | |||||||
Other (individually less than 10% of | |||||||||||
total net sales) | 7,418,209 | 8,266,903 | 17,256,360 | 497,301 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
25,583,219 | 37,588,625 | 75,689,165 | 2,181,244 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
Sales are attributed to countries based upon the origin of the sales. |
The long-lived assets relating to above geographic areas were as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Taiwan | 64,313,291 | 68,593,178 | 72,983,829 | 2,103,281 | |||||||
The Peoples Republic of China | - | 145,341 | 2,663,249 | 76,751 | |||||||
Other | 636 | 717 | 3,452 | 99 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
64,313,927 | 68,739,236 | 75,650,530 | 2,180,131 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-47
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(c) | Major customer information |
For the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, sales to individual customers representing greater than 10 percent of consolidated revenues were as follows: |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||||||||||
Amount
|
%
|
Amount
|
%
|
Amount
|
%
|
|||||||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
AI | 3,714,850 | 15 | 1,479,904 | 4 | 853,692 | 24,602 | 1 | |||||||||||
IBM | 2,640,969 | 10 | 218,666 | 1 | | | | |||||||||||
BenQ | 884,120 | 3 | 6,696,443 | 18 | 5,823,413 | 167,822 | 8 | |||||||||||
Matsushita | 2,607,025 | 10 | 1,545,958 | 4 | 1,308,517 | 37,709 | 2 | |||||||||||
BQS | | | | | 9,922,932 | 285,963 | 13 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total net sales to major | ||||||||||||||||||
customers | 9,846,964 | 38 | 9,940,971 | 27 | 17,908,554 | 516,096 | 24 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(25) | Reclassifications |
Certain amounts in the 2000 and 2001 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2002 presentation for comparison purpose. These reclassifications do not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. |
(26) | Summary of Significant Differences Between Accounting Principles Followed by the Company and Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America |
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of China (ROC GAAP), which differ in certain material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP). A discussion of the material differences between US GAAP and ROC GAAP as they apply to the Company is as follows: |
(Continued)
F-48
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a) | Business combination |
The Company completed its merger with Unipac on September 1, 2001 through the issuance of 1,512,281 thousand common shares in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Unipac. Under ROC GAAP, the merger was accounted for using the pooling-of-interests method and, accordingly, all prior period consolidated financial statements of AU have been restated to include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Unipac. Further, according to Republic of China Company Law, the excess of Unipacs net assets over par value of the Companys issued common stock for completion of the merger has been appropriated from unappropriated earnings and recorded as capital surplus. Under US GAAP, the merger has been accounted for as the acquisition of Unipac by the Company using the purchase method of accounting. Under purchase accounting, the aggregate purchase price of NT$39,636,901 thousand was calculated based on the market value of the shares issued and such amount was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. The market value of the shares was based on the average market price of the Companys common shares over the five-day period before and after the terms of the acquisition were agreed upon and announced. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed of Unipac has been recorded as goodwill. The results of Unipac prior to the acquisition date of September 1, 2001 are excluded from the US GAAP results of operations. |
Unipac was involved in the design, production and marketing of both small-size and large-size TFT-LCD panels. Unipac had a stronger position in the small-size TFT-LCD panel market because, as an early entrant in the TFT-LCD industry, Unipac initially focused on small-size panels. After the merger, the Company will be the only TFT-LCD manufactures in Taiwan, and one of the few in the world, offer TFT-LCD panels in a fall range of product sizes. These factors contributed to the purchase price. |
The Companys management is responsible for the determination of the fair value of the assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed of Unipac. In determining such fair values, management considered a number of factors, including valuation reports by third parties. The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Unipac at the date of acquisition. |
(Continued)
F-49
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September
1,
2001
|
|||
NT$
(in thousands) |
|||
Current assets | 10,566,296 | ||
Long-term investments | 38,767 | ||
Plant, property and equipment | 30,568,067 | ||
Intangible assets | 8,730,382 | ||
Goodwill | 11,599,692 | ||
Other assets acquired | 443,961 | ||
|
|||
Total assets | 61,947,165 | ||
|
|||
Current liabilities | 2,763,917 | ||
Long-term debt | 18,615,702 | ||
Other liabilities | 930,645 | ||
|
|||
Total liabilities assumed | 22,310,264 | ||
|
|||
Net assets acquired | 39,636,901 | ||
|
Of the NT$8,730,382 thousand of acquired intangible assets, NT$53,450 thousand was assigned to in-process research and development assets that were written off at the date of acquisition in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 4, Applicability of FASB Statement No. 2 to Business Combinations Accounted for by the Purchase Method. Those write-offs are included in research and development expenses. The remaining NT$8,676,932 thousand of acquired intangible assets has a weighted average useful life of approximately 88 months and no estimated residual value. Such intangible assets include large-size TFT-LCD panels product and process technology of NT$3,123,655 thousand and small and mid-size TFT-LCD panels product and process technology of NT$5,553,277 thousand. The key technology for small and mid-size TFT-LCD production includes the technologies independently developed by Unipac and 13 related patents. The key technology for large-size TFT-LCD production includes the technologies jointly developed by Unipac and Matsushita Electric, Industrial Co., Ltd., (Matsushita), product technologies developed by Unipac and the three related patents. |
The fair value of Unipacs inventory (represented by estimated selling prices less the sum of costs of disposal and a reasonable profit allowance for the selling effort) was less than its carrying amount by approximately NT$387,901 thousand at September 1, 2001. As a result, the amount allocated to Unipacs inventory in connection with the purchase price allocation performed under US GAAP was NT$387,901 thousand less than the carrying value of Unipacs inventory under ROC GAAP. The majority of the affected inventory was sold prior to December 31, 2001, which resulted in lower cost of sales of NT$331,656 thousand under US GAAP as compared to ROC GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2001. The remaining of the affected inventory was sold in 2002, which resulted in lower cost of sales of NT$56,245 thousand under US GAAP as compared to ROC GAAP. |
(Continued)
F-50
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following summarized, unaudited pro forma results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001 are presented as though the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the respective periods (dollars in thousands except per share amounts): |
For
the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||
2000
|
2001
|
||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
Net sales | 25,583,220 | 37,588,625 | |||||
Net income (loss) | 628,999 | (8,279,909 | ) | ||||
Basic and diluted loss per share | 0.57 | (3.11 | ) |
The remaining purchase price of NT$11,599,692 thousand was allocated to goodwill. Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations, goodwill arising from purchase business combinations consummated after June 30, 2001 is not amortized but is tested for impairment. Amortization of goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. |
Effective January 1, 2002 for US GAAP purposes, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS No. 142 classifies intangible assets into three categories: 1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization; 2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization; and 3) goodwill. For intangible assets with definite lives, tests for impairment must be performed if conditions exist that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has no intangible assets with indefinite lives. Goodwill is not amortized. |
The Company performs tests of impairment of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it might be impaired. Such tests include comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, using different methodologies, including estimates of sales proceeds, appraisals, and market capitalization values. In 2002, the Company tested goodwill for impairment. Based on these assessments, the Company concluded that goodwill was not impaired. |
The Companys product and process technology intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. The Company reviews such product and process technology assets with definite lives for impairment to ensure they are appropriately valued if conditions exist that may indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such conditions may include an economic downturn in a geographic region, or a change in the assessment of future operations. |
(Continued)
F-51
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(b) | Compensation |
(i) | Remuneration to directors and supervisors |
The Companys articles of incorporation, which specify a remuneration amount of 1% of annual distributable earnings to be paid to its directors and supervisors. Under ROC GAAP, such payments are charged directly to retained earnings in the period stockholders approve such payment. Under US GAAP, such cash payments should be recorded as compensation expense in the period when the related services are rendered. |
(ii) | Employee bonuses |
Certain employees of the Company are entitled to bonuses in accordance with provisions of the Companys articles of incorporation, which specify a bonus amount ranging from 5 % to 10 % of annual distributable earnings. Employee bonuses may be paid in cash, shares, or a combination of both. Under ROC GAAP, such bonuses are appropriated from retained earnings in the period stockholders approval is obtained. If such employee bonuses are settled through the issuance of stock, the amount charged against retained earnings is based on the par value of the common shares issued. Under US GAAP, employee bonus expense is charged to income in the year services are provided. Shares to be issued as part of these bonuses are recorded at fair value. Since the amount and form of the bonuses are not finally determinable until the stockholders meeting in the subsequent year, the total amount of the bonus is initially accrued based on the minimum cash value to be paid. Any difference between the amount initially accrued and fair value of bonuses settled by the issuance of shares is recognized in the year of approval by the stockholders. |
(c) | Equity method investments |
The Company held a 21% ownership interest in PixTech as of December 31, 2001 and 2002. Under ROC GAAP, because the Company had no intention to hold PixTechs stock for the long term, the investment in PixTech was recorded as a short-term investment and accounted for at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value with changes in fair value being reported in the consolidated statements of operations. Under US GAAP, the investment in PixTech was accounted for under the equity method. |
In 2002, the Company wrote off the value of its investment due to the other than temporary decline in investment value for both ROC GAAP and US GAAP. As a result, the December 31, 2002 US GAAP adjustment related to PixTech consists of the difference in the amount of the write off due to the different carrying amounts of this investment under both ROC GAAP and US GAAP. |
As permitted under ROC GAAP, the Company recognizes its equity in income (loss) of Patentop in the following year on a one-year lag basis. Under US GAAP, the Company recognizes its equity in the income (loss) of Patentop and PixTech in the current year. |
(Continued)
F-52
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(d) | Marketable securities |
Under ROC GAAP, marketable equity securities are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market. Under US GAAP, equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are to be classified as either trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities. 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. Equity securities not classified as trading securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income. The Company had no trading portfolio as of December 31, 2001 and 2002. |
(e) | Provision for inventory obsolescence and devaluation |
A provision for inventory obsolescence and devaluation is recorded when management determines that the market values of inventories are less than their cost basis. Under ROC GAAP, such provisions can be reversed in whole or in part if management further determines that the market values of inventories are greater than their cost basis. Under US GAAP, provisions for inventory obsolescence and devaluation become a permanent adjustment to the carrying amount of the specific inventory whose market values are less than their cost basis, as deemed by management. Obsolescence and devaluation provision adjustments are included as part of cost of goods sold under US GAAP, and cannot be reversed once they are recorded. |
(f) | Convertible bonds |
When convertible bonds are issued, ROC GAAP does not recognize or account for any beneficial conversion feature embedded in the bonds. Under US GAAP, beneficial conversion features should be recognized and measured by allocating a portion of the proceeds equal to the intrinsic value of that feature to capital surplus. In connection with the Companys issuance of convertible bonds in November 2001, the amount of the beneficial conversion feature was calculated at the commitment date as the difference between the conversion price and the fair value of the common stock, multiplied by the number of shares into which the security is convertible. As a result of allocating a portion of the proceeds equal to the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature to capital surplus, a discount on the bonds was recognized. The discount resulting from such allocation is recognized as interest expense over the life of the convertible debt. The face amount of the convertible bonds was NT$10,000,000 thousand, and the discount recognized on the date of issuance resulting from the beneficial conversion feature was NT$886,076 thousand. The effective interest rate of the bonds is approximately 6.0% and their carrying amount at December 31, 2001 and 2002 under US GAAP was NT$9,156,713 thousand, and NT$1,205,996 thousand, respectively. |
(Continued)
F-53
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(g) | Stock dividends |
Under ROC GAAP, stock dividends are recorded at par value, with a charge to retained earnings. Under US GAAP, if the ratio of distribution is less than 25 % of the same class of shares outstanding, the fair value of the shares issued should be charged to retained earnings. The effect of this dividend would have decreased retained earnings and increased capital surplus for the year ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, by NT$2,891,625 thousand and NT$0 thousand, respectively. |
(h) | Pension benefits |
Prior to January 1, 1998, the pension expense recorded by the Company in connection with its defined pension plan was based on contributions made by the Company to the pension plan as required by the Republic of China Labor standard Law. Effective from January 1, 1998, the Company adopted ROC GAAP SFAS No. 18, Accounting for Pension, which is similar in many respects to US GAAP SFAS Nos. 87 and 88. Subsequent to January 1, 1998, net pension expense was recognized on an actuarially determined basis. Under US GAAP, the accumulated pension obligation and the pension expense is determined on an actuarial basis from the date the pension plan was started in 1996. There were no material differences between ROC GAAP and US GAAP related to pension accounting. |
(i) | Depreciation of property, plant and equipment |
Under ROC GAAP, the Company depreciates buildings over their estimated lives of between 20 to 50 years based on guidance from the Republic of China Internal Revenue Code. Under US GAAP, buildings are depreciated over an estimated useful life of 20 years. |
(j) | Derivative financial instruments |
The Company operates internationally, giving rise to exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company also has exposure to changes in interest rates that affect its cash flows on long-term debt. The Company uses financial instruments, including derivatives such as foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps, to reduce this exposure. Under ROC GAAP, there are no specific rules related to accounting for derivative financial instruments, nor criteria for hedge accounting. |
(Continued)
F-54
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Under US GAAP, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, the Company recorded its interest rate swaps as hedge transactions by recording the net receivable or payable each month related to these interest rate swap contracts, offsetting and adding to interest expense of the related debts. For foreign currency forward contracts prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 133, as amended, the Company recorded unrealized gains or losses measured using the change in spot rate of the contract in the consolidated statements of operations if the contracts were used to hedge existing foreign currency denominated receivables and payables, or deferred recognition of unrealized gains or losses for those contracts hedging anticipated transactions that would be denominated in a foreign currency. The discount or premium on a forward contract was amortized into earnings over the life of the contract. |
As a result of adopting SFAS No. 133, as amended, as of January 1, 2001, and in accordance with the transition provisions, the Company recorded an after tax charge of NT$551 thousand representing the cumulative effect of the adoption related to the foreign currency forward contracts, and a cumulative after-tax adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income of NT$30,937 thousand related to the interest rate swaps. Amounts expected to be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months are not material. The after-tax charge to the statements of operations had no material effect on US GAAP basic EPS for the year ended December 31, 2001. |
After the adoption of SFAS No. 133, as amended, none of the Companys existing derivatives meet the US GAAP hedge accounting criteria. All derivative contracts are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair value at each balance sheet date. Changes in fair values of derivative instruments arising subsequent to the transition date are recognized in earnings for US GAAP purposes. In addition, the Company reclassified NT$9,376 thousand, net of tax, of the deferred losses from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings from the interest rate swap contracts in both 2001 and 2002. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives in subsequent periods could result in increased volatility of results of operations under US GAAP. |
(k) | Compensated absences |
Under ROC GAAP, the Company is not required to accrue for unused vacation at the end of each year. However, under US GAAP, unused vacation that can be carried over to periods subsequent to that in which they are earned are accrued for at each balance sheet date. |
(l) | Research and development expense |
For ROC GAAP, the amortization of the payment of the capitalized technology fixed license and patents fees for product and process technology is included in research and development expense. For US GAAP, this amortization expense is included in cost of goods sold. |
(Continued)
F-55
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(m) | Operating leases |
The Company entered into certain non-cancelable lease agreements with rental payments subject to escalation adjustments of 5 % each year. Under ROC GAAP, fixed escalation of rental payment are recognized as they become payable. Under US GAAP, fixed escalation of rental payments have been recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. |
(n) | Income tax |
Under ROC GAAP, a valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets when they are not certain to be realized based on the projection of future taxable income. However, the criteria by which the need for a valuation allowance is determined is less stringent as compared to US GAAP. Under US GAAP, cumulative losses in recent years are a significant piece of negative evidence, which is difficult to overcome with projections of future taxable income for the purpose of determining the valuation allowance. |
Under a revised ROC tax rule effective on January 1, 1998, an additional 10 percent corporate income tax will be assessed on taxable income but only to the extent such taxable income is not distributed before the end of the following year. As a result, from January 1, 1998 to January 20, 2001, the undistributed income of the Company is subject to a corporate tax rate of 28 % and distributed income is taxed at 20 %. Commencing from January 20, 2001, the undistributed and distributed income is subject to a corporate tax rate of 32.5 % and 25 %, respectively. Under ROC GAAP, the 10 % tax on undistributed earnings is recognized as an expense at the date that stockholders resolve the amount of the earnings distribution. Under US GAAP, the Company measures its tax expense, including the tax effects of temporary differences, using the undistributed rate. |
(o) | Earnings (loss) per share |
Under ROC GAAP, primary earnings (loss) per share (EPS) are calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year. Fully diluted EPS is calculated by taking primary EPS into consideration, plus additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential dilutive shares had been issued. Net income would also be adjusted for the interest derived from any underlying dilutive shares. The weighted-average outstanding shares are restated for stock dividends issued, and transfers from retained earnings or capital stock to common stock. |
The EPS calculation of basic and diluted EPS under US GAAP is substantially the same as compared to the calculation under ROC GAAP. However, under US GAAP, the weighted-average outstanding shares would not have been restated for stock dividends issued, and transfers from retained earnings or capital surplus to common stock. |
As a net loss has been reported in 2001, the dilutive effects of the Companys convertible bonds issued in November 2001 have not been considered for purposes of calculating dilutive EPS. |
(Continued)
F-56
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(p) | US GAAP reconciliations |
1. | Reconciliation of consolidated net income (loss) |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||||||
(in thousands except per share data) | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss), ROC GAAP | 2,862,715 | (6,710,230 | ) | 6,022,669 | 173,564 | |||||||
US GAAP adjustments: | ||||||||||||
(a) | Reversal of pooling-of-interests method of accounting | (1,101,502 | ) | 2,098,374 | - | - | ||||||
(a) | Recognition of purchase method of accounting | |||||||||||
- Charge-off of IP R&D | - | (53,450 | ) | - | - | |||||||
- Amortization of intangible assets | - | (349,832 | ) | (1,049,496 | ) | (30,245 | ) | |||||
- Amortization of premium on bonds payable | - | 23,883 | 60,268 | 1,737 | ||||||||
- Inventory | - | 331,656 | 56,245 | 1,621 | ||||||||
- Depreciation | - | 1,774 | (240,365 | ) | (6,927 | ) | ||||||
(b) | Compensation | |||||||||||
- Remuneration to directors and supervisors | (8,303 | ) | - | (54,204 | ) | (1,562 | ) | |||||
- Employee bonuses | ||||||||||||
- Accrual | (83,000 | ) | - | (433,632 | ) | (12,497 | ) | |||||
- Adjustment to fair value | - | (174,549 | ) | - | - | |||||||
(c) | Investment loss on long-term investment equity method | - | (83,559 | ) | (79,731 | ) | (2,298 | ) | ||||
(d) | Investment gain (loss) in marketable securities | - | (54,924 | ) | 1,132,551 | 32,638 | ||||||
(e) | Provision for inventory obsolescence and devaluation | - | - | (33,945 | ) | (978 | ) | |||||
(f) | Accretion of interest expense resulting from beneficial | |||||||||||
conversion feature of convertible bonds | - | (13,993 | ) | (106,454 | ) | (3,068 | ) | |||||
(i) | Depreciation on property, plant and equipment | (60,385 | ) | (141,722 | ) | (173,510 | ) | (5,000 | ) | |||
(j) | Derivative financial instruments recorded at fair value | - | (158,679 | ) | 78,024 | 2,249 | ||||||
(j) | Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax | - | (551 | ) | - | - | ||||||
(k) | Compensated absences accrual | - | (33,462 | ) | (8,490 | ) | (245 | ) | ||||
(m) | Escalation adjustment of rent expense | (25,480 | ) | (21,646 | ) | (19,096 | ) | (550 | ) | |||
(n) | Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets | (930,000 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||
Tax effect of US GAAP adjustment | - | - | (211,952 | ) | (6,108 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net income (loss), US GAAP | 654,045 | (5,340,910 | ) | 4,938,882 | 142,331 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Basic earnings per share under US GAAP | ||||||||||||
(in dollars) | 0.59 | (2.98 | ) | 1.36 | 0.04 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Diluted earnings per share under US GAAP | ||||||||||||
(in dollars) | 0.59 | (2.98 | ) | 1.32 | 0.04 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Basic-Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in thousands) | 1,100,000 | 1,791,755 | 3,639,799 | 3,639,799 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Diluted-Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in thousands) | 1,100,000 | 1,791,755 | 3,894,782 | 3,894,782 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-57
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. | Reconciliation of consolidated stockholders equity |
For
the year ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||
2001
|
2002
|
||||||||||
(in thousands) | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||||
Total stockholders equity, ROC GAAP | 43,947,285 | 77,828,044 | 2,242,883 | ||||||||
(a) | Recognition of purchase method of accounting | ||||||||||
- Goodwill | 11,599,692 | 11,599,692 | 334,285 | ||||||||
- Intangible assets, net of amortization | 7,346,470 | 6,296,974 | 181,469 | ||||||||
- Other assets | (151,802 | ) | (335,922 | ) | (9,680 | ) | |||||
- Other liabilities | (1,474,541 | ) | (1,414,273 | ) | (40,757 | ) | |||||
(b) | Compensation | ||||||||||
- Remuneration to directors and supervisors | - | (54,204 | ) | (1,562 | ) | ||||||
- Employee bonuses | |||||||||||
- Accrual | - | (433,632 | ) | (12,497 | ) | ||||||
(c) | Investment loss on long-term investment-equity method | (83,559 | ) | (163,290 | ) | (4,706 | ) | ||||
(e) | Provision for inventory obsolescence and devaluation | - | (33,945 | ) | (978 | ) | |||||
(c) | Decrease in cumulative translation adjustment | (361 | ) | (134 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||
(d) | Marketable securities | 567,611 | (47,902 | ) | (1,380 | ) | |||||
(f) | Beneficial conversion feature of convertible bonds | 872,083 | 80,887 | 2,331 | |||||||
(i) | Property, plant and equipment | (241,705 | ) | (415,215 | ) | (11,966 | ) | ||||
(j) | Derivative financial instruments recorded at fair value | (180,792 | ) | (93,393 | ) | (2,692 | ) | ||||
(k) | Compensated absences accrual | (33,462 | ) | (41,952 | ) | (1,209 | ) | ||||
(m) | Escalation adjustment of rent expense | (79,389 | ) | (98,485 | ) | (2,838 | ) | ||||
(n) | Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets | (1,869,051 | ) | (1,869,051 | ) | (53,863 | ) | ||||
Tax effect of US GAAP adjustments | (80,164 | ) | (211,952 | ) | (6,108 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total stockholders equity, US GAAP | 60,138,315 | 90,592,247 | 2,610,728 | ||||||||
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-58
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(q) | US GAAP Consolidated Financial Statements |
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December
31, 2001 and 2002
(Expressed in thousands of New Taiwan dollars and US dollars)
2001
|
2002
|
||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||
Assets | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 6,496,268 | 25,957,194 | 748,046 | ||||
Securities available for sale | 5,536,869 | 3,087,194 | 88,968 | ||||
Notes and accounts receivable | 6,661,628 | 6,415,061 | 184,872 | ||||
Receivables from related parties | 2,428,680 | 3,646,403 | 105,084 | ||||
Inventories | 8,979,750 | 8,475,625 | 244,254 | ||||
Prepayments and other current assets | 852,770 | 1,386,466 | 39,956 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets | 30,955,965 | 48,967,943 | 1,411,180 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Investments in equity-method investees | 117,172 | 73,422 | 2,116 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Property, plant and equipment: | |||||||
Land | 554,214 | 731,807 | 21,090 | ||||
Buildings | 10,430,711 | 10,948,338 | 315,514 | ||||
Machinery and equipment | 52,347,481 | 66,910,989 | 1,928,271 | ||||
Leasehold improvements and other equipment | 2,488,274 | 3,001,736 | 86,505 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
65,820,680 | 81,592,870 | 2,351,380 | |||||
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | (8,905,656 | ) | (21,029,387 | ) | (606,034 | ) | |
Construction in progress | 39,180 | 1,811,779 | 52,213 | ||||
Prepayment for purchases of land and equipment | 8,637,826 | 9,820,006 | 282,997 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Net property, plant and equipment | 65,592,030 | 72,195,268 | 2,080,556 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Intangible assets | |||||||
Goodwill | 11,599,692 | 11,599,692 | 334,285 | ||||
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of | |||||||
NT$1,907,716 and NT$4,155,886 as of December 31, 2001 | |||||||
and 2002, respectively | 10,416,103 | 9,281,429 | 267,476 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
22,015,795 | 20,881,121 | 601,761 | |||||
|
|
|
|||||
Other assets | |||||||
Refundable deposits | 894,077 | 1,018,127 | 29,341 | ||||
Restricted cash in bank | 149,542 | 52,200 | 1,504 | ||||
Deferred charges and other | 289,658 | 343,321 | 9,894 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total other assets | 1,333,277 | 1,413,648 | 40,739 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets | 120,014,239 | 143,531,402 | 4,136,352 | ||||
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-59
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
December
31, 2001 and 2002
(Expressed in thousands of New Taiwan dollars and US dollars
except share data)
2001
|
2002
|
||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Short-term borrowings | 2,095,008 | 770,444 | 22,203 | ||||
Commercial paper | 449,321 | - | - | ||||
Accounts payable | 9,590,359 | 11,131,568 | 320,794 | ||||
Payables to related parties | 493,407 | 560,605 | 16,156 | ||||
Current installments of long-term borrowings | 4,864,378 | 9,528,797 | 274,605 | ||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 1,511,226 | 2,532,039 | 72,969 | ||||
Equipment and construction in progress payable | 672,743 | 1,265,983 | 36,484 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities | 19,676,442 | 25,789,436 | 743,211 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Long-term borrowings: | |||||||
Long-term borrowings, excluding current installments | 23,688,330 | 22,457,152 | 647,180 | ||||
Long-term issuance of commercial paper, excluding current installments | 4,168,654 | 1,287,611 | 37,107 | ||||
Bonds and convertible bonds payable, excluding current installments | 11,197,764 | 2,214,360 | 63,815 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total long-term borrowings | 39,054,748 | 25,959,123 | 748,102 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Other liabilities: | |||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 761,012 | 857,864 | 24,722 | ||||
Accrued pension liabilities | 110,271 | 120,168 | 3,463 | ||||
Other | 273,451 | 212,564 | 6,126 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total other liabilities | 1,144,734 | 1,190,596 | 34,311 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities | 59,875,924 | 52,939,155 | 1,525,624 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Commitments and contingent liabilities | |||||||
Stockholders equity: | |||||||
Common stock, NT$10 par value; totaled 5 billion shares authorized; | |||||||
2,970,581 thousand and 4,024,296 thousand shares issued and outstanding | |||||||
at December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively | 29,705,816 | 40,242,957 | 1,159,740 | ||||
Additional paid in capital | 39,236,171 | 52,351,313 | 1,508,683 | ||||
Retained earnings: | |||||||
Legal reserve | 232,014 | - | - | ||||
Unappropriated retained earnings (accumulated deficits) | (9,645,200 | ) | (708,475 | ) | (20,417 | ) | |
|
|
|
|||||
(9,413,186 | ) | (708,475 | ) | (20,417 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net | 609,514 | (1,110,699 | ) | (32,009 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||||
Treasury stock at cost; 9,041 thousand shares in 2002 | - | (182,849 | ) | (5,269 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||||
Total stockholders equity | 60,138,315 | 90,592,247 | 2,610,728 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity | 120,014,239 | 143,531,402 | 4,136,352 | ||||
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-60
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002
(Expressed
in thousands of New Taiwan dollars and US dollars,
except for share data)
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||
Net sales | 14,839,841 | 28,513,390 | 75,689,165 | 2,181,244 | |||||
Cost of goods sold | 12,562,776 | 31,491,129 | 66,197,062 | 1,907,696 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Gross profit (loss) | 2,277,065 | (2,977,739 | ) | 9,492,103 | 273,548 | ||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||
Selling | 278,320 | 224,996 | 537,361 | 15,486 | |||||
General and administrative | 847,251 | 811,778 | 1,729,485 | 49,841 | |||||
Research and development | 382,325 | 633,714 | 1,411,906 | 40,689 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
1,507,896 | 1,670,488 | 3,678,752 | 106,016 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total operating income (loss) | 769,169 | (4,648,227 | ) | 5,813,351 | 167,532 | ||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Non-operating income: | |||||||||
Interest income | 86,411 | 53,527 | 280,410 | 8,081 | |||||
Gain on sale of investments | 43,296 | 38,661 | 56,997 | 1,643 | |||||
Foreign currency exchange gain, net | 97,174 | 315,934 | - | - | |||||
Other income | 62,974 | - | 368,074 | 10,607 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
289,855 | 408,122 | 705,481 | 20,331 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Non-operating expenses and losses: | |||||||||
Interest expense | 404,979 | 827,298 | 1,277,700 | 36,821 | |||||
Investment loss recognized by equity method | - | 83,559 | 90,206 | 2,600 | |||||
Derivative loss and other | - | 189,078 | - | - | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
404,979 | 1,099,935 | 1,367,906 | 39,421 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Income (loss) before income tax and cumulative | |||||||||
effect of change in accounting principle | 654,045 | (5,340,040 | ) | 5,150,926 | 148,442 | ||||
Income tax provision | - | 319 | 212,044 | 6,111 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change | |||||||||
in accounting principle | 654,045 | (5,340,359 | ) | 4,938,882 | 142,331 | ||||
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax | - | (551 | ) | - | - | ||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net income (loss) | 654,045 | (5,340,910 | ) | 4,938,882 | 142,331 | ||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars): | 0.59 | (2.98 | ) | 1.36 | 0.04 | ||||
Dilution effect of convertible bonds (in dollars) | - | - | (0.04 | ) | - | ||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars): | 0.59 | (2.98 | ) | 1.32 | 0.04 | ||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | |||||||||
(in thousands) | 1,100,000 | 1,791,755 | 3,639,799 | 3,639,799 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Dividends declared per common share (New Taiwan dollars) | 1.60 | - | - | - | |||||
|
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-61
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive income
Years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002
(Expressed in thousands of New Taiwan dollars and US dollars)
2001
|
2002
|
||||||
NT$ | NT$ | US$ | |||||
Net income (loss) | (5,340,910 | ) | 4,938,882 | 142,331 | |||
|
|
|
|||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax: | |||||||
Unrealized holding gains (loss) on securities | |||||||
available-for-sale | 692,754 | (1,751,156 | ) | (50,466 | ) | ||
Foreign currency cumulative translation | |||||||
adjustment | 7,325 | 18,477 | 532 | ||||
Reclassification adjustments for securities sold | (40,482 | ) | (36,360 | ) | (1,048 | ) | |
Amortization of fair value adjustment of interest | |||||||
rate swap | 13,889 | 13,889 | 401 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Other comprehensive income before income taxes | |||||||
and cumulative effect of change in accounting | |||||||
principle | 673,486 | (1,755,150 | ) | (50,581 | ) | ||
Income tax benefit (expense) | (35,370 | ) | 34,937 | 1,007 | |||
|
|
|
|||||
Other comprehensive income before cumulative | |||||||
effect of change in accounting principle | 638,116 | (1,720,213 | ) | (49,574 | ) | ||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting | |||||||
principle, net of tax benefit | (30,937 | ) | - | - | |||
|
|
|
|||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 607,179 | (1,720,213 | ) | (49,574 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | (4,733,731 | ) | 3,218,669 | 92,757 | |||
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-62
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity
Years
ended December 31, 2001 and 2002
(Expressed in thousands of New Taiwan dollars and shares)
Capital
Stock
|
Retained
earnings
|
||||||||||||||||||
Common
shares (in thousands) |
Common
stock |
Certificates
exchangeable for common stock |
Additional
paid-in capital |
Legal
reserve |
Unapproap-
riated earnings (accumulated deficits), net |
Accumulated
other comprehen- sive income |
Treasury
stock |
Total
|
|||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2001 | 1,100,000 | 11,000,000 | - | 9,675,000 | 55,898 | 138,451 | 2,335 | - | 20,871,684 | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock for cash | 150,000 | 1,500,000 | - | 1,800,000 | - | - | - | - | 3,300,000 | ||||||||||
Appropriation for legal reserve | - | - | - | - | 176,116 | (176,116 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||
Stock dividend | 200,000 | 2,000,000 | - | 2,266,625 | - | (4,266,625 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||
Issuance of common stock-employees | |||||||||||||||||||
profit sharing | 8,300 | 83,000 | - | 174,549 | - | - | - | - | 257,549 | ||||||||||
Common stock issued in connection with | |||||||||||||||||||
the acquisition of Unipac | 1,512,281 | 15,122,816 | - | 24,514,085 | - | - | - | - | 39,636,901 | ||||||||||
Beneficial conversion feature of convertible | |||||||||||||||||||
bonds, net of tax | - | - | - | 805,912 | - | - | - | - | 805,912 | ||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (5,340,910 | ) | - | - | (5,340,910 | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | - | - | - | - | - | - | 607,179 | - | 607,179 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2001 | 2,970,581 | 29,705,816 | - | 39,236,171 | 232,014 | (9,645,200 | ) | 609,514 | - | 60,138,315 | |||||||||
Issuance of common stock for cash | 500,000 | 5,000,000 | - | 14,170,256 | - | - | - | - | 19,170,256 | ||||||||||
Convertible bonds converted to common | |||||||||||||||||||
stock | 553,613 | 5,536,129 | 1,012 | 2,710,715 | - | - | - | - | 8,247,856 | ||||||||||
Transfer of legal reserve to unappropriated | |||||||||||||||||||
earnings | - | - | - | - | (232,014 | ) | 232,014 | - | - | - | |||||||||
Transfer of capital surplus to | |||||||||||||||||||
unappropriated earnings | - | - | - | (3,765,829 | ) | - | 3,765,829 | - | - | - | |||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | - | - | 4,938,882 | - | - | 4,938,882 | ||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (182,849 | ) | (182,849 | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | - | - | - | - | - | - | (1,720,213 | ) | - | (1,720,213 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2002 | 4,024,194 | 40,241,945 | 1,012 | 52,351,313 | - | (708,475 | ) | (1,110,699 | ) | (182,849 | ) | 90,592,247 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-63
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002
(Expressed in thousands of New Taiwan dollars and US dollars)
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
|||||||
NT$ | NT$ | NT$ | US$ | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | 654,045 | (5,340,910 | ) | 4,938,882 | 142,331 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by | |||||||||
operating activities: | |||||||||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax | - | 551 | - | - | |||||
Depreciation | 2,567,523 | 5,562,586 | 11,912,829 | 343,309 | |||||
Amortization of intangible assets, deferred charges and discounts | 717,778 | 1,087,018 | 2,701,198 | 77,845 | |||||
Write-off of in-process research and development assets | - | 53,450 | - | - | |||||
Gain on sale of investments and fixed assets | (42,652 | ) | (38,661 | ) | (61,370 | ) | (1,769 | ) | |
Unrealized exchange loss (gain) - net | (50,606 | ) | (270,375 | ) | 348,155 | 10,033 | |||
Net change in fair value of derivative instruments | - | 144,790 | (78,024 | ) | (2,249 | ) | |||
Provision for inventory devaluation and doubtful account | 6,135 | 204,105 | 66,365 | 1,913 | |||||
Non-cash compensation-employee bonuses | - | 257,549 | 433,632 | 12,497 | |||||
Investment loss recognized by equity method | - | 83,559 | 90,206 | 2,600 | |||||
Increase in notes and accounts receivable (including related parties) | (515,123 | ) | (5,753,557 | ) | (1,203,910 | ) | (34,695 | ) | |
Decrease (increase) in inventories | (1,796,711 | ) | (1,579,699 | ) | 470,180 | 13,550 | |||
Decrease (increase) in prepayments and other current assets | (362,769 | ) | 21,078 | (484,340 | ) | (13,958 | ) | ||
Increase in notes and accounts payable (including related parties) | 523,829 | 6,922,932 | 1,321,956 | 38,097 | |||||
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 639,984 | (876,281 | ) | 760,812 | 21,925 | ||||
Increase in accrued pension liabilities and others | 799 | 24,928 | 10,973 | 316 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,342,232 | 503,063 | 21,227,544 | 611,745 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||
Purchase of investment securities available for sale | (12,488,783 | ) | (12,031,644 | ) | (9,500,815 | ) | (273,799 | ) | |
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale | 12,465,482 | 11,222,109 | 10,219,973 | 294,524 | |||||
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment | (18,140,215 | ) | (8,311,482 | ) | (18,035,305 | ) | (519,749 | ) | |
Proceeds from disposal of long-term equity investment and fixed assets | 913 | 3,445 | 78,719 | 2,269 | |||||
Increase (decrease) in restricted cash in bank | (25,400 | ) | (103,642 | ) | 97,342 | 2,805 | |||
Increase in intangible assets and deferred charges | (550,449 | ) | (336,605 | ) | (1,239,156 | ) | (35,711 | ) | |
Decrease (increase) in refundable deposits | (864,441 | ) | 3,319 | (124,050 | ) | (3,575 | ) | ||
Cash received from business acquisition | - | 1,486,754 | - | - | |||||
Increase in long-term equity investment | - | - | (46,586 | ) | (1,343 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (19,602,893 | ) | (8,067,746 | ) | (18,549,878 | ) | (534,579 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||
Increase in short-term borrowings | 2,097,482 | 23,484,669 | 770,444 | 22,203 | |||||
Repayment of short-term borrowings | - | (23,248,708 | ) | (2,585,961 | ) | (74,523 | ) | ||
Increase (decrease) in guarantee deposit and others | 247 | (44,416 | ) | 40,682 | 1,172 | ||||
Increase in long-term borrowings | 13,161,655 | - | 4,664,932 | 134,436 | |||||
Repayment of long-term borrowing | - | (498,060 | ) | (5,104,110 | ) | (147,093 | ) | ||
Issuance of common stock for cash | - | 3,300,000 | 19,170,256 | 552,457 | |||||
Issuance of bonds payable | - | 10,000,000 | - | - | |||||
Purchase of treasury stock | - | - | (182,849 | ) | (5,269 | ) | |||
Bond issuance cost | (25,230 | ) | (7,219 | ) | - | - | |||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 15,234,154 | 12,986,266 | 16,773,394 | 483,383 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Effect of exchange rate change on cash | 15,207 | 5,205 | 9,866 | 285 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (2,011,300 | ) | 5,426,788 | 19,460,926 | 560,834 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 3,080,780 | 1,069,480 | 6,496,268 | 187,212 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 1,069,480 | 6,496,268 | 25,957,194 | 748,046 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | |||||||||
Cash paid for interest expenses | 413,961 | 843,061 | 1,253,983 | 36,138 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Cash paid for income taxes | 6,318 | 786 | 19,343 | 557 | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||||
Acquisition of business: | |||||||||
Fair value of assets acquired, other than cash | - | (60,460,411 | ) | - | - | ||||
Liabilities assumed | - | 22,310,264 | - | - | |||||
Common stock issued | - | 39,636,901 | - | - | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net cash received from acquired business | - | 1,486,754 | - | - | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
Convertible bonds applying for conversion | - | - | 8,247,856 | 237,690 | |||||
|
|
|
|
(Continued)
F-64
AU OPTRONICS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(27) | Subsequent Event |
The Company signed a memorandum of understanding on January 28, 2003 with Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu) and Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation (FDTC) on comprehensive collaboration in the Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) field. The collaboration, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both parties, covers a wide range of joint effort in R&D, technology, manufacturing capability and business development. The collaboration also includes an equity investment made by the Company in FDTC, in which the Company purchased a 20% equity stake in FDTC for NT$436,271 thousand. FDTC develops, manufactures and markets LCDs and was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu. The remaining 80% of FDTC is still owned by Fujitsu. In addition, the Company paid a fixed license fee in March 2003 and will be entitled to use FDTCs intellectual property, and advanced display technologies through cross licensing and other technology cooperation agreements in the near future. |
F-65
EXHIBIT 1.(a)
Articles of Incorporation
Chapter 1: General Provisions
The Company is incorporated, registered and organized as a company limited by shares and permanently existing in accordance with the Company Law of the Republic of China (the "Company Law") and the Company's English name is AU Optronics Corp.
The scope of business of the Company shall be as follows:
1. CC01080 Electronic parts and components manufacturing business
2. F119010 Electronic material wholesale business
3. F401030 Manufacturing and exporting business
To research, develop, produce, manufacture and sell the following products:
(1) Plasma display and related systems
(2) Liquid crystal display and related systems
(3) Organic light emitting diodes and related systems
(4) Amorphous silicon photo sensor device parts and components
(5) Thin film photo diode sensor device parts and components
(6) Thin film transistor photo sensor device parts and components
(7) Touch imaging sensors
(8) Full color active matrix flat panel displays
(9) Field emission displays
(10) Single crystal liquid crystal displays
(11) Original equipment manufacturing for amorphous silicon thin film
transistor process and flat panel display modules
(12) Original design manufacturing and original equipment manufacturing
business for flat panel display modules
(13) The simultaneous operation of a trade business relating to the Company's
business
The operation of the businesses listed above shall be conducted in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
The head office of the Company shall be in the Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan, the Republic of China ("R.O.C.") or such other appropriate place as may be decided by the board of directors (the "Board"). Subject to the approval of the Board and other relevant authorities, the Company may, if necessary, set up branches, factories, branch operation offices or branch business offices both inside and outside of the R.O.C.
The total amount of the Company's investment is not subject to the restriction of Article 13 of the Company Law. The Company may provide guarantees or endorsements on behalf of third parties due to business or investment relationships with such third parties.
Chapter 2: Shares
The total capital of the Company is Fifty-Eight Billion New Taiwan Dollars (NT$58,000,000,000), divided into Five Billion and Eight Hundred Million (5,800,000,000) shares with a par value of Ten New Taiwan Dollars (NT$10) each and in registered form. The Board of Directors is authorized to issue the un-issued shares in installments.
A total of 100,000,000 shares among the above total capital should be reserved for issuance of employee stock options, which may be issued in installments.
The share certificates of the Company shall be all in registered form. The share certificates, after due registration with the competent authority, shall be signed or sealed by at least three directors and shall be legally authenticated prior to issue.
Where it is necessary for the Company to deliver its share certificates to the Taiwan Securities Central Depositary Co., Ltd. ("TSCD") for custody of such share certificates, the Company may, upon request of the TSCD, combine its share certificates into larger denominations.
The Company may, pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations, deliver shares or other securities through the book-entry system maintained by the TSCD, instead of physical certificates evidencing shares or other securities.
The Company may charge its net cost for handling, replacing or exchanging share certificates if the original share certificates were transferred, lost or destroyed.
Chapter 3: Shareholders' Meetings
Shareholders' meetings shall be of two types, ordinary meetings and extraordinary meetings. Ordinary meetings shall be convened annually by the Board within six months of the end of each fiscal year. Extraordinary meetings shall be convened in accordance with the relevant laws, whenever necessary.
Unless otherwise provided in the Company Law, a resolution shall be adopted at a meeting attended by the shareholders holding and representing a majority of the total issued and outstanding shares and at which meeting a majority of the attending shareholders shall vote in favor of the resolution. In case a shareholder is unable to attend a shareholders' meeting, such shareholder may issue a proxy in the form issued by the Company, setting forth the scope of authorization by signing and affixing such shareholder's seal on the proxy form for the representative to be present on such shareholder's behalf. Except for trust enterprises or other stock transfer agencies approved by the securities authorities, if a person is designated as proxy by more than two shareholders, any of his voting rights representing in excess of 3% of the total issued and outstanding shares shall not be considered. The Company shall receive the proxy instrument five days prior to the date of the shareholders' meeting. If more than one proxy is received with respect to the same shareholder, the earlier one received by the Company shall be legally effective.
Chapter 4: Directors and Supervisors
The Company shall have seven to nine directors and three supervisors
elected at shareholders' meetings and the person to be elected must have legal
competence. The term of office for all directors and supervisors shall be three
(3) years. The directors and supervisors are eligible for re-election. The
number of shares held by all directors collectively and all supervisors
collectively shall not be lower than their respective percentages stipulated by
government authority in accordance with relevant laws.
The Company shall have a chairman of the Board. The chairman of the Board shall be elected by and among the directors by a majority of directors present at a meeting attended by more than two thirds of directors. As necessary, a vice chairman may be elected by and among the directors. The chairman of the Board shall preside internally at the meetings of the Board and shall externally represent the Company. In case the chairman of the Board cannot exercise his power and authority, the vice chairman shall act on his behalf. In case there is no vice chairman or the vice chairman is also on leave or cannot exercise his power and authority for any reason, the chairman of the Board may designate one of the directors to act on his behalf. In the absence of such a designation, the directors shall elect a designee from among themselves.
Where a director is unable to attend a meeting of the Board, he may appoint another director to represent him by proxy in accordance with Article 205 of the Company Law. Each director may act as a proxy for one other director only.
Chapter 5: President & Vice Presidents
The Company shall have a president and several vice presidents. Appointment, dismissal, and remuneration of the president and vice presidents shall be subject to the provisions of the Company Law.
Chapter 6: Accounting
After the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall submit the following documents: (1) business report, (2) financial statements, (3) proposal for allocation of surplus or recovery of loss. The above documents shall be examined by the supervisors or audited by an accountant appointed by the supervisors and then submitted to the shareholders at the ordinary meeting of shareholders for their adoption.
Where the Company has a profit at the end of each fiscal year, the Company shall first allocate the profit to recover losses for preceding years. Ten percent of any remaining net earnings shall be allocated as the Company's legal reserve. The balance shall be distributed as follows:
1. employee bonus: 5% to 10%;
2. remuneration of directors and supervisors: no more than 1%; and
3. all or a portion of the remaining balance shall be distributed as
shareholders' dividends.
The Company's dividend policy will be to pay dividends from surplus. Upon consideration of factors such as the Company's current and future investment environment, cash requirements, competitive conditions inside and outside of the R.O.C. and capital budget requirements, the shareholders' interest, maintenance of a balanced dividend and the Company's long term financial plan, the Board shall propose the profit allocation each
year subject to relevant laws, then submit such proposal to the shareholders' meeting for approval. In principle, no less than 10% of the total dividend to be paid with respect to any fiscal year shall be paid in the form of cash. However, the ratio for cash dividend may be adjusted in accordance with the actual profits generated in and the operation status of the fiscal year concerned.
Chapter 7: Supplementary Articles
With respect to the matters not provided herein, the Company Law and other applicable laws and regulations shall govern.
These Articles of Incorporation were enacted by the incorporators in the incorporators meeting held on July 18, 1996 and were effectively approved by the competent authority.
The first amendment was made on September 18, 1996.
The second amendment was made on September 15, 1997.
The third amendment was made on April 23, 1998.
The fourth amendment was made on April 23, 1999.
The fifth amendment was made on March 9, 2000.
The sixth amendment was made on May 10, 2001.
The seventh amendment was made on May 10, 2001.
The eighth amendment was made on October 17, 2001.
The ninth amendment was made on May 21, 2002.
The tenth amendment was made on May 29, 2003.
EXHIBIT 2.(a)
CONFORMED COPY
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
by and among
AU OPTRONICS CORP.
AND
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Depositary,
AND
THE HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS
OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES EVIDENCED BY
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ISSUED HEREUNDER
Dated as of May 29, 2002
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, dated as of May 29, 2002 (this Deposit Agreement and all Exhibits hereto, as amended and supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms, the "Deposit Agreement"), by and among (i) AU OPTRONICS CORP., a company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of China, and its successors (the "Company"), (ii) CITIBANK, N.A., a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America acting in its capacity as depositary, and any successor depositary hereunder (the "Depositary"), and (iii) all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts issued hereunder (all such capitalized terms as hereinafter defined).
W I T N E S E T H T H A T:
WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the issuance of, and has outstanding, shares of common stock, having a par value of NT$10.00 per share (the "Shares"), which are listed for trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange; and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Depositary desire to provide for the deposit of the Shares and the creation of (i) American Depositary Shares (the "ADSs") represented by American Depositary Receipts, the ADSs representing the Shares so deposited upon the terms set forth herein listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the depositary receipts facility for such ADSs, the "ADS Facility"); and
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to provide for the deposit of Certificates of Payment (as hereinafter defined) and the creation of "Temporary COP American Depositary Shares" representing the Certificates of Payment so deposited upon the terms set forth herein (the "Temporary COP ADSs") listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the depositary receipts facility for such Temporary COP ADSs, the "COP ADS Facility"); and
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to provide for the deposit of Entitlement Certificates (as hereinafter defined), and for the creation of Temporary EC ADSs representing the Entitlement Certificates so deposited upon the terms set forth herein (the "Temporary EC ADSs", together with the Temporary COP ADSs, the "Temporary ADSs"). (the EC ADS Facility, together with the ADS Facility and the COP ADS Facility, the "ADS Facilities"); and
WHEREAS, the Depositary is willing to act as the Depositary for the ADS Facilities upon the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the American Depositary Receipts evidencing each series of the American Depositary Shares issued pursuant to the terms of this Deposit Agreement are to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (or an authorized committee thereof) has duly approved the establishment of the ADS Facilities upon the terms set forth in
this Deposit Agreement, the execution and delivery of this Deposit Agreement on behalf of the Company, and the actions of the Company and the transactions contemplated herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
All capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meanings set forth below, unless otherwise clearly indicated:
Section 1.1 "ADS Record Date" shall have the meaning given to such term in
Section 4.9.
Section 1.2 "Affiliate" shall have the meaning assigned to such term by the Commission (as hereinafter defined) under Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act (as hereinafter defined), or under any successor regulation thereto.
Section 1.3 "American Depositary Share(s)" and "ADS(s)" shall mean,
individually or collectively, as the context may require, the rights and
interests in the Deposited Securities (as hereinafter defined) granted to the
Holders (as hereinafter defined) and Beneficial Owners (as hereinafter defined)
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and the American
Depositary Receipts issued hereunder to evidence such ADSs. Each American
Depositary Share shall represent (i) in the case of Share ADSs (as hereinafter
defined) ten (10) Shares, (ii) in the case of Temporary COP ADSs, an undivided
interest in a Certificate of Payment deposited by the Company with the
Custodian and representing the irrevocable right to receive the aggregate
number of Shares from the Company, each Temporary COP ADS representing an
undivided interest in the irrevocable right to receive ten (10) Shares from the
Company, and (iii) in the case of Temporary EC ADSs, Entitlement Certificates,
each representing the irrevocable right to receive ten (10) Shares in each case
until there shall occur a distribution upon Deposited Securities referred to in
Section 4.2, or a change in Deposited Securities referred to in Section 4.11,
with respect to which additional American Depositary Shares are not issued, and
thereafter each American Depositary Share shall represent the Deposited
Securities determined in accordance with the terms of such Sections. Unless
otherwise specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement or the applicable
ADR (as hereinafter defined), the terms "American Depositary Shares" and "ADSs"
shall include Temporary COP ADSs and Temporary EC ADSs, individually or
collectively, as the context may require.
Section 1.4 "Applicant" shall have the meaning given to such term in
Section 5.10.
Section 1.5 "Beneficial Owner" shall mean, as to any ADS, any person or entity having a beneficial interest deriving from the ownership of such ADS. A
Beneficial Owner of ADSs may or may not be the Holder of the ADR(s) evidencing such ADSs. A Beneficial Owner shall be able to exercise any right or receive any benefit hereunder solely through the person who is the Holder of the ADR(s) evidencing the ADS(s) owned by such Beneficial Owner.
Section 1.6 "Bonds" shall mean any convertible or exchangeable promissory note or bond issued pursuant to the terms of any Trust Deed (as hereinafter defined) that may be converted according to its terms into, or exchanged according to its terms for, (i) Shares or Entitlement Certificates or (ii) ADSs.
Section 1.7 "Business Day" shall mean any day on which both the banks in Taipei and the banks in New York are open for business.
Section 1.8 "Certificate(s) of Payment" and "COP(s)" shall mean the Certificate(s) of Payment issued by the Company evidencing the irrevocable right to receive Shares from the Company in connection with the Offering or any subsequent offerings of the same nature as the Offering.
Section 1.9 "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States or any successor governmental agency thereto in the United States.
Section 1.10 "Company" shall mean AU Optronics Corp., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the Republic of China, and its successors.
Section 1.11 "Custodian" shall mean, as of the date hereof, Citibank, N.A., (Taipei), having its principal office at B1, No. 16, Nanking E. Road, Sec. 4, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China, as the custodian for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement, and any other entity that may be appointed by the Depositary pursuant to the terms of Section 5.5 as successor, substitute or additional custodian hereunder. The term "Custodian" shall mean any Custodian individually or all Custodians collectively, as the context requires.
Section 1.12 "Deliver" and "Delivery" shall mean, when used in respect of ADSs, Deposited Securities and Eligible Securities (as such terms are hereinafter defined) and to the extent permissible under the laws of the Republic of China, either (i) the physical delivery of the certificate(s) representing such securities, or (ii) the electronic delivery of such securities by means of book-entry transfer through the Taiwan Securities Central Depository Co., Ltd., if available.
Section 1.13 "Deposit Agreement" shall mean this Deposit Agreement and all exhibits hereto, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
Section 1.14 "Depositary" shall mean Citibank, N.A., a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States, in its capacity as depositary under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, and any successor depositary hereunder.
Section 1.15 "Deposited Securities" shall mean, collectively or individually, as the context may require and unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, (a) with respect to
Share ADSs (as such term is hereinafter defined), Shares, (b) with respect to Temporary COP ADSs (as such term is hereinafter defined), Certificates of Payment, and (c) with respect to Temporary EC ADSs (as such term is hereinafter defined), Entitlement Certificates, in each case, at any time deposited under this Deposit Agreement and any and all other securities, property and cash held by the Depositary or the Custodian in respect thereof, subject, in the case of cash, to the provisions of Section 4.8. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, the securities, property and cash delivered to the Custodian in respect of Shares and Entitlement Certificates, and any other deposited securities, from and after the date hereof, shall be considered to be and treated as, Deposited Securities hereunder in all respects. The collateral delivered in connection with Pre-Release Transactions and/or Pre-Cancellation Sales in each case as described in Section 5.10 hereof, shall not constitute Deposited Securities.
Section 1.16 "Dollars" and "$" shall refer to the lawful currency of the United States.
Section 1.17 "DTC" shall mean The Depository Trust Company, a national clearinghouse and the central book-entry settlement system for securities traded in the United States and, as such, the custodian for the securities of DTC Participants (as hereinafter defined) maintained in DTC, and any successor thereto.
Section 1.18 "DTC Participant" shall mean any financial institution (or any nominee of such institution) having one or more participant accounts with DTC for receiving, holding and delivering the securities and cash held in DTC.
Section 1.19 "Eligible Securities" shall mean, collectively or individually as the context may require and unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, (a) with respect to Share ADSs (as such term is hereinafter defined), Shares, (b) with respect to Temporary COP ADSs (as such term is hereinafter defined), Certificates of Payment and (c) with respect to Temporary EC ADSs (as such term is hereinafter defined), Entitlement Certificates, in each case to the extent eligible for deposit hereunder at any time and from time to time from and after the date hereof.
Section 1.20 "Eligible Securities Registrar" shall mean National Securities Corp., or any other institution organized under the laws of the Republic of China appointed by the Company to carry out the duties of registrar for holders of (a) Shares, (b) Certificates of Payment and (c) Entitlement Certificates, and any successor thereto.
Section 1.21 "Entitlement Certificate(s)" and "ECs" shall mean the scrip known as "Certificates Exchangeable for Shares" to be issued to holders of Bonds in connection with the exercise of conversion or exchange rights of the Bonds. Entitlement Certificates evidence the irrevocable right to receive Shares from the Company after completion of the necessary corporate amendment registration by the Company.
Section 1.22 "Exchange Act" shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as from time to time amended.
Section 1.23 "Foreign Currency" shall mean any lawful currency other than Dollars.
Section 1.24 "Holder" shall mean the person in whose name a Receipt is registered on the books of the Depositary (or the Registrar, if any) maintained for such purpose. A Holder may or may not be a Beneficial Owner. If a Holder is not the Beneficial Owner of the ADSs evidenced by the Receipt registered in its name, such person shall be deemed to have all requisite authority to act on behalf of the Beneficial Owners of the ADSs evidenced by such Receipt.
Section 1.25 "Initial Deposit" shall mean the initial deposit of Shares or Certificates of Payment, as the case may be, in connection with the Offering (as hereinafter defined).
Section 1.26 "NT dollars" and "NT$" shall refer to the lawful currency of Taiwan, Republic of China.
Section 1.27 "Offering" shall mean the offering of ADSs in the United States and in countries other than the Republic of China as contemplated by the Underwriting Agreements, dated as of May 23, 2002, by and among Salomon Smith Barney, Inc., as representatives of the several underwriters listed in Schedule I thereto, the Company and certain of the Company's shareholders.
Section 1.28 "Pre-Cancellation Sale" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.10(b).
Section 1.29 "Pre-Release Transaction" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.10(a).
Section 1.30 "Principal Office", when used with respect to the Depositary, shall mean the principal office of the Depositary at which at any particular time its depositary receipts business shall be administered, which, at the date of this Deposit Agreement, is located at 111 Wall Street, New York, New York 10043, U.S.A.
Section 1.31 "Prospectuses" shall mean the Company's Prospectuses, dated May 23, 2002, delivered in connection with the Offering pursuant to the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-87418), filed with the Commission on May 15, 2002 and declared effective on May 22, 2002.
Section 1.32 "Receipt(s)"; "American Depositary Receipt(s)" and "ADR(s)" shall mean any series of the certificate(s) issued by the Depositary to evidence the American Depositary Shares issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, as such Receipts may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement. A Receipt may evidence any number of American Depositary Shares and may, in the case of American Depositary Shares held through a central depository such as DTC, be in the form of a "Balance Certificate." Unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, the term "Receipts" shall include the Temporary ADRs evidencing the Temporary EC ADSs or the Temporary COP ADSs issued hereunder, individually or collectively, as the context may require.
Section 1.33 "Registrar" shall mean the Depositary or any bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, which shall be
appointed by the Depositary to register issuances, transfers and cancellations of Receipts as herein provided, and shall include any co-registrar appointed by the Depositary for such purposes. Registrars (other than the Depositary) may be removed and substitutes appointed by the Depositary. Each Registrar (other than the Depositary) appointed pursuant to this Deposit Agreement shall be required to give notice in writing to the Depositary accepting such appointment and agreeing to be bound by the applicable terms of this Deposit Agreement.
Section 1.34 "Republic of China", "ROC" and "Taiwan" shall mean the Republic of China.
Section 1.35 "Restricted Securities" shall mean collectively or
individually, as the context may require, Eligible Securities, Deposited
Securities or ADSs, which (i) have been acquired directly or indirectly from
the Company or any of its Affiliates in a transaction or a chain of
transactions not involving any public offering and are subject to resale
limitations under the Securities Act (as hereinafter defined) or the rules
issued thereunder, or (ii) are held by an officer or director (or persons
performing similar functions) or other Affiliate of the Company, or (iii) are
subject to other restrictions on sale or deposit under (a) the laws of the
United States, (b) the laws of the Republic of China, (c) a shareholders'
agreement, (d) the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, or (e) the
regulations of an applicable securities exchange unless, in each case, (x) such
Eligible Securities, Deposited Securities or ADSs are being transferred or sold
to persons other than an Affiliate of the Company in a transaction (i) covered
by an effective resale registration statement, or (ii) exempt from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act (as hereinafter defined), and
(y) the Eligible Securities, Deposited Securities or ADSs are not, when held by
such person(s), Restricted Securities.
Section 1.36 "Restricted ADRs" , "Restricted ADS(s)" and "Restricted Shares" shall have the respective meanings set forth in Section 2.14.
Section 1.37 "Securities Act" shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as from time to time amended.
Section 1.38 "SFC" shall mean the ROC Securities and Futures Commission, as further described in Section 2.3 hereof.
Section 1.39 "Shares" shall mean the Company's shares of common stock, each having a par value of NT$10.00 per share, validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and may, if the Depositary so agrees after obtaining written consent from the Company, include evidence of the right to receive Shares (other than Entitlement Certificates or Certificates of Payment); provided that in no event shall Shares include evidence of the right to receive Shares with respect to which the full purchase price has not been paid or Shares as to which preemptive rights have theretofore not been validly waived or exercised; provided further, however, that, if there shall occur any change in par value, split-up, consolidation, reclassification, exchange, conversion or any other event described in Section 4.11 in respect of the Shares of the Company, the term "Shares" shall thereafter, to the maximum extent permitted by law, represent the successor securities resulting from such change in par value, split-up, consolidation, reclassification, exchange, conversion, or other event.
Section 1.40 "Share American Depositary Receipt(s)" and "Share ADR(s)" shall mean the Receipts issued by the Depositary to evidence Share ADSs issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, as such Share ADRs may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof. A Share ADR may evidence any number of Share ADSs and may, in the case of Share ADSs held through a central depository such as DTC, be in the form of a "Balance Certificate". Share ADRs shall, unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, be deemed to be Receipts for all purposes under this Deposit Agreement.
Section 1.41 "Share American Depositary Share(s)" and "Share ADS(s)" shall mean the rights and interests in deposited Shares granted to Holders and Beneficial Owners pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and the Share ADRs issued hereunder to evidence such Share ADSs. Share ADSs shall, unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, be deemed to be American Depositary Shares or ADSs, as the context may require, for all purposes under this Deposit Agreement.
Section 1.42 "Shareholder Notice" shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.10(b).
Section 1.43 "Taiwan Securities Central Depository Co., Ltd." shall mean the central depository for Shares and Entitlement Certificates in the Republic of China, and any successor thereto.
Section 1.44 "Taiwan Stock Exchange" and "TSE" shall mean the stock exchange in Taiwan, Republic of China, upon which the Company's Shares are listed for trading and any successor stock exchange thereto.
Section 1.45 "Temporary ADS(s)" shall mean, collectively or individually as the context requires, the Temporary EC ADSs and/or the Temporary COP ADSs, each as issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement. Unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, Temporary ADSs shall be deemed for all purposes to be American Depositary Shares or ADSs issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement.
Section 1.46 "Temporary ADR(s)" shall mean, collectively or individually as the context requires, the Temporary EC ADRs and/or the Temporary COP ADRs, each as issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement. Unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, Temporary ADRs shall be deemed for all purposes to be Receipts issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement.
Section 1.47 "Temporary EC ADS(s)" shall mean the rights and interests in deposited Entitlement Certificates issued to Holders and Beneficial Owners pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 2.13 hereof) and the applicable Temporary EC ADR(s) (as defined below) issued hereunder to evidence such Temporary EC ADSs. Temporary EC ADSs shall, unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, be deemed to be American Depositary Shares or ADSs, as the context may require, for all purposes under this Deposit Agreement.
Section 1.48 "Temporary EC ADR(s)" shall mean the Receipts issued by the Depositary to evidence Temporary EC ADSs issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement
(including, without limitation, Section 2.13 hereof), as such Temporary EC ADRs may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof. A Temporary EC ADR may evidence any number of Temporary EC ADSs and may, in the case of Temporary EC ADSs held through a central depository such as DTC, be in the form of a "Balance Certificate." Temporary EC ADRs shall, unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, be deemed to be Receipts for all purposes under this Deposit Agreement.
Section 1.49 "Temporary COP ADS(s)" shall mean the rights and interests in deposited Certificate of Payment issued to Holders and Beneficial Owners pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 2.12 hereof) and the applicable Temporary COP ADR(s) issued hereunder to evidence such Temporary COP ADSs. Temporary COP ADSs shall, unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, be deemed to be American Depositary Shares or ADSs, as the context may require, for all purposes under this Deposit Agreement.
Section 1.50 "Temporary COP ADR(s)" shall mean the Receipts issued by the Depositary to evidence Temporary COP ADSs issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 2.12 hereof), as such Temporary COP ADRs may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof. A Temporary COP ADR may evidence any number of Temporary COP ADSs and may, in the case of Temporary COP ADSs held through a central depository such as DTC, be in the form of a "Balance Certificate." Temporary COP ADRs shall, unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, be deemed to be Receipts for all purposes under the Deposit Agreement.
Section 1.51 "Trust Deed" shall mean any trust deed, trust indenture or similar agreement in respect of Bonds, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Section 1.52 "United States" shall have the meaning assigned to it in Regulation S as promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act.
Section 1.53 "Voting Representative" shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.10(b).
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT OF DEPOSITARY; FORM OF RECEIPTS;
DEPOSIT OF ELIGIBLE SECURITIES; EXECUTION
AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS
Section 2.1 Appointment of Depositary. The Company hereby appoints the Depositary as depositary for the Deposited Securities and hereby authorizes and directs the Depositary to act in accordance with the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement. Each Holder and each Beneficial Owner, upon acceptance of any ADSs (or any interest therein) issued in accordance with the terms of this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed for all purposes to (a) be a party to and bound by the terms of this Deposit Agreement and (b) appoint the Depositary as its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, to act on its behalf and to take any and all actions contemplated in this Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, Sections 2.12 and 2.13
hereof), to adopt any and all procedures necessary to comply with applicable law and to take such action as the Depositary in its sole discretion may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Deposit Agreement including, without limitation, the designation of one of the Holders and Beneficial Owners as the representative of all Holders and Beneficial Owners (the taking of such actions to be the conclusive determinant of the necessity and appropriateness thereof). The Depositary shall cause its nominee, as representative of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, not to be elected as a director or supervisor of the Company.
Section 2.2 Form and Transferability of Receipts.
(a) Form. ADSs shall be evidenced by definitive Receipts which shall be engraved, printed, lithographed or produced in such other manner as may be agreed upon by the Company and the Depositary. Receipts may be issued under the Deposit Agreement in denominations of any whole number of ADSs. The Receipts shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement, with any appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, in each case as otherwise contemplated in the Deposit Agreement or required by law. Receipts shall be (i) dated, (ii) signed by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary, (iii) countersigned by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Registrar, and (iv) registered in the books maintained by the Registrar for the registration of issuances and transfers of Receipts. No Receipt and no ADS evidenced thereby shall be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or enforceable for any purpose against the Depositary or the Company, unless such Receipt shall have been so dated, signed, countersigned and registered. Receipts bearing the facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, who at the time of signature was a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, as the case may be, shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding the fact that such signatory has ceased to be so authorized prior to the delivery of such Receipt by the Depositary. The Share ADRs, the Temporary EC ADRs and the Temporary COP ADRs shall each bear a separate and distinct CUSIP number that is different from one another and from any CUSIP number that was, is or may be assigned to any depositary receipts previously or subsequently issued pursuant to any other arrangement between the Depositary (or any other depositary) and the Company and which are not Receipts issued hereunder.
(b) Legends. The Receipts may be endorsed with, or have incorporated in the text thereof, such legends or recitals not inconsistent with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement (i) as may be necessary to enable the Depositary to perform its obligations hereunder, (ii) as may be required to comply with any applicable laws or regulations, or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or market upon which ADSs may be traded, listed or quoted, or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, (iii) as may be necessary to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Receipts or ADSs are subject by reason of the date of issuance or type of the Deposited Securities or otherwise, or (iv) as may be required by any book-entry system in which the ADSs are held.
(c) Title. Subject to the limitations contained herein and in the Receipt, title to a Receipt (and to each ADS evidenced thereby) shall be transferable upon the same terms as a certificated security under the laws of the State of New York, provided that such Receipt has been properly endorsed or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer. Notwithstanding
any notice to the contrary, the Depositary and the Company may deem and treat the Holder of a Receipt (that is, the person in whose name a Receipt is registered on the books of the Depositary) as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation nor be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement or any Receipt to any holder of a Receipt or any Beneficial Owner unless such holder is the Holder of such Receipt registered on the books of the Depositary or, in the case of a Beneficial Owner, such Beneficial Owner, or the Beneficial Owner's representative, is the Holder registered on the books of the Depositary.
(d) Book-Entry Systems. The Depositary shall make arrangements for the acceptance of the ADSs into DTC. A single ADR in the form of a "Balance Certificate" will evidence the ADSs held through DTC and will be registered in the name of the nominee for DTC (currently "Cede & Co.") and will provide that it represents the aggregate amount of ADSs from time to time indicated in the records of the Depositary as being issued hereunder and that the aggregate amount of ADSs represented thereby may from time to time be increased or decreased by making adjustments on such records of the Depositary and of DTC or its nominee as hereinafter provided. As such, the nominee for DTC will be the only "Holder" of the ADR evidencing the ADSs held through DTC. Citibank, N.A. (or such other entity as is appointed by DTC or its nominee) may hold the "Balance Certificate" as custodian for DTC. Each Beneficial Owner of ADSs held through DTC must rely upon the procedures of DTC and the DTC Participants to exercise or be entitled to any rights attributable to such ADSs. The DTC Participants shall for all purposes be deemed to have all requisite power and authority to act on behalf of the Beneficial Owners of the ADSs held in the DTC Participants' respective accounts in DTC and the Depositary shall for all purposes be authorized to rely upon any instructions and information given to it by DTC Participants on behalf of Beneficial Owners of ADSs. So long as ADSs are held through DTC or unless otherwise required by law, ownership of beneficial interests in the ADR registered in the name of the nominee for DTC will be shown on, and transfers of such ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by (i) DTC or its nominee (with respect to the interests of DTC Participants), or (ii) DTC Participants or their nominees (with respect to the interests of clients of DTC Participants).
Section 2.3 Deposit with Custodian. The Depositary and the Company have
been advised that under current ROC law, no deposits of Eligible Securities may
be made in the ADS Facility, and no ADSs may be issued against such deposits,
without receipt of specific approval of the ROC Securities and Futures
Commission (the "SFC"), except in connection with the offering and the issuance
of additional Eligible Securities in connection with (i) dividends on or free
distributions of Eligible Securities, (ii) the exercise by Holders of their
preemptive rights applicable to Eligible Securities evidenced by ADSs in the
event of capital increases for cash or (iii) Entitlement Certificates or Shares
delivered to holders of Bonds in connection with the exercise of conversion or
exchange rights of Bonds for ADSs to the extent covered by SFC approval or (iv)
as permitted hereunder, the purchase by any person directly or through the
Depositary of Shares on the TSE or delivery of Shares to the Custodian for
deposit in the ADS Facility, provided that the total number of ADSs outstanding
after an issuance described in clause (iv) does not exceed the number of issued
ADSs previously approved by the SFC (plus any ADSs created pursuant to clauses
(i) and (ii) above). The Depositary and the Company have been advised that
under current ROC law, in calculating the number of ADSs outstanding after the
ADSs have been canceled upon the withdrawal of the corresponding Shares from
the ADS
facility, ADSs will continue to be deemed outstanding solely for such purpose if such Shares have not been sold in the ROC market following their withdrawal and continue to be held in the form of Shares by a non-ROC person.
Subject to applicable laws and regulations of the Republic of China and to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, Eligible Securities or evidence of rights to receive Eligible Securities (other than Restricted Securities) may be deposited by any person (including the Depositary in its individual capacity, but subject, however, in the case of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, to Section 5.7 hereof) at any time, whether or not the transfer books of the Company maintained by the Eligible Securities Registrar, if any, are closed, by Delivery of the Eligible Securities to the Custodian. Every deposit of Eligible Securities shall be accompanied by the following: (A) (i) in the case of Eligible Securities represented by certificates issued in registered form, appropriate instruments of transfer or endorsement, in a form satisfactory to the Custodian, and (ii) in the case of Eligible Securities delivered by book-entry transfer, confirmation of such book-entry transfer to the Custodian or that irrevocable instructions have been given to cause such Eligible Securities to be so transferred, (B) such certifications and payments (including, without limitation, the Depositary's fees and related charges) and evidence of such payments (including, without limitation, stamping or otherwise marking such Eligible Securities by way of receipt) as may be required by the Depositary or the Custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, (C) if the Depositary so requires, a written order directing the Depositary to execute and deliver to, or upon the written order of, the person(s) stated in such order a Receipt or Receipts for the number of ADSs representing the Eligible Securities so deposited, (D) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary (which may be an opinion of counsel) that all necessary approvals have been granted by, or there has been compliance with the rules and regulations of, any applicable governmental agency in the Republic of China, provided, however, that no opinion of counsel shall be necessary in connection with the deposit by the Company of a free distribution of Eligible Securities by way of dividend or stock split (other than elective distributions), and (E) if the Depositary so requires, (i) an agreement, assignment or instrument satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian which provides for the prompt transfer by any person in whose name the Eligible Securities are or have been recorded to the Depositary, the Custodian or any nominee of any distribution, or right to subscribe for additional Eligible Securities or to receive other property in respect of any such deposited Eligible Securities or, in lieu thereof, such indemnity or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian and (ii) subject to ROC law and regulations if the Eligible Securities are registered in the name of the person on whose behalf they are presented for deposit, an authorization entitling the Depositary, the Custodian or any nominee to exercise voting rights in respect of the Eligible Securities for any and all purposes until the Eligible Securities so deposited are registered in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or any nominee, as representative of the Holders and Beneficial Owners.
The Initial Deposit(s) of Eligible Securities into the ADR Facility will be made, by or on behalf of the Company and certain shareholders approved to sell ADSs in the Offering, by (i) the Delivery to the Custodian by the Company of Shares and/or a Certificate of Payment evidencing the irrevocable right to receive the physical share certificates representing the Shares registered in the name of the nominee of the Depositary as representative of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, as instructed by the Depositary and (ii) the Delivery to the Custodian of
Shares by or on behalf of certain selling shareholders. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, upon such Initial Deposit(s), the Depositary shall execute and deliver ADRs evidencing the ADSs representing the Deposited Securities constituting the Initial Deposit(s) in the manner provided in Section 2.5.
Without limiting any other provision of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall instruct the Custodian not to, and neither the Depositary nor the Custodian, nor any nominee, agent or person acting on their behalf, shall knowingly, accept for deposit (a) any Restricted Securities nor (b) any fractional Eligible Securities nor (c) a number of Eligible Securities which upon application of the ADS-to-Eligible Securities ratio would give rise to fractional ADSs. In addition, the Depositary and the Custodian shall refuse to accept Shares for deposit (i) whenever notified, as hereafter provided, that the Company has restricted transfer of such Shares to comply with delivery or transfer requirements and/or ownership restrictions referred to in this Deposit Agreement or under applicable law or (ii) in the case of a deposit of Shares requested under Section 2.3 (iv), if such deposit is not permitted under any legal restriction notified by the Company to the Depositary from time to time, which restrictions may specify black-out periods during which deposits may not be made, minimum or maximum numbers of Shares and frequencies of deposit. Other than the Eligible Securities deposited by the Company that constitute a free distribution of Eligible Securities by way of dividend or stock split (other than elective distributions), no Eligible Securities shall be accepted for deposit unless accompanied by evidence, if any is required by the Depositary, that is reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian that all conditions to such deposit have been satisfied by the person depositing such Eligible Securities under the laws and regulations of the Republic of China and any necessary governmental approval has been granted in the Republic of China, if any. The Depositary may issue ADSs against evidence of rights to receive Eligible Securities from the Company, any agent of the Company or any custodian, registrar, transfer agent, clearing agency or other entity involved in ownership or transaction records in respect of the Eligible Securities. Such evidence of rights shall consist of written blanket or specific guarantees of ownership of Eligible Securities furnished by the Company or any such custodian, registrar, transfer agent, clearing agency or other entity involved in ownership or transaction records in respect of the Eligible Securities.
Section 2.4 Registration and Safekeeping of Deposited Securities. The Depositary shall instruct the Custodian upon each Delivery of certificates representing registered Eligible Securities being deposited hereunder with the Custodian (or other Deposited Securities pursuant to Article IV hereof), together with the other documents above specified, to present such certificate(s), together with the appropriate instrument(s) of transfer or endorsement, duly stamped, to the Eligible Securities Registrar for transfer and registration of the Eligible Securities (as soon as transfer and registration can be accomplished and at the expense of the person for whom the deposit is made) in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or a nominee of either, as representative of the Holders and Beneficial Owners. Deposited Securities shall be held by the Depositary or by a Custodian for the account and to the order of the Depositary or a nominee, in each case on behalf of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, at such place or places as the Depositary or the Custodian shall determine. Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian may dispose of or pledge any of the Deposited Securities unless specifically permitted under this Deposit Agreement.
Without limitation of the foregoing, neither the Depositary nor the Custodian, or any nominee, agent or person acting on their behalf shall knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any Eligible Securities required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Eligible Securities, or any Eligible Securities the deposit of which would violate any provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company.
Section 2.5 Execution and Delivery of Receipts. The Depositary has made arrangements with the Custodian to confirm to the Depositary (i) that a deposit of Eligible Securities has been made pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, (ii) that such Deposited Securities have been recorded, or will be recorded as soon as transfer and registration can be accomplished, in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or a nominee of either, as representative of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, on the shareholders' register maintained by or on behalf of the Company by the Eligible Securities Registrar if registered Eligible Securities have been deposited or if deposit is made by book-entry transfer, confirmation of such transfer in the books of the Taiwan Securities Central Depository, (iii) that all required documents have been received, and (iv) the person(s) to whom or upon whose order ADSs are deliverable in respect thereof and the number of ADSs to be so delivered thereby. Such notification may be made by letter, cable, telex, SWIFT message or, at the risk and expense of the person making the deposit, by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission. Upon receiving such notice from the Custodian, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, shall issue the ADSs representing the Eligible Securities so deposited to or upon the order of the person(s) named in the notice delivered to the Depositary and shall execute and deliver at its Principal Office Receipt(s) registered in the name(s) requested by such person(s) and evidencing the aggregate number of ADSs to which such person(s) are entitled, but only upon payment to the Depositary of the charges of the Depositary for accepting a deposit, issuing ADSs and executing and delivering such Receipt(s) (as set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereto) and all taxes and governmental charges and fees payable in connection with such deposit and the transfer of the Eligible Securities and the issuance of the Receipt(s). The Depositary shall only issue ADSs in whole numbers and deliver ADRs evidencing whole numbers of ADSs. Nothing herein shall prohibit any Pre-Release Transaction upon the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement.
Section 2.6 Transfer, Combination and Split-up of Receipts.
(a) Transfer. The Registrar shall register the transfer of Receipts (and of the ADSs represented thereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall cancel such Receipts and execute new Receipts evidencing the same aggregate number and type of ADSs as those evidenced by the Receipts canceled by the Depositary, shall cause the Registrar to countersign such new Receipts and shall Deliver such new Receipts to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto, if each of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) the Receipts have been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a transfer thereof, (ii) the surrendered Receipts have been properly endorsed or are accompanied by proper instruments of transfer (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice), (iii) the surrendered Receipts have been duly stamped (if required by the laws of the State of New York or of the United States), and (iv) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses
incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereto) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the applicable Receipts, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
(b) Combination & Split Up. The Registrar shall register the split-up or combination of Receipts (and of the ADSs represented thereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall cancel such Receipts and execute new Receipts for the number of ADSs requested, but in the aggregate not exceeding the number of the same type of ADSs evidenced by the Receipts canceled by the Depositary, shall cause the Registrar to countersign such new Receipts and shall Deliver such new Receipts to or upon the order of the Holder thereof, if each of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) the Receipts have been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination thereof, and (ii) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereto) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the applicable Receipts, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
(c) Co-Transfer Agents. The Depositary may appoint one or more co-transfer agents for the purpose of effecting transfers, combinations and split-ups of Receipts at designated transfer offices on behalf of the Depositary. In carrying out its functions, a co-transfer agent may require evidence of authority and compliance with applicable laws and the other requirements of this Section 2.6 by Holders or persons entitled to such Receipts and will be entitled to protection and indemnity to the same extent as the Depositary. Such co-transfer agents may be removed and substitutes appointed by the Depositary. Each co-transfer agent appointed under this Section 2.6 (other than the Depositary) shall give notice in writing to the Depositary accepting such appointment and agreeing to be bound by the applicable terms of the Deposit Agreement.
Section 2.7 Surrender of ADSs and Withdrawal and Sale of Deposited Securities.
(a) ROC Requirements. The Depositary and the Company have been advised that under ROC law, until three (3) months after the closing of the Offering, a Holder is not entitled to withdraw or sell Shares from the ADS Facility; consequently, the Company and the Depositary agree to prohibit the surrender of ADSs and the sale or Delivery of any Shares deposited in connection with the Offering until the expiration of such three-month period. A Holder wishing to withdraw Shares from the ADS Facility shall be required under ROC law to appoint an eligible agent in the Republic of China to open a securities trading account with a local brokerage firm after receiving an approval from the TSE and a bank account (the securities trading account and the bank account, collectively, the "Accounts"), to pay ROC taxes, remit funds, exercise stockholders' rights and perform such other functions as may be designated by such withdrawing Holder. In addition, such withdrawing Holder is also required to appoint a custodian bank to hold the securities in safekeeping, make confirmations and settle trades and report all relevant information. Without making such appointment and until approval from the TSE is obtained, the withdrawing Holder would be unable to receive, hold , or subsequently sell the Deposited Securities withdrawn from the ADS Facilities on the TSE or otherwise.
(b) Sale of Deposited Securities. Upon surrender of Receipts at the Principal Office and upon payment of any fees, reasonable expenses, taxes or other governmental charges as provided hereunder, subject to the terms of this Deposit Agreement, and the transfer restrictions applicable to the Deposited Securities, if any, Holders may request that the Deposited Securities represented by such Holders' Receipts be sold on such Holders' behalf. Any Holder requesting a sale of Deposited Securities may be required by the Depositary to deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Depositary a written order requesting the Depositary to sell, or cause to be sold, such Deposited Securities. Any such sale of Deposited Securities will be conducted in accordance with applicable ROC law through a securities company in the ROC on the TSE or in such other manner as is or may be permitted under applicable ROC law. Any such sale of Deposited Securities will be at the expense and risk of the Holder requesting such sale.
Upon receipt of any proceeds from any such sale, the Depositary shall, subject to any restrictions imposed by ROC law and regulations, and as provided hereunder, convert or cause to be converted any such proceeds into U.S. dollars and distribute any such proceeds to the Holders entitled thereto after deduction or payment of any fees, reasonable expenses, taxes or governmental charges incurred in connection with such sale, as provided under this Deposit Agreement. Any such sale may be subject to ROC taxation on capital gains, if any, and will be subject to a securities transaction tax in the ROC.
(c) Withdrawal of Deposited Securities. The Holder of ADSs shall be entitled to Delivery (at the Custodian's designated office) of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the ADS(s) upon satisfaction of each of the following conditions: (i) the Holder (or a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) has duly Delivered ADSs to the Depositary at its Principal Office (and if applicable, the Receipts evidencing such ADSs) for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, (ii) if so required by the Depositary, the Receipts Delivered to the Depositary for such purpose have been properly endorsed in blank or are accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice), (iii) if so required by the Depositary, the Holder of the ADSs has executed and delivered to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be Delivered to or upon the written order of the person(s) designated in such order, (iv) the Holder has delivered to the Depositary the certification contemplated in Exhibit C hereof, duly completed by or on behalf of the Beneficial Owner(s) of the ADSs surrendered for withdrawal (unless the Depositary is otherwise instructed by the Company), and (v) all applicable fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereof) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the Receipts evidencing the surrendered ADSs, of the Deposit Agreement, of the Company's Articles of Incorporation and of any applicable laws, and the regulations and rules of the Republic of China and the rules of the TSE and the Taiwan Securities Central Depository, and to any provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
Upon satisfaction of each of the conditions specified above, the Depositary (i) shall cancel the ADSs Delivered to it (and, if applicable, the Receipts evidencing the ADSs so Delivered), (ii) shall direct the Registrar to record the cancellation of the ADSs so Delivered on the books maintained for such purpose, and (iii) shall direct the Custodian to Deliver (without
unreasonable delay) at the Custodian's designated office the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs so canceled together with any certificate or other document of title for the Deposited Securities, or evidence of the electronic transfer thereof (if available), as the case may be, to or upon the written order of the person(s) designated in the order delivered to the Depositary for such purpose, subject however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, of the Receipts evidencing the ADSs so canceled, of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, of applicable laws and the rules and regulations of the Republic of China and the rules of the TSE and the Taiwan Securities Central Depository, and to the terms and conditions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
The Depositary shall not accept for surrender ADSs representing less than
one Eligible Security. In the case of the Delivery to it of ADSs representing a
number other than a whole number of Eligible Securities, the Depositary shall
cause ownership of the appropriate whole number of Eligible Securities to be
Delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall, at the discretion of
the Depositary, either (i) return to the person surrendering such ADSs the
number of ADSs representing any remaining fractional Eligible Security, or (ii)
sell or cause to be sold the fractional Eligible Security represented by the
ADS(s) so surrendered and remit the proceeds of such sale (net of (a)
applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and
(b) taxes withheld) to the person surrendering the ADSs. In addition, trading
restrictions on the TSE may result in the price per Eligible Security or on any
lot of any type of Eligible Security other than an integral multiple of 1,000
Eligible Securities being lower than the price of Eligible Securities in lots
of integral multiples of 1,000 Eligible Securities.
Notwithstanding anything else contained in any Receipt or the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may make delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary of (i) any cash dividends or cash distributions, or (ii) any proceeds from the sale of any distributions of securities or rights, which are at the time held by the Depositary in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs surrendered for cancellation and withdrawal. At the request, risk and expense of any Holder so surrendering ADSs, and for the account of such Holder, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward (to the extent permitted by law) any cash or other property (other than securities) held by the Custodian in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by such ADSs to the Depositary for delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Holder, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission.
Section 2.8 Additional Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, etc. of Receipts; Suspension of Delivery, Transfer, etc.
(a) Additional Requirements. As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery, registration, registration of transfer, split-up, combination or surrender of any Receipt, the delivery of any distribution thereon, or the withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary or the Custodian may require (i) payment from the depositor of Eligible Securities or presenter of ADSs or of a Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Eligible Securities being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees and charges of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereof, (ii) the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness
of any signature or any other matter contemplated by Section 3.1 hereof, and
(iii) compliance with (A) any laws or governmental regulations relating to the
execution and delivery of Receipts or ADSs or to the deposit of Eligible
Securities or the withdrawal of Deposited Securities and (B) such reasonable
regulations as the Depositary and the Company may establish consistent with the
provisions of the applicable Receipt, this Deposit Agreement and applicable
law.
(b) Additional Limitations. The issuance of ADSs against deposits of Eligible Securities generally or against deposits of particular Eligible Securities may be suspended, or the deposit of particular Eligible Securities may be refused, or the registration of transfer of Receipts in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfers of Receipts generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Company, the Depositary, a Registrar or the Eligible Securities Registrar are closed or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company, in good faith, at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law, any government or governmental body or commission or any securities exchange on which the ADSs or Eligible Securities are listed, or under any provision of this Deposit Agreement or the applicable Receipt(s) or, under any provision of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, or because of a meeting of shareholders of the Company or for any other reason, subject, in all cases, to Section 7.8 hereof. In addition, the Depositary and the Custodian shall refuse to accept Shares for deposit (i) whenever notified, as hereafter provided, that the Company has restricted transfer of such Shares to comply with delivery or transfer requirements and/or ownership restrictions referred to in this Deposit Agreement or under applicable law, (ii) in the case of a deposit of Shares requested under Section 2.3 (iv), if such deposit is not permitted under any restriction notified by the Company to the Depositary from time to time, which restrictions may specify black-out periods during which deposits may not be made, minimum or maximum numbers of Shares and frequencies of deposit.
(c) Regulatory Restrictions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Deposit Agreement or any Receipt(s) to the contrary, Holders are entitled to surrender outstanding ADSs to withdraw the Deposited Securities at any time subject only to (i) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the Depositary or the Company, or the deposit of Eligible Securities in connection with voting at a shareholders' meeting or the payment of dividends, (ii) the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges, (iii) compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the Receipts or to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities, and (iv) other circumstances specifically contemplated by Section I.A.(l) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 (as such General Instructions may be amended from time to time).
Section 2.9 Lost Receipts, etc. In case any Receipt shall be mutilated, destroyed, lost, or stolen, the Depositary shall execute and deliver a new Receipt of like tenor at the expense of the Holder (a) in the case of a mutilated Receipt, in exchange of and substitution for such mutilated Receipt upon cancellation thereof, or (b) in the case of a destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt, in lieu of and in substitution for such destroyed, lost, or stolen Receipt, after the Holder thereof (i) has submitted to the Depositary a written request for such exchange and substitution before the Depositary has notice that the Receipt has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, (ii) has provided such security or indemnity (including an indemnity bond) as may be required by the Depositary to save it and any of its agents harmless, and (iii) has satisfied any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Depositary, including, without limitation, the
provision of evidence satisfactory to the Depositary of such destruction, loss or theft of such Receipt, the authenticity thereof and the Holder's ownership thereof.
Section 2.10 Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts; Maintenance of Records. All Receipts surrendered to the Depositary shall be canceled by the Depositary. Canceled Receipts shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or enforceable against the Depositary for any purpose. The Depositary is authorized to destroy Receipts so canceled, provided the Depositary maintains a record of all destroyed Receipts. ADSs held in book-entry form (i.e., through accounts at DTC) which are surrendered for cancellation shall be deemed canceled when the Depositary causes the number of ADSs evidenced by the Balance Certificate to be reduced by the number of ADSs surrendered (without the need to physically destroy the Balance Certificate).
Section 2.11 Partial Entitlement ADSs. In the event that any Eligible
Securities are deposited which entitle the holders thereof to receive a
per-Deposited Security distribution or other entitlement in an amount different
from the Deposited Securities then on deposit (the Deposited Securities then on
deposit collectively, "Full Entitlement Deposited Securities" and the Deposited
Securities with different entitlement collectively, "Partial Entitlement
Deposited Securities"), the Depositary shall (i) cause the Custodian to hold
Partial Entitlement Deposited Securities separate and distinct from Full
Entitlement Deposited Securities, and (ii) subject to the terms of this Deposit
Agreement, issue ADSs and deliver ADRs representing Partial Entitlement
Deposited Securities which are separate and distinct from the ADSs and ADRs
representing Full Entitlement Deposited Securities, by means of separate CUSIP
numbering and legending (if necessary) ("Partial Entitlement ADSs/ADRs" and
"Full Entitlement ADSs/ADRs", respectively). If and when the Company informs
the Depositary in writing that the Partial Entitlement Eligible Securities
become Full Entitlement Eligible Securities, the Depositary shall (a) give
notice thereof to Holders of Partial Entitlement ADSs and give Holders of
Partial Entitlement ADRs the opportunity to exchange such Partial Entitlement
ADRs for Full Entitlement ADRs, (b) cause the Custodian to transfer the Partial
Entitlement Deposited Securities into the account of the Full Entitlement
Deposited Securities, and (c) take such actions as are necessary to remove the
distinctions between (i) the Partial Entitlement ADRs and ADSs, on the one
hand, and (ii) the Full Entitlement ADRs and ADSs on the other. Holders and
Beneficial Owners of Partial Entitlement ADSs shall be entitled only to the
entitlements of Partial Entitlement Deposited Securities. Holders and
Beneficial Owners of Full Entitlement ADSs shall be entitled only to the
entitlements of Full Entitlement Deposited Securities. All provisions and
conditions of this Deposit Agreement shall apply to Partial Entitlement ADRs
and ADSs to the same extent as Full Entitlement ADRs and ADSs, except as
contemplated by this Section 2.11. The Depositary is authorized to take any and
all other actions as may be necessary (including, without limitation, making
the necessary notations on Receipts) to give effect to the terms of this
Section 2.11. The Company agrees to give timely written notice to the
Depositary if any Eligible Securities issued or to be issued are Partial
Entitlement Eligible Securities and shall assist the Depositary with the
establishment of procedures enabling the identification of Partial Entitlement
Eligible Securities upon Delivery to the Custodian.
Section 2.12 Temporary COP ADSs. In the event that, in determining the rights and obligations of parties hereto with respect to any Temporary COP ADSs, any conflict arises between (a) the terms of this Deposit Agreement (other than this Section 2.12) and (b) the terms
of (i) the Temporary COP ADSs issued hereunder as set forth in this Section 2.12 or (ii) the applicable Temporary COP ADR, the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 2.12 and the applicable Temporary COP ADR shall be controlling and shall govern the rights and obligations of the parties to this Deposit Agreement pertaining to the Certificates of Payment, the Temporary COP ADSs and the Temporary COP ADRs.
Whenever the Company proposes to issue Certificates of Payment eligible for deposit hereunder (in connection with the Offering or otherwise), the Company shall timely notify the Depositary thereof and provide the Depositary with written instructions to the effect that, inter alia, (i) the Certificates of Payment have been or are to be issued pursuant to a bona fide purchase of Shares from the Company, (ii) the Certificates of Payment are not, and shall not be deemed to be upon their deposit, Restricted Securities (except as contemplated in this Section 2.12 and in Section 2.14), (iii) the rights (if any) to any distribution upon Deposited Securities to be made to Holders of Temporary COP ADSs representing such Certificates of Payment upon the terms set forth in Article IV hereof have been set forth in such instructions, and (iv) the estimated date established by the Company upon which the Company shall convert or cause to be converted the Certificates of Payment into Shares on its records and on the records of the Eligible Securities Registrar has been set forth in such instructions.
Subject always to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China, upon deposit of Certificates of Payment hereunder and, except in the case of the Offering, payment to the Depositary of the charges of the Depositary for accepting a deposit, issuing ADSs and issuing and delivering Receipts (as set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereto), the Depositary shall (i) cause the Custodian to hold such Certificates of Payment in an account separate and distinct from the Shares, any series of Entitlement Certificates, any other series of Certificates of Payment and any other Deposited Securities and (ii) issue and deliver Temporary COP ADSs representing interests in the Certificates of Payment so deposited. The Temporary COP ADSs so issued shall be identified and treated separately and distinctly from any other ADSs representing Deposited Securities hereunder by means, inter alia, of separate CUSIP numbering and legending (if necessary). The Depositary may issue Temporary COP ADSs in one or multiple series as the Depositary in its sole discretion deems necessary and appropriate. No Temporary COP ADS shall be fungible with any other ADSs issued hereunder.
The Depositary shall deliver Temporary COP ADSs in book-entry form only.
No certificated Temporary COP ADRs will be issued except for a "Balance
Certificate" evidencing all Temporary COP ADSs held in DTC, which shall be
substantially in the form of the Temporary COP ADR set forth in Exhibit A
hereto, except as may be necessary to identify and treat the Temporary COP ADSs
separate and distinct from any other ADSs issued under the terms of this
Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall make arrangements for the acceptance of
such Temporary COP ADSs into DTC upon the terms set forth in Section 2.2(d)
hereof. The Temporary COP ADSs and the Temporary COP ADRs evidenced thereby are
identical to and confer all of the rights and obligations set forth herein
relating to Receipts and ADSs represented thereby except that (i) subject
always to the applicable laws and regulations of the Republic of China, Holders
of Temporary COP ADRs will not be permitted to withdraw interests in
Certificate of Payment upon surrender of the Temporary COP ADSs of any series,
(ii) Temporary COP ADRs shall bear separate CUSIP numbers that shall be
different from any CUSIP number that is or may be assigned to the other ADSs
issued hereunder, (iii) neither
Temporary COP ADSs nor interests in any Certificates of Payment shall be
eligible for any Pre-Cancellation Sale or Pre-Release Transactions described in
Section 5.10 hereof and (iv) in the event that the Company makes any
distributions upon Deposited Securities upon the terms of Article IV of this
Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall make distributions to Holders of
Temporary COP ADSs on the basis of the distribution(s) received from the
Company in respect of the Certificates of Payment corresponding to the series
of Temporary COP ADSs held by such Holder.
The Company undertakes to make Shares available for exchange for Certificates of Payment in the manner provided under the terms of the Offering, as described in the Prospectus, as soon as possible (which at the date hereof is expected to be approximately forty-five (45) days from the date of issuance of the Certificates of Payment as reflected on the books of the Company and/or the Eligible Securities Registrar). The Depositary shall thereupon surrender any Certificates of Payment then eligible for exchange with the Company and the Company shall deliver Shares to the Depositary in exchange therefor. Upon receipt by the Depositary of Shares in exchange for Certificates of Payment, Temporary COP ADSs representing such Certificates of Payment shall be eligible for exchange into Share ADSs representing such Shares. Beneficial interests in Temporary COP ADSs will be automatically exchanged for beneficial interests in Share ADSs as follows: with no further action by Holders, the Depositary shall instruct DTC to automatically transfer any position held by a DTC participant under the CUSIP number assigned to the Temporary COP ADSs to the CUSIP number assigned to the Share ADSs. Holders and Beneficial Owners of such Temporary COP ADSs shall thereafter be Holders and Beneficial Owners of Share ADSs issued hereunder and shall have all the rights and obligations set forth under this Deposit Agreement and in the Receipts. The Depositary will charge no fee for the cancellation of the Temporary COP ADSs and issuance of Share ADSs in exchange therefor.
Notwithstanding anything in the Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the Depositary shall have no obligation to any party to exchange Temporary COP ADSs for Share ADSs as provided herein unless and until, upon delivery by the Depositary of the related Certificates of Payment, the Company shall have delivered Shares in respect thereof to the Depositary.
Section 2.13 Temporary EC ADSs. In the event that, in determining the rights and obligations of parties hereto with respect to any Temporary EC ADSs, any conflict arises between (a) the terms of this Deposit Agreement (other than this Section 2.13) and (b) the terms of (i) this Section 2.13 or (ii) the applicable Temporary EC ADR, the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 2.13 shall be controlling and shall govern the rights and obligations of the parties to this Deposit Agreement pertaining to the Entitlement Certificates, the Temporary EC ADSs and Temporary EC ADRs.
The Company shall timely notify the Depositary and provide the Depositary with written instructions to the effect that, inter alia, (i) Entitlement Certificates are to be issued upon a conversion or exchange of Bonds, (ii) the Entitlement Certificates are not and shall not be deemed to be, upon their deposit, Restricted Securities (except as contemplated in Section 2.14), (iii) the description of the rights (if any) to any distribution upon Deposited Securities to be made to Holders of Temporary EC ADSs representing such Entitlement Certificates upon the terms set
forth in Article IV hereof have been set forth in such instructions, and (iv) the estimated date established by the Company upon which the Company shall convert or cause to be converted the Entitlement Certificates into Shares on its records and on the records of the Eligible Securities Registrar has been set forth in such instructions.
Subject always to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China, upon deposit of Entitlement Certificates and payment to the Depositary of the charges of the Depositary for accepting a deposit, issuing ADSs and issuing and delivering Receipts (as set forth in Section 5.9 and Exhibit B hereto) hereunder, the Depositary shall (i) cause the Custodian to hold such Entitlement Certificates in an account separate and distinct from the Shares, any series of Certificates of Payment, any other series of Entitlement Certificates and any other Deposited Securities and (ii) issue and deliver Temporary EC ADSs representing the Entitlement Certificates so deposited. EC ADSs so issued shall be identified and treated separately and distinctly from any other ADSs representing Deposited Securities hereunder by means, inter alia, of separate CUSIP numbering and legending (if necessary). The Depositary may issue Temporary EC ADSs in one or more series as the Depositary in its sole discretion deems necessary and appropriate. No Temporary EC ADS shall be fungible with any other ADSs issued hereunder.
The Depositary shall deliver Temporary EC ADSs in book-entry form only. No
certificated Temporary EC ADRs will be issued except for a "Balance
Certificate" evidencing all Temporary EC ADSs of the same series held in DTC,
which shall be substantially in the form of the Temporary EC ADR set forth in
Exhibit A hereto, except as may be necessary to identify and treat the
Temporary EC ADSs as separate and distinct from any other ADSs issued under the
terms of this Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall make arrangements for the
acceptance of such Temporary EC ADSs into DTC upon the terms set forth in
Section 2.2(d) hereof. The Temporary EC ADSs and the Temporary EC ADRs shall be
identical to and confer all of the rights and obligations set forth herein
relating to Receipts and ADSs represented thereby except that (i) subject
always to the applicable laws and regulations of the Republic of China, Holders
of Temporary EC ADRs will only be entitled to receive Entitlement Certificates
of the applicable series held on deposit with the Custodian upon surrender of
the Temporary EC ADSs corresponding to such series for the purpose of
withdrawing the underlying Deposited Securities (whether for sale upon the
terms set forth in Section 2.7 hereof or otherwise), (ii) Temporary EC ADRs
shall bear separate CUSIP numbers that shall be different from any CUSIP number
that is or may be assigned to the other ADRs issued hereunder, (iii)Temporary
EC ADSs and Entitlement Certificates shall not be eligible for any
Pre-Cancellation Sale or Pre-Release Transactions described in Section 5.10
hereof and (iv) in the event that the Company makes any distributions upon
Deposited Securities upon the terms of Article IV of this Deposit Agreement,
the Depositary shall make distributions to the Holders of Temporary EC ADSs on
the basis of the distribution(s) received from the Company in respect of the
Entitlement Certificates corresponding to the series of Temporary EC ADSs held
by such Holder. In the event that the Company makes any distributions upon
Deposited Securities described in Article IV of this Deposit Agreement, the
Depositary shall (i) make the determinations contemplated in Article IV with
respect to Temporary EC ADSs independently from the determinations for ADSs
that are not Temporary EC ADSs and (ii) shall make distributions under Article
IV to Holders of Temporary EC ADSs only on the basis of the distributions
received from the Company in respect of the Entitlement Certificates
corresponding to the Temporary EC ADSs held by such Holders.
The Company undertakes to make Shares available for exchange for Entitlement Certificates in the manner provided under the terms of the relevant Bonds, as described in the relevant Trust Deed, as soon as possible after the issuance of the Entitlement Certificates and to provide timely notice thereof to the Depositary. The Depositary shall thereupon surrender any Entitlement Certificates then eligible for exchange with the Company and the Company shall deliver Shares to the Depositary in exchange therefor. Upon receipt by the Depositary of Shares in exchange for Entitlement Certificates, Temporary EC ADSs representing such Entitlement Certificates shall be automatically exchanged for Share ADSs representing such Shares. Beneficial interests in Temporary EC ADSs will be automatically exchanged for beneficial interests in Share ADSs as follows: with no further action by Holders, the Depositary shall instruct DTC to automatically transfer any position held by a DTC Participant under the CUSIP number assigned to the Temporary EC ADSs to the CUSIP number assigned to the Share ADSs. Holders and Beneficial Owners of such Temporary EC ADSs shall thereafter be Holders and Beneficial Owners of Share ADSs issued hereunder and shall have all the rights and obligations set forth under this Deposit Agreement and in the Receipts. The Depositary will charge no fee for the cancellation of the Temporary EC ADSs and issuance of Share ADSs in exchange therefor.
Notwithstanding anything in this Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the Depositary shall have no obligation to any party to exchange Temporary EC ADSs for Share ADSs as provided herein unless and until, upon delivery by the Depositary of the related Entitlement Certificates, the Company shall have delivered Shares in respect thereof to the Depositary.
Section 2.14 Restricted ADSs. The Depositary shall, at the request and expense of the Company (provided that the amount of any expenses to be borne by the Company shall be subject to prior agreement by the Company and the Depositary), establish procedures enabling the deposit hereunder of Shares that are Restricted Securities in order to enable the holder of such Shares to hold its ownership interests in such Restricted Shares in the form of ADSs issued under the terms hereof (such Shares, "Restricted Shares"). Upon receipt of a written request from the Company to accept Restricted Shares for deposit hereunder, the Depositary agrees to establish procedures permitting the deposit of such Restricted Shares and the issuance of ADSs representing such deposited Restricted Shares (such ADSs, the "Restricted ADSs," and the ADRs evidencing such Restricted ADSs, the "Restricted ADRs"). The Company shall assist the Depositary in the establishment of such procedures and agrees that it shall take all steps necessary and satisfactory to the Depositary to insure that the establishment of such procedures does not violate the provisions of the Securities Act or any other applicable laws. The depositors of such Restricted Shares and the holders of the Restricted ADSs may be required prior to the deposit of such Restricted Shares, the transfer of the Restricted ADRs and the Restricted ADSs evidenced thereby or the withdrawal of the Restricted Shares represented by Restricted ADSs to provide such written certifications or agreements as the Depositary or the Company may require. The Company shall provide to the Depositary in writing the legend(s) to be affixed to the Restricted ADRs, which legends shall (i) be in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary and (ii) contain the specific circumstances under which the Restricted ADRs and the Restricted ADSs represented thereby may be transferred or the Restricted Shares withdrawn. The Restricted ADSs issued upon the deposit of Restricted Shares shall be separately identified on the books of the Depositary and the Restricted Shares so deposited shall be held separate and
distinct from the other Deposited Securities held hereunder. The Restricted Shares and the Restricted ADSs shall not be eligible for Pre-Release Transactions. The Restricted ADSs shall not be eligible for inclusion in any book-entry settlement system, including, without limitation, DTC, and shall not in any way be fungible with the ADSs issued under the terms hereof that are not Restricted ADSs. The Restricted ADRs and the Restricted ADSs evidenced thereby shall be transferable only by the Holder thereof upon delivery to the Depositary of (i) all documentation otherwise contemplated by this Deposit Agreement and (ii) an opinion of counsel, satisfactory to the Depositary, setting forth, inter alia, the conditions upon which the Restricted ADR presented is, and the Restricted ADSs evidenced thereby are, transferable by the Holder thereof under applicable securities laws and the transfer restrictions contained in the legend set forth on the Restricted ADR presented for transfer. Except as set forth in this Section 2.14 and except as required by applicable law, the Restricted ADRs and the Restricted ADSs evidenced thereby shall be treated as ADRs and ADSs issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement. In the event that, in determining the rights and obligations of parties hereto with respect to any Restricted ADSs, any conflict arises between (a) the terms of this Deposit Agreement (other than this Section 2.14) and (b) the terms of (i) this Section 2.14 or (ii) the applicable Restricted ADR, the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 2.14 and of the Restricted ADR shall be controlling and shall govern the rights and obligations of the parties to this Deposit Agreement pertaining to the deposited Restricted Shares, the Restricted ADSs and Restricted ADRs.
If the Restricted ADRs, the Restricted ADSs and the Restricted Shares are no longer Restricted Securities, the Depositary, upon receipt of (x) an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Depositary, setting forth, inter alia, that the Restricted ADRs, the Restricted ADSs and the Restricted Shares are not as of such time Restricted Securities, and (y) instructions from the Company to remove the restrictions applicable to the Restricted ADRs, the Restricted ADSs and the Restricted Shares, shall (i) eliminate the distinctions and separations between the applicable Restricted Shares held on deposit under this Section 2.14 and the other Shares held on deposit under the terms of the Deposit Agreement that are not Restricted Shares, (ii) treat the newly unrestricted ADRs and ADSs on the same terms as, and fully fungible with, the other ADRs and ADSs issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement that are not Restricted ADRs or Restricted ADSs, (iii) take all actions necessary to remove any distinctions, limitations and restrictions previously existing under this Section 2.14 between the applicable Restricted ADRs and Restricted ADSs, respectively, on the one hand, and the other ADRs and ADSs that are not Restricted ADRs or Restricted ADSs, respectively, on the other hand, including, without limitation, by making the newly-unrestricted ADSs eligible for Pre-Release Transactions and for inclusion in the applicable book-entry settlement systems.
ARTICLE III
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS
AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF ADSs
Section 3.1 Proofs, Certificates and Other Information. Any person presenting Eligible Securities for deposit, any Holder and any Beneficial Owner may be required, and every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees, from time to time to provide to the Depositary and the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, taxpayer status, payment of all applicable taxes
or other governmental charges, exchange control approvals and any other
applicable regulatory approval, legal or beneficial ownership of ADSs and
Deposited Securities, compliance with applicable laws, the terms of this
Deposit Agreement or the Receipt(s) evidencing the ADS(s) and the provisions
of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, to execute such certifications and
to make such representations and warranties, and to provide such other
information and documentation (or, in the case of Eligible Securities in
registered form presented for deposit, such information relating to the
registration on the books of the Company or of the Eligible Securities
Registrar) as the Depositary or the Custodian may reasonably deem necessary or
proper or as the Company may reasonably require by written request to the
Depositary consistent with its obligations under this Deposit Agreement, the
applicable Receipt(s) and applicable laws and regulations. The Depositary and
the Registrar, as applicable, may withhold the execution or delivery or
registration of transfer of any Receipt or the distribution or sale of any
dividend or distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof or, to the extent
not limited by the terms of Section 7.8 hereof, the delivery of any Deposited
Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such
certifications are executed, or such representations are made, or such other
documentation or information provided, in each case to the Depositary's, the
Registrar's and the Company's satisfaction. The Depositary shall provide the
Company, in a timely manner, with copies or originals, if necessary and
appropriate, of (i) any such proofs of citizenship or residence, taxpayer
status, or exchange control approval which it receives from Holders and
Beneficial Owners, (ii) any other information or documents which the Company
may reasonably request and which the Depositary shall reasonably request and
receive from any Holder or Beneficial Owner or any person presenting Eligible
Securities for deposit or ADSs for cancellation, transfer or withdrawal, and
(iii) in the case of withdrawal of Eligible Securities, any information and
documents provided by Holders to the Depositary in accordance with Exhibit C to
this Deposit Agreement. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to (i)
obtain any information for the Company if not provided by the Holders or
Beneficial Owners, or (ii) verify or vouch for the accuracy of the information
so provided by the Holders or Beneficial Owners.
Section 3.2 Liability for Taxes and Other Charges. If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable with respect to any ADR or any Deposited Securities or ADSs, such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Holders and Beneficial Owners to the Depositary. The Company, the Custodian and/or the Depositary may withhold or deduct from any distributions made in respect of Deposited Securities and may sell for the account of a Holder and/or Beneficial Owner any or all of the Deposited Securities and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in payment of such taxes or governmental charges (including applicable interest and penalties), the Holder and the Beneficial Owner remaining liable for any deficiency. The Custodian may refuse the deposit of Eligible Securities and the Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver ADRs, register the transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs and (subject to Section 7.8) the withdrawal of Deposited Securities until payment in full of such tax, charge, penalty or interest is received. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner may be asked to indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian, and any of their respective agents, officers, employees and Affiliates for, and to hold each of them harmless from, any claims with respect to taxes (including applicable interest and penalties thereon) arising from any inaccuracy in the information provided by such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner in connection with obtaining any tax benefit for such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner.
Section 3.3 Representations and Warranties on Deposit of Eligible Securities.
(a) Deposit of Shares. Each person depositing Shares under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that (i) such Shares and the certificates therefor are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained by such person, (ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Shares have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is duly authorized to make such deposit, (iv) the Shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, Restricted Securities (except as contemplated in Section 2.14) and (v) the Shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit and withdrawal of Shares, the issuance and cancellation of ADSs in respect thereof and the transfer of such ADSs.
(b) Deposit of Certificates of Payment. Each person depositing Certificates of Payment under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that (i) such Certificates of Payment are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained by such person, (ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Certificates of Payment have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is duly authorized to make such deposit, (iv) the Certificates of Payment presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not, and the Temporary COP ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, Restricted Securities (except as contemplated in Section 2.14) and (v) the Certificates of Payment presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of Certificates of Payment, the issuance and cancellation of Temporary COP ADSs in respect thereof and the transfer of such Temporary COP ADSs.
(c) Deposit of Entitlement Certificates. Each person depositing
Entitlement Certificates under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby
to represent and warrant that (i) such Entitlement Certificates are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and legally obtained by such person,
(ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such
Entitlement Certificates have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the
person making such deposit is duly authorized to do so, (iv) the Entitlement
Certificates presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance,
security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not, and the
Temporary EC ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, Restricted Securities
and (v) the Entitlement Certificates presented for deposit have not been
stripped of any rights or entitlements. Such representations and warranties
shall survive the deposit of Entitlement Certificates, the issuance and
cancellation of Temporary EC ADSs in respect thereof and the transfer of such
Temporary EC ADSs.
If any such representations or warranties are false in any way, the Company and the Depositary shall be authorized, at the cost and expense of the person depositing Shares, Certificates of Payment or Entitlement Certificates, to take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences thereof.
Section 3.4 Compliance with Information Requests. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Deposit Agreement or any Receipt(s), each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to comply with requests from the Company pursuant to applicable law, the rules and
requirements of the TSE, and any other stock exchange on which the Eligible Securities or ADSs are, or will be, registered, traded or listed or the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, which are made to provide information, inter alia, as to the capacity in which such Holder or Beneficial Owner owns ADSs (and Eligible Securities and Deposited Securities, as the case may be) and regarding the identity of any other person(s) interested in such ADSs and the nature of such interest and various other matters, whether or not they are Holders and/or Beneficial Owners at the time of such request. The Depositary agrees to use its reasonable efforts to forward, upon the request of the Company and at the Company's expense, any such request from the Company to the Holders and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary.
Section 3.5 Ownership Restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Deposit Agreement or any Receipt, the Company may restrict transfers of the Shares, Eligible Securities or securities convertible into Shares where the Company informs the Depositary that such transfer might result in ownership of Shares exceeding limits imposed by applicable law, the SFC, the TSE or the Articles of Incorporation of the Company. The Company may also restrict, in such manner as it deems appropriate, transfers of the ADSs where such transfer may result in the total number of Shares, Deposited Securities, or securities convertible into Shares represented by the ADSs owned by a single Holder or Beneficial Owner to exceed any such limits. The Company may, in its sole discretion, but subject to applicable law, instruct the Depositary to take action with respect to the ownership interest of any Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of the limits set forth in the preceding sentence, including, but not limited to, the imposition of restrictions on the transfer of ADSs, the removal or limitation of voting rights or the mandatory sale or disposition on behalf of a Holder or Beneficial Owner of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs held by such Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of such limitations, if and to the extent such disposition is permitted by applicable law and the Articles of Incorporation of the Company.
ARTICLE IV
THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES
Section 4.1 Cash Distributions. Subject always to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China (including, without limitation, the need to obtain regulatory approvals (if any)), whenever the Depositary receives directly, or receives confirmation from the Custodian of the receipt of, any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, or receives proceeds from the sale of any Deposited Securities or any entitlements held in respect of Deposited Securities under the terms hereof, the Depositary will (i) subject to compliance with the terms of Section 4.8, promptly convert or cause to be converted such cash dividend, distribution or proceeds into Dollars, (ii) if applicable, establish the ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.9, and (iii) distribute promptly the amount thus received (net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes withheld) to the Holders entitled thereto as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the ADS Record Date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Holder a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for interest thereon) and shall be added to and become part of the next sum received by the Depositary for
distribution to Holders of ADSs outstanding at the time of the next distribution. If the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to Holders on the ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. Such withheld amounts shall be forwarded by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary to the relevant governmental authority. Evidence of payment thereof by the Company shall be forwarded by the Company to the Depositary upon request.
Section 4.2 Distribution in Eligible Securities. Subject always to the
laws and regulations of the Republic of China, if any distribution upon any
Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of,
Eligible Securities, the Company shall cause such Eligible Securities to be
deposited with the Custodian and registered, as the case may be, in the name of
the Depositary, the Custodian or their respective nominees. Upon receipt of
confirmation of such deposit from the Custodian, the Depositary shall establish
the ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.9 and either (i) the
Depositary shall, subject to Section 5.9 hereof, distribute to the Holders as
of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the ADS
Record Date, additional ADSs (of the applicable series), which represent in the
aggregate the number of Eligible Securities received as such dividend, or free
distribution, subject, however, in each case, to the other terms of this
Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, the limitations set forth in
Article II hereof and net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and
reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes), or (ii) if
additional ADSs are not so distributed, each ADS issued and outstanding after
the ADS Record Date shall, to the extent permissible by law, thenceforth also
represent rights and interests in the additional integral number of Shares
distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby (subject,
however, in each case, to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China and
net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the
Depositary and (b) taxes). In lieu of delivering fractional ADSs, the
Depositary shall sell the number of Eligible Securities or ADSs, as the case
may be, represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net
proceeds upon the terms described in Section 4.1. In the event that the
Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Eligible
Securities) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the
Depositary is obligated to withhold, or, if the Company in the fulfillment of
its obligation under Section 5.7 hereof, has furnished an opinion of U.S.
counsel determining that Eligible Securities must be registered under the
Securities Act or other laws in order to be distributed to Holders (and no such
registration statement has been declared effective), the Depositary may dispose
of all or a portion of such property (including Eligible Securities and rights
to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public
or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable, and the
Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale (after deduction
of such (a) taxes and (b) fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred
by, the Depositary) to Holders entitled thereto upon the terms described in
Section 4.1. The Depositary shall hold and/or distribute any unsold balance of
such property in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
Section 4.3 Elective Distributions in Cash or Eligible Securities. Subject always to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China, whenever the Company intends to distribute a dividend payable at the election of the holders of Eligible Securities in cash or in
additional Eligible Securities, the Company shall give timely notice thereof to
the Depositary prior to such proposed distribution stating whether or not it
wishes such elective distribution to be made available to Holders of ADSs. Upon
receipt of notice indicating that the Company wishes such elective distribution
to be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall consult with the
Company to determine, and the Company shall assist the Depositary in its
determination, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such
elective distribution available to the Holders of ADSs. The Depositary shall
make such elective distribution available to Holders only if (i) the Depositary
shall have determined that such distribution is reasonably practicable and (ii)
the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms
of Section 5.7. If the above conditions are not satisfied, the Depositary
shall, to the extent permitted by law, distribute to the Holders, on the basis
of the same determination as is made in the Republic of China in respect of the
Deposited Securities for which no election is made, either (X) cash upon the
terms described in Section 4.1 or (Y) additional ADSs representing such
additional Eligible Securities upon the terms described in Section 4.2. If the
above conditions are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record
Date (on the terms described in Section 4.9) and establish procedures to enable
Holders to elect the receipt of the proposed dividend in cash or in additional
ADSs. The Company shall assist the Depositary in establishing such procedures
to the extent necessary. If a Holder elects to receive the proposed dividend
(X) in cash, the dividend shall be distributed upon the terms described in
Section 4.1, or (Y) in ADSs, the dividend shall be distributed upon the terms
described in Section 4.2. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to make
available to Holders a method to receive the elective dividend in Eligible
Securities (rather than ADSs). There can be no assurance that Holders
generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to
receive elective distributions on the same terms and conditions as the holders
of Deposited Securities.
Section 4.4 Distribution of Rights to Purchase Additional ADSs.
(a) Distribution to ADS Holders. Subject always to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China (including, without limitation the need to obtain regulatory approvals (if any)), whenever the Company intends to distribute to the holders of the Deposited Securities rights to subscribe for Eligible Securities, the Company shall give timely notice thereof to the Depositary prior to such proposed distribution stating whether or not it wishes such rights to be made available to Holders of ADSs. If and whenever the Company shall announce its intention to make any offer or invitation to the holders of Eligible Securities to subscribe for or to acquire Eligible Securities or other assets by way of rights, the Depositary shall as soon as practicable thereafter give notice of the same to the Holders, including if applicable, the last date for acceptance thereof and the manner by which and the time during which Holders may instruct the Depositary to exercise such rights. The Depositary shall make such rights available to Holders only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested the Depositary to make such rights available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution of rights is reasonably practicable. In the event any of the conditions set forth above are not satisfied or if the Company requests that the Depositary not make the rights available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall proceed with the sale of the rights as contemplated in Section 4.4(b) below. In the event all conditions set forth above are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date (upon the terms described in Section 4.9) and establish procedures (x) to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs (by means of warrants or otherwise), (y) to enable the
Holders to exercise such rights (upon payment of the subscription price and of the applicable (a) fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes), and (z) to deliver ADSs upon the valid exercise of such rights. The Company shall assist the Depositary to the extent necessary in establishing such procedures. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holders a method to exercise rights to subscribe for Eligible Securities (rather than ADSs).
(b) Sale of Rights. If (i) the Company does not timely request the Depositary to make the rights available to Holders or requests that the rights not be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary fails to receive satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7 or determines that it is not lawful or not reasonably practicable to make the rights available to Holders, or (iii) any rights made available are not exercised and appear to be about to lapse, the Depositary shall determine whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to sell such rights, in a riskless principal capacity, at such place and upon such terms (including public or private sale) as it may deem reasonably practicable. The Company shall assist the Depositary to the extent necessary to determine such legality and practicability. The Depositary shall, upon such sale, convert and distribute the proceeds of such sale (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes) upon the terms set forth in Section 4.1.
(c) Lapse of Rights. If the Depositary is unable to make any rights available to Holders upon the terms described in Section 4.4(a) or to arrange for the sale of the rights upon the terms described in Section 4.4(b), the Depositary shall allow such rights to lapse.
The Depositary shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or exercise, or (iii) the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the rights distribution.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.4, if registration (under the Securities Act or any other applicable law) of the rights or the securities to which any rights relate may be required in order for the Company to offer such rights or such securities to Holders and to sell the securities represented by such rights, the Depositary will not distribute such rights to the Holders (i) unless and until a registration statement under the Securities Act (or other applicable law) covering such offering is in effect or (ii) unless the Company furnishes the Depositary opinion(s) of counsel for the Company in the United States and counsel to the Company in any other applicable country in which rights would be distributed, in each case reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that the offering and sale of such securities to Holders and Beneficial Owners are exempt from, or do not require registration under, the provisions of the Securities Act or other applicable securities laws.
In the event that the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian shall be required to withhold and does withhold from any distribution of property (including rights) an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Holders of ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Eligible Securities and rights
to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Eligible Securities and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes or charges.
There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to receive or exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Deposited Securities or be able to exercise such rights. Nothing herein shall obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any rights or Eligible Securities or other securities to be acquired upon the exercise of such rights.
Section 4.5 Distributions Other Than Cash, Eligible Securities or Rights to Purchase Eligible Securities. (a) Subject always to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China, whenever the Company intends to distribute to the holders of Deposited Securities property other than cash, Eligible Securities or rights to purchase additional Eligible Securities, the Company shall give timely notice thereof to the Depositary and shall indicate whether or not it wishes such distribution to be made to Holders of ADSs. Upon receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes such distribution to be made to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall consult with the Company, and the Company shall assist the Depositary, to determine whether such distribution to Holders is lawful and reasonably practicable. The Depositary shall not make such distribution unless (i) the Company shall have requested the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution is reasonably practicable.
(b) Upon receipt of satisfactory documentation and the request of the Company to distribute property to Holders of ADSs and after making the requisite determinations set forth in (a) above, the Depositary shall distribute the property so received to the Holders of record, as of the ADS Record Date, in proportion to the respective number of ADSs held by them and in such manner as the Depositary may deem practicable for accomplishing such distribution (i) upon receipt of payment or net of the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and (ii) net of any taxes withheld. The Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of the property so distributed and deposited, in such amounts and in such manner (including public or private sale) as the Depositary may deem practicable or necessary to satisfy any taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or other governmental charges applicable to the distribution.
(c) If (i) the Company does not request the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders or requests the Depositary not to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary does not receive satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7, or (iii) the Depositary determines that all or a portion of such distribution is not reasonably practicable, the Depositary shall sell or cause such property to be sold in a public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem practicable and shall (i) cause the proceeds of such sale, if any, to be converted into Dollars and (ii) distribute the proceeds of such conversion received by the Depositary (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes) to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date upon the
terms of Section 4.1. If the Depositary is unable to sell such property, the Depositary may dispose of such property in any way it deems reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
Section 4.6 Intentionally Omitted
Section 4.7 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 4.8 Conversion of Foreign Currency. Subject to any restrictions imposed by ROC law and regulations, whenever the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive Foreign Currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, which in the judgment of the Depositary can at such time be converted on a practicable basis, by sale or in any other manner that it may determine in accordance with applicable law, into Dollars transferable to the United States and distributable to the Holders entitled thereto, the Depositary shall, subject to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China, convert or cause to be converted, by sale or in any other manner that it may determine, such Foreign Currency into Dollars, and shall distribute such Dollars (net of any applicable fees, any reasonable and customary expenses incurred in such conversion and any expenses incurred on behalf of the Holders in complying with currency exchange control or other governmental or regulatory requirements) in accordance with the terms of the applicable sections of this Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary shall have distributed warrants or other instruments that entitle the holders thereof to such Dollars, the Depositary shall distribute such Dollars to the holders of such warrants and/or instruments upon surrender thereof for cancellation, in either case without liability for interest thereon. Such distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Holders on account of any application of exchange restrictions or otherwise.
If such conversion or distribution generally or with regard to a particular Holder can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary shall have authority to file such application for approval or license, if any, as it may deem desirable. In no event, however, shall the Depositary be obligated to make such a filing.
If at any time the Depositary shall determine that in its judgment the conversion of any Foreign Currency and the transfer and distribution of proceeds of such conversion received by the Depositary is not practicable or lawful, or if any approval or license of any governmental authority or agency thereof that is required for such conversion, transfer and distribution is denied or, in the opinion of the Depositary, not obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable period, the Depositary may, in its discretion, (i) make such conversion and distribution in Dollars to the Holders for whom such conversion, transfer and distribution is lawful and practicable, (ii) distribute the Foreign Currency (or an appropriate document evidencing the right to receive such Foreign Currency) to Holders for whom this is lawful and practicable or (iii) hold (or cause the Custodian to hold) such Foreign Currency (without liability for interest thereon) for the respective accounts of the Holders entitled to receive the same.
Section 4.9 Fixing of ADS Record Date. Whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of the fixing of a record date by the Company for the determination of holders of Deposited Securities entitled to receive any distribution (whether in cash, Eligible Securities, rights, or other entitlement distribution), or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a
change in the number of Deposited Securities that are represented by each ADS, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of, or solicitation of consents or of proxies, of holders of Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient in connection with the giving of any notice, solicitation of any consent or any other matter, the Depositary shall fix a record date (the "ADS Record Date") for the determination of the Holders of Receipts who shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, to give or withhold such consent, to receive such notice or solicitation or to otherwise take action, or to exercise the rights of Holders with respect to such changed number of Deposited Securities represented by each ADS. The Depositary shall make reasonable efforts to establish the ADS Record Date as closely as possible to the applicable record date for the Deposited Securities (if any) set by the Company in the Republic of China. Subject to applicable law and the provisions of Section 4.1 through 4.8 and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, only the Holders of Receipts at the close of business in New York on such ADS Record Date shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give such voting instructions, to receive such notice or solicitation, or otherwise take action.
Section 4.10 Voting of Deposited Securities.
(a) Voting by Shareholders. The following is a summary of certain rights of holders of Shares, interests in Certificate(s) of Payment and Entitlement Certificate(s), if any, to vote at shareholders' meetings under ROC Company Law and the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, in each case, as in effect on the date hereof: (i) a holder of Shares (including holders of interests in any Certificate of Payment evidencing the irrevocable right to receive Shares) is entitled to one vote for each Share held, (ii) the election of directors and supervisors takes place by means of cumulative voting, and (iii) a shareholder must, as to all matters subject to a vote of shareholders (other than the election of directors and supervisors), exercise the voting rights for all Shares held by such shareholder in the same manner (e.g., a holder of 1,000 Shares cannot split his/her votes but must vote all 1,000 Shares in the same manner except in the event of cumulative voting for an election of directors and supervisors). Pursuant to ROC law, the voting rights attaching to the Deposited Securities must be exercised by, or on behalf of, the Depositary's nominee, as representative of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, collectively in the same manner, except in the case of an election of directors and supervisors, which currently should be on a cumulative basis. Deposited Securities which have been withdrawn from the applicable ADS Facility and timely transferred on the Company's register of shareholders to a person other than the Depositary may be voted by the Registered Holder(s) (as hereinafter defined) thereof directly, subject, in each case, to the limitations of ROC law and the Articles of Incorporation of the Company. Holders may not receive sufficient advance notice of shareholders' meetings to enable them to timely withdraw the Deposited Securities and vote at such meetings and may not be able to re-deposit the withdrawn securities under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
(b) Voting by ADS Holders. Holders of ADSs have no individual voting rights with respect to the Deposited Securities represented by their ADSs. Each Holder shall, by acceptance of ADSs or acquisition of any beneficial interest therein, have authorized and directed the Depositary's nominee, without liability, to appoint the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company (or the Chairman's designate) (the "Voting Representative"), as representative of the Depositary's nominee, who is registered in the ROC as representative of the
Holders and Beneficial Owners in respect of the Deposited Securities (the "Registered Holder"), to vote the Shares or other Deposited Securities in accordance with the terms hereof.
The Company agrees to use its best efforts to timely notify the Depositary
of any proposed shareholders' meeting and to provide to the Depositary in New
York, at least twenty-four (24) calendar days before any ordinary shareholders'
meeting or at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the date of any
extraordinary shareholders' meeting, a sufficient number of copies reasonably
requested by the Depositary of an English language translation of the Company's
notice of shareholders' meeting and the agenda of the materials to be voted on
(in the form the Company generally makes available to holders of Shares in the
ROC, including without limitation, a list of candidates proposed by the Company
for an election of directors or supervisors) (such materials collectively, the
"Shareholder Notice"). As soon as practicable after receipt by the Depositary
of the requisite number of Shareholder Notices, the Depositary shall establish
the ADS Record Date (upon the terms of Section 4.9 hereof) and shall, at the
Company's expense and provided that no U.S. legal prohibitions exist, deliver
to Holders as of the applicable ADS Record Date, (i) the Shareholder Notice,
(ii) a depositary notice setting forth the manner in which Holders of ADSs may
instruct the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities represented by their
ADSs to be voted under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, including a
description of the Management Instruction (as defined below), together with a
form of voting instructions and/or other means to provide voting instructions
(the depositary notice and the related materials prepared by the Depositary
collectively, the "Depositary Notice"). The Depositary is under no obligation
to mail the Shareholder Notice and the Depositary Notice to Holders if the
Company has failed to provide to the Depositary in New York the requisite
number of Shareholder Notices at least twenty-four (24) calendar days prior to
the date of any ordinary shareholders' meeting or at least fourteen (14)
calendar days prior to the date of any extraordinary shareholders' meeting. If
the Depositary has not delivered the Shareholder Notice or Depositary Notice to
Holders, it will endeavor to cause all Deposited Securities represented by ADRs
to be present at the relevant shareholders' meeting insofar as practicable and
permitted under applicable law but will not cause the Shares or other Deposited
Securities to be voted; provided, however, that the Depositary may determine,
in its sole discretion, to send such Shareholder Notice and Depositary Notice
to Holders and/or cause the Shares or other Deposited Securities to be voted as
it deems appropriate. There can be no assurance that Holders generally or any
Holder in particular will receive Shareholder Notices and Depositary Notices
with sufficient time to enable the return of voting instructions to the
Depositary in a timely manner.
Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to take any action with respect to any meeting, or solicitation of consents or proxies or instructions, of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities if the taking of such action would violate U.S. laws.
(c) Voting of Deposited Securities Upon ADS Holders' Instructions. If Holders of ADSs together holding at least 51% of all the ADSs (including Temporary ADSs) outstanding as of the relevant ADS Record Date shall instruct the Depositary, prior to the date established for such purpose by the Depositary, to vote in the same manner in respect of one or more resolutions to be proposed at a shareholders' meeting (including resolutions for the election of directors and/or supervisors), the Depositary shall notify the Voting Representative as the representative of the Registered Holder to attend such shareholders' meeting and vote all
Deposited Securities evidenced by ADSs then outstanding as of the ADS Record Date (including Temporary ADSs) in the manner so instructed by such Holders. If voting instructions are received by the Depositary on or before the date established by the Depositary for the receipt of such instructions from any Holder as of the ADS Record Date, which are signed but without further indication as to voting instructions, the Depositary shall deem such Holder to have instructed a vote in favor of the items set forth in such instructions. The Depositary and Custodian shall not have any obligation to monitor, and shall not incur any liability for, the actions, or the failure to act, of the Voting Representative (or his/her designate) as representative of the Registered Holder.
(d) Depositary Authorization. If, for any reason (other than a failure by the Company to supply the requisite number of Shareholder Notices to the Depositary within the requisite time period provided in this Section 4.10), the Depositary has not, prior to the date established for such purpose by the Depositary, received instructions from Holders together holding at least 51% of all ADSs (including Temporary ADSs) outstanding at the relevant ADS Record Date, to vote in the same manner in respect of any resolution (including resolutions for the election of directors and/or supervisors), then, subject to the following paragraph, the Holders shall be deemed to have authorized and directed the Depositary's nominee to authorize (the "Depositary Authorization") the Voting Representative, as the representative of the Registered Holder, to attend and vote at such meeting all the Deposited Securities represented by ADSs then outstanding (including Temporary ADSs) in his or her discretion. In such circumstances, the Voting Representative shall be free to exercise the votes attaching to the Deposited Securities in any manner she/he wishes, which may not be in the interests of the Holders.
The Depositary's Authorization, provided in the manner and under the circumstances described in the preceding paragraph, shall be subject to the receipt by the Depositary prior to each shareholders' meeting of an opinion of ROC counsel of the Company addressed to, and in form and substance satisfactory to, the Depositary to the effect that under ROC law (i) the arrangements relating to the Depositary Authorization are permissible, and (ii) the Depositary will not be deemed to be authorized to exercise any discretion when causing the voting in accordance with this Section 4.10 and will not (in the absence of negligence, bad faith or breach of contract, and subject to general principles of agency) be subject to any liability under ROC law for losses arising from the exercise of the voting arrangements set out in Section 4.10 on the grounds that voting in accordance with Section 4.10 is in violation of ROC law. In the event the Depositary does not receive such opinion, the Depositary will not grant the Depositary Authorization, but will cause the Deposited Securities to be present at the shareholders' meeting to the extent practicable and permitted by applicable law and will not cause the Deposited Securities to be voted.
The Depositary shall not, and the Depositary shall ensure that the Custodian and its nominees do not, vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote that attaches to the Shares or other Deposited Securities, other than in accordance with instructions given in accordance with this Section 4.10. The terms of this Section 4.10 may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Deposit Agreement. By continuing to hold ADSs after the effective time of such amendment, all Holders and Beneficial Owners shall be deemed to have agreed to the terms of this Section 4.10 as so amended.
Section 4.11 Changes Affecting Deposited Securities. Upon any change in nominal or par value, split-up, cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a party, any securities which shall be received by the Depositary or the Custodian in exchange for, or in conversion of or replacement of or otherwise in respect of, such Deposited Securities shall, to the extent permitted by law, be substituted for and treated as Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, and the Receipts shall, subject to the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, evidence ADSs representing the right to receive such additional or replacement securities, as applicable. The Depositary may, with the Company's approval, and shall, if the Company shall so request, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement and receipt by the Depositary of (a) a written opinion of U.S. counsel (reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary) stating whether or not: (1) such exchange, conversion or replacement requires registration of such securities under the Securities Act and/or Exchange Act or (2) such exchange, conversion or replacement of such securities as then contemplated is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and/or Exchange Act and (b) a written opinion of ROC counsel (reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary) stating that (1) such exchange, conversion or replacement does not violate the laws or regulations of the Republic of China and (2) all requisite regulatory consents and approvals relating to such exchange, conversion or replacement have been obtained in the Republic of China, execute and deliver additional Receipts as in the case of a dividend of Eligible Securities, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts, in either case, as well as in the event of newly deposited Shares, with necessary modifications to the form of Receipt contained in Exhibit A hereto, specifically describing such new Deposited Securities or corporate change. The Company agrees to, jointly with the Depositary, amend the Registration Statement on Form F-6 as filed with the Commission to permit the issuance of such new form of Receipts if necessary and permissible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any security so received may not be lawfully distributed to some or all Holders, the Depositary may, with the Company's approval, and shall, if the Company requests, subject to receipt of an opinion of the Company's counsel, satisfactory to the Depositary, that such action is not in violation of any applicable laws or regulations, sell such securities at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and may allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of (a) fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes) for the account of the Holders otherwise entitled to such securities upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among such Holders and distribute the net proceeds so allocated to the extent practicable as in the case of a distribution received in cash pursuant to Section 4.1. The Depositary shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such securities available to Holders in general or to any Holder in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or (iii) any liability to the purchaser of such securities.
Section 4.12 Available Information. The Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and accordingly files certain information with the Commission. These reports and documents can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549.
Section 4.13 Reports. The Depositary shall make available for inspection by Holders at its Principal Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting materials, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary, the Custodian, or the nominee of either of them, as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The Depositary shall also mail to Holders copies of such reports when furnished by the Company pursuant to Section 5.6.
Section 4.14 List of Holders. The Depositary shall, on the fifth day of each month, provide the Company with the information regarding the aggregate number of outstanding ADSs as of the end of each preceding month and such other information as may be required under the applicable laws and regulations of the Republic of China and is available to the Depositary or obtained from Holders. In addition, promptly upon written request by the Company, the Depositary shall furnish to the Company a list, as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of ADSs of all Holders.
Section 4.15 Taxation. The Depositary will, and will instruct the Custodian to, forward to the Company or the Company's agents such information from the Depositary's records as the Company may reasonably request to enable the Company or the Company's agents to file the necessary tax reports with governmental authorities or agencies. The Depositary, the Custodian or the Company and its agents may, but shall not be obligated to, file such reports as are necessary to reduce or eliminate applicable taxes on dividends and on other distributions in respect of Deposited Securities under applicable tax treaties or laws for the Holders and Beneficial Owners. In accordance with instructions from the Company and to the extent practicable, the Depositary or the Custodian will take reasonable administrative actions to obtain tax refunds, reduced withholding of tax at source on dividends and other benefits under applicable tax treaties or laws with respect to dividends and other distributions on the Deposited Securities. As a condition to receiving such benefits, Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs may be required from time to time, and in a timely manner, to file such proof of taxpayer status, residence and beneficial ownership (as applicable), to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, or to provide any other information or documents, as the Depositary or the Custodian may deem necessary or proper to fulfill the Depositary's or the Custodian's obligations under applicable law. The Holders and Beneficial Owners may be asked to indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian and any of their respective directors, employees, agents and Affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims by any governmental authority with respect to taxes, additions to tax, penalties or interest arising out of the inaccuracy of any information provided by such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner in order to obtain any refund of taxes, reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit on behalf of such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner.
If the Company (or any of its agents) withholds from any distribution any amount on account of taxes or governmental charges, or pays any other tax in respect of such distribution (i.e., stamp duty tax, capital gains or other similar tax), the Company shall (and shall cause such agent to) remit as soon as practicable to the Depositary information about such taxes or governmental charges withheld or paid, and, if so requested, the tax receipt (or other proof of payment to the applicable governmental authority) therefor, in each case, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary. The Depositary shall, to the extent required by U.S. law, report to
Holders any taxes withheld by it or the Custodian, and, if such information is provided to it by the Company, any taxes withheld by the Company. The Depositary and the Custodian shall not be required to provide the Holders with any evidence of the remittance by the Company (or its agents) of any taxes withheld, or of the payment of taxes by the Company, except to the extent the evidence is provided by the Company to the Depositary.
The Depositary is under no obligation to provide the Holders and Beneficial Owners with any information about the tax status of the Company. The Depositary shall not incur any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by Holders and Beneficial Owners on account of their ownership of the ADSs, including without limitation, tax consequences resulting from the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) being treated as a "Foreign Personal Holding Company," or as a "Passive Foreign Investment Company" (in each case as defined in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and the regulations issued thereunder) or otherwise.
ARTICLE V
THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIAN AND THE COMPANY
Section 5.1 Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Registrar. Until termination of this Deposit Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Registrar shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office and facilities for the execution and delivery, registration of issuances, registration of transfers, combination and split-up of Receipts, and the surrender of Receipts for the purpose of withdrawal of Deposited Securities in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
The Registrar shall keep books for the registration of issuances and transfers of Receipts which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Company and by the Holders of such Receipts, provided that such inspection shall not be, to the Registrar's knowledge, for the purpose of communicating with Holders of such Receipts in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or other than a matter related to this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts.
The Registrar may close the transfer books with respect to the Receipts,
at any time or from time to time, when deemed necessary or advisable by it in
good faith in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder, or at
the reasonable written request of the Company, subject, in all cases, to
Section 7.8 hereof.
If any Receipts or the ADSs evidenced thereby are listed on one or more stock exchanges or automated quotation systems in the United States, the Depositary shall act as Registrar or appoint a Registrar or one or more co-registrars for registration of Receipts and transfers, combinations and split-ups, and to countersign such Receipts in accordance with any requirements of such exchanges or systems. Such Registrar or co-registrars may be removed and a substitute or substitutes appointed by the Depositary.
Section 5.2 Exoneration. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be obligated to do or perform any act which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement or incur any liability (i) if the Depositary or the Company shall be prevented or
forbidden from, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of this Deposit Agreement, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States, the Republic of China or any other country, or of any other governmental authority or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or on account of the possible criminal or civil penalties or restraint, or by reason of any provision, present or future of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company or any provision of or governing any Deposited Securities, or by reason of any act of God, terrorism or war or other circumstances beyond its control (including, without limitation, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, work stoppage, strikes, civil unrest, revolutions, rebellions, explosions and computer failure), (ii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement or in the Articles of Incorporation of the Company or provisions of or governing Deposited Securities, (iii) for any action or inaction in reliance upon the advice or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, any Beneficial Owner or authorized representative thereof, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information, (iv) for the inability by a Holder or Beneficial Owner to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, made available to Holders of ADSs or (v) for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of this Deposit Agreement.
The Depositary, its controlling persons, its agents, any Custodian and the Company, its controlling persons and its agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written notice, request or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act is intended by any provision of this Deposit Agreement.
Section 5.3 Standard of Care. The Company and its agents assume no obligation and shall not be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts to Holders or Beneficial Owners or other persons, except that the Company and its agents agree to perform their obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith.
The Depositary and its agents assume no obligation and shall not be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts to Holders or Beneficial Owners or other persons, except that the Depositary and its agents agree to perform their obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith.
Without limitation of the foregoing, neither the Depositary, nor the Company, nor any of their respective controlling persons, or agents, shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the Receipts, which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) and liability be furnished as often as may be required (and no Custodian shall be under any obligation whatsoever with respect to such proceedings, the responsibility of the Custodian being solely to the Depositary).
The Depositary and its agents shall not be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any vote is cast or the effect of any vote, provided that any such action or omission is in good faith and without negligence and in accordance with the terms of this Deposit Agreement. Provided that the Depositary acts or omits to act in good faith and without negligence, the Depositary shall not incur any liability for any failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable, for the content of any information submitted to it by the Company for distribution to the Holders or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, for any investment risk associated with acquiring an interest in the Deposited Securities, for the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities or for any tax consequences that may result from the ownership of ADSs, Shares or Deposited Securities, for the credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse upon the terms of this Deposit Agreement or for the failure or timeliness of any notice from the Company. Nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall cause the Depositary or any of its agents to incur any liability as a result of any action or failure to act by any trustee under a Trust Deed governing Bonds.
Section 5.4 Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary. The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary hereunder by written notice of resignation delivered to the Company, such resignation to be effective on the earlier of (i) the 60th day after delivery thereof to the Company (whereupon the Depositary shall be entitled to take the actions contemplated in Section 6.2 hereof), or (ii) the appointment by the Company of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by written notice
of such removal, which removal shall be effective on the earlier of (i) the
60th day after delivery thereof to the Depositary (whereupon the Depositary
shall be entitled to take the actions contemplated in Section 6.2 hereof), or
(ii) upon the appointment by the Company of a successor depositary and its
acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be removed, the Company shall use its best efforts to appoint a successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York. Every successor depositary shall be required by the Company to execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any further act or deed (except as required by applicable law), shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its immediate predecessor (other than as contemplated in Sections 5.8 and 5.9). The immediate predecessor depositary, upon payment of all sums due to it and on the written request of the Company, shall (i) execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder (other than as contemplated in Sections 5.8 and 5.9), (ii) duly assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest to the Deposited Securities to such successor, and (iii) deliver to such successor a list of the Holders of all outstanding Receipts and such other information relating to Receipts and Holders thereof as the successor may reasonably request. Any such successor depositary shall promptly provide notice of its appointment to such Holders.
Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act.
Section 5.5 The Custodian. The Depositary has initially appointed Citibank, N.A., (Taipei) as Custodian for the purpose of this Deposit Agreement. The Custodian or its successors in acting hereunder shall be subject at all times and in all respects to the direction of the Depositary for the Deposited Securities for which the Custodian acts as custodian and shall be responsible solely to it. If any Custodian resigns or is discharged from its duties hereunder with respect to any Deposited Securities and no other Custodian has previously been appointed hereunder, the Depositary shall promptly appoint a substitute qualified custodian that is organized under the laws of the Republic of China. The Depositary shall require such resigning or discharged Custodian to deliver the Deposited Securities held by it, together with all such records maintained by it as Custodian with respect to such Deposited Securities as the Depositary may request, to the substitute custodian designated by the Depositary. Whenever the Depositary determines, in its discretion, that it is appropriate to do so, it may appoint an additional custodian with respect to any Deposited Securities, or discharge the Custodian with respect to any Deposited Securities and appoint a substitute custodian, which shall thereafter be Custodian hereunder with respect to the Deposited Securities. Immediately upon any such change, the Depositary shall give notice thereof in writing to all Holders of Receipts, each other Custodian and the Company.
Upon the appointment of any successor depositary, any Custodian then acting hereunder shall, unless otherwise instructed by the Depositary, continue to be the Custodian of the Deposited Securities without any further act or writing, and shall be subject to the direction of the successor depositary. The successor depositary so appointed shall, nevertheless, on the written request of any Custodian, execute and deliver to such Custodian all such instruments as may be proper to give to such Custodian full and complete power and authority to act on the direction of such successor depositary.
Section 5.6 Notices and Reports. On or before the first date on which the Company gives notice, by publication or otherwise, of any meeting of holders of Deposited Securities, or of any adjourned meeting of such holders, or of the taking of any action by such holders other than at a meeting, or of the taking of any action in respect of any cash or other distributions or the offering of any rights in respect of Deposited Securities, the Company shall transmit to the Depositary and the Custodian a copy of the notice thereof in the English language but otherwise in the form given or to be given to holders of Deposited Securities. The Company shall also furnish to the Custodian and the Depositary a summary, in English, of any applicable provisions or proposed provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company that may be relevant or pertain to such notice of meeting or be the subject of a vote thereat. The Depositary shall arrange, at the request of the Company and at the Company's expense, for the mailing of copies thereof to all Holders or make such notices, reports and other communications available to all Holders on a basis similar to that for holders of Deposited Securities or on such other basis as the Company may advise the Depositary or as may be required by any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange requirement. The Company has delivered to the Depositary and the Custodian a copy of the Company's Articles of Incorporation along with the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities, and promptly upon any amendment thereto or change
therein, the Company shall deliver to the Depositary and the Custodian a copy of such amendment thereto or change therein. The Depositary may rely upon such copy for all purposes of this Deposit Agreement.
The Depositary will, at the expense of the Company, make available a copy of any such notices, reports or communications issued by the Company and delivered to the Depositary for inspection by the Holders of the Receipts evidencing the ADSs governed by such provisions at the Depositary's Principal Office, at the office of the Custodian and at any other designated transfer office.
Section 5.7 Issuance of Additional Shares, ADSs, etc. The Company agrees that in the event it or any of its Affiliates (to the extent applicable) proposes (i) an issuance, sale or distribution of additional Shares, (ii) an offering of rights to subscribe for Eligible Securities, (iii) an issuance of securities convertible into or exchangeable for Eligible Securities, (iv) an issuance of rights to subscribe for securities convertible into or exchangeable for Eligible Securities, (v) an elective dividend of cash or Eligible Securities, (vi) a redemption of Deposited Securities, (vii) a meeting of holders of Deposited Securities, or solicitation of consents or proxies, relating to any reclassification of securities, merger or consolidation or transfer of assets, or (viii) any reclassification, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets which affects the Deposited Securities, it will obtain U.S. legal advice and take all steps necessary to ensure that the application of the proposed transaction to Holders and Beneficial Owners does not violate the registration provisions of the Securities Act, or any other applicable U.S. securities laws (including, without limitation, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Exchange Act). In support of the foregoing, the Company will furnish to the Depositary (a) a written opinion of U.S. counsel (reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary) stating whether or not application of such transaction to Holders and Beneficial Owners (1) requires a registration statement under the Securities Act to be in effect or (2) is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (b) an opinion of ROC counsel stating that (1) making the transaction available to Holders and Beneficial Owners does not violate the laws or regulations of the Republic of China and (2) all requisite regulatory consents and approvals have been obtained in the Republic of China. If the filing of a registration statement is required, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to proceed with the transaction unless it shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that such registration statement has been declared effective. If, being advised by counsel, the Company determines that a transaction is required to be registered under the Securities Act, the Company will either (i) register such transaction to the extent necessary, (ii) alter the terms of the transaction to avoid the registration requirements of the Securities Act or (iii) direct the Depositary to take specific measures, in each case as contemplated in this Deposit Agreement, to prevent such transaction from violating the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Company agrees with the Depositary that neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates will at any time (i) deposit any Eligible Securities, either upon original issuance or upon a sale of Eligible Securities previously issued and reacquired by the Company or by any such Affiliate, or (ii) issue additional Eligible Securities, rights to subscribe for such Eligible Securities, securities convertible into or exchangeable for Eligible Securities or rights to subscribe for such securities, unless such transaction and the securities issuable in such transaction are exempt from registration under the Securities Act and, if applicable, the Exchange Act or have been registered under the Securities Act and, if applicable, the Exchange Act (and such registration statement has been declared effective).
Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Deposit Agreement, nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed to obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any proposed transaction.
Section 5.8 Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify the Depositary, the Custodian and any of their respective directors, employees, agents and Affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any direct loss, liability, tax, charge or expense of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) incurred by them that may arise (a) out of or in connection with any offer, issuance, sale, resale, transfer, deposit or withdrawal of Receipts, ADSs, Eligible Securities or other Deposited Securities, as the case may be, or as a result of any offering documents in respect thereof or (b) out of acts performed or omitted, including but not limited to any delivery by the Depositary on behalf of the Company of information regarding the Company, in connection with this Deposit Agreement, the Receipts, the ADSs, the Eligible Securities or any Deposited Securities, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, in any such case (i) by the Depositary, the Custodian or any of their respective directors, employees, agents and Affiliates, except to the extent such loss, liability, tax, charge or expense is due to negligence or bad faith of any of them, or (ii) by the Company or any of its directors, employees, agents and Affiliates.
The Depositary agrees to indemnify the Company and its directors,
employees, agents and Affiliates against, and hold them harmless from, any
direct loss, liability, tax, charge or expense of any kind whatsoever
(including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of counsel)
incurred by them which may arise out of acts performed or omitted by the
Depositary under the terms hereof due to the negligence or bad faith of the
Depositary.
The obligations set forth in this Section 5.8 shall survive the termination of this Deposit Agreement and the succession or substitution of any party hereto.
Any person seeking indemnification hereunder (an "indemnified person") shall notify the person from whom it is seeking indemnification (the "indemnifying person") of the commencement of any indemnifiable action or claim promptly after such indemnified person becomes aware of such commencement (provided that the failure to make such notification shall not affect such indemnified person's rights to seek indemnification, except to the extent the indemnifying person is materially prejudiced by such failure) and shall consult in good faith with the indemnifying person as to the conduct of the defense of such action or claim that may give rise to an indemnification claim hereunder, which defense shall be reasonable in the circumstances. No indemnified person shall compromise or settle any action or claim that may give rise to an indemnity hereunder without the consent of the indemnifying person, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 5.9 Fees and Charges of Depositary. The Company, the Holders, the Beneficial Owners, and persons depositing Eligible Securities or surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities shall be required to pay to the Depositary the Depositary's fees and related charges identified as payable by them respectively in the Fee Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit B. All fees and charges so payable may, at any time and from time to time, be changed by agreement between the Depositary and the Company, but, in the case of fees and charges payable by Holders and Beneficial Owners, only in the manner
contemplated in Section 6.1. The Depositary shall provide, without charge, a copy of its latest fee schedule to anyone upon request.
The Company agrees to promptly pay to the Depositary such other fees and charges and to reimburse the Depositary for such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as the Depositary and the Company may agree to in writing from time to time. Responsibility for payment of such charges may at any time and from time to time be changed by agreement between the Company and the Depositary. Unless otherwise agreed, the Depositary shall present its statement for such expenses and fees or charges to the Company once every three (3) months. The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole account of the Depositary.
The right of the Depositary to receive payment of fees, charges and expenses as provided above shall survive the termination of this Deposit Agreement. As to any Depositary, upon the resignation or removal of such Depositary as described in Section 5.4 hereof, such right shall extend for those fees, charges and expenses incurred prior to the effectiveness of such resignation or removal.
Section 5.10 Pre-Release Transactions and Pre-Cancellation Sales.
(a) Pre-Release Transactions. Subject to the further terms and provisions
of this Section 5.10, the Depositary, its Affiliates and their agents, on their
own behalf, may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its
Affiliates and in ADSs. In its capacity as Depositary, the Depositary shall not
lend Deposited Securities or ADSs; provided, however, that the Depositary may,
to the extent permitted by applicable law, (i) issue ADSs prior to the receipt
of Eligible Securities pursuant to Section 2.3 and (ii) deliver Deposited
Securities only upon the prior receipt of ADSs for cancellation upon withdrawal
of Deposited Securities pursuant to Section 2.7, including ADSs which were
issued under (i) above but for which Eligible Securities may not have been
received (each such transaction in (i) above a "Pre-Release Transaction"). The
Depositary may receive ADSs in lieu of Eligible Securities under (i) above.
Each such Pre-Release Transaction will be (a) subject to a written agreement
whereby the person or entity (the "Applicant") to whom ADSs or Deposited
Securities are to be delivered (w) represents that at the time of the
Pre-Release Transaction the Applicant or its customer owns the Eligible
Securities that are to be delivered by the Applicant under such Pre-Release
Transaction, (x) agrees to indicate the Depositary as owner of such Eligible
Securities in its records and to hold such Eligible Securities in trust for the
Depositary until such Eligible Securities are delivered to the Depositary or
the Custodian, (y) unconditionally guarantees to deliver to the Depositary or
the Custodian, as applicable, such Eligible Securities, and (z) agrees to any
additional restrictions or requirements that the Depositary deems appropriate,
(b) at all times fully collateralized with cash, United States government
securities or such other collateral as the Depositary deems appropriate, (c)
terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business days' notice
and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the
Depositary deems appropriate. The Depositary will normally limit the number of
ADSs and Eligible Securities involved in such Pre-Release Transactions at any
one time to thirty percent (30%) of the ADSs outstanding (without giving effect
to ADSs outstanding under (i) above), provided, however, that the Depositary
reserves the right to disregard such limit from time to time as it deems
appropriate and may, with the prior written consent of the Company, change such
limit for purposes of general application.
The Depositary may also set limits with respect to the number of ADSs and Eligible Securities involved in Pre-Release Transactions with any one person on a case by case basis as it deems appropriate. The Depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in conjunction with the foregoing. Collateral provided pursuant to (b) above, but not the earnings thereon, shall be held for the benefit of the Holders (other than the Applicant). Temporary COP ADSs, Temporary EC ADSs, Certificate of Payment and Entitlement Certificates shall not be eligible for Pre-Release Transactions hereunder.
(b) Pre-Cancellation Sales. To the extent permitted under applicable law, in its capacity as Depositary, the Depositary may, when a Holder of ADSs so requests, cause the Deposited Shares to be sold and deliver the proceeds of the sale prior to the receipt and cancellation of ADSs (each such transaction a "Pre-Cancellation Sale") prior to the receipt of ADSs for cancellation. Each such Pre-Cancellation Sale will be (a) accompanied by or subject to a written agreement whereby the person or entity (the "Applicant") to whom the proceeds of the sale of Deposited Securities are to be delivered which, (i) represents that at the time of the Pre-Cancellation Sale, the Applicant or its customer owns the ADSs that are to be delivered by the Applicant under such Pre-Cancellation Sale, (ii) agrees to indicate the Depositary as owner of such ADSs in its records and to hold such ADSs in trust for the Depositary until such ADSs are delivered to the Depositary, (iii) unconditionally guarantees to deliver to the Depositary such ADSs, and (iv) agrees to any additional restrictions or requirements that the Depositary deems appropriate; (b) at all times fully collateralized with cash, United States government securities or such other collateral as the Depositary deems appropriate; (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business days notice; and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate.
The Depositary will normally limit the number of Deposited Securities involved in such Pre-Cancellation Sales at any one time to thirty percent (30%) of the Deposited Securities outstanding, provided, however, that the Depositary reserves the right to disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate and may, with the prior written consent of the Company, change such limit for purposes of general application.
Section 5.11 Restricted Securities Owners. Except as provided for in
Section 2.14 of this Deposit Agreement, the Company agrees to advise in writing
each of the persons or entities who, to the best knowledge of the Company,
holds Restricted Securities that such Restricted Securities are ineligible for
deposit hereunder and, to the extent practicable, shall require each of such
persons to represent in writing that such person will not deposit Restricted
Securities hereunder.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
Section 6.1 Amendment/Supplement. The Receipts outstanding at any time, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and the form of Receipt attached hereto and to be issued under the terms hereof may at any time and from time to time be amended or supplemented by written agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable without the prior written consent of the Holders or
Beneficial Owners. Any amendment or supplement which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than charges in connection with foreign exchange control regulations, and taxes and other governmental charges, delivery and other such expenses), or which shall otherwise materially prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders or Beneficial Owners, shall not, however, become effective as to outstanding Receipts until the expiration of thirty (30) days after notice of such amendment or supplement shall have been given to the Holders of outstanding Receipts. The parties hereto agree that any amendments or supplements which (i) are reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order for (a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act or (b) the ADSs to be traded solely in electronic book-entry form and (ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to materially prejudice any substantial rights of Holders or Beneficial Owners. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner at the time any amendment or supplement becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such ADSs, to consent and agree to such amendment or supplement and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement and the Receipt as amended and supplemented thereby. In no event shall any amendment or supplement impair the right of the Holder to surrender such Receipt and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would require an amendment or supplement of the Deposit Agreement to ensure compliance therewith, the Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and the Receipts at any time in accordance with such changed laws, rules or regulations. Such amendment or supplement to the Deposit Agreement and the Receipts in such circumstances may become effective before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within any other period of time as required for compliance with such laws, rules or regulations.
Section 6.2 Termination. The Depositary shall, at any time at the written
direction of the Company, terminate this Deposit Agreement by providing notice
of such termination to the Holders of all Receipts then outstanding at least
thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination.
If sixty (60) days shall have expired after (i) the Depositary shall have
delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign, or (ii)
the Company shall have delivered to the Depositary a written notice of the
removal of the Depositary, and in either case a successor depositary shall not
have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4,
the Depositary may terminate this Deposit Agreement by providing notice of such
termination to the Holders of all Receipts then outstanding at least thirty
(30) days prior to the date fixed for such termination. On and after the date
of termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Holder of a Receipt will, upon
surrender of such Receipt at the Principal Office of the Depositary, upon the
payment of the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of Receipts referred
to in Section 2.7 and subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth
therein and subject always to the restrictions on withdrawal as may be in
effect under the laws and regulations of the Republic of China, and upon
payment of any applicable taxes or governmental charges, be entitled to
Delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities
represented by such Receipt. If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the
date of termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Registrar thereafter shall
discontinue the registration of transfers of Receipts, and the Depositary shall
suspend the distribution of dividends to the Holders thereof, and shall not
give any further notices or perform any further acts under this Deposit
Agreement, except that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends
and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights as provided in this Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in Section 2.7, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for Receipts surrendered to the Depositary (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case, the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges or assessments). At any time after the expiration of six months from the date of termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held hereunder and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it hereunder, in an unsegregated account, without liability for interest for the pro rata benefit of the Holders whose Receipts have not theretofore been surrendered, such Holders thereupon becoming general creditors of the Depositary with respect to such net proceeds. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement with respect to the Receipts, the Deposited Securities and the ADSs, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case, the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges or assessments). Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary under Sections 5.8, 5.9 and 7.6 hereof.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.1 Counterparts. This Deposit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies of this Deposit Agreement shall be maintained with the Depositary and shall be open to inspection by any Holder during business hours.
Section 7.2 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Deposit Agreement is for
the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto (and their successors) and shall
not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim whatsoever
to any other person, except to the extent specifically set forth in this
Deposit Agreement. Nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed to give
rise to a partnership or joint venture among the parties nor establish a
fiduciary or similar relationship among the parties. The parties hereto
acknowledge and agree that (i) the Depositary and its Affiliates may at any
time have multiple banking relationships with the Company and its Affiliates,
(ii) the Depositary and its Affiliates may be engaged at any time in
transactions in which parties adverse to the Company or the Holders or
Beneficial Owners may have interests and (iii) nothing contained in this
Agreement shall (a) preclude the Depositary or any of its Affiliates from
engaging in such transactions or establishing or maintaining such
relationships, (b) obligate the Depositary or any of its Affiliates to disclose
such transactions or relationships or to account for any profit made or payment
received in such transactions or relationships.
Section 7.3 Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.
Section 7.4 Holders and Beneficial Owners as Parties; Binding Effect. The Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of ADSs shall be parties to the Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions thereof and of any Receipt by acceptance thereof of any beneficial interest therein.
Section 7.5 Notices. Any and all notices to be given to the Company shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail, air courier or cable, telex or facsimile transmission, confirmed by letter, addressed to AU Optronics Corp., 1 Li-Hsin Rd. 2, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan, Republic of China, Attention: Max Weishun Cheng, Chief Financial Officer, Finance Division, or to any other address which the Company may specify in writing to the Depositary.
Any and all notices to be given to the Depositary shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail, air courier or cable, telex or facsimile transmission, confirmed by letter, addressed to Citibank, N.A., 111 Wall Street, New York, New York 10043, U.S.A. Attention: ADR Department, or to any other address which the Depositary may specify in writing to the Company.
Any and all notices to be given to the Custodian shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail, air courier or cable, telex or facsimile transmission, confirmed by letter, addressed to Citibank, N.A., (Taipei), having its principal office at B1, No. 16, Nanking E. Road, Sec. 4, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China or to any other address which the Custodian may specify in writing to the Company.
Any and all notices to be given to any Holder shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telex or facsimile transmission, confirmed by letter, addressed to such Holder at the address of such Holder as it appears on the books of the Depositary, or, if such Holder shall have filed with the Depositary a written request that notices intended for such Holder be mailed to some other address, at the address specified in such request, or (b) if a Holder shall have designated such means of notification as an acceptable means of notification under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, by means of electronic messaging addressed for delivery to the e-mail address designated by the Holder for such purpose. Notice to Holders shall be deemed to be notice to Beneficial Owners for all purposes of this Deposit Agreement. Failure to notify a Holder or any defect in the notification to a Holder shall not affect the sufficiency of notification to other Holders or to Beneficial Owners of ADSs held by such other Holders.
Delivery of a notice sent by mail, air courier or cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall be deemed to be effective at the time when a duly addressed letter containing the same (or a confirmation thereof in the case of a cable, telex or facsimile transmission) is deposited, postage prepaid, in a post-office letter box or delivered to an air courier service, without regard to the actual receipt or time of actual receipt thereof by a Holder. The Depositary
or the Company may, however, act upon any cable, telex or facsimile transmission received by it from the other or from any Holder, notwithstanding that such cable, telex or facsimile transmission shall not subsequently be confirmed by letter as aforesaid.
Delivery of a notice by means of electronic messaging shall be deemed to be effective at the time of the initiation of the transmission by the sender (as shown on the sender's records), notwithstanding that the intended recipient retrieves the message at a later date, fails to retrieve such message, or fails to receive such notice on account of its failure to maintain the designated e-mail address, its failure to designate a substitute e-mail address or for any other reason.
Section 7.6 Governing Law and Jurisdiction. This Deposit Agreement and the Receipts shall be interpreted in accordance with, and all rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by, the laws of the State of New York without reference to the principles of choice of law thereof. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Deposit Agreement, any Receipt or any present or future provisions of the laws of the State of New York, the rights of holders of Deposited Securities and the obligations and duties of the Company in respect of the holders of Deposited Securities, as such, shall be governed by the laws of Taiwan (or, if applicable, such other laws as may govern the Deposited Securities).
Except as set forth in the following paragraph of this Section 7.6, the
Company and the Depositary agree that the federal or state courts in the City
of New York shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or
proceeding and to settle any dispute between them that may arise out of or in
connection with this Deposit Agreement and, for such purposes, each irrevocably
submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. The Company hereby
irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers CT Corporation System Inc. (the
"Agent") now at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011 as its authorized
agent to receive for and on its behalf, and on behalf of its properties, assets
and revenues, service by mail of any and all legal process, summons, notices
and documents that may be served in any suit, action or proceeding brought
against the Company in any federal or state court as described in the preceding
sentence or in the next paragraph of this Section 7.6. If for any reason the
Agent shall cease to be available to act as such, the Company agrees to
designate a new agent in New York on the terms and for the purposes of this
Section 7.6 reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary. The Company further
hereby irrevocably consents and agrees to the service of any and all legal
process, summons, notices and documents in any suit, action or proceeding
against the Company, by service by mail of a copy thereof upon the Agent
(whether or not the appointment of such Agent shall for any reason prove to be
ineffective or such Agent shall fail to accept or acknowledge such service),
with a copy mailed to the Company by registered or certified air mail, postage
prepaid, to its address provided in Section 7.5 hereof. The Company agrees that
the failure of the Agent to give any notice of such service to it shall not
impair or affect in any way the validity of such service or any judgment
rendered in any action or proceeding based thereon.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Depositary and the Company unconditionally agree that in the event that a Holder or Beneficial Owner brings a suit, action or proceeding against (a) the Company, (b) the Depositary, in its capacity as Depositary under this Deposit Agreement, or (c) against both the Company and the Depositary, in any such case, in any state or
federal court of the United States, and the Depositary or the Company have any claim, for indemnification or otherwise, against each other arising out of the subject matter of such suit, action or proceeding, then the Company and the Depositary may pursue such claim against each other in the state or federal court in the United States in which such suit, action, or proceeding is pending and, for such purposes, the Company and the Depositary irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. The Company agrees that service of process upon the Agent in the manner set forth in the preceding paragraph shall be effective service upon it for any suit, action or proceeding brought against it as described in this paragraph.
The Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any actions, suits or proceedings brought in any court as provided in this Section 7.6, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
The Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and agrees not to plead or claim, any right of immunity from legal action, suit or proceeding, from setoff or counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any court, from service of process, from attachment upon or prior to judgment, from attachment in aid of execution or judgment, from execution of judgment, or from any other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of any judgment, and consents to such relief and enforcement against it, its assets and its revenues in any jurisdiction, in each case with respect to any matter arising out of, or in connection with, the Deposit Agreement, any Receipt or the Deposited Securities.
No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act is intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement. The provisions of this Section 7.6 shall survive any termination of this Deposit Agreement, in whole or in part.
Section 7.7 Assignment. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.4 hereof, this Deposit Agreement may not be assigned by either the Company or the Depositary.
Section 7.8 Compliance with U.S. Securities Laws. Notwithstanding anything in this Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the withdrawal or delivery of Deposited Securities will not be suspended by the Company or the Depositary except as would be permitted by Instruction I.A. (1) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act.
Section 7.9 Titles and References. All references in this Deposit Agreement to exhibits, articles, sections, subsections, and other subdivisions refer to the exhibits, articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions of this Deposit Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. The words "this Deposit Agreement", "herein", "hereof", "hereby", "hereunder", and words of similar import refer to this Deposit Agreement as a whole as in effect between the Company, the Depositary and the Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. Pronouns in masculine, feminine and neuter gender shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be
construed to include the plural and vice versa unless the context otherwise requires. Titles to sections of this Deposit Agreement are included for convenience only and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in this Deposit Agreement. References to applicable laws and regulations shall refer to the applicable laws and regulations in effect at the relevant time of determination, unless otherwise required by such laws or regulations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, AU OPTRONICS CORP., and CITIBANK, N.A. have duly executed this Deposit Agreement as of the day and year first above set forth and all Holders and Beneficial Owners shall become parties hereto upon acceptance by them of ADSs evidenced by Receipts issued in accordance with the terms hereof, or upon acquisition of any beneficial interest therein.
AU OPTRONICS CORP.
By: /s/ Max Weishun Cheng ----------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer |
CITIBANK, N.A.
By: /s/ Susan A. Lucanto ----------------------------------- Vice President |
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF RECEIPT] Number CUSIP NUMBER: 002255 10 7 AUO___________ [American Depositary Shares (each American Depositary Share representing ten (10) Fully Paid shares of common stock, par NT$10.00 per share)] [COP American Depositary Shares (each COP American Depositary Share representing an undivided interest in a global Certificates of Payment, each interest representing the irrevocable right to receive ten (10) Fully Paid shares of common stock par value NT$10.00 per share)] [EC American Depositary Shares (each EC American Depositary Share representing an undivided interest in an Entitlement Certificate, each interest representing the irrevocable right to receive ten (10) shares of common stock par NT$10.00 per share)] |
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
FOR
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
representing
[DEPOSITED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK]
[INTERESTS IN THE DEPOSITED CERTIFICATE(S) OF PAYMENT]
[DEPOSITED ENTITLEMENT CERTIFICATE(S)]
of
AU Optronics Corp.
(Incorporated under the laws of the Republic of China)
CITIBANK, N.A., a national banking association organized and existing
under the laws of the United States of America, as depositary (the
"Depositary"), hereby certifies that _____________is the owner of
______________ American Depositary Shares (hereinafter "ADS"), representing
deposited [shares of common stock] [interests in the global Certificate(s) of
Payment representing the irrevocable right to receive shares of common stock]
[Entitlement Certificate(s) representing the irrevocable right to receive
shares of common stock], par value NT$10.00 per share, or evidence of rights to
receive such [shares of common stock (the "Shares")] [interests in the global
Certificate(s) of Payment (the "Certificate(s) of Payment"][Entitlement
Certificate(s) (the "Entitlement Certificate(s)")] (such
[Shares][Certificate(s) of Payment][Entitlement Certificate(s)] are hereafter
called "Eligible Securities") of AU Optronics Corp., a company incorporated
under the laws of the Republic of China (the "Company"). As of the date of the
Deposit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), each ADS represents [ten (10)
Shares][an undivided interest in an Entitlement Certificate, each interest
representing the irrevocable right to receive [ten (10)] Shares][an undivided
interest in a global Certificate(s) of Payment, each interest representing the
irrevocable right to receive ten (10) Shares] deposited under the Deposit
Agreement with the Custodian, which at the date of execution of the Deposit
Agreement is Citibank, N.A., (Taipei) (the "Custodian"). The ratio of American
Depositary Shares to Eligible Securities is subject to amendment as provided in
Article IV of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary's Principal Office is
located at 111 Wall Street, New York, New York 10043, U.S.A.
(1) The Deposit Agreement. This American Depositary Receipt is one of an issue of American Depositary Receipts ("Receipts"), all issued and to be issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Deposit Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2002 (as amended from time to time, the "Deposit Agreement"), by and among the Company, the Depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") evidenced by Receipts issued thereunder, each of whom by accepting an ADS (or an interest
therein) agrees to become a party thereto and becomes bound by all the terms and conditions thereof. The Deposit Agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of Holders and Beneficial Owners of Receipts and the rights and duties of the Depositary in respect of the Eligible Securities deposited thereunder and any and all other securities, property and cash from time to time received in respect of such Eligible Securities and held thereunder (such Eligible Securities, securities, property and cash are herein called "Deposited Securities"). Copies of the Deposit Agreement are on file at the Principal Office of the Depositary and with the Custodian.
The statements made on the face and reverse of this Receipt are summaries of certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the Articles of Incorporation of the Company (as in effect on the date of the signing of the Deposit Agreement) and are qualified by and subject to the detailed provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the Articles of Incorporation, to which reference is hereby made. All capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary makes no representation or warranty as to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities. The Depositary has made arrangements for the acceptance of the ADSs into DTC. Each Beneficial Owner of ADSs held through DTC must rely on the procedures of DTC and the DTC Participants to exercise and be entitled to any rights attributable to such ADSs.
(2) Surrender of ADSs and Withdrawal and Sale of Deposited Securities. The
Depositary and the Company have been advised that under ROC law, until three
(3) months after the closing of the Offering, a Holder is not entitled to
withdraw or sell Shares from the ADS Facility, consequently, the Company and
the Depositary agree to prohibit the surrender of ADSs and the sale or Delivery
of any Shares deposited in connection with the Offering until the expiration of
such three-month period. A Holder wishing to withdraw Shares from the ADS
Facility shall be required under ROC law to appoint an eligible agent in the
Republic of China to open a securities trading account with a local brokerage
firm after receiving an approval from the TSE and a bank account (the
securities trading account and the bank account, collectively, the "Accounts"),
to pay ROC taxes, remit funds, exercise stockholders' rights and perform such
other functions as may be designated by such withdrawing Holder. In addition,
such withdrawing Holder is also required to appoint a custodian bank to hold
the securities in safekeeping, make confirmations and settle trades and report
all relevant information. Without making such appointment and until approval
from the TSE is obtained, the withdrawing Holder would be unable to receive,
hold, or subsequently sell the Deposited Securities withdrawn from the ADS
Facilities on the TSE or otherwise.
(a) Sale of Deposited Securities. Upon surrender of Receipts at the Principal Office and upon payment of any fees, reasonable expenses, taxes or other governmental charges as provided hereunder, subject to the terms of this Deposit Agreement, and the transfer restrictions applicable to the Deposited Securities, if any, Holders may request that the Deposited Securities represented by such Holders' Receipts be sold on such Holders' behalf. Any Holder requesting a sale of Deposited Securities may be required by the Depositary to deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Depositary a written order requesting the Depositary to sell, or cause to be sold, such Deposited Securities. Any such sale of Deposited Securities will be conducted in accordance with applicable ROC law through a securities company in the ROC on the TSE or in such other manner as is or may be permitted under applicable ROC law. Any such sale of Deposited Securities will be at the expense and risk of the Holder requesting such sale.
Upon receipt of any proceeds from any such sale, the Depositary shall, subject to any restrictions imposed by ROC law and regulations, and as provided hereunder and under the Deposit Agreement, convert or cause to be converted any such proceeds into U.S. dollars and distribute any such proceeds to the Holders entitled thereto after deduction or payment of any fees, reasonable expenses, taxes or governmental charges incurred in connection with such sale, as provided under the Deposit Agreement. Any such sale may be subject to ROC taxation on capital gains, if any, and will be subject to a securities transaction tax in the ROC.
(b) Withdrawal of Deposited Securities. The Holder of ADSs shall be entitled to Delivery (at the Custodian's designated office) of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the ADS(s) upon satisfaction of each of the following conditions: (i) the Holder (or a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) has duly Delivered ADSs to the Depositary at its Principal Office (and if applicable, the Receipts evidencing such ADSs) for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, (ii) if so required by the Depositary, the Receipts Delivered to the Depositary for such purpose have been properly endorsed in blank or are accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice), (iii) if so required by the Depositary, the Holder of the ADSs has executed and delivered to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be Delivered to or upon the written order of the person(s) designated in such order, (iv) the Holder has delivered to the Depositary the certification contemplated in Exhibit C to the Deposit Agreement, duly completed by or on behalf of the Beneficial Owner(s) of the ADSs surrendered for withdrawal (unless the Depositary is otherwise instructed by the Company), and (v) all applicable fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 of, and Exhibit B to, the Deposit Agreement) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the Receipts evidencing the surrendered ADSs, of the Deposit Agreement, of the Company's Articles of Incorporation and of any applicable laws and the regulations and rules of the Republic of China and the rules of the TSE and the Taiwan Securities Central Depository, and to any provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
Upon satisfaction of each of the conditions specified above, the Depositary (i) shall cancel the ADSs Delivered to it (and, if applicable, the Receipts evidencing the ADSs so Delivered), (ii) shall direct the Registrar to record the cancellation of the ADSs so Delivered on the books maintained for such purpose, and (iii) shall direct the Custodian to Deliver (without unreasonable delay) at the Custodian's designated office the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs so canceled together with any certificate or other document of title for the Deposited Securities, or evidence of the electronic transfer thereof (if available), as the case may be, to or upon the written order of the person(s) designated in the order delivered to the Depositary for such purpose, subject however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, of the Receipts evidencing the ADSs so canceled, of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, of applicable laws and the rules and regulations of the Republic of China and the rules of the TSE and the Taiwan Securities Central Depository, and to the terms and conditions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
The Depositary shall not accept for surrender ADSs representing less than one Eligible Security. In the case of the Delivery to it of ADSs representing a number other than a
whole number of Eligible Securities, the Depositary shall cause ownership of the appropriate whole number of Eligible Securities to be Delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall, at the discretion of the Depositary, either (i) return to the person surrendering such ADSs the number of ADSs representing any remaining fractional Eligible Security, or (ii) sell or cause to be sold the fractional Eligible Security represented by the ADS(s) so surrendered and remit the proceeds of such sale (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes withheld) to the person surrendering the ADSs. In addition, trading restrictions on the TSE may result in the price per Eligible Security or on any lot of any type of Eligible Security other than an integral multiple of 1,000 Eligible Securities being lower than the price of Eligible Securities in lots of integral multiples of 1,000 Eligible Securities.
Notwithstanding anything else contained in any Receipt or the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may make delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary of (i) any cash dividends or cash distributions, or (ii) any proceeds from the sale of any distributions of securities or rights, which are at the time held by the Depositary in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs surrendered for cancellation and withdrawal. At the request, risk and expense of any Holder so surrendering ADSs, and for the account of such Holder, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward (to the extent permitted by law) any cash or other property (other than securities) held by the Custodian in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by such ADSs to the Depositary for delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Holder, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission.
(3) Transfer, Combination and Split-Up of Receipts. The Registrar shall register the transfer of this Receipt (and of the ADSs represented thereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall cancel this Receipt and execute new Receipts evidencing the same aggregate number and type of ADSs as those evidenced by this Receipt when canceled, shall cause the Registrar to countersign such new Receipts and shall Deliver such new Receipts to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto, if each of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) this Receipt has been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a transfer thereof, (ii) this Receipt has been properly endorsed or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice), (iii) this Receipt has been duly stamped (if required by the laws of the State of New York or of the United States), and (iv) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 of, and Exhibit B to, the Deposit Agreement) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of this Receipt, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
The Registrar shall register the split-up or combination of this Receipt (and of the ADSs represented hereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall cancel this Receipt and execute new Receipts for the number of ADSs requested, but in the aggregate not exceeding the number of the same type of ADSs evidenced by this Receipt (when canceled), shall cause the Registrar to countersign such new Receipts and shall Deliver such new Receipts to or upon the order of the Holder thereof, if each of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) this Receipt has been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized
attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination hereof, and (ii) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and government charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 of, and Exhibit B to, the Deposit Agreement) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of this Receipt, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.
(4) Pre-Conditions to Registration, Transfer, Etc. As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery, registration of transfer, split-up, combination or surrender of any Receipt, the delivery of any distribution thereon, or the withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary or the Custodian may require (i) payment from the depositor of Eligible Securities or presenter of ADSs or of a Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Eligible Securities being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees and charges of the Depositary as provided in the Deposit Agreement and in this Receipt, (ii) the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature or any other matters contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) compliance with (A) any laws or governmental regulations relating to the execution and delivery of Receipts or ADSs or to the deposit of Eligible Securities or to the withdrawal of Deposited Securities and (B) such reasonable regulations as the Depositary and the Company may establish consistent with the provisions of this Receipt, the Deposit Agreement and applicable law.
The issuance of ADSs against deposits of Eligible Securities generally or against deposits of particular Eligible Securities may be suspended, or the deposit of particular Eligible Securities may be refused, or the registration of transfer of Receipts in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfer of Receipts generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Company, the Depositary, a Registrar or the Eligible Securities Registrar are closed or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company, in good faith, at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law, any government or governmental body or commission or any securities exchange upon which the ADSs or Eligible Securities are listed, or under any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt, or under any provision of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, or because of a meeting of shareholders of the Company or for any other reason, subject in all cases to Paragraph (23) hereof. In addition, the Depositary and the Custodian shall refuse to accept Shares for deposit (i) whenever notified, as provided in the Deposit Agreement that the Company has restricted transfer of such Shares to comply with delivery or transfer requirements and/or ownership restrictions referred to in the Deposit Agreement or under applicable law, or (ii) in the case of a deposit of Shares requested under the terms of Section 2.3(iv) of the Deposit Agreement, if such deposit is not permitted under any restriction notified by the Company to the Depositary from time to time, which restrictions may specify black-out periods during which deposits may not be made, minimum or maximum numbers of Shares and frequencies of deposit.
Notwithstanding any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt to the contrary, Holders are entitled to surrender outstanding ADSs to withdraw the Deposited Securities at any time subject only to (i) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of
the Depositary or the Company, or the deposit of Eligible Securities in
connection with voting at a shareholders' meeting or the payment of dividends,
(ii) the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges, (iii) compliance with any
U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the Receipts or to
the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities, and (iv) other circumstances
specifically contemplated by Section I.A.(l) of the General Instructions to
Form F-6 (as such General Instructions may be amended from time to time).
(5) Compliance With Information Requests. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt, each Holder and Beneficial Owner of the ADSs represented hereby agrees to comply with requests from the Company pursuant to applicable law, the rules and requirements of the TSE, and any other stock exchange on which the Eligible Securities or ADSs are, or will be, registered, traded or listed, or the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, which are made to provide information, inter alia, as to the capacity in which such Holder or Beneficial Owner owns ADSs (and Eligible Securities and Deposited Securities, as the case may be) and regarding the identity of any other person(s) interested in such ADSs and the nature of such interest and various other matters, whether or not they are Holders and/or Beneficial Owners at the time of such request.
(6) Ownership Restrictions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Receipt or of the Deposit Agreement, the Company may restrict transfers of the Shares, Eligible Securities or securities convertible into Shares where the Company informs the Depositary that such transfer might result in ownership of Shares exceeding limits imposed by applicable law, the SFC, the TSE or Articles of Incorporation of the Company. The Company may also restrict, in such manner as it deems appropriate, transfers of ADSs where such transfer may result in the total number of Shares, Deposited Securities or securities convertible into Shares represented by the ADSs owned by a single Holder or Beneficial Owner to exceed any such limits. The Company may, in its sole discretion, but subject to applicable law, instruct the Depositary to take action with respect to the ownership interest of any Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of the limits set forth in the preceding sentence, including but not limited to, the imposition of restrictions on the transfer of ADSs, the removal or limitation of voting rights or the mandatory sale or disposition on behalf of a Holder or Beneficial Owner of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs held by such Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of such limitations, if and to the extent such disposition is permitted by applicable law and the Articles of Incorporation of the Company.
(7) Liability of Holder for Taxes and Other Charges. If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable with respect to any Receipt or any Deposited Securities or ADSs, such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Holders and Beneficial Owners to the Depositary. The Company, the Custodian and/or Depositary may withhold or deduct from any distributions made in respect of Deposited Securities and may sell for the account of a Holder and/or Beneficial Owner any or all of the Deposited Securities and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in payment of such taxes or governmental charges, (including applicable interest and penalties), the Holder and the Beneficial Owner hereof remaining liable for any deficiency. The Custodian may refuse the deposit of Eligible Securities and the Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver ADRs, register the transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs and (subject to Paragraph (23) hereof) the withdrawal of Deposited Securities until payment in full of such tax, charge, penalty or interest is received. Every Holder
and Beneficial Owner may be asked to indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian, and any of their respective agents, officers, employees and Affiliates for, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims with respect to taxes (including applicable interest and penalties thereon) arising from any inaccuracy in the information provided by such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner in connection with obtaining any tax benefit for such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner.
(8) Representations and Warranties of Depositors. Each person depositing
Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and
warrant that (i) such Shares and the certificates therefor are duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained by such person,
(ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Shares
have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is
duly authorized to make such deposit, (iv) the Shares presented for deposit are
free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or
adverse claim and are not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be,
Restricted Securities except (as contemplated in Section 2.14 of the Deposit
Agreement), and (v) the Shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of
any rights or entitlements. Such representations and warranties shall survive
the deposit and withdrawal of Shares, the issuance and cancellation of ADSs in
respect thereof and the transfer of such ADSs. Each person depositing
Certificates of Payment under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to
represent and warrant that (i) such Certificates of Payment are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained by
such person, (ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to
such Certificates of Payment have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the
person making such deposit is duly authorized to make such deposit, (iv) the
Certificates of Payment presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien,
encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not,
and the Temporary COP ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, Restricted
Securities (except as contemplated in Section 2.14 of the Deposit Agreement)
and (v) the Certificates of Payment presented for deposit have not been
stripped of any rights or entitlements. Such representations and warranties
shall survive the deposit of Certificates of Payment, the issuance and
cancellation of Temporary COP ADSs in respect thereof and the transfer of such
Temporary COP ADSs. Each person depositing Entitlement Certificates under the
Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that (i)
such Entitlement Certificates are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and legally obtained by such person, (ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights,
if any, with respect to such Entitlement Certificates have been validly waived
or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is duly authorized to do so,
(iv) the Entitlement Certificates presented for deposit are free and clear of
any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim,
and are not, and the Temporary EC ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be,
Restricted Securities and (v) the Entitlement Certificates presented for
deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements. Such
representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of Entitlement
Certificates, the issuance and cancellation of Temporary EC ADSs in respect
thereof and the transfer of such Temporary EC ADSs.
If any such representations or warranties are false in any way, the Company and Depositary shall be authorized, at the cost and expense of the person depositing, Shares, Certificates of Payment or Entitlement Certificates, to take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences thereof.
(9) Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information. Any person presenting Eligible Securities for deposit, any Holder and any Beneficial Owner may be required, and every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees, from time to time to provide to the Depositary and the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, taxpayer status, payment of all applicable taxes or other governmental charges, exchange control approvals and any other applicable regulatory approval, legal or beneficial ownership of ADSs and Deposited Securities, compliance with applicable laws and the terms of the Deposit Agreement or this receipt evidencing the ADS(s) and the provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, to execute such certifications and to make such representations and warranties, and to provide such other information and documentation (or, in the case of Eligible Securities in registered form presented for deposit, such information relating to the registration on the books of the Company or of the Eligible Securities Registrar) as the Depositary or the Custodian may deem reasonably necessary or proper or as the Company may reasonably require by written request to the Depositary consistent with its obligations under the Deposit Agreement, this Receipt and applicable laws and regulations. The Depositary and the Registrar, as applicable, may withhold the execution or delivery or registration of transfer of any Receipt or the distribution or sale of any dividend or distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof or, to the extent not limited by Paragraph (23) hereof, the delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such certificates are executed, or such representations are made, or such information and documentation are provided, in each case to the Depositary's, the Registrar's and the Company's satisfaction.
(10) Charges of Depositary. The Depositary shall charge the following fees for the services performed under the terms of the Deposit Agreement:
(i) to any person to whom ADSs are issued upon the deposit of Eligible Securities, a fee not in excess of U.S. $ 5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) so issued under the terms of the Deposit Agreement (excluding issuances pursuant to paragraphs (iii)(b) and (v) below);
(ii) to any person surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities, a fee not in excess of U.S. $ 5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) so surrendered;
(iii) No fee shall be payable upon distribution of (a) cash dividends or
(b) ADSs pursuant to stock dividends (or other free distributions of stock) so
long as the charging of such fee is prohibited by the exchange upon which the
ADSs are listed. If charging of such fees is not prohibited, the fees specified
in (i) above shall be payable in respect of ADS distributions pursuant to stock
dividends (or other free distributions of stock) and the fees specified in (iv)
below shall be payable in respect of distributions of cash;
(iv) to any Holder of ADSs, a fee not in excess of U.S. $ 2.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held for the distribution of cash proceeds (i.e., upon the sale of rights and other entitlements); and
(v) to any Holder of ADSs, a fee not in the excess of U.S. $ 5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) issued upon the exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs.
In addition, Holders, Beneficial Owners, persons depositing Eligible Securities for deposit and persons surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities will be required to pay the following charges:
(a) taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges;
(b) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of Deposited Securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of Deposited Securities to or from the name of the Custodian, the Depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively;
(c) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of the person depositing or withdrawing Deposited Securities or Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs;
(d) the expenses and charges incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency;
(e) such fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Eligible Securities, Deposited Securities, ADSs and ADRs; and
(f) the fees and expenses incurred by the Depositary in connection with the delivery of Deposited Securities.
Any other charges and expenses of the Depositary under the Deposit Agreement will be paid by the Company upon agreement between the Depositary and the Company. All fees and charges may, at any time and from time to time, be changed by agreement between the Depositary and Company but, in the case of fees and charges payable by Holders or Beneficial Owners, only in the manner contemplated by Paragraph (21) of this Receipt. The Depositary will provide, without charge, a copy of its latest fee schedule to anyone upon request. The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole account of the Depositary.
(11) Title to Receipts. It is a condition of this Receipt, and every successive Holder of this Receipt by accepting or holding the same consents and agrees, that title to this Receipt (and to each ADS evidenced hereby) shall be transferable upon the same terms as a certificated security under the laws of the State of New York, provided that the Receipt has been properly endorsed or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer. Notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, the Depositary and the Company may deem and treat the Holder of this Receipt (that is, the person in whose name this Receipt is registered on the books of the Depositary) as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation nor be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt to any holder of this Receipt or any Beneficial Owner unless such holder is the Holder of this Receipt registered on the books of the Depositary or, in the case of a Beneficial Owner, such Beneficial Owner or the Beneficial Owner's representative is the Holder registered on the books of the Depositary.
(12) Validity of Receipt. This Receipt (and the ADSs represented hereby) shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or enforceable for any purpose against the Depositary or the Company unless this Receipt has been (i) dated, (ii) signed by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary, (iii) countersigned by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Registrar, and (iv) registered in the books maintained by the Registrar for the registration of issuances and transfers of Receipts. Receipts bearing the facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, who at the time of signature was a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, as the case may be, shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding the fact that such signatory has ceased to be so authorized prior to the delivery of such Receipt by the Depositary.
(13) Available Information; Reports; Inspection of Transfer Books. The Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and accordingly files certain information with the Commission. These reports and documents can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549. The Depositary shall make available for inspection by Holders at its Principal Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting materials, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary, the Custodian, or the nominee of either of them, as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company.
The Registrar shall keep books for the registration of issuances and transfers of Receipts which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Company and by the Holders of such Receipts, provided that such inspection shall not be, to the Registrar's knowledge, for the purpose of communicating with Holders of such Receipts in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or other than a matter related to the Deposit Agreement or the Receipts.
The Registrar may close the transfer books with respect to the Receipts, at any time or from time to time, when deemed necessary or advisable by it in good faith in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder, or at the reasonable written request of the Company subject, in all cases, to Paragraph (23) hereof.
Dated: CITIBANK, N.A., as Depositary By: ----------------------------------- Authorized Signatory |
CITIBANK, N.A.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The address of the Principal Office of the Depositary is 111 Wall Street, New York, New York 10043, U.S.A.
[FORM OF REVERSE OF RECEIPT]
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
(14) Dividends and Distributions in Cash, Eligible Securities, etc. Subject always to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China, whenever the Depositary receives directly confirmation from the Custodian of receipt of any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, or receives proceeds from the sale of any Deposited Securities or any entitlements held in respect of Deposited Securities under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary will (i) promptly convert or cause to be converted such cash dividend, distribution or proceeds into Dollars (upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement), (ii) if applicable, establish the ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Paragraph (15) hereof and in Section 4.9 of the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) distribute promptly the amount thus received (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes withheld) to the Holders entitled thereto as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADS held as of the ADS Record Date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Holder a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for interest thereon) and shall be added to and become part of the next sum received by the Depositary for distribution to Holders of ADSs then outstanding at the time of the next distribution. If the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to Holders on the ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. Such withheld amounts shall be forwarded by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary to the relevant governmental authority.
If any distribution upon any Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Eligible Securities, the Company shall cause such Eligible Securities to be deposited with the Custodian and registered, as the case may be, in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or their respective nominees. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit from the Custodian, the Depositary shall, subject to and in accordance with the Deposit Agreement and the laws and regulations of the Republic of China, establish the ADS Record Date and either (i) the Depositary shall distribute to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the ADS Record Date, additional ADSs (of the applicable series), which represent in aggregate the number of Eligible Securities received as such dividend, or free distribution, subject, however, in each case, to the terms of the Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, the limitations set forth on the face of this Receipt and in Article II of the Deposit Agreement and net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes), or (ii) if additional ADSs are not so distributed, each ADS issued and outstanding after the ADS Record Date shall, to the extent permissible by law, thenceforth also represent rights and interest in the additional integral number of Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby (subject, however, in each case, to the laws and regulations of the Republic of China and net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and the reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes). In lieu of delivering
fractional ADSs, the Depositary shall sell the number of Eligible Securities or ADSs, as the case may be, represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds upon the terms set forth in the Deposit Agreement.
In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Eligible Securities) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, or, if the Company in the fulfillment of its obligations under the Deposit Agreement, has furnished an opinion of U.S. counsel determining that Eligible Securities must be registered under the Securities Act or other laws in order to be distributed to Holders (and no such registration statement has been declared effective), the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Eligible Securities and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale (after deduction of (a) taxes and (b) fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary) to Holders entitled thereto upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall hold and/or distribute any unsold balance of such property in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement.
Upon timely receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes an elective distribution to be made available to Holders upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement, the Company and the Depositary shall determine whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable. If so, the Depositary shall, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, establish an ADS record date according to Paragraph (15) and establish procedures to enable the Holder hereof to elect to receive the proposed distribution in cash or in additional ADSs. If a Holder elects to receive the distribution in cash, the dividend shall be distributed as in the case of a distribution in cash. If the Holder hereof elects to receive the distribution in additional ADSs, the distribution shall be distributed as in the case of a distribution in Eligible Securities. If such elective distribution is not lawful or not reasonably practicable, the Depositary shall, to the extent permitted by law, distribute to Holders, on the basis of the same determination as is made in the Republic of China in respect of the Deposited Securities for which no election is made, either (x) cash or (y) additional ADSs representing such additional Eligible Securities, in each case, upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holder hereof a method to receive the elective distribution in Eligible Securities (rather than ADSs). There can be no assurance that the Holder hereof will be given the opportunity to receive elective distributions on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Deposited Securities.
Upon timely receipt by the Depositary of a notice indicating that the Company wishes rights to subscribe for additional Eligible Securities to be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary upon consultation with the Company, shall determine, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such rights available to the Holders. If and whenever the Company shall announce its intention to make any offer or invitation to the holders of Eligible Securities to subscribe for or to acquire Eligible Securities or other assets by way of rights, the Depositary shall as soon as practicable thereafter give notice of the same to the Holders, including if applicable, the last date for acceptance thereof and the manner by which and the time during which Holders may instruct the Depositary to exercise such rights. The Depositary shall
make such rights available to any Holders only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested the Depositary to make such rights available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution of rights is reasonably practicable. In the event any of the conditions set forth above are not satisfied or if the Company requests the Depositary that the rights not be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall proceed with the sale of rights as contemplated below. In the event that the conditions set forth above are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date (upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement) and establish procedures (x) to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs (by means of warrants or otherwise), (y) to enable the Holders to exercise the rights (upon payment of the subscription price and of the applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes), and (z) to deliver ADSs upon the valid exercise of such rights. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holders a method to exercise rights to subscribe for Eligible Securities (rather than ADSs). If (i) the Company does not timely request the Depositary to make the rights available to Holders or if the Company requests that the rights not be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary fails to receive satisfactory documentation required by the Deposit Agreement or determines it is not lawful or not reasonably practicable to make the rights available to Holders, or (iii) any rights made available are not exercised and appear to be about to lapse, the Depositary shall determine whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to sell such rights, in a riskless principal capacity, at such place and upon such terms (including public and private sale) as it may deem reasonably practicable. The Depositary shall, upon such sale, convert and distribute proceeds of such sale (net of applicable fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses incurred by, the Depositary and taxes) upon the terms hereof and of the Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary is unable to make any rights available to Holders or to arrange for the sale of the rights upon the terms described above, the Depositary shall allow such rights to lapse. The Depositary shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or exercise, or (iii) the content of any materials forwarded to the ADR Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the rights distribution.
Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Deposit Agreement to the contrary, if registration (under the Securities Act or any other applicable law) of the rights or the securities to which any rights relate may be required in order for the Company to offer such rights or such securities to Holders and to sell the securities represented by such rights, the Depositary will not distribute such rights to the Holders (i) unless and until a registration statement under the Securities Act (or other applicable law) covering such offering is in effect or (ii) unless the Company furnishes the Depositary opinion(s) of counsel for the Company in the United States and counsel to the Company in any other applicable country in which rights would be distributed in each case satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that the offering and sale of such securities to Holders and Beneficial Owners are exempt from, or do not require registration under, the provisions of the Securities Act or other applicable securities laws. In the event that the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian shall be required to withhold and does withhold from any distribution of property (including rights) an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Holders of ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Eligible Securities and rights to subscribe therefor) is
subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Eligible Securities and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes or charges.
There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Deposited Securities or be able to exercise such rights. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any rights or Eligible Securities or other securities to be acquired upon the exercise of such rights.
Upon receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes property other
than cash, Eligible Securities or rights to purchase additional Eligible
Securities, to be made to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall determine
whether such distribution to Holders is lawful and reasonably practicable. The
Depositary shall not make such distribution unless (i) the Company shall have
requested the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the
Depositary shall have received the documentation contemplated in the Deposit
Agreement, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such
distribution is reasonably practicable. Upon satisfaction of such conditions,
the Depositary shall distribute the property so received to the Holders of
record, as of the ADS Record Date, in proportion to the respective number of
ADSs held by them and in such manner as the Depositary may deem practicable for
accomplishing such distribution (i) upon receipt of payment or net of the
applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and
(ii) net of any taxes withheld. The Depositary may dispose of all or a portion
of the property so distributed and deposited, in such amounts and in such
manner (including public or private sale) as the Depositary may deem
practicable or necessary to satisfy any taxes (including applicable interest
and penalties) or other governmental charges applicable to the distribution.
If the conditions above are not satisfied, the Depositary shall sell or
cause such property to be sold in a public or private sale, at such place or
places and upon such terms as it may deem practicable and shall (i) cause the
proceeds of such sale, if any, to be converted into Dollars and (ii) distribute
the proceeds of such conversion received by the Depositary (net of applicable
(a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b)
taxes) to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date upon the terms hereof and of
the Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary is unable to sell such property, the
Depositary may dispose of such property in any way it deems reasonably
practicable under the circumstances.
(15) Fixing of ADS Record Date. Whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of the fixing of a record date by the Company for the determination of holders of Deposited Securities entitled to receive any distribution (whether in cash, Eligible Securities, rights or other distribution), or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Deposited Securities that are represented by each ADS, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of, or solicitation of consents or proxies of, holders of Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient in connection with the giving of any notice, solicitation of any consent or any other matter, the Depositary shall fix a record date (the "ADS Record Date") for the determination of the Holders of Receipts who shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give instructions for the exercise
of voting rights at any such meeting, to give or withhold such consent, to receive such notice or solicitation or to otherwise take action, or to exercise the rights of Holders with respect to such changed number of Deposited Securities represented by each ADS. The Depositary shall make reasonable efforts to establish the ADS Record Date as closely as possible to the applicable record date for the Deposited Securities (if any) set by the Company in the Republic of China. Subject to applicable law and the terms and conditions of this Receipt and the Deposit Agreement, only the Holders of Receipts at the close of business in New York on such ADS Record Date shall be entitled to receive such distributions, to give such instructions, to receive such notice or solicitation, or otherwise take action.
(16) Voting of Deposited Securities. (a) Voting by Shareholders. The following is a summary of certain rights of holders of Shares, interests in Certificate(s) of Payment and Entitlement Certificate(s), if any, to vote at shareholders' meetings under ROC Company Law and the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, in each case, as in effect on the date hereof: (i) a holder of Shares (including holders of interests in any Certificate of Payment evidencing the irrevocable right to receive Shares) is entitled to one vote for each Share held, (ii) the election of directors and supervisors takes place by means of cumulative voting, and (iii) a shareholder must, as to all matters subject to a vote of shareholders (other than the election of directors and supervisors), exercise the voting rights for all Shares held by such shareholder in the same manner (e.g., a holder of 1,000 Shares cannot split his/her votes but must vote all 1,000 Shares in the same manner except in the event of cumulative voting for an election of directors and supervisors). Pursuant to ROC law, the voting rights attaching to the Deposited Securities must be exercised by, or on behalf of, the Depositary's nominee, as representative of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, collectively in the same manner, except in the case of an election of directors and supervisors, which currently should be on a cumulative basis. Deposited Securities which have been withdrawn from the applicable ADS Facility and timely transferred on the Company's register of shareholders to a person other than the Depositary may be voted by the Registered Holder(s) thereof directly, subject, in each case, to the limitations of ROC law and the Articles of Incorporation of the Company. Holders may not receive sufficient advance notice of shareholders' meetings to enable them to timely withdraw the Deposited Securities and vote at such meetings and may not be able to re-deposit the withdrawn securities under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
(b) Voting by ADS Holders. Holders of ADSs have no individual voting rights with respect to the Deposited Securities represented by their ADSs. Each Holder shall, by acceptance of ADSs or acquisition of any beneficial interest therein, have authorized and directed the Depositary's nominee, without liability, to appoint the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company (or the Chairman's designate) (the "Voting Representative"), as representative of the Depositary's nominee, who is registered in the ROC as representative of the Holders and Beneficial Owners in respect of the Deposited Securities (the "Registered Holder"), to vote the Shares or Deposited Securities in accordance with the terms hereof.
The Company agrees to use its best efforts to timely notify the Depositary of any proposed shareholders' meeting and to timely provide to the Depositary in New York, at least twenty-four (24) calendar days before any ordinary shareholders' meeting or at least fourteen (14) calendar days before any extraordinary shareholders' meeting, a sufficient number of copies reasonably requested by the Depositary of an English language translation of the Company's
notice of shareholders' meeting and the agenda of the materials to be voted on
(in the form the Company generally makes available to holders of Shares in the
ROC, including, without limitation, a list of candidates proposed by the
Company for an election of directors or supervisors) (such materials
collectively, the "Shareholder Notice"). As soon as practicable after receipt
by the Depositary of the requisite number of Shareholder Notices, the
Depositary shall establish the ADS Record Date (upon the terms of Paragraph
(15) hereof and Section 4.9 of the Deposit Agreement) and shall, at the
Company's expense and provided that no U.S. legal prohibitions exist, deliver
to Holders as of the applicable ADS Record Date, (i) the Shareholder Notice,
(ii) a depositary notice setting forth the manner in which Holders of ADSs may
instruct the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities represented by their
ADSs to be voted under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, including a
description of the Management Instruction (as defined below), together with a
form of voting instructions and/or other means to provide voting instructions
(the depositary notice and the related materials prepared by the Depositary
collectively, the "Depositary Notice"). The Depositary is under no obligation
to mail the Shareholder Notice and the Depositary Notice to Holders if the
Company has failed to provide to the Depositary in New York the requisite
number of Shareholder Notices at least twenty-four (24) calendar days prior to
the date of any ordinary shareholders' meeting or at least fourteen (14)
calendar days before the date of any extraordinary shareholders' meeting. If
the Depositary has not delivered the Shareholder Notice or Depositary Notice to
Holders, it will endeavor to cause all Deposited Securities represented by ADRs
to be present at the relevant shareholders' meeting insofar as practicable and
permitted under applicable law but will not cause the Shares or other Deposited
Securities to be voted; provided, however, that the Depositary may determine,
in its sole discretion, to send such Shareholder Notice and Depositary Notice
to Holders and/or cause the Shares or other Deposited Securities to be voted as
it deems appropriate. There can be no assurance that Holders generally or any
Holder in particular will receive Shareholder Notices and Depositary Notices
with sufficient time to enable the return of voting instructions to the
Depositary in a timely manner.
Notwithstanding anything else contained in the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to take any action with respect to any meeting, or solicitation of consents or proxies or instructions, of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities if the taking of such action would violate U.S. laws.
(c) Voting of Deposited Securities Upon ADS Holders' Instructions. If Holders of ADSs together holding at least 51% of all the ADSs (including Temporary ADSs) outstanding as of the relevant ADS Record Date shall instruct the Depositary, prior to the date established for such purpose by the Depositary, to vote in the same manner in respect of one or more resolutions to be proposed at a shareholders' meeting (including resolutions for the election of directors and/or supervisors), the Depositary shall notify the Voting Representative as the representative of the Registered Holder to attend such shareholders' meeting and vote all Deposited Securities evidenced by ADSs then outstanding as of the ADS Record Date (including Temporary ADSs) in the manner so instructed by such Holders. If voting instructions are received by the Depositary on or before the date established by the Depositary for the receipt of such instructions from any Holder as of the ADS Record Date, which are signed but without further indication as to voting instructions, the Depositary shall deem such Holder to have instructed a vote in favor of the items set forth in such instructions. The Depositary and Custodian shall not have any obligation to monitor, and shall not incur any liability for, the
actions, or the failure to act, of the Voting Representative (or his/her designate) as representative of the Registered Holder.
(d) Depositary Authorization. If, for any reason (other than a failure by the Company to supply the requisite number of Shareholder Notices to the Depositary within the requisite time period provided in the Deposit Agreement), the Depositary has not, prior to the date established for such purpose by the Depositary, received instructions from Holders together holding at least 51% of all ADSs (including Temporary ADSs) outstanding at the relevant ADS Record Date, to vote in the same manner in respect of any resolution (including resolutions for the election of directors and/or supervisors), then, subject to the following paragraph, the Holders shall be deemed to have authorized and directed the Depositary's nominee to authorize (the "Depositary Authorization") the Voting Representative as the representative of the Registered Holder to attend and vote at such meeting all the Deposited Securities represented by ADSs then outstanding (including Temporary ADSs) in his or her discretion. In such circumstances, the Voting Representative shall be free to exercise the votes attaching to the Deposited Securities in any manner she/he wishes, which may not be in the interests of the Holders.
The Depositary's Authorization, provided in the manner and under the
circumstances described in the preceding paragraph, shall be subject to the
receipt by the Depositary prior to each shareholders' meeting of an opinion of
ROC counsel of the Company addressed to, and in form and substance satisfactory
to, the Depositary to the effect that under ROC law (i) the arrangements
relating to the Depositary Authorization are permissible, and (ii) the
Depositary will not be deemed to be authorized to exercise any discretion when
causing the voting in accordance with Section 4.10 of the Deposit Agreement and
will not (in the absence of negligence, bad faith or breach of contract, and
subject to general principles of agency) be subject to any liability under ROC
law for losses arising from the exercise of the voting arrangements set out in
Section 4.10 of the Deposit Agreement on the grounds that voting in accordance
with Section 4.10 of the Deposit Agreement is in violation of ROC law. In the
event the Depositary does not receive such opinion, the Depositary will not
grant the Depositary Authorization, but will cause the Deposited Securities to
be present at the shareholders' meeting to the extent practicable and permitted
by applicable law and will not cause the Deposited Securities to be voted.
The Depositary shall not, and the Depositary shall ensure that the Custodian and its nominees do not, vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote that attaches to the Shares or other Deposited Securities, other than in accordance with instructions given in accordance with Section 4.10 of the Deposit Agreement. The terms of Section 4.10 of the Deposit Agreement may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement. By continuing to hold ADSs after the effective time of such amendment, all Holders and Beneficial Owners shall be deemed to have agreed to the terms of the Deposit Agreement as so amended.
(17) Changes Affecting Deposited Securities. Upon any change in nominal or par value, split-up, cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a party, any securities which shall be received by the Depositary or the Custodian in exchange for, or in conversion of or replacement of or otherwise in respect of, such Deposited Securities shall, to the extent permitted by law, be substituted for
and treated as Deposited Securities under the Deposit Agreement, and the
Receipts shall, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement and
applicable law, evidence ADSs representing the right to receive such additional
or replacement securities, as applicable. The Depositary may, with the
Company's approval, and shall, if the Company shall so request, subject to the
terms of the Deposit Agreement and receipt by the Depositary of (a) a written
opinion of U.S. counsel (reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary) stating
whether or not: (1) such exchange, conversion or replacement requires
registration of such securities under the Securities Act and/or Exchange Act or
(2) such exchange, conversion or replacement of such securities as then
contemplated is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
and/or Exchange Act and (b) a written opinion of ROC counsel (reasonably
satisfactory to the Depositary) stating that (1) such exchange, conversion or
replacement does not violate the laws or regulations of the Republic of China
and (2) all requisite regulatory consents and approvals relating to such
exchange, conversion or replacement have been obtained in the Republic of
China, execute and deliver additional Receipts as in the case of a dividend of
Eligible Securities, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be
exchanged for new Receipts, in either case, as well as in the event of newly
deposited Shares, with necessary modifications to the form of Receipt contained
herein, specifically describing such new Deposited Securities or corporate
change. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any security so
received may not be lawfully distributed to some or all Holders, the Depositary
may, with the Company's approval, and shall, if the Company requests, subject
to receipt of an opinion of the Company 's counsel, satisfactory to the
Depositary, that such action is not in violation of any applicable laws or
regulations, sell such securities at public or private sale, at such place or
places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and may allocate the net
proceeds of such sales (net of (a) fees and charges of, and reasonable expenses
incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes) for the account of the Holders
otherwise entitled to such securities upon an averaged or other practicable
basis without regard to any distinctions among such Holders and distribute the
net proceeds so allocated to the extent practicable as in the case of a
distribution received in cash pursuant to the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary
shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful
or feasible to make such securities available to Holders in general or any
Holder in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in
connection with such sale, or (iii) any liability to the purchaser of such
securities.
(18) Exoneration. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be obligated to do or perform any act which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement or incur any liability (i) if the Depositary or the Company shall be prevented or forbidden from, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the Deposit Agreement and this Receipt, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States, the Republic of China or any other country, or of any other governmental authority or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or on account of the possible criminal or civil penalties or restraint, or by reason of any provision, present or future of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company or any provision of or governing any Deposited Securities, or by reason of any act of God, terrorism or war or other circumstances beyond its control (including, without limitation, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, work stoppage, strikes, civil unrest, revolutions, rebellions, explosions and computer failure), (ii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the Deposit Agreement or in the Articles of Incorporation of the Company or provisions of or governing Deposited Securities, (iii) for any action or inaction in reliance upon the advice or information from legal counsel,
accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, any Beneficial Owner or authorized representative thereof, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information, (iv) for the inability by a Holder or Beneficial Owner to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, made available to Holders of ADS or (v) for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary, its controlling persons, its agents, any Custodian and the Company, its controlling persons and its agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written notice, request or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act is intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt.
(19) Standard of Care. The Company and its agents assume no obligation and shall not be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement or the Receipts to Holders or Beneficial Owners or other persons, except that the Company and its agents agree to perform their obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith. The Depositary and its agents assume no obligation and shall not be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement or the Receipts to Holders or Beneficial Owners or other persons, except that the Depositary and its agents agree to perform their obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith. Without limitation of the foregoing, neither the Depositary, nor the Company, nor any of their respective controlling persons, or agents, shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the Receipts, which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) and liability be furnished as often as may be required (and no Custodian shall be under any obligation whatsoever with respect to such proceedings, the responsibility of the Custodian being solely to the Depositary). The Depositary and its agents shall not be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any vote is cast or the effect of any vote, provided that any such action or omission is in good faith and without negligence and in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement. Provided that the Depositary acts or omits to act in good faith and without negligence, the Depositary shall not incur any liability for any failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable, for the content of any information submitted to it by the Company for distribution to the Holders or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, for any investment risk associated with acquiring an interest in the Deposited Securities, for the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities or for any tax consequences that may result from the ownership of ADSs, Shares or Deposited Securities, for the credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement, for the failure or timeliness of any notice from the Company. Nothing in this Receipt or in the Deposit Agreement shall cause the Depositary or any of its agents to incur any liability as a result of any action or failure to act by any trustee under a Trust Deed governing the Bonds.
(20) Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary. The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement by written notice of resignation delivered to the Company, such resignation to be effective on the
earlier of (i) the 60th day after delivery thereof to the Company, or (ii) upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by written notice of such removal which notice shall be effective on the earlier of (i) the 60th day after delivery thereof to the Depositary, or (ii) upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be removed, the Company shall use its best efforts to appoint a successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York. Every successor depositary shall be required by the Company to execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any further act or deed (except as required by applicable law), shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its immediate predecessor other than as contemplated in the Deposit Agreement. The immediate predecessor depositary, upon payment of all sums due to it and on the written request of the Company, shall (i) execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder (other than as contemplated in the Deposit Agreement), (ii) duly assign, transfer and deliver all rights, titles and interests to the Deposited Securities to such successor, and (iii) deliver to such successor a list of the Holders of all outstanding Receipts and such other information relating to Receipts and Holders thereof as the successor may reasonably request. Any such successor depositary shall promptly provide notice of its appointment to such Holders. Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act.
(21) Amendment/Supplement. This Receipt and any provisions of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended or supplemented by written agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable without the prior written consent of the Holders or Beneficial Owners. Any amendment or supplement which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than the charges in connection with foreign exchange control regulations, and taxes and other governmental charges, delivery and other such expenses), or which shall otherwise materially prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders or Beneficial Owners, shall not, however, become effective as to outstanding Receipts until the expiration of thirty (30) days after notice of such amendment or supplement shall have been given to the Holders of outstanding Receipts. The parties hereto agree that any amendments or supplements which (i) are reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order for (a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act or (b) the ADSs to be traded solely in electronic book-entry form and (ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to materially prejudice any substantial rights of Holders or Beneficial Owners. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner at the time any amendment or supplement becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such ADS(s), to consent and agree to such amendment or supplement and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended or supplemented thereby. In no event shall any amendment or supplement impair the right of the Holder to surrender such Receipt and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would require amendment or supplement of the Deposit Agreement to ensure
compliance therewith, the Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and this Receipt at any time in accordance with such changed laws, rules or regulations. Such amendment or supplement to the Deposit Agreement in such circumstances may become effective before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within any other period of time as required for compliance with such laws, rules or regulations.
(22) Termination. The Depositary shall, at any time at the written
direction of the Company, terminate the Deposit Agreement by providing notice
of such termination to the Holders of all Receipts then outstanding at least
thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination.
If sixty (60) days shall have expired after (i) the Depositary shall have
delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign, or (ii)
the Company shall have delivered to the Depositary a written notice of the
removal of the Depositary, and in either case a successor depositary shall not
have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided herein and in the
Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may terminate the Deposit Agreement by
providing notice of such termination to the Holders of all Receipts then
outstanding at least thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for such
termination. On and after the date of termination of the Deposit Agreement, the
Holder of a Receipt will, upon surrender of such Receipt at the Principal
Office of the Depositary, upon the payment of the charges of the Depositary for
the surrender of Receipts referred to in Paragraph (2) hereof and in the
Deposit Agreement and subject to the conditions and restrictions therein set
forth and subject always to the restrictions on withdrawal as may be in effect
under the laws and regulations of the Republic of China, and upon payment of
any applicable taxes or governmental charges, be entitled to Delivery, to him
or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities represented by such
Receipt. If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the date of termination
of the Deposit Agreement, the Registrar thereafter shall discontinue the
registration of transfers of Receipts, and the Depositary shall suspend the
distribution of dividends to the Holders thereof, and shall not give any
further notices or perform any further acts under the Deposit Agreement, except
that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions
pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights as provided in the
Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, subject
to the conditions and restrictions set forth in the Deposit Agreement, together
with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the
net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for
Receipts surrendered to the Depositary (after deducting, or charging, as the
case may be, in each case the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of a
Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or
governmental charges or assessments). At any time after the expiration of six
(6) months from the date of termination of the Deposit Agreement, the
Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held hereunder and may
thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any
other cash then held by it hereunder, in an unsegregated account, without
liability for interest for the pro rata benefit of the Holders whose Receipts
have not theretofore been surrendered, such Holders thereupon becoming general
creditors of the Depositary with respect to such net proceeds. After making
such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under the
Deposit Agreement with respect to the Receipts, the Deposited Securities and
the ADSs, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after
deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case, the charges of the
Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the
Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement and
any applicable taxes or governmental charges or assessments).
Upon the termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement except as set forth in the Deposit Agreement.
(23) Compliance with U.S. Securities Laws. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Receipt or the Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the withdrawal or delivery of Deposited Securities will not be suspended by the Company or the Depositary except as would be permitted by Instruction I.A.(1) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act of 1933.
(24) Certain Rights of the Depositary; Limitations. Subject always to the
laws and regulations of the Republic of China and to the further terms and
provisions of this Paragraph (24) and Section 5.10 of the Deposit Agreement,
the Depositary, its Affiliates and their agents, on their own behalf, may own
and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its Affiliates and in
ADSs. In its capacity as Depositary, the Depositary shall not lend Deposited
Securities or ADSs; provided, however, that the Depositary may, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, (i) issue ADSs prior to the receipt of Eligible
Securities pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Deposit Agreement and (ii) deliver
Deposited Securities only upon the prior receipt of ADSs for cancellation upon
withdrawal of Deposited Securities pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Deposit
Agreement, including ADSs which were issued under (i) above but for which
Eligible Securities may not have been received (each such transaction in (i)
above a "Pre-Release Transaction"). The Depositary may receive ADSs in lieu of
Eligible Securities under (i) above. Each such Pre-Release Transaction will be
(a) subject to a written agreement whereby the person or entity (the
"Applicant") to whom ADSs or Deposited Securities are to be delivered (w)
represents that at the time of the Pre-Release Transaction the Applicant or its
customer owns the Eligible Securities that are to be delivered by the Applicant
under such Pre-Release Transaction, (x) agrees to indicate the Depositary as
owner of such Eligible Securities in its records and to hold such Eligible
Securities in trust for the Depositary until such Eligible Securities are
delivered to the Depositary or the Custodian, (y) unconditionally guarantees to
deliver to the Depositary or the Custodian, as applicable, such Eligible
Securities, and (z) agrees to any additional restrictions or requirements that
the Depositary deems appropriate, (b) at all times fully collateralized with
cash, United States government securities or such other collateral as the
Depositary deems appropriate, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than
five (5) business days' notice and (d) subject to such further indemnities and
credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate. The Depositary will
normally limit the number of ADSs and Eligible Securities involved in such
Pre-Release Transactions at any one time to thirty percent (30%) of the ADSs
outstanding (without giving effect to ADSs outstanding under (i) above),
provided, however, that the Depositary reserves the right to disregard such
limit from time to time as it deems appropriate and may, with the prior written
consent of the Company, change such limit for purposes of general application.
The Depositary may also set limits with respect to the number of ADSs and Eligible Securities involved in Pre-Release Transactions with any one person on a case by case basis as it deems appropriate. The Depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in conjunction with the foregoing. Collateral provided pursuant to (b) above, but not the earnings thereon, shall be held for the benefit of the Holders (other than the Applicant). Temporary COP ADSs, Temporary EC ADSs, Certificate of Payment and Entitlement Certificates shall not be eligible for Pre-Release Transactions hereunder.
In addition, to the extent permitted under applicable law, in its capacity as Depositary, the Depositary may, when a Holder of ADSs so requests, cause the Deposited Shares to be sold and deliver the proceeds of the sale prior to the receipt and cancellation of ADSs (each such transaction a "Pre-Cancellation Sale") prior to the receipt of ADSs for cancellation. Each such Pre-Cancellation Sale will be (a) accompanied by or subject to a written agreement whereby the person or entity (the "Applicant") to whom the proceeds of the sale of Deposited Securities are to be delivered which, (i) represents that at the time of the Pre-Cancellation Sale, the Applicant or its customer owns the ADSs that are to be delivered by the Applicant under such Pre-Cancellation Sale, (ii) agrees to indicate the Depositary as owner of such ADSs in its records and to hold such ADSs in trust for the Depositary until such ADSs are delivered to the Depositary, (iii) unconditionally guarantees to deliver to the Depositary such ADSs, and (iv) agrees to any additional restrictions or requirements that the Depositary deems appropriate; (b) at all times fully collateralized with cash, United States government securities or such other collateral as the Depositary deems appropriate; (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business days notice; and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate and may, with the prior written consent of the Company, change such limit for purposes of general application.
The Depositary will normally limit the number of Deposited Securities involved in such Pre-Cancellation Sales at any one time to thirty percent (30%) of the Deposited Securities outstanding, provided, however, that the Depositary reserves the right to disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate.
(ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER SIGNATURE LINES)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Holder hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto ______________________________ whose taxpayer identification number is _______________________ and whose address including postal zip code is ________________, the within Receipt and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing ________________________ attorney-in-fact to transfer said Receipt on the books of the Depositary with full power of substitution in the premises.
Title:
NOTICE: The signature of the Holder to
this assignment must correspond with the
name as written upon the face of the
within instrument in every particular,
without alteration or enlargement or any
change whatsoever.
If the endorsement be executed by an
attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, the person executing
the endorsement must give his/her full
title in such capacity and proper
evidence of authority to act in such
capacity, if not on file with the
Depositary, must be forwarded with this
Receipt.
All endorsements or assignments of
Receipts must be guaranteed by a member
of a Medallion Signature Program approved
by the Securities Transfer Association,
Inc.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEED
Legends
[The Receipts issued in respect of Partial Entitlement American Depositary Shares shall bear the following legend on the face of the Receipt: "This Receipt evidences American Depositary Shares representing partial entitlement' [common shares][interests in the global Certificates of Payment][Entitlement Certificates] of AU Optronics Corp., and as such do not entitle the holders thereof to the same per-security entitlement as other [common shares][interests in the global Certificates of Payment][Entitlement Certificates] (which are 'full entitlement' [common shares][interests in the global Certificates of Payment][Entitlement Certificates]) issued and outstanding at such time. The American Depositary Shares represented by this Receipt shall entitle holders to distributions and entitlements identical to other American Depositary Shares when the [common shares][interests in the global Certificates of Payment][Entitlement Certificates] represented by such American Depositary Shares become 'full entitlement' [common shares][interests in the global Certificates of Payment][Entitlement Certificates]".]
EXHIBIT B
FEE SCHEDULE
DEPOSITARY FEES AND RELATED CHARGES
All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Deposit Agreement.
I. Depositary Fees
The Company, the Holders, the Beneficial Owners and the persons depositing Shares or surrendering ADSs for cancellation agree to pay the following fees of the Depositary:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service Rate By Whom Paid -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Issuance of ADSs upon deposit Up to $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or Person for whom deposits are made of Eligible Securities fraction thereof) issued. or person receiving ADSs. (including issuance of (i) EC ADSs upon deposit of Entitlement Certificates and (ii) COP ADSs upon deposit of Certificate(s) of Payment, but, excluding issuances contemplated by paragraphs (3)(b) and (5) below). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Delivery of Deposited Up to $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or Person surrendering ADSs or making Securities, property and fraction thereof) surrendered. withdrawal. cash against surrender of ADSs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Distribution of (a) cash No fee, so long as prohibited by Person to whom distribution is made. dividend or (b) ADSs the exchange upon which the ADSs pursuant to stock dividends are listed. If the charging of (or other free distribution such fee is not prohibited, the of stock). fees specified in (1) above shall be payable in respect of a distribution of ADSs pursuant to stock dividends (or other free distribution of stock) and the fees specified in (4) below shall be payable in respect of distributions of cash. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Distribution of cash proceeds Up to $2.00 per 100 ADSs (or Person to whom distribution is made. (i.e., upon sale of rights fraction thereof) held. and other entitlements). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B-1 |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (5) Distribution of ADSs pursuant Up to $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or Person to whom distribution is made. to exercise of rights to fraction thereof) issued. purchase additional ADSs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
II. Charges
Holders, Beneficial Owners, persons depositing Eligible Securities for deposit and persons surrendering ADSs for cancellation and for the purpose of withdrawing Deposited Securities shall be responsible for the following charges:
(i) taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges;
(ii) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of Deposited Securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of Deposited Securities to or from the name of the Custodian, the Depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively;
(iii) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of the person depositing Eligible Securities or Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs;
(iv) the expenses and charges incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency;
(v) such fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Eligible Securities, Deposited Securities, ADSs and ADRs; and
(vi) the fees and expenses incurred by the Depositary in connection with the delivery of Deposited Securities.
EXHIBIT C
Certification and Agreement of Persons Surrendering ADSs for the Purpose of Withdrawal of Deposited Securities Pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Deposit Agreement
Citibank, N.A.
ADR Department
111 Wall Street
New York, New York 10043
We refer to the Deposit Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2002 (the "Deposit Agreement"), among AU Optronics Corp. (the "Company"), CITIBANK, N.A., as Depositary, and Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of American Depositary Shares (the "ADSs") evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (the "Receipts") issued thereunder. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Deposit Agreement. We are providing the information herein to enable the Company to comply with its reporting obligations under the laws and regulations of the Republic of China and understand that the Company will rely upon the information provided herein for such purpose.
1. We are surrendering ADSs or giving withdrawal instructions through DTC in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs (the "Shares") pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Deposit Agreement.
2. We certify (or if we are acting for the account of another person, such person has confirmed to us that it certifies) that:
(please check the applicable box in (a) below and fill in the missing
information in (b) below, as appropriate) --> (a) [ ] We are (it is) a "Related Person" of the Company (as defined below). or [ ] We are (it is) not a "Related Person" of the Company (as defined below). |
AND
--> (b)(i) We will own ____________________ Shares of the Company, after (fill in) cancellation of the ADSs surrendered hereby (do not include Shares represented by ADSs included in (b)(ii) below); and
(ii) We will own ____________________ ADSs representing Shares of (fill in) the Company, after cancellation of the ADSs surrendered hereby.
3. We certify (or if we are acting for the account of another person, such person has confirmed to us that it certifies) that:
(i) We are (or the person for the account of which we are acting is) the Beneficial Owner of the ADSs hereby surrendered to the Depositary for withdrawal of the Shares represented thereby;
AND
(ii) We hereby certify that the following information is true and correct:
Name of Beneficial Owner of ADSs:____________________________________
Nationality of Beneficial Owner of ADSs:_____________________________
Name of recipient of Shares withdrawn hereby ("Recipient"):__________
Nationality of Recipient:____________________________________________
Identity Number of Recipient (only required, if Recipient in a ROC person):_______________________________________________________
Number of ADSs surrendered hereby:___________________________________
Number of Shares withdrawn hereby and registered in the name of the Recipient:
The aggregate number of Shares and other certificates evidencing Shares, Recipient has received upon all withdrawals
since execution of this Deposit Agreement:___________________________
Date:________________________________________________________________
4. If we are a broker-dealer, we further certify that we are acting for the account of our customer and that our customer has confirmed the accuracy of the representations contained in paragraphs 1 through 3 hereof that are applicable to it.
A person or entity is deemed to be a "Related Person" of the Company if the person or entity is:
(a) (i) a company of which the chairman of the board of directors or the general manager serves as the chairman of the board of directors or the chairman of the Company, or the spouse or member of the immediate second family of the chairman of the board of directors or general manager of the Company;
(ii) a non-profit organization of which the funds donated from the Company exceeds one-third of the non-profit organization's total funds;
(iii) a director, supervisor or general manager, vice-general manager, assistant vice-general manager, or departmental head reporting to the general manager;
(iv) the spouse of a director, supervisor or general manager of the Company; or
(v) a member of the immediate or second immediate families of the Company's chairman of the board of directors or general manager.
OR
(b) a person or entity that has control or influence over the Company.
Very truly yours,
[NAME OF CERTIFYING ENTITY]
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ---- ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS..................................................................2 Section 1.1 "ADS Record Date"..........................................2 Section 1.2 "Affiliate"................................................2 Section 1.3 "American Depositary Share(s)".............................2 Section 1.4 "Applicant"................................................2 Section 1.5 "Beneficial Owner".........................................2 Section 1.6 "Bonds"....................................................3 Section 1.7 "Business Day".............................................3 Section 1.8 "Certificate(s) of Payment" and "COP(s)"...................3 Section 1.9 "Commission"...............................................3 Section 1.10 "Company"..................................................3 Section 1.11 "Custodian"................................................3 Section 1.12 "Deliver" and "Delivery"...................................3 Section 1.13 "Deposit Agreement"........................................3 Section 1.14 "Depositary"...............................................3 Section 1.15 "Deposited Securities".....................................3 Section 1.16 "Dollars" and "$"..........................................4 Section 1.17 "DTC"......................................................4 Section 1.18 "DTC Participant"..........................................4 Section 1.19 "Eligible Securities"......................................4 Section 1.20 "Eligible Securities Registrar"............................4 Section 1.21 "Entitlement Certificate(s)" and "ECs".....................4 Section 1.22 "Exchange Act".............................................4 Section 1.23 "Foreign Currency".........................................4 Section 1.24 "Holder"...................................................5 Section 1.25 "Initial Deposit"..........................................5 Section 1.26 "NT dollars" and "NT$".....................................5 Section 1.27 "Offering".................................................5 Section 1.28 "Pre-Cancellation Sale"....................................5 Section 1.29 "Pre-Release Transaction"..................................5 Section 1.30 "Principal Office".........................................5 Section 1.31 "Prospectus"...............................................5 Section 1.32 "Receipt(s)"; "American Depositary Receipt(s)" and "ADR(s)"...................................................5 Section 1.33 "Registrar"................................................5 Section 1.34 "Republic of China", "ROC" and "Taiwan"....................6 Section 1.35 "Restricted Securities"....................................6 Section 1.36 "Restricted ADRs" , "Restricted ADS(s)" and "Restricted Shares"........................................6 Section 1.37 "Securities Act"...........................................6 Section 1.38 "SFC"......................................................6 Section 1.39 "Shares"...................................................6 Section 1.40 "Share American Depositary Share(s)" and "Share ADS(s)"....7 i |
Section 1.41 "Share American Depositary Receipt(s)" and "Share ADR(s)"...7 Section 1.42 "Shareholder Notice"........................................7 Section 1.43 "Taiwan Securities Central Depository"......................7 Section 1.44 "Taiwan Stock Exchange" and "TSE"...........................7 Section 1.45 "Temporary ADS(s)"..........................................7 Section 1.46 "Temporary ADR(s)"..........................................7 Section 1.47 "Temporary EC ADS(s)".......................................7 Section 1.48 "Temporary EC ADR(s)".......................................7 Section 1.49 "Temporary COP ADS(s)"......................................8 Section 1.50 "Temporary COP ADR(s)"......................................8 Section 1.51 "Trust Deed"................................................8 Section 1.52 "United States".............................................8 Section 1.53 "Voting Representative".....................................8 ARTICLE II APPOINTMENT OF DEPOSITARY; FORM OF RECEIPTS; DEPOSIT OF ELIGIBLE SECURITIES; EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS....................8 Section 2.1 Appointment of Depositary...................................8 Section 2.2 Form and Transferability of Receipts........................9 Section 2.3 Deposit with Custodian.....................................10 Section 2.4 Registration and Safekeeping of Deposited Securities.......12 Section 2.5 Execution and Delivery of Receipts.........................13 Section 2.6 Transfer, Combination and Split-up of Receipts.............13 Section 2.7 Surrender of ADSs and Withdrawal and Sale of Deposited Securities.......................................14 Section 2.8 Additional Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, etc. of Receipts; Suspension of Delivery, Transfer, etc..............................................16 Section 2.9 Lost Receipts, etc.........................................17 Section 2.10 Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts; Maintenance of Records.....................................18 Section 2.11 Partial Entitlement ADSs...................................18 Section 2.12 Temporary COP ADSs.........................................18 Section 2.13 Temporary EC ADSs..........................................20 Section 2.14 Restricted ADSs............................................22 ARTICLE III CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF ADSs...............................................................23 Section 3.1 Proofs, Certificates and Other Information.................23 Section 3.2 Liability for Taxes and Other Charges......................24 Section 3.3 Representations and Warranties on Deposit of Eligible Securities........................................24 Section 3.4 Compliance with Information Requests.......................25 Section 3.5 Ownership Restrictions.....................................26 ii |
ARTICLE IV THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES.....................................................26 Section 4.1 Cash Distributions.........................................26 Section 4.2 Distribution in Eligible Securities........................27 Section 4.3 Elective Distributions in Cash or Eligible Securities......27 Section 4.4 Distribution of Rights to Purchase Additional ADSs.........28 Section 4.5 Distributions Other Than Cash, Eligible Securities or Rights to Purchase Eligible Securities.....................30 Section 4.6 Intentionally Omitted......................................31 Section 4.7 Intentionally Omitted......................................31 Section 4.8 Conversion of Foreign Currency.............................31 Section 4.9 Fixing of ADS Record Date..................................31 Section 4.10 Voting of Deposited Securities.............................32 Section 4.11 Changes Affecting Deposited Securities.....................35 Section 4.12 Available Information......................................35 Section 4.13 Reports....................................................36 Section 4.14 List of Holders............................................36 Section 4.15 Taxation...................................................36 ARTICLE V THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIAN AND THE COMPANY................................37 Section 5.1 Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Registrar..37 Section 5.2 Exoneration................................................37 Section 5.3 Standard of Care...........................................38 Section 5.4 Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary........................39 Section 5.5 The Custodian..............................................40 Section 5.6 Notices and Reports........................................40 Section 5.7 Issuance of Additional Shares, ADSs, etc...................41 Section 5.8 Indemnification............................................42 Section 5.9 Fees and Charges of Depositary.............................42 Section 5.10 Pre-Release Transactions and Pre-Cancellation Sales........43 Section 5.11 Restricted Securities Owners...............................44 ARTICLE VI AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION....................................................44 Section 6.1 Amendment/Supplement.......................................44 Section 6.2 Termination................................................45 ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS................................................................46 Section 7.1 Counterparts...............................................46 Section 7.2 No Third-Party Beneficiaries...............................46 Section 7.3 Severability...............................................47 Section 7.4 Holders and Beneficial Owners as Parties; Binding Effect...47 Section 7.5 Notices....................................................47 iii |
Section 7.6 Governing Law and Jurisdiction.............................48 Section 7.7 Assignment.................................................49 Section 7.8 Compliance with U.S. Securities Laws.......................49 Section 7.9 Titles and References......................................49 Exhibits Exhibit A Form of Receipt....................................................A-1 Exhibit B Fee Schedule.......................................................B-1 Exhibit C Certification Upon Withdrawal......................................C-1 |
EXHIBIT 2.(b)
CONFORMED COPY
250,000,000 Common Shares (NT$10.00 par value) Represented by 25,000,000 American Depositary Shares (Plus an option to purchase from the Selling Shareholders up to 35,000,000 additional Common Shares, represented by 3,500,000 American Depositary Shares to cover over-allotments)
U.S. Underwriting Agreement
New York, New York
May 23, 2002
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
UBS AG, acting through its business group UBS Warburg
ING Financial Markets LLC
CLSA Limited
Daiwa Securities SMBC Hong Kong Limited
Lehman Brothers Inc.
As U.S. Representatives of the several
U.S. Underwriters,
c/o Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
Ladies and Gentlemen:
AU Optronics Corp. (the "Company"), a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of China (the "ROC"), proposes to sell to the several U.S. Underwriters, for whom the U.S. Representatives are acting as representatives, 250,000,000 common shares, NT$10.00 par value ("Common Shares") (said shares to be issued and sold by the Company being hereinafter called the "U.S. Underwritten Shares") in the form of American depositary shares ("ADSs"). The Selling Shareholders propose to grant to the U.S. Underwriters an option to purchase up to 35,000,000 additional Common Shares in the form of ADSs to cover over-allotments (the "U.S. Option Shares" and together with the U.S. Underwritten Shares, the "U.S. Shares").
It is understood that the Company and the Selling Shareholders are concurrently entering into the International Underwriting Agreement (together with this U.S. Underwriting Agreement, the "Underwriting Agreements") providing for the sale by the
Company of 250,000,000 Common Shares (said shares to be sold by the Company pursuant to the International Underwriting Agreement being hereinafter called the "International Underwritten Shares") in the form of ADSs and providing for the grant to the International Underwriters of an option to purchase from the Selling Shareholders up to 35,000,000 additional Common Shares (the "International Option Shares" and together with the "International Underwritten Shares", the "International Shares") in the form of ADSs.
You have also advised the Company that the Shares to be sold by the Company and the Selling Shareholders to the Underwriters shall be deposited by the Company and the Selling Shareholders pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, to be dated as of May 29, 2002 (the "Deposit Agreement"), to be entered into among the Company, Citibank, N.A., as depositary (the "Depositary") and all holders and beneficial owners from time to time of the ADSs. Upon deposit of any Common Shares, the Depositary will issue American depositary shares representing the Shares so deposited. The ADSs will be evidenced by American depositary receipts (the "ADRs"). Each ADS will represent ten (10) Common Shares and each ADR may represent any number of ADSs. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "Underwritten Securities," "U.S. Underwritten Securities," "Option Securities", "U.S. Option Securities," "International Underwritten Securities," "International Option Securities," "International Securities" and "Securities" shall be deemed to refer, respectively, to Underwritten Shares, U.S. Underwritten Shares, Option Shares, U.S. Option Shares, International Underwritten Shares, International Option Shares, International Shares and Shares as well as, in each case, to any ADSs representing such securities and the ADRs evidencing such ADSs, and, in the case of the "Underwritten Securities," to any Certificates of Payment (as hereinafter defined).
It is further understood and agreed that the International Underwriters and the U.S. Underwriters have entered into an Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters dated the date hereof (the "Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters"), pursuant to which, among other things, the International Underwriters may purchase from the U.S. Underwriters a portion of the U.S. Securities to be sold pursuant to this U.S. Underwriting Agreement and the U.S. Underwriters may purchase from the International Underwriters a portion of the International Securities to be sold pursuant to the International Underwriting Agreement.
To the extent there are no additional U.S. Underwriters listed on Schedule I other than you, the term U.S. Representatives as used in this Agreement shall mean you, as U.S. Underwriters, and the terms U.S. Representatives and U.S. Underwriters shall mean either the singular or plural as the context requires. In addition, to the extent that there is not more than one Selling Shareholder named in Schedule II, the term Selling Shareholders shall mean the singular. The use of the neuter in this Agreement shall include the feminine and masculine wherever appropriate. Certain terms used in this Agreement are defined in Section 20 hereof.
1. Representations and Warranties.
(i) The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each U.S. Underwriter as set forth below in this Section 1.
(a) The Company has prepared and filed with the Commission a Registration Statement (file number 333-87418) on Form F-1, including related preliminary prospectuses, for registration under the Act of the offering and sale of the Securities. The Company may have filed one or more amendments thereto, including the related preliminary prospectuses, each of which has previously been furnished to you. The Company will next file with the Commission either (1) prior to the Effective Date of the Registration Statement, a further amendment to such registration statement (including the form of final prospectuses) or (2) after the Effective Date of the Registration Statement, final prospectuses in accordance with Rules 430A and 424(b). In the case of clause (2), the Company has included in the Registration Statement, as amended at the Effective Date, all information (other than Rule 430A Information) required by the Act and the rules thereunder to be included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses with respect to the Securities and the offering thereof in the form of ADSs. As filed, such amendment and form of final prospectuses, as the case may be, or such final prospectuses, shall contain all Rule 430A Information, together with all other such required information with respect to the Securities and the offering thereof in the form of ADSs, and, except to the extent the U.S. Representatives shall agree in writing to a modification, shall be in all substantive respects in the form furnished to you prior to the Execution Time or, to the extent not completed at the Execution Time, shall contain only such specific additional information and other changes (beyond that contained in the latest Preliminary Prospectuses) as the Company has advised you, prior to the Execution Time, will be included or made therein.
It is understood that two forms of prospectuses are to be used in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities: one form of prospectus relating to the U.S. Securities, which are to be offered and sold to United States and Canadian Persons, and one form of prospectus relating to the International Securities, which are to be offered and sold to persons other than United States and Canadian Persons. The U.S. Prospectus and the International Prospectus are identical except for the outside front cover page and the outside back cover page.
(b) On the Effective Date, the Registration Statement did or will, and when the Prospectuses are first filed (if required) in accordance with Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date (as defined in this Agreement ) and on any date on which Option Securities are purchased, if such date is not the Closing Date (a "settlement date"), each Prospectus (and any supplements thereto) will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the rules thereunder; on the Effective Date and at the Execution Time, the Registration Statement did not or will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; and, on the Effective Date, each Prospectus, if not filed pursuant to Rule 424(b), will not, and on the date of any filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date and any settlement date, each Prospectus (together with any supplement thereto) will not,
include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement, or the Prospectuses (or any supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Prospectuses (or any supplement thereto).
(c) The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement (file number 333-88080) on Form F-6 for the registration under the Act of the offering and sale of the ADSs. The Company may have filed one or more amendments thereto, each of which has previously been furnished to you. Such ADR Registration Statement at the time of its effectiveness did or will comply, and on the Closing Date will comply, in all material respects, with the applicable requirements of the Act and the rules thereunder and at the time of its Effective Date and at the Execution Time, did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(d) Upon issuance by the Depositary of ADSs evidenced by ADRs against deposit of Underwritten Shares (initially in the form of certificates of payment that represent the irrevocable right to receive such Shares (the "Certificates of Payment")) in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, such ADRs will be duly and validly issued and persons in whose names the ADRs are duly registered with the Depositary will be entitled to the rights specified in the ADRs and in the Deposit Agreement; the Deposit Agreement and the ADRs conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the Prospectuses; and upon the sale and delivery to the U.S. Underwriters of the U.S. Underwritten Securities, and payment therefor pursuant to this Agreement, the U.S. Underwriters will acquire good, marketable and valid title to such U.S. Underwritten Securities, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, free and clear of all pledges, liens, security interests, charges, claims or encumbrances of any kind.
(e) Other than as set forth in the Prospectuses and so long as this Agreement, the Certificates of Payment, the cross receipt and any other documents which are deemed "receipts" under the ROC Stamp Duty Law are executed outside of the ROC, no stamp or other issuance or transfer taxes or duties and no capital gains, income, withholding or other taxes (except such income taxes as may be imposed by the ROC government or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein on payments thereunder to any Underwriter, or on payments under the Deposit Agreement to the Depositary, where the net income of such Underwriter or of the Depositary is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax) are payable by or on behalf of the Underwriters to the ROC or to any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein in connection with (i) the issuance and delivery of the Certificates of Payment or the sale and delivery of the Underwritten Shares in the manner contemplated in the Prospectuses and pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement, (ii) the deposit with the Depositary or its custodian of the Certificates of Payment or the Underwritten Shares against the issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs, (iii) the sale and delivery outside the ROC by the Underwriters of the ADSs, as contemplated herein or (iv) the execution and delivery of, or performance by any party of its obligations under, this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement.
(f) Except as described in the Prospectuses, all cash dividends and other distributions declared and payable on the Common Shares may under current ROC law and regulations be paid to the Depositary and to the holders of Securities, as the case may be, in the ROC in New Taiwan dollars ("NT dollars") without obtaining any government approvals and may be converted into foreign currency that may be transferred out of the ROC in accordance with the Deposit Agreement, and no other withholding or other taxes under the laws and regulations of the ROC are currently required to be imposed in connection with the declaration and payment by the Company of dividends and other distributions in respect of its capital stock.
(g) The Company believes that it is not a Passive Foreign Investment Company ("PFIC") within the meaning of Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and does not expect to become a PFIC in the future.
(h) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation, and where applicable, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is chartered or organized with full corporate power and authority to own or lease, as the case may be, and to operate its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectuses and is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and, where applicable, is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(i) All the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and, except as otherwise set forth in the Prospectuses, all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Subsidiaries are owned by the Company either directly or through wholly-owned subsidiaries free and clear of any perfected security interest or any other security interests, claims, liens or encumbrances.
(j) The Company's authorized equity capitalization is as set forth in the Prospectuses; the capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectuses; the outstanding Common Shares (including the Option Shares being sold pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements by the Selling Shareholders), have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable; the Underwritten Shares being sold under the Underwriting Agreements (including those represented by Certificates of Payment) by
the Company have been duly and validly authorized, and, when issued and delivered against payment of the purchase price for the Underwritten Securities by the U.S. Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement and by the International Underwriters pursuant to the International Underwriting Agreement, will be fully paid and nonassessable; all of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company have been duly listed, and admitted and authorized for trading, on the Taiwan Stock Exchange; the Underwritten Shares will be duly listed and admitted for trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange upon the exchange of the Certificates of Payment; the Securities being sold under the Underwriting Agreements by the Company are duly listed, and admitted and authorized for trading, subject to official notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange; the certificates for the Underwritten Securities are in valid and sufficient form; the holders of outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are not entitled to preemptive or other rights to subscribe for the Securities, except for such rights that have been effectively waived; and, except as set forth in the Prospectuses, no options, warrants or other rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to issue, or rights to convert any obligations into or exchange any securities for, shares of capital stock of or ownership interests in the Company are outstanding.
(k) There is no franchise, contract or other document of a character required to be described in the Registration Statement, ADR Registration Statement or Prospectuses, or to be filed as an exhibit thereto, which is not described or filed as required.
(l) Each of this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company; and the Deposit Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
(m) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectuses, will not be, an "investment company" within the meaning of and subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(n) No consent, approval, authorization, filing with, or order of, any court or governmental agency or body is required in connection with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement or in the Deposit Agreement, except for (i) registration of the Securities under the Act and any filings required under Rule 424 of the Act; (ii) registration of the Securities under the Exchange Act; (iii) the approval of the Central Bank of China in the ROC (the "CBC") of foreign exchange settlements and payments contemplated by the Deposit Agreement; (iv) the filings and approvals, if any, required under (A) the "Guidelines for Handling Issuance and Offer of Overseas Securities by Issuers of the ROC (the "Overseas Offering Rules"), and (B) the rules and regulations of the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the Securities and Futures Commission of the ROC (the "SFC") and the CBC; (v) the registration of the Underwritten Shares with the Science-Based Industrial Park Administration of the ROC ("SIPA"), which shall be filed by the
Company within 15 days of the Closing Date; (vi) any government authorizations as may be required under state securities, or "blue sky" laws, of the U.S. or the laws of other jurisdictions outside the ROC and the U.S. in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters in the manner contemplated herein and in the Prospectuses; and (vii) those approvals which have been obtained under the laws of the ROC and are in full force and effect as of the date hereof, including the approval of SIPA, the approval of the CBC and the approvals of the SFC.
(o) Neither the sale of the Underwritten Securities by the Company, nor the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement, nor the consummation of any other of the transactions contemplated herein or in the Deposit Agreement, nor the fulfillment of the terms hereof or of the Deposit Agreement, will conflict with, result in a breach or violation of, or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries pursuant to, (i) the articles of incorporation of the Company or the constituent documents of any of the Subsidiaries, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or bound or to which its or their property is subject, or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree applicable to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any of its or their properties, except, with regard to clause (ii) or (iii) above, such as would not individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on (A) the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated herein or therein or (B) the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(p) There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person granting to such person the right to require the Company to file a registration statement under the Act with respect to any securities of the Company or to require the Company to include such securities with the ADSs registered pursuant to the Registration Statement.
(q) The consolidated historical financial statements and schedules of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries included in the Prospectuses and the Registration Statement present fairly in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated, comply as to form, in all material respects, with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as otherwise noted therein). The summary and selected financial data included in the Prospectuses and Registration Statement fairly present, in all material respects, on the basis stated in the Prospectuses and the Registration Statement, the information included therein. The pro forma financial statements included in the Prospectuses and the Registration Statement include assumptions that provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects directly attributable to the transactions and events described therein, the related pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions, and the pro forma adjustments reflect the proper application of those adjustments to the historical financial statement amounts in the pro forma financial statements included in the Prospectuses and the Registration Statement. The pro forma financial statements included in the Prospectuses and
the Registration Statement comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of Regulation S-X under the Act and the pro forma adjustments have been properly applied to the historical amounts in the compilation of those statements.
(r) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has sustained since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Prospectuses any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, other than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectuses, and, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses, there has not been any material change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or the Subsidiaries or any change, or any development involving a prospective change, that would have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
(s) Except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company after due inquiry, threatened that (i) could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the performance of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business.
(t) Each of the Company and each of the Subsidiaries owns or leases all such properties as are necessary to the conduct of its operations as presently conducted.
(u) The Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them which is material to the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Prospectuses or such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company or the Subsidiaries; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries are held under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the
use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company or such Subsidiary, except as described in the Prospectuses.
(v) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is in violation or default of (i) any provision of its articles of incorporation or bylaws, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which it is a party or bound or to which its property is subject, or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or such Subsidiary or any of its properties, as applicable, except such violations or defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course business.
(w) Each of KPMG, who has certified certain financial statements of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and delivered a report with respect to the audited consolidated financial statements and schedules included in the Prospectuses, and Diwan, Ernst and Young, who has certified certain financial statements of Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation and delivered reports with respect to the audited consolidated financial statements and schedules included in the Prospectuses, are independent public accountants with respect to the Company and Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation, respectively, within the meaning of the Act and the applicable published rules and regulations thereunder.
(x) No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries exists, or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses.
(y) The Company and the Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which they are engaged; neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and the Company has no reason to believe that either the Company or any of the Subsidiaries will be unable to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue their respective businesses at a cost that would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses.
(z) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries possesses all licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by the appropriate regulatory authorities necessary to own or lease their
respective properties and conduct their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
(aa) The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.
(bb) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has taken, directly or indirectly, any action that has constituted or that was designed to or might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.
(cc) Except as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectuses, the Company and the Subsidiaries are (i) in compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the environment or use, disposal or release or protection of human exposure to hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants ("Environmental Laws") (ii) have received and are in compliance with all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) have not received notice of any actual or potential liability for the investigation or remediation of any disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants, except where such non-compliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or other approvals, or liability would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business.
(dd) The subsidiaries listed on Annex A attached hereto are the only subsidiaries of the Company.
(ee) The Company and the Subsidiaries own, possess or are licensed under, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all material patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or
unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks and trade names ("Intellectual Property") currently employed by them and reasonably necessary to conduct the business now operated by them and as proposed in the Prospectuses to be conducted, and except as set forth in the Prospectuses, none of the Company or the Subsidiaries has received any notice of infringement of the foregoing Intellectual Property rights or that the Company or the Subsidiaries is in conflict with asserted rights of others, that if determined adversely to the Company would singly or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(ff) Except as disclosed in the Prospectuses and to the Company's knowledge after due inquiry, no relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among any of the Company or the Subsidiaries on the one hand, and the directors, officers, supervisors, shareholders, customers or suppliers of any of the Company or the Subsidiaries on the other hand, that is required by the Act to be described in the Prospectuses.
(gg) This Agreement, the Deposit Agreement, the Certificates of Payment, the certificates evidencing the Underwritten Shares, and any other documents to be furnished hereunder are in proper form under the laws of the ROC for the enforcement thereof against the Company under the laws of ROC; to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability and admissibility into evidence in the ROC of each such agreement or document, it is not necessary that any such agreement or document be filed or recorded with any court or other authority in the ROC, other than the filing of the Deposit Agreement as required under the Overseas Offering Rules as set forth in Section 1 (i)(n) hereof, or that any stamp or similar tax be paid in the ROC or in respect of any such agreement or document, it being understood that in court proceedings in the ROC a translation into the Chinese language may be required.
(hh) Under the laws of the ROC, each holder of ADRs evidencing ADSs issued pursuant to the Deposit Agreement shall be entitled, subject to the Deposit Agreement, to seek enforcement of its rights through the Depositary or the Depositary's nominee registered as representative of the holders and beneficial owners of the ADRs in a direct suit, action or proceeding against the Company.
(ii) The Company has complied with all provisions of Section 517.075, Florida Statutes relating to doing business with the Government of Cuba or with any person or affiliate located in Cuba.
Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company, in his or her capacity as an officer of the Company, and delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Securities shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company, as to matters covered thereby, to each U.S. Underwriter.
(ii) Each Selling Shareholder represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each U.S. Underwriter that:
(a) Such Selling Shareholder has been duly incorporated and is validly existing with limited liability under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is chartered or organized, and this Agreement and the Power of Attorney appointing certain individuals as such Selling Shareholder's attorneys-in-fact to the extent set forth therein, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Registration Statement (the "Power of Attorney") have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Selling Shareholder and such Power of Attorney constitutes a valid and binding obligation of such Selling Shareholder enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
(b) The U.S. Option Shares being sold under this Agreement by such Selling Shareholder have been duly and validly authorized and are fully paid and nonassessable; upon issuance by the Depositary of ADSs evidenced by ADRs against deposit in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement of the U.S. Option Shares to be sold by such Selling Shareholder to the U.S. Underwriters, such ADRs will be duly and validly issued, and persons in whose names such ADRs are duly registered with the Depositary will be entitled to the rights specified in the ADRs and in the Deposit Agreement; upon the sale and delivery to the U.S. Underwriters of the U.S. Securities to be purchased from such Selling Shareholder, and payment therefor pursuant to this Agreement, the U.S. Underwriters will acquire good, marketable and valid title to such U.S. Securities subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, free and clear of all pledges, liens, security interests, charges, claims or encumbrances of any kind; assuming the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized and delivered by the parties thereto, the U.S. Option Shares to be deposited by the Selling Shareholders may be freely deposited with the Depositary against issuance of ADRs evidencing ADSs and the ADSs delivered at the settlement date will be freely transferable by such Selling Shareholder to or for the account of the several U.S. Underwriters and (to the extent described in the Prospectuses) the initial purchasers thereof; and there are no restrictions on subsequent transfers of the U.S. Option Securities under the laws of the ROC and of the United States except as described in the Prospectuses under the captions "Description of Our Share Capital," "Description of American Depositary Shares" or "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan."
(c) Such Selling Shareholder is the beneficial owner of the U.S. Option Shares to be deposited with the Depositary against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs to be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder, and has, and immediately prior to any settlement date will have, good and valid title to such U.S. Option Shares, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims.
(d) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over such Selling Shareholder is required for the deposit of Shares by such Selling Shareholder in accordance with the
terms of the Deposit Agreement with the Depositary against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs to be delivered at the settlement date for the sale and delivery of the ADSs to be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder, and for the execution, delivery and performance by such Selling Shareholder of this Agreement, except (i) such as may have been obtained under the Act, (ii) such as may be required under the "blue sky" laws of any state, (iii) such as may be required under the securities laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States or the ROC in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters, (iv) the filings, if any, required under (A) the "Guidelines for Handling Issuance and Offer of Overseas Securities by Issuers of the ROC (the "Overseas Offering Rules"), and (B) the rules and regulations of the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the Securities and Futures Commission of the ROC (the "SFC") and the CBC; and (v) such other approvals as have been obtained and are in full force and effect.
(e) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Power of Attorney of such Selling Shareholder, the deposit of the U.S. Option Shares to be sold by such Selling Shareholder with the Depositary in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the sale of the ADSs to be sold by the Selling Shareholder, or the consummation of any other of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement by such Selling Shareholder or the fulfillment of the terms hereof by such Selling Shareholder, will conflict with, result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under any law or articles of incorporation or other constitutive documents of such Selling Shareholder or the terms of any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which such Selling Shareholder is a party or bound, or any judgment, order or decree applicable to such Selling Shareholder or any of its subsidiaries of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body or arbitrator having jurisdiction over such Selling Shareholder, other than any such conflict, breach or violation that would not have a material adverse effect on the ability of such Selling Shareholder to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
(f) Other than the securities transfer tax required to be paid by the Selling Shareholders under ROC laws and so long as this Agreement, the Certificates of Payment, the cross-receipt and any other documents which are deemed "receipts" under ROC Stamp Duty Law are executed outside the ROC, no stamp or other issuance or transfer taxes or duties and no capital gains, income, withholding or other taxes (except such income taxes as may be imposed by the ROC government or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein on payments thereunder to any Underwriter, or on payments under the Deposit Agreement to the Depositary, where the net income of such Underwriter or of the Depositary is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax) are payable by or on behalf of the Underwriters to the ROC or to any political subdivision of taxing authority thereof or therein, in connection with (i) the delivery of the Option Shares to be sold by the Selling Shareholder in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the deposit with the Depositary or its custodian of the Option Shares against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs, (iii) the sale and delivery outside the ROC by the Underwriters of the ADSs, as contemplated herein or (iv) the execution and delivery of, or the
performance by any party of its obligations under this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement.
(g) This Agreement is in proper legal form under the laws of the jurisdiction of the organization of the Selling Shareholder for the enforcement thereof against such Selling Shareholder; and to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability and admissibility into evidence in such jurisdiction, it is not necessary that this Agreement be filed or recorded with any court or other authority therein or that any stamp or similar tax be paid therein or in respect of this Agreement.
(h) Such Selling Shareholder has not taken, directly or indirectly, any action that has constituted or that was designed to or might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Option Securities; it being understood that neither the sale during April 2002 by United Microelectronics Corporation of 80,000,000 Common Shares on April 23, 2002 in a public offering in the Republic of China nor the issuance by it on May 10, 2002 of bonds that will be exchangeable, at the option of the holders thereof, into Common Shares which are held by United Microelectronics Corporation shall constitute actions that are the subject of this paragraph (h).
Any certificate signed by any officer of any Selling Shareholder, in his or her capacity as an officer of such Selling Shareholder, and delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Securities shall be deemed a representation and warranty by such Selling Shareholder, as to matters covered thereby, to each U.S. Underwriter.
2. Purchase and Sale.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell to each U.S. Underwriter, and each U.S. Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at a purchase price of US$11.2055 per ADS, the amount of the U.S. Underwritten Securities set forth opposite such U.S. Underwriter's name in Schedule I to this Agreement.
(b) Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, the Selling Shareholders hereby grant an option to the several U.S. Underwriters to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to 35,000,000 additional Common Shares represented by ADSs, in the aggregate, at the same purchase price per ADS as the U.S. Underwriters shall pay for the U.S. Underwritten Securities. Said option may be exercised only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the U.S. Underwritten Securities by the U.S. Underwriters. Said option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time (but not more than once) on or before the 30th day after the date of the U.S. Prospectus upon written or telegraphic notice by the U.S. Representatives to the Company and such Selling
Shareholders setting forth the number of shares of the U.S. Option Securities as to which the several U.S. Underwriters are exercising the option and the settlement date. In the event that the U.S. Underwriters exercise less than their full over-allotment option, the number of U.S. Option Securities to be sold by each Selling Shareholder shall be, as nearly as practicable, in the same proportion to each other as are the number of U.S. Option Securities listed opposite their names on Schedule II. The number of U.S. Option Securities to be purchased by each U.S. Underwriter shall be the same percentage of the total number of U.S. Option Securities to be purchased by the several U.S. Underwriters as such U.S. Underwriter is purchasing of the U.S. Underwritten Securities, subject to such adjustments as you in your absolute discretion shall make to eliminate any fractional shares.
3. Delivery and Payment. Delivery of and payment for the U.S. Underwritten
Securities and the U.S. Option Securities (if the option provided for in
Section 2(b) hereof shall have been exercised on or before the third Business
Day prior to the Closing Date) shall be made at 10:00 AM, New York City time,
on May 29, 2002, or at such time on such later date not more than three
Business Days after the foregoing date as the U.S. Representatives and the
International Representatives shall designate, which date and time may be
postponed by agreement among the U.S. Representatives, the International
Representatives and the Company or as provided in Section 9 hereof (such date
and time of delivery and payment for the U.S. Securities being called in this
Agreement the "Closing Date"). Delivery of the U.S. Securities shall be made to
the U.S. Representatives for the respective accounts of the several U.S.
Underwriters against payment by the several U.S. Underwriters through the U.S.
Representatives of the respective aggregate purchase prices of the U.S.
Securities being sold by the Company and each of the Selling Shareholders to or
upon the order of the Company and the Selling Shareholders by wire transfer
payable in same-day funds to the accounts specified by the Company and the
Selling Shareholders. Delivery of the U.S. Underwritten Securities and the U.S.
Option Securities shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust
Company unless the U.S. Representatives shall otherwise instruct.
If the option provided for in Section 2(b) hereof is exercised after the third Business Day prior to the Closing Date, the Selling Shareholders will deliver (at the expense of the Selling Shareholders) to the U.S. Representatives, c/o Salomon Smith Barney at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, on the date specified by the U.S. Representatives (which shall be within three Business Days after the exercise of said option), ADR certificates representing the U.S. Option Securities in such names and denominations as the U.S. Representatives shall have requested for the respective accounts of the several U.S. Underwriters, against payment by the several U.S. Underwriters through the U.S. Representatives of the purchase price thereof to or upon the order of the Selling Shareholders by wire transfer payable in same-day funds to the accounts specified by the Selling Shareholders. If settlement for the U.S. Option Securities occurs after the Closing Date, such Selling Shareholders will deliver to the U.S. Representatives on the settlement date for the U.S. Option Securities, and the obligation of the U.S. Underwriters to purchase the U.S. Option Securities shall be conditioned upon receipt of, supplemental opinions, certificates and letters confirming as
of such date the opinions, certificates and letters delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6 hereof.
The ADR certificates evidencing the U.S. Underwritten Securities and U.S. Option Securities shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as the U.S. Representatives may request not less than two full Business Days prior to the applicable Closing Date and any settlement date.
It is understood and agreed that the Closing Date shall occur simultaneously with the "Closing Date" under the International Underwriting Agreement, and that the settlement date for any U.S. Option Securities occurring after the Closing Date shall occur simultaneously with the "settlement date" under the International Underwriting Agreement for any International Option Securities occurring after the Closing Date.
4. Offering by Underwriters. It is understood that the several U.S. Underwriters propose to offer the U.S. Securities for sale to the public as set forth in the U.S. Prospectus.
5. Agreements.
(i) The Company agrees with the several U.S. Underwriters that:
(a) The Company will use its best efforts to cause the Registration
Statement and the ADR Registration Statement, if not effective at the
Execution Time, and any amendment thereof, to become effective. Prior to
the termination of the offering of the Securities, the Company will not
file any amendment of the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration
Statement or supplement to the Prospectuses or any Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement unless the Company has furnished you a copy for
your review prior to filing and will not file any such proposed amendment
or supplement to which you reasonably object. Subject to the foregoing
sentence, if the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement
has become or becomes effective pursuant to Rule 430A, or filing of the
Prospectuses is otherwise required under Rule 424(b), the Company will
cause the Prospectuses, properly completed, and any supplement thereto, to
be filed with the Commission pursuant to the applicable paragraph of Rule
424(b) within the time period prescribed and will provide evidence
satisfactory to the U.S. Representatives of such timely filing. The
Company will promptly advise the U.S. Representatives (1) when the
Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement, if not
effective at the Execution Time, shall have become effective, (2) when the
Prospectuses, and any supplement thereto, shall have been filed (if
required) with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) or when any Rule
462(b) Registration Statement or ADR Registration Statement shall have
been filed with the Commission, (3) when, prior to termination of the
offering of the Securities, any amendment to the Registration Statement or
the ADR Registration Statement shall have been filed or become effective,
(4) of any request by the Commission or its staff for any amendment of the
Registration Statement, or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or the
ADR Registration Statement, or for any supplement to the Prospectuses or
for any
additional information, (5) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose and (6) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose. The Company will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order or the suspension of any such qualification and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.
(b) If, at any time when a prospectus relating to the Securities, in
the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, is required to be delivered
by an underwriter or dealer under the Act, any event occurs as a result of
which either of the Prospectuses as then supplemented would include any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if it shall
be necessary to amend the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration
Statement or supplement either of the Prospectuses to comply with the Act
or the rules thereunder, the Company promptly will (1) notify the
Representatives of any such event; (2) prepare and file with the
Commission, subject to the second sentence of paragraph (i)(a) of this
Section 5, an amendment or supplement which will correct such statement or
omission or effect such compliance; and (3) supply any supplemented
Prospectuses to you in such quantities as you may reasonably request.
(c) As soon as practicable, the Company will make generally available to its security holders and to the U.S. Representatives an earnings statement or statements of the Company and the Subsidiaries which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 under the Act.
(d) The Company will furnish to the U.S. Representatives and counsel for the U.S. Underwriters signed copies of the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and to each other U.S. Underwriter a copy of the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement (without exhibits thereto) and, so long as delivery of a prospectus by an Underwriter or dealer may be required by the Act, as many copies of each U.S. Preliminary Prospectus and the U.S. Prospectus and any supplement thereto as the U.S. Representatives may reasonably request.
(e) The Company will arrange, if necessary, for the qualification of the Securities for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions as the U.S. Representatives may designate and will maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required for the distribution of the U.S. Securities; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the offering or sale of the Securities, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.
(f) Except as contemplated pursuant to this Agreement, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by the Company or any affiliate of the Company or any person in privity with the Company or any affiliate of the Company) directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement with the Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, any Common Shares or ADSs or any securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, Common Shares or ADSs, or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, for a period of 180 days after the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company may issue and sell Common Shares pursuant to any employee stock option plan, stock ownership plan or dividend reinvestment plan of the Company in effect at the Execution Time and the Company may issue Common Shares issuable upon the conversion of securities or the exercise of warrants outstanding at the Execution Time, and the Company may take certain actions as described in the third paragraph of the UMC Letter relating to the offering by United Microelectronics Corporation of bonds that will be exchangeable into Common Shares or ADSs of the Company; it being understood that the preparation (or participation in the preparation) of a registration statement shall not constitute the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement under this paragraph (f).
(g) Until the later of (i) the end of a period of 180 days following the Closing Date and (ii) the completion of distribution of the Securities, the Company will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Common Shares or the ADSs.
(h) The Company will deposit Underwritten Shares or Certificates of Payment with the Depositary in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement and will comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement so that ADRs evidencing ADSs representing deposited Underwritten Shares or Certificates of Payment, as the case may be, will be executed by the Depositary and delivered to the U.S. Underwriters as required hereby.
(i) The Company will notify the U.S. Representatives promptly upon becoming aware of any event or development making untrue, or of any change affecting, any of its representations, warranties, agreements or indemnities herein at any time prior to payment being made to the Company on the Closing Date and will take such steps as may be reasonably requested by the U.S. Representatives to remedy the same.
(j) Between the date hereof and the Closing Date (inclusive), the Company will, and will cause the Subsidiaries and all other parties acting on its behalf to, notify and consult with the U.S. Representatives prior to issuing any announcement (unless prevented by applicable law or regulation or it is impracticable in light of the circumstances) concerning the Securities or which, in the reasonable judgment of Company, could be material in the context of the offering and distribution of the Securities.
(k) The Company will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the ADSs pursuant to this Agreement in the manner specified in the Prospectuses under the caption "Use of Proceeds."
(l) In connection with listing the Shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and the application to list the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company will furnish from time to time any and all documents, instruments, information and undertakings and publish all advertisements or other material that may be necessary in order to effect such listings and maintain such listings.
(m) The Company will pay any stamp, issue, registration, documentary, transfer or other taxes and duties, including interest and penalties, on or in connection with the creation, issue, offering or sale by the Company of the Certificates of Payment, the Underwritten Shares and the ADSs (including the deposit by the Company of the Underwritten Shares or Certificates of Payment, as the case may be, with the Depositary and the issuance and delivery of the ADRs evidencing ADSs in exchange therefor by the Depositary to or for the account of the Underwriters), the offer, sale and delivery outside the ROC by the Underwriters of such ADSs and the execution or delivery of this Agreement, including, in any such case, any ROC withholding, transfer or similar tax asserted against an Underwriter by reason of the purchase and sale of ADSs pursuant to this Agreement (except such income taxes that may be imposed by the ROC government or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein on any Underwriter whose net income is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax).
(n) The Company, or one or more agents thereof acting on its behalf,
will make all filings and registrations, obtain all approvals and submit
all reports, if any, required for the issuance of the Underwritten Shares
and Certificates of Payment, the issuance and sale of the ADSs, the
compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of, and the
performance by the Company of its obligations under, this Agreement and
the Deposit Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein and therein, including, but not limited, to all
filings, registrations, approvals and reports set forth in paragraph
(i)(o) of Section 1 hereof, on or prior to the date on which such filings,
registrations, approvals or reports, if any, are required to be made,
obtained or submitted.
(o) The Underwriters will pay, or reimburse the Company or the Selling Shareholders, as the case may be, for amounts paid by the Company or the Selling
Shareholders in respect of: (i) the fees and expenses of KPMG as the Company's accountants and of Diwan, Ernst & Young as the accountants of Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation and the fees and expenses of counsel (including local and special counsel) for the Company and the Selling Shareholders, in each case incurred in connection with the initial public offering of the ADSs; (ii) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery (including postage, air freight charges and charges for counting and packaging) of such copies of the Registration Statement, each Preliminary Prospectus, each Prospectus, the ADR Registration Statement, and all amendments or supplements to any of them, as may, in each case, be requested for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities; and (iii) the transportation, meeting, lodging and other roadshow expenses incurred by or on behalf of Company representatives in connection with presentations to prospective purchasers of the Securities; it being understood that the Underwriters shall not be required to pay, or reimburse the Company for amounts paid in respect of, and the Company shall pay or cause to be paid: (i) any registration fees payable to the Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities with the Commission, (ii) any listing fees and expenses payable in connection with the listing of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, (iii) any filing fees payable in respect of any filings required to be made with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., (iv) the internal costs and out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by employees of the Company, the Selling Shareholders and their respective subsidiaries, in connection with the initial public offering of the Securities, and (v) any amounts payable by the Company under Section 5(i)(m) hereof; and provided further, that the Underwriters shall not be required to pay, or reimburse the Company or the Selling Shareholders for amounts paid in respect of, and the Selling Shareholders shall, jointly and severally, pay or cause to be paid, amounts payable by the Selling Shareholders under Section 5(v)(g) hereof.
(p) Except as described in the Prospectuses or this Agreement, all amounts payable by the Company in respect of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs or the Underlying Shares shall be made free and clear of, and without deducting for or on account of, any taxes imposed, assessed or levied by the ROC or any authority thereof or therein (except such income taxes as may be imposed by the ROC on payments hereunder to any Underwriter whose net income is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax).
(ii) Each U.S. Underwriter agrees that it is not purchasing any of the U.S. Securities for the account of anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person, (ii) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any of the U.S. Securities or distribute any U.S. Prospectus to any person outside the United States or Canada, or to anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person, and (iii) any dealer to whom it may sell any of the U.S. Securities will represent that it is not purchasing for the account of anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person and agree that it will not offer or resell, directly or indirectly, any of the U.S. Securities outside the United States or Canada, or to anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person or to any other dealer who does not so represent and agree; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not restrict (A) purchases and sales between the International Underwriters on the
one hand and the U.S. Underwriters on the other hand pursuant to the Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters, (B) stabilization transactions contemplated under the Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters, conducted through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (or through the U.S. Representatives and International Representatives) as part of the distribution of the Securities, and (C) sales to or through (or distributions of U.S. Prospectuses or U.S. Preliminary Prospectuses to) United States or Canadian Persons who are investment advisors, or who otherwise exercise investment discretion, and who are purchasing for the account of anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person.
(iii) The agreements of the U.S. Underwriters set forth in paragraph (ii) of this Section 5 shall terminate upon the earlier of the following events:
(a) A mutual agreement of the U.S. Representatives and the International Representatives to terminate the selling restrictions set forth in paragraph (ii) of this Section 5 and in Section 5(ii) of the International Underwriting Agreement.
(b) The expiration of a period of 30 days after the Closing Date, unless (A) the U.S. Representatives shall have given notice to the Company and the International Representatives that the distribution of the U.S. Securities by the U.S. Underwriters has not yet been completed, or (B) the International Representatives shall have given notice to the Company and the U.S. Representatives that the distribution of the International Securities by the International Underwriters has not yet been completed. If such notice by the U.S. Representatives or the International Representatives is given, the agreements set forth in such paragraph (ii) shall survive until the earlier of (1) the event referred to in clause (a) of this subsection (iii), and (2) the expiration of an additional period of 30 days from the date of any such notice.
(iv) Each U.S. Underwriter agrees that it has not offered or sold, and agrees not to offer or sell, any Securities, directly or indirectly, in any province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Canada in contravention of the securities laws thereof and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, represents that any offer or sale of Securities in Canada will be made only (i) pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus in the province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made and (ii) only by a dealer duly registered under the applicable securities laws of that province or territory or in circumstances where any exemption from the applicable registered dealer requirements is available; and it will send to any dealer who purchases from it any of the Securities a notice stating in substance that, by purchasing such Securities, such dealer represents and agrees that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any of such Securities in any province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Canada in contravention of the securities laws thereof and that any offer or sale of Securities in Canada will be made only (i) pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus in the province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made, and (ii) only by
a dealer duly registered under the applicable securities laws of that province or territory or in circumstances where any exemption from the applicable registered dealer requirements is available, and that such dealer will deliver to any other dealer to whom it sells any of such Securities a notice containing substantially the same statement as is contained in this sentence.
(v) Each Selling Shareholder agrees with the several U.S. Underwriters that:
(a) Such Selling Shareholder will not, without the prior written consent of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by such Selling Shareholder or any Affiliate of such Selling Shareholder or, except in the case of Kuang-Hwa Investment Holding Co. Ltd., any person in privity with such Selling Shareholder or any Affiliate of such Selling Shareholder) directly or indirectly, or file (or participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to, any Common Shares or ADSs (other than Common Shares or ADSs disposed of as bona fide gifts approved by Salomon Smith Barney Inc.) or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares or ADSs, or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, for a period of 90 days after the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that United Microelectronics Corporation shall not be restricted pursuant to this paragraph (a) from exchanging its exchangeable bonds issued on May 10, 2002 into Common Shares after June 19, 2002 pursuant to the terms of such bonds.
(b) Until the later of (i) the end of a period of 90 days following the Closing Date and (ii) the completion of distribution of the Securities, such Selling Shareholder will not take any action designed to or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Common Shares or the ADSs.
(c) Such Selling Shareholder will advise you promptly, and if requested by you, will confirm such advice in writing, so long as delivery of a prospectus relating to the Securities by an underwriter or dealer is, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, required under the Act, of any change in the information in the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement or the Prospectuses relating to such Selling Shareholder.
(d) No later than the second Business Day in the ROC (such date, the "Deposit Date") after the receipt of the notice of exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof, to deposit, or cause to be deposited on its behalf, the Option Shares to be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder with the Depositary in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement and otherwise
to comply with the Deposit Agreement so that ADRs evidencing ADSs to be sold by such Selling Shareholder will be executed (and, if applicable, countersigned) and issued by the Depositary against receipt of such Option Shares and delivered to the Underwriters at the Closing Date or the settlement date, as applicable.
(e) Such Selling Shareholder will advise you promptly upon becoming aware of any event or development making untrue, or of any change affecting, any of its representations, warranties, agreements or indemnities herein at any time prior to payment being made to such Selling Shareholder on the settlement date and will take such steps as may be reasonably requested by you to remedy the same.
(f) Between the date hereof and the settlement date (inclusive), such Selling Shareholder will, and will cause its Affiliates and all other parties acting on its behalf to, notify and consult with you prior to issuing any announcement (unless such notification and consultation is prevented by applicable law or regulation or is impractical in light of circumstances) concerning the Securities or which could be material in the context of the offering and distribution of the Securities; provided that such Selling Shareholder, such Affiliates and such other parties shall not be restricted, following such notification and consultation, from issuing any such announcement that any of them is required to issue under applicable law or regulation.
(g) Such Selling Shareholder will pay any stamp, issue, registration, documentary, transfer or other taxes and duties, including interest and penalties, on or in connection with the offering or sale of Shares and ADSs by such Selling Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement (including the deposit by such Selling Shareholder of Option Shares with the Depositary and the issuance and delivery of the ADRs evidencing ADSs in exchange therefor by the Depositary to or for the account of the Underwriters), the offer, sale and delivery outside the ROC by the Underwriters of such ADSs and the execution or delivery of this Agreement, including, in any such case, any ROC withholding, transfer or similar tax asserted against an Underwriter by reason of the purchase and sale of ADSs pursuant to this Agreement (except such income taxes that may be imposed by the ROC government or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein on any Underwriter whose net income is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax).
(h) Such Selling Shareholder will pay, or cause to be paid, any securities transfer tax payable on the transfer of the Option Shares represented by the ADSs to be sold by such Selling Shareholder pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements to the appropriate taxing authorities in the Republic of China no later than the first Business Day in the ROC following any date on which Option Shares are purchased pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements, and shall deliver, no later than on the Deposit Date to the Depositary a New Taiwan dollar Bank of Taiwan cheque payable to the ROC taxing authority, dated as of such date, in the amount of such securities transfer tax.
(i) Any amounts payable by such Selling Shareholder under this Agreement shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for or on account of any taxes
imposed, assessed or levied by the jurisdiction of its organization or any political subdivision thereof or therein except as described in the Prospectuses (except such income taxes as may be imposed by the ROC on payments hereunder to any Underwriter whose net income is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to such income tax).
6. Conditions to the Obligations of the Underwriters. The obligations of the U.S. Underwriters to purchase the U.S. Underwritten Securities and the U.S. Option Securities, as the case may be, shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company and the Selling Shareholders contained in this Agreement as of the Execution Time, the Closing Date and any settlement date pursuant to Section 3 hereof, to the accuracy of the statements of the Company and the Selling Shareholders made in any certificates pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company and the Selling Shareholders of their respective obligations under this Agreement and to the following additional conditions:
(i) If the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement have not become effective prior to the Execution Time, unless the U.S. Representatives and the International Representatives agree in writing to a later time, the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement will become effective not later than (a) 6:00 PM New York City time on the date of determination of the public offering price, if such determination occurred at or prior to 3:00 PM New York City time on such date or (b) 9:30 AM New York City time on the Business Day following the day on which the public offering price was determined, if such determination occurred after 3:00 PM New York City time on such date; if filing of either of the Prospectuses, or any supplement thereto, is required pursuant to Rule 424(b), the Prospectuses, and any such supplement, will be filed in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b); and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been instituted or threatened.
(ii) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Company shall have requested and caused Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, United States counsel for the Company, to have furnished to the Representatives their opinion, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, to the effect that:
(a) The Underwriting Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
(b) The Deposit Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and, assuming that the Deposit Agreement is the valid and legally binding obligation of the Depositary, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, (ii) general equitable principles
(whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), (iii) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and (iv) the effects of the possible judicial application of foreign laws or foreign governmental or judicial action affecting creditors' rights, and also subject to the qualification that enforceability of the indemnification provisions of the Deposit Agreement may be limited by considerations of public policy. Upon issuance by the Depositary of the ADRs evidencing ADSs against the deposit of the Underlying Shares (initially in the form of Certificates of Payment) in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the ADRs will be duly and validly issued pursuant to the laws of the State of New York and the persons in whose names such ADRs are registered will be entitled to the rights specified therein and in the Deposit Agreement.
(c) The compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement will not breach or result in a default by the Company under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument that is expressly governed by the laws of the State of New York and filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, nor will such action violate any United States federal or New York state statute or any order known to such counsel issued pursuant to any United States federal or New York state statute by any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties.
(d) No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any United States federal or New York state governmental agency or body or, to the knowledge of such counsel, any United States federal or New York state court is required for the compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement, except for the registration under the Act and the Exchange Act of the Shares and the ADSs or the offering and sale thereof, and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or "blue sky" laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares and the ADSs by the Underwriters.
(e) The statements made in the Prospectuses under the captions "Description of American Depositary Shares," "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting", insofar as they purport to constitute summaries of the terms of New York state or United States federal statutes or rules and regulations thereunder or English language contracts or other documents therein described, constitute accurate summaries of the terms of such statutes, rules and regulations or contracts and other documents in all material respects.
(f) The statements made in the Prospectuses under the caption "Tax Considerations for Investors in Our ADSs or Shares - United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for United States Holders," insofar as they purport to constitute summaries of matters of United States federal tax laws and regulations or legal conclusions with respect thereto, constitute accurate summaries of matters described therein in all material respects.
(g) To the knowledge of such counsel, there are no contracts or documents of a character required to be described in the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement or the Prospectuses or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required.
(h) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectuses, will not be an "investment company" within the meaning of and subject to regulation under the United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(i) The Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement have become effective under the Act; any required filing with the Commission of the Prospectuses, and any supplement thereto, pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b); and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement has been issued or proceeding for that purpose initiated or threatened by the Commission.
(j) Assuming the validity of such actions under the laws of the ROC
and any other non-United States jurisdiction (and subject to the
limitations and provisions of Sections 1331, 1332 and 1404(a) of Title 28
of the United States Code and Section 510 of the New York Civil Practice
Law and Rules), under the laws of the State of New York relating to
personal jurisdiction, and pursuant to Section 15 of the Underwriting
Agreements and Section 7.6 of the Deposit Agreement, the Company has: (A)
validly submitted to the non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of the New
York Courts in any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or based
upon the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement or the
transactions contemplated thereby; and (B) validly appointed CT
Corporation System in New York, New York as its authorized agent for the
purpose described in Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements and
Section 7.6 of the Deposit Agreement; the waiver by the Company of any
objection to the venue of any proceeding in the New York Courts is valid
(subject to customary limitations under New York state and Federal laws);
and service of process effected in the manner set forth in Section 15 of
the Underwriting Agreements and Section 7.6 of the Deposit Agreement will
be effective under the laws of the State of New York to confer valid
personal jurisdiction over the Company.
Such opinion may be subject to customary assumptions, qualifications and limitations and, in rendering such opinion, such counsel may state that (i) they do not express any opinion therein concerning any law other than the law of the State of New York and the federal law of the United States of America and (ii) with respect to all matters governed by the laws of the ROC, such counsel understand that the Representatives are relying on the applicable opinion of Russin & Vecchi referred to below. Such opinion shall also include language confirming the extent of such counsel's participation in the preparation of the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement and the Prospectuses and confirming that based on such participation: (i) such counsel are of the opinion that the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement, as of their respective effective dates, and the Prospectuses, as of May 23, 2002, complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Act (except in each case for the financial statements and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion); and (ii) such counsel have no reason to believe that the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration
Statement, as of their respective effective dates (except in each case for the financial statements and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectuses (except for the financial statements and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The foregoing opinion and statement may be qualified by a statement to the effect that such counsel have not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements made or included in the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement or the Prospectuses and take no responsibility therefor, except as and to the extent set forth in clauses (e) and (f) above.
(iii) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Company and each of Benq Corporation ("Benq"), Acer, Inc. ("Acer") and Kuang-Hwa Investment Holding Co., Ltd. ("Kuang-Hwa"), shall have requested and caused Russin & Vecchi, ROC counsel for the Company and for Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa as Selling Shareholders, to have furnished to the Representatives their opinion, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Representatives, to the effect that:
(a) The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the ROC, has the corporate power and authority to own or lease its property and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectuses and is duly qualified to transact business and to own or lease its properties in the ROC.
(b) The Company's authorized and issued share capital is as set forth in the Prospectuses; the capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectuses; the outstanding Common Shares (including the Option Shares) have been duly and validly authorized and issued ,fully paid and non-assessable; the Underwritten Shares (including the Certificate of Payment) have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement, will be validly issued , fully paid and non-assessable with no personal liability for the obligations of the Company attaching to the ownership thereof; the issuance of the Underwritten Shares will not be subject to any preemptive or similar rights except such as have been duly and validly waived; all of the Common Shares outstanding prior to the issuance of the Underwritten Shares (including the Option Shares) have been duly listed and admitted for trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange; the Underwritten Shares will be duly listed and admitted for trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange upon exchange of the
Certificate of Payment; the holders of outstanding Common Shares of the Company are not entitled to preemptive or other rights to acquire the ADSs in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting Agreements; the Option Shares to be deposited by the Selling Shareholders may be freely deposited with the Depositary against issuance of ADRs evidencing ADSs; there are no restrictions on subsequent transfer of the Shares underlying the ADSs except as described in the Prospectuses under the captions "Description of Our Share Capital", "Description of American Depositary Shares" and "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan"; and, except as set forth in the Prospectuses, there are no outstanding securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or warrants, rights or options to purchase from the Company, or obligations of the Company to issue, Common Shares or any other class of capital stock of the Company. The Company's authorized equity capitalization is as set forth in the Prospectuses; the capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectuses; the outstanding Common Shares (including the Securities being sold pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements by the Selling Shareholders) and all the Shares of the Company to be deposited in the ADR facility pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreements, have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and no holder thereof is, or will be, subject to personal liability by reason of being such holder; the Securities being sold under the Underwriting Agreements (including any Certificates of Payment) by the Company have been duly and validly authorized, and, when issued and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement, will be fully paid and nonassessable; all of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company have been duly listed, and admitted and authorized for trading, on the Taiwan Stock Exchange; the Underlying Shares will be duly listed and admitted for trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange upon the exchange of the Certificates of Payment; the holders of outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are not entitled to preemptive or other rights to subscribe for the Securities; assuming the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized and delivered by the parties thereto, the Option Shares to be deposited by the Selling Shareholders may be freely deposited with the Depositary against issuance of ADRs evidencing ADSs and the ADSs delivered at the settlement date will be freely transferable by the Selling Shareholders to or for the account of the several Underwriters and (to the extent described in the Prospectuses) the initial purchasers thereof; there are no restrictions on subsequent transfers of the Option Securities except as described in the Prospectuses under the captions "Description of Our Share Capital," "Description of American Depositary Shares" or "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan"; and, except as set forth in the Prospectuses, no options, warrants or other rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to issue, or rights to convert any obligations into or exchange any securities for, shares of capital stock of or ownership interests in the Company are outstanding.
(c) The Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms; the Certificate of Payment evidencing the Underwritten Shares has been duly authorized
and, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(d) No consent, approval, authorization, filing with, or order of,
or qualification with, any governmental body or agency of the government
of the ROC is required in connection with the transactions contemplated
in the Underwriting Agreements or in the Deposit Agreement, except for
(i) the approvals of the CBC and reports to the CBC of the foreign
exchange settlements and payments contemplated by the Deposit Agreement
(the "CBC Conversion Filings"); (ii) the filings and approvals, if any,
required under (A) the "Guidelines For Handling Issuance and Offer of
Overseas Securities by Issuers of the ROC (the "Overseas Offering
Rules"), and (B) the rules and regulations of the Taiwan Stock Exchange,
the ROC SFC and the CBC; (iii) completion of the corporate amendment
registration reflecting the issuance of the Underwritten Shares with the
SIPA which registration is required to be filed by the Company with
fifteen (15) days after the Closing Date and (iv) the approvals which
have been obtained under the laws of the ROC and are in full force and
effect as of the date hereof, including the SIPA Approval, the CBC
Approvals and the ROC SFC Approvals.
(e) Except as disclosed in the Prospectuses and except for the securities transaction tax payable by the Selling Shareholders under the ROC laws and so long as the Underwriting Agreements, the Certificate of Payment, the cross receipt and any other documents which would be deemed "receipts" under the ROC Stamp Duty Law are executed outside of the ROC, no stamp or other issuance or transfer taxes or duties and no capital gains, income, withholding or other taxes are payable by or on behalf of the Underwriters to the government of the ROC or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein in connection with (A) the issuance and delivery of the Certificate of Payment or sale and delivery of the Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares in accordance with the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement, (B) the deposit with the Depositary or its custodian of the Certificate of Payment, the Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares against the issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs, (C) the sale and delivery outside of the ROC by the Underwriters of the ADSs pursuant to the terms of and in the manner contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements or (D) the execution and delivery of the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement.
(f) Subject to the qualification that litigation and arbitration in the ROC are not necessarily a matter of public record, to the best of our knowledge, except as described in the Prospectuses, we are not aware of any ROC legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is subject that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole ("Material Adverse Effect").
(g) Neither the execution and delivery by the Company of, the performance by the Company of its obligations under, and the consummation of any of the other transactions contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement,
nor the application of the proceeds from the sale of Underwritten Securities as described in the Prospectuses, will contravene or result in a breach or violation of any provision of applicable laws and regulations of the ROC or the Articles of Incorporation or other constitutive documents of the Company, or, to the best of our knowledge, any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company that is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or, to the best of our knowledge, any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court of the ROC having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; neither the execution and delivery by each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa of, nor the performance by each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa of, their respective obligations under the Underwriting Agreements and the Powers of Attorney will contravene or result in a breach or violation of any provision of applicable laws and regulations of the ROC or the articles of incorporation or other constitutive documents of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa.
(h) We have reviewed the statements in the Prospectuses under the captions "Risk Factors", "Dividends", "Our Business", "Management", "Related Party Transactions", "Description of Our Share Capital", "Description of American Depositary Shares", "The Securities Markets of Taiwan", "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan", "Shares Eligible for Future Sale", "Enforceability of Civil Liabilities" and "Tax Considerations for Investors in Our ADSs or Shares - ROC Tax Considerations" and confirm that, insofar as such statements constitute summaries of the legal matters, legal documents or legal proceedings referred to therein, to the extent, and only to the extent, governed by the laws of the ROC, fairly present the information called for with respect to such legal matters, documents and proceedings and fairly summarize the matters described therein.
(i) Nothing has come to our attention that would lead us to believe that (except for the financial statements and other financial or statistical data contained therein, as to which we need not express any opinion or belief) the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement as of the respective dates thereof contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; and the Prospectuses as of their respective dates and as of the date hereof, contained or contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(j) The Underwriting Agreements, the Deposit Agreement, the Certificate of Payment and the documents to be furnished thereunder are in proper legal form under the laws of the ROC for the enforcement thereof against the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa, as applicable, under the laws of the ROC. Except for the filings and registrations referred to in opinion (d) above, it is not necessary, required, or advisable, to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of any of such agreement or document that such agreement or document be filed or recorded with any court or other authority in the ROC or that any stamp or similar tax\
be paid, it being understood that in court proceedings in the ROC a translation into Chinese language may be required.
(k) None of the parties to the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement in order to enforce any of their respective rights under the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement or any other document to be furnished thereunder , and none of the holders of the ADSs in order to enforce any of their respective rights under the ADRs or the Deposit Agreement or any other document to be furnished thereunder (other than such parties or holders that are established under the laws of the ROC) need be licensed, qualified or entitled to do business in the ROC
(l) None of the parties to the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement (other than those parties established under the laws of the ROC) and none of the holders of the ADSs are or will be deemed to be resident, domiciled, carrying on business or, subject to taxation in the ROC or be required to be licensed, qualified or otherwise entitled to do business in the ROC solely by reason of the ownership of the ADSs or the entry into, performance and/or enforcement of the Underwriting Agreements and/or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable.
(m) The choice of New York Law to govern the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement is a valid choice of law. Under the Law Governing the Application of Laws to Civil Matters Involving Foreign Elements of the ROC (i.e., the ROC conflicts of law rules), if any claim with respect to the obligations of the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa under the Underwriting Agreement or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable comes under the jurisdiction of the ROC courts, New York Law is to be applied.
(n) The submission in the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement by each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa, as applicable, to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of and the irrevocable waiver of objection to venue of a proceeding in the U.S. federal and New York state courts in New York City is valid and binding upon each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa. The irrevocable appointment by each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa of CT Corporation System in New York as its authorized agent for the purpose described in the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement, as applicable, is legal, valid and binding on each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa.
(o) A judgment obtained against the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa in the courts of the ROC in respect of any sum payable by the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa under the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable may be expressed in United States dollars or New Taiwan dollars. However, if such judgment is enforced against assets of the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa located in the ROC, the fact that the judgment is rendered and expressed in United States dollars does not, for foreign exchange control purposes, itself, create a right to convert the New Taiwan dollar proceeds of such enforcement into United States dollars.
(p) Except as described in the Prospectuses, all cash dividends and other distributions declared and payable on the Common Shares may be paid by the Company to each such holder in New Taiwan dollars that may be converted into foreign currency and freely transferred out of the ROC without the necessity of obtaining any governmental authorizations of, or from, any governmental agency in the ROC. However, the CBC Conversion Filings will be required to be made by the Company in connection with such conversion and transfer and similar filings by holders of Common Shares withdrawn from the ADS facility or their designated agents in the ROC will be required in connection with such conversion and transfer. Other than as described in the Prospectuses, all such dividends and other distributions made to holders of ADSs who are non-residents of the ROC will not be subject to the ROC income, withholding or other taxes under the laws and regulations of the ROC and are otherwise free and clear of any other tax, duty, withholding or deduction in the ROC.
(q) To the best of our knowledge, and except as otherwise disclosed in the Prospectuses, (i) the Company owns or possesses or is licensed to use all material patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, licenses, copyrights and proprietary or other confidential information ("Intellectual Property Rights") currently utilized by the Company in connection with its business and proposed to be utilized in connection with its business, and (ii) the Company has not received any notice of material infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of any third party with respect to any Intellectual Property Rights which, if determined adversely to the Company, would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(r) To the best of our knowledge, the Company holds all, and is not in material violation of any, ROC governmental licenses and approvals necessary to own its property and conduct its business as described in the Prospectuses except to the extent that the failure to hold such licenses or approvals and/or the violation thereof would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(s) With respect to the Company's obligations and those of Benq,
Acer and Kuang-Hwa under the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit
Agreement, as applicable, in the event a judgment of the courts of a
country other than the ROC, including without limitation a judgment
obtained in a New York court, were obtained, and enforcement of such
judgment were sought in the ROC, such judgment would be recognized and
enforced by the courts of the ROC without retrial or examination of the
merits of the case only if the ROC courts are satisfied that: (i) the
court rendering the judgment had subject matter jurisdiction under the
laws of the ROC; (ii) the judgment was not contrary to public order or
good morals of the ROC; (iii) the judgment was a final judgment for which
the period for appeal had expired or from which no appeal could be taken;
(iv) if the Company , Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa did not appear in the
proceedings in such court and a judgment by default was entered, process
was served either personally on the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa in
the country of litigation or with the assistance of the judicial
authorities of the ROC; and (v) judgments of the courts of the ROC would
be enforceable in the jurisdiction of the court rendering such judgment
on a reciprocal basis.
(t) The performance by the Underwriters or the Depositary of any of their respective duties, obligations or responsibilities under the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement in the manner contemplated thereby will not violate any applicable ROC law.
(u) The voting arrangements set forth under "Description of American Depositary Shares" as described in the Prospectuses and the voting arrangements as set forth in the Deposit Agreement are legal and conform to the requirements of ROC law and constitute a valid and binding agreement by the holders of interests in the ADSs as to their voting rights.
(v) The Depositary will not be deemed to be authorized to exercise any discretion when voting in accordance with the Deposit Agreement under ROC law, and the Depositary will not (in the absence of negligence, bad faith or breach of contract, and subject to general principles of agency) be subject to any liability under ROC law for losses arising from the exercise of the voting arrangements set out in the Deposit Agreement on the grounds that voting in accordance with the Deposit Agreement is in violation of ROC law.
(w) So long as no single owner of the ADSs holds or owns, as applicable, ADSs (or ADSs, Certificate of Payment and Common Shares in the aggregate) representing more than 10% of the Company's outstanding Common Shares, there will be no reporting obligations under the ROC law on the part of the Depositary or its nominee or owner of the ADSs (i) by virtue of the Depositary being a party to the Deposit Agreement and exercising its rights and performing its obligations thereunder or (ii) in connection with the ADSs and the Certificate of Payment or Common Shares represented by the ADSs.
(x) Each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa can sue and be sued in its own name under the laws of the ROC and an ROC court would have jurisdiction in any suit, action or proceedings brought against the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa arising out of or in connection with the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable.
(y) Each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the ROC.
(z) The Underwriting Agreements and the Powers of Attorney have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa and constitute valid and legally binding obligations of each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa, enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.
(aa) To the best of our knowledge, the Company is not in violation of the Articles of Incorporation or other constitutive documents or in default in the performance or observance of any material obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other
agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound.
(bb) Each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa has, and immediately prior to the Closing Date or any settlement date, as applicable, will have, full right, power and authority to deposit the Option Shares with the Depositary as contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements and to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Option Shares in the form of ADSs to be sold by Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa under the Underwriting Agreements.
(cc) Each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa is the beneficial owner of the Option Shares to be deposited with the Depositary against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs to be sold by Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements, has, and immediately prior to the Closing Date or any settlement date, as applicable, will have, good and valid title to such Option Shares, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims; and upon delivery of such Option Shares and payment therefor pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements, good and valid title to such Option Shares, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims, will pass to the Depositary or its nominee for the benefit of the several Underwriters.
(dd) To the best of our knowledge, the Company has good and marketable title to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal Property owned by them which is material to the business of the Company, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Prospectuses or such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company are held under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and except as described in the Prospectuses.
(ee) The Registration Statement and the Prospectuses have been duly authorized by and on behalf of the Company; the Registration Statements have been signed for and on behalf of the Company by officers thereunto duly authorized and by directors duly elected or appointed.
In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters
involving the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the ROC, to
the extent they deem proper and specified in such opinion, upon the opinion of
other counsel of good standing whom they believe to be reliable and who are
satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters and (B) as to matters of fact, to
the extent they deem proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the
Company and public officials. References to the Prospectuses in this paragraph
(iii) include any supplements thereto at the Closing Date.
(iv) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Depositary shall have requested and caused Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler LLP, counsel for the Depositary, to have furnished to the Representatives their opinion dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Representatives, to the effect that:
(a) The Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Depositary and constitutes a legal, valid and binding instrument enforceable against the Depositary in accordance with its terms (subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally from time to time in effect); the statements in the Prospectuses under the heading "Description of American Depositary Shares," insofar as such statements purport to describe the Depositary and summarize certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the ADSs and the ADRs, are fair and accurate.
(b) The Depositary has full power and authority and legal right to execute and deliver the Deposit Agreement and to perform its obligations thereunder.
(c) The ADRs and the ADSs evidenced thereby are in valid and sufficient form and, when issued under the Deposit Agreement, the ADRs will be duly and validly issued and will entitle the holders and beneficial owners thereof to the rights specified therein and in the Deposit Agreement.
(d) The ADR Registration Statement has become effective under the Act and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the ADR Registration Statement has been issued, no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or threatened, and the ADR Registration Statement, and each amendment comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the rules thereunder.
(v) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Selling Shareholders shall have requested and caused Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, United States counsel for the Selling Shareholders, to have furnished to the Representatives their opinion dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, addressed to the Representatives, to the effect that:
(a) The Underwriting Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Selling Shareholders in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
(b) The compliance by the Selling Shareholders with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreements will not violate any United States federal or New York state statute or any order known to such counsel issued pursuant to any United States federal or New York state statute by any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over any Selling Shareholder.
(c) No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any United States federal or New York state governmental agency or body or, to the knowledge of such counsel, any United States federal or New York state court is required for the compliance by the Selling Shareholders with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreements, except for the registration under the Act and the Exchange Act of the Shares and the ADSs or the offering and sale thereof, and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or "blue sky" laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares and the ADSs by the Underwriters.
(d) Assuming the validity of such actions under the laws of the ROC and any other non-United States jurisdiction (and subject to the limitations and provisions of Sections 1331, 1332 and 1404(a) of Title 28 of the United States Code and Section 510 of the New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules), under the laws of the State of New York relating to personal jurisdiction, and pursuant to Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements, each Selling Shareholder has: (A) validly submitted to the non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of the New York Courts in any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or based upon the Underwriting Agreements or the transactions contemplated thereby; and (B) in the case of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa, validly appointed CT Corporation System in New York, New York, and in the case of UMC (as defined below), validly appointed Law+, P.C., as its authorized agent for the purpose described in Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements, the waiver by each Selling Shareholder of any objection to the venue of any proceeding in the New York Courts is valid (subject to customary limitations under New York state and federal laws), and service of process effected in the manner set forth in Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements will be effective under the laws of the State of New York to confer valid personal jurisdiction over such Selling Shareholder.
(e) Upon payment for and transfer of the security entitlements to the ADSs representing Option Shares as contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements, DTC will be a protected purchaser who acquires its interest free of any adverse claim (within the meaning of Section 8-303 of the New York UCC), and an action based on an adverse claim to the security entitlements to such ADSs may not be asserted against the Underwriters.
The opinion of such counsel may be subject to customary assumptions, qualifications and limitations and, in rendering such opinion, such counsel may state that (i) they do not express any opinion therein concerning any law other than the law of the State of New York and the federal law of the United States of America and (ii) with respect to all matters governed by the laws of the ROC, such counsel understand that the Representatives are relying on an opinion of Russin & Vecchi. References to the Prospectuses in this paragraph (v) include any supplements thereto at the Closing Date.
(vi) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, United Microelectronics Corporation ("UMC") shall have requested and caused Chen & Lin, ROC counsel for UMC as a Selling Shareholder, to have furnished to the Representatives
their opinion dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, addressed to the Representatives, to the effect that:
(a) UMC has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the ROC.
(b) The Underwriting Agreements and the Power of Attorney of UMC have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by UMC and constitute valid and legally binding obligations of UMC enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof, and UMC has the full legal right and authority to sell, transfer and deliver the Option Shares in the form of ADSs to be sold by UMC under the Underwriting Agreements.
(c) UMC is the beneficial owner of the Option Shares to be deposited by UMC with the Depositary against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs to be sold by UMC hereunder, and has, and immediately prior to the Closing Date or any settlement date will have, good and valid title to such Option Shares, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims.
(d) Upon delivery of the Option Shares to be purchased from UMC, and payment therefor, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements, good and valid title to such Option Shares, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims, will pass to the Depositary or its nominee for the benefit of the several Underwriters; assuming the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized and delivered by the parties thereto, the Option Shares to be deposited by UMC may be freely deposited with the Depositary against issuance of ADRs evidencing ADSs and the ADSs delivered at the settlement date will be freely transferable by UMC to or for the account of the several Underwriters and (to the extent described in the Prospectuses) the initial purchasers thereof; and there are no restrictions on subsequent transfers of the Option Securities to be sold by UMC except as described in the Prospectuses under the captions "Description of Our Share Capital," "Description of American Depositary Shares" or "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan".
(e) No consent, approval, authorization, filing with, or order of,
or qualification with, any governmental body or agency of the government
of the ROC is required in connection with the transactions contemplated
in the Underwriting Agreements or in the Deposit Agreement, except for
(i) the approvals of the CBC and reports to the CBC of the foreign
exchange settlements and payments contemplated by the Deposit Agreement
(the "CBC Conversion Filings"); (ii) the filings and approvals, if any,
required under (A) the "Guidelines For Handling Issuance and Offer of
Overseas Securities by Issuers of the ROC (the "Overseas Offering
Rules"), and (B) the rules and regulations of the Taiwan Stock Exchange,
the ROC SFC and the CBC; (iii) completion of the corporate amendment
registration reflecting the issuance of the Underwritten Shares with the
SIPA which registration is required to be filed by the Company with
fifteen (15) days after the Closing Date and (iv) the approvals which
have been obtained under the laws of the ROC and are in full force and
effect as of the date hereof, including the SIPA Approval, the CBC
Approvals and the ROC SFC Approvals.
(f) None of the execution and delivery or the Power of Attorney of UMC or of the Underwriting Agreements by UMC, and the performance by UMC of its obligations under the Underwriting Agreements and the Power of Attorney of UMC, will conflict with, or result in a breach or violation of, any applicable laws of the ROC or the articles of incorporation or any other constitutive documents of UMC.
(g) The choice of law provision set forth in Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements will be recognized by the courts of the ROC and such counsel knows of no reason why the courts of the ROC would not give effect to the choice of New York law as the proper law of the Underwriting Agreements, provided that the relevant provisions of the laws of the State of New York will not be applied to the extent such courts hold that such provisions of the laws of the State of New York are contrary to the public order or good morals of the ROC and an ROC court would have jurisdiction in any suit, action or proceedings brought against UMC arising out of or in connection with the Underwriting Agreements; UMC has the legal capacity to sue and be sued in its own name under the laws of the ROC; UMC has validly and irrevocably appointed Law+, P.C. as its authorized agent for the purpose described in Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements under the laws of the ROC; the irrevocable submission of UMC to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the New York Courts and the waivers by UMC of any objection to the venue of the proceeding in a New York Court in the Underwriting Agreements are legal, valid and binding under the laws of the ROC; and any final and conclusive judgment against UMC obtained in a New York Court arising out of or in relation to the obligations of UMC under the Underwriting Agreements would be enforceable against UMC in the courts of the ROC, provided that the court of the ROC in which the enforcement is sought is satisfied that (A) the court rendering the judgment had jurisdiction over the subject matter according to the laws of the ROC, (B) the judgment is not contrary to the public order or good morals of the ROC, (C) if the judgment was rendered by default by the court rendering the judgment, UMC was served while within the jurisdiction of such court or process was served on UMC with judicial assistance of the ROC; and (D) judgments of the courts of the ROC are recognized and enforceable in the court rendering the judgment on a reciprocal basis.
(h) A judgment obtained against UMC in the courts of the ROC in respect of any sum payable by UMC under the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable may be expressed in United States dollars or New Taiwan dollars.
(i) The Underwriting Agreements and the documents to be furnished
thereunder are in proper legal form under the laws of the ROC for the
enforcement thereof against UMC, as applicable, under the laws of the
ROC. Except for the filings and registrations referred to in paragraph
(e) above, it is not necessary, required, or advisable, to ensure the
legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of any of
such agreement or document that such agreement or document be filed or
recorded with any court or other authority in the ROC or that any stamp
or similar tax be paid, it being understood that in court proceedings in
the ROC a translation into Chinese language may be required.
In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters
involving the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the ROC, to
the extent they deem proper and specified in such opinion, upon the opinion of
other counsel of good standing whom they believe to be reliable and who are
satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters and (B) as to matters of fact, to
the extent they deem proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the
Company and public officials. References to the Prospectuses in this paragraph
(vi) include any supplements thereto at the Closing Date.
(vii) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Representatives shall have received from Davis Polk & Wardwell, United States counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, addressed to the Representatives, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Securities, the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement, the Prospectuses (together with any supplement thereto) and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably require, and the Company and each Selling Shareholder shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they reasonably request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.
(viii) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Representatives shall have received from Lee & Li, ROC counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Representatives, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Securities, the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement, the Prospectuses (together with any supplement thereto) and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably require, and the Company and each Selling Shareholder shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they reasonably request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.
(ix) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a certificate of the Company, signed by the Chairman of the Board or the President and the principal financial or accounting officer of the Company, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, to the effect that the signers of such certificate have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement, the Prospectuses, any supplements to the Prospectuses and this Agreement and that:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Company in the Underwriting Agreements are true and correct on and as of the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, with the same effect as if made on the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, and the Company has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied under the Underwriting Agreements at or prior to the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be.
(b) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened.
(c) Since the date of the most recent financial statements included in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there has not been any change, or any development involving a prospective change, that would have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
(x) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, each Selling Shareholder shall have furnished to the Representatives a certificate, signed by a duly authorized signatory of such Selling Shareholder, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, to the effect that the signer of such certificate has carefully examined the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement, the Prospectuses, any supplement to either of the Prospectuses and this Agreement and the International Underwriting Agreement and that the representations and warranties of such Selling Shareholder in this Agreement and the International Underwriting Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, to the same effect as if made on the Closing Date, or the settlement date, as the case may be.
(xi) The Company shall have requested and caused KPMG to have furnished to the Representatives letters, dated respectively as of the Execution Time, as of the Closing Date, and as of any settlement date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, confirming that they are independent accountants within the meaning of the Act and the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder and that they have performed a review of the unaudited interim financial information of the Company for the three-month period ended March 31, 2002 and as at March 31, 2002, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards applicable in the ROC and statement on Auditing Standards No. 71, provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a "cut-off" date not earlier than the date hereof and the letter delivered on any settlement date shall use a "cut-off" date not earlier than the date of the third Business Day prior to such settlement date, and stating in effect that:
(a) In their opinion the audited financial statements and financial statement schedules included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses and reported on by them comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of generally accepted accounting principles in the ROC and the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the related rules and regulations adopted by the Commission; and all necessary adjustments to net income and shareholders' equity for the periods presented that would be required if U.S. generally accepted accounting principles had been applied have been made.
(b) On the basis of a reading of the latest unaudited financial statements made available by the Company and the Subsidiaries; their limited review, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards applicable in the ROC and standards established under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 71, of the unaudited interim financial information for the three-month period ended March 31, 2002, and as at March 31, 2002; carrying out certain specified procedures (but not an examination in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards) which would not necessarily reveal matters of significance with respect to the comments set forth in such letter; a reading of the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders and directors of the Company and the Subsidiaries; and inquiries of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters of the Company and the Subsidiaries as to transactions and events subsequent to December 31, 2001, nothing came to their attention which caused them to believe that:
(i) any unaudited financial statements included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses do not comply as to form in all material respects with generally accepted accounting principles and the regulations in the ROC and applicable accounting requirements of the Act and with the related rules and regulations adopted by the Commission with respect to registration statements on Form F-1; and said unaudited financial statements are not in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with that of the audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses; and all necessary adjustments to net income and shareholders' equity for such interim period that would be required if U.S. generally accepted accounting principles had been applied have not been made.
(ii) with respect to the period subsequent to March 31, 2002, there were any changes, at a specified date not more than five days prior to the date of the letter, in the long-term debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries or capital stock of the Company or decreases in the consolidated net current assets or stockholders' equity of the Company as compared with the amounts shown on the March 31, 2002, consolidated balance sheet included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses, or for the period from April 1, 2002 to such specified date there were any decreases, as compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year in consolidated net sales or in the total or per-share amounts of net income of the Company and the Subsidiaries, except in all instances for changes or decreases set forth in such letter, in which case the letter shall be accompanied by an explanation by the Company as to the significance thereof unless said explanation is not deemed necessary by the Representatives.
(c) They have performed certain other specified procedures as a result of which they determined that certain information of an accounting, financial or statistical
nature (which is limited to accounting, financial or statistical information derived from the general accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries) set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses, including the information set forth under the captions "Prospectus Summary - Summary Financial and Operational Data" and "Selected Financial and Operational Data" in the Prospectuses, agrees with the accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries, excluding any questions of legal interpretation.
(d) On the basis of a reading of the unaudited pro forma financial statements included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses (the "pro forma financial statements"); carrying out certain specified procedures; inquiries of certain officials of the Company and Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation, who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters; and proving the arithmetic accuracy of the application of the pro forma adjustments to the historical amounts in the pro forma financial statements, nothing came to their attention which caused them to believe that the pro forma financial statements do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X or that the pro forma adjustments have not been properly applied to the historical amounts in the compilation of such statements.
(xii) The Company shall have requested and caused Diwan, Ernst & Young to have furnished to the Representatives letters, dated respectively as of the Execution Time, as of the Closing Date, and as of any settlement date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, confirming that they are independent accountants within the meaning of the Act and the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder and containing other statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters with respect to the financial statements of Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses, provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a "cut-off" date not earlier than the date hereof and the letter delivered on any settlement date shall use a "cut-off" date not earlier than the date of the third Business Day prior to such settlement date.
(xiii) Subsequent to the Execution Time or, if earlier, the dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement (exclusive of any amendment thereof), and the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there shall not have been (a) any change or decrease specified in the letter or letters referred to in paragraph (x) of this Section 6 or (b) any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto) the effect of which, in any case referred to in clause (a) or (b) above, is, in the sole judgment of the U.S. Representatives, so material and adverse as to make it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the U.S. Securities as contemplated by the Registration Statement
(exclusive of any amendment thereof), the ADR Registration Statement and the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
(xiv) The Company and the Depositary shall have executed and delivered the Deposit Agreement, and the Selling Shareholders shall have executed and delivered the Powers of Attorney, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, and each of the Deposit Agreement and the Powers of Attorney shall be in full force and effect.
(xv) The Selling Shareholders shall have delivered to the Depositary, no later than on the Deposit Date, a New Taiwan dollar Bank of Taiwan cheque payable to the ROC taxing authority, dated as of such date of delivery, in the amount of the securities transfer tax payable on the transfer on the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, of the Option Shares represented by the ADSs to be sold by the Selling Shareholders pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements to the appropriate taxing authorities in the Republic of China.
(xvi) The Depositary shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Representatives certificates satisfactory to the Representatives evidencing (i) the deposit with the Depositary of the Certificates of Payment or Option Shares in respect of which ADSs to be purchased by the Underwriters on the Closing Date or any settlement date, as the case may be, are to be issued, (ii) the execution, issuance, countersignature (if applicable) and delivery of the ADRs evidencing such ADSs pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, (iii) if applicable, the receipt by the Depositary of the New Taiwan dollar Bank of Taiwan cheque referred to in Section 6(xv) hereof, and (iv) such other matters related thereto as the Representatives reasonably request.
(xvii) Prior to each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Company and the Selling Shareholders shall have furnished to the Representatives such further information, certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably request.
(xviii) The ADSs shall have been listed and admitted and authorized for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance, and satisfactory evidence of such actions shall have been provided to the Representatives.
(xix) At the Execution Time, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto from each executive officer of the Company listed in the Prospectuses, and the legal entity represented by each director and supervisor of the Company, in each case addressed to the Representatives.
(xx) No order or notice, oral or written, from any governmental or regulatory authority of the ROC, including the ROC SFC, has been received by the Company to the effect that the offering contemplated by this Agreement, if consummated, will contravene applicable laws or regulations of the ROC.
(xxi) Prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall have received from each of its employees entitled to subscribe to the Underwritten Shares a written waiver of such employee's right to subscribe to such Underwritten Shares.
(xxii) The closing of the purchase of the International Underwritten Securities to be issued and sold by the Company and the Selling Shareholders pursuant to the International Underwriting Agreement shall occur concurrently with the closing of the purchase of the U.S. Underwritten Securities described herein.
If any of the conditions specified in this Section 6 shall not have been fulfilled in all material respects when and as provided in this Agreement, or if any of the opinions and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall not be in all material respects reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, this Agreement and all obligations of the U.S. Underwriters under this Agreement may be canceled at, or at any time prior to, the Closing Date or the settlement date by the Representatives. Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the Company and each Selling Shareholder in writing or by telephone or facsimile confirmed in writing.
The documents required to be delivered by this Section 6 shall be delivered at the office of Davis Polk & Wardwell, counsel for the Underwriters, at 18/F, The Hong Kong Club Building, 3A Chater Road, Hong Kong, on the Closing Date.
7. Reimbursement of Underwriters' Expenses. If the sale of the U.S. Securities provided for in this Agreement is not consummated:
(a) Because any condition to the obligations of the Underwriters
set forth in Section 6 hereof is not satisfied because of any refusal,
inability or failure of the Company to comply with such condition, or
because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company
to perform any agreement in this Agreement or comply with any provision
hereof other than by reason of a default by any of the Underwriters, the
Underwriters shall not be required to make any payments, or reimburse the
Company or the Selling Shareholders for any payments, described in
Section 5(i)(o) hereof, and the Company will reimburse the Underwriters
severally through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. on demand for (i) all
out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of
counsel) that shall have been incurred by them in connection with the
proposed purchase and sale of the Securities and (ii) all payments by the
Underwriters under Section 5(i)(o) hereof.
(b) Because of any termination pursuant to Section 10 hereof, the
Underwriters shall not be required to make any payments, or reimburse the
Company or the Selling Shareholders for any payments, described in
Section 5(i)(o) hereof and the Company will reimburse the Underwriters
severally through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. on demand for all payments
made by the Underwriters pursuant to Section 5(i)(o) hereof; provided
that if the Company or any of its subsidiaries consummates an
international securities offering with any lead manager other than
Salomon Smith
Barney Inc. or any affiliates of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. in the period ending 365 days following such termination, then immediately upon the consummation of such offering, the Company will, in addition, reimburse the Underwriters severally through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. on demand for all out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that shall have been incurred by them in connection with the proposed purchase and sale of the Securities.
(c) For any reason other than those set forth in paragraphs (a) or
(b) above, the Underwriters will not be required to make any payments, or
reimburse the Company or the Selling Shareholders for any payments,
described in Section 5(i)(o) hereof, and the Company will reimburse the
Underwriters severally through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. on demand for
all payments by the Underwriters under Section 5(i)(o) hereof.
If the Company is required to make any payments to the Underwriters under this Section 7 because of any Selling Shareholder's refusal, inability or failure to satisfy any condition to the obligations of the Underwriters set forth in Section 6, the Selling Shareholders shall reimburse the Company pro rata in proportion to the percentage of Securities to be sold by each on demand for all amounts so paid.
8. Indemnification and Contribution. (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each U.S. Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of each U.S. Underwriter and each person who controls any U.S. Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement for the registration of the Securities as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in the ADR Registration Statement as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any U.S. or International Preliminary Prospectus or in either of the Prospectuses, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and agrees to reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any U.S. Underwriter through the U.S. Representatives specifically for inclusion therein. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.
(b) Each Selling Shareholder severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the
Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement, each U.S. Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of each U.S. Underwriter and each person who controls the Company or any U.S. Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each other Selling Shareholder, if any, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to each U.S. Underwriter, but only with reference to written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Selling Shareholder specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the indemnity in Section 8(a). This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which any Selling Shareholder may otherwise have.
(c) Each U.S. Underwriter severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement, and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each Selling Shareholder, to the same extent as the indemnity in Section 8(a) from the Company to each U.S. Underwriter, but only with reference to written information relating to such U.S. Underwriter furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such U.S. Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the indemnity in Section 8(a). This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which any U.S. Underwriter may otherwise have. The Company and each Selling Shareholder acknowledge that the statements set forth in the last paragraph of the cover page regarding delivery of the Securities, and, under the heading "Underwriting," (i) the list of Underwriters and their respective participation in the sale of the Securities, (ii) the sentences related to concessions and reallowances, and (iii) the paragraph related to stabilization, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in any U.S. or International Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectuses, constitute the only information furnished in writing by or on behalf of the several Underwriters for inclusion in any U.S. or International Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectuses.
(d) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 8 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 8, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party (i) will not relieve it from liability under paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above unless and to the extent it did not otherwise learn of such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to appoint counsel of the indemnifying party's choice at the indemnifying party's expense to represent the indemnified party in any action for which indemnification is sought (in which case the indemnifying party shall not thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel retained by the indemnified party or parties except as set forth below); provided, however, that such counsel shall be satisfactory to the indemnified party. Notwithstanding the indemnifying party's election to appoint
counsel to represent the indemnified party in an action, the indemnified party
shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel), and
the indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of
such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying
party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a
conflict of interest, (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets
of, any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying
party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may
be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are
different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party,
(iii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to
the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable
time after notice of the institution of such action or (iv) the indemnifying
party shall authorize the indemnified party to employ separate counsel at the
expense of the indemnifying party. It is understood that the indemnifying party
shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified party in
connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction,
be liable for (i) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in
addition to any local counsel) for all Underwriters and the directors,
officers, employees and agents of each Underwriter and each person who controls
any Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, (ii)
the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local
counsel) for the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration
Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning
of either the Act or the Exchange Act and (iii) the fees and expenses of more
than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Selling
Shareholders and all persons, if any, who control any Selling Shareholder
within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, and that all such
fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. In the case of any
such separate firm for the Underwriters and directors, officers, employees and
agents, and control persons, of any Underwriters, such firm shall be designated
in writing by Salomon Smith Barney Inc. In the case of any such separate firm
for the Company, and such directors, officers and control persons of the
Company, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Company. In the case
of any such separate firm for the Selling Shareholders and such control persons
of any Selling Shareholders, such firm shall be designated in writing by the
persons named as attorneys-in-fact for the Selling Shareholders under the
Powers of Attorney. An indemnifying party will not, without the prior written
consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the
entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action,
suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be
sought under this Agreement (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual
or potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement,
compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of each indemnified
party from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding.
(e) In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 8 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party for any reason, the Company, the Selling Shareholders and the U.S. Underwriters agree to contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal or
other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending same) (collectively "Losses") to which the Company, one or more of the Selling Shareholders and one or more of the U.S. Underwriters may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, by the Selling Shareholders and by the U.S. Underwriters from the offering of the U.S. Securities; provided, however, that in no case shall any U.S. Underwriter (except as may be provided in any agreement among underwriters relating to the offering of the Securities) be responsible for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount or commission applicable to the U.S. Securities purchased by such U.S. Underwriter under this Agreement. If the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is unavailable for any reason, the Company, the Selling Shareholders and the U.S. Underwriters shall contribute in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company, of the Selling Shareholders and of the U.S. Underwriters in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received by the Company and by the Selling Shareholders shall be deemed to be equal to the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by each of them, and benefits received by the U.S. Underwriters shall be deemed to be equal to the total underwriting discounts and commissions, in each case as set forth on the cover page of the U.S. Prospectus. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or any alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information provided by the Company and the Selling Shareholders on the one hand or the U.S. Underwriters on the other, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The Company, the Selling Shareholders and the U.S. Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (e), no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 8, each person who controls an U.S. Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee and agent of an U.S. Underwriter shall have the same rights to contribution as such U.S. Underwriter, and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who shall have signed the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement and each director of the Company shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case to the applicable terms and conditions of this paragraph (e).
9. Default by an Underwriter. If any one or more U.S. Underwriters shall fail to purchase and pay for any of the U.S. Securities agreed to be purchased by such U.S. Underwriter or U.S. Underwriters under this Agreement and such failure to purchase shall constitute a default in the performance of its or their obligations under this Agreement,
the remaining U.S. Underwriters shall be obligated severally to take up and pay for (in the respective proportions which the amount of U.S. Securities set forth opposite their names in Schedule I hereto bears to the aggregate amount of U.S. Securities set forth opposite the names of all the remaining U.S. Underwriters) the U.S. Securities which the defaulting U.S. Underwriter or U.S. Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase; provided, however, that in the event that the aggregate amount of U.S. Securities which the defaulting U.S. Underwriter or U.S. Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase shall exceed 10% of the aggregate amount of U.S. Securities set forth in Schedule I hereto, the remaining U.S. Underwriters shall have the right to purchase all, but shall not be under any obligation to purchase any, of the U.S. Securities, and if such nondefaulting U.S. Underwriters do not purchase all the U.S. Securities, this Agreement will terminate without liability to any nondefaulting U.S. Underwriter, the Selling Shareholders or the Company. In the event of a default by any U.S. Underwriter as set forth in this Section 9, the Closing Date shall be postponed for such period, not exceeding five Business Days, as the U.S. Representatives shall determine in order that the required changes in the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement and the Prospectuses or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall relieve any defaulting U.S. Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the Company, the Selling Shareholders and any nondefaulting U.S. Underwriter for damages occasioned by its default under this Agreement.
10. Termination. This Agreement shall be subject to termination in the absolute discretion of the U.S. Representatives, by notice given to the Company prior to delivery of and payment for the U.S. Securities, if at any time prior to such time (i) trading in the Company's Common Shares shall have been suspended by the Commission or the Taiwan Stock Exchange or trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or limited or minimum prices shall have been established on either of such Exchanges, (ii) a banking moratorium shall have been declared by U.S. Federal, New York State or the ROC authorities or (iii) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, declaration by the United States or the ROC of a national emergency or war, or other calamity or crisis the effect of which on financial markets is such as to make it, in the sole judgment of the U.S. Representatives, impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the U.S. Securities as contemplated by the U.S. Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
11. Representations and Indemnities to Survive. The respective agreements, representations, warranties, indemnities and other statements of the Company or its officers, of each Selling Shareholder and of the U.S. Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any U.S. Underwriter, any Selling Shareholder or the Company or any of the officers, directors or controlling persons referred to in Section 8 hereof, and will survive delivery of and payment for the U.S. Securities. The provisions of Sections 7 and 8 hereof shall survive the termination or cancellation of this Agreement.
12. Notices. All communications under this Agreement will be in writing
and effective only on receipt, and, if sent to the U.S. Representatives, will
be mailed, delivered or telefaxed to Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Attention:
General Counsel (fax no.: (212) 816-7912) and confirmed to such General Counsel
at Salomon Smith Barney Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, 10013,
Attention: General Counsel; or, if sent to the Company, will be mailed,
delivered or telefaxed to (fax no.: (886-3) 564-3370) and confirmed to it at 1
Li-Hsin Rd., 2 Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan, ROC,
attention of Jerry Liu, Senior Manager of Finance Department; or if sent to any
Selling Shareholder, will be mailed, delivered or telefaxed and confirmed to it
at the address set forth in Schedule II hereto.
13. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers and directors and controlling persons referred to in Section 8 hereof, and no other person will have any right or obligation under this Agreement.
14. Applicable Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed within the State of New York.
15. Jurisdiction. Each of the Company and the Selling Shareholders agrees that any suit, action or proceeding against the Company brought by any U.S. Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of any U.S. Underwriter, or by any person who controls any U.S. Underwriter, arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in any New York Court, and waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding, and irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding. Each of the Company and each Selling Shareholder other than UMC has appointed CT Corporation System, Inc., 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011 as its authorized agent and UMC has appointed Law+, P.C., 993 Highland Circle, Los Altos, CA 94024 as its authorized agent (in each case, such agent, the "Authorized Agent") upon whom process may be served in any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein which may be instituted in any New York Court, by any U.S. Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of any U.S. Underwriter, or by any person who controls any U.S. Underwriter, and expressly accepts the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding. Each of the Company and the Selling Shareholders hereby represents and warrants that the Authorized Agent has accepted such appointment and has agreed to act as said agent for service of process, and the Company agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents that may be necessary to continue such appointment in full force and effect as aforesaid. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process upon the Company and the Selling Shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action arising out of or based upon this Agreement may be instituted by any U.S. Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents
of any U.S. Underwriter, or by any person who controls any U.S. Underwriter, in any court of competent jurisdiction in the ROC.
The provisions of this Section 15 shall survive any termination of this Agreement, in whole or in part.
16. Currency. Each reference in this Agreement to U.S. Dollars (the "relevant currency") is of the essence. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the obligations of each of the Company and the Selling Shareholders in respect of any amount due under this Agreement will, notwithstanding any payment in any other currency (whether pursuant to a judgment or otherwise), be discharged only to the extent of the amount in the relevant currency that the party entitled to receive such payment may, in accordance with its normal procedures, purchase with the sum paid in such other currency (after any premium and costs of exchange) on the Business Day immediately following the day on which such party receives such payment. If the amount in the relevant currency that may be so purchased for any reason falls short of the amount originally due, the Company or the Selling Shareholder making such payment will pay such additional amounts, in the relevant currency, as may be necessary to compensate for the shortfall. Any obligation of any of the Company or the Selling Shareholders not discharged by such payment will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be due as a separate and independent obligation and, until discharged as provided herein, will continue in full force and effect.
17. Waiver of Immunity. To the extent that any of the Company or the Selling Shareholders has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment in aid or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, each of the Company and the Selling Shareholders hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Agreement.
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
19. Headings. The section headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
20. Definitions. The terms which follow, when used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings indicated.
"Act" shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
"ADR Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement referred to in paragraph 1(i)(c) above, including all exhibits thereto, each as amended at the time such part of the registration statement became effective.
"ADRs" shall mean the certificates issued by the Depositary to evidence the American depositary shares issued under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
"ADSs" shall mean the American depositary shares, each of which represents ten (10) common shares of the Company, par value NT$10 per share, issued under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Selling Shareholder other than Kuang-Hwa, any affiliate of such Selling Shareholder, and, solely with respect to Kuang-Hwa, any person or entity directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controlled by Kuang-Hwa.
"Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are authorized or obligated by law to close in New York City or the ROC.
"Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Effective Date" shall mean each date and time that the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment or amendments thereto and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement became or become effective.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
"Execution Time" shall mean the date and time that this U.S. Underwriting Agreement is executed and delivered by the parties hereto.
"International Preliminary Prospectus" shall have the meaning set forth under "U.S. Preliminary Prospectus."
"International Prospectus" shall mean such form of prospectus relating to the International Securities as first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) after the Execution Time or, if no filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) is made, such form of prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date.
"International Representatives" shall mean the addressees of the International Underwriting Agreement.
"International Securities" shall mean the International Underwritten Securities and the International Option Securities.
"International Underwriters" shall mean the several underwriters named in Schedule I to the International Underwriting Agreement.
"International Underwriting Agreement" shall mean the International Underwriting Agreement dated the date hereof related to the sale of the International
Securities by the Company and the Selling Shareholders to the International Underwriters.
"New York Courts" shall mean the U.S. Federal or State courts located in the State of New York, County of New York.
"Option Securities" shall mean the U.S. Option Securities and the International Option Securities.
"Option Shares" shall mean the U.S. Option Shares and the International Option Shares.
"Preliminary Prospectus" shall have the meaning set forth under "U.S. Preliminary Prospectus."
"Prospectuses" and "each Prospectus" shall mean the U.S. Prospectus and the International Prospectus.
"Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement referred to in paragraph 1(i)(a) above, including exhibits and financial statements, as amended at the Execution Time (or, if not effective at the Execution Time, in the form in which it shall become effective) and, in the event any post-effective amendment thereto or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement becomes effective prior to the Closing Date, shall also mean such registration statement as so amended or such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, as the case may be. Such term shall include any Rule 430A Information deemed to be included therein at the Effective Date as provided by Rule 430A.
"Representatives" shall mean the U.S. Representatives and the International Representatives.
"Rule 424", "Rule 430A" and "Rule 462" refer to such rules under the Act.
"Rule 430A Information" shall mean information with respect to the Securities and the offering thereof permitted to be omitted from the Registration Statement when it becomes effective pursuant to Rule 430A.
"Rule 462(b) Registration Statement" shall mean a registration statement and any amendments thereto filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) relating to the offering covered by the registration statement referred to in Section 1(a)(i) hereof.
"Securities" shall mean the U.S. Securities and the International Securities.
"Selling Shareholders" shall mean the persons named on Schedule II to the U.S. Underwriting Agreement and the International Underwriting Agreement.
"Shares" shall mean the U.S. Shares and the International Shares.
"Subsidiaries" shall mean the subsidiaries of the Company listed on Annex A attached hereto.
"UMC Letter" shall mean the letter agreement dated April 30, 2002 between the Company and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. relating to the offering by United Microelectronics Corporation of bonds that will be exchangeable into the Common Shares or ADSs of the Company.
"Underlying Shares" shall mean the Shares that will be represented by the ADSs.
"Underwriter" and "Underwriters" shall mean the U.S. Underwriters and the International Underwriters.
"Underwritten Securities" shall mean the U.S. Underwritten Securities and the International Underwritten Securities.
"Underwritten Shares" shall mean the U.S. Underwritten Shares and the International Underwritten Shares.
"United States or Canadian Person" shall mean any person who is a national or resident of the United States or Canada, any corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or Canada or of any political subdivision thereof, or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States or Canadian Federal income taxation, regardless of its source (other than any non-United States or non-Canadian branch of any United States or Canadian Person), and shall include any United States or Canadian branch of a person other than a United States or Canadian Person. "U.S." or "United States" shall mean the United States of America (including the states thereof and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.
"U.S. Preliminary Prospectus" and "International Preliminary Prospectus", respectively, shall mean any preliminary prospectus with respect to the offering of the U.S. Securities and the International Securities, as the case may be, referred to in paragraph 1(i)(a) above and any preliminary prospectus with respect to the offering of the U.S. Securities and the International Securities, as the case may be, included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date that omits Rule 430A Information; and the U.S. Preliminary Prospectus and the International Preliminary Prospectus are hereinafter collectively called the "Preliminary Prospectuses".
"U.S. Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus relating to the Securities that is first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) after the Execution Time or, if no filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) is required, shall mean the form of final prospectus relating to the Securities included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date.
"U.S. Representatives" shall mean the addressees of the U.S. Underwriting Agreement.
"U.S. Securities" shall mean the U.S. Underwritten Securities and the U.S. Option Securities.
"U.S. Underwriting Agreement" shall mean this agreement relating to the sale of the U.S. Securities by the Company and the Selling Shareholders to the U.S. Underwriters.
"U.S. Underwriters" shall mean the several underwriters named in Schedule I to the U.S. Underwriting Agreement.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement among the Company and the several U.S. Underwriters.
Very truly yours,
AU Optronics Corp.
By: /s/ Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee -------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer |
Benq Corporation
By: /s/ Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee -------------------------------- President |
United Microelectronics Corporation
By: /s/ Max Weishun Cheng -------------------------------- Attorney-in-fact |
Acer Inc.
By: /s/ Max Weishun Cheng -------------------------------- Attorney-in-fact |
Kuang-Hwa Investment Holding Co., Ltd.
By: /s/ Max Weishun Cheng -------------------------------- Attorney-in-fact |
The foregoing Agreement is hereby
confirmed and accepted as of the
date first above written.
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
UBS AG, acting through its business group UBS Warburg
ING Financial Markets LLC
CLSA Limited
Daiwa Securities SMBC Hong Kong Limited
Lehman Brothers Inc.
By: Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
By: /s/ Willy Liu -------------------------------------------- Managing Director |
For themselves and the other
several U.S. Underwriters
named in Schedule I to
the foregoing Agreement.
SCHEDULE I
Number of ADSs (representing Underwritten Shares) to be Underwriters Purchased ------------ ---------------------------- Salomon Smith Barney Inc.............................. 15,000,000 UBS AG, acting through its business group UBS Warburg....................................... 5,000,000 ING Financial Markets LLC............................. 2,500,000 CLSA Limited.......................................... 1,000,000 Daiwa Securities SMBC Hong Kong Limited............... 1,000,000 Lehman Brothers Inc................................... 500,000 ------------ Total................. 25,000,000 |
SCHEDULE II
Maximum Number of ADSs (representing Selling Shareholders: Option Shares) to be Sold --------------------- ------------------------- Benq Corporation 157, Shan-Ying Road, Gueishan Taoyuan, 333 Taiwan, ROC Fax No.: (886-3) 359-3235 1,250,000 United Microelectronics Corporation No. 3 Lee-Hsing Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsin-Chu City 300, Taiwan, ROC Fax No.: (886-3) 577-4767 1,250,000 Acer Inc. 21F, #88, Hsin Tai Wu Road, Sec. 1, Hsinchih, Taipei, Tsien 221, Taiwan, ROC Fax No.: (886-2) 8691-1009 500,000 Kuang-Hwa Investment Holding Co., Ltd. 10F, 232, Pa Teh Road, Sec 2, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Fax No.: (886-2) 2711-3699 500,000 ----------- Total ................ 3,500,000 |
EXHIBIT A
[Form of Lock-Up Agreement]
[Letterhead of executive officer or shareholder of
AU Optronics Corp.]
, 2002
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
UBS AG, acting through its business group UBS Warburg
CLSA Limited
Daiwa Securities SMBC Hong Kong Limited
Lehman Brothers Inc.
As Representatives of the several U.S. Underwriters
and International Underwriters
ING Financial Markets LLC
As Representative of the Several U.S. Underwriters
ING Bank N.V.
As Representative of the Several International Underwriters
c/o Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter is being delivered to you in connection with the proposed U.S. Underwriting Agreement and International Underwriting Agreement (collectively, the "Underwriting Agreements") to be entered into between AU Optronics Corp. (the "Company"), a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of China, the selling shareholders to be named therein, and you as representative of a group of U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters to be named therein, relating to an underwritten public offering of American depositary shares ("ADSs"), each ADS representing ten common shares, par value NT$10.00 per share, of the Company (the "Common Shares").
In order to induce you and the other U.S. Underwriters and International
Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreements, the undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by the undersigned or any affiliate of the undersigned or any person in privity with the undersigned or any affiliate of the undersigned), directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position, within the meaning of Section 16 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder with respect to, any Common Shares or ADSs (other than Common Shares or ADSs disposed of as bona fide gifts approved by Salomon Smith Barney Inc.) or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, Common Shares or ADSs, or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, for a period that commences on the date hereof and ends 90 days after the date of the Underwriting Agreements.
If, for any reason, the Underwriting Agreements shall be terminated prior to the Closing Date (as defined in the Underwriting Agreements), the agreement set forth above shall likewise be terminated.
Yours very truly,
[Signature of executive officer or shareholder]
[Name and address of executive officer or shareholder]
Annex A
Subsidiaries
AU Optronics (L) Corp.
AU Optronics Corporation
America
AU Optronics (Suzhou) Corp.
AU Optronics Corporation
Japan
EXHIBIT 2.(c)
CONFORMED COPY
250,000,000 Common Shares (NT$10.00 par value) Represented by 25,000,000 American Depositary Shares (Plus an option to purchase from the Selling Shareholders up to 35,000,000 additional Common Shares, represented by 3,500,000 American Depositary Shares to cover over-allotments)
International Underwriting Agreement
New York, New York
May 23 , 2002
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
UBS AG, acting through its business group UBS Warburg ING Bank N.V. CLSA
Limited Daiwa Securities SMBC Hong Kong Limited Lehman Brothers Inc.
As International Representatives of the several
International Underwriters,
c/o Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
Ladies and Gentlemen:
AU Optronics Corp. (the "Company"), a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of China (the "ROC"), proposes to sell to the several International Underwriters, for whom the International Representatives are acting as representatives, 250,000,000 common shares, NT$10.00 par value ("Common Shares") (said shares to be issued and sold by the Company being hereinafter called the "International Underwritten Shares") in the form of American depositary shares ("ADSs"). The Selling Shareholders propose to grant to the International Underwriters an option to purchase up to 35,000,000 additional Common Shares in the form of ADSs to cover over-allotments (the "International Option Shares" and together with the International Underwritten Shares, the "International Shares").
It is understood that the Company and the Selling Shareholders are concurrently entering into the U.S. Underwriting Agreement (together with this International Underwriting Agreement, the "Underwriting Agreements") providing for the sale by the Company of 250,000,000 Common Shares (said shares to be sold by the Company pursuant to the U.S. Underwriting Agreement being hereinafter called the "U.S. Underwritten Shares") in the form of ADSs and providing for the grant to the U.S. Underwriters of an option to purchase from
the Selling Shareholders up to 35,000,000 additional Common Shares (the "U.S. Option Shares" and together with the "U.S. Underwritten Shares", the "U.S. Shares") in the form of ADSs.
You have also advised the Company that the Shares to be sold by the Company and the Selling Shareholders to the Underwriters shall be deposited by the Company and the Selling Shareholders pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, to be dated as of May 29, 2002 (the "Deposit Agreement"), to be entered into among the Company, Citibank, N.A., as depositary (the "Depositary") and all holders and beneficial owners from time to time of the ADSs. Upon deposit of any Common Shares, the Depositary will issue American depositary shares representing the Shares so deposited. The ADSs will be evidenced by American depositary receipts (the "ADRs"). Each ADS will represent ten (10) Common Shares and each ADR may represent any number of ADSs. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "Underwritten Securities," "U.S. Underwritten Securities," "Option Securities", "U.S. Option Securities," "International Underwritten Securities," "International Option Securities," "International Securities" and "Securities" shall be deemed to refer, respectively, to Underwritten Shares, U.S. Underwritten Shares, Option Shares, U.S. Option Shares, International Underwritten Shares, International Option Shares, International Shares and Shares as well as, in each case, to any ADSs representing such securities and the ADRs evidencing such ADSs, and, in the case of the "Underwritten Securities," to any Certificates of Payment (as hereinafter defined).
It is further understood and agreed that the U.S. Underwriters and the International Underwriters have entered into an Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters dated the date hereof (the "Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters"), pursuant to which, among other things, the International Underwriters may purchase from the U.S. Underwriters a portion of the U.S. Securities to be sold pursuant to the U.S. Underwriting Agreement and the U.S. Underwriters may purchase from the International Underwriters a portion of the International Securities to be sold pursuant to this International Underwriting Agreement.
To the extent there are no additional International Underwriters listed on Schedule I other than you, the term International Representatives as used in this Agreement shall mean you, as International Underwriters, and the terms International Representatives and International Underwriters shall mean either the singular or plural as the context requires. In addition, to the extent that there is not more than one Selling Shareholder named in Schedule II, the term Selling Shareholders shall mean the singular. The use of the neuter in this Agreement shall include the feminine and masculine wherever appropriate. Certain terms used in this Agreement are defined in Section 20 hereof.
1. Representations and Warranties.
(i) The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each International Underwriter as set forth below in this Section 1.
(a) The Company has prepared and filed with the Commission a Registration Statement (file number 333-87418) on Form F-1, including related preliminary prospectuses, for registration under the Act of the offering and sale of the
Securities. The Company may have filed one or more amendments thereto, including the related preliminary prospectuses, each of which has previously been furnished to you. The Company will next file with the Commission either (1) prior to the Effective Date of the Registration Statement, a further amendment to such registration statement (including the form of final prospectuses) or (2) after the Effective Date of the Registration Statement, final prospectuses in accordance with Rules 430A and 424(b). In the case of clause (2), the Company has included in the Registration Statement, as amended at the Effective Date, all information (other than Rule 430A Information) required by the Act and the rules thereunder to be included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses with respect to the Securities and the offering thereof in the form of ADSs. As filed, such amendment and form of final prospectuses, as the case may be, or such final prospectuses, shall contain all Rule 430A Information, together with all other such required information with respect to the Securities and the offering thereof in the form of ADSs, and, except to the extent the International Representatives shall agree in writing to a modification, shall be in all substantive respects in the form furnished to you prior to the Execution Time or, to the extent not completed at the Execution Time, shall contain only such specific additional information and other changes (beyond that contained in the latest Preliminary Prospectuses) as the Company has advised you, prior to the Execution Time, will be included or made therein.
It is understood that two forms of prospectuses are to be used in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities: one form of prospectus relating to the U.S. Securities, which are to be offered and sold to United States and Canadian Persons, and one form of prospectus relating to the International Securities, which are to be offered and sold to persons other than United States and Canadian Persons. The U.S. Prospectus and the International Prospectus are identical except for the outside front cover page and the outside back cover page.
(b) On the Effective Date, the Registration Statement did or will, and when the Prospectuses are first filed (if required) in accordance with Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date (as defined in this Agreement ) and on any date on which Option Securities are purchased, if such date is not the Closing Date (a "settlement date"), each Prospectus (and any supplements thereto) will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the rules thereunder; on the Effective Date and at the Execution Time, the Registration Statement did not or will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; and, on the Effective Date, each Prospectus, if not filed pursuant to Rule 424(b), will not, and on the date of any filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date and any settlement date, each Prospectus (together with any supplement thereto) will not, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement, or the Prospectuses (or any supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for
inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Prospectuses (or any supplement thereto).
(c) The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement (file number 333-88080) on Form F-6 for the registration under the Act of the offering and sale of the ADSs. The Company may have filed one or more amendments thereto, each of which has previously been furnished to you. Such ADR Registration Statement at the time of its effectiveness did or will comply, and on the Closing Date will comply, in all material respects, with the applicable requirements of the Act and the rules thereunder and at the time of its Effective Date and at the Execution Time, did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(d) Upon issuance by the Depositary of ADSs evidenced by ADRs against deposit of Underwritten Shares (initially in the form of certificates of payment that represent the irrevocable right to receive such Shares (the "Certificates of Payment")) in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, such ADRs will be duly and validly issued and persons in whose names the ADRs are duly registered with the Depositary will be entitled to the rights specified in the ADRs and in the Deposit Agreement; the Deposit Agreement and the ADRs conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the Prospectuses; and upon the sale and delivery to the International Underwriters of the International Underwritten Securities, and payment therefor pursuant to this Agreement, the International Underwriters will acquire good, marketable and valid title to such International Underwritten Securities, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, free and clear of all pledges, liens, security interests, charges, claims or encumbrances of any kind.
(e) Other than as set forth in the Prospectuses and so long as this Agreement, the Certificates of Payment, the cross receipt and any other documents which are deemed "receipts" under the ROC Stamp Duty Law are executed outside of the ROC, no stamp or other issuance or transfer taxes or duties and no capital gains, income, withholding or other taxes (except such income taxes as may be imposed by the ROC government or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein on payments thereunder to any Underwriter, or on payments under the Deposit Agreement to the Depositary, where the net income of such Underwriter or of the Depositary is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax) are payable by or on behalf of the Underwriters to the ROC or to any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein in connection with (i) the issuance and delivery of the Certificates of Payment or the sale and delivery of the Underwritten Shares in the manner contemplated in the Prospectuses and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (ii) the deposit with the Depositary or its custodian of the Certificates of Payment or the Underwritten Shares against the issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs, (iii) the sale and delivery outside the ROC by the Underwriters of the ADSs, as contemplated herein or (iv) the execution and delivery of, or performance by any party of its obligations under, this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement.
(f) Except as described in the Prospectuses, all cash dividends and other distributions declared and payable on the Common Shares may under current ROC law and regulations be paid to the Depositary and to the holders of Securities, as the case may be, in the ROC in New Taiwan dollars ("NT dollars") without obtaining any government approvals and may be converted into foreign currency that may be transferred out of the ROC in accordance with the Deposit Agreement, and no other withholding or other taxes under the laws and regulations of the ROC are currently required to be imposed in connection with the declaration and payment by the Company of dividends and other distributions in respect of its capital stock.
(g) The Company believes that it is not a Passive Foreign Investment Company ("PFIC") within the meaning of Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and does not expect to become a PFIC in the future.
(h) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation, and where applicable, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is chartered or organized with full corporate power and authority to own or lease, as the case may be, and to operate its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectuses and is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and, where applicable, is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(i) All the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and, except as otherwise set forth in the Prospectuses, all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Subsidiaries are owned by the Company either directly or through wholly-owned subsidiaries free and clear of any perfected security interest or any other security interests, claims, liens or encumbrances.
(j) The Company's authorized equity capitalization is as set forth in the Prospectuses; the capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectuses; the outstanding Common Shares (including the Option Shares being sold pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements by the Selling Shareholders), have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable; the Underwritten Shares being sold under the Underwriting Agreements (including those represented by Certificates of Payment) by the Company have been duly and validly authorized, and, when issued and delivered against payment of the purchase price for the Underwritten Securities by the International Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement and by the U.S. Underwriters pursuant to the U.S. Underwriting Agreement, will be fully paid and nonassessable; all of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company have been duly listed, and admitted and authorized for trading, on the Taiwan Stock Exchange; the Underwritten Shares will be duly listed and admitted for trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange upon the exchange of the Certificates of Payment; the Securities being sold
under the Underwriting Agreements by the Company are duly listed, and admitted and authorized for trading, subject to official notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange; the certificates for the Underwritten Securities are in valid and sufficient form; the holders of outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are not entitled to preemptive or other rights to subscribe for the Securities, except for such rights that have been effectively waived; and, except as set forth in the Prospectuses, no options, warrants or other rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to issue, or rights to convert any obligations into or exchange any securities for, shares of capital stock of or ownership interests in the Company are outstanding.
(k) There is no franchise, contract or other document of a character required to be described in the Registration Statement, ADR Registration Statement or Prospectuses, or to be filed as an exhibit thereto, which is not described or filed as required.
(l) Each of this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company; and the Deposit Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
(m) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectuses, will not be, an "investment company" within the meaning of and subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(n) No consent, approval, authorization, filing with, or order of,
any court or governmental agency or body is required in connection with
the transactions contemplated in this Agreement or in the Deposit
Agreement, except for (i) registration of the Securities under the Act and
any filings required under Rule 424 of the Act; (ii) registration of the
Securities under the Exchange Act; (iii) the approval of the Central Bank
of China in the ROC (the "CBC") of foreign exchange settlements and
payments contemplated by the Deposit Agreement; (iv) the filings and
approvals, if any, required under (A) the "Guidelines for Handling
Issuance and Offer of Overseas Securities by Issuers of the ROC (the
"Overseas Offering Rules"), and (B) the rules and regulations of the
Taiwan Stock Exchange, the Securities and Futures Commission of the ROC
(the "SFC") and the CBC; (v) the registration of the Underwritten Shares
with the Science-Based Industrial Park Administration of the ROC ("SIPA"),
which shall be filed by the Company within 15 days of the Closing Date;
(vi) any government authorizations as may be required under state
securities, or "blue sky" laws, of the U.S. or the laws of other
jurisdictions outside the ROC and the U.S. in connection with the purchase
and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters in the manner
contemplated herein and in the Prospectuses; and (vii) those approvals
which have been obtained under the laws of the ROC and are in full force
and effect as of the date hereof, including the approval of SIPA, the
approval of the CBC and the approvals of the SFC.
(o) Neither the sale of the Underwritten Securities by the Company, nor the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement, nor the consummation of any other of the transactions contemplated herein or in the Deposit Agreement, nor the fulfillment of the terms hereof or of the Deposit Agreement, will conflict with, result in a breach or violation of, or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries pursuant to, (i) the articles of incorporation of the Company or the constituent documents of any of the Subsidiaries, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or bound or to which its or their property is subject, or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree applicable to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any of its or their properties, except, with regard to clause (ii) or (iii) above, such as would not individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on (A) the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement or the Deposit Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated herein or therein or (B) the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(p) There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person granting to such person the right to require the Company to file a registration statement under the Act with respect to any securities of the Company or to require the Company to include such securities with the ADSs registered pursuant to the Registration Statement.
(q) The consolidated historical financial statements and schedules of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries included in the Prospectuses and the Registration Statement present fairly in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated, comply as to form, in all material respects, with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as otherwise noted therein). The summary and selected financial data included in the Prospectuses and Registration Statement fairly present, in all material respects, on the basis stated in the Prospectuses and the Registration Statement, the information included therein. The pro forma financial statements included in the Prospectuses and the Registration Statement include assumptions that provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects directly attributable to the transactions and events described therein, the related pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions, and the pro forma adjustments reflect the proper application of those adjustments to the historical financial statement amounts in the pro forma financial statements included in the Prospectuses and the Registration Statement. The pro forma financial statements included in the Prospectuses and the Registration Statement comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of Regulation S-X under the Act and the pro forma
adjustments have been properly applied to the historical amounts in the compilation of those statements.
(r) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has sustained since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Prospectuses any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, other than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectuses, and, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses, there has not been any material change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or the Subsidiaries or any change, or any development involving a prospective change, that would have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
(s) Except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company after due inquiry, threatened that (i) could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the performance of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business.
(t) Each of the Company and each of the Subsidiaries owns or leases all such properties as are necessary to the conduct of its operations as presently conducted.
(u) The Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them which is material to the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Prospectuses or such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company or the Subsidiaries; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries are held under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company or such Subsidiary, except as described in the Prospectuses.
(v) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is in violation or default of (i) any provision of its articles of incorporation or bylaws, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which it is a party or bound or to which its property is subject, or (iii) any statute, law, rule,
regulation, judgment, order or decree of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or such Subsidiary or any of its properties, as applicable, except such violations or defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course business.
(w) Each of KPMG, who has certified certain financial statements of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and delivered a report with respect to the audited consolidated financial statements and schedules included in the Prospectuses, and Diwan, Ernst and Young, who has certified certain financial statements of Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation and delivered reports with respect to the audited consolidated financial statements and schedules included in the Prospectuses, are independent public accountants with respect to the Company and Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation, respectively, within the meaning of the Act and the applicable published rules and regulations thereunder.
(x) No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries exists, or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses.
(y) The Company and the Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which they are engaged; neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and the Company has no reason to believe that either the Company or any of the Subsidiaries will be unable to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue their respective businesses at a cost that would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses.
(z) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries possesses all licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by the appropriate regulatory authorities necessary to own or lease their respective properties and conduct their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
(aa) The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.
(bb) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has taken, directly or indirectly, any action that has constituted or that was designed to or might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.
(cc) Except as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectuses, the Company and the Subsidiaries are (i) in compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the environment or use, disposal or release or protection of human exposure to hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants ("Environmental Laws") (ii) have received and are in compliance with all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) have not received notice of any actual or potential liability for the investigation or remediation of any disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants, except where such non-compliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or other approvals, or liability would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business.
(dd) The subsidiaries listed on Annex A attached hereto are the only subsidiaries of the Company.
(ee) The Company and the Subsidiaries own, possess or are licensed under, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all material patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks and trade names ("Intellectual Property") currently employed by them and reasonably necessary to conduct the business now operated by them and as proposed in the Prospectuses to be conducted, and except as set forth in the Prospectuses, none of the Company or the Subsidiaries has received any notice of infringement of the foregoing Intellectual Property rights or that the Company or the Subsidiaries is in conflict with asserted rights of others, that if determined adversely to the Company would singly or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(ff) Except as disclosed in the Prospectuses and to the Company's knowledge after due inquiry, no relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among any of the Company or the Subsidiaries on the one hand, and the directors, officers, supervisors, shareholders, customers or suppliers of any of the Company or the Subsidiaries on the other hand, that is required by the Act to be described in the Prospectuses.
(gg) This Agreement, the Deposit Agreement, the Certificates of Payment, the certificates evidencing the Underwritten Shares, and any other documents to be furnished hereunder are in proper form under the laws of the ROC for the enforcement thereof against the Company under the laws of ROC; to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability and admissibility into evidence in the ROC of each such agreement or document, it is not necessary that any such agreement or document be filed or recorded with any court or other authority in the ROC, other than the filing of the Deposit Agreement as required under the Overseas Offering Rules as set forth in Section 1 (i)(n) hereof, or that any stamp or similar tax be paid in the ROC or in respect of any such agreement or document, it being understood that in court proceedings in the ROC a translation into the Chinese language may be required.
(hh) Under the laws of the ROC, each holder of ADRs evidencing ADSs issued pursuant to the Deposit Agreement shall be entitled, subject to the Deposit Agreement, to seek enforcement of its rights through the Depositary or the Depositary's nominee registered as representative of the holders and beneficial owners of the ADRs in a direct suit, action or proceeding against the Company.
(ii) The Company has complied with all provisions of Section 517.075, Florida Statutes relating to doing business with the Government of Cuba or with any person or affiliate located in Cuba.
Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company, in his or her capacity as an officer of the Company, and delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Securities shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company, as to matters covered thereby, to each International Underwriter.
(ii) Each Selling Shareholder represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each International Underwriter that:
(a) Such Selling Shareholder has been duly incorporated and is validly existing with limited liability under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is chartered or organized, and this Agreement and the Power of Attorney appointing certain individuals as such Selling Shareholder's attorneys-in-fact to the extent set forth therein, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Registration Statement (the "Power of Attorney") have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Selling Shareholder and such Power of Attorney constitutes a valid and binding obligation of such Selling Shareholder enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
(b) The International Option Shares being sold under this Agreement by such Selling Shareholder have been duly and validly authorized and are fully paid and nonassessable; upon issuance by the Depositary of ADSs evidenced by ADRs against deposit in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement of the International Option Shares to be sold by such Selling Shareholder to the International Underwriters, such ADRs will be duly and validly issued, and persons in whose names such ADRs are duly registered with the Depositary will be entitled to the rights specified in the ADRs and in the Deposit Agreement; upon the sale and delivery to the International Underwriters of the International Securities to be purchased from such Selling Shareholder, and payment therefor pursuant to this Agreement, the International Underwriters will acquire good, marketable and valid title to such International Securities subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, free and clear of all pledges, liens, security interests, charges, claims or encumbrances of any kind; assuming the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized and delivered by the parties thereto, the International Option Shares to be deposited by the Selling Shareholders may be freely deposited with the Depositary against issuance of ADRs evidencing ADSs and the ADSs delivered at the settlement date will be freely transferable by such Selling Shareholder to or for the account of the several International Underwriters and (to the extent described in the Prospectuses) the initial purchasers thereof; and there are no restrictions on subsequent transfers of the International Option Securities under the laws of the ROC and of the United States except as described in the Prospectuses under the captions "Description of Our Share Capital," "Description of American Depositary Shares" or "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan."
(c) Such Selling Shareholder is the beneficial owner of the International Option Shares to be deposited with the Depositary against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs to be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder, and has, and immediately prior to any settlement date will have, good and valid title to such International Option Shares, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims.
(d) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over such Selling Shareholder is required for the deposit of Shares by such Selling Shareholder in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement with the Depositary against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs to be delivered at the settlement date for the sale and delivery of the ADSs to be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder, and for the execution, delivery and performance by such Selling Shareholder of this Agreement, except (i) such as may have been obtained under the Act, (ii) such as may be required under the "blue sky" laws of any state, (iii) such as may be required under the securities laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States or the ROC in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters, (iv) the filings, if any, required under (A) the "Guidelines for Handling Issuance and Offer of Overseas Securities by Issuers of the ROC (the "Overseas Offering Rules"), and (B) the rules and regulations of the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the Securities and Futures Commission of the ROC (the "SFC") and the CBC; and (v) such other approvals as have been obtained and are in full force and effect.
(e) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Power of Attorney of such Selling Shareholder, the deposit of the International Option Shares to be sold by such Selling Shareholder with the Depositary in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the sale of the ADSs to be sold by the Selling Shareholder, or the consummation of any other of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement by such Selling Shareholder or the fulfillment of the terms hereof by such Selling Shareholder, will conflict with, result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under any law or articles of incorporation or other constitutive documents of such Selling Shareholder or the terms of any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which such Selling Shareholder is a party or bound, or any judgment, order or decree applicable to such Selling Shareholder or any of its subsidiaries of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body or arbitrator having jurisdiction over such Selling Shareholder, other than any such conflict, breach or violation that would not have a material adverse effect on the ability of such Selling Shareholder to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
(f) Other than the securities transfer tax required to be paid by the Selling Shareholders under ROC laws and so long as this Agreement, the Certificates of Payment, the cross-receipt and any other documents which are deemed "receipts" under ROC Stamp Duty Law are executed outside the ROC, no stamp or other issuance or transfer taxes or duties and no capital gains, income, withholding or other taxes (except such income taxes as may be imposed by the ROC government or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein on payments thereunder to any Underwriter, or on payments under the Deposit Agreement to the Depositary, where the net income of such Underwriter or of the Depositary is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax) are payable by or on behalf of the Underwriters to the ROC or to any political subdivision of taxing authority thereof or therein, in connection with (i) the delivery of the Option Shares to be sold by the Selling Shareholder in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the deposit with the Depositary or its custodian of the Option Shares against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs, (iii) the sale and delivery outside the ROC by the Underwriters of the ADSs, as contemplated herein or (iv) the execution and delivery of, or the performance by any party of its obligations under this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement.
(g) This Agreement is in proper legal form under the laws of the jurisdiction of the organization of the Selling Shareholder for the enforcement thereof against such Selling Shareholder; and to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability and admissibility into evidence in such jurisdiction, it is not necessary that this Agreement be filed or recorded with any court or other authority therein or that any stamp or similar tax be paid therein or in respect of this Agreement.
(h) Such Selling Shareholder has not taken, directly or indirectly, any action that has constituted or that was designed to or might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Option Securities; it being understood that neither the sale during April 2002 by United Microelectronics Corporation of 80,000,000 Common Shares on April 23,
2002 in a public offering in the Republic of China nor the issuance by it on May 10, 2002 of bonds that will be exchangeable, at the option of the holders thereof, into Common Shares which are held by United Microelectronics Corporation shall constitute actions that are the subject of this paragraph (h).
Any certificate signed by any officer of any Selling Shareholder, in his or her capacity as an officer of such Selling Shareholder, and delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Securities shall be deemed a representation and warranty by such Selling Shareholder, as to matters covered thereby, to each International Underwriter.
2. Purchase and Sale.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell to each International Underwriter, and each International Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at a purchase price of US$11.2055 per ADS, the amount of the International Underwritten Securities set forth opposite such International Underwriter's name in Schedule I to this Agreement.
(b) Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, the Selling
Shareholders hereby grant an option to the several International
Underwriters to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to 35,000,000
additional Common Shares represented by ADSs, in the aggregate, at the
same purchase price per ADS as the International Underwriters shall pay
for the International Underwritten Securities. Said option may be
exercised only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the International
Underwritten Securities by the International Underwriters. Said option may
be exercised in whole or in part at any time (but not more than once) on
or before the 30th day after the date of the International Prospectus upon
written or telegraphic notice by the International Representatives to the
Company and such Selling Shareholders setting forth the number of shares
of the International Option Securities as to which the several
International Underwriters are exercising the option and the settlement
date. In the event that the International Underwriters exercise less than
their full over-allotment option, the number of International Option
Securities to be sold by each Selling Shareholder shall be, as nearly as
practicable, in the same proportion to each other as are the number of
International Option Securities listed opposite their names on Schedule
II. The number of International Option Securities to be purchased by each
International Underwriter shall be the same percentage of the total number
of International Option Securities to be purchased by the several
International Underwriters as such International Underwriter is purchasing
of the International Underwritten Securities, subject to such adjustments
as you in your absolute discretion shall make to eliminate any fractional
shares.
3. Delivery and Payment. Delivery of and payment for the International Underwritten Securities and the International Option Securities (if the option provided for in Section 2(b) hereof shall have been exercised on or before the third Business Day prior to the Closing Date) shall be made at 10:00 AM, New York City time, on May 29, 2002, or at such
time on such later date not more than three Business Days after the foregoing date as the U.S. Representatives and the International Representatives shall designate, which date and time may be postponed by agreement among the International Representatives, the U.S. Representatives and the Company or as provided in Section 9 hereof (such date and time of delivery and payment for the International Securities being called in this Agreement the "Closing Date"). Delivery of the International Securities shall be made to the International Representatives for the respective accounts of the several International Underwriters against payment by the several International Underwriters through the International Representatives of the respective aggregate purchase prices of the International Securities being sold by the Company and each of the Selling Shareholders to or upon the order of the Company and the Selling Shareholders by wire transfer payable in same-day funds to the accounts specified by the Company and the Selling Shareholders. Delivery of the International Underwritten Securities and the International Option Securities shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company unless the International Representatives shall otherwise instruct.
If the option provided for in Section 2(b) hereof is exercised after the third Business Day prior to the Closing Date, the Selling Shareholders will deliver (at the expense of the Selling Shareholders) to the International Representatives, c/o Salomon Smith Barney at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, on the date specified by the International Representatives (which shall be within three Business Days after the exercise of said option), ADR certificates representing the International Option Securities in such names and denominations as the International Representatives shall have requested for the respective accounts of the several International Underwriters, against payment by the several International Underwriters through the International Representatives of the purchase price thereof to or upon the order of the Selling Shareholders by wire transfer payable in same-day funds to the accounts specified by the Selling Shareholders. If settlement for the International Option Securities occurs after the Closing Date, such Selling Shareholders will deliver to the International Representatives on the settlement date for the International Option Securities, and the obligation of the International Underwriters to purchase the International Option Securities shall be conditioned upon receipt of, supplemental opinions, certificates and letters confirming as of such date the opinions, certificates and letters delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6 hereof.
The ADR certificates evidencing the International Underwritten Securities and International Option Securities shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as the International Representatives may request not less than two full Business Days prior to the applicable Closing Date and any settlement date.
It is understood and agreed that the Closing Date shall occur simultaneously with the "Closing Date" under the U.S. Underwriting Agreement, and that the settlement date for any International Option Securities occurring after the Closing Date shall occur simultaneously with the "settlement date" under the U.S. Underwriting Agreement for any U.S. Option Securities occurring after the Closing Date.
4. Offering by Underwriters. It is understood that the several International Underwriters propose to offer the International Securities for sale to the public as set forth in the International Prospectus.
5. Agreements.
(i) The Company agrees with the several International Underwriters that:
(a) The Company will use its best efforts to cause the
Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement, if not
effective at the Execution Time, and any amendment thereof, to become
effective. Prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities, the
Company will not file any amendment of the Registration Statement or the
ADR Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectuses or any Rule
462(b) Registration Statement unless the Company has furnished you a copy
for your review prior to filing and will not file any such proposed
amendment or supplement to which you reasonably object. Subject to the
foregoing sentence, if the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration
Statement has become or becomes effective pursuant to Rule 430A, or filing
of the Prospectuses is otherwise required under Rule 424(b), the Company
will cause the Prospectuses, properly completed, and any supplement
thereto, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the applicable
paragraph of Rule 424(b) within the time period prescribed and will
provide evidence satisfactory to the International Representatives of such
timely filing. The Company will promptly advise the International
Representatives (1) when the Registration Statement and the ADR
Registration Statement, if not effective at the Execution Time, shall have
become effective, (2) when the Prospectuses, and any supplement thereto,
shall have been filed (if required) with the Commission pursuant to Rule
424(b) or when any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or ADR Registration
Statement shall have been filed with the Commission, (3) when, prior to
termination of the offering of the Securities, any amendment to the
Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement shall have been
filed or become effective, (4) of any request by the Commission or its
staff for any amendment of the Registration Statement, or any Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement, or for any
supplement to the Prospectuses or for any additional information, (5) of
the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration
Statement or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for that
purpose and (6) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with
respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for sale
in any jurisdiction or the institution or threatening of any proceeding
for such purpose. The Company will use its best efforts to prevent the
issuance of any such stop order or the suspension of any such
qualification and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal
thereof.
(b) If, at any time when a prospectus relating to the Securities, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, is required to be delivered by an underwriter or dealer under the Act, any event occurs as a result of which either of the Prospectuses as then supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if it shall be necessary to amend the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement or supplement either of the Prospectuses to comply with the Act or the rules thereunder, the Company promptly will (1) notify the Representatives of any such
event; (2) prepare and file with the Commission, subject to the second sentence of paragraph (i)(a) of this Section 5, an amendment or supplement which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance; and (3) supply any supplemented Prospectuses to you in such quantities as you may reasonably request.
(c) As soon as practicable, the Company will make generally available to its security holders and to the International Representatives an earnings statement or statements of the Company and the Subsidiaries which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 under the Act.
(d) The Company will furnish to the International Representatives and counsel for the International Underwriters signed copies of the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and to each other International Underwriter a copy of the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement (without exhibits thereto) and, so long as delivery of a prospectus by an Underwriter or dealer may be required by the Act, as many copies of each International Preliminary Prospectus and the International Prospectus and any supplement thereto as the International Representatives may reasonably request.
(e) The Company will arrange, if necessary, for the qualification of the Securities for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions as the International Representatives may designate and will maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required for the distribution of the International Securities; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the offering or sale of the Securities, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.
(f) Except as contemplated pursuant to this Agreement, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by the Company or any affiliate of the Company or any person in privity with the Company or any affiliate of the Company) directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement with the Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, any Common Shares or ADSs or any securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, Common Shares or ADSs, or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, for a period of 180 days after the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company may issue and sell Common Shares pursuant to any employee stock option plan, stock ownership plan or dividend reinvestment plan of the Company in effect at the Execution Time and the Company may issue Common Shares issuable upon the conversion of securities or the exercise of warrants outstanding at the Execution Time, and the Company may take certain actions as described in the third paragraph of the UMC Letter relating to the offering by United Microelectronics Corporation of bonds that will be exchangeable into Common
Shares or ADSs of the Company; it being understood that the preparation (or participation in the preparation) of a registration statement shall not constitute the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement under this paragraph (f).
(g) Until the later of (i) the end of a period of 180 days following the Closing Date and (ii) the completion of distribution of the Securities, the Company will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Common Shares or the ADSs.
(h) The Company will deposit Underwritten Shares or Certificates of Payment with the Depositary in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement and will comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Deposit Agreement so that ADRs evidencing ADSs representing deposited Underwritten Shares or Certificates of Payment, as the case may be, will be executed by the Depositary and delivered to the U.S. Underwriters as required hereby.
(i) The Company will notify the International Representatives promptly upon becoming aware of any event or development making untrue, or of any change affecting, any of its representations, warranties, agreements or indemnities herein at any time prior to payment being made to the Company on the Closing Date and will take such steps as may be reasonably requested by the International Representatives to remedy the same.
(j) Between the date hereof and the Closing Date (inclusive), the Company will, and will cause the Subsidiaries and all other parties acting on its behalf to, notify and consult with the International Representatives prior to issuing any announcement (unless prevented by applicable law or regulation or it is impracticable in light of the circumstances) concerning the Securities or which, in the reasonable judgment of Company, could be material in the context of the offering and distribution of the Securities.
(k) The Company will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the ADSs pursuant to this Agreement in the manner specified in the Prospectuses under the caption "Use of Proceeds."
(l) In connection with listing the Shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and the application to list the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company will furnish from time to time any and all documents, instruments, information and undertakings and publish all advertisements or other material that may be necessary in order to effect such listings and maintain such listings.
(m) The Company will pay any stamp, issue, registration, documentary, transfer or other taxes and duties, including interest and penalties, on or in connection with the creation, issue, offering or sale by the Company of the Certificates of Payment, the Underwritten Shares and the ADSs (including the deposit by the
Company of the Underwritten Shares or Certificates of Payment, as the case may be, with the Depositary and the issuance and delivery of the ADRs evidencing ADSs in exchange therefor by the Depositary to or for the account of the Underwriters), the offer, sale and delivery outside the ROC by the Underwriters of such ADSs and the execution or delivery of this Agreement, including, in any such case, any ROC withholding, transfer or similar tax asserted against an Underwriter by reason of the purchase and sale of ADSs pursuant to this Agreement (except such income taxes that may be imposed by the ROC government or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein on any Underwriter whose net income is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax).
(n) The Company, or one or more agents thereof acting on its
behalf, will make all filings and registrations, obtain all approvals and
submit all reports, if any, required for the issuance of the Underwritten
Shares and Certificates of Payment, the issuance and sale of the ADSs, the
compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of, and the
performance by the Company of its obligations under, this Agreement and
the Deposit Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein and therein, including, but not limited, to all
filings, registrations, approvals and reports set forth in paragraph
(i)(o) of Section 1 hereof, on or prior to the date on which such filings,
registrations, approvals or reports, if any, are required to be made,
obtained or submitted.
(o) The Underwriters will pay, or reimburse the Company or the Selling Shareholders, as the case may be, for amounts paid by the Company or the Selling Shareholders in respect of: (i) the fees and expenses of KPMG as the Company's accountants and of Diwan, Ernst & Young as the accountants of Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation and the fees and expenses of counsel (including local and special counsel) for the Company and the Selling Shareholders, in each case incurred in connection with the initial public offering of the ADSs; (ii) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery (including postage, air freight charges and charges for counting and packaging) of such copies of the Registration Statement, each Preliminary Prospectus, each Prospectus, the ADR Registration Statement, and all amendments or supplements to any of them, as may, in each case, be requested for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities; and (iii) the transportation, meeting, lodging and other roadshow expenses incurred by or on behalf of Company representatives in connection with presentations to prospective purchasers of the Securities; it being understood that the Underwriters shall not be required to pay, or reimburse the Company for amounts paid in respect of, and the Company shall pay or cause to be paid: (i) any registration fees payable to the Commission in connection with the registration of the Securities with the Commission, (ii) any listing fees and expenses payable in connection with the listing of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, (iii) any filing fees payable in respect of any filings required to be made with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., (iv) the internal costs and out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by employees of the Company, the Selling Shareholders and their respective subsidiaries in connection with the initial public offering of the Securities, and (v) any amounts payable by the Company under Section 5(i)(m) hereof; and provided further, that the Underwriters shall not be required to pay, or reimburse the Company or the Selling Shareholders for amounts paid in
respect of, and the Selling Shareholders shall, jointly and severally, pay
or cause to be paid, amounts payable by the Selling Shareholders under
Section 5(v)(g) hereof.
(p) Except as described in the Prospectuses or this Agreement, all amounts payable by the Company in respect of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs or the Underlying Shares shall be made free and clear of, and without deducting for or on account of, any taxes imposed, assessed or levied by the ROC or any authority thereof or therein (except such income taxes as may be imposed by the ROC on payments hereunder to any Underwriter whose net income is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax).
(ii) Each International Underwriter agrees that (i) it is not purchasing any of the International Securities for the account of any United States or Canadian Person, (ii) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any of the International Securities or distribute any International Prospectus to any person in the United States or Canada, or to any United States or Canadian Person, and (iii) any dealer to whom it may sell any of the International Securities will represent that it is not purchasing for the account of any United States or Canadian Person and agree that it will not offer or resell, directly or indirectly, any of the International Securities in the United States or Canada, or to any United States or Canadian Person or to any other dealer who does not so represent and agree; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not restrict (A) purchases and sales between the U.S. Underwriters on the one hand and the International Underwriters on the other hand pursuant to the Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters, (B) stabilization transactions contemplated under the Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters, conducted through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (or through the U.S. Representatives and International Representatives) as part of the distribution of the Securities, and (C) sales to or through (or distributions of International Prospectuses or International Preliminary Prospectuses to) persons not United States or Canadian Persons who are investment advisors, or who otherwise exercise investment discretion, and who are purchasing for the account of any United States or Canadian Person.
(iii) The agreements of the International Underwriters set forth in paragraph (ii) of this Section 5 shall terminate upon the earlier of the following events:
(a) a mutual agreement of the U.S. Representatives and the International Representatives to terminate the selling restrictions set forth in paragraph (ii) of this Section 5 and in Section 5(ii) of the U.S. Underwriting Agreement.
(b) the expiration of a period of 30 days after the Closing Date, unless (A) the International Representatives shall have given notice to the Company and the U.S. Representatives that the distribution of the International Securities by the International Underwriters has not yet been completed, or (B) the U.S. Representatives shall have given notice to the Company and the International Underwriters that the distribution of the U.S. Securities by the U.S. Underwriters has not yet been completed. If such notice by the U.S. Representatives or the International Representatives is given, the agreements set forth in such paragraph (ii) shall survive until the earlier of (1) the event referred to in clause (a) of this subsection (ii) or (2) the expiration of an additional period of 30 days from the date of any such notice.
(iv) Each International Underwriter agrees that:
(a) it has not offered or sold and, prior to the expiry of a period of six months from the Closing Date, will not offer or sell, any Securities to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purpose of their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995.
(b) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA") received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any Securities in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Company.
(c) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the Securities in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
(d) the Securities which it purchases are purchased by it as principal and it has not offered or sold, and agrees not to offer or sell, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident thereof, any of the Securities acquired in connection with the distribution contemplated hereby, except pursuant to any exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and otherwise in compliance with applicable provisions of Japanese law.
(e) it has not offered or sold and agrees not to offer or sell in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ("Hong Kong"), by means of any document, any Securities other than to persons whose ordinary business it is to buy or sell shares or debentures, whether as principal or agent, or in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (CAP32) of Hong Kong.
(f) except as permitted under the securities laws of Hong Kong, it has not issued and will not issue in Hong Kong any document, invitation or advertisement relating to the Securities other than with respect to Securities which are intended to be disposed of to persons outside Hong Kong or only to persons whose business involves the acquisition, disposal or holding of securities, whether as principal or agent.
(g) it has not offered for subscription or sold, and will not offer for subscription or sell, any Securities or issue, circulate or distribute any document or other material relating to the Securities, either directly or indirectly, to the public or any member of the public in Singapore, other than (i) to an institutional investor or other person specified in Section 106C of the Companies Act, Chapter 50 of Singapore (the "Singapore Companies Act"), (ii) to a sophisticated investor, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 106D of the Singapore Companies Act, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in
accordance with the conditions of, any other provision of the Singapore Companies Act, in each case subject to compliance with the conditions set forth in the Singapore Companies Act.
(h) it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any Securities, directly or indirectly, in the ROC.
(i) it will not offer, distribute, sell, transfer or deliver the International Securities, directly or indirectly, in or from the Netherlands, to any person other than individuals or legal entities which trade or invest in securities in the conduct of their profession or business within the meaning of article 2 of the Exemption Regulation issued pursuant to the Securities Transactions Supervision Act 1995 ("Vrijstellingsregeling Wet toezicht effectenverkeer 1995"), which includes, but is not limited to banks, brokers, dealers, pension funds, insurance companies, securities institutions, investment institutions and other institutional investors, including, among others, treasuries of large enterprises.
(v) Each Selling Shareholder agrees with the several International Underwriters that:
(a) Such Selling Shareholder will not, without the prior written consent of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by such Selling Shareholder or any Affiliate of such Selling Shareholder or, except in the case of Kuang-Hwa Investment Holding Co. Ltd., any person in privity with such Selling Shareholder or any Affiliate of such Selling Shareholder) directly or indirectly, or file (or participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to, any Common Shares or ADSs (other than Common Shares or ADSs disposed of as bona fide gifts approved by Salomon Smith Barney Inc.) or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares or ADSs, or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, for a period of 90 days after the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that United Microelectronics Corporation shall not be -------- ------- restricted pursuant to this paragraph (a) from exchanging its exchangeable bonds issued on May 10, 2002 into Common Shares after June 19, 2002 pursuant to the terms of such bonds.
(b) Until the later of (i) the end of a period of 90 days following the Closing Date and (ii) the completion of distribution of the Securities, such Selling Shareholder will not take any action designed to or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Common Shares or the ADSs.
(c) Such Selling Shareholder will advise you promptly, and if requested by you, will confirm such advice in writing, so long as delivery of a prospectus
relating to the Securities by an underwriter or dealer is, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, required under the Act, of any change in the information in the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement or the Prospectuses relating to such Selling Shareholder.
(d) No later than the second Business Day in the ROC (such date, the "Deposit Date") after the receipt of the notice of exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof, to deposit, or cause to be deposited on its behalf, the Option Shares to be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder with the Depositary in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement and otherwise to comply with the Deposit Agreement so that ADRs evidencing ADSs to be sold by such Selling Shareholder will be executed (and, if applicable, countersigned) and issued by the Depositary against receipt of such Option Shares and delivered to the Underwriters at the Closing Date or the settlement date, as applicable.
(e) Such Selling Shareholder will advise you promptly upon becoming aware of any event or development making untrue, or of any change affecting, any of its representations, warranties, agreements or indemnities herein at any time prior to payment being made to such Selling Shareholder on the settlement date and will take such steps as may be reasonably requested by you to remedy the same.
(f) Between the date hereof and the settlement date (inclusive), such Selling Shareholder will, and will cause its Affiliates and all other parties acting on its behalf to, notify and consult with you prior to issuing any announcement (unless such notification and consultation is prevented by applicable law or regulation or is impractical in light of circumstances) concerning the Securities or which could be material in the context of the offering and distribution of the Securities; provided that such Selling Shareholder, such Affiliates and such other parties shall not be restricted, following such notification and consultation, from issuing any such announcement that any of them is required to issue under applicable law or regulation.
(g) Such Selling Shareholder will pay any stamp, issue, registration, documentary, transfer or other taxes and duties, including interest and penalties, on or in connection with the offering or sale of Shares and ADSs by such Selling Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement (including the deposit by such Selling Shareholder of Option Shares with the Depositary and the issuance and delivery of the ADRs evidencing ADSs in exchange therefor by the Depositary to or for the account of the Underwriters), the offer, sale and delivery outside the ROC by the Underwriters of such ADSs and the execution or delivery of this Agreement, including, in any such case, any ROC withholding, transfer or similar tax asserted against an Underwriter by reason of the purchase and sale of ADSs pursuant to this Agreement (except such income taxes that may be imposed by the ROC government or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein on any Underwriter whose net income is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to any such income tax).
(h) Such Selling Shareholder will pay, or cause to be paid, any securities transfer tax payable on the transfer of the Option Shares represented by the ADSs to
be sold by such Selling Shareholder pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements to the appropriate taxing authorities in the Republic of China no later than the first Business Day in the ROC following any date on which Option Shares are purchased pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements, and shall deliver, no later than on the Deposit Date to the Depositary a New Taiwan dollar Bank of Taiwan cheque payable to the ROC taxing authority, dated as of such date, in the amount of such securities transfer tax.
(i) Any amounts payable by such Selling Shareholder under this Agreement shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for or on account of any taxes imposed, assessed or levied by the jurisdiction of its organization or any political subdivision thereof or therein except as described in the Prospectuses (except such income taxes as may be imposed by the ROC on payments hereunder to any Underwriter whose net income is subject to tax by the ROC or withholding, if any, with respect to such income tax).
6. Conditions to the Obligations of the Underwriters. The obligations of the International Underwriters to purchase the International Underwritten Securities and the International Option Securities, as the case may be, shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company and the Selling Shareholders contained in this Agreement as of the Execution Time, the Closing Date and any settlement date pursuant to Section 3 hereof, to the accuracy of the statements of the Company and the Selling Shareholders made in any certificates pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company and the Selling Shareholders of their respective obligations under this Agreement and to the following additional conditions:
(i) If the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement have not become effective prior to the Execution Time, unless the U.S. Representatives and the International Representatives agree in writing to a later time, the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement will become effective not later than (a) 6:00 PM New York City time on the date of determination of the public offering price, if such determination occurred at or prior to 3:00 PM New York City time on such date or (b) 9:30 AM New York City time on the Business Day following the day on which the public offering price was determined, if such determination occurred after 3:00 PM New York City time on such date; if filing of either of the Prospectuses, or any supplement thereto, is required pursuant to Rule 424(b), the Prospectuses, and any such supplement, will be filed in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b); and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been instituted or threatened.
(ii) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Company shall have requested and caused Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, United States counsel for the Company, to have furnished to the Representatives their opinion, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, to the effect that:
(a) The Underwriting Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
(b) The Deposit Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and, assuming that the Deposit Agreement is the valid and legally binding obligation of the Depositary, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, (ii) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), (iii) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and (iv) the effects of the possible judicial application of foreign laws or foreign governmental or judicial action affecting creditors' rights, and also subject to the qualification that enforceability of the indemnification provisions of the Deposit Agreement may be limited by considerations of public policy. Upon issuance by the Depositary of the ADRs evidencing ADSs against the deposit of the Underlying Shares (initially in the form of Certificates of Payment) in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the ADRs will be duly and validly issued pursuant to the laws of the State of New York and the persons in whose names such ADRs are registered will be entitled to the rights specified therein and in the Deposit Agreement.
(c) The compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement will not breach or result in a default by the Company under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument that is expressly governed by the laws of the State of New York and filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, nor will such action violate any United States federal or New York state statute or any order known to such counsel issued pursuant to any United States federal or New York state statute by any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties.
(d) No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any United States federal or New York state governmental agency or body or, to the knowledge of such counsel, any United States federal or New York state court is required for the compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement, except for the registration under the Act and the Exchange Act of the Shares and the ADSs or the offering and sale thereof, and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or "blue sky" laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares and the ADSs by the Underwriters.
(e) The statements made in the Prospectuses under the captions "Description of American Depositary Shares," "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting", insofar as they purport to constitute summaries of the terms of New York state or United States federal statutes or rules and regulations thereunder or English language contracts or other documents therein described, constitute accurate summaries of the terms of such statutes, rules and regulations or contracts and other documents in all material respects.
(f) The statements made in the Prospectuses under the caption "Tax Considerations for Investors in Our ADSs or Shares - United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for United States Holders," insofar as they purport to constitute summaries of matters of United States federal tax laws and regulations or legal conclusions with respect thereto, constitute accurate summaries of matters described therein in all material respects.
(g) To the knowledge of such counsel, there are no contracts or documents of a character required to be described in the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement or the Prospectuses or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required.
(h) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectuses, will not be an "investment company" within the meaning of and subject to regulation under the United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(i) The Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement have become effective under the Act; any required filing with the Commission of the Prospectuses, and any supplement thereto, pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b); and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement has been issued or proceeding for that purpose initiated or threatened by the Commission.
(j) Assuming the validity of such actions under the laws of the
ROC and any other non-United States jurisdiction (and subject to the
limitations and provisions of Sections 1331, 1332 and 1404(a) of Title 28
of the United States Code and Section 510 of the New York Civil Practice
Law and Rules), under the laws of the State of New York relating to
personal jurisdiction, and pursuant to Section 15 of the Underwriting
Agreements and Section 7.6 of the Deposit Agreement, the Company has: (A)
validly submitted to the non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of the New
York Courts in any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or based upon
the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement or the transactions
contemplated thereby; and (B) validly appointed CT Corporation System in
New York, New York as its authorized agent for the purpose described in
Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements and Section 7.6 of the Deposit
Agreement; the waiver by the Company of any objection to the venue of any
proceeding in the New York Courts is valid (subject to customary
limitations under New York state and Federal laws); and service of process
effected in the manner set forth in Section 15 of the Underwriting
Agreements and Section 7.6 of the Deposit Agreement will be effective
under the laws of the State of New York to confer valid personal
jurisdiction over the Company.
Such opinion may be subject to customary assumptions, qualifications and limitations and, in rendering such opinion, such counsel may state that (i) they do not express any opinion therein concerning any law other than the law of the State of New York and the federal law of the United States of America and (ii) with respect to all matters governed by the
laws of the ROC, such counsel understand that the Representatives are relying on the applicable opinion of Russin & Vecchi referred to below. Such opinion shall also include language confirming the extent of such counsel's participation in the preparation of the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement and the Prospectuses and confirming that based on such participation: (i) such counsel are of the opinion that the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement, as of their respective effective dates, and the Prospectuses, as of May 23, 2002, complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Act (except in each case for the financial statements and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion); and (ii) such counsel have no reason to believe that the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement, as of their respective effective dates (except in each case for the financial statements and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectuses (except for the financial statements and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The foregoing opinion and statement may be qualified by a statement to the effect that such counsel have not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements made or included in the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement or the Prospectuses and take no responsibility therefor, except as and to the extent set forth in clauses (e) and (f) above.
(iii) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Company and each of Benq Corporation ("Benq"), Acer, Inc. ("Acer") and Kuang-Hwa Investment Holding Co., Ltd. ("Kuang-Hwa"), shall have requested and caused Russin & Vecchi, ROC counsel for the Company and for Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa as Selling Shareholders, to have furnished to the Representatives their opinion, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Representatives, to the effect that:
(a) The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the ROC, has the corporate power and authority to own or lease its property and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectuses and is duly qualified to transact business and to own or lease its properties in the ROC.
(b) The Company's authorized and issued share capital is as set forth in the Prospectuses; the capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectuses; the outstanding Common Shares (including the Option Shares) have been duly and validly authorized and issued ,fully paid and non-assessable; the Underwritten Shares (including the Certificate of Payment) have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement, will be validly issued , fully paid and non-assessable with no personal liability for the obligations of the Company attaching to the ownership thereof; the issuance of the Underwritten Shares will not be subject to any preemptive or similar rights except such as have been duly and validly waived; all of the Common Shares outstanding prior to the issuance of the Underwritten Shares (including the Option Shares) have been duly listed and admitted for trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange; the Underwritten Shares will be duly listed and admitted for trading on the Taiwan Stock
Exchange upon exchange of the Certificate of Payment; the holders of outstanding Common Shares of the Company are not entitled to preemptive or other rights to acquire the ADSs in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting Agreements; the Option Shares to be deposited by the Selling Shareholders may be freely deposited with the Depositary against issuance of ADRs evidencing ADSs; there are no restrictions on subsequent transfer of the Shares underlying the ADSs except as described in the Prospectuses under the captions "Description of Our Share Capital", "Description of American Depositary Shares" and "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan"; and, except as set forth in the Prospectuses, there are no outstanding securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or warrants, rights or options to purchase from the Company, or obligations of the Company to issue, Common Shares or any other class of capital stock of the Company. The Company's authorized equity capitalization is as set forth in the Prospectuses; the capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectuses; the outstanding Common Shares (including the Securities being sold pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements by the Selling Shareholders) and all the Shares of the Company to be deposited in the ADR facility pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreements, have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and no holder thereof is, or will be, subject to personal liability by reason of being such holder; the Securities being sold under the Underwriting Agreements (including any Certificates of Payment) by the Company have been duly and validly authorized, and, when issued and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement, will be fully paid and nonassessable; all of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company have been duly listed, and admitted and authorized for trading, on the Taiwan Stock Exchange; the Underlying Shares will be duly listed and admitted for trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange upon the exchange of the Certificates of Payment; the holders of outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are not entitled to preemptive or other rights to subscribe for the Securities; assuming the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized and delivered by the parties thereto, the Option Shares to be deposited by the Selling Shareholders may be freely deposited with the Depositary against issuance of ADRs evidencing ADSs and the ADSs delivered at the settlement date will be freely transferable by the Selling Shareholders to or for the account of the several Underwriters and (to the extent described in the Prospectuses) the initial purchasers thereof; there are no restrictions on subsequent transfers of the Option Securities except as described in the Prospectuses under the captions "Description of Our Share Capital," "Description of American Depositary Shares" or "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan"; and, except as set forth in the Prospectuses, no options, warrants or other rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to issue, or rights to convert any obligations into or exchange any securities for, shares of capital stock of or ownership interests in the Company are outstanding.
(c) The Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms; the Certificate of Payment evidencing the Underwritten Shares has been duly authorized and, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(d) No consent, approval, authorization, filing with, or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency of the government of the ROC is required in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements or in the Deposit Agreement, except for (i) the approvals of the CBC and reports to the CBC of the foreign exchange settlements and payments contemplated by the Deposit Agreement (the "CBC Conversion Filings"); (ii) the filings and approvals, if any, required under (A) the "Guidelines For Handling Issuance and Offer of Overseas Securities by Issuers of the ROC (the "Overseas Offering Rules"), and (B) the rules and regulations of the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the ROC SFC and the CBC; (iii) completion of the corporate amendment registration reflecting the issuance of the Underwritten Shares with the SIPA which registration is required to be filed by the Company with fifteen (15) days after the Closing Date and (iv) the approvals which have been obtained under the laws of the ROC and are in full force and effect as of the date hereof, including the SIPA Approval, the CBC Approvals and the ROC SFC Approvals.
(e) Except as disclosed in the Prospectuses and except for the securities transaction tax payable by the Selling Shareholders under the ROC laws and so long as the Underwriting Agreements, the Certificate of Payment, the cross receipt and any other documents which would be deemed "receipts" under the ROC Stamp Duty Law are executed outside of the ROC, no stamp or other issuance or transfer taxes or duties and no capital gains, income, withholding or other taxes are payable by or on behalf of the Underwriters to the government of the ROC or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein in connection with (A) the issuance and delivery of the Certificate of Payment or sale and delivery of the Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares in accordance with the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement, (B) the deposit with the Depositary or its custodian of the Certificate of Payment, the Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares against the issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs, (C) the sale and delivery outside of the ROC by the Underwriters of the ADSs pursuant to the terms of and in the manner contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements or (D) the execution and delivery of the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement.
(f) Subject to the qualification that litigation and arbitration in the ROC are not necessarily a matter of public record, to the best of our knowledge, except as described in the Prospectuses, we are not aware of any ROC legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is subject that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole ("Material Adverse Effect").
(g) Neither the execution and delivery by the Company of, the performance by the Company of its obligations under, and the consummation of any of the other transactions contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement, nor the application of the proceeds from the sale of Underwritten Securities as described in the Prospectuses, will contravene or result in a breach or violation of any provision of applicable laws and regulations of the ROC or the Articles of Incorporation or other constitutive documents of the Company, or, to the best of our knowledge, any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company that is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or, to the best of our knowledge, any judgment, order or
decree of any governmental body, agency or court of the ROC having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; neither the execution and delivery by each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa of, nor the performance by each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa of, their respective obligations under the Underwriting Agreements and the Powers of Attorney will contravene or result in a breach or violation of any provision of applicable laws and regulations of the ROC or the articles of incorporation or other constitutive documents of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa.
(h) We have reviewed the statements in the Prospectuses under the captions "Risk Factors", "Dividends", "Our Business", "Management", "Related Party Transactions", "Description of Our Share Capital", "Description of American Depositary Shares", "The Securities Markets of Taiwan", "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan", "Shares Eligible for Future Sale", "Enforceability of Civil Liabilities" and "Tax Considerations for Investors in Our ADSs or Shares - ROC Tax Considerations" and confirm that, insofar as such statements constitute summaries of the legal matters, legal documents or legal proceedings referred to therein, to the extent, and only to the extent, governed by the laws of the ROC, fairly present the information called for with respect to such legal matters, documents and proceedings and fairly summarize the matters described therein.
(i) Nothing has come to our attention that would lead us to believe that (except for the financial statements and other financial or statistical data contained therein, as to which we need not express any opinion or belief) the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement as of the respective dates thereof contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; and the Prospectuses as of their respective dates and as of the date hereof, contained or contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(j) The Underwriting Agreements, the Deposit Agreement, the Certificate of Payment and the documents to be furnished thereunder are in proper legal form under the laws of the ROC for the enforcement thereof against the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa, as applicable, under the laws of the ROC. Except for the filings and registrations referred to in opinion (d) above, it is not necessary, required, or advisable, to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of any of such agreement or document that such agreement or document be filed or recorded with any court or other authority in the ROC or that any stamp or similar tax be paid, it being understood that in court proceedings in the ROC a translation into Chinese language may be required.
(k) None of the parties to the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement in order to enforce any of their respective rights under the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement or any other document to be furnished thereunder , and none of the holders of the ADSs in order to enforce any of their respective rights under the ADRs or the Deposit Agreement or any other document to be furnished thereunder (other than such parties or holders that are established under the laws of the ROC) need be licensed, qualified or entitled to do business in the ROC
(l) None of the parties to the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement (other than those parties established under the laws of the ROC) and none of the holders of the ADSs are or will be deemed to be resident, domiciled, carrying on business or, subject to taxation in the ROC or be required to be licensed, qualified or otherwise entitled to do business in the ROC solely by reason of the ownership of the ADSs or the entry into, performance and/or enforcement of the Underwriting Agreements and/or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable.
(m) The choice of New York Law to govern the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement is a valid choice of law. Under the Law Governing the Application of Laws to Civil Matters Involving Foreign Elements of the ROC (i.e., the ROC conflicts of law rules), if any claim with respect to the obligations of the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa under the Underwriting Agreement or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable comes under the jurisdiction of the ROC courts, New York Law is to be applied.
(n) The submission in the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement by each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa, as applicable, to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of and the irrevocable waiver of objection to venue of a proceeding in the U.S. federal and New York state courts in New York City is valid and binding upon each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa. The irrevocable appointment by each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa of CT Corporation System in New York as its authorized agent for the purpose described in the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit Agreement, as applicable, is legal, valid and binding on each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa.
(o) A judgment obtained against the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa in the courts of the ROC in respect of any sum payable by the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa under the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable may be expressed in United States dollars or New Taiwan dollars. However, if such judgment is enforced against assets of the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa located in the ROC, the fact that the judgment is rendered and expressed in United States dollars does not, for foreign exchange control purposes, itself, create a right to convert the New Taiwan dollar proceeds of such enforcement into United States dollars.
(p) Except as described in the Prospectuses, all cash dividends and other distributions declared and payable on the Common Shares may be paid by the Company to each such holder in New Taiwan dollars that may be converted into foreign currency and freely transferred out of the ROC without the necessity of obtaining any governmental authorizations of, or from, any governmental agency in the ROC. However, the CBC Conversion Filings will be required to be made by the Company in connection with such conversion and transfer and similar filings by holders of Common Shares withdrawn from the ADS facility or their designated agents in the ROC will be required in connection with such conversion and transfer. Other than as described in the Prospectuses, all such dividends and other distributions made to holders of ADSs who are non-residents of the ROC will not be subject to the ROC income, withholding or other taxes under the laws and regulations of the ROC and are otherwise free and clear of any other tax, duty, withholding or deduction in the ROC.
(q) To the best of our knowledge, and except as otherwise disclosed in the Prospectuses, (i) the Company owns or possesses or is licensed to use all material patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, licenses, copyrights and proprietary or other confidential information ("Intellectual Property Rights") currently utilized by the Company in connection with its business and proposed to be utilized in connection with its business, and (ii) the Company has not received any notice of material infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of any third party with respect to any Intellectual Property Rights which, if determined adversely to the Company, would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(r) To the best of our knowledge, the Company holds all, and is not in material violation of any, ROC governmental licenses and approvals necessary to own its property and conduct its business as described in the Prospectuses except to the extent that the failure to hold such licenses or approvals and/or the violation thereof would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(s) With respect to the Company's obligations and those of Benq,
Acer and Kuang-Hwa under the Underwriting Agreements and the Deposit
Agreement, as applicable, in the event a judgment of the courts of a
country other than the ROC, including without limitation a judgment
obtained in a New York court, were obtained, and enforcement of such
judgment were sought in the ROC, such judgment would be recognized and
enforced by the courts of the ROC without retrial or examination of the
merits of the case only if the ROC courts are satisfied that: (i) the
court rendering the judgment had subject matter jurisdiction under the
laws of the ROC; (ii) the judgment was not contrary to public order or
good morals of the ROC; (iii) the judgment was a final judgment for which
the period for appeal had expired or from which no appeal could be taken;
(iv) if the Company , Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa did not appear in the
proceedings in such court and a judgment by default was entered, process
was served either personally on the Company, Benq, Acer or Kuang-Hwa in
the country of litigation or with the assistance of the judicial
authorities of the ROC; and (v) judgments of the courts of the ROC would
be enforceable in the jurisdiction of the court rendering such judgment on
a reciprocal basis.
(t) The performance by the Underwriters or the Depositary of any of their respective duties, obligations or responsibilities under the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement in the manner contemplated thereby will not violate any applicable ROC law.
(u) The voting arrangements set forth under "Description of American Depositary Shares" as described in the Prospectuses and the voting arrangements as set forth in the Deposit Agreement are legal and conform to the requirements of ROC law and constitute a valid and binding agreement by the holders of interests in the ADSs as to their voting rights.
(v) The Depositary will not be deemed to be authorized to exercise any discretion when voting in accordance with the Deposit Agreement under ROC law, and the Depositary will not (in the absence of negligence, bad faith or breach of contract, and subject to general principles of agency) be subject to any liability under ROC law for losses
arising from the exercise of the voting arrangements set out in the Deposit Agreement on the grounds that voting in accordance with the Deposit Agreement is in violation of ROC law.
(w) So long as no single owner of the ADSs holds or owns, as applicable, ADSs (or ADSs, Certificate of Payment and Common Shares in the aggregate) representing more than 10% of the Company's outstanding Common Shares, there will be no reporting obligations under the ROC law on the part of the Depositary or its nominee or owner of the ADSs (i) by virtue of the Depositary being a party to the Deposit Agreement and exercising its rights and performing its obligations thereunder or (ii) in connection with the ADSs and the Certificate of Payment or Common Shares represented by the ADSs.
(x) Each of the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa can sue and be sued in its own name under the laws of the ROC and an ROC court would have jurisdiction in any suit, action or proceedings brought against the Company, Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa arising out of or in connection with the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable.
(y) Each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the ROC.
(z) The Underwriting Agreements and the Powers of Attorney have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa and constitute valid and legally binding obligations of each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa, enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.
(aa) To the best of our knowledge, the Company is not in violation of the Articles of Incorporation or other constitutive documents or in default in the performance or observance of any material obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound.
(bb) Each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa has, and immediately prior to the Closing Date or any settlement date, as applicable, will have, full right, power and authority to deposit the Option Shares with the Depositary as contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements and to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Option Shares in the form of ADSs to be sold by Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa under the Underwriting Agreements.
(cc) Each of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa is the beneficial owner of the Option Shares to be deposited with the Depositary against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs to be sold by Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements, has, and immediately prior to the Closing Date or any settlement date, as applicable, will have, good and valid title to such Option Shares, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims; and upon delivery of such Option Shares and payment therefor pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements, good and valid title to such Option Shares, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims, will pass to the Depositary or its nominee for the benefit of the several Underwriters.
(dd) To the best of our knowledge, the Company has good and marketable title to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal Property owned by them
which is material to the business of the Company, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Prospectuses or such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company are held under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and except as described in the Prospectuses.
(ee) The Registration Statement and the Prospectuses have been duly authorized by and on behalf of the Company; the Registration Statements have been signed for and on behalf of the Company by officers thereunto duly authorized and by directors duly elected or appointed.
In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters
involving the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the ROC, to
the extent they deem proper and specified in such opinion, upon the opinion of
other counsel of good standing whom they believe to be reliable and who are
satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters and (B) as to matters of fact, to
the extent they deem proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the
Company and public officials. References to the Prospectuses in this paragraph
(iii) include any supplements thereto at the Closing Date.
(iv) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Depositary shall have requested and caused Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler LLP, counsel for the Depositary, to have furnished to the Representatives their opinion dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Representatives, to the effect that:
(a) The Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Depositary and constitutes a legal, valid and binding instrument enforceable against the Depositary in accordance with its terms (subject, as to enforcement of remedies, to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally from time to time in effect); the statements in the Prospectuses under the heading "Description of American Depositary Shares," insofar as such statements purport to describe the Depositary and summarize certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the ADSs and the ADRs, are fair and accurate.
(b) The Depositary has full power and authority and legal right to execute and deliver the Deposit Agreement and to perform its obligations thereunder.
(c) The ADRs and the ADSs evidenced thereby are in valid and sufficient form and, when issued under the Deposit Agreement, the ADRs will be duly and validly issued and will entitle the holders and beneficial owners thereof to the rights specified therein and in the Deposit Agreement.
(d) The ADR Registration Statement has become effective under the Act and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the ADR Registration Statement has been issued, no proceedings for that purpose
have been instituted or threatened, and the ADR Registration Statement, and each amendment comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the rules thereunder.
(v) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Selling Shareholders shall have requested and caused Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, United States counsel for the Selling Shareholders, to have furnished to the Representatives their opinion dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, addressed to the Representatives, to the effect that:
(a) The Underwriting Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Selling Shareholders in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
(b) The compliance by the Selling Shareholders with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreements will not violate any United States federal or New York state statute or any order known to such counsel issued pursuant to any United States federal or New York state statute by any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over any Selling Shareholder.
(c) No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any United States federal or New York state governmental agency or body or, to the knowledge of such counsel, any United States federal or New York state court is required for the compliance by the Selling Shareholders with all of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreements, except for the registration under the Act and the Exchange Act of the Shares and the ADSs or the offering and sale thereof, and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or "blue sky" laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares and the ADSs by the Underwriters.
(d) Assuming the validity of such actions under the laws of the
ROC and any other non-United States jurisdiction (and subject to the
limitations and provisions of Sections 1331, 1332 and 1404(a) of Title 28
of the United States Code and Section 510 of the New York Civil Practice
Laws and Rules), under the laws of the State of New York relating to
personal jurisdiction, and pursuant to Section 15 of the Underwriting
Agreements, each Selling Shareholder has: (A) validly submitted to the
non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of the New York Courts in any action,
suit or proceeding arising out of or based upon the Underwriting
Agreements or the transactions contemplated thereby; and (B) in the case
of Benq, Acer and Kuang-Hwa, validly appointed CT Corporation System in
New York, New York, and in the case of UMC (as defined below), validly
appointed Law+, P.C., as its authorized agent for the purpose described in
Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements, the waiver by each Selling
Shareholder of any objection to the venue of any proceeding in the New
York Courts is valid (subject to customary limitations under New York
state and federal laws), and service of process effected in the manner set
forth in Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements will be effective under
the laws of the State of New York to confer valid personal jurisdiction
over such Selling Shareholder.
(e) Upon payment for and transfer of the security entitlements to the ADSs representing Option Shares as contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements, DTC will be a protected purchaser who acquires its interest free of any adverse claim (within the meaning of Section 8-303 of the New York UCC), and an action based on an adverse claim to the security entitlements to such ADSs may not be asserted against the Underwriters.
The opinion of such counsel may be subject to customary assumptions, qualifications and limitations and, in rendering such opinion, such counsel may state that (i) they do not express any opinion therein concerning any law other than the law of the State of New York and the federal law of the United States of America and (ii) with respect to all matters governed by the laws of the ROC, such counsel understand that the Representatives are relying on an opinion of Russin & Vecchi. References to the Prospectuses in this paragraph (v) include any supplements thereto at the Closing Date.
(vi) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, United Microelectronics Corporation ("UMC") shall have requested and caused Chen & Lin, ROC counsel for UMC as a Selling Shareholder, to have furnished to the Representatives their opinion dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, addressed to the Representatives, to the effect that:
(a) UMC has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the ROC.
(b) The Underwriting Agreements and the Power of Attorney of UMC have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by UMC and constitute valid and legally binding obligations of UMC enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof, and UMC has the full legal right and authority to sell, transfer and deliver the Option Shares in the form of ADSs to be sold by UMC under the Underwriting Agreements.
(c) UMC is the beneficial owner of the Option Shares to be deposited by UMC with the Depositary against issuance of the ADRs evidencing the ADSs to be sold by UMC hereunder, and has, and immediately prior to the Closing Date or any settlement date will have, good and valid title to such Option Shares, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims.
(d) Upon delivery of the Option Shares to be purchased from UMC, and payment therefor, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements, good and valid title to such Option Shares, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims, will pass to the Depositary or its nominee for the benefit of the several Underwriters; assuming the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized and delivered by the parties thereto, the Option Shares to be deposited by UMC may be freely deposited with the Depositary against issuance of ADRs evidencing ADSs and the ADSs delivered at the settlement date will be freely transferable by UMC to or for the account of the several Underwriters and (to the extent described in the Prospectuses) the initial purchasers thereof; and there are no restrictions on subsequent transfers of the Option Securities to be sold by UMC except as described in the Prospectuses
under the captions "Description of Our Share Capital," "Description of American Depositary Shares" or "Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan".
(e) No consent, approval, authorization, filing with, or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency of the government of the ROC is required in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Underwriting Agreements or in the Deposit Agreement, except for (i) the approvals of the CBC and reports to the CBC of the foreign exchange settlements and payments contemplated by the Deposit Agreement (the "CBC Conversion Filings"); (ii) the filings and approvals, if any, required under (A) the "Guidelines For Handling Issuance and Offer of Overseas Securities by Issuers of the ROC (the "Overseas Offering Rules"), and (B) the rules and regulations of the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the ROC SFC and the CBC; (iii) completion of the corporate amendment registration reflecting the issuance of the Underwritten Shares with the SIPA which registration is required to be filed by the Company with fifteen (15) days after the Closing Date and (iv) the approvals which have been obtained under the laws of the ROC and are in full force and effect as of the date hereof, including the SIPA Approval, the CBC Approvals and the ROC SFC Approvals
(f) None of the execution and delivery of the Power of Attorney of UMC or of the Underwriting Agreements by UMC, and the performance by UMC of its obligations under the Underwriting Agreements and the Power of Attorney of UMC, will conflict with, or result in a breach or violation of, any applicable laws of the ROC or the articles of incorporation or any other constitutive documents of UMC.
(g) The choice of law provision set forth in Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements will be recognized by the courts of the ROC and such counsel knows of no reason why the courts of the ROC would not give effect to the choice of New York law as the proper law of the Underwriting Agreements, provided that the relevant provisions of the laws of the State of New York will not be applied to the extent such courts hold that such provisions of the laws of the State of New York are contrary to the public order or good morals of the ROC and an ROC court would have jurisdiction in any suit, action or proceedings brought against UMC arising out of or in connection with the Underwriting Agreements; UMC has the legal capacity to sue and be sued in its own name under the laws of the ROC; UMC has validly and irrevocably appointed Law+, P.C. as its authorized agent for the purpose described in Section 15 of the Underwriting Agreements under the laws of the ROC; the irrevocable submission of UMC to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the New York Courts and the waivers by UMC of any objection to the venue of the proceeding in a New York Court in the Underwriting Agreements are legal, valid and binding under the laws of the ROC; and any final and conclusive judgment against UMC obtained in a New York Court arising out of or in relation to the obligations of UMC under the Underwriting Agreements would be enforceable against UMC in the courts of the ROC, provided that the court of the ROC in which the enforcement is sought is satisfied that (A) the court rendering the judgment had jurisdiction over the subject matter according to the laws of the ROC, (B) the judgment is not contrary to the public order or good morals of the ROC, (C) if the judgment was rendered by default by the court rendering the judgment, UMC was served while within the jurisdiction of
such court or process was served on UMC with judicial assistance of the ROC; and (D) judgments of the courts of the ROC are recognized and enforceable in the court rendering the judgment on a reciprocal basis.
(h) A judgment obtained against UMC in the courts of the ROC in respect of any sum payable by UMC under the Underwriting Agreements or the Deposit Agreement, as applicable may be expressed in United States dollars or New Taiwan dollars.
(i) The Underwriting Agreements and the documents to be furnished thereunder are in proper legal form under the laws of the ROC for the enforcement thereof against UMC, as applicable, under the laws of the ROC. Except for the filings and registrations referred to in paragraph (e) above, it is not necessary, required, or advisable, to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of any of such agreement or document that such agreement or document be filed or recorded with any court or other authority in the ROC or that any stamp or similar tax be paid, it being understood that in court proceedings in the ROC a translation into Chinese language may be required.
In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters
involving the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the ROC, to
the extent they deem proper and specified in such opinion, upon the opinion of
other counsel of good standing whom they believe to be reliable and who are
satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters and (B) as to matters of fact, to
the extent they deem proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the
Company and public officials. References to the Prospectuses in this paragraph
(vi) include any supplements thereto at the Closing Date.
(vii) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Representatives shall have received from Davis Polk & Wardwell, United States counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, addressed to the Representatives, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Securities, the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement, the Prospectuses (together with any supplement thereto) and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably require, and the Company and each Selling Shareholder shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they reasonably request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.
(viii) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Representatives shall have received from Lee & Li, ROC counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Representatives, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Securities, the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement, the Prospectuses (together with any supplement thereto) and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably require, and the Company and each Selling Shareholder shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they reasonably request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.
(ix) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a certificate of the Company, signed by the Chairman of the
Board or the President and the principal financial or accounting officer of the Company, dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, to the effect that the signers of such certificate have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement, the Prospectuses, any supplements to the Prospectuses and this Agreement and that:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Company in the Underwriting Agreements are true and correct on and as of the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, with the same effect as if made on the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, and the Company has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied under the Underwriting Agreements at or prior to the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be.
(b) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened.
(c) Since the date of the most recent financial statements included in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there has not been any change, or any development involving a prospective change, that would have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
(x) On each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, each Selling Shareholder shall have furnished to the Representatives a certificate, signed by a duly authorized signatory dated the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, to the effect that the signer of such certificate has carefully examined the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement, the Prospectuses, any supplement to either of the Prospectuses and this Agreement and the U.S. Underwriting Agreement and that the representations and warranties of such Selling Shareholder in this Agreement and the U.S. Underwriting Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, to the same effect as if made on the Closing Date, or the settlement date, as the case may be.
(xi) The Company shall have requested and caused KPMG to have furnished to the Representatives letters, dated respectively as of the Execution Time as of the Closing Date, and as of any settlement date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, confirming that they are independent accountants within the meaning of the Act and the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder and that they have performed a review of the unaudited interim financial information of the Company for the three-month period ended March 31, 2002 and as at March 31, 2002, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards applicable in the ROC and statement on Auditing Standards No. 71, provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a "cut-off" date not earlier than the date hereof and the letter delivered on any settlement date shall use a
"cut off" date not earlier than the date of the third Business Day prior to such settlement date, and stating in effect that:
(a) In their opinion the audited financial statements and financial statement schedules included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses and reported on by them comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of generally accepted accounting principles in the ROC and the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the related rules and regulations adopted by the Commission; and all necessary adjustments to net income and shareholders' equity for the periods presented that would be required if U.S. generally accepted accounting principles had been applied have been made.
(b) On the basis of a reading of the latest unaudited financial statements made available by the Company and the Subsidiaries; their limited review, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards applicable in the ROC and standards established under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 71, of the unaudited interim financial information for the three-month period ended March 31, 2002, and as at March 31, 2002; carrying out certain specified procedures (but not an examination in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards) which would not necessarily reveal matters of significance with respect to the comments set forth in such letter; a reading of the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders and directors of the Company and the Subsidiaries; and inquiries of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters of the Company and the Subsidiaries as to transactions and events subsequent to December 31, 2001, nothing came to their attention which caused them to believe that:
(i) any unaudited financial statements included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses do not comply as to form in all material respects with generally accepted accounting principles and the regulations in the ROC and applicable accounting requirements of the Act and with the related rules and regulations adopted by the Commission with respect to registration statements on Form F-1; and said unaudited financial statements are not in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with that of the audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses; and all necessary adjustments to net income and shareholders' equity for such interim period that would be required if U.S. generally accepted accounting principles had been applied have not been made.
(ii) with respect to the period subsequent to March 31, 2002, there were any changes, at a specified date not more than five days prior to the date of the letter, in the long-term debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries or capital stock of the Company or decreases in the consolidated net current assets or stockholders' equity of the Company as compared with the amounts shown on the March 31, 2002, consolidated balance sheet included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses, or for the period from April 1, 2002 to such specified date there were any decreases, as compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year in
consolidated net sales or in the total or per-share amounts of net income of the Company and the Subsidiaries, except in all instances for changes or decreases set forth in such letter, in which case the letter shall be accompanied by an explanation by the Company as to the significance thereof unless said explanation is not deemed necessary by the Representatives.
(c) They have performed certain other specified procedures as a result of which they determined that certain information of an accounting, financial or statistical nature (which is limited to accounting, financial or statistical information derived from the general accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries) set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses, including the information set forth under the captions "Prospectus Summary - Summary Financial and Operational Data" and "Selected Financial and Operational Data" in the Prospectuses, agrees with the accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries, excluding any questions of legal interpretation.
(d) On the basis of a reading of the unaudited pro forma financial statements included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses (the "pro forma financial statements"); carrying out certain specified procedures; inquiries of certain officials of the Company and Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation, who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters; and proving the arithmetic accuracy of the application of the pro forma adjustments to the historical amounts in the pro forma financial statements, nothing came to their attention which caused them to believe that the pro forma financial statements do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X or that the pro forma adjustments have not been properly applied to the historical amounts in the compilation of such statements.
(xii) The Company shall have requested and caused Diwan, Ernst & Young to have furnished to the Representatives letters, dated respectively as of the Execution Time, as of the Closing Date, and as of any settlement date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, confirming that they are independent accountants within the meaning of the Act and the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder and containing other statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters with respect to the financial statements of Unipac Optoelectronics Corporation and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectuses, provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a "cut-off" date not earlier than the date hereof and the letter delivered on any settlement date shall use a "cut off" date not earlier than the date of the third Business Day prior to such settlement date.
(xiii) Subsequent to the Execution Time or, if earlier, the dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement (exclusive of any amendment thereof), and the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there shall not have been (a) any change or decrease specified in the letter or letters referred to in paragraph (x) of this Section 6 or (b) any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in
the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto) the effect of which, in any case referred to in clause (a) or (b) above, is, in the sole judgment of the International Representatives, so material and adverse as to make it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the International Securities as contemplated by the Registration Statement (exclusive of any amendment thereof), the ADR Registration Statement and the Prospectuses (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
(xiv) The Company and the Depositary shall have executed and delivered the Deposit Agreement, and the Selling Shareholders shall have executed and delivered the Power of Attorney, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, and each of the Deposit Agreement and the Powers of Attorney shall be in full force and effect.
(xv) The Selling Shareholders shall have delivered to the Depositary, no later than on the Deposit Date, a New Taiwan dollar Bank of Taiwan cheque payable to the ROC taxing authority, dated as of such date of delivery, in the amount of the securities transfer tax payable on the transfer on the Closing Date or the settlement date, as the case may be, of the Option Shares represented by the ADSs to be sold by the Selling Shareholders pursuant to the Underwriting Agreements to the appropriate taxing authorities in the Republic of China.
(xvi) The Depositary shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to
the Representatives certificates satisfactory to the Representatives evidencing
(i) the deposit with the Depositary of the Certificates of Payment or Option
Shares in respect of which ADSs to be purchased by the Underwriters on the
Closing Date or any settlement date, as the case may be, are to be issued, (ii)
the execution, issuance, countersignature (if applicable) and delivery of the
ADRs evidencing such ADSs pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, (iii) if
applicable, the receipt by the Depositary of the New Taiwan dollar Bank of
Taiwan cheque referred to in Section 6(xv) hereof, and (iv) such other matters
related thereto as the Representatives reasonably request.
(xvii) Prior to each of the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Company and the Selling Shareholders shall have furnished to the Representatives such further information, certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably request.
(xviii) The ADSs shall have been listed and admitted and authorized for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance, and satisfactory evidence of such actions shall have been provided to the Representatives.
(xix) At the Execution Time, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto from each executive officer of the Company listed in the Prospectuses, and the legal entity represented by each director and supervisor of the Company, in each case addressed to the Representatives.
(xx) No order or notice, oral or written, from any governmental or regulatory authority of the ROC, including the ROC SFC, has been received by the Company to the effect that the offering contemplated by this Agreement, if consummated, will contravene applicable laws or regulations of the ROC.
(xxi) Prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall have received from each of its employees entitled to subscribe to the Underwritten Shares a written waiver of such employee's right to subscribe to such Underwritten Shares.
(xxii) The closing of the purchase of the U.S. Underwritten Securities to be issued and sold by the Company and the Selling Shareholders pursuant to the U.S. Underwriting Agreement shall occur concurrently with the closing of the purchase of the International Underwritten Securities described herein.
If any of the conditions specified in this Section 6 shall not have been fulfilled in all material respects when and as provided in this Agreement, or if any of the opinions and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall not be in all material respects reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, this Agreement and all obligations of the International Underwriters under this Agreement may be canceled at, or at any time prior to, the Closing Date or the settlement date by the Representatives. Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the Company and each Selling Shareholder in writing or by telephone or facsimile confirmed in writing.
The documents required to be delivered by this Section 6 shall be delivered at the office of Davis Polk & Wardwell, counsel for the Underwriters, at 18/F, The Hong Kong Club Building, 3A Chater Road, Hong Kong, on the Closing Date.
7. Reimbursement of Underwriters' Expenses. If the sale of the International Securities provided for in this Agreement is not consummated:
(a) Because any condition to the obligations of the Underwriters
set forth in Section 6 hereof is not satisfied because of any refusal,
inability or failure of the Company to comply with such condition, or
because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company to
perform any agreement in this Agreement or comply with any provision
hereof other than by reason of a default by any of the Underwriters, the
Underwriters shall not be required to make any payments, or reimburse the
Company or the Selling Shareholders for any payments, described in Section
5(i)(o) hereof, and the Company will reimburse the Underwriters severally
through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. on demand for (i) all out-of-pocket
expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that
shall have been incurred by them in connection with the proposed purchase
and sale of the Securities and (ii) all payments by the Underwriters under
Section 5(i)(o) hereof.
(b) Because of any termination pursuant to Section 10 hereof, the Underwriters shall not be required to make any payments, or reimburse the Company or the Selling Shareholders for any payments, described in Section 5(i)(o) hereof and the Company will reimburse the Underwriters severally through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. on demand for all payments made by the Underwriters pursuant to Section 5(i)(o) hereof; provided that if the Company or any of its subsidiaries consummates an international securities offering with any lead manager other than Salomon Smith Barney Inc. or any of the affiliates of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. in the period ending 365 days following such termination, then immediately upon the consummation of such offering, the Company will, in addition, reimburse the
Underwriters severally through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. on demand for all out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that shall have been incurred by them in connection with the proposed purchase and sale of the Securities.
(c) For any reason other than those set forth in paragraphs (a) or (b) above, the Underwriters will not be required to make any payments, or reimburse the Company or the Selling Shareholders for any payments, described in Section 5(i)(o) hereof, and the Company will reimburse the Underwriters severally through Salomon Smith Barney Inc. on demand for all payments by the Underwriters under Section 5(i)(o) hereof.
If the Company is required to make any payments to the Underwriters under this Section 7 because of any Selling Shareholder's refusal, inability or failure to satisfy any condition to the obligations of the Underwriters set forth in Section 6, the Selling Shareholders shall reimburse the Company pro rata in proportion to the percentage of Securities to be sold by each on demand for all amounts so paid.
8. Indemnification and Contribution. (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each International Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of each International Underwriter and each person who controls any International Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement for the registration of the Securities as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in the ADR Registration Statement as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any U.S. or International Preliminary Prospectus or in either of the Prospectuses, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and agrees to reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any International Underwriter through the International Representatives specifically for inclusion therein. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.
(b) Each Selling Shareholder severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement, each International Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of each International Underwriter and each person who controls the Company or any International Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each other
Selling Shareholder, if any, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to each International Underwriter, but only with reference to written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Selling Shareholder specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the indemnity in Section 8(a). This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which any Selling Shareholder may otherwise have.
(c) Each International Underwriter severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement, and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each Selling Shareholder, to the same extent as the indemnity in Section 8(a) from the Company to each International Underwriter, but only with reference to written information relating to such International Underwriter furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such International Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the indemnity in Section 8(a). This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which any International Underwriter may otherwise have. The Company and each Selling Shareholder acknowledge that the statements set forth in the last paragraph of the cover page regarding delivery of the Securities, and, under the heading "Underwriting," (i) the list of Underwriters and their respective participation in the sale of the Securities, (ii) the sentences related to concessions and reallowances, and (iii) the paragraph related to stabilization, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in any U.S. or International Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectuses, constitute the only information furnished in writing by or on behalf of the several Underwriters for inclusion in any U.S. or International Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectuses.
(d) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 8 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified
party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the
indemnifying party under this Section 8, notify the indemnifying party in
writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the
indemnifying party (i) will not relieve it from liability under paragraph
(a), (b) or (c) above unless and to the extent it did not otherwise learn
of such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the
indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses and (ii) will not,
in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to any
indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in
paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above. The indemnifying party shall be entitled
to appoint counsel of the indemnifying party's choice at the indemnifying
party's expense to represent the indemnified party in any action for which
indemnification is sought (in which case the indemnifying party shall not
thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate
counsel retained by the indemnified party or parties except as set forth
below); provided, however, that such counsel shall be satisfactory to the
indemnified party. Notwithstanding the indemnifying party's election to
appoint counsel to represent the indemnified party in an action, the
indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel
(including local counsel), and the indemnifying party shall bear the
reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel if (i) the
use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying
party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a conflict of interest, (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, (iii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of the institution of such action or (iv) the indemnifying party shall authorize the indemnified party to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for (i) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Underwriters and the directors, officers, employees and agents of each Underwriter and each person who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, (ii) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and (iii) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Selling Shareholders and all persons, if any, who control any Selling Shareholder within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. In the case of any such separate firm for the Underwriters and directors, officers, employees and agents, and control persons, of any Underwriters, such firm shall be designated in writing by Salomon Smith Barney Inc. In the case of any such separate firm for the Company, and such directors, officers and control persons of the Company, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Company. In the case of any such separate firm for the Selling Shareholders and such control persons of any Selling Shareholders, such firm shall be designated in writing by the persons named as attorneys-in-fact for the Selling Shareholders under the Powers of Attorney. An indemnifying party will not, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought under this Agreement (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding.
(e) In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a),
(b) or (c) of this Section 8 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold
harmless an indemnified party for any reason, the Company, the Selling
Shareholders and the International Underwriters agree to contribute to the
aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal or
other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or
defending same) (collectively "Losses") to which the Company, one or more
of the Selling Shareholders and one or more of the International
Underwriters may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, by the Selling
Shareholders and by the International
Underwriters from the offering of the International Securities; provided, however, that in no case shall any International Underwriter (except as may be provided in any agreement among underwriters relating to the offering of the Securities) be responsible for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount or commission applicable to the International Securities purchased by such International Underwriter under this Agreement. If the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is unavailable for any reason, the Company, the Selling Shareholders and the International Underwriters shall contribute in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company, of the Selling Shareholders and of the International Underwriters in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received by the Company and by the Selling Shareholders shall be deemed to be equal to the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by each of them, and benefits received by the International Underwriters shall be deemed to be equal to the total underwriting discounts and commissions, in each case as set forth on the cover page of the International Prospectus. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or any alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information provided by the Company and the Selling Shareholders on the one hand or the International Underwriters on the other, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The Company, the Selling Shareholders and the International Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (e), no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 8, each person who controls an International Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee and agent of an International Underwriter shall have the same rights to contribution as such International Underwriter, and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who shall have signed the Registration Statement or the ADR Registration Statement and each director of the Company shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case to the applicable terms and conditions of this paragraph (e).
9. Default by an Underwriter. If any one or more International Underwriters shall fail to purchase and pay for any of the International Securities agreed to be purchased by such International Underwriter or International Underwriters under this Agreement and such failure to purchase shall constitute a default in the performance of its or their obligations under this Agreement, the remaining International Underwriters shall be obligated severally to take up and pay for (in the respective proportions which the amount of International Securities set forth opposite their names in Schedule I hereto bears to the aggregate amount of International Securities set forth opposite the names of all the remaining International Underwriters) the International Securities which the defaulting International Underwriter or International
Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase; provided, however, that in the event that the aggregate amount of International Securities which the defaulting International Underwriter or International Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase shall exceed 10% of the aggregate amount of International Securities set forth in Schedule I hereto, the remaining International Underwriters shall have the right to purchase all, but shall not be under any obligation to purchase any, of the International Securities, and if such nondefaulting International Underwriters do not purchase all the International Securities, this Agreement will terminate without liability to any nondefaulting International Underwriter, the Selling Shareholders or the Company. In the event of a default by any International Underwriter as set forth in this Section 9, the Closing Date shall be postponed for such period, not exceeding five Business Days, as the International Representatives shall determine in order that the required changes in the Registration Statement, the ADR Registration Statement and the Prospectuses or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall relieve any defaulting International Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the Company, the Selling Shareholders and any nondefaulting International Underwriter for damages occasioned by its default under this Agreement.
10. Termination. This Agreement shall be subject to termination in the absolute discretion of the International Representatives, by notice given to the Company prior to delivery of and payment for the International Securities, if at any time prior to such time (i) trading in the Company's Common Shares shall have been suspended by the Commission or the Taiwan Stock Exchange or trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or limited or minimum prices shall have been established on either of such Exchanges, (ii) a banking moratorium shall have been declared by U.S. Federal, New York State or the ROC authorities or (iii) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, declaration by the United States or the ROC of a national emergency or war, or other calamity or crisis the effect of which on financial markets is such as to make it, in the sole judgment of the International Representatives, impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the International Securities as contemplated by the International Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).
11. Representations and Indemnities to Survive. The respective agreements, representations, warranties, indemnities and other statements of the Company or its officers, of each Selling Shareholder and of the International Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any International Underwriter, any Selling Shareholder or the Company or any of the officers, directors or controlling persons referred to in Section 8 hereof, and will survive delivery of and payment for the International Securities. The provisions of Sections 7 and 8 hereof shall survive the termination or cancellation of this Agreement.
12. Notices. All communications under this Agreement will be in writing and effective only on receipt, and, if sent to the International Representatives, will be mailed, delivered or telefaxed to Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Attention: General Counsel (fax no.: (212) 816-7912) and confirmed to such General Counsel at Salomon Smith Barney Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, 10013, Attention: General Counsel; or, if sent to the Company, will be mailed, delivered or telefaxed to (fax no.: (886-3) 564-3370) and confirmed to it at 1 Li-Hsin Rd., 2 Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan,
ROC, attention of Jerry Liu, Senior Manager of Finance Department; or if sent to any Selling Shareholder, will be mailed, delivered or telefaxed and confirmed to it at the address set forth in Schedule II hereto.
13. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers and directors and controlling persons referred to in Section 8 hereof, and no other person will have any right or obligation under this Agreement.
14. Applicable Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed within the State of New York.
15. Jurisdiction. Each of the Company and the Selling Shareholders agrees that any suit, action or proceeding against the Company brought by any International Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of any International Underwriter, or by any person who controls any International Underwriter, arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in any New York Court, and waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding, and irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding. Each of the Company and each Selling Shareholder other than UMC has appointed CT Corporation System, Inc., 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011 as its authorized agent and UMC has appointed Law+, P.C., 993 Highland Circle, Los Altos, CA 94024 as its authorized agent (the "Authorized Agent") upon whom process may be served in any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein which may be instituted in any New York Court, by any International Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of any International Underwriter, or by any person who controls any International Underwriter, and expressly accepts the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding. Each of the Company and the Selling Shareholders hereby represents and warrants that the Authorized Agent has accepted such appointment and has agreed to act as said agent for service of process, and the Company agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents that may be necessary to continue such appointment in full force and effect as aforesaid. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process upon the Company and the Selling Shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action arising out of or based upon this Agreement may be instituted by any International Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of any International Underwriter, or by any person who controls any International Underwriter, in any court of competent jurisdiction in the ROC.
The provisions of this Section 15 shall survive any termination of this Agreement, in whole or in part.
16. Currency. Each reference in this Agreement to U.S. Dollars (the "relevant currency") is of the essence. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the obligations of each of the Company and the Selling Shareholders in respect of any amount due under this Agreement will, notwithstanding any payment in any other currency (whether pursuant to a judgment or otherwise), be discharged only to the extent of the amount in the relevant currency that the
party entitled to receive such payment may, in accordance with its normal procedures, purchase with the sum paid in such other currency (after any premium and costs of exchange) on the Business Day immediately following the day on which such party receives such payment. If the amount in the relevant currency that may be so purchased for any reason falls short of the amount originally due, the Company or the Selling Shareholder making such payment will pay such additional amounts, in the relevant currency, as may be necessary to compensate for the shortfall. Any obligation of any of the Company or the Selling Shareholders not discharged by such payment will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be due as a separate and independent obligation and, until discharged as provided herein, will continue in full force and effect.
17. Waiver of Immunity. To the extent that any of the Company or the Selling Shareholders has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (sovereign or otherwise) from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from jurisdiction of any court or from set-off or any legal process (whether service or notice, attachment in aid or otherwise) with respect to itself or any of its property, each of the Company and the Selling Shareholders hereby irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Agreement.
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
19. Headings. The section headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
20. Definitions. The terms which follow, when used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings indicated.
"Act" shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
"ADR Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement referred to in paragraph 1(i)(c) above, including all exhibits thereto, each as amended at the time such part of the registration statement became effective.
"ADRs" shall mean the certificates issued by the Depositary to evidence the American depositary shares issued under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
"ADSs" shall mean the American depositary shares, each of which represents ten (10) common shares of the Company, par value NT$10 per share, issued under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.
"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Selling Shareholder other than Kuang-Hwa, any affiliate of such Selling Shareholder, and, solely with respect to Kuang-Hwa, any person or entity directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controlled by Kuang-Hwa.
"Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are authorized or obligated by law to close in New York City or the ROC.
"Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Effective Date" shall mean each date and time that the Registration Statement and the ADR Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment or amendments thereto and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement became or become effective.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
"Execution Time" shall mean the date and time that this U.S. Underwriting Agreement is executed and delivered by the parties hereto.
"International Preliminary Prospectus" shall have the meaning set forth under "U.S. Preliminary Prospectus."
"International Prospectus" shall mean such form of prospectus relating to the International Securities as first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) after the Execution Time or, if no filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) is made, such form of prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date.
"International Representatives" shall mean the addressees of the International Underwriting Agreement.
"International Securities" shall mean the International Underwritten Securities and the International Option Securities.
"International Underwriters" shall mean the several underwriters named in Schedule I to the International Underwriting Agreement.
"International Underwriting Agreement" shall mean the International Underwriting Agreement dated the date hereof related to the sale of the International Securities by the Company and the Selling Shareholders to the International Underwriters.
"New York Courts" shall mean the U.S. Federal or State courts located in the State of New York, County of New York.
"Option Securities" shall mean the U.S. Option Securities and the International Option Securities.
"Option Shares" shall mean the U.S. Option Shares and the International Option Shares.
"Preliminary Prospectus" shall have the meaning set forth under "U.S. Preliminary Prospectus."
"Prospectuses" and "each Prospectus" shall mean the U.S. Prospectus and the International Prospectus.
"Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement referred to in paragraph 1(i)(a) above, including exhibits and financial statements, as amended at the Execution Time (or, if not effective at the Execution Time, in the form in which it shall become effective) and, in the event any post-effective amendment thereto or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement becomes effective prior to the Closing Date, shall also mean such registration statement as so amended or such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, as the case may be. Such term shall include any Rule 430A Information deemed to be included therein at the Effective Date as provided by Rule 430A.
"Representatives" shall mean the U.S. Representatives and the International Representatives.
"Rule 424", "Rule 430A" and "Rule 462" refer to such rules under the Act.
"Rule 430A Information" shall mean information with respect to the Securities and the offering thereof permitted to be omitted from the Registration Statement when it becomes effective pursuant to Rule 430A.
"Rule 462(b) Registration Statement" shall mean a registration statement and any amendments thereto filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) relating to the offering covered by the registration statement referred to in Section 1(a)(i) hereof.
"Securities" shall mean the U.S. Securities and the International Securities.
"Selling Shareholders" shall mean the persons named on Schedule II to the U.S. Underwriting Agreement and the International Underwriting Agreement.
"Shares" shall mean the U.S. Shares and the International Shares.
"Subsidiaries" shall mean the subsidiaries of the Company listed on Annex A attached hereto.
"UMC Letter" shall mean the letter agreement dated April 30, 2002 between the Company and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. relating to the offering by United Microelectronics Corporation of bonds that will be exchangeable into the Common Shares or ADSs of the Company.
"Underlying Shares" shall mean the Shares that will be represented by the ADSs.
"Underwriter" and "Underwriters" shall mean the U.S. Underwriters and the International Underwriters.
"Underwritten Securities" shall mean the U.S. Underwritten Securities and the International Underwritten Securities.
"Underwritten Shares" shall mean the U.S. Underwritten Shares and the International Underwritten Shares.
"United States or Canadian Person" shall mean any person who is a national or resident of the United States or Canada, any corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or Canada or of any political subdivision thereof, or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States or Canadian Federal income taxation, regardless of its source (other than any non-United States or non-Canadian branch of any United States or Canadian Person), and shall include any United States or Canadian branch of a person other than a United States or Canadian Person. "U.S." or "United States" shall mean the United States of America (including the states thereof and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.
"U.S. Preliminary Prospectus" and "International Preliminary Prospectus", respectively, shall mean any preliminary prospectus with respect to the offering of the U.S. Securities and the International Securities, as the case may be, referred to in paragraph 1(i)(a) above and any preliminary prospectus with respect to the offering of the U.S. Securities and the International Securities, as the case may be, included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date that omits Rule 430A Information; and the U.S. Preliminary Prospectus and the International Preliminary Prospectus are hereinafter collectively called the "Preliminary Prospectuses".
"U.S. Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus relating to the Securities that is first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) after the Execution Time or, if no filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) is required, shall mean the form of final prospectus relating to the Securities included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date.
"U.S. Representatives" shall mean the addressees of the U.S. Underwriting Agreement.
"U.S. Securities" shall mean the U.S. Underwritten Securities and the U.S. Option Securities.
"U.S. Underwriting Agreement" shall mean this agreement relating to the sale of the U.S. Securities by the Company and the Selling Shareholders to the U.S. Underwriters.
"U.S. Underwriters" shall mean the several underwriters named in Schedule I to the U.S. Underwriting Agreement.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement among the Company and the several International Underwriters.
Very truly yours,
AU Optronics Corp.
By: /s/ Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee -------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer |
Benq Corporation
By: /s/ Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee -------------------------------------- President |
United Microelectronics Corporation
By: /s/ Max Weishun Cheng -------------------------------------- Attorney-in-fact |
Acer Inc.
By: /s/ Max Weishun Cheng -------------------------------------- Attorney-in-fact |
Kuang-Hwa Investment Holding Co., Ltd.
By: /s/ Max Weishun Cheng -------------------------------------- Attorney-in-fact |
The foregoing Agreement is hereby
confirmed and accepted as of the
date first above written.
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
UBS AG, acting through its business group UBS Warburg
ING Bank N.V.
CLSA Limited
Daiwa Securities SMBC Hong Kong Limited
Lehman Brothers Inc.
By: Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
By: /s/ Willy Liu ---------------------- Managing Director |
For themselves and the other
several International Underwriters
named in Schedule I to the foregoing
Agreement.
SCHEDULE I
Number of ADSs (representing Underwritten Shares) to be Underwriters Purchased ------------ ----------------------------- Salomon Smith Barney Inc........................... 15,000,000 UBS AG, acting through its business group UBS Warburg.................................... 5,000,000 ING Bank N.V....................................... 2,500,000 CLSA Limited....................................... 1, 000,000 Daiwa Securities SMBC Hong Kong Limited............ 1, 000,000 Lehman Brothers Inc................................ 500,000 ------------ Total.............. 25,000,000 |
SCHEDULE II
Maximum Number of ADSs (representing Option Shares) Selling Shareholders: to be Sold --------------------- ---------------------------- Benq Corporation 157, Shan-Ying Road, Gueishan Taoyuan, 333 Taiwan, ROC Fax No.: (886-3) 359-3235 1,250,000 United Microelectronics Corporation No. 3 Lee-Hsing Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsin-Chu City 300, Taiwan, ROC Fax No.: (886-3) 577-4767 1,250,000 |
Acer Inc.
21F, #88, Hsin Tai Wu Road, Sec. 1, Hsinchih, Taipei,
Tsien 221, Taiwan, ROC Fax No.: (886-2) 8691-1009 500,000 Kuang-Hwa Investment Holding Co., Ltd. 10F, 232, Pa Teh Road, Sec 2, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Fax No.: (886-2) 2711-3699 500,000 --------- Total ................ 3,500,000 |
EXHIBIT A
[Form of Lock-Up Agreement]
[Letterhead of executive officer or shareholder of
AU Optronics Corp.]
, 2002
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
UBS AG, acting through its business group UBS Warburg
CLSA Limited
Daiwa Securities SMBC Hong Kong Limited
Lehman Brothers Inc.
As Representatives of the several U.S. Underwriters
and International Underwriters
ING Financial Markets LLC
As Representative of the Several U.S. Underwriters
ING Bank N.V.
As Representative of the Several International Underwriters
c/o Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter is being delivered to you in connection with the proposed U.S. Underwriting Agreement and International Underwriting Agreement (collectively, the "Underwriting Agreements") to be entered into between AU Optronics Corp. (the "Company"), a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of China, the selling shareholders to be named therein, and you as representative of a group of U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters to be named therein, relating to an underwritten public offering of American depositary shares ("ADSs"), each ADS representing ten common shares, par value NT$10.00 per share, of the Company (the "Common Shares").
In order to induce you and the other U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreements, the undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be
expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by the undersigned or any affiliate of the undersigned or any person in privity with the undersigned or any affiliate of the undersigned), directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position, within the meaning of Section 16 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder with respect to, any Common Shares or ADSs (other than Common Shares or ADSs disposed of as bona fide gifts approved by Salomon Smith Barney Inc.) or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, Common Shares or ADSs, or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, for a period that commences on the date hereof and ends 90 days after the date of the Underwriting Agreements.
If, for any reason, the Underwriting Agreements shall be terminated prior to the Closing Date (as defined in the Underwriting Agreements), the agreement set forth above shall likewise be terminated.
Yours very truly,
[Signature of executive officer or shareholder]
[Name and address of executive officer or shareholder]
Annex A
Subsidiaries
AU Optronics (L) Corp.
AU Optronics Corporation
America
AU Optronics (Suzhou) Corp.
AU Optronics Corporation
Japan
EXHIBIT 4.(g)
CONFORMED COPY
PATENT AND TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AGREEMENT
This PATENT AND TECHNOLOGY LICENSE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made as of the Effective Date (as defined below) by and between Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation, a Japanese corporation ("FDTC"), and AU Optronics Corporation, a Republic of China corporation ("AUO"). FDTC and AUO are hereinafter also referred to collectively as the "Parties" and individually as a "Party."
RECITALS
A. FDTC owns certain patents and proprietary technical information covering the Licensed Products (as hereinafter defined);
B. As part of a strategic alliance to be entered into with FDTC and Fujitsu Limited, a Japanese corporation ("Fujitsu"), AUO wishes to obtain a license with respect to such patents and technical information, and FDTC is willing to grant such a license on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
C. The Parties agree that this Agreement will supercede in its entirety the License Agreement between Fujitsu and Acer Display Technology Inc., dated as of June 16, 2000 (the "Prior License Agreement") and the Technology Transfer Agreement between FDTC and AUO dated as of October 16, 2002 (the "Technology Transfer Agreement").
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Definitions.
The following terms when used in this Agreement shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Additional Shares" is as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement.
1.2 "Affiliate" means any Person: (a) that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with a Party (collectively, a "Controlled Person"); or (b) that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with any such Controlled Person, in each case for so long as such control continues. For purposes of this definition, "control" shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies
(whether through ownership of securities or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise).
1.3 "Applicable Law" means, as to any Person, any statute, law, rule, regulation, directive, treaty, judgment, order, decree or injunction of any Governmental Authority that is applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its properties.
1.4 "Confidential Information" is defined in Section 7.1.
1.5 "Disclosing Party" is defined in Section 7.1.
1.6 "Disclosure Action" is defined in Section 2.4(c).
1.7 "Effective Date" means the date on which the Initial Purchase
Price (as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) paid by AUO is received in
the subscription account (betsudan yokin koza) designated by FDTC pursuant to
Section 1.3 of the Stock Purchase Agreement.
1.8 "Enhancements" is defined in Section 2.4(a).
1.9 "Filing" means the submission of any documentation, application, filing, registration or the like required to perfect or enforce the Parties' interest in any Enhancement under statutory Intellectual Property Right protection mechanisms, including, without limitation, any correspondence or other communication with any patent or copyright office or other Governmental Authority with respect thereto.
1.10 "Force Majeure" is defined in Section 9.15.
1.11 "Governmental Authority" means any domestic or foreign government, governmental authority, court, tribunal, agency or other regulatory, administrative or judicial agency, commission or organization, and any subdivision, branch or department of any of the foregoing.
1.12 "Initial Closing" is as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement.
1.13 "Initial Fee" is defined in Section 3.1.
1.14 "Intellectual Property Rights" means, collectively, Patents, Trade Secrets, Copyrights, Trademarks, moral rights, trade names, rights in trade dress, and all other intellectual property rights and proprietary rights, whether arising under the laws of Japan, Taiwan (Republic of China) or any other state, country or jurisdiction, including all rights or causes of action for infringement or misappropriation of any of the foregoing, in each case now existing or hereafter developed during the term of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Patents" shall mean all patent rights and all right, title and interest in all letters patent or equivalent rights and applications, including any reissue, extension, division, continuation, or continuation-in-part applications throughout the world; (b) "Trade Secrets" shall mean all right, title and interest in all trade secrets and trade secret rights arising under the laws of any jurisdiction; (c) "Copyrights" shall mean all copyrights, and all right, title and interest in all copyrights, copyright registrations and applications for copyright registration, certificates of copyright and copyrighted interests throughout the world, and all right, title and interest in related applications and registrations throughout the world; and (d) "Trademarks" shall mean all trademarks and service marks, and all right, title and interest in all trademarks and service marks arising under the laws of any jurisdiction, trademark and service mark registrations and applications therefor, and all right, title and interest in related applications and registrations throughout the world.
1.15 "LCDs" means liquid crystal displays.
1.16 "Licensed Patents" means those Patents of FDTC (a) which exist as of the Effective Date, (b) under which FDTC has the right to grant licenses of the scope set forth herein without incurring any obligation to pay any fees, royalties or other consideration to any third party and (c) which are set forth in Exhibit A hereto, and any foreign counterparts to the Patents set forth in Exhibit A which meet the conditions set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 1.16.
1.17 "Licensed Product" means (a) LCD panels and (b) LCD modules consisting of a LCD panel assembled with a back light, driver circuit and interface circuit (and not including (i) electronic circuits not commonly included in an LCD module, such as the following: Micro Control Units (MCU), sealing circuits, On Screen Display (OSD) circuits, Analog to Digital converter circuits, AC-DC power circuits, inverter circuits, and audio circuits; and (ii) cabling, connectors, and other mechanical parts not commonly included in an LCD module), now or hereafter made or used, or sold or otherwise disposed of, by or on behalf of AUO that falls within the scope of, or that utilizes any method or process which falls within the scope of, any of the claims of the Licensed Patents, or any of the Licensed Technical Information, or that incorporates, or is itself the subject invention of, any of the Licensed Patents or any of the Licensed Technical Information.
1.1.8 "Licensed Technical Information" means the Trade Secrets and other proprietary information and know-how of FDTC (a) which FDTC and AUO agree are related to the manufacture of Licensed Products, (b) with respect to which FDTC has the right to grant licenses of the scope set forth herein without incurring any obligation to pay any fees, royalties or other consideration to any third party and (c) which FDTC discloses to AUO pursuant to this Agreement.
1.19 "Manufacturing Capacity and Foundry Agreement" means that certain Manufacturing Capacity and Foundry Agreement to be entered into by and between FDTC and AUO within a reasonable period after the execution of this Agreement.
1.20 "Person" means a natural individual, Governmental Authority, partnership, firm, corporation, or other business association or entity.
1.21 "R&D Agreement" means that certain Joint Research and Development and Cost Sharing Agreement by and between FDTC and AUO dated March 10, 2003.
1.22 "Receiving Party" is defined in Section 7.1.
1.23 "SEC" is defined in Section 7.3.
1.24 "Stock Purchase Agreement" means that certain Stock Purchase Agreement to be entered into by and among Fujitsu, FDTC and AUO within a reasonable period after the execution of this Agreement.
1.25 "Subsidiary" means, as to a Party, any Person in which such Party owns more than fifty percent (50%) of the capital stock of such Person.
1.26 "Term" is defined in Section 8.1.
1.27 "Transaction Documents" means this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement, the R&D Agreement, and the Manufacturing Capacity and Foundry Agreement.
1.28 "Yen" or "(Y)" means Japanese Yen, the legal currency of Japan.
2. Grant of License
2.1 License.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, FDTC hereby grants to AUO a royalty-bearing, non-exclusive, non-transferable (except pursuant to Section 9.3), non-sublicensable (except as pursuant to Section 2.2) world-wide license under the Licensed Patents and the Licensed Technical Information, to (a) design, develop and manufacture (but not to have manufactured) the Licensed Products, and (b) sell, offer for sale, import and use the Licensed Products developed and manufactured by AUO, all solely in connection with the conduct of AUO's business in the ordinary course, effective commencing with FDTC's receipt of the Initial Fee as set forth in Section 3.1.
(b) The term of the license granted to AUO pursuant to Section
2.1(a) shall be effective from FDTC's receipt of the Initial Fee pursuant to
Section 3.1 and Section 3.3 and shall be (i) perpetual, with respect to the
Licensed Technical Information, and (ii) effective until the expiration of the
last-to-expire Licensed Patent, with respect to the Licensed Patents, subject
in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii) to earlier termination in
accordance with Section 8.
2.2 Sublicensing.
(a) * .
(b) In the event that AUO desires to grant a sublicense under any Licensed Patents to any third party, including, without limitation, any subsidiary company of which AUO owns fifty percent (50%) or less of the total equity interests, the Parties will work together to determine how to grant rights to such third party in a manner that will maximize the Parties' respective interests; provided, however, that, subject to AUO's right to grant sublicenses to third parties pursuant to Section 2.2(a), in no event shall AUO grant any such sublicense without FDTC's prior written agreement, provided FDTC should not unreasonably withhold its consent.
(c) Any sublicense granted by AUO shall (i) be in a form reasonably acceptable to FDTC (such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld), (ii) contain all the terms and conditions set forth in Section 2 of this Agreement with respect to the scope of the license granted hereunder and the protection of FDTC's right, title and interest in and to the Licensed Patents and the Licensed Technical Information, (iii) provide that the sublicensee is subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and that FDTC shall be an express third party beneficiary thereunder with respect to all of AUO's rights thereunder, including, without Limitation, with respect to the sublicensee's non-assertion covenant thereunder (which shall be fully consistent with Section 4.1 hereunder) and shall have a right of action against such sublicensee of AUO to the same extent as against AUO itself, and (iv) not permit any further sublicensing by any sublicensee. Without limiting any of the foregoing, AUO shall be fully responsible for compliance by the sublicensee with all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and any act or omission of the sublicensee shall constitute an act or omission of AUO.
Patent or Licensed Technical Information other than the rights expressly granted to AUO pursuant to Section 2.1(a).
2.4 Ownership - Enhancements.
(a) AUO shall be the sole owner of all right, title and interest in any improvements, revisions or enhancements to, modifications of or derivative works from any Licensed Patent or Licensed Technical Information invented, conceived, created, developed or authored by or on behalf of AUO, including, without limitation, all Intellectual Property Rights therein or thereto throughout the world (collectively, "Enhancements"), subject in each case to FDTC's ownership of all underlying Licensed Patents and/or Licensed Technical Information.
(b) AUO hereby grants to FDTC an irrevocable, perpetual, nonexclusive, worldwide, fully paid-up, royalty-free license under all Enhancements. The license granted pursuant to this Section 2.4(b) includes, without limitation, the right to use, execute, display, reproduce, perform, disclose, prepare derivative works from, distribute, transmit (internally and externally) and otherwise exploit such Enhancements and derivative works therefrom, and to make, have made, use, have used, import, sell, offer for sale, lease and/or otherwise distribute any product, and to practice and have practiced any method in any Enhancement, and to grant revocable or irrevocable sublicenses to its Affiliates to do any or all of the foregoing. In the event that FDTC desires to grant a sublicense under any Enhancements to any third party other than Affiliates, the Parties will work together to determine how to grant rights to such third party in a manner that will maximize the Parties' respective interests; provided, however, that, in no event shall FDTC grant any such sublicense without AUO's prior written agreement, provided AUO should not unreasonably withhold its consent.
(c) In the event that AUO desires to file any patent application in any jurisdiction based in whole or in part on any Enhancement, or to make any other disclosure or take any other action with respect to any Enhancement that could result in the loss of any Trade Secret protection available to such Enhancement or otherwise cause such Enhancement not to be confidential (any such filing, disclosure or action, a "Disclosure Action"). AUO will, prior to taking such Disclosure Action, provide FDTC with written notice of the Disclosure Action AUO desires to make. Such notice will include, without limitation, a reasonably detailed description of the Disclosure Action AUO proposes to undertake, any Enhancements that would be in whole or in part the subject of the proposed Disclosure Action and any Licensed Patents or Licensed Technical Information underlying such Enhancements. AUO will not perform any Disclosure Action without obtaining the prior express written consent of FDTC. FDTC shall have the right to withhold consent to any proposed Disclosure Action if FDTC determines, in its sole discretion, that the Disclosure Action may (i) affect the
availability of Trade Secret protection for any Licensed Technical Information or (ii) otherwise adversely affect any other rights of FDTC with respect to any Licensed Technical Information or the confidentiality of any Licensed Technical Information.
2.5 License Restrictions. AUO shall not: (a) sell, lease, license, sublicense, distribute or otherwise exploit or practice any Licensed Patent (and the subject matter thereof), Licensed Technical Information or Licensed Product except as may be expressly permitted pursuant to this Agreement; (b) provide, disclose, divulge or make available to, or permit use of any Licensed Patent or Licensed Technical Information by any third party without FDTC's prior written consent, except as may be expressly authorized by this Agreement; or (c) seek to obtain, or have a third party seek to obtain, any Intellectual Property Right with respect to the Licensed Technical Information; (d) use any Licensed Patent or Licensed Technical Information for any purpose except as may be expressly provided for in this Agreement.
2.6 Markings; Requests for Disclosure. AUO shall comply with any reasonable patent marking requirements provided by FDTC with respect to Licensed Products and related documentation manufactured, used, sold or otherwise distributed by AUO or any sublicensee of AUO under this Agreement. With respect to Licensed Patents in the United States, AUO shall respond to any request for disclosure under 35 U.S.C. ss. 287(b)(4)(B) only by notifying FDTC of the request for disclosure.
3. Fees and Royalties
3.1 Initial Fee. In partial consideration of the rights and license granted to AUO hereunder, AUO shall pay to FDTC an initial, non- refundable license fee of * .
3.2 Annual Royalties. In partial consideration of the rights and license granted to AUO hereunder, * , AUO shall pay to FDTC * . If AUO has not purchased all of the Additional Shares in accordance with Section 2 of the Stock Purchase Agreement within twenty-six (26) months after the first of the Initial Closing, AUO shall continue to pay * .
the end of each FDTC fiscal quarter. All fees and royalties due hereunder shall be paid by wire transfer of Yen in immediately available funds to such financial institution and account number as FDTC may designate in writing to AUO.
3.4 Maintaining Legal Protection. Without limiting any of the foregoing, as additional consideration of the rights and license granted to AUO hereunder, AUO shall pay to FDTC an annual fee equal to fifty percent (50%) of FDTC's costs of preparing, revising, pursuing and prosecuting patent applications for the Licensed Patents and for maintaining any legal protections applicable to the Licensed Technical Information (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees in connection with any of the foregoing), with the amount of such fee determined and payable in accordance with the R&D Agreement.
3.5 Late Payments. If AUO fails to make any payment due under this Agreement on or before the required payment date and fails to cure its non-payment within fifteen (15) days after receiving notice from FDTC, AUO shall be liable for interest on such payment at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum or the maximum amount allowed by Applicable Law, whichever is less.
3.6 Taxes. AUO shall provide FDTC with all reasonable assistance in FDTC's obtaining any and all tax waivers available in the Republic of China with respect to payments due to FDTC under this Agreement. Any payments made by AUO to FDTC hereunder are net and exclusive of all taxes. AUO shall pay or reimburse FDTC for all sales, use, value added, withholding or other taxes (excluding only taxes based on FDTC's net income). Alternatively, if FDTC is able to claim a tax credit in Japan for any amount of tax withheld or paid by AUO and notifies AUO to this effect, AUO shall withhold such amount, pay the same to the relevant tax authority and promptly furnish FDTC with appropriate documentation of the amounts so withheld or paid, including without limitation appropriate tax exemption certificates in a form satisfactory to the Japanese National Tax Office. AUO shall be solely responsible for obtaining any such tax exemption certificates.
4. Other Obligations
4.1 Non-Assertion. As additional consideration of the rights and license granted to AUO hereunder, AUO hereby covenants that it will not, during the term of this Agreement, sue or bring, prosecute, assist or participate in any judicial, administrative or other proceeding of any kind against FDTC, its Affiliates, distributors or resellers or any customers or other users of any FDTC products, for infringement of any Patents owned or controlled by AUO or any AUO Affiliate.
4.2 Prosecution of Infringers. AUO shall give FDTC written notice of any acts of infringement or misappropriation by third parties involving any
Licensed Patent or Licensed Technical Information anywhere in the world of which AUO has or obtains knowledge. FDTC shall have the exclusive right to take action to enforce such rights. AUO shall render to FDTC such cooperation and assistance as FDTC may reasonably request in proceedings relating to any such infringement or misappropriation, at FDTC's expense. FDTC will be solely entitled to any and all damages that might be awarded as a result of any such proceeding or legal action.
4.3 Other AUO Obligations. AUO shall use commercially reasonable efforts to actively promote AUO's business, the sale of the Licensed Products and the adoption of Multi-domain Vertical Alignment technology as a de facto standard in the LCD industry. AUO shall operate its business solely in accordance with all Applicable Laws.
4.4 Review of Terms and Conditions. Upon the request of either Party, within a reasonable period of time after the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Effective Date, FDTC and AUO will meet and discuss in good faith certain terms and conditions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Patents included in the Licensed Patents, the amount of any additional license fee and the running royalties payable by AUO to FDTC.
4.5 * .
5. Warranties and Limitation of Liability
5.1 Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that it has the power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder, that this Agreement is binding on and enforceable against such Party and its Subsidiaries in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and that compliance by such Party with its obligations hereunder does not and shall not conflict with or result in a breach of any agreement to which such Party is a party or is otherwise bound.
(c) a requirement that FDTC shall file or maintain any patent application, secure any Patent or maintain any Patent in force; (d) a requirement that FDTC shall maintain the confidentiality or Trade Secret status of any Licensed Technical Information or Confidential Information; (e) an obligation to bring or prosecute actions or suits against third parties for infringement of any Patent, whether within the Licensed Patents or otherwise, or for misappropriation of any Licensed Technical Information; (f) conferring a right to use in advertising, publicity, promotion or otherwise any Copyright, Trademark or trade name; or (g) granting by implication, estoppel or otherwise, any licenses or rights under any Intellectual Property Rights other than those expressly licensed under this Agreement.
5.3 No Implied Warranties. FDTC HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY
AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE LICENSED PATENTS,
LICENSED TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION (DEFINED BELOW IN
SECTION 7.1) AND ANY OTHER SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, THE WARRANTY OF VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY OR SCOPE OF ANY OF THE
LICENSED PATENTS, AND THE WARRANTY THAT THE ACTS LICENSED HEREUNDER, AND THE
LICENSED TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION DO NOT INFRINGE ANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES. FURTHERMORE, FDTC PROVIDES AUO
WITH THE LICENSED TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ON AN "AS
IS" BASIS, AND DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR
OTHERWISE, CONCERNING SUCH LICENSED TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND WARRANTIES OF FREEDOM FROM ERRORS AND
DEFECTS,
5.4 Limitation of Liability. IN NO EVENT SHALL FDTC BE LIABLE TO AUO FOR (A) DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHERWISE, HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT, IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF DATA AND/OR INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS, OR (B) ANY CLAIM AGAINST AUO BY ANY THIRD PARTY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE LICENSED PRODUCTS, LICENSED PATENTS, LICENSED TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION, EVEN IF FDTC HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIM.
6. Indemnification
6.1 AUO Indemnity. AUO shall indemnify and hold harmless from and against all claims and damages of any kind, and any other costs and expenses incurred, arising our of or in connection with AUO's exercise or inability to exercise of the licenses granted hereunder, defects of Licensed Products of AUO or infringement of third parties rights by Licensed Products of AUO.
7. Confidential Information
7.1 Obligations. The Parties acknowledge and agree that all proprietary or nonpublic information disclosed by one Party (the "Disclosing Party") to the other Party (the "Receiving Party") in connection with this Agreement, directly or indirectly, which information is (a) marked as "proprietary" or "confidential" or, if disclosed orally, is designated as confidential or proprietary at the time of disclosure and reduced in writing or other tangible (including electronic) form that includes a prominent confidentiality notice and delivered to the Receiving Party within thirty (30) days of disclosure, or (b) provided under circumstances reasonably indicating that it constitutes the confidential and proprietary information of the Disclosing Party ("Confidential Information"). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all Licensed Technical Information shall be deemed Confidential Information, regardless of whether any particular Licensed Technical Information is expressly marked or designated as "proprietary" or "confidential" at the time of disclosure. The Receiving Party may disclose Confidential Information only to those employees who have a need to know such Confidential Information and who are bound to retain the confidentiality thereof under provisions (including, without limitation, provisions relating to nonuse and nondisclosure) no less restrictive than those required by the Receiving Party for its own confidential information. The Receiving Party shall, and shall cause its employees to, retain in confidence and not disclose to any third party (including any of its sub-contractors) any Confidential Information without the Disclosing Party's express prior written consent, and the Receiving Party shall not use such Confidential Information except to exercise the rights and perform its obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Receiving Party shall use at least the same procedures and degree of care which it uses to protect its own confidential information of like importance, and in no event less than reasonable care. The Receiving Party shall be fully responsible for compliance by its employees with the foregoing, and any act or omission of an employee of the Receiving Party shall constitute an act or omission of the Receiving Party. The confidentiality obligations set forth in this Section 7.1 shall apply and continue, with regard to all Confidential Information disclosed hereunder, during the Term (as hereinafter
defined) and for a period of five (5) years from the date of termination of this Agreement.
7.2 Exceptions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information will not include information that: (a) was already known by the Receiving Party, other than under an obligation of confidentiality to the Disclosing Party, at the time of disclosure hereunder, as evidenced by the Receiving Party's tangible (including written or electronic) records in existence at such time; (b) was generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain at the time of its disclosure to the Receiving Party hereunder; (c) became generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain after its disclosure other than through any act or omission of the Receiving Party in breach of this Agreement; (d) was subsequently lawfully disclosed to the Receiving Party by a Person other than the Disclosing Party not subject to any duty of confidentiality with respect thereto; or (e) was developed by the Receiving Party without reference to any Confidential Information disclosed by the Disclosing Party, as evidenced by the Receiving Party's tangible (including written or electronic) records in existence at such time.
7.3 Confidentiality of Agreement; Publicity. Each Party agrees
that the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be treated as
Confidential Information and that no reference shall be made thereto without
the prior written consent of the other Party (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld) except (a) as required by Applicable Law including,
without limitation, by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the
Republic of China Securities and Futures Commission (collectively, the "SEC")
and Japanese or Republic of China Governmental Authorities, provided that in
the case of any filing with a Governmental Authority that would result in
public disclosure of the terms hereof, the Parties shall mutually cooperate to
limit the scope of public disclosure to the greatest extent possible (and in
connection therewith and without limitation of the foregoing, AUO shall give
due consideration to any request made by Fujitsu or FDTC regarding confidential
treatment of provisions of this Agreement or any related filing proposed to be
made by AUO with the SEC or other Governmental Authority), (b) to its
accountants, banks, financing sources, lawyers and other professional advisors,
provided that such parties undertake in writing (or are otherwise bound by
rules of professional conduct) to keep such information strictly confidential,
(c) in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement, (d) in connection
with a merger, acquisition or proposed merger or acquisition involving such
Party, provided that the potential merger partner or acquiror prior to receipt
thereof undertakes in writing to keep such information strictly confidential,
or (e) pursuant to agreed joint press releases prepared in good faith. The
Parties will consult with each other, in advance, with regard to the terms of
all proposed press releases, public announcements and other public statements
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
8. Term and Termination
8.1 Term. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement will be effective as of the Effective Date and will continue in full force and effect indefinitely, unless terminated as set forth in this Section 8 (the "Term").
8.2 Termination for Breach. In the event that either Party materially defaults in the performance of a material obligation under this Agreement, then the non-defaulting Party may provide written notice to the defaulting Party indicating: (i) the nature and basis of such default with reference to the applicable provisions of this Agreement; and (ii) the non-defaulting Party's intention to terminate this Agreement. In the event that such material default is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, the non-defaulting Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the breaching Party.
8.3 Cross-Termination. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the Parties, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the termination of any other Transaction Document.
8.4 Termination for Insolvency, Certain Actions. FDTC shall also have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice of termination to AUO at any time, upon or after: (a) the filing by AUO of a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency; (b) any adjudication that AUO is bankrupt or insolvent; (c) the filing by AUO of any legal action or document seeking reorganization, readjustment or arrangement of AUO's business under Applicable Law relating to bankruptcy or insolvency; (d) the appointment of a receiver for all or substantially all of the property of AUO; (e) the making by AUO of any assignment for the benefit of creditors; (f) the institution of any proceedings for the liquidation or winding up of AUO's business or for the termination of its corporate charter; or (g) any activity or assistance by AUO challenging the validity of the Licensed Patents or restricting the scope thereof.
8.5 Termination for Change of Control. FDTC shall also have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice of termination to AUO at any time, upon or after: (a) AUO's consolidation with or merger with or into another entity, provided that any Person and its Affiliates hold in the aggregate more than one-third (1/3) of equity ownership interest in AUO upon consummation of such transaction or series of transactions; or (b) AUO's sale or other disposition of, or entering into an agreement or commitment to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to a third party.
8.6 Effect of Termination; Survival. The terms and conditions of the following Sections will survive termination of this Agreement: 1, 2.3, 2.4, 3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6, 7 (in accordance with its terms), 8.6 and 9. In addition, the termination of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party of any liability that
accrued prior to such termination. Except as expressly provided in this Section 8.6, all other provisions of this Agreement shall terminate upon the termination hereof. Upon any termination of this Agreement by either Party, (i) all rights and licenses granted to AUO under this Agreement and all other rights and obligations hereunder shall terminate (except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Section 8.6), (ii) AUO will immediately cease using and return, or at FDTC's written request destroy (and promptly provide FDTC with written confirmation of such destruction, signed by an officer of AUO who has supervised such destruction), all representations of the Licensed Technical Information and Confidential information in its possession, custody or control in whichever form held (including, without limitation, all documents or media (including, without limitation, electronic media) containing any of the foregoing and all copies, extracts or embodiments thereof), and (iii) AUO will immediately cease using the Licensed Patents and the Licensed Technical Information.
9. General Provisions
9.1 Language. This Agreement is in the English language only, which language shall be controlling in all respects, and all versions hereof in any other language shall be for accommodation only and shall not be binding upon the Parties. All communications and notices to be made or given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in the English language.
9.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Japan, without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof.
9.3 Successors and Assigns. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by FDTC or AUO without the prior written consent of the other Party. Any purported assignment, sale, transfer, delegation or other disposition of such rights or obligations by either Party, except as permitted herein, shall be null and void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
9.4 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and supercede any prior agreements, written or oral, with respect to such subject matter, including, without limitation, the Non-Disclosure Agreement among Fujitsu Limited, FDTC and AUO dated November 5, 2002, the Prior License Agreement and the Technology Transfer Agreement. Any term of this Agreement may be amended only upon the Parties' written agreement. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, power or privilege granted under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege. No single
or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege granted under this Agreement shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
9.5 Notices and Other Communications. Any and all notices,
requests, demands and other communications required or otherwise contemplated
to be made under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be provided by
one or more of the following means and shall be deemed to have been duly given
(i) if delivered personally, when received, (ii) if transmitted by facsimile,
on the date of transmission with receipt of an error-free transmittal
confirmation, or (iii) if by international courier service, on the third (3rd)
business day following the date of deposit with such courier service, or such
earlier delivery date as may be confirmed in writing to the sender by such
courier service. All such notices, requests, demands and other communications
shall be addressed as follows:
If to AUO: AU Optronics Corporation No. 1, Li-Hsin Road Science-Based Industrial Park Hsinchu 300, Taiwan Attention: Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 886-3-563-2899 Facsimile: 886-3-577-2730 If to FDTC: Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation 4-1-1 Kamikodanaka, Nakahara-ku Kawasaki, Kanagawa Japan Attention: Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 81-44-754-3476 Facsimile: 81-44-754-3846 |
or to such other address or facsimile number as a Party may have specified to the other Party in writing delivered in accordance with this Section 9.5.
9.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which
shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly effects the Parties' intent in entering into this Agreement.
9.7 Dispute Resolution. All disputes between the Parties arising out of this Agreement will be settled by the Parties amicably through good faith discussions within sixty (60) days, failing which the dispute will be finally settled by confidential, binding arbitration using the English language before a single native English-speaking arbitrator appointed by the Parties. Any such arbitration will be conducted, if initiated by FDTC, in the Republic of China by the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China in accordance with the Arbitration Law of the Republic of China and the Rules for Arbitration Procedures of the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China or, if initiated by AUO, in Japan in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either Party shall have the right to institute a legal action in a court of proper jurisdiction for preliminary injunctive relief and/or a decree for specific performance pending final settlement by arbitration. The Parties further agree that any arbitral award rendered by the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China in accordance with this Section 9.7 will not require that a court order be entered to be enforceable and that either Party may enforce such an arbitral award without obtaining a court order for the enforcement thereof.
9.8 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, each Party will bear its own costs and expenses, including without limitation, fees and expenses of legal counsel and other representatives used or hired in connection with the transactions described in this Agreement.
9.9 Attorneys' Fees. If any action or proceeding shall be commenced to enforce this Agreement or any right arising in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and expenses incurred by such prevailing Party in connection with such action or proceeding.
9.10 Section References; Titles and Subtitles. Unless otherwise noted, all references to Sections and Exhibits herein are to Sections and Exhibits of this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
9.11 Execution. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange
of facsimile copies bearing the facsimile signature of a Party shall constitute a valid and binding execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Party.
9.12 Export Restrictions. AUO understands and acknowledges that FDTC is subject to regulation by Governmental Authorities of Japan, which may prohibit export or diversion of certain technical products to certain countries. In connection with the foregoing, AUO acknowledges that the Licensed Patents and Licensed Technical Information may be subjected to restrictions on export or re-export by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI). AUO warrants that it will comply in all respects with all export or re-export restrictions applicable to the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technical Information and Licensed Products, including, without limitation, the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and Export Trade Control Order of Japan, and further warrants that it will not export the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technical Information or Licensed Products, either directly or indirectly, without first obtaining any required licenses, permits or approvals to so export from appropriate Governmental Authorities.
9.13 Rights and Remedies. No exercise or enforcement by either Party of any right or remedy under this Agreement will preclude the enforcement by such Party of any other right or remedy under this Agreement or that such Party is entitled by law to enforce.
9.14 No Agency. The Parties are independent contractors. Nothing contained herein or done pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute any Party the agent of the other Party for any purpose whatsoever.
9.15 Force Majeure. Neither Party will be liable to the other for failure or delay in performing its obligations hereunder if such failure or delay is due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of any governmental body, war, terrorism, insurrection, sabotage, embargo, fire, flood, strike or other labor disturbance, interruption of or delay in transportation, or unavailability of or interruption or delay in telecommunications or third party services ("Force Majeure"); provided, however, that (a) a lack of credit, funds or financing, or (b) strikes or other labor disturbances that are limited to AUO's employees shall not constitute Force Majeure.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized representatives as of the date first above written.
Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation AU Optronics Corporation By: /s/ Yoshihiro Matsuda By: /s/ K.Y. Lee ---------------------- ----------------------- Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT A
Licensed Patents*
EXHIBIT 4.(h)
CONFORMED COPY
JOINT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND COST SHARING AGREEMENT
This JOINT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND COST SHARING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made as of March 10, 2003 (the "Effective Date") by and between Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation, a Japanese corporation ("FDTC"), and AU Optronics Corporation, a Republic of China corporation ("AUO"). FDTC and AUO are hereinafter also referred to collectively as the "Parties" and individually as a "Party."
RECITALS
A FDTC is in the business of, among other things, designing, manufacturing and marketing liquid crystal display modules and panels, and possesses expertise and owns proprietary rights relating to its products, including, without limitation, copyrights, know-how, inventions, trade secrets, patents, patent applications and the like; and
B. As part of a strategic alliance to be entered into with FDTC and Fujitsu Limited, a Japanese corporation ("Fujitsu"), the Parties desire to conduct joint development of products that will incorporate new technology to be developed principally by FDTC, which new technology will be jointly owned by the Parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Definitions
The following terms when used in this Agreement shall have the following definitions:
1.1 "Additional Shares" is as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement (as hereinafter defined).
1.2 "Affiliate" means any Person: (a) that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with a Party (collectively, a "Controlled Person"); or (b) that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with any such Controlled Person, in each case for so long as such control continues. For purposes of this definition, "control" shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise).
1.3 "Annual Budget" is defined in Section 5.1.
1.4 "Applicable Law" means, as to any Person, any statute, law, rule, regulation, directive, treaty, judgment, order, decree or injunction of any Governmental Authority that is applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its properties.
1.5 "Chairman" is defined in Section 3.3.
1.6 "Claims" is defined in Section 11.4.
1.7 "Committee Member" is defined in Section 3.2.
1.8 "Confidential Information" is defined in Section 9.1.
1.9 "Developed Technology" means any Technology relating to LCD Products which is developed by either Party in the course of activities expressly undertaken as part of a Joint Project (as hereinafter defined).
1.10 "Disclosing Party" is defined in Section 9.1.
1.11 "Filing" means the submission of any documentation, application, filing, registration or the like required to perfect or enforce the Parties' interest in any Developed Technology under statutory Intellectual Property Right protection mechanisms, including, without limitation, any correspondence or other communication with any patent or copyright office or other Governmental Authority with respect thereto.
1.12 "Force Majeure" is defined in Section 14.14.
1.13 "Governmental Authority" means any domestic or foreign government, governmental authority, court, tribunal, agency or other regulatory, administrative or judicial agency, commission or organization, and any subdivision, branch or department of any of the foregoing.
1.14 "Indemnified Parties" is defined in Section 11.4.
1.15 "Indemnifying Party" is defined in Section 11.4.
1.16 "Initial Closing" is as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement.
1.17 "Intellectual Property Rights" means, collectively, Patents, Trade Secrets, Copyrights and all other intellectual property rights and proprietary rights except for Trademarks, trade names, rights in trade dress and similar indicia or origin, whether arising under the laws of Japan, Republic of China or any other state, country or jurisdiction, including all rights or causes of action for infringement or misappropriation of any of the foregoing, in each case now existing or hereafter developed during the term of this Agreement. For purposes
of this Agreement: (a) "Patents" shall mean all patent rights and all right, title and interest in all letters patent or equivalent rights and applications, including any reissue, extension, division, continuation, or continuation-in-part applications throughout the world; (b) "Trade Secrets" shall mean all right, title and interest in all trade secrets and trade secret rights arising under the laws of any jurisdiction; (c) "Copyrights" shall mean all copyrights, and all right, title and interest in all copyrights, copyright registrations and applications for copyright registration, certificates of copyright and copyrighted interests throughout the world, and all right, title and interest in related applications and registrations throughout the world; and (d) "Trademarks" shall mean all trademarks and service marks, and all right, title and interest in all trademarks and service marks arising under the laws of any jurisdiction, trademark and service mark registrations and applications therefor, and all right, title and interest in related applications and registrations throughout the world.
1.18 "Joint Projects" is defined in Section 4.2.
1.19 "LCD" means liquid crystal display.
1.20 "LCD Products" means (a) LCD panels and (b) LCD modules consisting of a LCD panel assembled with a back light, driver circuit and interface circuit (and not including (i) electronic circuits not commonly included in an LCD module, such as the following Micro Control Units (MCU), scaling circuits, On Screen Display (OSD) circuits, Analog to Digital converter circuits, AC-DC power circuits, inverter circuits, and audio circuits; and (ii) cabling, connectors, and other mechanical parts not commonly included in an LCD module).
1.21 "Licensed Patents" is as defined in the Patent and Technology License Agreement.
1.22 "Licensed Technical Information" is as defined in the Patent and Technology License Agreement.
1.23 "Manufacturing Capacity and Foundry Agreement" means that certain Manufacturing Capacity and Foundry Agreement to be entered into by and between the Parties within a reasonable period after the Effective Date.
1.24 "Patent and Technology License Agreement" means that certain Patent and Technology License Agreement by and between the Parties to be effective on the date on which the Initial Purchase Price (as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) paid by AUO is received in the subscription account (betsudan yokin koza) designated by FDTC pursuant to Section 1.3 of the Stock Purchase Agreement.
1.25 "Person" means a natural individual, Governmental Authority, partnership, firm, corporation, or other business association or entity.
1.26 "Prior License Agreement" means that certain License Agreement entered into by and between Fujitsu and Acer Display Technology Inc. as of June 16, 2000.
1.27 "R&D Committee" is defined in Section 3.1.
1.28 "Receiving Party" is defined in Section 9.1.
1.29 "Stock Purchase Agreement" means that certain Stock Purchase Agreement to be entered into by and among Fujitsu, FDTC and AUO within a reasonable period after the Effective Date.
1.30 "Technology" means technical information, know-how, designs, drawings, specifications, schematics, software (in source and object code form), manuals and other documentation, data, databases, processes, techniques, methods, applications and other technology, information and materials, whether tangible or intangible.
1.31 "Technology Transfer Agreement" means that certain Technology Transfer Agreement entered into by and between FDTC and AUO as of October 16, 2002.
1.32 "Transaction Documents" means this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Patent and Technology License Agreement, and the Manufacturing Capacity and Foundry Agreement.
1.33 "Use" with respect to Technology, means make, have made, use, sell, reproduce, distribute, perform or display (publicly or otherwise), prepare derivative works based on or otherwise exploit such Technology.
1.34 "Yen" or "(Y)" means Japanese Yen, the legal currency of Japan.
2. Scope of Agreement
2.1 Scope. This Agreement sets forth, among other things, the terms and conditions under which (a) the Parties shall conduct research and development activities relating to LCD Products as Joint Projects in accordance with decisions of the R&D Committee as provided herein, (b) the Parties shall share in the costs of the Joint Projects and (c) the Parties shall jointly own the Developed Technology.
2.2 Limited Rights and Obligations. Each Party hereby acknowledges and agrees that the scope of the relationship between the Parties hereunder shall be limited to the purposes and activities expressly set forth herein, and that the rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to each other shall be limited to those expressly prescribed in this Agreement and in the other Transaction Documents. Neither Party has any right, obligation or responsibility with respect to the other Party except as expressly provided herein or in the other Transaction
Documents, or authorized after the Effective Date by the mutual written agreement off the Parties, and no such right, obligation or responsibility shall be implied by the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the conduct of the Parties hereunder.
2.3 Independent Development. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, this Agreement shall in, no way preclude either Party from independently developing, having developed or acquiring any Technology (whether relating to LCD Products or otherwise), irrespective of any similarity to the Developed Technology, nor shall this Agreement preclude or restrict either Party from selling, licensing, sublicensing or otherwise disposing of products not based on the Developed Technology.
3. R&D Committee
3.1 Formation; General Function. FDTC and AUO shall form a research and development committee ("R&D Committee") immediately after the Effective Date. The R&D Committee will generally be responsible for deciding which research and development activities of FDTC and/or AUO will be deemed Joint Projects, and for setting the annual budget for the Joint Projects. The specific responsibilities of the R&D Committee are set forth in Sections 4 and 5.
3.2 Appointment. The R&D Committee shall consist of ten (10) individuals, five (5) appointed by each Party (each individual appointed to the R&D Committee, a "Committee Member" and collectively, the "Committee Members"). Each Committee Member shall serve until removed and replaced by a Party in accordance with Section 3.4.
3.3 Chairman. FDTC shall have the sole right to designate one of the Committee Members it appoints to serve as the chairman (the "Chairman") of the R&D Committee following consultation with AUO. FDTC shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to change its designation and select a new Chairman from among its appointees to the R&D Committee following consultation with AUO, effective upon the delivery of written notice to AUO and the Chairman to be removed.
3.4 Removal and Reappointment. Each Party having the right to appoint a Committee Member pursuant to Section 3.2 shall also have the right, in its sole discretion, to remove and replace such Committee Member at any time, effective upon delivery of written notice to the other Party and the Committee Member to be removed. In the case of a vacancy in the office of a Committee Member for any reason (including, without limitation, removal pursuant to the preceding sentence), the vacancy shall be filled by the Party that appointed the Committee Member in question.
3.5 Committee Meetings. Meetings of the R&D Committee shall be conducted in accordance with written rules and procedures prepared by the
Chairman. The Chairman shall have the sole authority to convene R&D Committee
meetings, including the authority to specify the time and place of such
meetings; provided, however, that (a) the R&D Committee shall meet at least
once during each FDTC fiscal quarter and (b) written notice of all R&D
Committee meetings shall be given to each Committee Member not less than ten
(10) business days in advance (which period may be shortened with the consent
of all Committee Members). At its meetings, the R&D Committee will review and
discuss, among other things, the progress of Joint Projects, the status of
expenditures under the applicable Annual Budget and the discontinuance or
addition of Joint Projects. Committee Members may attend R&D Committee meetings
in person, by telephone or via videoconference. The costs and expenses incurred
by each Committee Member in attending meetings shall be borne by the Party that
appointed such Committee Member.
3.6 Actions. Any action or determination of the R&D Committee shall require the majority vote of all Committee Members. The AUO-appointed and FDTC-appointed Committee Members will discuss in reasonable detail any matters requiring any action or determination of the R&D Committee, including without limitation the designation or rejection of any project as a Joint Project subject to Section 4.2 or Section 4.3. Following such discussions, any tie vote with respect to any matter shall be resolved in accordance with the Chairman's vote, and any decision of the Chairman pursuant to Section 4.3 shall be final.
4. Joint Projects
4.1 Development Plans. To enable the R&D Committee to nominate
certain projects to be Joint Projects, FDTC will, at least once per each FDTC
fiscal year, disclose to the Committee Members, on a strictly confidential
basis, all of its development plans for the immediately following fiscal year
relating to LCD Products as potential Joint Projects; provided, however, that
FDTC will be under any obligation to disclose any plans to the extent (a) the
disclosure of such plans is prohibited due to confidentiality obligations owed
by FDTC to a third party or (b) FDTC has not expected such plans to be
performed by the engineering resources allocated by FDTC pursuant to Section
6.1. In case that AUO discloses any of its development plan as a potential
Joint Project, the R&D Committee Members will discuss if such proposed
development plan is appropriate as the Joint Projects in view of maximizing
both Parties' interest.
4.2 Joint-Projects. On an annual basis, the R&D Committee will determine the target products, manufacturing processes and technologies relating to LCD Products that will be the subject of the projects undertaken by either FDTC or AUO pursuant to this Agreement and accordingly designated "Joint Projects" during the immediately following FDTC fiscal year. The R&D Committee will also determine which Party will have primary responsibility for, and undertake the research and development activities in connection with, each Joint Project. The Parties currently anticipate that FDTC will have primary responsibility for, and will undertake the research and development activities for,
the majority of the Joint Projects, including, without limitation, all of the Joint Projects undertaken during the first year of this Agreement. The Party undertaking any Joint Project will use commercially reasonable efforts to perform research and development activities in accordance with such Joint Project. With respect to each Joint Project, the R&D Committee will determine a plan including a target schedule and budget, an allocation of engineering resources by the Party undertaking the Joint Project, and any applicable deliverables, development milestones, quality requirements, acceptance testing criteria and other relevant requirements. At any time after the commencement of any Joint Project, the plan for such Joint Project may be modified as determined by the R&D Committee.
4.3 Project Rejection. In the event that the AUO-appointed Committee Members request that a certain FDTC development plan disclosed to the R&D Committee be designated a Joint Project, and the Chairman rejects such designation, FDTC shall not actively pursue such development plan during the twelve (12)-month period immediately following such request (unless the R&D Committee later agrees to designate such plan as a Joint Project during such period); provided, however, that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to any development plan to the extent that FDTC has a contractual obligation to a third party to pursue such development plan.
4.4 Commencement of R&D Activities. FDTC and AUO intend for work on the Joint Projects for the first year of this Agreement to begin on or before April 1, 2003
5. Annual Budget
5.1 Budget Process. On an annual basis, the R&D Committee will determine the total research and development budget for the Joint Projects approved by the R&D Committee for the immediately following FDTC fiscal year (the "Annual Budget"). The Annual Budget will include (a) the budgeted amount for each Joint Project to be undertaken during the year, (b) the expenses relating to field application engineering assistance FDTC agrees to provide during the applicable annual period, and (c) all costs of patent applications, maintenance and prosecution for Licensed Patents under the Patent and Technology License Agreement and for maintaining any legal protections applicable to any Licensed Technical Information under the Patent and Technology License Agreement, including reasonable attorneys' fees in connection with any of the foregoing. The Annual Budget will also include any other costs and expenses that the R&D Committee reasonably determines are necessary in connection with the Joint Projects and the Developed Technology; provided, however, that the Annual Budget will not include any expenses relating to prototyping of products (including, without limitation, AUO products and FDTC products) by either Party, which expenses will be treated separately as set forth in Section 7.2.
5.2 First Budget. The amount of the first Annual Budget will be
* , all of which will be allocated to the Joint Projects undertaken
during the first year of this Agreement by FDTC.
5.3 Budget Overruns. In the event that the actual costs to a Party undertaking a Joint Project exceed the amount allocated to such Joint Project in the applicable Annual Budget, the R&D Committee shall determine, on a case-by-case basis, how to address the deviation from the budgeted amount. Measures that the R&D Committee may consider include, without limitation, allowing offset between the costs of such over-budget Joint Project and any under-budget Joint Project, and increases in the applicable Annual Budget and the amount allocated therein to such over-budget Joint Project.
6. Engineering Support; R&D Sites; Other Agreements
6.1 Allocation of Engineering Resources.
(a) The type and amount of engineering resources to be allocated to any joint Project will be determined by the R&D Committee and set forth in the applicable Joint Project plan. In the event that a Party requires any engineering support not initially contemplated by any Joint Project plan, the other Party shall provide such support, on terms and conditions to be agreed separately by the Parties.
(b) The Parties currently anticipate that the allocation of engineering resources agreed upon by the R&D Committee with respect to Joint Projects during the first year of this Agreement will equal approximately * of FDTC's design engineering resources (on a headcount basis), including several personnel to be assigned by FDTC, to the extent reasonably necessary, to deliver to AUO, and in order to assist AUO in implementing, all Developed Technology resulting from all such first year Joint Projects.
6.2 Research and Development Sites. All Joint Projects will be undertaken at FDTC's facilities in Japan and at such other facilities as may be agreed upon by the R&D Committee. If either Party dispatches its engineers to facilities of the other Party in accordance with a Joint Project plan, all costs and expenses relating to the dispatchment of such engineers will be borne by the dispatching Party, unless the non-dispatching Party has expressly agreed in advance to bear dispatchment costs and expenses for a dispatchment performed solely due to the request of the non-dispatching Party.
pursuant to the Joint Project plan approved by the R&D Committee), a non-exclusive, royalty-free, non-transferable license under the Intellectual Property Rights owned or controlled by the granting Party, and under which the granting Party is able to grant the other Party a license of the scope set forth in this Section 6.3 without incurring any obligation to provide any consideration to any third party, to Use the Technology of the granting Party solely to the extent necessary to permit the other Party to perform such research and development activities. For the avoidance of doubt, such license does not include any rights to conduct any commercial activity (including, without limitation, with respect to the results of any such research and development activities) or any other activity other than the performance of such research and development activities.
7. Cost Sharing; Payment
7.1 Annual Budget Cost-Sharing. In partial consideration of the research and development services to be performed by FDTC and the rights granted to AUO hereunder, AUO shall pay to FDTC * .
7.2 Prototyping Cost-Sharing. In addition to the amounts for
which AUO is responsible pursuant to Section 7.1, AUO shall pay to FDTC
* . Costs off any prototyping not expressly designated
as part of a Joint Project by the R&D Committee will be borne solely by the
Party for whom such prototyping is performed.
7.3 Payments. AUO will make all payments for which it is liable hereunder on a calendar quarterly basis. AUO shall pay to FDTC the amounts due with respect to a given quarter on or before the twenty-fifth (25th) day of the first month of such quarter. All amounts due hereunder shall be paid by wire transfer of Yen in immediately available funds to such financial institution and account number as FDTC may designate in writing to AUO from time to time.
7.4 Late Payments. If AUO fails to make any payment on or before the required payment date and fails to cure its non-payment within fifteen (15) days after receiving notice from FDTC, AUO shall be liable for interest on such payment at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum or the maximum amount allowed by Applicable Law, whichever is less.
assessments, deductions or charges from or in respect of any amounts payable hereunder to FDTC, (a) AUO shall make such payment prior to the date on which interest or penalty is attached thereto and (b) the amounts, payable hereunder shall be increased as may be necessary so that after AUO makes all required deductions or withholdings, FDTC shall receive amounts equal to the amounts it would have received had no such deductions or withholdings been required. Alternatively, if FDTC is able to claim a tax credit in Japan for any amount of tax withheld or paid by AUO to the relevant tax authority of the Republic of China, FDTC shall, at its option, (i) pay or reimburse for arty amount so withheld or paid or (ii) allow AUO to set off such amount against the payment of its portion of the Annual Budget.
7.6 Additional Assistance. In the event that AUO requests, and FDTC agrees to provide, assistance beyond that set forth in any Annual Budget, the engineering service fees to be paid by AUO for such assistance will be separately agreed by the Parties as a condition to FDTC's providing such additional assistance. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall FDTC be required to provide any assistance beyond that set forth in any Annual Budget.
8. Rights in Developed Technology
8.1 Joint Ownership. FDTC and AUO shall jointly own, in equal, undivided shares (and each Party hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the other Party an equal, undivided interest in), all right, title and interest in the Developed Technology (whether developed in whole or in part by the Party undertaking the relevant Joint Project) and all Intellectual Property Rights in or to the Developed Technology, and title to all Patents, Copyrights, mask work rights and other applicable statutory Intellectual Property Rights issued thereon shall be joint. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, each Party shall have the unrestricted right to Use the Developed Technology and to license any third party to Use the Developed Technology without the consent of the other Party, and without any duty to account to or to share proceeds with the other Party on account of such Use or licensing of the Developed Technology; provided, however, that, if the subject of such license is jointly owned Patents issued on the Developed Technology, the Parties will first meet and discuss in good faith how to maximize the Parties' respective interests and how to minimize adverse effects on the Parties with due consideration for the other Party's interests.
8.2 Cooperation of the Parties in Filings. The Parties shall cooperate in Filings, and share equally expenses with respect thereto. All Filings shall be made at a time when, appropriate during the development or after the completion of an item of Developed Technology under the names of both Parties as joint owners. FDTC shall have the primary administrative responsibility for Filings, and FDTC and AUO shall share equally all filing and attorneys' fees incurred by FDTC in connection therewith (including allocated in-house attorney expenses). As used herein, "administrative responsibility" means the physical preparation of any documents required for a Filing, and the submission thereof to the appropriate Governmental Authority. If FDTC submits a proposed Filing to AUO
for review, and if AUO does not believe a Filing should be made with respect thereto, FDTC may proceed with the preparation and submission of the Filing at FDTC's expense. If AUO has not yet received a proposed Filing from FDTC on an item of Developed Technology, and AUO believes that a Filing should be made with respect thereto, AUO may submit a written request to FDTC that FDTC proceed with the preparation of such Filing; provided, however, that FDTC may, at its sole discretion, proceed or decline to proceed with the preparation of such Filing. If FDTC declines to prepare and submit a Filing, AUO may proceed with the preparation and submission of such Filing at AUO's expense. In either case, a Party preparing a Filing shall submit such Filing to the other Party for its review and approval prior to any submission to any Governmental Authority. A Filing shall be deemed approved by the receiving Party if the receiving Party does not provide a written notice of rejection to the submitting Party within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the submitting Party's notice thereof. In the event that a Party rejects a Filing, it shall include with its rejection notice a detailed description of its reason(s) for rejection, and shall make specific suggestions as to any modifications which it believes should be made to the form or content of such Filing prior to submission. If the submitting Party believes that the modifications suggested by the receiving Party are inappropriate, the submitting Party shall contact the receiving Party, and the Parties shall arrange and hold a meeting or discussion between appropriate representatives of the Parties, at a mutually acceptable time and place, in order to determine a mutually acceptable form, content and time for the proposed Filing. In the event that the Parties fail to reach agreement as to the form, content and timing of the proposed Filing, within thirty (30) days of such meeting or discussion, the submitting Party will be free to proceed with the Filing, incorporating any modifications of the receiving Party that the submitting Party deems appropriate in its reasonable discretion. Each Party shall promptly provide the other Party with copies of any correspondence, materials or other communications submitted to or received from a Governmental Authority or third party relating to any Filing.
8.3 Further Cooperation. Each Party shall take all steps
necessary to convey to the other Party joint ownership rights in the Developed
Technology and, subject to Section 10, to establish, evidence, maintain, defend
and enforce the Intellectual Property Rights therein. Each Party shall give the
other Party all reasonable assistance in obtaining such proprietary rights
protection and in preparing and prosecuting any Patent, Copyright, mask work or
other Filing or relevant application made by the other Party, and shall cause
to be executed assignments and all other instruments and documents as the other
Party may consider necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent of this
Section 8.
8.4 Pre-Existing IP.
(a) As between FDTC and AUO, FDTC is and shall remain the sole owner of all right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property Rights (i) owned by FDTC as of the Effective Date and (ii) arising out of or relating to research and development activities performed by FDTC separate and apart from
any Joint Project, and nothing contained herein shall be construed to grant to AUO any right, title or interest in and to such pre-existing or separate Intellectual Property Rights. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Section 8.4(a) do not alter the Parties' respective rights and obligations pursuant to the Patent and Technology License Agreement, including, without limitation, AUO's rights and obligations pursuant to Section 2 of the Patent and Technology License Agreement.
(b) As between FDTC and AUO, AUO is and shall remain the sole owner of all right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property Rights (i) owned by AUO as of the Effective Date and (ii) arising out of or relating to research and development activities performed by AUO separate and apart from any Joint Project, and nothing contained herein shall be construed to grant to FDTC any right, title or interest in and to such pre-existing or separate Intellectual Property Rights.
8.5 No Other Rights. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to grant to either Party, directly or by implication, estoppel or otherwise, any right or license with respect to any Technology or other Intellectual Property Rights.
9. Confidential Information
9.1 Obligations. The Parties acknowledge and agree that all proprietary or nonpublic information disclosed by one Party (the "Disclosing Party") to the other party (the "Receiving Party") in connection with this Agreement, directly or indirectly, which information is (a) marked as "proprietary" or "confidential" or, if disclosed orally, is designated as confidential or proprietary at the time of disclosure and reduced in writing or other tangible (including electronic) form that includes a prominent confidentiality notice and delivered to the Receiving Party within thirty (30) days of disclosure, or (b) provided under circumstances reasonably indicating that it constitutes confidential and proprietary information, constitutes the confidential and proprietary information of the Disclosing Party ("Confidential Information"). For the avoidance of doubt, any development plans of a Party submitted to the R&D Committee pursuant to Section 4.1 will constitute Confidential Information of the submitting Party. The Receiving Party may disclose Confidential Information only to those employees who have a need to know such Confidential Information and who are bound to retain the confidentiality thereof under provisions (including, without limitation, provisions relating to nonuse and nondisclosure) no less restrictive than those required by the Receiving Party for its own confidential information. The Receiving Party shall, and shall cause its employees to, retain in confidence and not disclose to any third party (including any of its sub-contractors) any Confidential Information without the Disclosing Party's express prior written consent, and the Receiving Party shall not use such Confidential Information except to exercise the rights and perform its obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Receiving Party shall use at least
the same procedures and degree of care which it uses to protect its own confidential information of like importance, and in no event less than reasonable care. The Receiving Party shall be fully responsible for compliance by its employees with the foregoing, and any act or omission of an employee of the Receiving Party shall constitute an act or omission of the Receiving Party. The confidentiality obligations set forth in this Section 9.1 shall apply and continue, with regard to all Confidential Information disclosed hereunder, during the term of this Agreement and for a period of five (5) years from the date of termination of this Agreement.
9.2 Exceptions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information will not include information that: (a) was already known by the Receiving Party, other than under any obligation of confidentiality to the Disclosing Party, at the time of disclosure hereunder, as evidenced by the Receiving Party's tangible (including written or electronic records in existence at such time; (b) was generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain at the time of its disclosure to the Receiving Party hereunder; (c) became generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain after its disclosure other than through any act or omission of the Receiving Party in breach of this Agreement; (d) was subsequently lawfully disclosed to the Receiving Party by a Person other than the Disclosing Party not subject to any duty of confidentiality with respect thereto; or (e) was developed by the Receiving Party without reference to any Confidential Information disclosed by the Disclosing Party, as evidenced by the Receiving Party's tangible (including written or electronic) records in existence at such time.
9.3 Confidentiality of Developed Technology. Each Party agrees,
except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, to (a) retain in confidence the
Developed Technology, (b) restrict the use of and access to Developed
Technology to employees of such Party and its Affiliates to whom disclosure is
necessary in connection with the Use thereof permitted under this Agreement,
(c) cause each employee to whom any such disclosure is made to hold Developed
Technology in confidence, and (d) not sell, lease, assign, transfer or
otherwise disclose Developed Technology to any third party, except Affiliates
in accordance with this Section 9.3 or except in accordance with Section 8.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, either Party may disclose Developed Technology
(i) to agents or consultants of such Party and its Affiliates and (ii) to
distributors, licensees, customers, clients, business partners and other third
parties to the extent necessary to Use, license, or exercise rights with
respect to Developed Technology as permitted hereunder, in the case of each of
clauses (i) and (ii), under the terms and conditions of a written, signed
confidential disclosure agreement with terms and conditions that prohibit
disclosure to third parties and that are otherwise at least as restrictive as
the terms of sub sections (a) - (d) of this Section 9.3; provided, however,
that such confidential disclosure agreements shall not be required from
customers of a Party solely due to the purchase, lease or access by such
customers of or to products embodying Developed Technology. Without limiting
the
foregoing, each Party agrees that it shall treat the Developed Technology with at the least the same degree of care as it would as other highly proprietary information, and in no event less than reasonable care.
9.4 Confidentiality of Agreement; Publicity. Each Party agrees
that the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be treated as
Confidential Information and that no reference shall be made thereto without
the prior written consent of the other Party (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld) except (a) as required by Applicable Law including,
without limitation, by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the
Republic of China Securities and Futures Commission (collectively, the "SEC")
and Japanese or Republic of China Governmental Authorities, provided that in
the case of any filing with a Governmental Authority that would result in
public disclosure of the terms hereof, the Parties shall mutually cooperate to
limit the scope of public disclosure to the greatest extent possible (and in
connection therewith and without limitation of the foregoing, AUO shall give
due consideration to any request made by Fujitsu or FDTC regarding confidential
treatment of provisions of this Agreement or any related filing proposed to be
made by AUO with the SEC or other Governmental Authority), (b) to its
accountants, banks, financing sources, lawyers and other professional advisors,
provided that such parties undertake in writing (or are otherwise bound by
rules of professional conduct) to keep such information strictly confidential,
(c) in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement, (d) in connection
with a merger, acquisition or proposed merger or acquisition involving such
Party, provided that the potential merger partner or acquiror prior to receipt
thereof undertakes in writing to keep such information strictly confidential,
or (e) pursuant to agreed joint press releases prepared in good faith. The
Parties will consult with each other, in advance, with regard to the terms of
all proposed press releases, public announcements and other public statements
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Patent and Copyright Infringement Claims
10.1 Infringement of Developed Technology. AUO and FDTC shall notify each other in writing of any potential or actual infringement or misappropriation (of which it has or obtains knowledge) anywhere in the world by any third party of any Intellectual Property Right in or to any Developed Technology, and shall provide each other with any available evidence of such infringement or misappropriation The Parties shall jointly take all reasonable steps necessary to enjoin and prevent such infringement or misappropriation, including, without limitation, the institution and maintenance of legal or equitable proceedings, and shall promptly execute all papers and perform such other acts as may be reasonably required to join in any such suit, action or proceeding; provided, however, a Party may, at its option, be represented by counsel of its choice in any such suit, action or proceeding. Upon joining any such suit, action or proceeding, each Party shall pay the fees of its own separate counsel (if any) and shall bear fifty percent (50%) of all other reasonable costs incurred in connection with such suit, action or proceeding, unless otherwise agreed. If a
Party, in its sole discretion, concludes that the steps necessary to enjoin such infringement or misappropriation are not economically or strategically justifiable under the circumstances, it may decline to join in any action proposed or taken by the other Party; provided, however, that if the other Party determines that it shall proceed in such action, the declining Party shall provide all reasonable assistance and information, at the sole cost and expense of the other Party, to the other Party in support of such action. With respect to any amount recovered in any suit, action or proceeding brought by the Parties jointly (whether recovered through judgment or settlement), such amount shall be allocated to AUO and FDTC, pro-rata, based on the proportion of the costs and expenses actually paid by each Party in connection with the prosecution and/or settlement of such suit action or proceeding. With respect to any amount recovered by a Party individually pursuing any suit, action or proceeding (due to the other Party's declining to participate in such suit, action or proceeding), such amount shall inure solely to the benefit of such Party. Neither Party may settle any action, suit or proceeding brought and prosecuted jointly under this Section 10.1 without the consent of the other Party; provided, however, that no consent of the other Party shall be required for a suit, action or proceeding brought or prosecuted individually by a Party due to the other Party's declining to participate in such suit, action or proceeding. If a suit, action or proceeding is brought and prosecuted by a Party individually due to the other Party's declining to participate in such suit, action or proceeding, the non-prosecuting Party shall not grant a license to or for the benefit of a third party that is alleged in such suit, action or proceeding to be infringing or misappropriating proprietary rights relating to the Developed Technology if such license would have a material effect on such suit, action or proceeding.
10.2 Third Party Claims of Infringement Relating to Developed Technology. Each Party agrees to promptly notify the other Party in writing upon becoming aware of any suit, action or proceeding brought against it by any third party that is based on a claim that the Developed Technology infringes or misappropriates any Intellectual Property Right of any third party. In addition to the rights of FDTC under Section 11, the Parties may, upon mutual agreement, cooperate in the defense against such action, suit or proceeding, and in such case shall promptly execute all papers and perform such other acts as may be reasonably required to join in such defense. In any event, each Party shall provide all reasonable assistance and information to the other Party in support thereof.
11. Representations and Warranties; Indemnification
11.1 Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that it has the power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder, that this Agreement is binding on and enforceable against such Party in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and that compliance by such Party with its obligations
hereunder shall not conflict with or result in a breach of any agreement to which such Party is a party or is otherwise bound.
11.2 No Implied Warranties. EACH PARTY HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE DEVELOPED TECHNOLOGY IT DEVELOPS AND ANY OTHER SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND THE WARRANTY THAT THE DEVELOPED TECHNOLOGY IT DEVELOPS DOES NOT AND WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES. FURTHERMORE, EACH PARTY PROVIDES THE OTHER PARTY WITH ITS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ON AN "AS IS" BASIS, AND DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, CONCERNING SUCH CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR WARRANTIES OF FREEDOM FROM ERRORS OR DEFECTS.
11.3 Limitation of Liability. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR (A) ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT, IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF DATA AND/OR INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS, OR (B) ANY CLAIM AGAINST THE OTHER PARTY BY ANY THIRD PARTY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE DEVELOPED TECHNOLOGY, EVEN IF A PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF TIE POSSIBILITY OF ANY SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIM. EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO (A) EACH PARTY'S RESPECTIVE CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 9, (B) EACH PARTY'S RESPECTIVE INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 11.4 AND (C) ANY ACCRUED BUT UNPAID PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 7, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF EITHER PARTY, ITS AFFILIATES, AND ANY OF ITS OR THEIR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED FIFTY PERCENT (50%) OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE YEAR IN WHICH THE CAUSE OF SUCH CLAIM AROSE.
11.4 Indemnity. Each Party (in such capacity, the "Indemnifying Party"), shall at its own expense defend any claim, action or allegation brought against the other Party or its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees,
shareholders, consultants and agents (collectively, "Indemnified Parties") to the extent it relates to or results from (a) any material breach by the Indemnifying Party of any obligation, representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement, (b) any grossly negligent act or omission of or willful misconduct by, the Indemnifying Party in connection with its Use of any Developed Technology or use, practice or exploitation of the Indemnified Party's Confidential Information, or (c) any gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnifying Party in the conduct of its business (collectively, clauses (a), (b) and (c) constituting "Claims"). The Indemnifying Party shall pay and shall indemnify and hold each Indemnified Party harmless from any losses, liability, damages, costs or expenses attributable to such Claim or, subject to the Indemnified Party's prior approval, awarded, imposed or incurred in connection with a settlement or other similar agreement entered into as a result of such Claim. The Indemnified Party agrees to give prompt written notice to the Indemnifying Party of any Claim and to provide the Indemnifying Party with such reasonable assistance and information, at the Indemnifying Party's expense, as the Indemnifying Party may reasonably require to defend against such Claim. The Indemnified Party shall have the right, but not the obligation, to participate in the defense of any Claim, at the Indemnified Party's expense, with counsel of the Indemnified Party's choice.
12. Term; Termination
12.1 Term. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date, and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated in accordance with this Section 12.
12.2 Termination for Breach. In the event that either Party materially defaults in the performance of a material obligation under this Agreement, then the non defaulting Party may provide written notice to the defaulting Party indicating: (i) the nature and basis of such default with reference to the applicable provisions of this Agreement; and (ii) the non-defaulting Party's intention to terminate this Agreement. In the event that such material default is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, the non-defaulting Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the breaching Party.
12.3 Termination for Delay Initial Closing. Either Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice of termination to the other Party in the event that the Initial Closing does not occur on or prior to April 1, 2003.
12.4 Failure to Purchase Additional Shares. In the event that AUO fails to purchase the Additional Shares in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement within twenty-six (26) months after the first anniversary of the Initial Closing, upon the written request of any Party, the Parties shall promptly discuss in good faith amendments to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
12.5 Cross-Termination. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the Parties, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the termination of any other Transaction Document.
12.6 Termination for Insolvency, Certain Actions. Each Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice of termination to the other Party at any time, upon or after: (a) the filing by the other Party of a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency; (b) any adjudication that the other Party is bankrupt or insolvent; (c) the filing by the other Party of any legal action or document seeking reorganization, readjustment or arrangement of the other Party's business under Applicable Law relating to bankruptcy or insolvency; (d) the appointment of a receiver for all or substantially all of the property of the other Party; (e) the making by the other Party of any assignment for the benefit of creditors; (f) the institution of any proceedings for the liquidation or winding up of the other Party's business or for the termination of its corporate charter. In addition, FDTC shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice of termination to AUO at any time, upon or after any activity or assistance by AUO challenging the validity of the Licensed Patents or restricting the scope thereof.
12.7 Termination for Change of Control. FDTC shall also have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice of termination to AUO at any time, upon or after (a) AUO's consolidation with or merger with or into another entity, provided that any Person and its Affiliates hold in the aggregate more than one-third (1/3) of equity ownership interest in AUO upon consummation of such transaction or series of transactions, or (b) AUO's sale or other disposition of, or entering into an agreement or commitment to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to a third party.
12.8 Effect of Termination. The terms and conditions of the
following Sections will survive termination of this Agreement: 1, 2.2, 2.3, 7,
8 (excluding the Parties' obligation pursuant to Section 8:1 to meet and
discuss prior to licensing Developed Technology to a third party), 9 (in
accordance with its terns), 10, 11, 12.8, 13 and 14. In addition, the
expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party of
any liability that accrued prior to such termination. Except as expressly
provided in this Section 12.8, all other provisions of this Agreement shall
terminate upon the expiration or termination hereof. Upon any expiration or
termination of this Agreement by either Party, the Receiving Party will
immediately cease using and return, or at the Disclosing Party's written
request destroy (and promptly provide the Disclosing Party with written
confirmation of such destruction, signed by an officer of the Receiving Party
who has supervised such destruction), all representations of Confidential
Information in its possession custody or control in whichever form held
(including, without limitation, all documents or media (including, without
limitation, electronic media) containing any of the foregoing and all copies,
extracts or embodiments thereof).
13. Export
Notwithstanding any rights, license or privileges specified in this Agreement, each Party agrees that it shall not export any Technology provided by the other Party hereunder or jointly developed hereunder, or any part thereof, either directly or indirectly, without first obtaining any required licenses, permits or approvals to so export from appropriate Governmental Authorities, and further agrees that it shall comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the export or re-export of such Technology, including, without limitation, the foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and Export Trade Control Order of Japan. In connection with the foregoing, the Parties acknowledge that the Developed Technology may be subjected to restrictions on export or re-export imposed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI).
14. General Provisions
14.1 Language. This Agreement is in the English language only, which language shall be controlling in all respects, and all versions hereof in any other language shall be for accommodation only and shall not be binding upon the Parties. All communications and notices to be made or given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in the English language
14.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Japan, without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof.
14.3 Successors and Assigns. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by FDTC or AUO without the prior written consent of the other Party. Any purported assignment, sale, transfer, delegation or other disposition of such rights or obligations by either Party, except as permitted herein, shall be null and void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
14.4 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and supercede any prior agreements, written or oral, with respect to such subject matter, including, without limitation the Non-Disclosure Agreement among among Fujitsu, FDTC and AUO dated November 5, 2002, the Prior License Agreement and the Technology Transfer Agreement. Any term of this Agreement may be amended only upon the Parties' written agreement. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, power or privilege granted under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege granted under this Agreement shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
14.5 Notices and Other Communications. Any and all notices,
requests, demands and other communications required or otherwise contemplated
to be made under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be provided by
one or more of the following means and shall be deemed to have been duly given
(i) if delivered personally, when received, (ii) if transmitted by facsimile,
on the date of transmission with receipt of an error-free transmittal
confirmation, or (iii) if by international courier service, on the third (3rd)
business day following the date of deposit with such courier service, or such
earlier delivery date as may be confirmed in writing to the sender by such
courier service. All such notices, requests, demands and other communications
shall be addressed as follows:
If to AUO: Au Optronics Corporation No. 1, Li-Hsin Road Science-Based Industrial Park Hsinchu 300, Taiwan Attention: Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 886-3-563-2899 Facsimile: 886-3-577-2730 If to FDTC: Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation 4-1-1 Kamikodanaka, Nakahara-ku Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan Attention: Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 81-44-754-3476 Facsimile: 81-44-754-3846 |
or to such other address or facsimile number as a Party may have specified to the other Party in writing delivered in accordance with this Section 14.5.
14.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly effects the Parties' intent in entering into this Agreement.
14.7 Dispute Resolution. All disputes between the Parties arising out of this Agreement will be settled by the Parties amicably through good faith discussions within sixty (60) days, failing which the dispute will be finally settled by confidential, binding arbitration using the English language before a single native English-speaking arbitrator appointed by the Parties. Any such arbitration will be conducted, if initiated by FDTC, in the Republic of China by the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China in accordance with the Arbitration Law of the Republic of China and the Rules for Arbitration Procedures of the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China or, if initiated by AUO, in Japan in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either Party shall have the right to institute a legal action in a court of proper jurisdiction for preliminary injunctive relief and/or a decree for specific performance pending
final settlement by arbitration. The Parties further agree that any arbitral award rendered by the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China in accordance with this Section 14.7 will not require that a court order be entered to be enforceable and that either Party may enforce such an arbitral award without obtaining a court order for the enforcement thereof.
14.8 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, each Party will bear its own costs and expenses, including without limitation, fees and expenses of legal counsel and other representatives used or hired in connection with the transactions described in this Agreement.
14.9 Attorneys' Fees. If any action or proceeding shall be commenced to enforce this Agreement or any right arising in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and expenses incurred by such prevailing Party in connection with such action or proceeding.
14.10 Section References; Titles and Subtitles. Unless otherwise noted, all references to Sections and Exhibits herein are to Sections and Exhibits of this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
14.11 Execution. This Agreement maybe executed in two (2) counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile copies bearing the facsimile signature of a Party shall constitute a valid and binding execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Party.
14.12 Rights and Remedies. No exercise or enforcement by either Party of any right or remedy under this Agreement will preclude the enforcement by such Party of any other right or remedy under this Agreement or that such Party is entitled by law to enforce.
14.13 No Agency. The Parties are independent contractors. Nothing contained herein or done pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute any Party the agent of the other Party for any purpose whatsoever
14.14 Force Majeure. Neither Party will be liable to the other for failure or delay in performing its obligations hereunder if such failure or delay is due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of any governmental body, war, terrorism, insurrection, sabotage, embargo, fire, flood, strike or other labor disturbance, interruption of or delay in transportations, or unavailability of or interruption or delay in telecommunications or third party services ("Force Majeure"); provided, however, that (a) a lack of credit, funds or financing, or (b) strikes or other labor disturbances that are limited to AUO's employees shall not constitute Force Majeure.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized representatives as of the date-first above written.
Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation AU Optronics Corporation By: /s/ Yoshihiro Matsuda By: /s/ K. Y. Lee --------------------- ------------- Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 4.(i)
CONFORMED COPY
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of March 25, 2003 (the "Effective Date"), among Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation, a Japanese corporation (the "FDTC"), Fujitsu Limited, a Japanese corporation ("Fujitsu"), and AU Optronics Corporation, a Republic of China corporation (the "AUO"). FDTC, Fujitsu and AUO are also referred to herein collectively as the "Parties" and individually as a "Party."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Parties have agreed to establish a strategic alliance pursuant to which FDTC will license certain liquid crystal display ("LCD") technology to AUO pursuant to a patent and technology license agreement, and FDTC and AUO will also enter into a joint research and development and cost sharing agreement and a manufacturing capacity and foundry agreement;
WHEREAS, pursuant to such collaboration, FDTC is willing to sell to AUO, and AUO is willing to acquire from FDTC, a 20% equity interest in FDTC, and in addition Fujitsu is willing to grant AUO an option to purchase outstanding shares of FDTC common stock currently owned by Fujitsu representing up to an additional * equity interest in FDTC, all on the terms set forth herein;
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF INITIAL SHARES
1.1 Authorization of Initial Shares. Prior to the Initial Closing (defined below), FDTC shall authorize, and Fujitsu shall approve at the shareholders' meeting of FDTC, the issuance and sale of seven hundred fifty (750) shares of common stock of FDTC, representing a twenty percent (20%) equity interest in FDTC (the "Initial Shares"), to AUO.
1.2 Purchase and Sale of the Initial Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, on the Initial Closing Date (defined below) FDTC hereby agrees to issue and sell to AUO, and AUO hereby agrees to purchase from FDTC, the Initial Shares, at a price of One Million Nine Hundred Seventy-Four Thousand Japanese Yen ((Yen)1,974,000) per share, for an aggregate purchase price of One Billion Four Hundred Eighty Million Five Hundred Thousand Japanese Yen ((Yen)1,480,500,000) (the "Initial Purchase Price").
1.3 Payment. In connection with the Initial Closing, and with each closing, if any, of AUO's purchase of New Shares pursuant to Section 9.1, AUO shall remit the Initial Purchase Price, or the applicable purchase price for the New Shares, as the case may be, by wire transfer of Japanese Yen in immediately available funds to the subscription account (betsudan yokin koza) designated by FDTC, on March 31, 2003 or another mutually agreed date (in the case of the Initial Closing) (the "Initial Payment Date"), and on such date as the Parties may mutually agree (in the case of a closing of AUO's purchase of New Shares) (a "Subsequent Payment Date").
2. GRANT OF OPTION
2.2 Best Efforts to Purchase Additional Shares. It at any time during the
twenty-four (24)-month period following the first anniversary of the Initial
Closing, the difference between (a) the book value of FDTC's assets and (b) the
book value of FDTC's liabilities, each as determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in Japan as of the end of a given
calendar month, as reflected and set forth in monthly financial statements
prepared by FDTC management and delivered to the board of directors of FDTC
(the "Board") for internal reporting purposes ("Net Book Value"), is equal to
or higher than * for two (2) consecutive calendar months (such two
(2)-month period, the "Qualification Period"), AUO will use its best efforts to
purchase the Additional Shares no later than the later of (1) the-second
anniversary of the Initial Closing or (ii) the end of the second calendar month
immediately following the Qualification Period. If AUO does not purchase the
Additional Shares within the twenty-six (26)-month period following the first
anniversary of the Initial Closing, FDTC and AUO agree to engage in good faith
discussions regarding AUO's purchase of the Additional Shares. For the purpose
of this Section 2.2, the Net Book Value shall not include any capital
investment by Fujitsu or AUO or any third parry to FDTC after the Effective
Date, other than the Initial Purchase Price amount paid by AUO to FDTC to
purchase the Initial Shares.
2.3 Failure to Purchase Additional Shares. In the event that AUO fails to purchase the Additional Shares in accordance with Section 2.1 above within twenty-six (26) months after the first anniversary of the Initial Closing, upon the written request of any Party, the Parties shall promptly discuss in good faith amendments to the terms and conditions of the R&D Agreement (as defined below).
3. CLOSINGS
3.1 Initial Closing. The consummation of the sale and purchase of the Initial Shares hereunder (the "Initial Closing") shall occur at 10:00 a.m. Tokyo time, on April 1, 2003 (the "Initial Closing Date") at the offices of FDTC, 4-1-1 Kamikodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki, Japan, or at such other time and place as the Parties may agree in writing.
Date by wire transfer of such amount in accordance with Section 1.3, and (ii)
to Fujitsu and FDTC, prior to the Initial Closing Date, copies of that certain
Patent and Technology License Agreement between FDTC and AUO to be effective on
the date on which the Initial Purchase Price paid by AUO is received in the
subscription account (betsudan yokin koza) designated by FDTC pursuant to
Section 1.3 (the "Patent and Technology License Agreement"); that certain Joint
Research and Development and Cost Sharing Agreement between FDTC and AUO dated
March 10, 2003 (the "R&D Agreement"); and that certain Manufacturing Capacity
and Foundry Agreement to be entered into between FDTC and AUO within a
reasonable period after the Effective Date (the "Manufacturing Capacity and
Foundry Agreement", and collectively with this Agreement, the Patent and
Technology License Agreement, the R&D Agreement, the "Transaction Documents"),
in each case, duly and validly executed by AUO.
3.3 Additional Closing(s). The First Additional Closing and the Second Additional Closing (if any) shall occur at 10:00 a.m. Tokyo time, on such date (each, an "Additional Closing Date") and location as Fujitsu and AUO may agree in writing. At each Additional Closing, if any, Fujitsu shall deliver to AUO certificates representing the Additional Shares to be purchased at such closing, against delivery by AUO to Fujitsu of the Additional Purchase Price for such Additional Shares by wire transfer of such amount in Japanese Yen in immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Fujitsu within a reasonable time prior to the Additional Closing.
3.4 Consummation. All acts, deliveries and confirmations comprising the Initial Closing, each Additional Closing and any closing of AUO's purchase of New Shares pursuant to Section 9.1, respectively, regardless of chronological sequence, shall be deemed to occur contemporaneously and simultaneously upon the occurrence of the last act, delivery or confirmation of such closing and none of such acts, deliveries or confirmations shall be effective unless and until the last of same shall have occurred; provided that for the avoidance of doubt the delivery of the stock certificates representing the Initial Shares, or the Additional Shares or the New Shares, if any, after the Initial Closing Date, or the Additional Closing Date(s) or the date(s) of closing for the New Shares, shall not be deemed to constitute a delay in (or otherwise affect the consummation of) the Initial Closing, or the applicable Additional Closing or closing for the New Shares, if all other acts, deliveries and confirmations contemplated hereunder in connection therewith shall have occurred.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FDTC
FDTC hereby represents and warrants to AUO as of the date hereof and as of the Initial Payment Date, and each Additional Closing Date, if any, as follows:
4.1 Organization. FDTC is a corporation duly organized under the laws of
Japan. FDTC has full power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted. A true and correct copy of the Articles of Incorporation (Teikan) of FDTC effective as of the date hereof is attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Articles").
4.2 Capitalization. Immediately prior to the Initial Closing, FDTC's authorized capital stock consists of eight thousand (8,000) shares of common stock, of which three thousand (3,000) shares are issued and outstanding. Fujitsu as of the date hereof owns, and immediately prior to the Initial Closing will own, all of FDTC's issued and outstanding shares of capital stock. There are no options, warrants, or commitments of any kind relating to the capital stock of FDTC, including any preemptive or other rights to purchase shares of FDTC's capital stock other than as available under applicable law and as set forth herein.
4.3 Valid Issuance of the Additional Shares. The Additional Shares have been duly authorized and validly issued.
4.4 Authorization Enforceability. All corporate action on the part of FDTC, its directors and shareholders that is necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance by FDTC of its obligations hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents has been duly and validly taken as of the date hereof or will be duly and validly taken prior to the Initial Payment Date. This Agreement and each other Transaction Document, when duly executed and delivered, shall constitute the legal and binding obligation of FDTC, enforceable in accordance with its respective terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally and the possible unavailability of specific performance, injunctive relief and certain other remedies under Japanese law. The Initial Shares, when issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued and will be free of any restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under the Articles and compliance with applicable securities laws.
4.5 No Required Approvals. No consent, approval or authorization of or designation, declaration or filing with any governmental authority or other third party is required on the part of FDTC in connection with FDTC's valid execution and delivery of, or the performance of its obligations under, this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, except for the filing of a securities notification under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan (the "Exchange Law").
4.6 No Conflicts. FDTC's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents does not and will not (i) conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of any provision of, the Articles, (ii) result in any violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) a default (or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or
acceleration of any obligation or loss of any material benefit) under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, contract or other agreement, instrument or obligation to which FDTC is a party or by which any of its properties or assets may be bound, or (iii) conflict with or violate any permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to FDTC, or any of its properties or assets, except in the case of (ii) and (iii) for any such violations, defaults, breaches, termination, cancellations, accelerations, losses or conflicts which would not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of FDTC (an "FDTC Material Adverse Effect") and would not materially burden or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
4.7 Litigation. There is no private or governmental action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration or investigation pending before any agency, court or tribunal, foreign or domestic, or, to the knowledge of FDTC, threatened against FDTC or any of its properties or any of its officers or directors (in their capacities as such), and there is no judgment, decree or order against FDTC or, to the knowledge of FDTC, any of FDTC's directors or officers (in their capacities as such) relating to FDTC's business, the presence of which would have an FDTC Material Adverse Effect. For the purposes of this Agreement, a corporation shall be deemed to have "knowledge" of a particular fact or other matter if any executive officer has actual knowledge of such fact or other matter without independent factual investigation.
4.8 Compliance with Laws. FDTC has complied with, is in compliance with, and has not received any notices of violation with respect to, any civil, criminal or administrative statute, law or regulation of any governmental authority with respect to the conduct of its business, or the ownership or operation of its business, except for failures to comply or violations which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have an FDTC Material Adverse Effect.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FUJITSU
Fujitsu hereby represents and warrants to AUO as of the date hereof, the Initial Payment Date and each Additional Closing Date, if any, as follows:
5.1 Organization. Fujitsu is a corporation duly organized under the laws of Japan. Fujitsu has full power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted.
5.2 Authorization; Enforceability. All corporate action on the part of Fujitsu, its directors and shareholders that is necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance by Fujitsu of its obligations hereunder has been duly and validly taken as of the date hereof or will be duly and validly taken prior to the Initial Payment Date and each Additional Closing Date, if any. This
Agreement, when executed and delivered, shall constitute the legal and binding obligation of Fujitsu, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and the possible unavailability of specific performance, injunctive relief and certain other remedies under Japanese law.
5.3 Ownership of the Additional Shares. Fujitsu owns the Additional Shares
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, charges, security interests, claims
and assessments, and the Additional Shares will be subject to no restrictions
with respect to transferability other than as set forth in the Articles and
except in compliance with applicable securities laws as set forth in the legend
thereon. The sale and delivery of the Additional Shares to AUO pursuant to the
terms hereof will vest in AUO legal and valid title to the Additional Shares
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances or other defects of title other than
(i) those created by AUO and (ii) restrictions on sales of the Additional
Shares under the Articles.
5.4 No Required Approvals. No consent, approval or authorization of or designation, declaration or filing with any governmental authority or other third party is required on the part of Fujitsu in connection with Fujitsu's valid execution and delivery of, or the performance of its obligations under, this Agreement.
6. REPRESENTAIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AUO
AUO hereby represents and warrants to Fujitsu and FDTC as of the date hereof the Initial Payment Date and each Additional Closing Date, if any, as follows:
6.1 Organization. AUO is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the Republic of China. AUO has full power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted.
6.2 Authorizafion; Enforceability. All corporate action on the part of AUO, its directors and shareholders that is necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance by AUO of its obligations hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents has been duly and validly taken as of the date hereof or will be duly and validly taken prior to the Initial Payment Date and each Additional Closing Date, if any. This Agreement and each other Transaction Document, when executed and delivered, shall constitute the legal and binding obligation of AUO, enforceable in accordance with its respective terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally.
6.3 No Required Approvals. No consent, approval or authorization of or designation, declaration or filing with any governmental authority or other third
party is required on the part of AUO in connection with AUO's valid execution and delivery of, and the performance of its obligations under, this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.
6.4 No Conflicts. AUO's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents does not and will not (i) conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of any provision of, the articles of incorporation (chang cheng) of AUO, (ii) result in any violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) a default (or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or loss of any material benefit) under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, contract or other agreement, instrument or obligation to which AUO is a party or by which any of its properties or assets may be bound, or (iii) conflict with or violate any permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to AUO, or any of its properties or assets, except in the case of (ii) and (iii) for any such violations, defaults, breaches, terminations, cancellations, accelerations, losses or conflicts which would not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of AUO (an "AUO Material Adverse Effect") and would not materially burden or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
6.5 Litigation. There is no private or governmental action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration or investigation pending before any agency, court or tribunal, foreign or domestic, or, to the knowledge of AUO, threatened against AUO or any of its properties or any of its officers or directors (in their capacities as such), and there is no judgment, decree or order against AUO or, to the knowledge of AUO, any of AUO's directors or officers (in their capacities as such) relating to AUO's business, the presence of which would have an AUO Material Adverse Effect.
6.6 Compliance with Laws. AUO has complied with, is in compliance with, and has not received any notices of violation with respect to, any civil, criminal, or administrative statute, law or regulation of any governmental authority with respect to the conduct of its business, or the ownership or operation of its business, except for failures to comply or violations which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have an AUO Material Adverse Effect.
6.7 Investment Experience. AUO has substantial experience in evaluating and investing in private placement transactions of securities in companies similar to FDTC so that it is capable of evaluating, the merits and risks of its investment in FDTC, and has the capacity to protect its own interests. AUO acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to discuss FDTC's management, business and financial condition with FDTC's management and Fujitsu representatives, and to review FDTC's facilities and requested data as made available to it, and that on that basis, it believes it has received sufficient information in order to make an
informed investment decision. AUO also agrees that it has had the opportunity to question representatives of FDTC and Fujitsu and that those questions were answered to its satisfaction. AUO understands that the purchase of the Initial Shares, and Additional Shares and New Shares (if any) involves a high degree of risk, and that there can be no assurances that AUO's business objectives will be attained. AUO has had the opportunity to review this Agreements, its Exhibits and Schedules, the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby with its professional advisers, and is relying solely on its own expertise and the advice it has obtained from those advisers in respect of such documents and transactions.
6.8 Restricted Securities. AUO understands that the Initial Shares, and the Additional Shares and New Shares, if any, are being offered in a transaction not involving any public offering in Japan within the meaning of the Exchange Law, that such Initial Shares, Additional Shares and New Shares, have not been registered under the Exchange Law and that it may not resell, pledge or otherwise transfer any such Initial Shares, Additional Shares nor New Shares except (i) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Exchange Law, or (ii) pursuant to another applicable exemption from registration, and (iii) in any event in compliance with the Articles.
6.9 Purchase for Own Account. The Initial Shares, and the Additional Shares and New Shares, if any, to be acquired by AUO pursuant to this Agreement will be acquired for its own account and with no intention of distributing or reselling such Initial Shares, Additional Shares or New Shares or any part thereof in any transaction that would be in violation of applicable securities laws.
6.10 Legend. AUO agrees to the imprinting of a legend in the Japanese language on the certificates representing all of the Initial Shares, and on certificates representing the Additional Shares and New Shares, to the following effect:
"ANY TRANSFER OF THE SHARES
REPRESENTED HEREBY IS SUBJECT TO
APPROVAL BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF FDTC."
7. CONDITIONS TO THE INITIAL CLOSING
7.1 Conditions to AUO's Obligations at the Initial Closing. The obligation of AUO to purchase the Initial Shares at the Initial Closing is subject to the fulfillment on or prior to the Initial Payment Date of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties Correct; Performance of Obligations. The representations and warranties made by FDTC in Section 4 shall be true and correct as of the date hereof, and shall be true and correct on the Initial Payment
Date with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of such date; and FDTC and Fujitsu shall have performed all obligations herein required to be performed by them on or prior to the Initial Payment Date.
(b) Proceedings. All corporate and other actions required. to be taken by FDTC and Fujitsu in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been taken, and AUO shall have received documentary evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that the Board and the board of directors of Fujitsu have duly approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(c) Other Transaction Documents. FDTC shall have duly executed and delivered to AUO the Patent and Technology License Agreement, the R&D Agreement, and the Manufacturing Capacity and Foundry Agreement.
7.2 Conditions to FDTC's Obligations at the Initial Closing. The obligation of FDTC to issue and sell the Initial Shares at the Initial Closing is subject to the fulfillment on or prior to the Initial Payment Date of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties Correct; Performance of Obligations. The representations and warranties of AUO in Section 6 shall be true and correct as of the date hereof, and shall be true and correct on the Initial Payment Date with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of such date; and AUO shall have performed all obligations and conditions herein required to be performed by it on or prior to the Initial Payment Date.
(b) Proceedings. All corporate and other actions required to be taken AUO in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been taken, and FDTC shall have received documentary evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that the board of directors of AUO has duly approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(c) Payment. AUO shall have delivered to FDTC the Initial Purchase Pri in accordance with Section 1.3.
(d) Other Transaction Documents. AUO shall have duly executed and delivered to FDTC the Patent and Technology License Agreement, the R&D Agreement, and the Manufacturing Capacity and Foundry Agreement.
8. CONDITIONS TO THE ADDITIONAL CLOSINGS
8.1 Conditions to AUO's Obligations at the Additional Closings. The obligation of AUO to purchase the applicable Additional Shares at each Additional Closing, if any, is subject to the fulfillment on or prior to the applicable Additional Closing Date, if any, of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties Correct; Performance of Obligations. The
representations and warranties made by Fujitsu in Section 5 shall be true and correct as of the date hereof and shall be true and correct on the Additional Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of such date; and Fujitsu shall have performed all obligations herein required to be performed by it on or prior to the Additional Closing Date.
(b) Proceedings. All corporate and other actions required to be taken by
Fujitsu in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been
taken, and AUO shall have received documentary evidence reasonably satisfactory
to it that the Board and the board of directors of Fujitsu has duly approved
the sale of the Additional Shares to be purchased at such closing.
(c) Additional Share Certificates. Fujitsu shall have delivered to AUO t
certificates evidencing the Additional Shares to be purchased at such closing.
8.2 Conditions to Fujitsu's Obligations at the Additional Closings. The obligation of Fujitsu to sell the applicable Additional Shares at each Additional Closing, if any, is subject to the fulfillment on or prior to the applicable Additional Closing Date, if any, of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties Correct; Performance of Obligations. The representations and warranties of AUO in Section 6 shall be true and correct as of the date hereof, and shall be true and correct on the Additional Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of such date; and AUO shall have performed all obligations and conditions herein required to be performed by it on or prior to the Additional Closing Date.
(b) Proceedings. All corporate and other actions required to be taken by AUO in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been taken, and Fujitsu shall have received documentary evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that the board of directors of AUO has duly approved the purchase of the Additional Shares to be purchased at such closing.
(c) Payment. AUO shall have delivered to Fujitsu the Additional Purchase Price for the Additional Shares to be purchased at such closing in accordance with Section 3.3.
9. COVENANTS
9.1 Preemptive Right. If FDTC in its discretion increases its share capital by issuing shares of common stock (the "New Shares") during the twenty-four (24)-month period following the first anniversary of the Initial Closing, AUO will have the right to purchase up to fifty percent (50%) of the New Shares at the issuance price thereby set by FDTC.
9.2 Board Approval. Declaration and payment of dividends (including any
interim dividend), if any, on the Initial Shares, and the Additional Shares and the New Shares, if any, will be subject to the prior approval of the Board. The transfer of the Initial Shares, and the Additional Shares and the New Shares, if any, by AUO to a third party will be subject to the prior approval of the Board, as well as to Section 9.3.
9.3 Right of First Offer. Effective upon the Initial Closing, in the event Fujitsu or AUO (the "Selling Shareholder") wishes to sell or dispose of all or any portion of the FDTC common stock owned by it, the Selling Shareholder shall deliver written notice (the "First Offer Notice") to FDTC and to the other party (the "Non-Selling Shareholder"), which notice shall specify (i) the number of shares of common stock to be sold or disposed of (the "Offered Shares") and (ii) other terms and conditions of the offer, including a condition that the Selling Shareholder's rights and interests under this Agreement be transferred along with the Offered Shares. If the Non-Selling Shareholder wishes to purchase the Offered Shares, the Non-Selling Shareholder shall have the right to purchase all (but not part) of the Offered Shares at a price per share (the "First Offer Price") equal to the higher of (i) the Net Book Value, divided by the number of the then outstanding shares of FDTC capital stock (the "Net Book Value per Share"), or (ii) * per share
and upon the other terms and conditions specified in the First Offer Notice, by
giving notice to that effect in writing to the Selling Shareholder within
thirty (30) days after receipt of the First Offer Notice. If the Non-Selling
Shareholder does not purchase the Offered Shares for any reason within thirty
(30) days after receipt of the First Offer Notice, the Selling Shareholder
shall have the right for ninety (90) days to sell the Offered Shares to a third
party on terms and conditions that are no more favorable to the third party
than the terms and conditions specified in the First Offer Notice; provided
that if the Selling Shareholder receives a bona fide written offer to purchase
the Offered Shares at a price per share (the "Third Party Price") that is less
than the Net Book Value per Share or * per share, the Selling
Shareholder shall notify the Non-Selling Shareholder in writing (the "Third
Party Offer Notice") of the Third Party Price. In such case, the Non-Selling
Shareholder shall have the right to purchase all (but not less than all) of the
Offered Shares at such Third Party Price within thirty (30) days after receipt
of the Third Party Offer Notice. If the Non-Selling Shareholder does not
purchase the Offered Shares at such Third Party Price within such period, the
Selling Shareholder shall have the right for ninety (90) days after the end of
such period to complete the sale of the Offered Shares to such third party.
* member Board after the first annual shareholders' meeting of FDTC held after the Initial Closing. AUO's Appointee shall serve on a part-time basis without remuneration. In order to create a vacancy on the Board for such appointment, Fujitsu will cause the resignation of * of its appointed members of the Board within a reasonable period of time following the Initial Closing.
9.5 Management of FDTC. Immediately upon the First Additional Closing, AUO and Fujitsu agree to engage in good faith discussions regarding their mutual responsibility for the management of FDTC, including, without limitation, the number of Board members appointed by each of Fujitsu and AUO, and fund raising for FDTC. In addition, concurrently with each acquisition by AUO of Additional Shares, AUO shall assume a pro rata portion (i.e., corresponding to AUO's aggregate equity ownership in FDTC immediately following such acquisition up to a * ) of financial support obligations by Fujitsu and its affiliates to FDTC. Such financial support by AUO may be in any form which benefits FDTC to substantially the same degree as Fujitsu and its affiliates' financial support does.
9.6 Exercise of Voting Rights. Fujitsu, as the controlling shareholder of FDTC, agrees not to intentionally exercise its voting rights in FDTC for the purpose of eliminating the value of AUO's interest in FDTC.
9.7 Confidential Information.
Party shall not use such Confidential Information except to exercise the rights and perform its obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Receiving Party shall use at least the same procedures and degree of care which it uses to protect its own confidential information of like importance, and in no event less than reasonable care. The Receiving Party shall be fully responsible for compliance by its employees with the foregoing, and any act or omission of an employee of the Receiving Party shall constitute an act or omission of the Receiving Party. The confidentiality obligations set forth in this Section 9.7 shall apply and continue, with regard to each item of Confidential Information disclosed hereunder, for a period of five (5) years from the date of disclosure thereof.
(b) Exceptions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information
will not include information that: (i) was already known by the Receiving
Party, other than under an obligation of confidentiality to the Disclosing
Party, at the time of disclosure hereunder, as evidenced by the Receiving
Party's tangible (including written or electronic) records in existence at such
time; (ii) was generally available to the public or otherwise part of the
public domain at the time of its disclosure to the Receiving Party hereunder;
(iii) became generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public
domain after its disclosure other than through any act or omission of the
Receiving Party in breach of this Agreement; (iv) was subsequently lawfully
disclosed to the Receiving Party by a person, governmental authority,
partnership, firm, corporation or other business association or entity other
than the Disclosing Party not subject to any duty of confidentiality with
respect thereto; or (v) was developed by the Receiving Party without reference
to any Confidential Information disclosed by the Disclosing Party, as evidenced
by the Receiving Party's tangible (including written or electronic) records in
existence at such time. In addition, information disclosed only between Fujitsu
and FDTC hereunder shall not be deemed Confidential Information.
(c) Confidentiality of Agreement; Publicity. Each Party agrees that the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be treated as Confidential Information and that no reference shall be made thereto without the prior written consent of the other Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) except (i) as required by applicable law including, without limitation, by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Republic of China Securities and Futures Commission (collectively, the "SEC") and other Japanese or Republic of China governmental authorities, provided that in the case of any filing with a governmental authority that would result in public disclosure of the terms hereof, the Parties shall mutually cooperate to limit the scope of public disclosure to the greatest extent possible (and in connection therewith and without limitation of the foregoing, AUO shall give due consideration to any request made by Fujitsu or FDTC regarding confidential treatment of provisions of this Agreement or any related filing proposed to be made by AUO with the SEC or other governmental
authority), (ii) to its accountants, banks, financing sources, lawyers and other professional advisors, provided that such parties undertake in writing (or are otherwise bound by rules of professional conduct) to keep such information strictly confidential, (iii) in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement, (iv) in connection with a merger, acquisition or proposed merger or acquisition involving such Party, provided that the potential merger partner or acquiror prior to receipt thereof undertakes in writing to keep such information strictly confidential, or (v) pursuant to agreed joint press releases prepared in good faith. The Parties will consult with each other, in advance, with regard to the terms of all proposed press releases, public announcements and other public statements with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
9.8 Corporate Auditor. Effective upon the Initial Closing, Fujitsu shall have the right to appoint two (2), and AUO (for so long as it holds at least a twenty percent (20%) equity ownership interest in FDTC) shall have the right to appoint one (1), of FDTC's three (3) corporate auditors (kansa yaku) after the first annual shareholders' meeting of FDTC after the Initial Closing. AUO's appointee shall serve on a part-time basis without remuneration.
9.9 Further Actions. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Party agrees to use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as practicable.
10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
FDTC'S AND FUJITSU'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY HEREUNDER, WHETHER UNDER CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, IS LIMITED TO, AND SHALL NOT EXCEED, THE INITIAL PURCHASE PRICE OR, IN THE EVENT AUO PURCHASES THE ADDITIONAL SHARES, THE ADDITIONAL PURCHASE PRICE. NEITHER FDTC NOR FUJITSU SHALL BE LIABLE UNDER ANY CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER THEORY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LOST PROFITS) WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT.
11. TERM AND TERMINATION
11.1 Term. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement will be effective as of the Effective Date and will continue in full force and effect indefinitely, unless terminated as set forth in this Section 11.
11.2 Termination for Breach. In the event that a Party materially defaults in the
performance of a material obligation under this Agreement, then the non-defaulting Party may provide written notice to the defaulting Party indicating: (i) the nature and basis of such default with reference to the applicable provisions of this Agreement; and (ii) the non-defaulting Party's intention to terminate this Agreement. In the event that such material default is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, the non-defaulting Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the defaulting Party.
11.3 Cross-Termination. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the Parties, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the termination of any other Transaction Document.
11.4 Termination for Insolvency, Certain Actions. FDTC and Fujitsu shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice of termination to AUO at any time, upon or after: (a) the filing by AUO of a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency; (b) any adjudication that AUO is bankrupt or insolvent; (c) the filing by AUO of any legal action or document seeking reorganization, readjustment or arrangement of AUO's business under applicable law relating to bankruptcy or insolvency; (d) the appointment of a receiver for all or substantially all of the property of AUO; (e) the making by AUO of any assignment for the benefit of creditors; (f) the institution of any proceedings for the liquidation or winding up of AUO's business or for the termination of its corporate charter; or (g) any activity or assistance by AUO challenging the validity of the Licensed Patents (as defined in the Patent and Technology License Agreement) or restricting the scope thereof.
11.5 Termination for Change of Control. FDTC and Fujitsu shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice of termination to AUO at any time, upon or after: (a) AUO's consolidation with or merger with or into another entity, provided that any Person and its Affiliates hold in the aggregate more than one-third (1/3) of equity ownership interest in AUO upon consummation of such transaction or series of transactions, or (b) AUO's sale or other disposition of, or entering into an agreement or commitment to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to a third party.
11.6 Termination Following Change in AUO Equity Ownership in FDTC. FDTC and Fujitsu shall also have the right to terminate this Agreement, or any provision hereof, immediately by giving written notice to AUO in the event AUO's equity ownership interest in FDTC declines below twenty percent (20%) due to transfer of FDTC's shares.
11.7 Effect of Termination; Survival. The terms and conditions of the following Sections will survive termination of this Agreement: 6.8, 9.2, 9.3 (with respect to transfers of FDTC shares by AUO), 9.7 (in accordance with its terms), 10, 11.7 and 12. In addition, the termination of this Agreement shall not relieve
any Party of any liability (including without limitation any payment obligation) that accrued prior to such termination.
12. GENERAL PROVISIONS
12.1 Language. This Agreement is in the English language only, which language shall be controlling in all respects, .and all versions hereof in any other language shall be for accommodation only and shall not be binding upon the Parties. All communications and notices to be made or given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in the English language.
12.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Japan, without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof.
12.3 Survival. Except for AUO's representation and acknowledgment in
Section 6.8, which shall survive indefinitely, the representations and
warranties made herein shall survive for a period of six (6) months following
the Initial Payment Date, in the case of representations and warranties made as
of the Initial Payment Date and, if and only if an Additional Closing occurs,
for a period of six (6) months following the applicable Additional Closing
Date, in the case of representations and warranties made as of such Additional
Closing Date.
12.4 Successors and Assigns. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by FDTC, Fujitsu or AUO without the prior written consent of the other parties. Any purported assignment, sale, transfer, delegation or other disposition of such rights or obligations by any Party, except as permitted herein, shall be null and void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
12.5 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and supercede any prior agreements, written or oral, with respect to such subject matter, including, without limitation, the Non-Disclosure Agreement among Fujitsu, FDTC and AUO dated November 5, 2002. Any term of this Agreement may be amended only upon the Parties' written agreement. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, power or privilege granted under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege granted under this Agreement shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
12.6 Notices and Other Communications. Any and all notices, requests,
demands and other communications required or otherwise contemplated to be made
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be provided by one or more
of the following means and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) if
delivered personally, when received, (ii) if transmitted by facsimile, on the
date of transmission with receipt of an error-free transmittal confirmation, or
(iii) if by international courier service, on the third (3rd) business day
following the date of deposit with such courier service, or such earlier
delivery date as may be confirmed in writing to the sender by such courier
service. All such notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be
addressed as follows:
if to FDTC: Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation 4-1-1 Kamikodanaka, Nakahara-ku Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan Attention: Chief Executive Officer Tel: 81-44-754-3476 Fax: 81-44-754-3846 if to Fujitsu: Fujitsu Limited Electronic Devices Business Group 50, Fuchigami, Akiruno Tokyo 197-0833 Japan Attention: Group President Tel: 81-42-532-1234 Fax: 81-42-532-2550 if to AUO: AU Optronics Corporation No. 1, Li-Hsin Road 2 Science-Based Industrial Park Hsinchu 300, Taiwan Republic of China Attention: Chief Executive Officer Tel: 886-3-563-2899 Fax: 886-3-577-2730 |
or to such other address or facsimile number as a Party may have specified to the other Parties in writing delivered in accordance with this Section 12.6.
12.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the Parties. In such event, the Parties shall use best efforts to
negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement which most nearly effects the Parties' intent in entering into this Agreement.
12.8 Dispute Resolution. All disputes between the Parties arising out of this Agreement will be settled by the Parties amicably through good faith discussions within sixty (60) days, failing which the dispute will be finally settled by confidential, binding arbitration using the English language before a single native English-speaking arbitrator appointed by the Parties. Any such arbitration will be conducted, if initiated by FDTC, in the Republic of China by the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China in accordance with the Arbitration Law of the Republic of China and the Rules for Arbitration Procedures of the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China or, if initiated by AUO, in Japan in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Party shall have the right to institute a legal action in a court of proper jurisdiction for preliminary injunctive relief and/or a decree for specific performance pending final settlement by arbitration. The Parties further agree that the arbitration award rendered by the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China in accordance with this Section 12.8 will not require a court order for enforcement thereof and that any Party may enforce the arbitration award without obtaining a court order for the enforcement of the award.
12.9 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, each Party will bear its own costs and expenses, including without limitation fees and expenses of legal counsel and other representatives used or hired in connection with the transactions described in this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, costs and expenses relating to compliance with securities listing rules in the Republic of China, including without limitation any audits performed or fairness opinions obtained in relation thereto, shall be solely borne by AUO.
12.10 Attorneys' Fees. If any action or proceeding shall be commenced to enforce this Agreement or any right arising in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and expenses incurred by such prevailing Party in connection with such action or proceeding.
12.11 Section References; Titles and Subtitles. Unless otherwise noted, all references to Sections, Schedules and Exhibits herein are to Sections, Schedules and Exhibits of this Agreement. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
12.12 Execution. This Agreement may be executed in three (3) counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile
copies bearing the facsimile signature of a Party shall constitute a valid and binding execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Party.
12.13 Rights and Remedies. No exercise or enforcement by any Party of any right or remedy under this Agreement will preclude the enforcement by such Party of any other right, or remedy under this Agreement or that such Party is entitled by law to enforce.
12.14 No Agency. The Parties are independent contractors. Nothing contained herein or done pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute any Party the agent of the other Party for any purpose whatsoever.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized representatives as of the date first above written.
FDTC: AUO: Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation AU Optronics Corporation By: /s/ Yoshihiro Matsuda By: /s/ K.Y. Lee ----------------------------------- --------------------------- Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer Fujitsu: Fujitsu Limited By: /s/ Masamichi Ogura -------------------------------------- Group President, Electronic Device Business Group |
EXHIBIT 4(j)
English Summary of Lease for Fab L1
The total amount of monthly rental shall be eighty-two thousand three hundred forty-nine New Taiwan Dollars (NT$82,349).
During the terms of the Lease, should the government adjust the land price, Lessee agrees to adjust the rental as well. The rental which has been paid shall be increased or returned.
EXHIBIT 4(k)
English Summary of Lease for Fab L1
The total amount of monthly rental shall be nine hundred five thousand four hundred seventy-three New Taiwan Dollars (NT$905,473).
During the terms of the Lease, should the government adjust the land price, Lessee agrees to adjust the rental as well. The rental which has been paid shall be increased or returned.
Termination by Lessor
Lessee may terminate the Lease at any time if any of the following shall
happen:
a) Lessee has lost its qualifications to operate business or provide services
in the Science-Based Industrial Park or is ordered by Lessee to move out
from the Park;
b) Lessee has violated certain provisions herein and fails to make
improvements within the period specified in the written notice of Lessee;
c) Lessee fails to pay the rental for two years after it has become due and
payable;
d) Lessee fails to make application regarding construction works within three
months from the date hereof or fails to make improvements or corrections
in case of rejected application;
e) Lessee fails to complete construction works within the period specified
herein or the extended period as agreed by Lessee; or
f) Lessee violates provisions herein regarding the proper use of the leased
land.
EXHIBIT 4(l)
English Summary of Lease for Fab L2
The total amount of monthly rental shall be one million two hundred twenty-one thousand two hundred eighty-six New Taiwan Dollars (NT$1,221,286).
During the terms of the Lease, should the government adjust the land price, Lessee agrees to adjust the rental as well. The rental which has been paid shall be increased or returned.
EXHIBIT 4(m)
English Summary of Lease for Fab L3
The total amount of monthly rental shall be two million four hundred fifty thousand one hundred forty New Taiwan Dollars (NT$2,450,140).
During the terms of the Lease, should the government adjust the land price, Lessee agrees to adjust the rental as well. The rental which has been paid shall be increased or returned.
EXHIBIT 4(n)
English Summary of Lease for Fab L5
The total amount of monthly rental shall be one million eight hundred ninety-two thousand New Taiwan Dollars (NT$1,892,000).
During the terms of the Lease, should the government adjust the land price, Lessee agrees to adjust the rental as well. The rental which has been paid shall be increased or returned.
EXHIBIT 4(q)
English Summary of Land Use Right Transfer Agreement
The total amount of price shall be thirteen million two hundred forty-eight thousand four hundred sixty-seven Renminbi dollars and eighty-two cents (RMB13,248,467.82), which shall be paid in four installments before June 10, 2002.
The Transferee will receive the land use right certificate when the Transferor has received the price in full.
Except for the business tax, land value-added tax (if any) and 50% of the notary fee which shall be paid by the Transferor, all other relevant taxes and fees shall be borne by Transferee.
The Transferor agrees to reserve a parcel of land of 160,000 square meters adjacent to the currently transferred land for the Transferee at a purchase price of eighty-two Renminbi dollars and eighty cents (RMB82.80) per square meter for two years from the date hereof and the Transferee shall pay 5% of the total price within 21 days after the execution of this Agreement as the deposit and pay the remaining amount of the price within the two-year period to purchase such land.
The reclamation works on the transferred land shall be carried out by the Transferee and the relevant fees shall be borne by the Transferor. The Transferor shall provide infrastructural facilities for the supply of such utilities as electricity, gas and water to the Transferee.
Should any dispute arise from this Agreement, the Transferor and the Transferee agree that the arbitration of Shanghai branch of China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission shall be final and conclusive.
EXHIBIT 8
List of Subsidiaries
A. AU Optronics Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of China, which has four subsidiary:
(i) AU Optronics (L) Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of Malaysia.
(ii) AU Optronics Corporation America, a corporation organized under the laws of California, United States of America.
(iii) AU Optronics (Suzhou) Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of People's Republic of China.
(iv) AU Optronics Corporation Japan, a corporation organized under the laws of Japan.
(v) Konly Venture Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of China.
EXHIBIT 99
906 Certification
June 30, 2003
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W
Washington, D.C. 20549
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The certification set forth below is being submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission solely for the purpose of complying with Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code. This certification is not to be deemed filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and does not constitute a part of the Annual Report on Form 20-F (the "Report") accompanying this letter.
Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee, the Chief Executive Officer and Max Weishun Cheng, the Chief Financial Officer of AU Optronics Corp., each certifies that, to the best of his knowledge:
1. the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of AU Optronics Corp.
By:/s/ Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee ----------------------------- Chief Executive Officer By:/s/ Max Weishun Cheng ----------------------------- Chief Financial Officer |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to AU Optronics Corp. and will be retained by AU Optronics Corp. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.