TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
Table of Contents

 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 20-F
     
o   REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                                          to                                         
OR
     
o   SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 1-14700
(CHINESE COMPANY NAME)
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
(Translation of Registrant’s Name Into English)
  Republic of China
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
No. 8, Li-Hsin Road 6
Hsinchu Science Park
Hsinchu, Taiwan
Republic of China
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
    Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class   on Which Registered
Common Shares, par value NT$10.00 each   The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.*
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
     Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
     As of December 31, 2007, 25,627,103,715 Common Shares, par value NT$10 each were outstanding.
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes   þ          No   o
     If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or (15)(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes   o          No   þ
     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   þ          No   o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer   þ          Accelerated Filer   o          Non-Accelerated Filer   o
     Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17   o          Item 18   þ
     If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   o          No   þ
*   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
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
             
        Page
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION     1  
        2  
  IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS     2  
  OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE     2  
  KEY INFORMATION     2  
  INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY     12  
  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS     21  
  OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWS AND PROSPECTS     21  
  DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES     36  
  MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS     43  
  FINANCIAL INFORMATION     47  
  THE OFFER AND LISTING     48  
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     49  
  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS     64  
  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES     65  
  DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES     65  
  MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS     65  
  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES     66  
  AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT     67  
  CODE OF ETHICS     67  
  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES     67  
  EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES     68  
  PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS     68  
  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     69  
  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     69  
  EXHIBITS     70  
 EX-1.1 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
 EX-3.1 RULES FOR ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 EX-12.1 CERTIFICATION OF CEO - RULE 13a-14(a)
 EX-12.2 CERTIFICATION OF CFO - RULE 13a-14(a)
 EX-13.1 CERTIFICATION OF CEO - RULE 13a-14(b)
 EX-13.2 CERTIFICATION OF CFO - RULE 13a-14(b)
 EX-99.1 CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE
“TSMC” and “tsmc” are our registered trademarks and NEXSYS, 1T RAM and Virtual fab are trademarks used by us.

-i-


Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
     This annual report includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. securities laws. The terms “anticipates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should” and other similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places throughout this annual report and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industries in which we operate.
     By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report. Important factors that could cause those differences include, but are not limited to:
    the volatility of the semiconductor and microelectronics industry;
 
    overcapacity in the semiconductor industry;
 
    the increased competition from other companies and our ability to retain and increase our market share;
 
    our ability to develop new technologies successfully and remain a technological leader;
 
    our ability to maintain control over expansion and facility modifications;
 
    our ability to generate growth and profitability;
 
    our ability to hire and maintain qualified personnel;
 
    our ability to acquire required equipment and supplies necessary to meet business needs;
 
    our reliance on certain major customers;
 
    the political stability of our local region; and
 
    general local and global economic conditions.
     Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our strategy and future plans, future business condition and financial results, our capital expenditure plans, our capacity expansion plans, our expansion plans in mainland China, expectations as to the commercial production using 65-nanometer and more advanced technologies, technological upgrades, investment in research and development, future market demand, future regulatory or other developments in our industry. Please see “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” for a further discussion of certain factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements.

 


Table of Contents

PART I
ITEM 1.   IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
     Not applicable.
ITEM 2.   OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
     Not applicable.
ITEM 3.   KEY INFORMATION
Selected Financial and Operating Data
     The selected income statement data, cash flow data and other financial data for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, set forth below, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included herein, and should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, these consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto. The selected income statement data, cash flow data and other financial data for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005, set forth below, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included herein. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted (“GAAP” or “R.O.C. GAAP”) in the Republic of China (“R.O.C.” or “Taiwan”), which differ in some material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as further explained under note 30 to our consolidated financial statements included herein.
                                                 
    Year ended and as of December 31,
    2003   2004   2005   2006   2007   2007
    NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   US$
    (in millions, except for percentages,
    earnings per share and per ADS, and operating data)
Income Statement Data:
                                               
R.O.C. GAAP
                                               
Net sales
    202,997       257,213       266,565       317,407       322,630       9,948  
Cost of sales
    (128,113 )     (141,394 )     (148,362 )     (161,597 )     (180,280 )     (5,559 )
Gross profit
    74,884       115,819       118,203       155,810       142,350       4,389  
Operating expenses
    (23,583 )     (27,337 )     (27,234 )     (28,545 )     (30,628 )     (944 )
Income from operations
    51,301       88,482       90,969       127,265       111,722       3,445  
Non-operating income and gains(1)
    5,669       8,581       9,399       9,705       11,934       368  
Non-operating expenses and losses(1)
    (5,791 )     (5,097 )     (6,105 )     (3,608 )     (2,014 )     (62 )
Income before income tax and minority interest
    51,179       91,966       94,263       133,362       121,642       3,751  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (3,923 )     363       (630 )     (7,774 )     (11,710 )     (361 )
Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
    47,256       92,329       93,633       125,588       109,932       3,390  
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
                      1,607              
Income before minority interest
    47,256       92,329       93,633       127,195       109,932       3,390  
Minority interest in loss (income) of subsidiaries
    3       (13 )     (58 )     (185 )     (755 )     (23 )
Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent
    47,259       92,316       93,575       127,010       109,177       3,367  
Basic earnings per share(2)
    1.78       3.50       3.55       4.82       4.14       0.13  
Diluted earnings per share(2)
    1.78       3.50       3.55       4.81       4.14       0.13  
Basic earnings per ADS equivalent(2)
    8.89       17.49       17.76       24.08       20.72       0.64  

-2-


Table of Contents

                                                 
    Year ended and as of December 31,
    2003   2004   2005   2006   2007   2007
    NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   US$
    (in millions, except for percentages,
    earnings per share and per ADS, and operating data)
Diluted earnings per ADS equivalent(2)
    8.89       17.49       17.75       24.06       20.70       0.64  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding(2)
    26,470       26,391       26,349       26,375       26,347       26,347  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding(2)
    26,479       26,396       26,360       26,399       26,368       26,368  
U.S. GAAP
                                               
Net sales
    203,600       260,035       267,028       317,979       323,221       9,967  
Cost of sales(3)
    (133,493 )     (154,785 )     (161,808 )     (179,175 )     (202,046 )     (6,230 )
Operating expenses(3)
    (27,369 )     (32,191 )     (32,764 )     (37,050 )     (44,775 )     (1,381 )
Income from operations
    42,738       73,059       72,456       101,754       76,400       2,356  
Income before income tax and minority interest
    42,441       76,838       75,983       106,647       85,973       2,651  
Income tax expense
    (3,881 )     (508 )     (483 )     (10,954 )     (14,012 )     (432 )
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
                      38              
Net income
    38,661       76,253       75,418       95,711       71,658       2,210  
Cumulative preferred dividends
    (184 )                              
Income attributable to common shareholders
    38,477       76,253       75,418       95,711       71,658       2,210  
Basic earnings per share(4)
    1.54       3.03       2.97       3.72       2.74       0.08  
Diluted earnings per share(4)
    1.54       3.03       2.96       3.71       2.74       0.08  
Basic earnings per ADS equivalent(4)
    7.70       15.15       14.83       18.58       13.70       0.42  
Diluted earnings per ADS equivalent(4)
    7.70       15.15       14.82       18.56       13.69       0.42  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding(4)
    24,971       25,170       25,434       25,757       26,149       26,149  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding(4)
    24,981       25,174       25,445       25,778       26,170       26,170  
Balance Sheet Data:
                                               
R.O.C. GAAP
                                               
Working capital(1) (5)
    136,121       120,574       177,179       213,457       201,116       6,202  
Long-term investments(1)
    10,748       38,058       42,383       53,895       36,461       1,124  
Properties
    211,854       258,911       244,823       254,094       260,252       8,025  
Goodwill
    8,721       7,116       6,011       5,985       5,988       185  
Total assets
    407,401       499,454       519,510       587,485       570,865       17,603  
Long term bank borrowing
    8,800       1,915       663       654       1,722       53  
Long-term bonds payable
    30,000       19,500       19,500       12,500       12,500       385  
Guaranty deposit-in and other liabilities(5)(6)
    8,876       15,079       17,986       18,333       17,251       532  
Total liabilities
    78,098       100,413       73,271       78,347       80,179       2,472  
Capital stock
    202,666       232,520       247,300       258,297       264,271       8,149  
Cash dividend on common shares
          12,160       46,504       61,825       77,489       2,389  
Shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders of the parent
    329,214       398,965       445,631       507,981       487,092       15,020  
Minority interest in subsidiaries
    89       76       608       1,157       3,594       111  
U.S. GAAP
                                               
Goodwill
    47,287       46,757       46,993       46,940       46,926       1,447  
Total assets
    439,853       536,286       558,919       626,108       610,843       18,836  
Total liabilities
    81,977       108,416       80,962       92,549       94,021       2,899  
Capital Stock
    202,666       232,520       247,300       258,297       264,271       8,149  
Mandatory redeemable preferred stock
                                   
Shareholders’ equity attributable to common shareholders of the parent
    357,173       427,125       477,297       532,403       513,228       15,826  
Minority interest in subsidiaries
    703       745       660       1,156       3,594       111  

-3-


Table of Contents

                                                 
    Year ended and as of December 31,
    2003   2004   2005   2006   2007   2007
    NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   US$
    (in millions, except for percentages,
    earnings per share and per ADS, and operating data)
Other Financial Data:
                                               
R.O.C. GAAP
                                               
Gross margin
    37 %     45 %     44 %     49 %     44 %     44 %
Operating margin
    25 %     34 %     34 %     40 %     35 %     35 %
Net margin
    23 %     36 %     35 %     40 %     34 %     34 %
Capital expenditures
    37,871       81,095       79,879       78,737       84,001       2,590  
Depreciation and amortization
    69,161       69,819       75,649       73,715       80,005       2,467  
Cash provided by operating activities(1)
    116,037       153,523       157,225       204,997       183,766       5,667  
Cash used in investing activities(1)(7)
    (53,702 )     (148,359 )     (77,652 )     (119,724 )     (70,689 )     (2,180 )
 
                                               
Cash used in financing activities(7)
    (27,073 )     (32,181 )     (57,969 )     (63,783 )     (135,410 )     (4,175 )
 
                                               
Net cash inflow (outflow)
    35,199       (28,687 )     22,181       21,353       (22,851 )     (705 )
Operating Data:
                                               
Wafer (200mm equivalent) shipment(8)
    3,700       5,008       5,622       7,215       8,005       8,005  
Billing Utilization Rate(9)
    92 %     105 %     94 %     102 %     93 %(10)     93 %(10)
 
(1)   As a result of the adoption of the newly released R.O.C. Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 34, “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” (R.O.C. SFAS No. 34), and R.O.C. Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 36, “Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation” (R.O.C. SFAS No. 36), the balances in 2004 and 2005 were reclassified to be consistent with the classification used in our consolidated financial statements for 2006 included herein. Amounts in 2004 reflect the reclassification of NT$2,565 million gains from non-operating expenses and losses to non-operating income and gains, NT$44 million from long-term investments to current investments in marketable financial instruments, and NT$372 million from cash used in investing activities to cash provided by operating activities. Amounts in 2005 reflect the reclassification of NT$2,331 million gains from non-operating expenses and losses to non-operating income and gains, NT$46 million from long-term investments to current investments in marketable financial instruments, and NT$212 million from cash used in investing activities to cash provided by operating activities. Balance in 2003 was not reclassified accordingly. See note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details about these new accounting standards.
 
(2)   Retroactively adjusted for all subsequent stock dividends and employee stock bonuses.
 
(3)   Amounts in 2006 include share-based compensation expenses as a result of the adoption of U.S. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”, effective January 1, 2006. See note 30.i. to our consolidated financial statements for additional details about this new accounting standard. Amounts in 2003 and 2005 reflect the reclassification of NT$1,625 million and NT$159 million, respectively, from net non-operating expenses to operating expenses. Amounts in 2004 reflect the reclassification of NT$232 million from net non-operating income to operating expenses.
 
(4)   Retroactively adjusted for all subsequent stock dividends.
 
(5)   Amounts in 2003 reflect the reclassification of NT$727 million from current liabilities to long-term liabilities.
 
(6)   Consists of other long term payables and total other liabilities.
 
(7)   Amounts in 2003 reflect the reclassification of NT$300 million from cash used in investing activities to cash used in financing activities.
 
(8)   In thousands.
 
(9)   “Billing Utilization Rate” is equal to annual wafer shipment divided by annual capacity.
 
(10)   Capacity includes wafers committed by Vanguard.
Exchange Rates
     We publish our financial statements in New Taiwan dollars, the lawful currency of the R.O.C. In this annual report, “$”, “US$” and “U.S. dollars” mean United States dollars, the lawful currency of the United States, and “NT$” and “NT dollars” mean New Taiwan dollars. This annual report contains translations of certain NT dollar amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from NT dollars to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to NT dollars were made at the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in NT dollars per U.S. dollar as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of December 31, 2007, which was NT$32.43 to US$1.00 on that date. On April 14, 2008, the noon buying rate was NT$30.31 to US$1.00.
     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.

-4-


Table of Contents

                                 
    NT dollars per U.S. dollar
    Average(1)   High   Low   Period-End
2003
    34.41       34.98       33.72       33.99  
2004
    33.37       34.16       31.74       31.74  
2005
    32.16       33.77       30.65       32.80  
2006
    32.51       33.31       31.28       32.59  
2007
    32.82       33.41       32.26       32.43  
October 2007
    32.55       32.61       32.39       32.39  
November 2007
    32.33       32.39       32.26       32.26  
December 2007
    32.41       32.53       32.30       32.43  
January 2008
    32.36       32.49       32.15       32.15  
February 2008
    31.61       32.03       30.90       30.92  
March 2008
    30.58       31.09       29.99       30.37  
April 2008 (through April 14, 2007)
    30.38       30.52       30.29       30.31  
 
(1)   Annual averages calculated from month-end rates.
     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.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
     Not applicable.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
     Not applicable.
Risk Factors
     We wish to caution readers that the following important factors, and those important factors described in other reports submitted to, or filed with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, among other factors, could affect our actual results and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf and that such factors may adversely affect our business and financial status and therefore the value of your investment:
Risks Relating to Our Business
Since we are dependent on the highly cyclical semiconductor and microelectronics industries, which have experienced significant and sometimes prolonged periods of downturns and overcapacity, our revenues, earnings and margins may fluctuate significantly.
     The semiconductor market and microelectronics industries have historically been cyclical and subject to significant and often rapid increases and decreases in product demand. Our semiconductor foundry business is affected by market conditions in such highly cyclical semiconductor and microelectronics industries. Most of our customers operate in these industries. Variations in order levels from our customers result in volatility in our revenues and earnings. From time to time, the semiconductor and microelectronics industries have experienced significant, and sometimes prolonged periods of downturns and overcapacity. Because our business is, and will continue to be, dependent on the requirements of semiconductor and microelectronics companies for our services, periods of downturns and overcapacity in the general semiconductor and microelectronics industries lead to reduced demand for overall semiconductor foundry services worldwide, including our services. If we cannot take appropriate actions such as reducing our costs to sufficiently offset declines in demand, our revenues, margin and earnings will suffer during downturns and periods of overcapacity.

-5-


Table of Contents

Decreases in demand and average selling prices for products that contain semiconductors may adversely affect demand for our products and may result in a decrease in our revenues and earnings.
     A vast majority of our sales revenue is derived from customers who use our services in personal computers, communication devices and consumer electronics products. Any significant decrease in the demand for the products may decrease the demand for overall global semiconductor foundry services, including our services and may adversely affect our revenues. In addition, the historical and current trend of declining average selling prices of end use applications places pressure on the prices of the components that go into these end use applications. If the average selling prices of end use applications continue decreasing, the pricing pressure on components produced by us may lead to a reduction of our revenue.
If we are unable to compete effectively in the highly competitive foundry segment of the semiconductor industry, we may lose customers and our profit margin and earnings may decrease.
     The markets for our foundry services are highly competitive both in Taiwan and internationally. We compete with other dedicated foundry service providers, as well as integrated device manufacturers. Some of these companies may have access to more advanced technologies and greater financial and other resources than us. Our competition may, from time to time, also decide to undertake aggressive pricing initiatives in one or more technology nodes. Competitive activities may cause us to lose customers or to decrease our average selling prices or both.
If we are unable to remain a technological leader in the semiconductor industry, we may become less competitive.
     The semiconductor industry and the technologies used in it are constantly changing. If we do not anticipate these changes in technologies and rapidly develop new and innovative technologies or our competitors unforeseeably gain sudden access to more advanced technologies, we may not be able to provide advanced foundry services on competitive terms. Although we have concentrated on maintaining a competitive edge in research and development, if we fail to achieve advances in technology or processes, or to obtain access to advanced technologies or processes developed by others, we may become less competitive.
If we are unable to manage our expansion and the modification of our production facilities effectively, our growth prospects may be limited.
     We have been ramping up the production of our 300mm wafer fabs in the Hsinchu Science Park and Tainan Science Park, respectively, since 2004. In 2007, the capacity of our 300mm wafer fabs increased from 93,700 wafer per month in 2006 to 130,700 wafer per month in 2007. Expansion and modification of our production facilities will, among other factors, increase our costs. For example, we will need to purchase additional equipment, train personnel to operate the new equipment or hire additional personnel. If we do not increase our net sales accordingly in order to offset these higher costs, our financial performance may be adversely affected.
We may not be able to implement our planned growth or development if we are unable to accurately forecast and sufficiently meet our future capital requirements.
     Capital requirements are difficult to plan in the highly dynamic, cyclical and rapidly changing semiconductor industry. We will continue to need significant capital to fund our operations and growth. Although we currently have adequate financial resources and excellent relations with financial institutions who are willing to consider extending credit to us if needed on market terms, our continued ability to obtain sufficient external financing in the future is subject to a variety of uncertainties, including:
    our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flow;
 
    general market conditions for financing activities by semiconductor companies; and
 
    social, economic, financial, political and other conditions in Taiwan and elsewhere.

-6-


Table of Contents

     Sufficient external financing may not be available to us on a timely basis, on general market terms, or at all. As a result, we may be forced to curtail our expansion and modification plans or delay the deployment of new or expanded services until we obtain such financing.
We may not be able to implement our planned growth or maintain our leading position if we are unable to recruit and retain qualified management and skilled technical and service personnel.
     We depend on the continued services and contributions of our executive officers and skilled technical and other personnel. Our business could suffer if we lose, for whatever reasons, the services and contributions of some of these personnel and we cannot adequately replace them. We may be required to increase the number of employees in connection with any business expansion, and since there is intense competition for the recruitment of these personnel, we cannot ensure that we will be able to fulfill our personnel requirements in a timely manner.
We may be unable to obtain in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost the equipment necessary for us to remain competitive.
     Our operations and ongoing expansion plans depend on our ability to obtain a significant amount of equipment and related services from a limited number of suppliers in a market that is characterized, from time to time, by intense demand, limited supply and long delivery cycles. During such times, supplier-specific or industry-wide lead times for delivery can be as long as four to ten months or more. To better manage potential shortage, we have implemented various business models and risk management contingencies with suppliers to shorten the procurement lead time. We also provide our projected demand for various items to many of our equipment suppliers to help them plan their production in advance. If we are unable to obtain equipment in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost, we may be unable to fulfill our customers’ orders, which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Our revenue and profitability may decline if we are unable to obtain adequate supplies of raw materials in a timely manner and at reasonable prices.
     Our production operations require that we obtain adequate supplies of raw materials, such as silicon wafers, gases, chemicals, and photoresist, on a timely basis. Shortages in the supply of some materials experienced by specific vendors or by the semiconductor industry generally have in the past resulted in occasional industry-wide price adjustments and delivery delays. Also, since we procure some of our raw materials from sole-source suppliers, there is a risk that our need for such raw materials may not be timely met. Our revenue and earnings could decline if we are unable to obtain adequate supplies of the necessary raw materials in a timely manner or if there are significant increases in the costs of raw materials that we cannot pass on to our customers.
If the Ministry of Economic Affairs uses a substantial portion of our production capacity, we will not be able to service our other customers.
     According to our agreement with the Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan, or ITRI, the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the R.O.C., or an entity designated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has an option to purchase up to 35% of certain of our capacity, if our outstanding commitments to our customers are not prejudiced. Although the Ministry of Economic Affairs has never exercised this option, if this option is exercised to any significant degree during tight market conditions, we may not be able to provide services to all of our other customers unless we are able to increase our capacity accordingly or outsource such increased demand and in a timely manner.
Any inability to obtain, preserve and defend our technologies and intellectual property rights could harm our competitive position.
     Our ability to compete successfully and to achieve future growth will depend in part on the continued strength of our intellectual property portfolio. While we actively enforce and protect our intellectual property rights, there can be no assurance that our efforts will be adequate to prevent the misappropriation or improper use of our proprietary technology, trade secrets, software or know-how. Also, we cannot assure you that, as our business or business models expand into new areas, we will be able to develop independently the technology, trade secrets, software or know-how necessary to conduct our business or that we can do so without infringing the intellectual property rights of others. As a result, we may have to rely increasingly on licensed technology from others. To the extent that we rely on licenses from others, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain any or all of the necessary licenses in the future on terms we consider reasonable or at all. The lack of necessary licenses could expose us to claims for damages and/or injunctions from third parties, as well as claims for indemnification by our customers in instances where we have contractually agreed to indemnify our customers against damages resulting from infringement claims.

-7-


Table of Contents

     We have received, from time-to-time, communications from third parties asserting that our technologies, manufacturing processes, the design of the integrated circuits made by us or the use by our customers of semiconductors made by us may infringe their patents or other intellectual property rights. And, because of the nature of the industry, we may continue to receive such communications in the future. In some instances, these disputes have resulted in litigation. If we fail to obtain or maintain certain government, technology or intellectual property licenses and, if litigation relating to alleged intellectual property matters occurs, it could prevent us from manufacturing or selling particular products or applying particular technologies, which could reduce our opportunities to generate revenues. See “Item 8. Financial Information — Legal Proceedings” for a further discussion.
We are subject to the risk of loss due to explosion and fire because some of the materials we use in our manufacturing processes are highly combustible.
     We and many of our suppliers use highly combustible and toxic materials in manufacturing processes and are therefore subject to the risk of loss arising from explosion, fire, or environmental excursions which cannot be completely eliminated. Although we maintain many overlapping risk prevention and protection systems, as well as comprehensive fire and casualty insurance, including insurance for loss of property and loss of profit resulting from business interruption, our risk management and insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all of our potential losses. If any of our fabs were to be damaged or cease operations as a result of an explosion, fire, or environmental excursions, it could reduce our manufacturing capacity and may cause us to lose important customers, thereby having a potentially material adverse impact on our financial performance.
Any impairment charges may have a material adverse effect on our net income.
     Under R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP, we are required to evaluate our long-lived assets and intangible assets for impairment whenever there is an indication of impairment. If certain criteria are met, we are required to record an impairment charge. We are also required under R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP to evaluate goodwill for impairment at least on an annual basis or whenever a triggering event or an indication of impairment occurs.
     We currently are not able to estimate the extent or timing of any impairment charge for future years. Any impairment charge required may have a material adverse effect on our net income.
     The determination of an impairment charge at any given time is based significantly on our expected results of operations over a number of years subsequent to that time. As a result, an impairment charge is more likely to occur during a period when our operating results are otherwise already depressed. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Critical Accounting Policies” for a discussion of our estimates made for determining an impairment charge.
The loss of or significant curtailment of purchases by any of our largest customers could adversely affect our results of operations.
     While we generate revenue from hundreds of customers worldwide, our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 53% and 51% of our net sales in 2006 and 2007, respectively, and our largest customer accounted for approximately 10% and 11% of our net sales in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The loss of, or significant curtailment of purchases by, one or more of our top customers, including curtailments due to a change in the design or manufacturing sourcing policies or practices of these customers, or the timing of customer or distributor inventory adjustments, may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

-8-


Table of Contents

Any failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and the market price of our common shares and ADSs.
     Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial reports and to effectively prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial reports and effectively prevent fraud, our reputation and results of operations could be harmed.
     We are required to comply with various R.O.C. and U.S. laws and regulations on internal controls. For example, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, beginning with the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, we are required to furnish a report by management on our internal control over financial reporting, including management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Moreover, R.O.C. law requires us to establish internal control systems that would reasonably ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. We are also required under R.O.C. law to file an internal control declaration within four months of the end of each fiscal year.
     Internal controls may not prevent or detect misstatements because of their inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of internal controls to future periods are subject to the risk that the internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed, we could fail to meet our reporting obligations, and there could be a material adverse effect on the market price of our common shares and ADSs.
Our global manufacturing, design and sales activities subject us to risks associated with legal, political, economic or other conditions or developments in various jurisdictions, including in particular the Republic of China (“R.O.C.”), which could negatively affect our business and financial status and therefore the market value of your investment.
     Our principal executive officers and our principal production facilities are located in the R.O.C. and a substantial majority of our net revenues are derived from our operations in the R.O.C. In addition, we have operations worldwide and a significant percentage of our revenue come from sales to locations outside the R.O.C. Operating in the R.O.C. and overseas exposes us to changes in policies and laws, as well as the general political and economic conditions, security risks, health conditions and possible disruptions in transportation networks, in the various countries in which we operate, which could result in an adverse effect on our business operations in such countries and our results of operations as well as the market price and the liquidity of our ADSs and common shares.
     For example, even though the R.O.C. and the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) have co-existed for the past 59 years and significant economic and cultural relations have been established during that time, the financial markets have viewed certain past developments in relations between the two sides as occasions to depress general market prices of the securities of Taiwanese companies, including our own. In addition, the R.O.C. government currently restricts transfer by Taiwanese companies of certain technologies to and certain types of investments by Taiwanese companies in Mainland China.
Our results of operations could be materially adversely affected by natural disasters or interruptions in the supply of utilities (such as water or electricity) in the locations in which we, our customers or suppliers operate.
     We have manufacturing and other operations in locations subject to natural disasters such as severe weather and earthquakes as well as interruptions or shortages in the supply of utilities (such as water and electricity) that could disrupt operations. In addition, our suppliers and customers also have operations in such locations. For example, most of our production facilities, as well as many of our suppliers and customers and upstream providers of complementary semiconductor manufacturing services, are located in Taiwan, which is susceptible to earthquakes, typhoons, and has experienced droughts from time to time. In addition, we have sometimes suffered power outages caused by our major electricity supplier, the Taiwan Power Company, or other power consumers on the same power supply line, which have caused interruptions in our production schedule. A natural disaster or interruptions in the supply of utilities that results in a prolonged disruption to our operations, or the operations of our customers or suppliers, may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

-9-


Table of Contents

Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in foreign exchange losses.
     Over half of our capital expenditures and manufacturing costs are denominated in currencies other than NT dollars, primarily in U.S. dollars, Japanese yen and Euros. More than 90% of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars and currencies other than NT dollars. Therefore, any significant fluctuation to our disadvantage in such exchange rate may have an adverse effect on our financial condition. For example, during the period from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2008, the U.S. dollar has depreciated 6.4% against the NT dollar, which may have a material impact on our results of operations. In addition, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the NT dollar may affect the U.S. dollar value of our common shares and the market price of the ADSs and of any cash dividends paid in NT dollars on our common shares represented by ADSs. Please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Inflation” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for a further discussion on the possible impact of other market factors on our results of operations.
Risks Relating to Ownership of ADSs
Your voting rights as a holder of ADSs will be limited.
     Holders of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) evidencing ADSs may exercise voting rights with respect to the common shares represented by these ADSs only in accordance with the provisions of our ADS deposit agreement. The deposit agreement provides that, upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of our common shares, the depositary bank will, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the holders (i) the notice of the meeting sent by us, (ii) voting instruction forms and (iii) a statement as to the manner in which instructions may be given by the holders.
     ADS holders will not generally be able to exercise the voting rights attaching to the deposited securities on an individual basis. According to the R.O.C. Company Law, the voting rights attaching to the deposited securities must be exercised as to all matters subject to a vote of shareholders collectively in the same manner, except in the case of an election of directors. Election of directors is by means of cumulative voting. See “Item 10. Additional Information — Voting of Deposited Securities” for a more detailed discussion of the manner in which a holder of ADSs can exercise its voting rights.
You may not be able to participate in rights offerings and may experience dilution of your holdings.
     We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire securities. Under our ADS deposit agreement, the depositary bank will not distribute rights to holders of ADSs unless the distribution and sale of rights and the securities to which these rights relate are either exempt from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, with respect to all holders of ADSs, or are registered under the provisions of the Securities Act. Although we may be eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions for rights offerings by certain foreign companies, we can give no assurance that we can establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have such a registration statement declared effective. In addition, if the depositary bank is unable to obtain the requisite approval from the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the conversion of the subscription payments into NT dollars or if the depositary determines that it is unlikely to obtain this approval, we may decide with the depositary bank not to make the rights available to holders of ADSs. See “Item 10. Additional Information — Foreign Investment in the R.O.C.” and “Item 10. Additional Information — Exchange Controls in the R.O.C.”. Accordingly, holders of ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of their holdings as a result.
     If the depositary bank is unable to sell rights that are not exercised or not distributed or if the sale is not lawful or reasonably practicable, it will allow the rights to lapse, in which case you will receive no value for these rights.

-10-


Table of Contents

The value of your investment may be reduced by possible future sales of common shares or ADSs by us or our shareholders.
     One or more of our existing shareholders may, from time to time, dispose of significant numbers of our common shares or ADSs. For example, the National Development Fund, one of our major shareholders, has sold our shares in the form of ADSs in several transactions since 1997. In May 2005, Philips, another major shareholder of ours, reiterated its intention, first announced in October 2003, to gradually and orderly reduce its equity interest in us.
     On March 9, 2007, Philips and TSMC jointly announced a multi-phase plan to facilitate an orderly exit by Philips from its current shareholding in us. Specifically, according to the announced plan, Philips intends to divest its current shareholding in us through one or more block trades on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, a public offering of our common shares in the form of ADSs, and through participation in the share buy-backs conducted by us during a period beginning in 2007 and ending in 2010.
    The plan’s initial step occurred on March 12, 2007, when Philips sold approximately US$1.75 billion worth of our common shares over the Taiwan Stock Exchange through block trades to a few institutional investors in Taiwan.
 
    The plan’s second step was a sale by Philips in a public offering registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of approximately US$2.56 billion worth of our common shares in the form of ADSs on May 18, 2007. It is the intention of TSMC and Philips that no further ADS offerings will be conducted in respect of Philips’ shareholding in TSMC.
 
    For the third step of the plan, we conducted a share repurchase program from November 14, 2007 to December 31, 2007, in the amount of approximately US$1.5 billion, and subsequently canceled 800 million common shares that had been repurchased. During the same period, Philips also disposed 800 million of our common shares by selling them in the open market. After the completion of this third step, Philips held approximately 5.1% of our total outstanding common shares as of February 29, 2008.
 
    Lastly, the plan’s fourth step calls for us to conduct, subject to maintaining our current annual cash dividend per share, additional share repurchase and cancellation programs between 2008 and 2010. Philips has informed us that it intends to tender its remaining equity interest in us at such time. Philips may also consider selling its remaining equity interest in us to specified long-term investors mutually agreeable to Philips and us.
     While we hope to continue to work with Philips to implement the above plan to facilitate the contemplated disposals by Philips of its equity interests in us in a way that, to the extent possible, minimizes any adverse impact on us and the market price of our ADSs and common shares, there is no written agreement between us and Philips in respect of the above plan and no assurances can be given as to the timing and potential impact of the implementation of such plan or any other method of disposal by Philips.
     We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of ADSs or common shares, or the availability of ADSs or common shares for future sale, will have on the market price of ADSs or common shares prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of ADSs or common shares in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could depress the prevailing market price of our ADSs or common shares.
The market value of our shares may fluctuate due to the volatility of, and government intervention in, the R.O.C. securities market.
     Because the Taiwan Stock Exchange experiences from time to time substantial fluctuations in the prices and volumes of sales of listed securities, there are currently limits on the range of daily price movements on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. In response to past declines and volatility in the securities markets in Taiwan, and in line with similar activities by other countries in Asia, the government of the R.O.C. formed the Stabilization Fund, which has purchased and may from time to time purchase shares of Taiwan companies to support these markets. In addition, other funds associated with the R.O.C. government have in the past purchased, and may from time to time purchase, shares of Taiwan companies on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or other markets. In the future, market activity by government entities, or the perception that such activity is taking place, may take place or has ceased, may cause fluctuations in the market prices of our ADSs and common shares.

-11-


Table of Contents

ITEM 4.   INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
Our History and Structure
     We believe we are currently the world’s largest dedicated foundry in the semiconductor industry. We were founded in 1987 as a joint venture among the R.O.C. government, Philips and other private investors and were incorporated in the R.O.C. on February 21, 1987. Our common shares have been listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange since September 5, 1994, and our ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since October 8, 1997.
     Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation (“VIS”). In 1994, we, the R.O.C. Ministry of Economic Affairs and other investors established Vanguard, then an integrated DRAM manufacturer. Vanguard commenced volume commercial production in 1995 and listed its shares on the GreTai Securities Market in March 1999. As of February 29, 2008, we owned 36.7% of Vanguard. Please see “—Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” for a further discussion.
     WaferTech in the United States. In 1996, we entered into a joint venture called WaferTech (of which the manufacturing entity is Fab 11) with several U.S.-based investors to construct and operate a US$1.2 billion foundry in the United States. Initial trial production at WaferTech commenced in July 1998 and commercial production commenced in October 1998. In December 1998, we increased the percentage of our ownership interest in WaferTech to 68%. By the end of the first quarter of 2001, we had increased the percentage of our ownership interest in WaferTech to approximately 99% by purchasing all of the remaining interest of all of the other joint venture partners. As of February 29, 2008, we owned an approximately 99.996% equity interest in WaferTech.
     Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company Pte. Ltd. (“SSMC”). In March 1999, we entered into an agreement with Philips and EDB Investment Pte. Ltd. to found a joint venture, SSMC, to build a fab in Singapore. The SSMC fab commenced production in December 2000. Please see “—Item 7 Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” for a further discussion.
     Global Unichip Corporation (“GUC”). In January 2003, we acquired a 52.0% equity interest in GUC, a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) design service company that provides large scale SOC implementation services. GUC has been listed on Taiwan Stock Exchange since November 3, 2006. We owned 37.0% equity interest in GUC as of February 29, 2008.
     Operations in Mainland China. In August 2003, we established TSMC Shanghai (of which the manufacturing entity is Fab 10), a wholly-owned subsidiary primarily engaged in the manufacturing and selling of integrated circuits. We have achieved commercial production with 0.35 micron, 0.25 micron and 0.18 micron process technologies in Fab 10, our 200mm wafer fab in Shanghai, where we commenced production in late 2004. As of February 29, 2008, we owned a 100% equity interest in TSMC Shanghai.
     VisEra Technologies Company, Ltd. (“VisEra”). In October 2003, we and OmniVision Technolgies Inc., entered into a shareholders’ agreement to form VisEra Technologies Company, Ltd., a joint venture in Taiwan, for the purpose of providing back-end manufacturing service. As of February 29, 2008, we owned 44.1% equity interest in VisEra Technologies Company Ltd. Please see “—Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions for a further discussion.”
     Xintec, Inc. (“Xintec”). In January 2007, we acquired a 43.0% equity interest in XinTec, a supplier of wafer level packaging service, that we perceive would support our CMOS manufacturing business. As of February 29, 2008, we owned 42.5% equity interest in Xintec.
     Beginning March 1, 2008, we re-structured our business unit organization by forming the new Advanced Technology Business Organization and Mainstream Technology Business Organization. These two new organizations will respectively take responsibility for formulation, development, and execution of advanced technology and mainstream technology business objectives.

-12-


Table of Contents

Our Principal Office
     Our principal executive office is located at No. 8, Li-Hsin Road 6, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China. Our telephone number at that office is (886-3) 563-6688. Our web site is www.tsmc.com. Information contained on our website does not constitute part of this annual report.
Business Overview of the Company
     As a foundry, we manufacture semiconductors using our advanced or mainstream manufacturing processes for our customers based on their own or third parties’ proprietary integrated circuit designs. We offer a comprehensive range of leading edge wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture CMOS logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, BiCMOS mixed-signal and other semiconductors. IC Insights (The McClean Report 2008 Edition) estimates that our revenue market share among dedicated foundries worldwide was 49% in 2006 and 47% in 2007. We also offer design, mask making, probing, testing and assembly services.
     We believe that our large capacity, particularly for advanced technologies, is a major competitive advantage. Please see “— Manufacturing Capacity and Technology” and “— Capacity Expansion and Technology Upgrade Plans” for a further discussion of our capacity.
     We count among our customers many of the world’s leading semiconductor companies, ranging from fabless semiconductor and systems companies such as Altera Corporation, Broadcom Corporation, Marvell Semiconductor Inc., Microsoft Corporation, nVidia Corporation and Qualcomm Incorporated, to integrated device manufacturers such as Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Analog Devices, Inc., Freescale Semiconductor Inc. and NXP Semiconductors. Fabless semiconductor and system companies accounted for approximately 67%, and integrated device manufacturers accounted for approximately 33%, of our net sales in 2007.
Our Facilities
     After combining the operations at two of our 200mm fabs in 2001 and the decommissioning of one of our 150mm wafer fabs (Fab 1) in March 2002, we currently operate one 150mm wafer fab, six 200mm wafer fabs and two 300mm wafer fabs, including Fab 14, where we commenced production in the fourth quarter of 2004. Our corporate headquarters and five of our fabs are located in the Hsinchu Science Park, two fabs are located in the Tainan Science Park, one fab is located in the United States, and one fab is located in Shanghai. Our corporate headquarters and our five fabs in Hsinchu occupy approximately 417,168 square meters of land. We lease all of this land from the Hsinchu Science Park Administration in Hsinchu under agreements that will be up for renewal in December 2027. We have leased from the Southern Taiwan Science Park Development Office 395,000 square meters of land for our fabs in the Tainan Science Park under agreements that will be up for renewal between November 2018 and December 2025. WaferTech owns 1,052,181 square meters of land in the State of Washington in the United States, where the WaferTech fab and related offices are located. TSMC Shanghai owns 420,000 square meters of land in Shanghai, where Fab 10 and related offices are located.
     Other than certain equipment under leases located at testing areas, we own all of the buildings and equipment for our fabs. We are expanding our 300mm fabrication capacity and R&D through Fab 12 in the Hsinchu Science Park and Fab 14 in the Tainan Science Park. Total monthly capacity for 300mm fabs was increased from 93,700 wafers in 2006 to 130,700 wafers in 2007. We will continuously evaluate our 300mm capacity in light of prevailing market conditions.
Manufacturing Capacity and Technology
     We manufacture semiconductors on silicon wafers based on proprietary circuitry designs provided by our customers or third party designers. Two key factors that characterize a foundry’s manufacturing capabilities are output capacity and fabrication process technologies. Since our establishment, we have possessed the largest capacity among the world’s dedicated foundries. We also believe that we are the technology leader among the dedicated foundries in terms of our net sales of advanced semiconductors with a resolution of 0.13 micron and below, and are one of the leaders in the semiconductor industry generally. We are the first semiconductor foundry with proven low-k technology in commercial production from the 0.13 micron process technology down to 65-nanometer node. Following our commercial production based on 65-nanometer NexsysSM process technology in 2006, we also unveiled 55-naometer NexsysSM process technology in 2007. Our 65-nanometer and 55-nanometer NexsysSM technologies are the third-generation proprietary processes that employ low-k dielectrics. In 2007, we also qualified our 45-nanometer process technology with ultra low-k dielectrics and advanced immersion lithography. We expect to begin its commercial production in 2008.

-13-


Table of Contents

     The following table lists our fabs and those of our affiliates, together with the year of commencement of commercial production, technology and capacity during the last five years:
                                                 
        Current most    
        advanced technology    
    Year of   for volume   Monthly capacity(3)(4)
Fab(1)   commencement   production(2)   2003   2004   2005   2006   2007
2
  1990   0.45     42,977       47,584       47,584       50,506       51,685  
3(5)
  1995   0.18     71,600       83,300       83,300       89,900       90,500  
5
  1997   0.15     37,800       42,500       42,500       51,500       55,800  
6
  2000   0.13     63,500       73,000       73,000       83,400       94,000  
7(7)
  1995   0.35     11,800       13,400       13,400              
8
  1998   0.15     63,500       76,500       76,500       83,500       89,400  
10
  2004   0.18           500       15,600       32,000       31,000  
11
  1998   0.15     30,000       32,500       33,500       35,500       35,500  
12
  2001   0.055     31,797       60,300       106,875       131,175       160,755  
14
  2004   0.055           6,750       46,125       79,650       133,279  
SSMC(6)
  2000   0.18     9,600       13,400       16,700       17,700       20,700  
Total
            362,574       449,734       555,084       654,831       762,619  
 
(1)   Fab 2 produces 150mm wafers. Fabs 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, Fab 11 (WaferTech) and SSMC produce 200mm wafers. Fab 12 and Fab 14 produce 300mm wafers. Fabs 2, 3, 5, 8 and 12 are located in Hsinchu Science Park. Fab 6 and Fab 14 are located in the Tainan Science Park. WaferTech is located in the United States, SSMC is located in Singapore and Fab 10 is located in Shanghai.
 
(2)   In microns, as of year-end.
 
(3)   Estimated capacity in 200mm equivalent wafers as of year-end for the total technology range available for production. Actual capacity during each year will be lower as new production capacity is phased in during the course of the year.
 
(4)   Under an agreement with Vanguard, TSMC is required to use its best commercial efforts to maintain utilization of a fixed amount of reserved capacity and will not increase or decrease the stipulated quantity by more than 5,000 wafers per month. Please see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transaction — Related Party Transactions — Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation” for a discussion of certain of the Vanguard contract terms. The amounts to be used at Vanguard are not included in our monthly capacity figures.
 
(5)   Fab 4, which commenced operation in 1999 with initial technology of 0.5 micron, was consolidated into Fab 3 during the fourth quarter of 2001.
 
(6)   Represents that portion of the total capacity that we had the option to utilize as of December 31, 2003, December 31, 2004, December 31, 2005, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007. This fab commenced production in September 2000.
 
(7)   Fab 7 was decommissioned in June 2006 as we integrated its manufacturing facility as a part of Fab 12’s operation.
     As of December 31, 2007, our monthly capacity (in 200mm equivalent wafers) was 762,619 wafers, compared to 654,831 wafers at the end of 2006. This increase was primarily due to the expansion of our 0.15/0.18 micron mainstream technologies and our 90-nanometer and 65-nanometer advanced technologies.
     Our semiconductor manufacturing facilities require substantial investment to construct and are largely fixed-cost assets once they are in operation. Because we own most of our manufacturing capacity, a significant portion of our operating costs is fixed. In general, these costs do not decline when customer demand or our capacity utilization rates drop, and thus declines in customer demand, among other factors, may significantly decrease our margins. Conversely, as product demand rises and factory utilization increases, the fixed costs are spread over increased output, which can improve our margins.
     Except for regularly scheduled maintenance shutdowns, all of our fabs currently operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Employees work shifts of 12 hours each day on a two days on, two days off basis, except during periods of scheduled maintenance.
Capacity Expansion and Technology Upgrade Plans
     We intend to maintain our strategy of expanding manufacturing capacity and improving manufacturing process technologies to meet both the fabrication and the technological needs of our customers. Based upon estimates of market demands, we currently expect to continue ramping up of Fab 12 and Fab 14 and capacity increases at Fab 10. The current capacity increase plan is based on our long term market demand forecast conducted periodically and may change significantly at any time.

-14-


Table of Contents

     Our capital expenditures in 2005, 2006 and 2007 were NT$79,879 million, NT$78,737 million and NT$84,001 million (US$2,590 million), respectively. Our capital expenditures in 2008 are expected to be approximately US$1,800 million, which may likely fluctuate depending on market conditions. In 2008, we anticipate capital expenditures to focus primarily on the following:
    ramping up production at Fab 12 (Phase III), Fab 14 (Phase II) and Fab 10;
 
    Fab 12 and Fab 14 facilities;
 
    capacity expansion for mask and back-end operations; and
 
    development of process technologies in 45-nanometer and below and other research and development projects.
     These investment plans are still preliminary and our expected capital expenditures may change per market conditions.
Markets and Customers
     The primary customers of our foundry services are fabless semiconductor companies/systems companies and integrated device manufacturers. The following table presents the breakdown of net sales by types of customers during the last three years:
                                                 
    Year ended December 31,
    2005   2006   2007
Customer Type   Net Sales   Percentage   Net Sales   Percentage   Net Sales   Percentage
    (in millions, except percentages)
Fabless semiconductor companies/systems companies
  NT$ 187,662       70.4 %   NT$ 229,168       72.2 %   NT$ 215,662       66.8 %
Integrated device manufacturers
    78,903       29.6 %     88,239       27.8 %     106,968       33.2 %
Total
  NT$ 266,565       100.0 %   NT$ 317,407       100.0 %   NT$ 322,630       100.0 %
     We categorize our net sales based on the country in which the customer is headquartered, which may be different from the net sales for the countries to which we actually sell or ship our products. Under this approach, the following table presents a regional geographic breakdown of our net sales during the last three years:
                                                 
    Year ended December 31,
    2005   2006   2007
Region   Net Sales   Percentage   Net Sales   Percentage   Net Sales   Percentage
    (in millions, except percentages)
North America
  NT$ 205,255       77.0 %   NT$ 247,895       78.1 %   NT$ 247,832       76.8 %
Asia
    40,785       15.3 %     43,167       13.6 %     45,128       14.0 %
Europe
    20,525       7.7 %     26,345       8.3 %     29,670       9.2 %
Total
  NT$ 266,565       100.0 %   NT$ 317,407       100.0 %   NT$ 322,630       100.0 %
     A significant portion of our net sales are attributable to a relatively small number of our customers. In 2006 and 2007, our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 53% and 51% of our net sales, respectively, and our largest customer accounted for approximately 10% and 11% of our net sales, respectively.
     Over the years, we have attempted to strategically manage our exposure to commodity memory semiconductor manufacturing services. This policy has successfully shielded us from significant adverse effects resulting from the previous precipitous price drops in the commodity memory semiconductor market.
     We have six customer support and/or marketing regions. The office in Hsinchu serves Asian (excluding Japanese and Mainland Chinese) customers. Wholly-owned subsidiaries in the United States, Japan, Mainland China, the Netherlands, South Korea and India serve North American, Japanese, Mainland Chinese, European, South Korean and Indian customers, respectively. Foundry service sales are technologically intensive and involve frequent and intensive contacts with customers. We believe that the most effective means of marketing our foundry services is by developing direct relationships with our customers. We do not use agents or distributors. Our customer service managers work closely with the sales force by providing integrated services and detailed technical advice and specifications to customers.

-15-


Table of Contents

     Commitments by Customers. Because of the fast-changing technology and functionality in semiconductor design, foundry customers generally do not place purchase orders far in advance to manufacture a particular type of product. However, we engage in discussions with customers regarding their expected manufacturing requirements in advance of the placement of purchase orders.
     Several of our customers have entered into arrangements with us to ensure that they have access to specified capacity at our fabs. These arrangements are primarily in the form of deposit agreements. In a deposit agreement, the customer makes an advance cash deposit for an option on a specified capacity at our fabs. Deposits are generally refunded as shipments are made. As of December 31, 2007, our customers had on deposit an aggregate of approximately US$68 million to reserve future capacity.
The Semiconductor Fabrication Process
     The semiconductor manufacturing process begins with a thin silicon wafer on which an array of semiconductor devices is fabricated. The wafer is then tested, cut into chips, and assembled into packages that are then individually retested. Our focus is on wafer fabrication although we also provide all other services either directly or through outsourcing arrangements.
Our Foundry Services
     Range of Services. Because of our ability to provide a full array of services, we are able to accommodate customers with a variety of input and output needs. The flexibility in input stages allows us to cater to a variety of customers with different in-house capabilities and thus to service a wider class of customers as compared to a foundry that cannot offer design or mask making services, for example.
     Fabrication Processes. We manufacture semiconductors using the complementary metal oxide silicon, CMOS and BiCMOS processes. The CMOS process is currently the dominant semiconductor manufacturing process. The BiCMOS process combines the high speed of the bipolar circuitry and the low power consumption and high density of the CMOS circuitry. We use the CMOS process to manufacture logic semiconductors, memory semiconductors including SRAM, flash memory, mixed-signal/RF semiconductors, which combine analog and digital circuitry in a single semiconductor, and embedded memory semiconductors, which combine logic and memory in a single semiconductor. The BiCMOS process is used to make high-end mixed-signal and other types of semiconductors.
     Types of Semiconductors We Manufacture. We manufacture different types of semiconductors with different specific functions by changing the number of and the combinations of conducting, insulating and semiconducting layers and by defining different patterns in which such layers are applied on the wafer. At any given point in time, there are over a hundred different products in various stages of fabrication at our foundries. We believe that the keys to maintaining high production quality and utilization rates are our effective management and control of the manufacturing process technologies that come from our extensive experience as the longest existing dedicated foundry and our dedication to quality control and process improvements.
     The following is a general, non-exhaustive description of the key types of semiconductors that we currently manufacture. Depending on future market conditions, we may provide other services or manufacture other types of products that may differ significantly from the following:
     Logic Semiconductors. Logic semiconductors process digital data to control the operation of electronic systems. The largest segment of the logic market, standard logic devices, includes microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSPs, graphic chips and chip sets.

-16-


Table of Contents

     Mixed-Signal/RF Semiconductors. Analog/digital semiconductors combine analog and digital devices on a single semiconductor to process both analog and digital data. We make mixed-signal/RF semiconductors using both the CMOS and BiCMOS processes. We currently offer CMOS mixed-signal process down to the 45-nanometer NexsysSM technology for manufacturing mixed-signal/RF semiconductors. The primary uses of mixed-signal/RF semiconductors are in hard disk drives, wireless communications equipment and network communications equipment, with those made with the BiCMOS process occupying the higher end of the mixed-signal/RF market.
     Memory Semiconductors. Memory semiconductors, which are used in electronic systems to store data and program instructions, are generally classified as either volatile memory (which lose their data content when power supplies are switched off) or nonvolatile memory (which retain their data content without the need for a constant power supply). We currently offer CMOS process for the manufacture of SRAM, embedded DRAM as volatile memory, and for the manufacture of flash memory and embedded flash as nonvolatile memory.
     CMOS Image Sensor Semiconductors. Image sensors are primarily used in camera phone. We are currently the leading foundry for the production of CMOS image sensors, characterized by technology features including low dark current, high sensitivity, smaller pixel size and high dynamic range achieved through integration with mixed mode processes.
     High Voltage Semiconductors. We currently offer a range of high-voltage processes including High Voltage CMOS (HVCMOS), Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) and Ultra-high Voltage technology (UHV), ranging from 5V to 700V, which are suitable for various panel-size display driver and power IC applications.
     The table below presents a breakdown of our net sales during the last three years by each semiconductor type:
                                                 
    Year ended December 31,
    2005   2006   2007
Semiconductor Type   Net Sales   Percentage   Net Sales   Percentage   Net Sales   Percentage
    (in millions, except percentages)
CMOS
                                               
Logic
  NT$199,657       74.9 %   NT$240,278       75.7 %   NT$234,354       72.6 %
Memory
    2,133       0.8 %     3,174       1.0 %     5,156       1.6 %
Mixed-Signal(1)
    63,442       23.8 %     71,734       22.6 %     80,247       24.9 %
BiCMOS(2)
    1,066       0.4 %     1,904       0.6 %     2,517       0.8 %
Others
    267       0.1 %     317       0.1 %     356       0.1 %
Total
  NT$266,565       100.0 %   NT$317,407       100.0 %   NT$322,630       100.0 %
 
(1)   Mixed-signal semiconductors made with the CMOS process.
 
(2)   Mixed-signal and other semiconductors made with the BiCMOS process.
     Design and Technology Platforms.
     We offer a wide range of design services, from providing fundamental technology files, libraries and other silicon intellectual property to customization and chip implementation services.
     To facilitate our customers’ semiconductor designs, we provide a set of technology files for the process technologies we offer. The technology files include the necessary information to support design activities in physical layout, verification and circuit simulation. We can also provide complete process design kits, or PDKs, to support our customers’ circuit design environment.
     To accelerate the time-to-market for our customers, we provide a set of foundation library and selected silicon intellectual property to help designers expedite their design process. Our library and silicon intellectual property portfolio includes standard logic cells, input/output interface cells, and memory/analog blocks. Each library and silicon intellectual property portfolio is designed to maximize performance while minimizing area and power consumption. We also enter into arrangements with third-party providers to provide to our customers a broader range of library and silicon intellectual property offerings.

-17-


Table of Contents

     With advanced process technologies predominately entering the nano-meter range, designers require more guidance to deal with the increasing complexities of managing performance and power consumption. Also, due to limited design and process margin on nano-meter technologies, fabless designers are required to work closely with a foundry to ensure that their designs are suitable for commercial manufacturing and can quickly be transferred to large volume manufacturing. For these purposes, we also provide design for manufacturing services, or DFM services, for our customers. We also create DFM models for advanced design flows that we co-developed with major design automation companies. Many of these advanced design flows are incorporated into our library, silicon intellectual property development and chip implementation services.
     In 2006 and 2007, we also established three design centers in North America, which allowed us to recruit North American design talent to further enhance our capability on design enablement.
     Multi-project Wafers Program (CyberShuttle). To help our customers reduce costs, we offer a dedicated multi-project wafer processing service that allows us to provide multiple customers with circuits produced with the same mask. This program reduces mask costs by a very significant factor, resulting in accelerated time-to-market for our customers. We have extended this program to all of our customers and library and IP partners using our broad selection of process technologies, ranging from the latest 40-, 45-, 55- and 65-nanometer processes to 0.18-, 0.25- and 0.35- micron. This extension offers a routinely scheduled multi-project wafer run to customers on a shared-cost basis for prototyping and verification.
     We developed our multi-project wafer program in response to the current system-on-chip development methodologies, which often require the independent development, prototyping and validation of several IPs before they can be integrated onto a single device. By sharing mask cost among our customers to the extent permissible, the system-on-chip supplier can enjoy reduced prototyping costs and greater confidence that the design will be successful.
Customer Service
     We believe that our focus on customer service has been an important factor in attracting leading semiconductor companies as customers. The key elements of our customer service are our:
    firmly established customer-oriented culture, which emphasizes close interaction with our customers on a multifaceted basis, from senior management, sales and marketing, customer service staff to product and line engineers in the fabs and research and development staff;
 
    ability to deliver ordered wafers of consistent quality, on time and in the desired quantities;
 
    responsiveness to customer’s requirements in terms of engineering change orders and special wafer handling;
 
    flexibility in manufacturing processes, order size requirements and design changes, attributable in part to our technical capability and ability to plan and manage effectively many production runs;
 
    ability to reduce customer costs through the sharing, to the extent permissible, of ever increasing silicon verification costs through our multi-project wafer service, which combines multiple designs on a single mask set;
 
    eFoundry™ service which features real-time on-line information exchange throughout product design, engineering and logistic phases, including WIP (work in progress) performance reports for both in-house and subcontracted activities, for the processes of handling, assembly and final testing, before the products are shipped to our customers; and
 
    Virtual fab™, which is a customer service program designed to make our manufacturing services as transparent and easy to deal with for our customers as their own in-house fabs, with well coordinated resource management. The Virtual fab™ provides customers with the benefits of in-house fabs, including confidentiality of proprietary information, quality of service and products, on-time delivery and flexibility in scheduling and capacity.

-18-


Table of Contents

Research and Development
     The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid changes in technology, frequently resulting in the introduction of new technologies to meet customers’ demands and in the obsolescence of recently introduced technology and products. We believe that, in order to stay technologically ahead of our competitors and maintain our market position in the foundry segment of the semiconductor industry, we need to maintain our position as a technology leader not only in the foundry segment but in the semiconductor industry in general. We spent NT$14,017 million, NT$16,076 million and NT$17,946 million (US$553 million) in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, on research and development, which represented 5.3%, 5.1% and 5.5%, respectively, of our net sales for these periods. We plan to continue to invest significant amounts on research and development in 2008, with the goal of maintaining a leading position in the development of advanced process technologies. Our research and development efforts have recently allowed us to provide our customers access to certain advanced process technologies, such as 90-nanometer, 80-nanometer, 65-nanometer and 55-nanometer NexsysSM technology for volume production, prior to the implementation of those advanced process technologies by many integrated device manufacturers and our competitors. In addition, we expect to advance our process technologies further down to 45-nanometer and below in the coming years to maintain our technology leadership. We will also continue to invest in research and development for our mainstream technology offerings.
     Our research and development efforts are divided into centralized research and development activities and research and development activities undertaken by each of our fabs. Our centralized research and development activities are principally directed toward developing most advanced and new generation manufacturing technologies. The research and development activities undertaken in each fab focus on upgrading the manufacturing process technologies.
     We use internally developed process technologies and process technologies licensed from our customers and third parties. In continuing to advance our process technologies, we intend to rely primarily on our internal engineering capability and know-how and our research and development efforts, including collaboration with our customers, equipment vendors and R&D consortia.
     We also continuously create in-house inventions and know-how. Since our inception, every year we apply for and are issued a substantial number of United States and other patents, most of which are semiconductor-related.
Equipment
     The quality and technology of the equipment used in the semiconductor manufacturing process are important in that they effectively define the limits of our process technology. Advances in process technology cannot be brought about without commensurate advances in equipment technology. The principal pieces of equipment used by us to manufacture semiconductors are scanners, steppers, cleaners and track equipment, inspection equipment, etchers, furnaces, wet stations, strippers, implanters, sputterers, CVD equipment, testers and probers. Other than certain equipment under leases located at testing areas, we own all of the equipment used at our fabs.
     In implementing our capacity expansion and technology advancement plans, we expect to make significant purchases of equipment required for semiconductor manufacturing. Some of the equipment is available from a limited number of vendors and/or is manufactured in relatively limited quantities, and certain equipment has only recently been developed. We believe that our relationships with our equipment suppliers are good and that we have enjoyed the advantages of being a major purchaser of semiconductor fabrication equipment. We work closely with manufacturers to provide equipment customized to our needs for certain advanced technologies.
Raw Materials
     Our manufacturing processes use many raw materials, primarily silicon wafers, chemicals, gases and various types of precious and other metals. Raw materials costs constituted 12.6% of our net sales in 2006 and 13.9% of our net sales in 2007. Most of our raw materials generally are available from several suppliers. Our raw material procurement policy is to select only those vendors who have demonstrated quality control and reliability on delivery time and to maintain multiple sources for each raw material so that a quality or delivery problem with any one vendor will not adversely affect our operations. The quality and delivery performance of each vendor is evaluated monthly or quarterly and quantity allocations are adjusted for subsequent periods based on the evaluation.

-19-


Table of Contents

     The most important raw material used in our production is silicon wafers, which is the basic raw material from which integrated circuits are made. The principal suppliers for our wafers are Shin-Etsu Handotai and SUMCO Corporation of Japan, Siltronic AG of Germany, MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. of the United States, and Formosa SUMCO Technology of Taiwan. Together they supplied approximately 89.6% and 91.6% of our total wafer needs in 2006 and 2007, respectively. We have in the past obtained, and believe we will continue to be able to obtain, a sufficient supply of 150mm, 200mm and 300mm wafers. However, surge demand for some specialty products that require use of specialty wafers may sometimes cause a sudden shortage of the supply of specialty wafers. The price of wafers decreased slightly during 2006 and 2007. We expect wafer prices to continue to decrease in 2008.
     In order to secure a reliable and flexible supply of high quality wafers, we entered into long-term agreements and intend to develop strategic relationships with major wafer vendors to cover our anticipated wafer needs for the next three to five years. Also, we have a special cross-function taskforce comprised of individuals from our fab operations, materials management, risk management and quality system management divisions to improve our supply chain risk management. This taskforce works with our primary suppliers to qualify their dual-plant materials, prepare safety inventories, improve the quality of their products and implement supply chain risk management.
Competition
     We compete internationally and domestically with dedicated foundry service providers, as well as with integrated device manufacturers that devote a significant portion of their manufacturing capacity to foundry operations. We compete primarily on the basis of process technology, quality and service. The level of competition differs according to the process technology involved. For example, in more mature technologies, the competition tends to be more intense. Some companies compete with us in selected geographic regions or application end markets. In recent years, substantial investments have been made by others to establish new dedicated foundry companies in mainland China and elsewhere.
Environmental Regulation
     The semiconductor production process generates gaseous chemical wastes, liquid wastes, waste water and other industrial wastes in various stages of the manufacturing process. We have installed various types of pollution control equipment for the treatment of gaseous chemical wastes and liquid wastes and equipment for the recycling of treated water in our fabs. Our operations at our fabs are subject to regulation and periodic monitoring by the R.O.C. Environmental Protection Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or State Environmental Protection Administration of mainland China, and local environmental protection authorities, including the Science Park Administration, the Washington State Department of Ecology or the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau.
     We have adopted pollution control measures which are expected to result in the effective maintenance of environmental protection standards consistent with the practice of the semiconductor industry in Taiwan, the U.S. and mainland China. We conduct an annual environmental audit to ensure that we are in compliance in all material respects with, and we believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with, applicable environmental laws and regulations. Our waste reduction steps also comply with Taiwan regulatory requirements.
     We received ISO14001 certification in August 1996 and QC 080000 IECQ HSPM, a certification for having a hazardous substance process management system that meets the European environmental regulation — RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substance) Directive, in July 2006. We have continued to implement improvement programs in connection with these certifications. For example, all of our manufacturing sites in Taiwan were ISO14001 certified in 2005 and QC 080000 certified in 2007. Fab 10, our manufacturing site in mainland China, also received ISO 14001 certification in 2005 and QC 080000 certification in 2007. In addition, WaferTech obtained ISO 14001 certification in 2001 and QC 080000 certification in 2006. In 2007, we received the “Energy Conservation Award” and “Excellence in Voluntary Greenhouse Gases Emission Reduction Award” from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Executive Yuan, R.O.C., the “National Award for Outstanding Achievements in Industrial Waste Disposal and Resources and Recycling” from the Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. and “Water Conservation Outstanding Performance Award” from the Water Resource Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. WaferTech has also been a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Performance Track Program since 2004.

-20-


Table of Contents

     In 2001, we have expressed our voluntary commitment to reducing perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) emissions to 10% below the average emission value of 1997 and 1999 by 2010, based on the standard set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding by the Taiwan Semiconductor Industrial Association. In our effort to achieve such commitment, the evaluation and implementation of projects including process optimization, chemical replacement and abatement systems have been commenced by us.
Electricity and Water
     We use electricity supplied by Taiwan Power Company in our manufacturing process. Businesses in the Hsinchu Science Park and Tainan Science Park, such as ours, enjoy preferential electricity supply. We have sometimes suffered power outages caused by our electricity supplier, the Taiwan Power Company, which lead to interruptions in our production schedule. The semiconductor manufacturing processes also use extensive amounts of fresh water. Due to the growth of the semiconductor manufacturers in the Hsinchu Science Park and Tainan Science Park, and the droughts that Taiwan experiences from time to time, there is concern regarding future availability of sufficient fresh water and the potential impact insufficient water supplies may have on our semiconductor production.
Risk Management
     We employ an enterprise risk management system to integrate the prevention and control of TSMC and our subsidiaries’ risks. We have also prepared emergency plans to respond to natural disaster and other disruptive events that could disrupt the operation of our business. These emergency plans are developed to prevent or minimize loss of personnel and damage to our facilities, equipment and machinery caused by natural disaster and other disruptive events. We also maintain insurance with respect to our facilities, equipment and inventories. The insurance for the fabs and their equipment covers, subject to some limitations, various risks including fire, typhoon, earthquake and some other risks generally up to the respective policy limits for their replacement values and lost profits due to business interruption. In addition, we have insurance policies covering losses in respect of the construction and erection of all our fabs. Equipment and inventories in transit are also insured.
ITEM 4A.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
     None.
ITEM 5.   OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWS AND PROSPECTS
Overview
     We manufacture a variety of semiconductors based on designs provided by our customers. We also provide various design services. Our business model is now commonly called a “dedicated semiconductor foundry.” The foundry segment of the semiconductor industry as a whole experienced rapid growth over the last 20 years since our inception. As the leader of the foundry segment of the semiconductor industry, our net sales and net income increased from NT$266,565 million and NT$93,575 million in 2005 to NT$317,407 million and NT$127,010 million in 2006 and NT$322,630 million (US$9,948 million) and NT$109,177 million (US$3,367 million) in 2007, respectively. Our sales increase in 2006 and 2007 were primarily the result of a continued growth in the semiconductor industry and customer demand, offset in part by the declines in average selling price resulting principally from pricing pressures in our customers’ end markets and an increase in competition.
     The principal source of our revenue is wafer fabrication, which accounted for approximately 91% of our net sales in 2007. The rest of our net sales is derived from design, mask making, probing, and testing and assembly services. Factors that significantly impact our revenue include:
    the worldwide demand for semiconductor products;
 
    pricing;
 
    the worldwide semiconductor production capacity as well as our production capacity;
 
    capacity utilization;

-21-


Table of Contents

    technology migration; and
 
    fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rate.
     Substantial Fixed Costs for Production Capacity. Our semiconductor manufacturing facilities require substantial investment to construct and are largely fixed-cost assets once they are in operation. Because we own most of our manufacturing capacity, a significant portion of our operating costs are fixed. In general, these costs do not decline when customer demand or our capacity utilization rates drop, and thus declines in customer demand, among other factors, may significantly decrease our margins. Conversely, as product demand rises and factory utilization increases, the fixed costs are spread over increased output, which can improve our margins. We have expanded our aggregate capacity from 555,084 200mm equivalent wafers per month as of year-end 2005 to 762,619 200mm equivalent wafers per month as of year-end 2007. Our annual sales volume grew from approximately 5,622,000 200mm equivalent wafers in 2005 to approximately 8,005,000 200mm equivalent wafers in 2007. In 2007, while our operations in the first quarter ran at a level significantly below the average for the year as a result of our customers’ inventory correction, our capacity utilization rate started to rise from the second quarter and increased further in the last quarter, due to the recovery of customer demand.
     Technology Migration.
     The table below presents a percentage breakdown of wafer sales by circuit resolution during the last three years:
                         
    Year ended December 31,
    2005   2006   2007
    Percentage of total wafer   Percentage of total wafer   Percentage of total wafer
Resolution   revenue(1)   revenue(1)   revenue(1)
 
                       
£65 nanometer
                6 %
90 nanometer
    9 %     23 %     26 %
0.13 micron
    36 %     26 %     23 %
0.15 micron
    9 %     10 %     9 %
0.18 micron
    24 %     22 %     20 %
0.25 micron
    10 %     8 %     7 %
0.35 micron
    6 %     6 %     5 %
³0.5 micron
    6 %     5 %     4 %
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
(1)   Percentages represent wafer revenue by technology as a percentage of total revenue from wafer sales, which exclude revenue not associated with wafer sales, such as revenue from testing and masks. Total wafer revenue excludes sales returns and allowances.
     Pricing. We usually establish pricing levels for a specific period with our customers, subject to adjustment during the course of that period to take into account market developments and other factors. We believe that our large capacity, flexible manufacturing capabilities, focus on customer service and ability to deliver high yields in a predictable and timely manner have contributed to our ability to obtain premium pricing for our wafer production. Our historical pricing policy is to pass through to our customers a portion of cost savings realized as our production processes migrate to more advanced technologies and our manufacturing operations achieve higher yields and greater economy of scale.
Critical Accounting Policies
     Summarized below are our accounting policies that we believe are both important to the portrayal of our financial results and involve the need for management to make estimates about the effect of matters that are uncertain in nature. Actual results may differ from these estimates, judgments and assumptions. Certain accounting policies are particularly critical because of their significance to our reported financial results and the possibility that future events may differ significantly from the conditions and assumptions underlying the estimates used and judgments made by our management in preparing our financial statements. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, which are included in this annual report.

-22-


Table of Contents

     Revenue recognition. We recognize revenue when evidence of an arrangement exists, the rewards of ownership and significant risk of the goods have been transferred to the buyer, price is fixed or determinable, and the collectibility is reasonably assured. We record a provision for estimated future returns and other allowances in the same period the related revenue is recorded. Provision for estimated sales returns and other allowances is generally made and adjusted at a specific percentage based on historical experience, our management’s judgment, and any known factors that would significantly affect the allowance, and our management periodically reviews the adequacy of the percentage used. However, because of the inherent nature of estimates, actual returns and allowances could be different from our estimates. If the actual returns are greater than our estimated amount, we could be required to record an additional provision, which would have a negative impact on our recorded revenue and gross margin.
     As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the amount set aside for sales returns and allowances recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income was NT$5,806 million, NT$5,382 million and NT$5,773 million (US$178 million), respectively, representing 2.1%, 1.7% and 1.8% of our gross sales for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2005 and 2006, no additional provisions were recorded subsequent to the year-end. Subsequent to December 31, 2007, we also did not have to record any additional provisions for 2007, as of February 29, 2008.
     Allowances for doubtful accounts. We record provisions for doubtful accounts based on a percentage of accounts receivables due from our customers. We determine this percentage by examining our historical collection experience and current trends in the credit quality of our customers as well as our internal credit policies. If the financial condition of our customers, or economic conditions in general, were to deteriorate, additional allowances may be required in the future and such additional allowances would increase our operating expenses and therefore reduce our operating income and net income.
     As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the allowance set aside for doubtful receivables was NT$981 million, NT$750 million and NT$702 million (US$22 million), respectively, representing 2.2%, 2.1% and 1.5% of our gross notes and accounts receivables as of those dates. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, we did not have to record any additional allowances subsequent to year-end. Subsequent to December 31, 2007, we also did not have to record any additional allowances for 2007 as of February 29, 2008.
     Inventory valuation. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Market value represents the net realizable value for finished goods and work-in-progress, and replacement costs for raw materials, supplies and spare parts. Due to rapid technology changes, we also evaluate our ending inventory and reduce the carrying value of inventory for estimated obsolescence and unmarketable inventory by an amount that is the difference between the cost of the inventory and the lower estimated market value. The estimated market value of the inventory is mainly determined based on assumptions of future demand within a specific time horizon, which is generally 180 days or less. If actual demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional write-downs may be required. If actual demand and market conditions are more favorable than anticipated, inventory previously written down may be sold at a higher price, resulting in lower cost of sales and higher income from operations than expected in that period.
     As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, we recorded inventory valuation allowances in the aggregate amount of NT$1,686 million, NT$1,005 million and NT$931 million (US$29 million), respectively. Our inventory valuation allowances were primarily for estimated scraps and defects. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, we did not have to record any additional allowances subsequent to year-end. Subsequent to December 31, 2007, we also did not have to record any additional allowances for 2007 as of February 29, 2008.
     Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. When we have net operating loss carry forwards, investment tax credits or temporary differences in the amount of tax recorded for tax purposes and accounting purposes, we may be able to reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in future periods. We recognize all existing future tax benefits arising from these tax attributes as deferred tax assets and then establish a valuation allowance equal to the extent, if any, that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. We record an income tax benefit or expense when there is a net change in our total deferred tax assets and liabilities in a period. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the net operating losses and temporary differences become deductible or the investment tax credits may be utilized. Specifically, our valuation allowances are impacted by our expected future revenue growth and profitability, tax holidays, alternative minimum tax, and the amount of tax credits that can be utilized within the statutory period. In determining the amount of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2007, we considered past performance, the general outlook of the semiconductor industry, future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.

-23-


Table of Contents

     Because the determination of the amount of valuation allowance is based, in part, on our forecast of future profitability, it is inherently uncertain and subjective. Changes in market conditions and our assumptions may cause the actual future profitability to differ materially from our current expectation, which may require us to increase or decrease the amount of valuation allowance that we have recorded. Because our expectation for future profitability is generally less during periods of reduced revenue, we will be more likely to provide significant valuation allowances with respect to deferred tax assets during those periods of already reduced income.
     As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the ending balance for valuation allowances under R.O.C. GAAP were NT$11,191 million, NT$8,127 million and NT$4,162 million (US$128 million), respectively, representing 44.5%, 37.0% and 24.4% of net deferred tax assets as of those dates.
     Valuation of long-lived assets and intangible assets. We assess the impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired and carrying value may not be recoverable. Our long-lived assets subject to this evaluation include property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, the following:
    significant under performance relative to historical or projected future operating results;
 
    significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or our overall business strategy; and
 
    significant unfavorable industry or economic trends.
     When we determine that the carrying value of intangible assets and other long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we measure any impairment for long-lived assets based on a projected future cash flow. If the long-lived or intangible assets that are determined to be impaired are to be held and used, we recognize an impairment loss through a charge to our operating results to the extent the present value of discounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than their carrying value. We also perform periodic review to identify the assets that are no longer used and are not expected to be used in future periods. An impairment charge is recorded to the extent, if any, that the carrying amount of the idle assets exceeds their fair value. Under R.O.C. GAAP, if the recoverable amount increases in a future period, the amount previously recognized as impairment will be reversed and recognized as a gain. However, the adjusted amount may not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, as if no impairment loss had been recognized.
     The process of evaluating the potential impairment of long-lived assets requires significant judgment. We are required to review for impairment groups of assets related to the lowest level of identifiable independent cash flows. Due to our asset usage model and the interchangeable nature of our semiconductor manufacturing capacity, we must make subjective judgments in determining the independent cash flows that can be related to specific asset groups. In addition, because we must make subjective judgments regarding the remaining useful lives of assets and the expected future revenue and expenses associated with the assets, changes in these estimates based on changed economic conditions or business strategies could result in material impairment charges in future periods. Our projection for future cash flow is generally less during periods of reduced earnings. As a result, an impairment charge is more likely to occur during a period when our operating results are already otherwise depressed.
     Under R.O.C. GAAP, for purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, assets purchased for use in the business but subsequently determined to have no future economic benefits are written down to their fair value and recorded as either idle assets or assets held for disposition. However, prior to 2005, R.O.C. GAAP did not provide guidelines for impairment of assets that could still be used in the business. Therefore prior to 2005, long-lived assets that could still be used in the business and were impaired under U.S. GAAP continued to be depreciated for R.O.C. GAAP purposes. In 2000, WaferTech recorded approximately US$330 million as impairment under U.S. GAAP. No additional impairment was recorded since then, as the value determined based on discounted cash flow or comparable market prices is higher than the carrying value of the long-lived assets.

-24-


Table of Contents

     As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, net long-lived assets and intangible assets amounted to NT$260,031 million and NT$268,176 million (US$8,269 million), respectively, under R.O.C. GAAP.
     Goodwill. Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Under U.S. GAAP, and effective on January 1, 2005 under R.O.C. GAAP, we assess the impairment of goodwill on an annual basis, or more frequently whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired and carrying value may not be recoverable. Moreover, effective on January 1, 2006, goodwill is no longer amortizable under R.O.C. GAAP. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include, without limitation, the following:
    significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and
 
    significant decline in our market capitalization relative to net book value.
     Application of the goodwill impairment test is also highly subjective and requires significant judgment, including the identification of cash generating units, assigning assets and liabilities to the relevant cash generating units, assigning goodwill to the relevant cash generating units, and determining the fair value of the relevant cash generating units. Under R.O.C. GAAP, the fair value of the cash generating units is compared to the associated carrying value including goodwill. On the other hand, under U.S. GAAP, the fair value of the reporting units is compared to the associated carrying value including goodwill.
     Under R.O.C. GAAP, goodwill recorded from the acquisition of TSMC-Acer and WaferTech is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis. Based on our most recent evaluation, the fair value calculated by using projected cash flow in five years was higher than the associated carrying value. As a result, we did not record any impairment charge under R.O.C. GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill recorded from the acquisition of TSMC-Acer and WaferTech is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis. Based on our most recent evaluation, the fair value calculated by using the market capitalization method was higher than the associated carrying value. As a result, we also did not record any impairment charge, under U.S. GAAP.
     As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, goodwill amounted to NT$5,985 million and NT$5,988 million (US$185 million), respectively, under R.O.C. GAAP.
     Accounting for investments in private and publicly-traded securities. We hold equity interests in companies, some of which are publicly traded and have highly volatile share prices. We review all of our investments for impairment quarterly and record an impairment charge when we believe an investment has experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. Determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value of the investment has occurred is highly subjective. Such evaluation is dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. Factors we consider include, but are not limited to, the following: the market value of the security in relation to its cost basis, the duration of the decline in value, the financial condition of the investees, and our intent and ability to retain the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery in the market value of the investment. Impairment reviews with respect to private equity investments also require significant judgments. Factors indicative of an other-than-temporary decline in value include recurring operating losses, credit defaults and subsequent rounds of financings at valuation below the cost basis of the investment.
     We have experienced declines in the value of certain privately held investments and recorded impairment loss of NT$129 million, NT$280 million and NT$54 million (US$2 million) in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. While we have recognized all declines that are currently believed to be other-than-temporary as a charge to income, adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in further losses in future periods.
Results of Operations
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain financial data from our consolidated statements of income, expressed in each case as a percentage of net sales:

-25-


Table of Contents

                         
    For the year ended December 31,
    2005   2006   2007
 
                       
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    (55.7 )%     (50.9 )%     (55.9 )%
Gross profit
    44.3 %     49.1 %     44.1 %
Operating expenses
                       
General and administrative
    (3.4 )%     (2.7 )%     (2.8 )%
Sales and marketing
    (1.6 )%     (1.2 )%     (1.2 )%
Research and development
    (5.3 )%     (5.1 )%     (5.5 )%
Total operating expenses
    (10.3 )%     (9.0 )%     (9.5 )%
Income from operations
    34.0 %     40.1 %     34.6 %
Non-operating income and gains
    3.5 %     3.0 %     3.7 %
Non-operating expenses and losses
    (2.2 )%     (1.1 )%     (0.6 )%
Income before income tax and minority interest
    35.3 %     42.0 %     37.7 %
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (0.2 )%     (2.4 )%     (3.6 )%
Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
    35.1 %     39.6 %     34.1 %
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
          0.5 %      
Income before minority interest
    35.1 %     40.1 %     34.1 %
Minority interest in loss (income) of subsidiaries
    0.0 %     (0.1 )%     (0.3 )%
Net income
    35.1 %     40.0 %     33.8 %
Year to Year Comparisons
     Net Sales and Gross Margin
                                                 
    For the Year Ended December 31,
                    % Change                   % Change
    2005   2006   from 2005   2007   from 2006
    NT$   NT$           NT$   US$        
    (in millions)           (in millions)        
Net sales
    266,565       317,407       19.1 %     322,630       9,948       1.6 %
Cost of sales
    (148,362 )     (161,597 )     8.9 %     (180,280 )     (5,559 )     11.6 %
 
                                               
Gross profit
    118,203       155,810       31.8 %     142,350       4,389       (8.6 )%
 
                                               
Gross margin percentage
    44.3 %     49.1 %           44.1 %     44.1 %      
     Net Sales
     Our net sales in 2007 increased by 1.6% from 2006. The increase in our net sales in 2007 was largely attributable to a continued increase in customer demand, which resulted in a 10.9% increase in wafer shipment in 2007, from 7,215 thousand 200mm equivalent wafers in 2006 to 8,005 thousand 200mm equivalent wafers in 2007. The increase in sales volume was partially offset by a 11.5% decrease in the average selling price of our wafers in U.S. dollar terms in 2007. The decrease in the average selling price of our wafers in U.S. dollar terms was primarily the result of a decline in pricing for the same product or technology resulting primarily from pricing pressures in customers’ end market and an increase in competition, partially offset by a more favorable product mix as we saw a continued shift toward higher priced products using more advanced technologies. Our net sales in 2007 were also positively impacted by the fact that the average exchange rate for the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar depreciated by 1.0% in 2007 compared to 2006, as a significant portion of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars.
     Our net sales in 2006 increased by 19.1% from 2005. The increase in our net sales in 2006 was largely attributable to a continued increase in customer demand, which resulted in a 28.3% increase in wafer shipment in 2006, from 5,622 thousand 200mm equivalent wafers in 2005 to 7,215 thousand 200mm equivalent wafers in 2006. The increase in sales volume was partially offset by a 7.4% decrease in the average selling price of our wafers in U.S. dollar terms in 2006. The decrease in the average selling price of our wafers in U.S. dollar terms was primarily the result of a decline in pricing for the same product or technology resulting primarily from pricing pressures in customers’ end market and an increase in competition, partially offset by a more favorable product mix as we saw a continued shift toward higher priced products using more advanced technologies. Our net sales in 2006 were also positively impacted by the fact that the average exchange rate for the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar depreciated by 1.1% in 2006 compared to 2005, as a significant portion of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars.

-26-


Table of Contents

     Gross Margin
     Our gross margin fluctuates, depending on the level of capacity utilization, wafer shipments, price change and product mix, among other factors. Our gross margin decreased to 44.1% of net sales in 2007 from 49.1% of net sales in 2006. The lower margin in 2007 was primarily driven by price declines, resulting primarily from pricing pressure in customers’ end market and an increase in competition, which negatively impacted the gross margin by 6.1 percentage points. In addition, lower capacity utilization, which made 3.7 percentage points decrease in the gross margin, offset in part the favorable impact on gross margin of higher wafer shipments, the improvement in overall product mix, favorable cost reduction, which contributed 4.2 percentage points to the increase in gross margin, and a weaker average exchange rate of the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar, which contributed 0.6 percentage points to the increase in the gross margin. Depreciation and amortization expenses in cost of sales increased from NT$69,123 million in 2006 to NT$74,921 million (US$2,310 million) in 2007. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses in 2007 reflected the increase in depreciation from our advanced technology fabs, partially offset by the benefits received from the reduced depreciation of facilities and equipment in 200mm fabs, and lower amortization of deferred charges. We anticipate our depreciation and amortization expenses in cost of sales to increase in 2008, as we continue to ramp up capacity at Fab 12 and Fab 14, which will be partially offset by the benefits from the reduced depreciation of our 200mm fabs. In 2007, while our operations in the first quarter ran at a level significantly below the average for the year, our capacity utilization rate started to rise from the second quarter and increased further in the last quarter, due to the recovery of customer demand.
     Our gross margin increased to 49.1% of net sales in 2006 from 44.3% of net sales in 2005. The higher margin in 2006 was primarily driven by higher capacity utilization, resulting primarily from higher market demands in 2006, which contributed 3.8 percentage points to the 4.8 percentage points increase in the gross margin. In addition, higher wafer shipments, the improvement in overall product mix, favorable cost reduction, which contributed 7.2 percentage points to the increase in the gross margin, and a weaker average exchange rate of the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar, which contributed 0.9 percentage points to the increase in the gross margin, more than offset the unfavorable impact on gross margin of price declines, which negatively impacted the gross margin by 7.1 percentage points. Depreciation and amortization expenses in cost of sales decreased marginally from NT$69,902 million in 2005 to NT$69,123 million (US$2,121 million) in 2006. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses in 2006 reflected the benefits from the reduced depreciation of facilities and equipment in 200mm fabs, and lower amortization of deferred charges, partially offset by the increase in depreciation from our advanced technology fabs. In addition, while our operations ran on average at full capacity in 2006, after reaching a peak in the second quarter of 2006, our capacity utilization rate started to decline and decreased further in the last quarter of 2006 to a level significantly below full capacity due to a decrease in orders resulting from our customers’ inventory correction and the demand weakness in the consumer, consumption and computer sectors.
     Operating Expenses
                                                 
    For the Year Ended December 31
                    % Change                   % Change
    2005   2006   from 2005   2007   from 2006
    NT$   NT$           NT$   US$        
    (in millions)           (in millions)        
Research and development
    14,017       16,076       14.7 %     17,946       553       11.6 %
General and administrative
    9,085       8,717       (4.1 )%     8,964       276       2.8 %
Sales and marketing
    4,132       3,752       (9.2 )%     3,718       115       (0.9 )%
 
                                               
Total operating expenses
    27,234       28,545       4.8 %     30,628       944       7.3 %
 
                                               
Percentage of net sales
    10.3 %     9.0 %           9.5 %     9.5 %      
Income from operations
    90,969       127,265       39.9 %     111,722       3,445       (12.2 )%
 
                                               
Operating Margin
    34.0 %     40.1 %           34.6 %     34.6 %      
     Operating expenses increased by NT$2,083 million in 2007, or 7.3%, from 2006, after an increase in operating expenses of NT$1,311 million in 2006, or 4.8%, from 2005.

-27-


Table of Contents

     Research and Development Expenses
     We remain committed to being the leader in developing advanced process technology. We believe that continued investments in process technologies are essential for us to remain competitive in the markets we serve. Research and development expenditures increased by NT$1,870 million in 2007, or 11.6%, from 2006. Research and development expenses were higher in 2007 than in 2006 primarily due to the increase in expenses relating to an increase in development activities in 32/45 nanometer technologies in 2007 as compared to 2006. We plan to continue to invest significant amounts in research and development expenses in 2008.
     Research and development expenditures increased by NT$2,059 million in 2006, or 14.7%, from 2005. Research and development expenses were higher in 2006 than in 2005 primarily due to the increase in expenses relating to an increase in development activities in 45/65 nanometer technologies in 2006 as compared to 2005.
     General and Administrative, Sales and Marketing Expenses
     General and administrative, sales and marketing expenses increased by NT$213 million in 2007, or 1.7%, from 2006, due to an increase of general and administrative expenses by NT$247 million, or 2.8%, and a decrease in sales and marketing expenses by NT$34 million, or 0.9%. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher legal fees, partially offset by lower depreciation and amortization expenses. The decrease in sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to a reversal of 2006 accrued expense in 2007, partially offset by an increase in labor cost due to an increase in headcounts. The operating margin in 2007 was 34.6%, lower than 40.1% in 2006.
     General and administrative, sales and marketing expenses decreased by NT$748 million in 2006, or 5.7%, from 2005, due to a decrease of general and administrative expenses by NT$368 million, or 4.1%, and a decrease in sales and marketing expenses by NT$380 million, or 9.2%. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a change in accounting principle pursuant to which, effective January 1, 2006, goodwill was no longer amortizable under R.O.C. GAAP, partially offset by an increase in Fab 14 (phase II) opening expenses. With the commencement of its commercial operation in 2006, expenses associated with the start-up of Fab 14 (Phase II) ceased to be accounted for as general and administrative expenses going forward. The decrease in sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to a decrease in stock compensation and bonus expenses in 2006. The operating margin in 2006 was 40.1%, higher than 34.0% in 2005.
     Non-Operating Income and Expenses
                                                 
    For the Year Ended December 31
                    % Change                   % Change
    2005(1)   2006(1)   from 2005   2007   from 2006
    NT$   NT$           NT$   US$        
    (in millions)           (in millions)        
Non-operating income and gains
    9,399       9,705       3.3 %     11,934       368       23.0 %
Non-operating expenses and losses
    (6,105 )     (3,608 )     (40.9 )%     (2,014 )     (62 )     (44.2 )%
 
                                               
Net non-operating income (expenses)
    3,294       6,097       85.1 %     9,920       306       62.7 %
 
                                               
 
(1)   As a result of the adoption of the newly released R.O.C. SFAS No. 34 and R.O.C. SFAS No. 36, the amounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 were reclassified for comparison purposes. Such reclassifications resulted in a change of non-operating income and gains from NT$7,068 million to NT$9,399 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, and in a change of non-operating expenses and losses from NT$3,773 million to NT$6,105 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. See note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details about these new accounting standards.
     Net non-operating income increased by NT$3,823 million in 2007, or 62.7%, from NT$6,097 million in 2006 primarily due to a change from NT$799 million net loss on settlement and disposal of financial instruments in 2006 to NT$633 million net gain on settlement and disposal of financial instruments in 2007, a change from NT$813 million net valuation loss on financial instruments in 2006 to NT$305 million net valuation gain on financial instruments in 2007, a NT$1,110 million increase in interest income, a change from NT$401 million net foreign exchange loss in 2006 to a net foreign exchange gain of NT$81 million in 2007, partially offset by provision for litigation loss of NT$1,009 million in 2007. The change from NT$799 million net loss on settlement and disposal of financial instruments in 2006 to NT$633 million net gain on settlement and disposal of financial instruments in 2007 was primarily due to lower hedging costs as a result of a lower level of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies in 2007, which we needed to manage exposure due to fluctuation of foreign exchange rates. The change from NT$813 million net valuation loss on financial instruments in 2006 to NT$305 million net valuation gain on financial instruments in 2007 was primarily due to a change from a decline in the market value of marketable financial instruments in 2006 to an increase in the market value of marketable financial instruments in 2007. The increase in interest income was primarily the result of a higher level of cash holding and other interest bearing treasury assets. The change from NT$401 million net foreign exchange loss in 2006 to a net foreign exchange gain of NT$81 million in 2007 was primarily due to an appreciation of the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar in 2006 compared to a very moderate appreciation of the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar on spot rate basis in 2007. The provision for litigation loss of NT$1,009 million in 2007 was related to a lawsuit with UniRAM Technology, Inc.

-28-


Table of Contents

     Net non-operating income increased by NT$2,803 million in 2006, or 85.1%, from NT$3,294 million in 2005 primarily due to a NT$2,804 million decrease in loss on settlement and disposal of financial instruments, a NT$1,736 million increase in interest income, a NT$914 million increase in investment income recognized under the equity method, and a NT$523 million decrease in interest expense, partially offset by a change from NT$2,610 million net foreign exchange gain in 2005 to a net foreign exchange loss of NT$401 million in 2006 and a NT$476 million increase in net valuation loss on financial instruments. The decrease in loss on settlement and disposal of financial instruments was mainly due to a change from a settlement loss on hedging instruments in 2005 to a settlement gain on hedging instruments in 2006 as a result of a depreciation of the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar in 2005 compared to a very moderate appreciation of the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar in 2006, partially offset by higher hedging costs due to a greater differential between U.S. dollar prevailing interest rates and NT dollar prevailing interest rates in connection with our foreign currency swap transactions in 2006. The increase in interest income was primarily the result of higher interest rates on interest bearing treasury assets and a higher level of cash holding. The increase in investment income recognized under the equity method was primarily due to better operating performance of equity method investees. The decrease in interest expense primarily resulted from a NT$10,500 million repayment of bonds in 2005. The change from NT$2,610 million net foreign exchange gain in 2005 to a net foreign exchange loss of NT$401 million in 2006 was primarily due to a depreciation of the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar in 2005 compared to a very moderate appreciation of the NT dollar against the U.S. dollar on spot rate basis in 2006. The increase in net valuation loss on financial instruments was primarily due to an increased decline in the market value of marketable financial instruments.
     Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
                                                 
    For the Year Ended December 31
                    % Change                   % Change
    2005   2006   from 2005   2007   from 2006
    NT$   NT$           NT$   US$        
    (in millions)           (in millions)        
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (630 )     (7,774 )     1,132.8 %     (11,710 )     (361 )     50.6 %
 
                                               
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
          1,607       (1) %                 (1) %
 
                                               
Net income
    93,575       127,010       35.7 %     109,177       3,367       (14.0 )%
 
                                               
Net margin
    35.1 %     40.0 %           33.8 %     33.8 %      
 
(1)   Not meaningful.
     Income tax expense increased by NT$3,936 million in 2007, or 50.6%, from 2006. This increase was mainly due to an increase in taxable income. See “— Taxation” below for a further discussion. In 2008, due to the combined effects of an expected further increase in taxable income and an anticipated further decrease in tax credits, we expect the amount of income tax expense for 2008 will be higher than that in 2007.
     Income tax expense increased by NT$7,144 million in 2006, or 1,132.8%, from 2005. This significant increase was mainly due to the combined effects of a decrease in the tax credit rate applicable to machinery and equipment from 11% in 2005 to 7% in 2006, the expiration of the tax exemption period for some of our 200mm fabs in 2006, and an increase in taxable income.

-29-


Table of Contents

     Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting Principles
     On January 1, 2006, we adopted the newly released R.O.C. SFAS No. 34, “Accounting for Financial Instruments” (SFAS No. 34). Upon adoption of SFAS No. 34, an adjustment of NT$1,607 million made to the carrying amounts of the financial instruments categorized as financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss was included in the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles; and an adjustment of NT$307 million made to the carrying amounts of those categorized as available-for-sale financial assets was recognized in shareholders’ equity.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Our cash, cash equivalents and current investments in marketable financial instruments amounted to NT$174,834 million (US$5,391 million) as of December 31, 2007, down from NT$195,079 million as of December 31, 2006. Our current investments in marketable financial instruments primarily consist of agency bonds, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities, open-end mutual funds, government bonds, structured time deposits, publicly-traded stocks and a variety of money market funds. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by NT$22,851 million in 2007, or 19.4%, from 2006, following an increase of NT$21,353 million in 2006, or 22.1%, from 2005.
                                 
    For the year ended December 31,
    2005(1)   2006   2007
    NT$   NT$   NT$   US$
    (in millions)   (in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities
    157,225       204,997       183,766       5,667  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (77,652 )     (119,724 )     (70,689 )     (2,180 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (57,969 )     (63,783 )     (135,410 )     (4,175 )
Net increase/(decrease) in cash
    22,181       21,353       (22,851 )     (705 )
 
(1)   As a result of the adoption of the newly released R.O.C. SFAS No. 34 and SFAS No. 36, the amounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 were reclassified for comparison purposes. Such reclassifications resulted in a change of net cash provided by operating activities from NT$157,013 million to NT$157,225 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, and in a change of net cash used in investing activities from NT$77,440 million to NT$77,652 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. See note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details about these new accounting standards.
     Operating Activities
     In 2007, we generated NT$183,766 million (US$5,667 million) net cash from operating activities, as compared to NT$204,997 million in 2006. The decrease in net cash from operating activities was primarily the result of lower net income in 2007 of NT$109,177 million (US$3,367 million) compared to NT$127,010 in 2006, and an increase in notes and accounts receivable of NT$10,977 million (US$338 million) in 2007 compared to a decrease in notes and accounts receivable of NT$6,447 in 2006, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization in 2007 of NT$80,005 million (US$2,467 million) compared to NT$73,715 million in 2006, an increase in notes and accounts payable of NT$3,218 million (US$99 million) in 2007 compared to a decrease in notes and accounts payable of NT$1,487 in 2006, an decrease in other financial assets of NT$842 million (US$26 million) in 2007 compared to an increase in other financial assets of NT$739 million in 2006, and a lesser increase in inventories of NT$2,226 million (US$69 million) in 2007 compared to an increase of NT$3,702 million in 2006.
     In 2006, we generated NT$204,997 million net cash from operating activities, as compared to NT$157,225 million in 2005. The increase in net cash from operating activities was primarily the result of higher net income in 2006 of NT$127,010 million compared to NT$93,575 in 2005, and a decrease in notes and accounts receivable of NT$6,447 in 2006 compared to an increase of NT$10,601 million in 2005 and a decrease of deferred income taxes of NT$122 million in 2006 compared to an increase in deferred income taxes of NT$3,353 million in 2005, partially offset by lower depreciation and amortization in 2006 of NT$73,715 million compared to NT$75,649 million in 2005.
     In 2007, depreciation and amortization expenses were NT$80,005 million (US$2,467 million), as compared to NT$73,715 million in 2006. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses was primarily due to the continued increased depreciation associated with ramping up Fab 12 (Phases II and III), Fab 14 (Phase II), and Fab 10. We expect depreciation and amortization expenses to increase in 2008, as compared with that in 2007, as we continue to ramp up capacity at Fab 12 and Fab 14, which will be partially offset by the benefits from the reduced depreciation of our 200mm fabs.

-30-


Table of Contents

     In 2006, depreciation and amortization expenses were NT$73,715 million, as compared to NT$75,649 million in 2005. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses was primarily due to a decrease in amortization expense of goodwill, which more than offset the continued increased depreciation associated with ramping up Fab 12 (Phases II and III) and Fab 14 (Phase I). Effective January 1, 2006, pursuant to the newly revised R.O.C. SFAS No. 25, “Business Combinations — Accounting Treatment under Purchase Method” (SFAS No. 25), goodwill is no longer amortizable but is tested for impairment annually instead.
     Investing Activities
     In 2007, net cash used in investing activities was NT$70,689 million (US$2,180 million), a significant decrease from NT$119,724 million in 2006. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities in 2007 was the result of less cash invested in financial assets, and more cash received from disposal or redemption of investment in financial assets, partially offset by more spending on capital expenditures, and an increase in deferred charges and refundable deposits. Capital expenditures in 2007 were primarily related to:
    ramping up production at Fab 12 (Phases II and III), Fab 14 (Phase II) and Fab 10;
 
    capacity expansion for mask operations;
 
    developing process technologies which include 32- and 45-nanometer nodes; and
 
    other research and development projects.
     Net cash used in investing activities amounted to NT$119,724 million in 2006, a significant increase from NT$77,652 million in 2005. The primary cash usage for investing activities for 2005 and 2006 was for capital equipment purchases, which totaled NT$79,879 million and NT$78,737 million, respectively.
     We currently expect capital expenditures to be approximately US$1,800 million in 2008, which is likely to fluctuate depending on market conditions. We expect this amount to be spent primarily on ramping up production at Fab 12 (Phase III), Fab 14 (Phase II) and Fab 10; Fab 12 and Fab 14 facilities; capacity expansion for mask and back-end operations; development of process technologies in 45-nanometer and below and other research and development projects. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Capacity Expansion and Technology Upgrade Plans” for a discussion of our capacity expansion and capital expenditures.
     Financing Activities
     In 2007, net cash used in financing activities was NT$135,410 million (US$4,175 million), as compared to NT$63,783 million in 2006. The net cash used in financing activities in 2007 primarily reflected payments of cash dividends on our common shares of NT$77,387 million (US$2,386 million), repurchase of common shares of NT$45,413 million (US$1,400 million), repayment of corporate bonds of NT$7,000 million (US$216 million), and payments of employee bonus of NT$4,573 million (US$141 million).
     In 2006, net cash used in financing activities was NT$63,783 million, as compared to NT$57,969 million in 2005. The net cash used in financing activities in 2006 primarily reflected payments of cash dividends on our common stock of NT$61,743 million, payments of employee bonus of NT$3,432 million, partially offset by an increase in guarantee deposits of NT$921 million and proceeds from exercise of stock options of NT$575 million.
     As of December 31, 2007, we had no short-term debt, and the current portion of our long-term debt was NT$281 million (US$9 million) and our aggregate long-term debt was NT$14,222 million (US$439 million). NT$649 million (US$20 million) of the long-term debt were denominated in U.S. dollars. To protect against reductions in value and the volatility of asset value caused by changes in foreign exchange rates, we utilized derivative financial instruments, including currency forward contracts and cross currency swaps, to hedge our currency exposure. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for a discussion of the hedging instruments used. NT$649 million of the long-term bank loans had floating interest rates based on the London interbank offer rate, or LIBOR. NT$12,500 million of the long-term bonds had fixed interest rates ranging from 2.75% to 3.00%. As of December 31, 2007, we had an aggregate of approximately NT$33,660 million (US$1,038 million) in unused short-term credit lines and an aggregate of approximately NT$8,532 million (US$263 million) in unused long-term credit lines.

-31-


Table of Contents

     The loan agreements, and credit facilities for the obligations of our consolidated subsidiaries contain covenants which, if violated, could result in our obligations under these agreements becoming due prior to the originally scheduled maturity dates. As of February 29, 2008, we were in compliance with our financial covenants.
     Cash Requirements
     The following table sets forth the maturity of our long-term debt (bank loans and bonds) outstanding as of December 31, 2007:
         
    Long-term debt
    NT$
    (in millions)
During 2008
    281  
During 2009
    8,302  
During 2010
    947  
During 2011
    221  
During 2012 and thereafter
    4,752  
     The following table sets forth information on our material contractually obligated payments for the periods indicated as of December 31, 2007:
                                         
    Payments Due by Period
            Less than                   More than
Contractual Obligations   Total   1 Year   1-3 Years   4-5 Years   5 Years
    (in NT$ millions)
Long-Term Debt(1)
    14,503       281       9,249       4,872       101  
Capital Lease Obligations(2)
    726       4       83       81       558  
Operating Leases(3)
    4,463       557       1,004       623       2,279  
Other Payments(4)
    13,083       3,673       1,080       422       7,908  
Capital Purchase or other Purchase Obligations(5)
    36,831       35,736       1,092       3        
Total Contractual Cash Obligations(6)
    69,606       40,251       12,508       6,001       10,846  
 
(1)   Includes loan payable and bond payable but excludes relevant interest payments.
 
(2)   Capital lease obligations represent our commitment for leases of property, which are described in note 13 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
(3)   Operating lease obligations are described in note 27 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
(4)   Includes royalty and license payments, as well as payables for acquisition of property, plant and equipment, but excludes payments that vary based upon our net sales of certain products and our sales volume of certain other products.
 
(5)   Represents commitments for construction or purchase of equipment, raw material and other property or services. These commitments are not recorded on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2007, as we have not received related goods or taken title of the property.
 
(6)   Minimum pension funding requirement is not included since such amounts have not been determined. We made pension contributions of approximately NT$209 million in 2007 and we estimate that we will contribute approximately NT$204 million to the pension fund in 2008. See note 18 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our pension plan.
     During 2007, we entered into derivative financial instruments transactions to manage exposures related to foreign-currency denominated receivables or payables. As of December 31, 2007, our cash requirements in 2008 for outstanding forward exchange contracts and cross currency swaps contracts were approximately US$1,086 million and EUR$48 million with our expected cash receipts of approximately NT$37,327 million. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for more information regarding our derivative financial instruments transactions. See also note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for our accounting policy of derivative financial

-32-


Table of Contents

instruments and note 25 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our derivative financial instruments transactions.
     We do not generally provide letters of credit to, or guarantees for any entity other than our consolidated subsidiaries.
     We require significant amounts of capital to build, expand, upgrade and maintain our production facilities and equipment. We made capital expenditures of NT$79,879 million, NT$78,737 million and NT$84,001 million (US$2,590 million) in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. We currently expect that our plans for ramping up production at Fab 12 (Phase III), Fab 14 (Phase II) and Fab 10; Fab 12 and Fab 14 facilities; capacity expansion for mask and back-end operations; development of process technologies in 45-nanometer and below and other research and development projects will require capital expenditures in 2008 of approximately US$1,800 million, which may likely fluctuate depending on market conditions.
     We expect to fund our expansion projects and other cash requirements primarily with internally generated funds. In the future, we may consider debt and equity financing, depending on market conditions, our financial performance and other relevant factors. In particular, an extended industry downturn could adversely affect our profitability and internal generation of cash, and thereby increase our reliance on external sources of funds. We believe that our working capital, cash flow from operations and unused lines of credit will provide sufficient resources to meet our planned capital requirements.
U.S. GAAP Reconciliation
     Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with R.O.C. GAAP, which differs in certain material aspects from U.S. GAAP. The following table sets forth a comparison of our net income and shareholders’ equity in accordance with R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP for the periods indicated:
                                 
    Year ended and as of December 31,
    2005   2006   2007
    NT$   NT$   NT$   US$
    (in NT$ millions)
Net income in accordance with:
                               
R.O.C. GAAP
    93,575       127,010       109,177       3,367  
U.S. GAAP
    75,418       95,711       71,658       2,210  
Shareholders’ equity attributable to the shareholders of the parent in accordance with:
                               
R.O.C. GAAP
    445,631       507,981       487,092       15,020  
U.S. GAAP
    477,297       532,403       513,228       15,826  
     Note 30 to the consolidated financial statements provides a description of the principal differences between R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us, and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of certain items, including net income and shareholders’ equity. Differences between R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP that have a material effect on our net income as reported under R.O.C. GAAP include compensation expense pertaining to stock bonuses to employees, marketable securities, impairment charges for long-lived assets, amortization of goodwill, and 10% tax imposed on unappropriated earnings.
     In July 2007, we distributed an aggregate bonus of NT$9,146 million, or 8% of our 2006 distributable net income, to our employees, 50% of which was paid in cash and 50% of which was paid in the form of common shares. The number of common shares distributed as part of employee bonuses is obtained by dividing the total nominal NT dollar amount of the bonus to be paid in the form of common shares by the par value of the common shares, at NT$10 per share, rather than their market value, which has generally been substantially higher than the par value. Under R.O.C. GAAP, the distribution of employee bonus shares is treated as an allocation from retained earnings, and we are not required to, and do not, charge the value of the employee bonus shares against income. Under U.S. GAAP, however, we are required to charge the market value of the employee bonus shares as employee compensation expense, which reduces our net income and income per share calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Since the amount and the form of the payment of the compensation is subject to shareholder approval and only determinable at the annual shareholders’ meeting, which is generally held after the issuance of our financial statements, under U.S. GAAP, the compensation expense is initially accrued at the nominal NT dollar amount of the aggregate bonus in the period to

-33-


Table of Contents

which it relates as if it were to be paid entirely in cash. The difference between the amount initially accrued and the market value of the common shares and cash issued as payment of all or any part of the bonus is recorded as employee compensation expense in the year in which shareholder approval is obtained. Therefore, net income and income per share amounts calculated in accordance with R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP differ accordingly. For a more detailed discussion, please refer to note 30.g. to the consolidated financial statements.
     Prior to 2006, under R.O.C. GAAP, investments in marketable securities were stated at the lower of aggregate cost or market value, with the market value determined using the average-closing price during the last month of the period. Investments in debt securities were carried at amortized cost. An allowance was recognized for any temporary decline in the market value of investments with readily ascertainable fair market value with the corresponding amount recorded as an unrealized loss presented as a separate item in shareholders’ equity. The carrying values of investments whose fair market values were not readily determinable were reduced to reflect an other-than-temporary decline in their values, with the related impairment loss charged to income. Under U.S. GAAP, debt and equity securities that have readily determinable fair market values are classified as either trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in the accompanying statements of income. Available-for-sale securities are also reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Additionally, under U.S. GAAP, fair market value of listed stocks is determined using the closing price of the listed stock on the last trading day for the period. Beginning from 2006, we adopted the R.O.C. SFAS No. 34, “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”, and No. 36, “Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation.” Under these new R.O.C. accounting pronouncements, financial instruments, which include debt and equity securities, are categorized as either “financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss”, “available-for-sale”, or “held-to-maturity” securities. “Financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss” are divided into two sub-categories, financial assets designated on initial recognition as one to be measured at fair value and those that are classified as held for trading, which are also measured at fair value with fair value changes recognized in profit and loss. Thus, the classifications and valuation methodology for debt and equity securities under these new R.O.C. accounting pronouncements are similar to those required by U.S. SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” As a result of adopting R.O.C. SFAS No. 34, a favorable impact of NT$1,607 million was recorded as cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles in 2006 under R.O.C. GAAP to adjust the carrying basis of trading securities, which were previously recorded at the lower of aggregate cost or market value, to fair market value, which is a one-time reconciling adjustment between R.O.C. and U.S. GAAP in 2006.
     For purposes of U.S. GAAP, we are required to periodically evaluate the recoverability of the carrying amount of our long-lived assets. Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of those assets may not be recoverable, we are required to compare undiscounted net cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets to the carrying value of those assets. To the extent that cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, we are required to record impairment losses for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the assets. Prior to 2005, under R.O.C. GAAP, we were not required to record impairment losses of assets that could still be used in the business but were required to evaluate the impairment losses of idle assets which were purchased for use in the business but subsequently determined to have no use. Beginning from 2005, under R.O.C. GAAP, when an indication of impairment is identified, any excess of the carrying amount of an asset over its recoverable amount is recognized as a loss. If the recoverable amount increases in a future period, the amount previously recognized as impairment would be reversed and recognized as a gain, to the extent of the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, as if no impairment loss had been recognized. Please see note 30.c. to the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed discussion of the impairment of long-lived assets and U.S. SFAS No. 144.
     Under R.O.C. GAAP, prior to January 1, 2006, goodwill was amortized over ten years. Under U.S. GAAP, prior to January 1, 2002, goodwill was amortized over five or ten years. Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted U.S. SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” In accordance with U.S. SFAS No. 142, goodwill is no longer amortized, and instead is assessed for impairment on at least an annual basis. In connection with our acquisition of TSMC-Acer, goodwill from the 1999 acquisition of the initial 32% equity interest in TSMC-Acer was recognized for R.O.C. GAAP purposes since the goodwill was from an acquisition paid in cash. However, goodwill from the 2000 acquisition of the remaining 68% equity interest in TSMC-Acer was not recognized under R.O.C. GAAP. Rather it was netted against capital surplus since the goodwill was from a business combination in the form of a share exchange. Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill from both acquisitions was recognized. Effective January 1, 2006, under R.O.C. GAAP, goodwill is no longer amortized and is assessed for impairment on at least an annual basis.

-34-


Table of Contents

     In R.O.C., a 10% tax is imposed on any unappropriated earnings. For R.O.C. GAAP purposes, we record the 10% tax on unappropriated earnings in the year of shareholders’ approval. Under U.S. GAAP, the 10% tax on unappropriated earnings should be accrued during the period the earnings arise and adjusted to the extent that distributions are approved by the shareholders in the following year. An expense is recognized in the year in which earnings are recorded under U.S. GAAP, which may be offset by available tax credits.
Taxation
     We are eligible for four-year and five-year tax holidays for income generated from construction and capacity expansions of production facilities according to the regulation for Science Park Administration and the Statute for Upgrading Industries of the R.O.C., respectively. The exemption period may begin at any time within four or five years, as applicable, following the completion of a construction or expansion. The aggregate tax benefits of such exemption periods in 2005, 2006 and 2007 were NT$12,243 million, NT$12,281, and NT$7,668 million, respectively. We commenced the exemption period for part of Fab 8 in 2002 and part of Fab 2, and Fab 3, 4, 5 and 6 in 2003, Fab 12 (Phase I) in 2004, part of Fab 14 (Phase I) in 2006 and part of Fab 14 (Phase I), and part of Fab 12 (Phase II) in 2007. The Statute for Upgrading Industries will expire at the end of 2009. However, under the grandfather-clause-rule, we can continue to enjoy five-year tax holidays if the relevant investment plans are approved by R.O.C. tax authority before the expiry of the Statute.
     Under regulations promulgated under the R.O.C. Statute for Upgrading Industries, we are entitled to a tax credit for specified percentages of purchases of equipment used in manufacturing processes. The rate of such tax credit was 7% of such investments in 2006 and 2007, and is expected to remain 7% of such investments in 2008.
     The R.O.C. government enacted the R.O.C. Alternative Minimum Tax Act (“AMT Act”) which became effective on January 1, 2006. The alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) imposed under the R.O.C. AMT Act is a supplemental tax which is payable if the income tax payable pursuant to the R.O.C. Income Tax Act is below the minimum amount prescribed under the R.O.C. AMT Act. The taxable income for calculating the AMT includes most income that is exempted from income tax under various legislations, such as tax holidays and investment tax credits. The AMT rate for business entities is 10%. However, the R.O.C. AMT Act grandfathered certain tax exemptions and tax credits granted prior to the enactment of the R.O.C. AMT. We currently expect the AMT to have a minimal effect on our income tax expense in 2008.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
Inflation
     Our most significant export market is North America and we do not believe that inflation in the R.O.C. or North America had a material impact on our results of operations in 2007. However, we cannot assure you there will be no significant variations in the inflation rates in the future or any such variation would not have a material impact on our results of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     In March 2007, the Accounting Research and Development Foundation of the Republic of China (the “ARDF”) issued an interpretation that requires companies to record the bonus paid to directors, supervisors and employees as an expense rather than an appropriation of earnings. This interpretation will be applied to financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2008. Based on management’s reasonable estimate, we believe that the adoption of this standard will result in a charge to earnings of approximately 15% of the net income for 2008. However, the actual percentage to be paid in profit sharing bonuses is subject to the approval of our shareholders.
     The ARDF also issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 39, “Accounting for Share-based Payment” (R.O.C. SFAS No. 39) in August 2007, which requires companies to measure share-based payment transactions at fair value and charge such amount to earnings. R.O.C. SFAS No. 39 should be applied to financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2008. We believe that the adoption of R.O.C. SFAS No. 39 will change our accounting treatment for shares-based payment on a prospective basis beginning in the first quarter of 2008.

-35-


Table of Contents

     Except for the accounting pronouncements mentioned above, we do not expect the recent accounting pronouncements relating to R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP to have any material effect on our consolidated financial statements, and we are still in the process of assessing the potential impact that the adoption of some of the accounting pronouncements relating to R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP may have on our results of operations and financial position under R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP. For further details, please refer to notes 2 and 31.a. to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements relating to R.O.C. GAAP and U.S. GAAP, respectively.
ITEM 6.   DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
Directors and Executive Officers
MANAGEMENT
     Members of our board of directors are elected by our shareholders. Following the resignation of Mr. Lobbezoo, the representative of Philips on our board of directors, on March 9, 2007, our board of directors is currently composed of eight directors. The chairman of the board of directors is elected by the directors. The chairman of the board of directors presides at all meetings of the board of directors, and also has the authority to act as our representative. The term of office for directors is three years.
     In order to strengthen corporate governance of companies in Taiwan, effective January 1, 2007, the newly amended R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law authorizes the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission, after considering the scale, shareholding structure and business nature of a public company, to require a public company to have at least two independent directors but no less than one fifth of the total number of directors. Under this authorization, the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission promulgated guidelines requiring, among others, listed companies with a paid-in capital of NT$50 billion or more to have independent directors on the board. Of our current eight directors, four are independent directors.
     Also, pursuant to the newly amended R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law, effective from January 1, 2007, a public company is required to either establish an audit committee or to have supervisors, provided that the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission may, after considering the scale, shareholding structure and business nature of a public company, require the company to set up an audit committee to replace its supervisors. So far, the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission has not yet mandated any public company to set up an audit committee to replace supervisors. A public company’s audit committee should be composed of all of its independent directors but not less than three, of which at least one member should have accounting or related financial management expertise, and the relevant provisions under the R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law, the R.O.C. Company Law and other laws applicable to the supervisors are also applicable to the audit committee.
     Prior to January 1, 2007, we had two supervisors. In accordance with the R.O.C. Company Law, supervisors were elected by our shareholders and could not concurrently serve as our directors, executive officers or other staff members. The supervisors’ major duties and powers included, but were not limited to (i) investigation of our financial condition; (ii) inspection of corporate records; (iii) giving reports in connection with the company’s financial statements at shareholders’ meetings.
     However, according to our amended articles of incorporation, beginning from January 1, 2007, the duties and powers of our supervisors are being exercised by our Audit Committee, which is composed of all of our four independent directors.
     Pursuant to the R.O.C. Company Law, a person may serve as our director in his personal capacity or as the representative of another legal entity. A director who serves as the representative of a legal entity may be removed or replaced at any time at the discretion of that legal entity, and the replacement director may serve the remainder of the term of office of the replaced director. One of our eight directors, Mr. Chintay Shih, is a representative of the National Development Fund.

-36-


Table of Contents

     The following table sets forth the name of each director and executive officer, their positions, the year in which their term expires and the number of years they have been with us as of February 29, 2008. The business address for each of our directors and executive officers is No. 8, Li Hsin Road 6, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China.
                     
                Years
        Term   with our
Name   Position with our company   Expires   company
Morris Chang
  Chairman     2009       21  
F.C. Tseng
  Vice Chairman     2009       21  
Stan Shih
  Director     2009       8  
Chintay Shih
  Director (Representative of the National Development Fund)     2009       11  
Sir Peter Leahy Bonfield
  Director     2009       6  
Lester Carl Thurow
  Director     2009       6  
Carleton (Carly) S. Fiorina
  Director     2009       2  
Rick Tsai
  Director, President & Chief Executive Officer     2009       18  
Stephen Tso
  Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer           11  
Kenneth Kin(1)
  Senior Vice President of Special Projects           7  
Mark Liu
  Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology Business           14  
C.C. Wei
  Senior Vice President of Mainstream Technology Business           10  
Richard Thurston
  Vice President & General Counsel           6  
M.C. Tzeng
  Vice President of Mainstream Technology Business           21  
Lora Ho
  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Spokesperson           9  
P.H. Chang
  Vice President of Corporate Human Resources           8  
W.J. Lo
  Vice President of Research and Development           4  
Jason Chen
  Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing           3  
Fu-Chieh Hsu
  Vice President of Design and Technology Platform           2  
Jack Sun
  Vice President of Research and Development           11  
Y.P. Chin
  Vice President of Advanced Technology Business           21  
N.S. Tsai
  Vice President of Quality and Reliability           19  
 
(1)   On February 29, 2008, TSMC announced that it has approved the request of Dr. Kenneth Kin, former Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Service, to retire at the end of this year.
     Morris Chang has been the Chairman of our board of directors since our establishment and was our Chief Executive Officer until June 2005. From 1985 to 1994, he was President and then Chairman of the board of directors of ITRI. Prior to that, Mr. Chang was President and Chief Operating Officer of General Instrument Corporation; Corporate Group and Senior Vice-President for Texas Instruments. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University and has been active in the semiconductor industry for 53 years.
     F.C. Tseng is a director. He has been our Vice Chairman since July 2005. He was Deputy Chief Executive Officer from August 2001 to June 2005. He is the Chairman of Global Unichip Corp. and also a director of Prosperity Venture Capital Corp., Digimax, Inc. and Allegro Manufacturing Pte. Ltd. He formerly served as the President of Vanguard from 1996 to 1998 and our President from May 1998 to August 2001. Prior to his presidency at Vanguard, Mr. Tseng served as our Senior Vice President of operations. Mr. Tseng holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from National Cheng-Kung University and has been active in the semiconductor industry for over 37 years.
     Stan Shih is an independent director. He is the Group Chairman of iD SoftCapital and a director of Acer, BenQ, Wistron and Nan Shan Life Insurance Company Ltd. He is also co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Acer Group. He had served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Acer Group since 1976 to 2004. Mr. Shih holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and an honorary Ph.D. in electrical engineering from National Chiao Tung University. He also holds an honorary doctorate degree in technology from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, an honorary fellowship from the University of Wales and an honorary doctoral degree in international law from the American Graduate School of International Management.

-37-


Table of Contents

     Chintay Shih is a director. He is a professor and dean at the College of Technology Management of National Tsing Hua University. He is also a Managing Director and Special Advisor of ITRI and a director of the Industrial Technology Investment Corporation. Mr. Shih holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Princeton University.
     Sir Peter Leahy Bonfield is an independent director. Sir Peter Bonfield was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Committee of British Telecommunications from January 2, 1996 to January 31, 2002. He currently is a director of L. M. Ericsson, Mentor Graphics Corporation Inc. and Sony Corporation (Japan). He is also the Vice President of the British Quality Foundation and a member of the Citigroup International Advisory Board and the Sony Corporation Advisory Board. Furthermore, Sir Peter Bonfield is a director of Actis Capital LLP Supervisory Board, as well as a director of Dubai International Capital. He is also the Chairman of Supervisory Board of NXP. B.V. He holds an honors degree in engineering from Longhborough University.
     Lester Carl Thurow is an independent director. Professor Thurow is the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Professor of Management and Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management. He is also a director of Analog Devices, Inc. Professor Thurow served as dean of the Sloan School of Management from 1987 to 1993. Professor Thurow holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University and an M.A. in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar.
     Carleton (Carly) S. Fiorina is an independent director. She was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett-Packard from July 1999 to February 2005. Prior to joining Hewlett-Packard, she spent nearly 20 years at AT&T and Lucent Technologies, where she held a number of senior leadership positions and directed Lucent’s initial public offering and subsequent spin-off from AT&T. She has previously served on the boards of Cisco Systems, Kellogg Company and Merck & Company. She currently serves on the boards of Revolution Healthcare Group and MIT Corporation Board of Trustees. She holds a bachelor degree in Medieval history and philosophy from Stanford University, a master degree in business administration from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland at College Park, Md., and a master of science degree from MIT’s Sloan School.
     Rick Tsai is a director. He has been President since August 2001 and Chief Executive Officer since July 2005. He was Chief Operating Officer from August 2001 to June 2005. He was Executive Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Sales from September 2000 to August 2001. Prior to that, he served as our Executive Vice President of Operations. He also served as the President of Vanguard from 1999 to 2000. He joined us in 1989 as Deputy Director of our Fab 2 operations. He holds a Ph.D. in material science from Cornell University and has been active in the semiconductor industry for over 26 years.
     Stephen Tso joined us as Vice President of Research and Development in December, 1996 and is now Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Information Technology/Material Management and Risk Management. Prior to that, he was general manager of Applied Materials. He was assigned as President of WaferTech in November 2001. Mr. Tso holds a Ph.D. in material science and engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
     Kenneth Kin joined us as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Sales in August 2001 and is now Senior Vice President of Special Projects. Prior to that, he was Vice President of IBM Corporation since 1996. He holds a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering and applied physics from Columbia University.
     Mark Liu has been Senior Vice President of Operations II since December 2005 and is now Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology Business. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Operations II from January 2002, Vice President of our Fab 8 and Fab 12 sites operation from July 2000 and Vice President of South Sites Operations from 1999 to July 2000. He joined us in 1993 and has held the positions as Director of our Fab 3 operation and Senior Director of South Sites Operations. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and has been active in the semiconductor industry for over 21 years.
     C.C. Wei has been Senior Vice President for Operations I since December 2005 and is now Senior Vice President of Mainstream Technology Business. Prior to that, he was Vice President for Operations I from January 2002, Vice President of South Sites Operations from April 2000 and Vice President of North Sites Operations from February 1998 to April 2000. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President at Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. in Singapore starting in 1993. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Yale University.

-38-


Table of Contents

     Richard Thurston became Vice President and General Counsel in January 2002. Prior to that, he was a partner with Kelt Capital Partners, LP, in Addison, Texas, and a senior partner with the Dallas Texas-based law firm of Haynes and Boone. Mr. Thurston was also Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, and the Asia Pacific regional counsel for Texas Instruments from 1984 to 1996. Mr. Thurston holds a Ph.D. in East Asian Studies from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from Rutgers School of Law.
     M.C. Tzeng has been Vice President of Operations I since January 2002 and is now Vice President of Mainstream Technology Business. Prior to that, he was the Senior Director of our Fab 2 operations since 1997. He joined us in 1987 and has held various positions in manufacturing functions. He holds a master degree in applied chemistry from Chung Yuan University.
     Lora Ho has been Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Spokesperson since September 2003. Prior to joining us in 1999 as controller, she served as Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Acer Semiconductor Manufacturing Inc. since 1990. Ms. Ho received an MBA from National Taiwan University in 2003 and a B.A. degree from National Chengchi University in 1978.
     P.H. Chang had been senior director of Material Management since we acquired Worldwide Semiconductor in July 2000 and was promoted as Vice President of Human Resource in February 2004. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Worldwide Semiconductor. He holds a Ph.D. in material science from Purdue University.
     W.J. Lo joined us as Vice President of Operations II in July 2004. Prior to that, he was director in charge of advanced technology development with Intel Corporation. Mr. Lo holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley.
     Jason Chen joined us as Vice President of Corporate Development in March 2005 and is now Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing. Prior to that, he was vice president and co-director of marketing and sales group with Intel Corporation. Mr. Chen holds an MBA degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia.
     Fu-Chieh Hsu has served as Vice President of Design and Technology Platform since April 2006. Mr. Hsu founded Monolithic System Technology Inc. (MoSys) in 1991 and served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until retiring at the end of 2004. He was Chairman and President of Myson Technology Inc. (now Myson Century Inc.) from 1990 to 1991. Prior to that, Mr. Hsu worked at Integrated Device Technology Inc. as Chief Technology Officer and Vice President as well as other senior positions. Mr. Hsu also served at Hewlett-Packard Laboratories. Mr. Hus holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer sciences from University of California, Berkeley.
     Jack Sun joined us in 1997 as Director of the Advanced Module Technology Division before taking the position of Director, Logic Technology Development Division. Mr. Sun was promoted to Senior Director in 2000 and later the Vice President of R&D in 2006. Mr. Sun holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from University of Illinois. Prior to joining us, he served at International Business Machines for 14 years in R&D.
     Y.P. Chin has been Vice President of Advanced Technology Business since February 2008. Prior to that, he was the Senior Director of our Operations II since 2006, and Senior Director of Product Engineering & Services from 2000 to 2006. He joined us in 1987 and has held various positions in product and engineering functions. He holds a master degree in electrical engineering from National Cheng Kung University.
     N.S. Tsai has been Vice President of Quality & Reliability since February 2008. Prior to that, he was the Senior Director of our Quality & Reliability since 2004, Senior Director of Assembly Test Technology & Service from 2002 to 2004. He also served as Vice President of Vanguard from 1997 to 2000. He joined us in 1989 and has held various positions in R&D and manufacturing functions. He holds a Ph.D. degree in material science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
     There is no family relationship between any of our directors or executive officers and any other director or executive officer.

-39-


Table of Contents

Share Ownership
     The following table sets forth certain information as of February 29, 2008 with respect to our common shares owned by our directors and executive officers.
                         
            Percentage of    
            Total   Number of
            Outstanding   Common Shares
    Number of Common   Common   Underlying
Name of Shareholders   Shares Owned(2)   Shares   Stock Options(3)
Morris Chang, Chairman
    116,637,208       0.46 %     805,873  
F.C. Tseng, Vice Chairman
    36,602,589       0.14 %      
Stan Shih, Director
    1,465,534       0.01 %      
Chintay Shih, Director(1)
    1,637,228,303       6.39 %      
Lester Carl Thurow, Director
    0       0.00 %      
Sir Peter Leahy Bonfield, Director
    0       0.00 %      
Carleton (Carly) S. Fiorina, Director
    0       0.00 %      
Rick Tsai, Director, President & CEO
    31,261,025       0.12 %     805,873  
Stephen Tso, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer
    14,262,599       0.06 %     408,885  
Kenneth Kin, Senior Vice President
    6,030,912       0.02 %     391,112  
Mark Liu, Senior Vice President
    12,181,439       0.05 %     805,873  
C.C. Wei, Senior Vice President
    8,044,114       0.03 %     269,959  
Richard Thurston, Vice President & General Counsel
    3,360,833       0.01 %     85,517  
M.C. Tzeng, Vice President
    7,057,682       0.03 %      
Lora Ho, Vice President & CFO & Spokesperson
    5,681,674       0.02 %      
P.H. Chang, Vice President
    3,775,456       0.01 %      
W.J. Lo, Vice President
    2,095,378       0.01 %      
Jason Chen, Vice President
    1,782,270       0.01 %      
Fu-Chieh Hsu, Vice President
    1,350,874       0.01 %      
Jack Sun, Vice President
    5,070,698       0.02 %     124,542  
Y.P. Chin, Vice President
    5,694,537       0.02 %      
N.S. Tsai, Vice President
    1,969,556       0.01 %      
 
(1)   Represents shares held by the National Development Fund of the Executive Yuan.
 
(2)   Except for the number of shares held by the National Development Fund of the Executive Yuan, the disclosed number of shares owned by the directors and executive officers does not include any common shares held in ADS form by such individuals as such individual ownership of ADSs has not been disclosed to shareholders or otherwise made public and each of these individuals owns less than one percent of all common shares outstanding as of February 29, 2008.
 
(3)   The stock options granted to our officers on March 7, 2003 under the 2002 Stock Option Plan all have an adjusted exercise price of NT$25.9 and all will expire on March 6, 2013 if not previously exercised. The options were granted to certain of our officers as a result of their voluntary selection to exchange part of their profit sharing to stock options. The number of common shares underlying stock options include additional shares due to stock dividends distributed in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Compensation
     The aggregate compensation paid and benefits in kind granted to our directors, supervisors and executive officers in 2007, which included a cash bonus to the directors and supervisors, was NT$2,188 million (US$67 million). According to our articles of incorporation, not more than 0.3 percent of our annual net earnings (after recovering any losses incurred in prior years and deducting the legal reserve and special reserve provisions, if any) may be distributed as bonuses to our directors and at least one percent of our annual net earnings (after recovering any losses incurred in prior years and deducting the legal reserve and special reserve provisions, if any) is distributed as a bonus to employees, including executive officers. Bonuses to directors are always paid in cash, while bonuses to our executive officers may be granted in cash, stock, or stock options or the combination of all these three. Individual awards are based on each individual’s responsibility, contribution and performance. See note 21 to our consolidated financial statements. Under our articles of incorporation, directors who also serve as executive officers are not entitled to any director bonuses.

-40-


Table of Contents

Board Practices
General
     For a discussion of the term of office of the board of directors, see “— Directors and Executive Officers — Management”. No benefits are payable to members of the Board upon termination of their relationship with us.
Audit Committee
     Our Audit Committee was established on August 6, 2002 to assist our board of directors in the review and monitoring of our financial and accounting matters, and the integrity of our financial reporting process and controls.
     All members of the Audit Committee must have a basic understanding of finance and accounting and at least one member must have accounting or related financial management expertise.
     Currently, the Audit Committee consists of four members comprising all of our independent directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Sir Peter Bonfield, the chairman of our Audit Committee, Professor Lester Thurow, Mr. Stan Shih and Ms. Carleton S. Fiorina. In addition, Mr. J.C. Lobbezoo was appointed to serve as financial expert consultant to the Audit Committee from February, 14, 2006 onwards. See “Item 16A — Audit Committee Financial Expert”. The Audit Committee is required to meet at least four times a year. Our Audit Committee charter grants the Audit Committee the authority to conduct any investigation which it deems appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities. It has direct access to all our books, records, facilities, and personnel, as well as our registered public accountants. It has the authority to, among other things, appoint, terminate and approve all fees to be paid to our registered public accountants, subject to the approval of the board of directors as appropriate, and to oversee the work performed by the registered public accountants. The Audit Committee also has the authority to engage special legal, accounting, or other consultants it deems necessary in the performance of its duties. Beginning on January 1, 2007, the Audit Committee also assumed the responsibilities of supervisors pursuant to the R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law.
     The Audit Committee convened four regular meetings and three special meetings in 2007.
Compensation Committee
     Our board of directors established a Compensation Committee in June 2003 to assist our board of directors in discharging its responsibilities related to our compensation and benefit policies, plans and programs, and the evaluation and compensation of our executives.
     The Compensation Committee, by its charter, shall consist of no fewer than three members of the Board. As of February 29, 2008, five members comprised the Compensation Committee: four of whom are independent directors serving as voting members of the Compensation Committee, and the Chairman of the board of directors is a non-voting member on this committee. The current members of the Compensation Committee are Mr. Stan Shih (who is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee), Sir Peter Bonfield, Professor Lester Thurow, Ms. Carleton (Carly) S. Fiorina, and Mr. Morris Chang.
     The Compensation Committee convened four regular meetings in 2007.
Employees
     The following table sets out, as of the dates indicated, the number of our full-time employees serving in the capacities indicated.

-41-


Table of Contents

                         
    As of December 31,
Function   2005   2006   2007
Managers
    2,077       2,313       2,520  
Professionals
    7,769       8,222       8,814  
Assistant Engineers/Clericals
    950       893       844  
Technicians
    10,700       10,818       10,842  
Total
    21,496       22,246       23,020  
     The following table sets out, as of the dates indicated, a breakdown of the number of our full-time employees by geographic location:
                         
    As of December 31,
Location of Facility and Principal Offices   2005   2006   2007
Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan
    14,869       14,772       14,892  
Tainan Science Park, Taiwan
    4,543       5,035       5,360  
China
    860       1,180       1,457  
North America
    1,171       1,204       1,255  
Europe
    23       26       27  
Japan
    30       28       27  
Korea
    0       1       2  
Total
    21,496       22,246       23,020  
     As of December 31, 2007, our total employee population was 23,020 with an educational makeup of 2.9% Ph.Ds, 29.7% masters, 19.9% university bachelors, 18.9% college degrees and 28.6% others. Among this employee population, 49.2% were at a managerial and professional level. Continuous learning is the cornerstone of our employee development strategy. In 2007, one key initiative was individual development plans for each employee, customized and tailored to their individual development needs. Employee development is further supported and enforced by a comprehensive and integrated network of resources including on-the-job training, coaching, mentoring, job rotation, on-site courses, e-learning and external learning opportunities.
     Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, our employees participate in our profits by way of a bonus. Employees in the aggregate are entitled to not less than 1% of our net income after the deduction for prior years’ losses and contributions to legal and special reserves. Our practice in the past has been to determine the amount of the bonus based on our operating results and industry practice in the R.O.C. In June 2007, we distributed an aggregate bonus to our employees of NT$9,146 million, or 8% of our 2006 distributable net income, 50% of which was distributed in cash and 50% of which was distributed in the form of common shares. The number of common shares issued as profit sharing is calculated by valuing the common shares at their par value, or NT$10, rather than their market value.
     In June 2002, we adopted the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan that authorizes the grant of options exercisable for up to 100 million common shares (approximately 0.5% of our total then outstanding common shares). These options vested between two and four years after the date of grant, with 50% of the option granted being exercisable two years after the grant, 75% exercisable three years after the grant and 100% exercisable four years after the grant. Any options granted will expire ten years after the date of grant. Under the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, a total of 48,137,264 options were granted, of which 2,716,329 options were originally granted to certain of our officers as a result of their voluntary election to exchange part of their profit sharing for stock options. The remaining balance of options under the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan expired on June 25, 2003. As of December 31, 2007, 28,527,537 options were outstanding under the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan.
     In September 2003, we adopted the 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan that authorizes the grant of the options exercisable for up to 120 million common shares (approximately 0.6% of our total then outstanding common shares) in one or more tranches before October 29, 2004, when the 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan expired. These options vested between two and four years after the date of grant, with 50% of the options granted being exercisable two years after the grant, 75% exercisable three years after the grant and 100% exercisable four years after the grant. Any options granted will expire ten years after the date of grant. Under the 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan, a total of 12,055,735 options have been granted. The remaining balance under the 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan expired on October 29, 2004. As of December 31, 2007, 6,135,548 options were outstanding under the 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.

-42-


Table of Contents

     In November 2004, we adopted the 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan that authorizes the grant of options exercisable for up to 11 million common shares (approximately 0.05% of our total then outstanding common shares) in one or more tranches before January 6, 2006, when the 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan expired. These options will vest between two and four years after the date of grant, with 50% of the options granted being exercisable two years after the grant, 75% exercisable three years after the grant and 100% exercisable four years after the grant. Any options granted will expire ten years after the date of grant. Under the 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan, a total of 10,374,550 options have been granted. The remaining balance under the 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan expired on January 6, 2006. As of December 31, 2007, 7,212,205 options were outstanding under the 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan.
     The table below sets forth the name of our current officers to whom options were granted on March 7, 2003 and the number of our common shares issuable upon exercise of these options as December 31, 2007. The stock options granted to our officers under the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan all have an adjusted exercise price of NT$25.9 and all will expire on March 6, 2013 if not previously exercised. The numbers of the common shares underlying the stock options and the exercise prices were adjusted for the cash and stock dividends distributed in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, according to the terms of the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan.
                         
    Common Shares Issuable under
    2002 Employee Stock        
    Option Plan (December 31,   2003 Employee Stock   2004 Employee Stock
Name   2006 vesting)   Option Plan   Option Plan
Morris Chang
    805,873              
Rick Tsai
    805,873              
Mark Liu
    805,873              
Stephen Tso
    408,885              
Kenneth Kin
    391,112              
C.C. Wei
    269,959              
Jack Sun
    124,542              
Richard Thurston
    85,517              
     In order to attract qualified senior management, we maintain a sign-on bonus plan, under which selected newly hired senior employees, upon approval by our senior management, may be granted cash or, in exceptional circumstances, a specific number of our common shares, as a hiring bonus with the general condition of staying in our employment for at least two years. In the exceptional case of a sign-on bonus in the form of common shares, 50% of the common shares subject to such sign-on bonus will generally be distributed to such employees in the first year of employment. The remaining 50% of the hiring bonus shares are generally distributed to such employees on the second anniversary of the date of commencement of the employment with us. In 2007, a total of 465,000 shares, representing 0.0018% of the total of our common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2007, were distributed under our sign-on bonus plan.
     Our employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
ITEM 7.   MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Major Shareholders
     The following table sets forth certain information as of February 29, 2008 with respect to our common shares owned by (i) each person who, according to our records, beneficially owned five percent or more of our common shares and by (ii) all directors and executive officers as a group.

-43-


Table of Contents

                 
            Percentage of Total
    Number of Common   Outstanding Common
Names of Shareholders   Shares Owned   Shares
National Development Fund(1)
    1,637,228,303       6.4 %
Capital Research Global Investors(2)
    1,365,596,200       5.2 %
Philips
    1,311,490,224       5.1 %
Directors and executive officers as a group(3)
    264,324,378       1.0 %
 
(1)   Excludes any common shares that may be owned by other funds controlled by the R.O.C. government. The National Development Fund was previously named Development Fund. One of our eight directors is a representative of the National Development Fund.
 
(2)   According to the Schedule 13G of Capital Research Global Investors (“CRGI”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2008, CRGI beneficially owned 1,365,596,200 common shares as of February 11, 2008. We do not have further information with respect to CRGI’s ownership in us subsequent to CRGI’s Schedule 13G filed on February 11, 2008.
 
(3)   Excludes ownership of the National Development Fund.
     In July 2003, the National Development Fund sold 86,457,200 ADSs, representing 432,286,000 common shares, in August 2005, the National Development Fund sold an additional 41,091,000 ADSs, representing 205,455,000 common shares, and in September 2005, the National Development Fund sold an additional 3,081,500 ADSs, representing 15,407,500 common shares. In November 2003, Philips sold 100,000,000 ADSs, representing 500,000,000 common shares. In October 2003, Philips announced its intention to gradually and orderly reduce its equity interest in us and reiterated this intention in May 2005. In August 2005, Philips sold 105,602,000 ADSs, representing 528,010,000 common shares, and in September 2005, Philips sold an additional 7,919,000 ADSs, representing 39,595,000 common shares. Further, on March 9, 2007, we and Philips jointly announced a multi-phased plan to facilitate an orderly exit by Philips from its current shareholding in us. For detailed information about Philips’ disposition plans, please refer to “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks relating to Ownership of ADSs — The value of your investment may be reduced by possible future sales of common shares or ADSs by us or our shareholders.” on page 10.
     As of February 29, 2008, a total of 25,627,997,015 common shares were outstanding. With certain limited exceptions, holders of common shares that are not R.O.C. persons are required to hold their common shares through a brokerage account in the R.O.C. As of February 29, 2008, 5,646,837,039 common shares were registered in the name of a nominee of Citibank, N.A., the depositary under our ADS deposit agreement. Citibank, N.A., has advised us that, as of February 29, 2008, 1,129,367,405 ADSs, representing 5,646,837,039 common shares, were held of record by Cede & Co. and 281 other registered shareholders domiciled in and outside of the United States. We have no further information as to common shares held, or beneficially owned, by U.S. persons.
     Our major shareholders have the same voting rights as our other shareholders. For a description of the voting rights of our shareholders see “Item 10. Additional Information — Description of Common Shares — Voting Rights.”
     We are not aware of any arrangement that may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of us.
Related Party Transactions
     Industrial Technology Research Institute
     ITRI is a government-sponsored organization in the R.O.C. engaging in applied research to accelerate industrial technology development and promote industrial growth. ITRI has, and will continue to have, contractual relationships with us. As of October 15, 2006, ITRI ceased to be one of our related parties. Our principal relationships with ITRI in the period from January 1, 2004 until December 31, 2006 include the following:
    A technical cooperation agreement signed in 1987 between ITRI and TSMC whereby ITRI granted TSMC the license to use its metal-oxide-semiconductor technology and related patents and copyrights to manufacture silicon MOS wafers and agreed to provide certain associated assets and relevant technical assistance and information to us, in exchange for a limited license from us for certain improvements and refinements related to earlier research and development protects. The agreement also provides that the R.O.C. Ministry of Economic Affairs, or the entity designated by the R.O.C. Ministry of Economic Affairs, has an option to purchase up to 35% of certain of our capacity as agreed in the agreement on favorable terms and conditions, provided that the exercise of such option would not prejudice TSMC’s outstanding customer commitments. The original term of this agreement was for five years beginning January 1, 1987, is to be automatically renewed for successive periods of five years unless otherwise terminated by either party with one year prior notice. The agreement was automatically renewed in 1992, 1997, 2002, and on January 1, 2007.

-44-


Table of Contents

    A patent license agreement dated September 29, 2005 exists between ITRI and TSMC whereby ITRI grants TSMC the exclusive license to use certain patents in connection with semiconductor technology in exchange for a fixed royalty payment. The term of this agreement is from the effectiveness of the agreement to the end of the patent term for each of the patents concerned.
 
    From time to time, we provide foundry services to ITRI. In 2005 and 2006, we had total sales to ITRI of NT$90 million and NT$42 million, respectively, representing less than 1% of our net sales in each year.
     Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. and its Affiliates (“Philips”)
     As of February 29, 2008, Philips, owned 5.1% of our outstanding equity securities. Following the resignation of Mr. Lobbezoo on March 9, 2007, Philips no longer has any representative on our board of directors and ceased to be a related party to us. Set forth below is a description of our contractual and other business relationships with Philips for the period beginning from January 1, 2004 until the filing of this annual report:
    On December 31, 1986, we entered into a technology cooperation agreement with Philips pursuant to which Philips initially had provided us with certain process and technical information for the production of unencapsulated MOS integrated circuits in wafer form. This agreement was amended on May 12, 1997 and extended for ten years. The agreement was further modified on June 20, 2004 and extended to December 31, 2008 (the “Technology Cooperation Agreement”). Under the June 20, 2004 amendments, which took retroactive effect on January 1, 2004, we agreed with Philips to cross license certain patents to each other on a non-exclusive, royalty-free basis. In addition, Philips obtained coverage for TSMC under certain of its patent cross licensing arrangements with other companies (as identified in the agreement) and TSMC has been paying the agreed upon consideration. The Technology Cooperation Agreement will not be automatically renewed upon expiration. However, the patent cross license arrangement between TSMC and Philips will survive the expiration of Technical Cooperation Agreement and had been assigned by Philips to NXP.
 
    In 2005 and 2006, we had total sales to Philips and its affiliates of NT$3,299 million and NT$4,025 million, representing 1.2% and 1.3% of our total net sales in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Subsequent to the sale by Philips in September 2006 of an 80.1% equity interest in Philips Semiconductors to a consortium of private equity investors, Philips Semiconductors was renamed as NXP and ceased to be a related party of us.
 
    Effective January 1, 2006, we entered into a Joint Technology Cooperation Agreement with Philips, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. and ST Microelectronics to jointly develop 45-nanometers and beyond advanced CMOS Logic and e-DRAM technologies. We will contribute process technologies and share a portion of the costs associated with this joint development project. This agreement was terminated on January 26, 2008.
     Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation
     In 1994, we, the R.O.C. Ministry of Economic Affairs and other investors established Vanguard, then an integrated DRAM manufacturer. Vanguard commenced volume commercial production in 1995 and listed its shares on the GreTai Securities Market in March 1999. As of February 29, 2008, we owned 36.7% of Vanguard.
     On April 1, 2004, we entered into an agreement with Vanguard. During the two-year term of this agreement, Vanguard is obligated to use its best commercial efforts to manufacture wafers at specified yield rates for us up to a fixed amount of reserved capacity per month, and TSMC is required to use its best commercial efforts to maintain utilization of such reserved capacity within a specified range of wafers per month. Pursuant to its terms, upon expiration of its initial two-year term, this agreement is to be automatically renewed for additional one year periods unless earlier terminated by the parties. We pay Vanguard at a fixed discount to the actual selling price as mutually agreed between the parties in respect of each purchase order. We also agreed to license Vanguard certain of our process technologies and transfer certain technical know-how and information. TSMC receives from Vanguard certain royalty payments for granting such licenses. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, we had total purchases of NT$4,142 million, NT$3,920 million and NT$4,208 million (US$130 million) from Vanguard, representing 2.8%, 2.4% and 2.3% of our total cost of sales, respectively.

-45-


Table of Contents

     Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company Pte. Ltd. (“SSMC)
     SSMC is a joint venture in Singapore that we established with Philips and EDB Investment Pte. Ltd. for the purpose of producing integrated circuits by means of advanced submicron manufacturing processes pursuant to the product design specifications provided primarily by us and Philips under an agreement with Philips, and EDB Investment Pte. Ltd (the “SSMC Shareholders Agreement”) in March 1999 and, primarily by us and NXP, subsequent to the assignment by Philips of its rights to NXP and NXP’s assumption of Philips’ obligations under the SSMC Shareholders Agreement pursuant to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement effective September 25, 2006. SSMC’s business is limited to manufacturing wafers for us, our subsidiaries, NXP and NXP’s subsidiaries. In November 15, 2006, we and NXP exercised our option rights under the SSMC Shareholders Agreement to purchase all of the SSMC shares owned by EDB Investment Pte. Ltd. As a result, we owned 38.8%, and NXP owned 61.2% of SSMC as of February 29, 2008. While we, together with NXP, have the right to purchase up to 100% of SSMC’s annual capacity, we and NXP are required to purchase, in the aggregate, at least 70% of SSMC’s full capacity; we, alone, are required to purchase up to 28% of the annual installed capacity. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Our History and Structure — Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company Pte. Ltd. for a discussion of our agreement with Philips (and its successor-in-interest, NXP) and EDB Investment to build our SSMC fab and “— Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company Pte. Ltd.” below for a detailed discussion of the contract terms we entered into with SSMC.
     We entered into a technology cooperation agreement with SSMC effective March 30, 1999 in which SSMC agreed to base at least a major part of its production activities on processes compatible to those in use in our MOS integrated circuits wafer volume production fabs. In return, we have agreed to provide SSMC with access to and benefit of the technical knowledge and experience relating to certain processes in use in our MOS integrated circuits wafer volume production fabs and to assist SSMC by rendering certain technical services in connection with its production activities. In addition, we granted to SSMC limited licenses of related intellectual property rights owned or controlled by us for the purpose of MOS integrated circuit production for the sole use in manufacturing products for us. SSMC pays to us during, and up to three years after, the term of this agreement a remuneration of a fixed percentage of the net selling price of all products manufactured by SSMC. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, we had total purchases of NT$5,730 million, NT$6,821 million and NT$5,468 million (US$169 million) from SSMC, representing 3.9%, 4.2% and 3.0% of our total cost of sales, respectively.
     VisEra Technologies Company, Ltd.
     In October 2003, we and OmniVision Technolgies Inc., (“OVT”) entered into a shareholders’ agreement (the “VisEra Agreement”) to form VisEra Technologies Company, Ltd. (“VisEra”), a joint venture in Taiwan, for the purpose of providing back-end manufacturing service. In connection with the formation of VisEra, we and OVT each entered into separate nonexclusive license agreements with VisEra pursuant to which each party licenses certain intellectual property to VisEra relating to the manufacturing services.
     In August 2005, we entered into the first amendment to the VisEra Agreement (the “Amended VisEra Agreement”) with OVT, VisEra, and VisEra Cayman, pursuant to which VisEra became a subsidiary of VisEra Cayman. In accordance with the Amended VisEra Agreement, VisEra purchased color filter processing equipment and related assets from us for an aggregate price equivalent to US$16.1 million. In connection with the purchase, VisEra also leased from us approximately 1,955 square meters of factory and office space where the assets are located. In January 2007, we signed the second amendment and agreed to an expansion in VisEra’s manufacturing capacity. For the capacity expansion, we and OVT each agreed to make an additional US$27 million investment to VisEra. There were no significant sales to or purchases from VisEra in 2006 and 2007.

-46-


Table of Contents

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information
     Please see “Item 18. Financial Statements”. Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, no significant change has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements.
Legal Proceedings
     As is the case with many companies in the semiconductor industry, we have received from time to time communications from third parties asserting that our technologies, manufacturing processes, the design of the integrated circuits made by us or the use by our customers of semiconductors made by us may infringe upon patents or other intellectual property rights of others. In some instances, these disputes have resulted in litigation by or against us and certain settlement payments by us in some cases. Irrespective of the validity of these claims, we could incur significant costs in the defense thereof or could suffer adverse effects on our operations.
     In December 2003, we commenced legal action in several forums against SMIC and certain of its subsidiaries for several causes of action including but not limited to patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation. The dispute with SMIC was settled under a settlement agreement entered into in January 2005 and pursuant to which SMIC is paying us US$175 million in installments over six years. Under its terms, we agreed not to sue SMIC for itemized acts of alleged trade secret misappropriation except in the event of breach. In addition, we and SMIC agreed to cross license each other’s certain patents through December 2010. The settlement agreement also provided for the dismissal without prejudice of all pending legal actions between the two companies, including matters pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Superior Court of California for Alameda County, the U.S. International Trade Commission and Hsinchu District Court in Taiwan. The settlement does not grant a license to SMIC to use any of our trade secrets nor does it result in TSMC transferring any technology or providing any technical assistance to SMIC. In August 2006, we filed a lawsuit against SMIC in the Superior Court of California for Alameda County for breach of the aforementioned settlement agreement, breach of promissory notes and trade secret misappropriation seeking injunctive relief and monetary damages. In September 2006, SMIC filed a cross-complaint against us in the same court alleging breach of settlement agreement, implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. SMIC also filed a civil action against us in November 2006 with the Beijing People’s High Court alleging defamation and breach of good faith. In September 2007, the Superior Court of California for Alameda County issued an order based on our pre-trial motion and ordered that SMIC must provide advance notice and an opportunity for us to object before disclosing certain items to SMIC’s third party partners. The matters are pending in both courts. The specific outcome of the litigation matters cannot be determined at this time.
     In April 2004, UniRAM Technology, Inc. (“UniRAM”) filed an action against MoSys Inc., TSMC and TSMC North America in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation and seeking injunctive relief and damages. UniRAM later dropped its patent infringement claims during the course of litigation, but TSMC and TSMC North America’s inequitable conduct counterclaim against UniRAM’s asserted patents remained. In 2007, the trade secret misappropriation portion of the case went to trial, and in September 2007, a jury-rendered a verdict awarding US$30.5 million to UniRAM Technology, Inc. The court held a separate bench trial on the inequitable conduct counterclaims in January 2008, but has yet to issue a decision as of March 25, 2008. During the January bench trial, UniRAM has also raised anew its motion to enjoin TSMC from offering certain technologies that UniRAM alleges to contain its confidential information. This issue has also not been decided. As a procedural matter, the jury verdict cannot be entered into the record while the inequitable conduct issues remain undecided. Nevertheless, as a result of the verdict, we have accrued the full amount of the jury award by reporting it as a separate line item in the income statements. The charge is classified as part of our non-operating expenses. We intend to continue to pursue remedies against this verdict.
     Other than the matters described above, we were not involved in any other material litigation in 2007 and are not currently involved in any material litigation.
Dividends and Dividend Policy
     The following table sets forth the stock dividends per share paid during each of the years indicated in respect of common shares outstanding on the record date applicable to the payment of those dividends. During the period from 1995 to 2003, we did not pay any cash dividends. We paid a portion of the dividend in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 in cash in the amounts of NT$12,159,971,390, NT$46,504,096,864, NT$61,825,061,618 and NT$77,489,063,538 (US$2,389,425,333), respectively.

-47-


Table of Contents

                                 
    Cash Dividends   Stock dividends   Total shares issued   Outstanding common
    Per Share   Per 100 shares   as stock dividends   shares at year end
    NT$                        
2003
          8.00000       1,489,830,940       20,266,618,984  
2004
    0.6037       14.08668       2,837,326,658       23,251,963,693  
2005
    1.9998       4.99971       1,162,602,422       24,730,024,647  
2006
    2.4991       2.99903 (1)     741,900,740 (1)     25,829,687,846  
2007
    2.9995       0.49991 (2)     129,148,440 (2)     25,627,103,715  
 
(1)   50% of the stock dividends were paid out of retained earnings and 50% were from capitalization of capital surplus.
 
(2)   40% of the stock dividends were paid out of retained earnings and 60% were from capitalization of capital surplus.
     Our dividend policy is set forth in our articles of incorporation. Except as otherwise specified in the articles of incorporation, we will not pay dividends when there is no profit or retained earnings. Our profits may be distributed by way of cash dividend, stock dividend, or a combination of cash and stock. Historically, our profit distribution generally had been made by way of stock dividend. On December 21, 2004, our shareholders approved amendments to our articles of incorporations pursuant to which distributions of profits shall be made preferably by way of cash dividend. In addition, pursuant to the amendments, the ratio for stock dividends shall not exceed 50% of the total distribution.
     Holders of outstanding common shares on a dividend record date will be entitled to the full dividend declared without regard to any subsequent transfer of the common shares. Payment of dividends (including in cash and in common shares) in respect of the prior year is made following approval by our shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders. Distribution of stock dividends is subject to approval by the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission.
     Except in limited circumstances, under the R.O.C. Company Law, we are not permitted to distribute dividends or make other distributions to shareholders in respect of any year in which we have no current or retained earnings (excluding reserves). The R.O.C. Company Law also requires that 10% of annual net income (less prior years’ losses and outstanding taxes) be set aside as legal reserves until the accumulated legal reserves equal our paid-in capital. Our articles of incorporation provide that at least one percent of annual net earnings (after recovering any losses incurred in prior years and deducting the legal reserve and special reserve provisions, if any) be distributed as a bonus to employees and that not more than 0.3 percent of our annual net earnings (after recovering any losses incurred in prior years and deducting the legal reserve and special reserve provisions, if any) may be distributed as a bonus to directors. Under our articles of incorporation, directors who also serve as executive officers are not entitled to any director bonuses.
     Holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs are entitled to receive dividends, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, to the same extent as the holders of common shares. Cash dividends will be paid to the depositary in NT dollars and, after deduction of any applicable R.O.C. taxes and except as otherwise provided in the deposit agreement, will be converted by the depositary into U.S. dollars and paid to holders. Stock dividends will be distributed to the depositary and, except as otherwise provided in the deposit agreement, will be distributed to holders by the depositary in the form of additional ADSs.
     For information relating to R.O.C. withholding taxes payable on cash and stock dividends, see “Item 10. Additional Information — Taxation — R.O.C. Taxation — Dividends”.
ITEM 9.   THE OFFER AND LISTING
     The principal trading market for our common shares is the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Our common shares have been listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under the symbol “2330” since September 5, 1994, and the ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSM” since October 8, 1997. The outstanding ADSs are identified by the CUSIP number 874039100. 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 common shares and the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the New York Stock Exchange for the common shares represented by ADSs.

-48-


Table of Contents

                                                 
    Taiwan Stock Exchange   New York Stock Exchange(1)
    Closing price per                
    common share(2)       Closing price per ADS(2)    
                    Average daily                    
                    Trading volume                   Average daily
                    (in thousands of                   Trading volume (in
    High   Low   shares)(2)   High   Low   thousands of ADSs)(2)
    (NT$)   (NT$)           (US$)   (US$)        
2003
    50.41       26.24       57,902       9.46       4.34       9,071  
2004
    48.29       33.30       57,467       8.52       5.57       7,673  
2005
    56.57       38.10       54,382       9.10       6.44       8,204  
2006
    64.63       49.49       42,198       10.75       7.64       9,711  
First Quarter
    60.29       52.23       44,385       9.86       8.47       9,706  
Second Quarter
    61.88       49.49       49,368       10.16       7.64       9,513  
Third Quarter
    57.96       50.35       37,099       9.53       7.69       93,498  
Fourth Quarter
    64.63       55.68       38,320       10.75       9.09       10,275  
2007
                                               
First Quarter
    67.77       60.25       64,727       11.10       9.72       12,712  
Second Quarter
    70.9       63.29       53,964       11.23       9.83       15,178  
Third Quarter
    73.0       59.0       60,868       11.74       9.11       14,674  
Fourth Quarter
    65.0       58.5       67,916       10.78       9.27       12,835  
October
    65.0       60.6       58,502       10.78       9.71       15,121  
November
    64.2       58.5       64,796       10.50       9.27       13,535  
December
    62.7       58.8       81,048       10.30       9.40       9,472  
2008
                                               
January
    60.5       49.6       69,659       9.57       7.99       17,272  
February
    63.6       59.9       52,593       10.24       9.11       14,375  
March
    67.4       59.9       66,525       11.10       9.63       20,636  
April (through April 14, 2008)
    65.0       61.8       43,714       10.66       10.19       17,638  
 
(1)   Trading in ADSs commenced on October 8, 1997 on the New York Stock Exchange. Each ADS represents the right to receive five common shares.
 
(2)   As adjusted for a “8.00000% stock dividend in July 2003”, a “NT$0.6037 cash dividend per share and a 14.08668% stock dividend in July 2004”, a “NT$1.9998 cash dividend per share and a 4.99971% stock dividend in July 2005”, a “NT$2.4991 cash dividend per share and a 2.99903% stock dividend in July 2006” and a “NT$2.9995 cash dividend per share and a 0.49991% stock dividend in July 2007”.
     As of February 29, 2008, Chi Cherng Investment Co., Ltd. and Hsin Ruey Investment Co., Ltd., two of our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, owned 17,031,993 and 17,063,919 of our common shares, respectively, representing approximately 0.07% and 0.07% of our outstanding common shares, respectively.
ITEM 10.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Description of Common Shares
     We are organized under the laws of the R.O.C. Set forth below is a description of our common shares, including summaries of the material provisions of our articles of incorporation, the R.O.C. Company Law, the R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
     General
     Our authorized share capital is NT$280,500,000,000, divided into 28,050,000,000 common shares of which 500,000,000 common shares are reserved for the issuance for our employee stock options and among which 25,627,103,715 common shares were issued and outstanding and in registered form as of December 31, 2007.
     The R.O.C. Company Law, the R.O.C. Act for Establishment and Administration of Science Parks and the R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law provide that any change in the issued share capital of a public company, such as us, requires the approval of its board of directors, an amendment to its articles of incorporation (if such change also involves a change in the authorized share capital) and the approval of, or the registration with, the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission and the Ministry of Economic Affairs or the Science Park Administration (as applicable).

-49-


Table of Contents

     There are no provisions under either R.O.C. law or the deposit agreement under which holders of ADSs would be required to forfeit the common shares represented by ADSs.
     Dividends and Distributions
     A R.O.C. company is generally not permitted to distribute dividends or to make any other distributions to shareholders in respect of any year for which it did not have either earnings or retained earnings (excluding reserves). In addition, before distributing a dividend to shareholders following the end of a fiscal year, the company must recover any past losses, pay all outstanding taxes and set aside in a legal reserve, until such time as its legal reserve equals its paid-in capital, 10% of its net income for that fiscal year (less any past losses), and may set aside a special reserve. Our articles of incorporation provide that at least one percent of the net distributable income for that fiscal year be distributed as a bonus to employees and that not more than 0.3 percent of the net distributable income for that fiscal year may be distributed as a bonus to directors. Under our articles of incorporation, directors who also serve as executive officers are not entitled to any director bonuses. Prior to 2004, it has been our practice in each of the past years to pay all of employee bonuses in the form of stock. In 2004, we paid 20% of the bonus in the form of cash, and in 2005, 2006 and 2007, we paid 50% of the bonus in the form of cash. The number of common shares issued as a bonus is obtained by dividing the cash value of the stock portion of the bonus by the par value of the common shares, i.e., NT$10 per share. Because the market value of our common shares has generally been well in excess of par value, the market value of a stock bonus has also been in excess of the amount the employee would have received if the bonus had been paid exclusively in cash. Subject to compliance with these requirements, a company may pay dividends or make other distributions from its accumulated earnings or reserves as permitted by the R.O.C. Company Law as set forth below.
     At the annual general meeting of our shareholders, the board of directors submits to the shareholders for their approval our financial statements for the preceding fiscal year and any proposal for the distribution of a dividend or the making of any other distribution to shareholders from our earnings or retained earnings (subject to compliance with the requirements described above) at the end of the preceding fiscal year. All common shares outstanding and fully paid as of the relevant record date are entitled to share equally in any dividend or other distribution so approved. Dividends may be distributed in cash, in the form of common shares or a combination thereof, as determined by the shareholders at the meeting.
     In addition to permitting dividends to be paid out of earnings or retained earnings, the R.O.C. Company Law permits us to make distributions to our shareholders of additional common shares by capitalizing reserves (including the legal reserve and some other reserves). However, the capitalized portion payable out of our legal reserve is limited to 50% of the total accumulated legal reserve and this capitalization can only be effected when the accumulated legal reserve exceeds 50% of our paid-in capital.
     For information as to R.O.C. taxes on dividends and distributions, see “— Taxation — R.O.C. Taxation”.
     Preemptive Rights and Issues of Additional Common Shares
     Under the R.O.C. Company Law, when a public company such as us issues new shares of common stock for cash, 10% to 15% of the issue must be offered to its employees. The remaining new shares must be offered to existing shareholders in a preemptive rights offering, subject to a requirement under the R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law that at least 10% of these issuances must be offered to the public. This percentage can be increased by a resolution passed at a shareholders’ meeting, thereby limiting or waiving the preemptive rights of existing shareholders. The preemptive rights provisions do not apply to:
    offerings by shareholders of outstanding shares; and
 
    offerings of new shares through a private placement approved at a shareholders’ meeting.
     Authorized but unissued shares of any class may be issued at such times and, subject to the above mentioned provisions of the R.O.C. Company Law and the R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law, upon such terms as the board of directors may determine. The shares with respect to which preemptive rights have been waived may be freely offered, subject to compliance with applicable R.O.C. law.

-50-


Table of Contents

     Meetings of Shareholders
     Meetings of our shareholders may be general meetings or special meetings. General meetings of shareholders are generally held in Hsinchu, Taiwan, within six months after the end of each fiscal year. Special meetings of shareholders may be convened by resolution of the board of directors whenever it deems necessary, or under certain circumstances, by shareholders or the audit committee. For a public company such as us, notice in writing of shareholders’ meetings, stating the place, time and purpose thereof, must be sent to each shareholder at least thirty days (in the case of general meetings) and fifteen days (in the case of special meetings) prior to the date set for each meeting.
     Voting Rights
     A holder of common shares has one vote for each common share. Except as otherwise provided by law, a resolution may be adopted by the holders of a simple majority of the total issued and outstanding common shares represented at a shareholders’ meeting at which a majority of the holders of the total issued and outstanding common shares are present. The election of directors at a shareholders’ meeting is by cumulative voting, except as otherwise prescribed by the articles of incorporation. Directors are nominated by our board of directors or shareholders on or prior to the shareholder meeting at which ballots for these elections are cast. Moreover, as authorized under the R.O.C. Company Law, we have adopted a nomination procedure for election of our independent directors in our newly amended articles of incorporation. According to our articles of incorporation, ballots for the election of directors and independent directors are cast separately.
     The R.O.C. Company Law also provides that in order to approve certain major corporate actions, including (i) any amendment to the articles of incorporation (which is required for, among other actions, any increase in authorized share capital), (ii) the dissolution or amalgamation of a company or the transfer of the whole or an important part of its business or its properties or the taking over of the whole of the business or properties of any other company which would have a significant impact on the acquiring company’s operations or (iii) the distribution of any stock dividend, a meeting of the shareholders must be convened with a quorum of holders of at least two-thirds of all issued and outstanding shares of common stock at which the holders of at least a majority of the common stock represented at the meeting vote in favor thereof. However, in the case of a publicly held company such as us, such a resolution may be adopted by the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of common stock represented at a meeting of shareholders at which holders of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock are present.
     A shareholder may be represented at a shareholders’ meeting by proxy. A valid proxy must be delivered to us at least five days prior to the commencement of the shareholders’ meeting.
     Holders of ADSs will not have the right to exercise voting rights with respect to the common shares represented thereby, except as described in “— Voting of Deposited Securities”.
     Other Rights of Shareholders
     Under the R.O.C. Company Law, dissenting shareholders are entitled to appraisal rights in the event of amalgamation, spin-off or certain other major corporate actions. A dissenting shareholder may request us to redeem all of the shares owned by that shareholder at a fair price to be determined by mutual agreement or a court order if agreement cannot be reached. A shareholder may exercise these appraisal rights by serving written notice on us prior to the related shareholders’ meeting and/or by raising an objection at the shareholders’ meeting. In addition to appraisal rights, any shareholder has the right to sue for the annulment of any resolution adopted at a shareholders’ meeting where the procedures were legally defective within thirty days after the date of such shareholders’ meeting. One or more shareholders who have held more than three percent of the issued and outstanding shares for over a year may require audit committee to bring a derivative action against a director for that director’s liability to us as a result of that director’s unlawful actions or failure to act. In addition, one or more shareholders who have held more than three percent of our issued and outstanding shares for over a year may require the board of directors to convene a special shareholders’ meeting by sending a written request to the board of directors.
     The R.O.C. Company Law has been amended to allow shareholder(s) holding 1% or more of the total issued shares of a company to, during the period of time prescribed by the company, submit one proposal in writing containing no more than three hundred words (Chinese characters) for discussion at the general meeting of shareholders. In addition, if a company adopts a nomination procedure for election of directors or supervisors in its articles of incorporation, shareholders representing 1% or more of the total issued shares of such company may submit a candidate list in writing to the company along with relevant information and supporting documents.

-51-


Table of Contents

     Register of Shareholders and Record Dates
     Our share registrar, Chinatrust Commercial Bank, maintains the register of our shareholders at its office in Taipei, Taiwan, and enters transfers of the common shares in the register upon presentation of, among other documents, the certificates in respect of the common shares transferred. Under the R.O.C. Company Law, the transfer of common shares in registered form is effected by endorsement of the transferor’s and transferee’s seals on the share certificates and delivery of the related share certificates. In order to assert shareholders’ rights against us, however, the transferee must have his name and address registered on the register of shareholders. Shareholders are required to file their respective specimen signatures or seals with us. The settlement of trading in the common shares is normally carried out on the book-entry system maintained by the Taiwan Depository & Clearing Corporation.
     The R.O.C. Company Law permits us to set a record date and close the register of shareholders for a specified period in order for us to determine the shareholders or pledgees that are entitled to certain rights pertaining to common shares by giving advance public notice. Under the R.O.C. Company Law, our register of shareholders should be closed for a period of sixty days, thirty days and five days immediately before each general meeting of shareholders, special meeting of shareholders and record date, respectively.
     Annual Financial Statements
     Under the R.O.C. Company Law, ten days before the general meeting of shareholders, our annual financial statements must be available at our principal office in Hsinchu for inspection by the shareholders.
     Acquisition of Common Shares by Us
     With minor exceptions, we may not acquire our common shares under the R.O.C. Company Law. However, under the R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law, we may, by a board resolution adopted by majority consent at a meeting with two-thirds of our directors present, purchase our common shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or by a tender offer, in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission, for the following purposes: (i) to transfer shares to our employees; (ii) to satisfy our obligations to provide our common shares upon exercise or conversion of any warrants, convertible bonds or convertible preferred shares; and (iii) if necessary, to maintain our credit and our shareholders’ equity (such as for the purpose of supporting the trading price of our common shares during market dislocations), provided that the common shares so purchased shall be cancelled thereafter.
     We are not allowed to purchase more than ten percent of our total issued and outstanding common shares. In addition, we may not spend more than the aggregate amount of our retained earnings, premium from issuing stock and the realized portion of the capital reserve to purchase our common shares.
     We may not pledge or hypothecate any purchased common shares. In addition, we may not exercise any shareholders’ rights attached to such common shares. In the event that we purchase our common shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, our affiliates, directors, managers and their respective spouses, minor children and nominees are prohibited from selling any of our common shares during the period in which we purchase our common shares.
     In addition, effective from November 14, 2001 under the revised R.O.C. Company Law, our subsidiaries may not acquire our shares. This restriction does not, however, affect any of our shares acquired by our subsidiaries prior to November 14, 2001.
     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 R.O.C. Company Law.

-52-


Table of Contents

     Transaction Restrictions
     The R.O.C. Securities and Exchange Law (i) requires each director, supervisor, manager or shareholder holding more than ten percent of the shares of a public company to report the amount of that person’s shareholding to that company and (ii) limits the number of shares that can be sold or transferred on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or on the GreTai Securities Market by that person per day.
Material Contracts
     In October 2007, we signed a contract with Atmel Corporation to purchase Atmel’s eight-inch wafer fabrication equipment from its fab in North Tyneside, United Kingdom. The deal totaled US$82 million. Both Atmel and us have agreed not to disclose other terms of this contract.
     We are not currently, and have not been in the last two years, party to any other material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of our business. Please see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Related Party Transactions” for a summary of contracts with certain of our related parties and note 4 to our consolidated financial statements regarding certain of our significant commitments and contingencies.
Foreign Investment in the R.O.C.
     Historically, foreign investment in the R.O.C. securities market has been restricted. Since 1983, the R.O.C. government has periodically enacted legislation and adopted regulations to permit foreign investment in the R.O.C. securities market.
     On September 30, 2003, the Executive Yuan approved an amendment to Regulations Governing Investment in Securities by Overseas Chinese and Foreign National, or the Regulations, which took effect on October 2, 2003. According to the Regulations, the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission abolished the mechanism of the so-called “qualified foreign institutional investors” and “general foreign investors” as stipulated in the Regulations before the amendment.
     Under the Regulations, foreign investors are classified as either “onshore foreign investors” or “offshore foreign investors” according to their respective geographical location. Both onshore and offshore foreign investors are allowed to invest in R.O.C. securities after they register with the Taiwan Stock Exchange. The Regulations further classify foreign investors into foreign institutional investors and foreign individual investors. “Foreign institutional investors” refer to those investors incorporated and registered in accordance with foreign laws outside of the R.O.C. (i.e., offshore foreign institutional investors) or their branches set up and recognized within the R.O.C. (i.e., onshore foreign institutional investors). Offshore overseas Chinese and foreign individual investors are subject to a maximum investment ceiling that will be separately determined by the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission after consultation with the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the other hand, foreign institutional investors are not subject to any ceiling for investment in the R.O.C. securities market.
     Except for certain specified industries, such as telecommunications, investments in R.O.C.-listed companies by foreign investors are not subject to individual or aggregate foreign ownership limits. Custodians for foreign investors are required to submit to the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taiwan Stock Exchange a monthly report of trading activities and status of assets under custody and other matters. Capital remitted to the R.O.C. under these guidelines may be remitted out of the R.O.C. at any time after the date the capital is remitted to the R.O.C. Capital gains and income on investments may be remitted out of the R.O.C. at any time.
     Foreign investors (other than foreign investors who have registered with the Taiwan Stock Exchange for making investments in the R.O.C. securities market) who wish to make direct investments in the shares of R.O.C. companies are required to submit a foreign investment approval application to the Investment Commission of the R.O.C. Ministry of Economic Affairs or other applicable government authority. The Investment Commission or such other government authority reviews each foreign investment approval application and approves or disapproves each application after consultation with other governmental agencies (such as the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission).

-53-


Table of Contents

     Under current R.O.C. law, any non-R.O.C. person possessing a foreign investment approval may repatriate annual net profits, interest and cash dividends attributable to the approved investment. Stock dividends attributable to this investment, investment capital and capital gains attributable to this investment may be repatriated by the non-R.O.C. person possessing a foreign investment approval after approvals of the Investment Commission or other government authorities have been obtained.
     In addition to the general restriction against direct investment by non-R.O.C. persons in securities of R.O.C. companies, non-R.O.C. persons (except in certain limited cases) are currently prohibited from investing in certain industries in the R.O.C. pursuant to a “negative list”, as amended by the Executive Yuan. The prohibition on foreign investment in the prohibited industries specified in the negative list is absolute in the absence of a specific exemption from the application of the negative list. Pursuant to the negative list, certain other industries are restricted so that non-R.O.C. persons (except in limited cases) may invest in these industries only up to a specified level and with the specific approval of the relevant competent authority that is responsible for enforcing the relevant legislation that the negative list is intended to implement.
     Depositary Receipts. In April 1992, the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission enacted regulations permitting R.O.C. companies with securities listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, with the prior approval of the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission, to sponsor the issuance and sale to foreign investors of depositary receipts. Depositary receipts represent deposited shares of R.O.C. companies. In December 1994, the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission allowed companies whose shares are traded on the R.O.C. GreTai Securities Market or listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, upon approval of the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission, to sponsor the issuance and sale of depositary receipts.
     Our deposit agreement has been amended and restated on November 16, 2007 to: (i) make our ADSs eligible for the direct registration system, as required by the New York Stock Exchange, by providing that ADSs may be certificated or uncertificated securities, (ii) enable the distribution of our reports by electronic means and (iii) reflect changes in R.O.C. laws in connection with the nomination of candidates for independent directors, for voting at the meeting of the shareholders. A copy of our amended and restated deposit agreement has been filed under the cover of Form F-6 on November 16, 2007.
     A holder of depositary receipts (other than citizens of the PRC and entities organized under the laws of the PRC) may request the depositary to either cause the underlying shares to be sold in the R.O.C. and to distribute the sale proceeds to the holder or to withdraw from the depositary receipt facility the shares represented by the depositary receipts to the extent permitted under the deposit agreement (for depositary receipts representing existing shares, immediately after the issuance of the depositary receipts; and for depositary receipts representing new shares, in practice four to seven business days after the issuance of the depositary receipts) and transfer the shares to the holder.
     We, or the foreign depositary bank, may not increase the number of depositary receipts by depositing shares in a depositary receipt facility or issuing additional depositary receipts against these deposits without specific R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission approval, except in limited circumstances. These circumstances include issuances of additional depositary receipts in connection with:
    dividends on or free distributions of shares;
 
    the exercise by holders of existing depositary receipts of their pre-emptive rights in connection with capital increases for cash; or
 
    if permitted under the deposit agreement and custody agreement, the deposit of common shares purchased by any person directly or through a depositary bank on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or the GreTai Securities Market (as applicable) or held by such person for deposit in the depositary receipt facility.
     However, the total number of deposited shares outstanding after an issuance under the circumstances described in the third clause above may not exceed the number of deposited shares previously approved by the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission plus any depositary receipts created under the circumstances described in the first two clauses above. Issuances of additional depositary receipts under the circumstances described in the third clause above will be permitted to the extent that previously issued depositary receipts have been canceled and the underlying shares have been withdrawn from the depositary receipt facility.

-54-


Table of Contents

     Under current R.O.C. law, a non-R.O.C. holder of ADSs who withdraws and holds the underlying shares must register with the Taiwan Stock Exchange and appoint an eligible local agent to:
    open a securities trading account with a local securities brokerage firm;
 
    remit funds; and
 
    exercise rights on securities and perform other matters as may be designated by the holder.
     Under existing R.O.C. laws and regulations, without this account, holders of ADSs that withdraw and hold the common shares represented by the ADSs would not be able to hold or subsequently transfer the common shares, whether on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or otherwise. In addition, a withdrawing non-R.O.C. holder must appoint a local bank to act as custodian for handling confirmation and settlement of trades, safekeeping of securities and cash proceeds and reporting of information.
     Holders of ADSs who are non-R.O.C. persons withdrawing common shares represented by ADSs are required under current R.O.C. law and regulations to appoint an agent in the R.O.C. for filing tax returns and making tax payments. This agent, a “tax guarantor”, must meet certain qualifications set by the R.O.C. Ministry of Finance and, upon appointment, becomes a guarantor of the withdrawing holder’s R.O.C. tax payment obligations. In addition, under current R.O.C. law, repatriation of profits by a non-R.O.C. withdrawing holder is subject to the submission of evidence of the appointment of a tax guarantor to, and approval thereof by, the tax authority, or submission of tax clearance certificates or submission of evidencing documents issued by such agent (so long as the capital gains from securities transactions are exempt from R.O.C. income tax). As required by the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan), if repatriation by a holder is based on a tax clearance certificate, the aggregate amount of the cash dividends or interest on bank deposits converted into foreign currencies to be repatriated by the holder shall not exceed the amount of:
    the net payment indicated on the withholding tax voucher issued by the tax authority;
 
    the net investment gains as indicated on the holder’s certificate of tax payment; or
 
    the aggregate transfer price as indicated on the income tax return for transfer of tax-deferred dividend shares, whichever is applicable.
     Under existing R.O.C. laws and regulations relating to foreign exchange control, a depositary may, without obtaining further approvals from the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) or any other governmental authority or agency of the R.O.C., convert NT dollars into other currencies, including U.S. dollars, in respect of the following: proceeds of the sale of shares represented by depositary receipts, proceeds of the sale of shares received as stock dividends and deposited into the depositary receipt facility and any cash dividends or cash distributions received. In addition, a depositary, also without any of these approvals, may convert inward remittances of payments into NT dollars for purchases of underlying shares for deposit into the depositary receipt facility against the creation of additional depositary receipts. A depositary may be required to obtain foreign exchange approval from the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on a payment-by-payment basis for conversion from NT dollars into other currencies relating to the sale of subscription rights for new shares. Proceeds from the sale of any underlying shares by holders of depositary receipts withdrawn from the depositary receipt facility may be converted into other currencies without obtaining Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) approval. Proceeds from the sale of the underlying shares withdrawn from the depositary receipt facility may be used for reinvestment in the Taiwan Stock Exchange or the GreTai Securities Market, subject to registering with the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

-55-


Table of Contents

     Direct Share Offerings
     Since 1997, the R.O.C. government has amended regulations to permit R.O.C. companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or GreTai Securities Market to issue shares directly (not through depositary receipt facility) overseas.
     Overseas Corporate Bonds
     Since 1989, the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission has approved a series of overseas bonds issued by R.O.C. companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or the GreTai Securities Market in offerings outside the R.O.C. Under current R.O.C. law, these overseas corporate bonds can be:
    converted by bondholders, other than citizens of the PRC and entities organized under the laws of the PRC, into shares of R.O.C. companies; or
 
    subject to R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission approval, converted into depositary receipts issued by the same R.O.C. company or by the issuing company of the exchange shares, in the case of exchangeable bonds.
     The relevant regulations also permit public issuing companies to issue corporate debt in offerings outside the R.O.C. Proceeds from the sale of the shares converted from overseas convertible bonds may be used for reinvestment in securities listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or traded on the GreTai Securities Market, subject to registering with the Taiwan Stock Exchange.
Exchange Controls in the R.O.C.
     The Foreign Exchange Control Statute and regulations provide that all foreign exchange transactions must be executed by banks designated to handle such business by the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission and by the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan). 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, and all foreign currency needed for the importation of merchandise and services may be purchased freely from the designated foreign exchange banks.
     Trade aside, R.O.C. companies and resident individuals may, without foreign exchange approval, remit outside the R.O.C. foreign currency of up to US$50 million (or its equivalent) and US$5 million (or its equivalent), respectively, in each calendar year. In addition, R.O.C. companies and resident individuals may, without foreign exchange approval, remit into the R.O.C. foreign currency of up to US$50 million (or its equivalent) and US$5 million (or its equivalent), respectively, in each calendar year. Furthermore, any remittance of foreign currency into the R.O.C. by a R.O.C. company or resident individual in a year will be offset by the amount remitted out of R.O.C. by such company or individual (as applicable) within its annual quota and will not use up its annual inward remittance quota to the extent of such offset. The above limits apply to remittances involving a conversion of NT dollars to a foreign currency and vice versa. A requirement is also imposed on all enterprises to register medium- and long-term foreign debt with the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
     In addition, foreign persons may, subject to certain requirements, but without foreign exchange approval of the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan), remit outside and into the R.O.C. foreign currencies of up to US$100,000 (or its equivalent) for each remittance. The above limit applies to remittances involving a conversion of NT dollars to a foreign currency and vice versa. The above limit does not, however, apply to the conversion of NT dollars into other currencies, including U.S. dollars, in respect of the proceeds of sale of any underlying shares withdrawn from a depositary receipt facility.
Voting of Deposited Securities
     Holders may direct the exercise of voting rights with respect to the common shares represented by the ADSs only in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement as described below and applicable R.O.C. law. See “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Ownership of ADSs — Your voting rights as a holder of ADSs will be limited”.

-56-


Table of Contents

     Except as described below, the holders will not be able to exercise the voting rights attaching to the common shares represented by the ADSs on an individual basis. According to the R.O.C. Company Law, a shareholder’s voting rights attached to shares in an R.O.C. company must, as to all matters subject to a vote of shareholders (other than the election of directors) be exercised as to all shares held by such shareholder in the same manner. Accordingly, the voting rights attaching to the common shares represented by ADSs must be exercised as to all matters subject to a vote of shareholders by the depositary bank or its nominee, who represents all holders of ADSs, collectively in the same manner, except in the case of an election of directors. Directors are elected by cumulative voting unless our articles of incorporation stipulate otherwise.
     In the deposit agreement, the holders will appoint the depositary bank as their representative to exercise the voting rights with respect to the common shares represented by the ADSs.
     We will provide the depositary bank with copies (including English translations) of notices of meetings of our shareholders and the agenda of these meetings, including an indication of the number of directors to be elected if an election of directors is to be held at the meeting. The depositary bank has agreed to request and we will, therefore, also provide a list of the candidates who have expressed their intention to run for an election of directors. The depositary bank will mail these materials, together with a voting instruction form to holders as soon as practicable after the depositary bank receives the materials from us. In order to validly exercise its voting rights, the holder of ADSs must complete, sign and return to the depositary bank the voting instruction form by a date specified by the depositary bank. Additional or different candidates may be nominated at the meeting of the shareholders other than those proposed in the list provided by us and after the depositary bank has mailed the voting instruction form to the holders. If such change were to occur, the depositary bank may calculate the votes according to procedures not inconsistent with the provisions of the deposit agreement, but shall not exercise any discretion regarding the holders’ voting rights and if the depositary bank elects to develop such procedures, it has agreed to do so in a manner so as to give effect, to the extent practicable, to the instructions received from the holders.
     Subject to the provisions described in the second succeeding paragraph, which will apply to the election of directors done by means of cumulative voting, if persons together holding at least 51% of the ADSs outstanding at the relevant record date instruct the depositary bank to vote in the same manner in respect of one or more resolutions to be proposed at the meeting (other than the election of directors), the depositary bank will notify the instructions to the chairman of our board of directors or a person he may designate. The depositary bank will appoint the chairman or his designated person to serve as the voting representative of the depositary bank or its nominee and the holders. The voting representative will attend such meeting and vote all the common shares represented by ADSs to be voted in the manner so instructed by such holders in relation to such resolution or resolutions.
     If, for any reason, the depositary bank has not by the date specified by it received instructions from persons together holding at least 51% of all the ADSs outstanding at the relevant record date to vote in the same manner in respect of any resolution specified in the agenda for the meeting (other than the election of directors), then the holders will be deemed to have instructed the depositary bank or its nominee to authorize and appoint the voting representative as the representative of the depositary bank and the holders to attend such meeting and vote all the common shares represented by all ADSs as the voting representative deems appropriate with respect to such resolution or resolutions, which may not be in your interests; provided, however, that the depositary bank or its nominee will not give any such authorization and appointment unless it has received an opinion of R.O.C. counsel addressed to the depositary bank and in form and substance satisfactory to the depositary bank, at its sole expense, to the effect that, under R.O.C. law (i) the deposit agreement is valid, binding and enforceable against us and the holders and (ii) the depositary bank will not be deemed to be authorized to exercise any discretion when voting in accordance with the deposit agreement and will not be subject to any potential liability for losses arising from such voting. We and the depositary bank will take such actions, including amendment of the provisions of the deposit agreement relating to voting of common shares, as we deem appropriate to endeavor to provide for the exercise of voting rights attached to the common shares at shareholders’ meetings in a manner consistent with applicable R.O.C. law.
     The depositary bank will notify the voting representative of the instructions for the election of directors received from holders and appoint the voting representative as the representative of the depositary bank and the owners to attend such meeting and vote the common shares represented by ADSs as to which the depositary bank has received instructions from holders for the election of directors, subject to any restrictions imposed by R.O.C. law and our articles of incorporation. Holders who by the date specified by the depositary bank have not delivered instructions to the depositary bank will be deemed to have instructed the depositary bank to authorize and appoint the voting

-57-


Table of Contents

representative as the representative of the depositary bank or its nominee and the holders to attend such meeting and vote all the common shares represented by ADSs as to which the depositary bank has not received instructions from the holders for the election of directors as the voting representative deems appropriate, which may not be in your best interests. Candidates standing for election as representatives of a shareholder may be replaced by such shareholder prior to the meeting of the shareholders, and the votes cast by the holders for such candidates shall be counted as votes for their replacements.
     By accepting and continuing to hold ADSs or any interest therein, the holders will be deemed to have agreed to the voting provisions set forth in the deposit agreement, as such provisions may be amended from time to time to comply with applicable R.O.C. law.
     There can be no assurance that the holders will receive notice of shareholders’ meetings sufficiently prior to the date established by the depositary bank for receipt of instructions to enable you to give voting instructions before the cutoff date.
     Moreover, in accordance with the deposit agreement, as further amended and restated as of November 16, 2007 and pursuant to R.O.C. Company Law, holders that individually or together with other holders hold at least 51% of the ADSs outstanding at the relevant record date are entitled to submit each year one written proposal for voting at the general meeting of shareholders; provided, that (i) such proposal is in Chinese language and does not exceed 300 Chinese characters, (ii) such proposal is submitted to the depositary bank at least two business days prior to the expiry of the relevant submission period, which shall be publicly announced by us each year in a report on Form 6-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission prior to the commencement of the 60 days closed period for general meetings of shareholders, (iii) such proposal is accompanied by a written certificate to the depositary bank, in the form required by the depository bank, certifying that such proposal is being submitted by holders that individually or together with other holders hold at least 51% of the ADSs outstanding at the date of the submission and, if the date of the submission is on or after the relevant record date, also certifying that the holders who submitted the proposal held at least 51% of the ADSs outstanding as of the relevant record date, (iv) if the date of the submission is prior to the relevant record date, the holders who submitted the proposal must also provide, within five business days after the relevant record date, a second written certificate to the depositary bank, in the form required by the depositary bank, certifying that the holders who submitted the proposal continued to hold at least 51% of the ADSs outstanding at the relevant record date, (v) such proposal is accompanied by a joint and several irrevocable undertaking of all submitting holders to pay all fees and expenses incurred in relation to the submission (including the costs and expenses of the depositary bank or its agent to attend the general meeting of the shareholders) as such fees and expenses may be reasonably determined and documented by the depositary bank or us, and (vi) such proposal shall only be voted upon at the general meeting of shareholders if such proposal is accepted by our board of directors as eligible in accordance with applicable law for consideration at a shareholders meeting.
Taxation
R.O.C. Taxation
     The following is a general summary of the principal R.O.C. tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of ADSs representing common shares to a non-resident individual or entity. It applies only to a holder that is:
    an individual who is not an R.O.C. citizen, who owns ADSs and who is not physically present in the R.O.C. for 183 days or more during any calendar year; or
 
    a corporation or a non-corporate body that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the R.O.C. for profit-making purposes and has no fixed place of business or other permanent establishment in the R.O.C.
     Holders of ADSs are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the particular R.O.C. tax consequences of owning the ADSs which may affect them.
     Dividends. Dividends declared by us out of our retained earnings and distributed to the holders are subject to R.O.C. withholding tax, currently at the rate of 20%, on the amount of the distribution in the case of cash dividends or on the par value of the common shares in the case of stock dividends. However, a 10% R.O.C. retained earnings tax paid by us on our undistributed after-tax earnings, if any, would provide a credit of up to 10% of the gross amount of any dividends declared out of those earnings that would reduce the 20% R.O.C. tax imposed on those distributions.

-58-


Table of Contents

     Distribution of common shares declared by us out of our capital reserves is not subject to R.O.C. withholding tax.
     Capital Gains. Under R.O.C. law, capital gains on transactions in the common shares are currently exempt from income tax. In addition, transfers of ADSs are not regarded as a sale of an R.O.C. security and, as a result, any gains on such transactions are not subject to R.O.C. income tax.
     Subscription Rights. Distributions of statutory subscription rights for common shares in compliance with R.O.C. law are not subject to any R.O.C. tax. Proceeds derived from sales of statutory subscription rights evidenced by securities are exempted from income tax but are subject to securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.3% of the gross amount received. Proceeds derived from sales of statutory subscription rights that are not evidenced by securities are subject to capital gains tax at the rate of (i) 35% of the gains realized if you are a natural person; and (ii) 25% of the gains realized if you are an entity that is not a natural person. In this connection, please note that an amendment drafted by the Ministry of Finance to the Standards of Withholding Rates stipulates a reduction of the above-mentioned capital gains tax rate to 20% for both individuals and entities, and is expected to come into effect shortly.
     Subject to compliance with R.O.C. law, we, at our sole discretion, can determine whether statutory subscription rights shall be evidenced by issuance of securities.
     Securities Transaction Tax. A securities transaction tax, at the rate of 0.3% of the sales proceeds, will be withheld upon a sale of common shares in the R.O.C. Transfers of ADSs are not subject to R.O.C. securities transaction tax. Withdrawal of common shares from the deposit facility is not subject to R.O.C. securities transaction tax.
     Estate and Gift Tax. R.O.C. estate tax is payable on any property within the R.O.C. of a deceased who is an individual, and R.O.C. gift tax is payable on any property within the R.O.C. donated by an individual. Estate tax is currently payable at rates ranging from 2% of the first NT$670,000 to 50% of amounts over NT$111,320,000. Gift tax is payable at rates ranging from 4% of the first NT$670,000 to 50% of amounts over NT$50,090,000. Under R.O.C. estate and gift tax laws, common shares issued by R.O.C. companies are deemed located in the R.O.C. regardless of the location of the holder. It is unclear whether a holder of ADSs will be considered to hold common shares for this purpose.
     Tax Treaty. The R.O.C. does not have a double taxation treaty with the United States. On the other hand, the R.O.C. has double taxation treaties with Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Australia, Vietnam, New Zealand, Malaysia, Macedonia, Swaziland, Gambia, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Senegal, Sweden, Belgium and Denmark which may limit the rate of R.O.C. withholding tax on dividends paid with respect to common shares in R.O.C. companies. It is unclear whether the ADS holders will be considered to hold common shares for the purposes of these treaties. Accordingly, if the holders may otherwise be entitled to the benefits of the relevant income tax treaty, the holders should consult their tax advisors concerning their eligibility for the benefits with respect to the ADSs.
United States Federal Income Taxation
     This section discusses the material United States federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders (as defined below) of owning and disposing of our common shares or ADSs. It applies to you only if you hold your common shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes. This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including:
    dealers in securities;
 
    traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings;
 
    tax-exempt organizations;

-59-


Table of Contents

    life insurance companies;
 
    persons liable for alternative minimum tax;
 
    persons that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting stock;
 
    persons that hold common shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction; or
 
    persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.
     This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this section is based in part upon the representations of the depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. In general, for United States federal income tax purposes, if you hold ADRs evidencing ADSs, you will be treated as the owner of the shares represented by those ADSs. Exchanges of shares for ADRs, and ADRs for shares, generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax.
     Further, this section is based on the depositary’s representation that it will not, by reason of existing Taiwanese legal and regulatory limitations applicable to depositary receipt programs, engage in the issuance of ADRs prior to the receipt of shares or the release of shares prior to the cancellation of ADRs (“pre-release transactions”). The depositary has not represented that it will not engage in pre-release transactions if such Taiwanese legal and regulatory limitations change. If the depositary engages in such pre-release transactions, there may be material adverse United States federal income tax consequences to holders of ADRs.
     You are a U.S. holder if you are a beneficial owner of common shares or ADSs and you are:
    a citizen or resident of the United States;
 
    a domestic corporation, or other entity subject to United States federal income tax as a domestic corporation;
 
    an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source; or
 
    a trust if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust.
We urge you to consult your own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state and local tax consequences of owning and disposing of common shares or ADSs in your particular circumstances.
     Taxation of Dividends
     Subject to the passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, rules discussed below, if you are a U.S. holder, the gross amount of any dividend we pay in respect of your common shares or ADSs out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) including the amount of any R.O.C. tax withheld reduced by any credit against such withholding tax on account of the 10% retained earnings tax imposed on us, is subject to United States federal income taxation. If you are a noncorporate U.S. holder, under existing law any dividends paid to you in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to you at a maximum tax rate of 15% provided that you hold the common shares or ADSs for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and meet other holding period requirements. Dividends we pay with respect to the common shares or ADSs will be qualified dividend income provided that, in the year that you receive the dividend, the common shares or ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. The dividend is taxable to you when you, in the case of common shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, receives the dividend actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to United States corporations in respect of dividends received from other United States corporations. The amount of the dividend distribution that you must include in your income as a U.S. holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the NT Dollar payments made, determined at the spot NT Dollar/U.S. dollar rate on the date the dividend distribution is includible in your income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date you include the dividend payment in income to the date you convert the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. The gain or loss generally will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your basis in the common shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain.

-60-


Table of Contents

     Subject to generally applicable limitations and restrictions, the R.O.C. taxes withheld from dividend distributions and paid over to the R.O.C. (reduced by any credit against such withholding tax on account of the 10% retained earnings tax) will be eligible for credit against your U.S. federal income tax liabilities. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to the maximum 15% tax rate. Dividends will be income from sources outside the United States. Dividends paid in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006 will, depending on your circumstances, be “passive” or “general” income which, in either case, is treated separately from other types of income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to you. The rules applicable to the United States foreign tax credit are complex, and we urge you to consult your own tax adviser concerning the availability of the credit in your particular circumstances.
     Pro rata distributions of common shares by us to holders of common shares or ADSs will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Accordingly, such distributions will generally not give rise to U.S. federal income against which the R.O.C. tax imposed on such distributions may be credited. Any such R.O.C. tax will generally only be creditable against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability with respect to general limitation income and not against passive income, in the case of taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006.
     In the event that the ex-dividend date on The New York Stock Exchange or other securities exchange or market for a dividend or distribution that gives rise to R.O.C. withholding tax is after the record date for such dividend or distribution (during which period such ADSs may trade with “due bills”), a purchaser of ADSs during the period from the record date to the ex-dividend date likely would not be entitled to a foreign tax credit for R.O.C. taxes paid in respect of such ADSs even if (i) the purchaser receives the equivalent of such dividend or distribution on the relevant distribution date, and (ii) an amount equivalent to the applicable R.O.C. withholding tax is withheld therefrom or otherwise charged to the account of such purchaser.
     Taxation of Capital Gains
     Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, if you are a U.S. holder and you sell or otherwise dispose of your common shares or ADSs, you will recognize capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount that you realize and your tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in your common shares or ADSs. Capital gain of a noncorporate U.S. holder that is recognized in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 is generally taxed under existing law at a maximum rate of 15% where the property is held more than one year. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
     Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
     We believe that common shares and ADSs should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for the current taxable year and for future taxable years, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually, based on our assets and income for each year, and thus may be subject to change.
     In general, if you are a U.S. holder, we will be a PFIC with respect to you if for any taxable year in which you held our common shares or ADSs:
    at least 75% of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income; or
 
    at least 50% of the value, determined on the basis of a quarterly average, of our assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income.

-61-


Table of Contents

     Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents (other than certain rents and royalties derived in the active conduct of a trade or business), annuities and gains from assets that produce passive income. If a foreign corporation owns directly or indirectly at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, the foreign corporation is treated for purposes of the PFIC tests as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation, and as receiving directly its proportionate share of the other corporation’s income.
     If we are treated as a PFIC, and you are a U.S. holder that does not make a mark-to-market election, as described below, you will be subject to special rules with respect to:
    any gain you realize on the sale or other disposition of your common shares or ADSs; and
 
    any excess distribution that we make to you (generally, any distributions to you during a single taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by you in respect of the common shares or ADSs during the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, your holding period for the common shares or ADSs).
     Under these rules:
    the gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the common shares or ADSs,
 
    the amount allocated to the taxable year in which you realized the gain or excess distribution will be taxed as ordinary income,
 
    the amount allocated to each prior year, with certain exceptions, will be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for that year, and
 
    the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed in respect of the tax attributable to each such year.
     Special rules apply for calculating the amount of the foreign tax credit with respect to excess distributions by a PFIC.
     If you own common shares or ADSs in a PFIC that are treated as marketable stock, you may make a mark-to-market election. If you make this election, you will not be subject to the PFIC rules described above. Instead, in general, you will include as ordinary income each year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of your common shares or ADSs at the end of the taxable year over your adjusted basis in your common shares or ADSs. These amounts of ordinary income will not be eligible for the favorable tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains. You will also be allowed to take an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of your common shares or ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election). Your basis in the common shares or ADSs will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts. Your gain, if any, recognized upon the sale of your common shares or ADSs will be taxed as ordinary income.
     Also, where a company that is a PFIC meets certain reporting requirements, a U.S. holder could avoid certain adverse PFIC consequences described herein by making a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”) election to be taxed currently on its proportionate share of the PFIC’s ordinary income and net capital gains. U.S. holders will not be able to treat the Company as a QEF if the Company does not prepare the information that U.S. holders would need to make a QEF election.
     In addition, notwithstanding any election you make with regard to the common shares or ADSs, dividends that you receive from us will not constitute qualified dividend income to you if we are a PFIC either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year. Moreover, your common shares or ADSs will be treated as stock in a PFIC if we were a PFIC at any time during your holding period in your shares or ADSs, even if we are not currently a PFIC. For purposes of this rule, if you make a mark-to-market election with respect to your shares or ADSs, you will be treated as having a new holding period in your shares or ADSs beginning on the first day of the first taxable year

-62-


Table of Contents

beginning after the last taxable year for which the mark-to-market election applies. Dividends that you receive that do not constitute qualified dividend income are not eligible for taxation at the 15% maximum rate applicable to qualified dividend income. Instead, you must include the gross amount of any such dividend paid by us out of our accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) in your gross income, and it will be subject to tax at rates applicable to ordinary income as well as the special rules provided with respect to excess distributions, if applicable, as described above.
     If you own common shares or ADSs during any year that we are a PFIC with respect to you, you must file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621.
     The rules dealing with PFICs and with the QEF and mark-to-market elections are very complex and are affected by various factors in addition to those described above, including the Company’s ownership of any non-U.S. subsidiaries. As a result, U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the PFIC rules.
     Non-U.S. Holders
     Except as described in the section titled “Information reporting and backup withholding” below, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on the payment of dividends and the proceeds from the disposition of shares or ADSs unless: such item is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States and, in the case of a resident of a country which has a treaty with the United States and is eligible for the benefits of the treaty with the United States, such item is attributable to a permanent establishment or, in the case of an individual, a fixed place of business, in the United States; or the non-U.S. holder is an individual who holds the shares or ADSs as a capital asset and is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition, certain other conditions are met, and such non-U.S. holder does not qualify for an exemption. If the first exception applies, the non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to such item in the same manner as a U.S. holder unless otherwise provided in an applicable income tax treaty; a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also be subject to a branch profits tax with respect to such item at a rate of 30% (or at a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty). If the second exception applies, the non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or at a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on the amount by which such non-U.S. holder’s capital gains allocable to U.S. sources exceed capital losses allocable to U.S. sources during the taxable year of disposition of the shares or ADSs.
     Information reporting and backup withholding
     U.S. holders generally are subject to information reporting requirements with respect to dividends paid on shares or ADSs and on the proceeds from the sale, exchange or disposition of shares or ADSs unless the holder is a corporation or otherwise establishes a basis for exemption. In addition, U.S. holders are subject to back-up withholding (currently at 28%) on dividends paid on shares or ADSs, and on the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or ADSs, unless each such U.S. holder provides a taxpayer identification number and a duly executed IRS Form W-9 or otherwise establishes an exemption. Non-U.S. holders generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding with respect to dividends, or the proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or ADSs, provided that each such non-U.S. holder certifies as to its foreign status on the applicable duly executed IRS Form W-8 or otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and the amount of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. holder’s or non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Documents on Display
     We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials, including this annual report and the exhibits thereto, may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Commission’s Public Reference Room by calling the Commission in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Commission also maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission. In addition, material filed by us can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

-63-


Table of Contents

Item 11.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
     Our exposure to financial market risks derives primarily from changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. To mitigate these risks, we utilize derivative financial instruments, the application of which, pursuant to our internal guidelines, is for hedging purposes and not for speculative purposes.
     Interest Rate Risks: Our exposure to interest rate risks relates primarily to our long-term debt, which are normally assumed to finance our capital expenditures.
     The table below presents annual principal amounts due and related weighted average implied forward interest rates by year of maturity for our debt obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2007.
                                                                         
    As of December 31, 2007    
    Expected Maturity Dates   As of December 31, 2006
                                    2012 and           Aggregate           Aggregate
    2008   2009   2010   2011   thereafter   Total   Fair Value   Total   Fair Value
Long-term debt (in millions)
                                                                       
US$-denominated debt
                                                                       
Variable rate
              US$ 20         US$20   US$20   US$20   US$20
Average interest rate
                4.64 %       4.64%(2)     5.43%(2)  
NT$-denominated debt
                                                                       
Variable rate
  NT$ 279     NT$ 302     NT$ 298     NT$221   NT$252   NT$1,352   NT$1,352    
Average interest rate
    2.93 %     2.89 %     2.82 %   2.88%   2.90%   2.88%(2)                  
Fixed rate
  NT$ 2     NT$ 8,000             NT$4,500   NT$12,502   NT$12,672(1)   NT$19,506   NT$19,823(1)
Average interest rate
    0.00 %     2.75 %           3.00%   2.84%(2)     3.39%(2)  
 
(1)   Represents the present value of expected cash flow discounted using the interest rate TSMC may obtain for similar long-term debts.
 
(2)   Average interest rates under “Total” are the weighted average of the average interest rates of each year for loan outstanding.
     Foreign Currency Risk: Substantial portions of our revenues and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the NT dollar. As of December 31, 2007, more than 74% of our accounts payable and payables for purchases of capital goods were denominated in currencies other than the NT dollar, primarily in U.S. dollars, Japanese yen and Euros. More than 99% of our accounts receivable and receivables from related parties were denominated in non-NT dollars, mainly in U.S. dollars. To protect against reductions in value and the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in foreign exchange rates, we utilize derivative financial instruments, including currency forward contracts and cross currency swaps, to hedge our currency exposure. These hedging transactions help to reduce, but do not eliminate, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements. In 2007, our policy was to account for the unrealized gains or losses of these contracts on a mark-to-market rate basis and to realize the gains or losses of these contracts when the contracts matured. Effective January 1, 2006, these derivative financial instruments are required under R.O.C. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 34 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” to be recognized at fair market value on the balance sheet. Please see note 24 of our consolidated financial statements for information on the net assets, liabilities and purchase commitments that have been hedged by these derivative transactions.
     The table below presents our outstanding financial derivative transactions as of December 31, 2007. These contracts all have a maturity date of not more than 12 months.
                                                                         
    As of December 31, 2007   As of
Forward Exchange   Expected Maturity Dates   December 31, 2006
Contracts                                   2012 and           Aggregate           Aggregate
(in millions)   2008   2009   2010   2011   thereafter   Total   Fair Value(1)   Total   Fair Value(1)
(Sell US$/Buy NT$) Contract amount
  US$ 111       0       0       0     0   US$111   NT$5    
Average contractual exchange rate (against NT dollars)
    32.49       0       0       0     0   32.49   0    
(Buy NT$/Sell EUR$) Contract amount
  EUR$ 48       0       0       0     0   EUR$48   NT$(184)    
Average contractual exchange rate (against NT$ dollars)
    43.55       0       0       0     0   43.55   0    

-64-


Table of Contents

                                                                         
    As of December 31, 2007   As of
Foreign Exchange   Expected Maturity Dates   December 31, 2006
Contracts                                   2012 and           Aggregate           Aggregate
(in millions)   2008   2009   2010   2011   thereafter   Total   Fair Value(1)   Total   Fair Value(1)
(Buy JPY/Sell US$) Contract amount
    0       0       0       0     0   0   0   US$0.3   NT$(0.1)
Average contractual exchange rate (against US dollars)
    0       0       0       0     0   0   0   117.52  
                                                                         
    As of December 31, 2007   As of
    Expected Maturity Dates   December 31, 2006
                                                                    Aggregate
Cross Currency Swap                                   2012 and           Aggregate           Fair
(in millions)   2008   2009   2010   2011   thereafter   Total   Fair Value(1)   Total   Value(1)
(Sell US$/Buy NT$) Contract amount
  US$975                           US$975   NT$(28)   US$820   (NT$33.85)
Range of interest rate paid
  3.53%-5.6%                                
Range of interest rate received
  0.02%-3.01%                                
 
(1)   Fair value represents the amount of the receivable from or payable to the counter-parties if the contracts were terminated on the balance sheet date.
     Other Market Risk. In addition to our interests in SSMC, Vanguard and VisEra Holding Company, we have made investments in equity securities including convertible bonds, issued by a significant number of private companies related to semiconductor and other technology industries mostly through a number of investment funds. As of December 31, 2007, the aggregate carrying value of these investments on our balance sheet was NT$3,846 million (US$119 million). As of December 31, 2007, approximately NT$3,481 million (US$107 million) of this amount in venture capital investments was made through InveStar Semiconductor Development Fund, and InveStar Semiconductor Development Fund (II), our two 97.1% owned subsidiaries, Emerging Alliance Fund L.P., VentureTech Alliance Fund II, and VentureTech Alliance Fund III, our 99.5%, 98.0% and 98.0% respectively owned subsidiaries. The carrying value of these investments in private companies and in the investment funds are subject to fluctuation based on many factors such as prevailing market conditions. Moreover, because these are investments in unlisted securities, the fair market value may be significantly different from our carrying value. Upon any subsequent sale of our investments, we may not be able to realize our carrying value as of December 31, 2007 or any subsequent date. As of December 31, 2007, we also had investments in the amount of NT$88,314 million (US$2,723 million), including agency bonds, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities, bond funds, government bonds, public-traded stocks, money market funds and structured time deposits, of which, NT$68,089 million (US$2,099 million) were classified as available-for-sales and NT$20,225 million (US$624 million) were classified as held-to-maturity. As of December 31, 2007, our gross unrealized losses of NT$627.4 million (US$19 million) related to bonds and asset-backed securities were mainly due to fair value fluctuations in an unstable United States credit environment. We have the intent and ability, to hold the investments for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery in market value. In addition, NT$1,590 million (US$49 million) of our investments were classified as trading financial assets.
     See “Item 3. Key Information — Exchange Rates” for a summary of the movement between the NT dollar and the U.S. dollar during recent years.
ITEM 12.   DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
     Not applicable.
ITEM 13.   DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
     None.
ITEM 14.   MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
     None.

-65-


Table of Contents

ITEM 15.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
     Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive and principal financial officers of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2007.
     Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our principal executive and principal financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with R.O.C. GAAP and the required reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with R.O.C. GAAP and the required reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
     As of the end of 2007, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 is effective.
     Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. During 2007, no change to our internal control over financial reporting occurred that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
     Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

-66-


Table of Contents

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the Republic of China and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 of the Company and our report dated March 30, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/Deloitte & Touche
Deloitte & Touche
Taipei, Taiwan
The Republic of China
March 30, 2008
ITEM 16A.   AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
     Our Audit Committee is currently comprised of four independent directors. Since June 1, 2005, no Audit Committee member has served as audit committee financial expert. Instead, our Audit Committee has engaged a financial expert consultant who our board of directors determined has the attributes required of an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under the applicable rules of the U.S. SEC issued pursuant to Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In particular, our board of directors appointed Mr. J.C. Lobbezoo to serve as financial expert consultant to our Audit Committee from February, 14, 2006 onwards. Our board of directors believes that the Audit Committee members along with the advisors of the Audit Committee, including the financial expert consultant, possess sufficient financial knowledge and experience.
ITEM 16B.   CODE OF ETHICS
     We have adopted a “TSMC Ethics Code” for employees, officers and directors, which also applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and any other persons performing similar functions.
     We will provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of our “TSMC Ethics Code.” Any request should be made per email to our Investor Relations Division at invest@tsmc.com.
ITEM 16C.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
     The table below summarizes the fees that we paid for services provided by Deloitte & Touche and its affiliated firms (the “Deloitte Entities”) for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007.

-67-


Table of Contents

                 
    2006   2007
    NT$   NT$
    (In thousands)
Audit Fees
    59,570       82,399  
Audit Related Fees
    4,813       811  
Tax Fees
    964        
 
               
Total
    65,347       83,210  
 
               
     Audit Fees. This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, review of quarterly financial statements and services that are normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. This category also includes advice on audit and accounting matters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of quarterly financial statements and statutory audits required by non-U.S. jurisdictions, including statutory audits required by the Tax Bureau of the R.O.C., Customs Bureau of the R.O.C., and Financial Supervisory Commission (“R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission”) of the R.O.C.
     Audit-Related Fees. This category consists of assurance and related services by the Deloitte Entities that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under “Audit Fees.” The services for the fees disclosed under this category includes review of certain regulatory filings with the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission. Pursuant to an engagement letter dated August 31, 2005, we engaged Deloitte & Touche to perform mock testing on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting requirements under Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
     Tax Fees. This category consists of professional services rendered by the Deloitte Entities for tax compliance and tax advice. The services for the fees disclosed under this category include U.S. tax return preparation and technical tax advice.
     We have not established any pre-approval policies and procedures, and, accordingly, all non-audit services need to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee on a case-by-case basis. In its meeting of May 5, 2006, the Audit Committee agreed to delegate to the Chairman of the Audit Committee authority to pre-approve non-material unanticipated non-audit services and to report any such actions to the Audit Committee for ratification at its next scheduled meeting. All audit and non-audit services performed by Deloitte & Touche after May 6, 2003, the effective date of revised Rule 2-01(c) (7) of Regulation S-X entitled “Audit Committee Administration of the Engagement” on strengthening requirements regarding auditor independence, were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
ITEM 16D.   EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
     Not applicable.
ITEM 16E.   PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
     On November 13, 2007, we announced a share repurchase program to repurchase up to 800 million of our common shares at prices between NT$43.2 to NT$94.2 per share during the period from November 14, 2007 to January 13, 2008. The share repurchase program concluded on December 31, 2007, when a total of 800 million of our common shares had been repurchased pursuant to the program. The table below sets forth certain information about the repurchase of our common shares under the share repurchase program.

-68-


Table of Contents

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
                                 
                    (c) Total Number of   (d) Maximum Number (or
                    Common Shares   Approximate Dollar Value)
    (a) Total Number of   (b) Average Price Paid   Purchased as Part of   of Common Shares that May
    Common Shares   per Common   Publicly Announced   Yet Be Purchased Under the
Period   Purchased   Share   Plans or Programs   Plans or Programs
November, 2007 (from Nov. 14, 2007 to Nov. 30, 2007)
    209,601,000       60.32       209,601,000       590,399,000  
December, 2007 (from Dec. 1, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2007)
    590,399,000       60.68       590,399,000        
Total
    800,000,000       60.58       800,000,000        
ITEM 17.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     The Company has elected to provide the financial statements and related information specified in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.
ITEM 18.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     
    Page
Consolidated Financial Statements of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and Subsidiaries
   
 
   
  F-1
  F-2
  F-4
  F-6
  F-7
  F-10

-69-


Table of Contents

ITEM 19.   EXHIBITS
         
(a)    
See Item 18 for a list of the financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
       
 
(b)    
Exhibits to this Annual Report:
       
 
  1.1    
Articles of Incorporation of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, as amended and restated on May 7, 2007.
       
 
  2b.1    
The Company hereby agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries.
       
 
  3.1    
Rules for Election of Directors, as amended and restated on May 7, 2007.
       
 
  3.2(2)  
Rules and Procedures of Shareholders’ Meetings, as amended and restated on May 7, 2002.
       
 
 4.1(2)  
Land Lease with Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration (formerly Tainan Science Park Administration) relating to the fabs located in Tainan Science Park (effective August 1, 1997 to July 31, 2017) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.2(3)  
Land Lease with Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration (formerly Tainan Science Park Administration) relating to the fabs located in Tainan Science Park (effective May 1, 1998 to April 30, 2018) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.3(3)  
Land Lease with Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration (formerly Tainan Science Park Administration) relating to the fabs located in Tainan Science Park (effective November 1, 1999 to October 31, 2019) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.4(3)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fab 7 (effective December 4, 1989 to December 3, 2009) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.5(2)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to the Fab 7 (effective July 1, 1995 to June 30, 2015) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.6(2)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fab 8 (effective March 15, 1997 to March 14, 2017) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.7(3)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fab 12 (Phase I) (effective December 1, 1999 to November 30, 2019) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 +4.8a(1)  
Technology Cooperation Agreement between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. and Philips Electronics N.V., as amended and restated on June 30, 2004.
       
 
 4.9a(4)  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised by the board of directors on March 4, 2003.
       
 
 4.9aa(5)  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.

-70-


Table of Contents

         
 4.9aaa(6)  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan.
       
 
 4.9aaaa(1)  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised on February 22, 2005.
       
 
 4.9b(4)  
TSMC North America 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised on June 5, 2003.
       
 
 4.9bb(5)  
TSMC North America 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.
       
 
 4.9c(4)  
Wafer Tech, LLC 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised on June 5, 2003.
       
 
 4.9cc(5)  
Wafer Tech, LLC 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.
       
 
 4.9ccc(6)  
Wafer Tech, LLC 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan.
       
 
 4.9cccc(1)  
Wafer Tech, LLC 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised on February 22, 2005.
       
 
 +4.10(7)  
Shareholders Agreement, dated as of March 15, 1999, by and among EDB Investments Pte. Ltd., Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd..
       
 
 4.11(9)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fabs 2 and 5 and Corporate Headquarters (effective April 1, 1988 to March 31, 2008) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.12(9)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fabs 3 and 4 (effective May 16, 1993 to May 15, 2013) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.13(8)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fab 12 (Phase II) (effective May 1, 2001 to December 31, 2020) (English summary).
       
 
 4.14(8)  
Land Lease with Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration relating to fabs located in Tainan Science Park (effective November 1, 2000 to October 31, 2020) (English summary).
       
 
  12.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
       
 
  12.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
       
 
  13.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Exchange Act.
       
 
  13.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Exchange Act.
       
 
  99.1    
Consent of Deloitte & Touche.
 
(1)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed by TSMC on May 16, 2005.

-71-


Table of Contents

(2)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, filed by TSMC on May 9, 2002.
 
(3)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, filed by TSMC on June 29, 2000.
 
(4)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed by TSMC on June 23, 2003.
 
(5)   Previously filed in TSMC’s registration statement on Form S-8, filed by TSMC on October 20, 2003.
 
(6)   Previously filed in TSMC’s registration statement on Form S-8, filed by TSMC on January 6, 2005.
 
(7)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, filed by TSMC on April 30, 1999.
 
(8)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed by TSMC on May 28, 2004.
 
(9)   Previously filed in TSMC’s registration statement on Form F-1, filed by TSMC on September 15, 1997.
 
+   Contains portions for which confidential treatment has been requested.

-72-


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
         
(a)  
See Item 18 for a list of the financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
       
 
(b)  
Exhibits to this Annual Report:
       
 
  1.1    
Articles of Incorporation of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, as amended and restated on May 7, 2008.
       
 
  2b.1    
The Company hereby agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries.
       
 
  3.1    
Rules for Election of Directors, as amended and restated on May 7, 2007.
       
 
  3.2(2)  
Rules and Procedures of Shareholders’ Meetings, as amended and restated on May 7, 2002.
       
 
  4.1(2)  
Land Lease with Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration (formerly Tainan Science Park Administration) relating to the fabs located in Tainan Science Park (effective August 1, 1997 to July 31, 2017) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
  4.2(3)  
Land Lease with Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration (formerly Tainan Science Park Administration) relating to the fabs located in Tainan Science Park (effective May 1, 1998 to April 30, 2018) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
  4.3(3)  
Land Lease with Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration (formerly Tainan Science Park Administration) relating to the fabs located in Tainan Science Park (effective November 1, 1999 to October 31, 2019) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
  4.4(3)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fab 7 (effective December 4, 1989 to December 3, 2009) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.5(2)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to the Fab 7 (effective July 1, 1995 to June 30, 2015) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.6(2)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fab. 8 (effective March 15, 1997 to March 14, 2017) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.7(3)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fab 12 (Phase I) (effective December 1, 1999 to November 30, 2019) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 +4.8(1)  
Technology Cooperation Agreement between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. and Philips Electronics N.V., as amended and restated on June 20, 2004.
       
 
 4.9a(4)  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised by the board of directors on March 4, 2003.
       
 
 4.9aa(5)  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.
       
 
 4.9aaa(6)  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited 2004 Employee Stock

 


Table of Contents

         
       
Option Plan.
       
 
 4.9aaaa(1)  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised on February 22, 2005.
       
 
 4.9b(4)  
TSMC North America 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised on June 5, 2003.
       
 
 4.9bb(5)  
TSMC North America 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.
       
 
 4.9c(4)  
WaferTech, LLC 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised on June 5, 2003.
       
 
 4.9cc(5)  
Wafer Tech, LLC 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.
       
 
 4.9ccc(6)  
Wafer Tech, LLC 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan.
       
 
 4.9cccc(1)  
Wafer Tech, LLC 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan, as revised on February 22, 2005.
       
 
 +4.10(7)  
Shareholders Agreement, dated as of March 15, 1999, by and among EDB Investments Pte. Ltd., Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd..
       
 
 4.11(9)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fabs 2 and 5 and Corporate Headquarters (effective April 1, 1988 to March 31, 2008) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.12(9)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fabs 3 and 4 (effective May 16, 1993 to May 15, 2013) (in Chinese with English summary).
       
 
 4.13(8)  
Land Lease with Hsinchu Science Park Administration relating to Fab 12 (Phase II) (effective May 1, 2001 to December 31, 2020) (English summary).
       
 
 4.14(8)  
Land Lease with Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration relating to fabs located in Tainan Science Park (effective November 1, 2000 to October 31, 2020) (English summary).
       
 
  12.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
       
 
  12.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
       
 
  13.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Exchange Act.
       
 
  13.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Exchange Act.
       
 
  99.1    
Consent of Deloitte & Touche.
       
 
 
(1)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed by TSMC on May 16, 2005.
 
(2)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended

 


Table of Contents

    December 31, 2001, filed by TSMC on May 9, 2002.
 
(3)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, filed by TSMC on June 29, 2000.
 
(4)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed by TSMC on June 23, 2003.
 
(5)   Previously filed in TSMC’s registration statement on Form S-8, filed by TSMC on October 20, 2003.
 
(6)   Previously filed in TSMC’s registration statement on Form S-8, filed by TSMC on January 6, 2005.
 
(7)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, filed by TSMC on April 30, 1999.
 
(8)   Previously filed in TSMC’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed by TSMC on May 28, 2004.
 
(9)   Previously filed in TSMC’s registration statement on Form F-1, filed by TSMC on September 15, 1997.
 
+   Contains portions for which confidential treatment has been requested.

 


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned.
Date: April 15, 2008
         
  TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING
COMPANY LIMITED
 
 
  By:   /s/ Lora Ho    
  Name:   Lora Ho   
  Title:   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   
 


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (a Republic of China corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, all expressed in New Taiwan dollars. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the Republic of China and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of China.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of China vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 30 to the consolidated financial statements.
Our audits also comprehended the translation of New Taiwan dollar amounts into U.S. dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 3. Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of the readers.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 30, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/Deloitte & Touche
Deloitte & Touche
Taipei, Taiwan
The Republic of China
March 30, 2008

F-1


Table of Contents

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars, Except Par Value)
                             
        December 31  
  Notes   2006     2007  
        NT$     NT$     US$  
                        (Note 3)  
ASSETS
                           
                           
CURRENT ASSETS
                           
Cash and cash equivalents
  2, 5   $ 117,837.2     $ 94,986.5     $ 2,929.0  
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
  2, 4, 6     1,206.9       1,632.4       50.3  
Available-for-sale financial assets
  2, 4, 7     67,523.9       66,688.4       2,056.4  
Held-to-maturity financial assets
  2, 8     8,510.8       11,526.9       355.4  
Notes and accounts receivable, net
  2, 9     31,337.0       42,413.3       1,307.9  
Receivables from related parties
  25     252.3       10.9       0.3  
Other receivables from related parties
  25     256.9       243.6       7.5  
Other financial assets
  4, 26     2,356.5       1,515.5       46.7  
Inventories, net
  2, 10     21,430.7       23,862.3       735.8  
Deferred income tax assets, net
  2, 19     8,014.0       5,572.3       171.8  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  4     1,591.0       1,370.2       42.3  
 
                     
 
                           
Total current assets
        260,317.2       249,822.3       7,703.4  
 
                     
                           
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
  2, 4 , 7, 8, 11, 12                        
Investments accounted for using equity method
        15,000.9       22,517.3       694.3  
Available-for-sale financial assets
        6,648.5       1,400.7       43.2  
Held-to-maturity financial assets
        28,973.5       8,697.7       268.2  
Financial assets carried at cost
        3,272.3       3,845.6       118.6  
 
                     
 
                           
Total long-term investments
        53,895.2       36,461.3       1,124.3  
 
                     
 
                           
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
  2, 13, 25, 26     254,094.2       260,252.2       8,025.0  
 
                     
 
                           
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
                           
Goodwill
  2     5,985.0       5,987.6       184.7  
Deferred charges, net
  2, 14     5,936.9       7,923.6       244.3  
 
                     
 
                           
Total intangible assets
        11,921.9       13,911.2       429.0  
 
                     
 
                           
OTHER ASSETS
                           
Deferred income tax assets, net
  2, 19     5,802.1       7,313.3       225.5  
Refundable deposits
        1,331.2       2,777.8       85.7  
Others
        123.4       327.1       10.1  
 
                     
 
                           
Total other assets
        7,256.7       10,418.2       321.3  
 
                     
 
                           
TOTAL ASSETS
      $ 587,485.2     $ 570,865.2     $ 17,603.0  
 
                     
 
                           
 
                           

F-2


Table of Contents

                             
        December 31  
  Notes   2006     2007  
        NT$     NT$     US$  
                        (Note 3)  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                           
 
                           
CURRENT LIABILITIES
                           
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
  2, 4, 6   10.9     249.3     7.7  
Notes and accounts payable
        7,934.4       11,574.9       356.9  
Payable to related parties
  25     1,867.7       1,503.4       46.4  
Income tax payable
  2, 19     7,946.5       11,126.1       343.1  
Payables to contractors and equipment suppliers
        10,768.6       6,256.7       192.9  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
  2, 17     11,328.3       17,714.8       546.2  
Current portion of bonds payable and long-term liabilities
  15, 16     7,004.1       280.8       8.7  
 
                     
 
                           
Total current liabilities
        46,860.5       48,706.0       1,501.9  
 
                     
 
                           
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
                           
Bonds payable
  15     12,500.0       12,500.0       385.4  
Long-term bank loans
  16     654.0       1,722.2       53.1  
Other long-term payables
  17, 28     8,703.3       9,410.0       290.2  
Other payables to related parties
  25, 28     403.4              
Obligations under capital leases
  2     612.9       652.3       20.1  
 
                     
 
                           
Total long-term liabilities
        22,873.6       24,284.5       748.8  
 
                     
 
                           
OTHER LIABILITIES
                           
Accrued pension cost
  2, 18     3,540.1       3,665.5       113.0  
Guarantee deposits
  28     3,817.1       2,243.0       69.2  
Deferred credits
  2, 25     1,177.1       1,236.9       38.1  
Others
        78.7       43.8       1.4  
 
                     
 
                           
Total other liabilities
        8,613.0       7,189.2       221.7  
 
                     
 
                           
Total liabilities
        78,347.1       80,179.7       2,472.4  
 
                     
 
                           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
  28                        
 
                           
                             
        December 31  
  Notes   2006     2007  
        NT$     NT$     US$  
                        (Note 3)  
EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF THE PARENT
                           
Capital stock — NT$10 par value
                           
Authorized: 27,050,000 thousand shares in 2006
                           
  28,050,000 thousand shares in 2007
                           
Issued: 25,829,688 thousand shares in 2006
                           
26,427,104 thousand shares in 2007
        258,296.9       264,271.1       8,149.0  
Capital surplus
  2, 20     54,107.5       53,732.7       1,656.9  
Retained earnings
  20     197,124.5       218,864.5       6,748.8  
Unrealized gain on financial instruments
  2, 4     561.6       681.0       21.0  
Cumulative translation adjustments
  2     (1,191.1 )     (1,072.9 )     (33.1 )
Treasury stock — 33,926 thousand shares in 2006
                           
 834,096 thousand shares in 2007
  2, 22     (918.1 )     (49,385.0 )     (1,522.8 )
 
                     
 
                           
Total equity attributable to shareholders of the parent
        507,981.3       487,091.4       15,019.8  
 
                           
MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES
  2     1,156.8       3,594.1       110.8  
 
                     
 
                           
Total shareholders’ equity
        509,138.1       490,685.5       15,130.6  
 
                     
 
                           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
      $ 587,485.2     $ 570,865.2     $ 17,603.0  
 
                     
 
                           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.                

F-3


Table of Contents

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars, Except Earnings Per Share that are in New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)
                                     
        Year Ended December 31  
    Notes   2005     2006     2007  
        NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
                          (Note 3)  
NET SALES
  2, 25, 29   $ 266,565.1     $ 317,407.2     $ 322,630.6     $ 9,948.5  
 
                                   
COST OF SALES
  25     148,362.2       161,597.1       180,280.4       5,559.1  
 
                           
 
                                   
GROSS PROFIT
        118,202.9       155,810.1       142,350.2       4,389.4  
 
                           
 
                                   
OPERATING EXPENSES
  25                                
Research and development
        14,016.5       16,076.4       17,946.3       553.4  
General and administrative
        9,085.5       8,716.7       8,963.8       276.4  
Marketing
        4,132.3       3,752.3       3,718.2       114.6  
 
                           
 
                                   
Total operating expenses
        27,234.3       28,545.4       30,628.3       944.4  
 
                           
 
                                   
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
        90,968.6       127,264.7       111,721.9       3,445.0  
 
                           
 
                                   
NON-OPERATING INCOME AND GAINS
                                   
Interest income
  2, 4     2,806.2       4,542.1       5,651.7       174.3  
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net
  2, 11     1,433.2       2,347.2       2,507.9       77.3  
Settlement income
  28     964.7       979.2       985.1       30.4  
Gain on settlement and disposal of financial instruments, net
  2, 4                 633.1       19.5  
Technical service income
  25, 28     462.6       571.5       590.4       18.2  
Rental income
  2     0.9       224.3       378.6       11.7  
Subsidy income
  2     321.9       334.5       364.3       11.2  
Valuation gain on financial instruments, net
  2, 6                 304.6       9.4  
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets
  2, 25     342.8       421.1       91.2       2.8  
Foreign exchange gain, net
  2, 4     2,610.0             80.9       2.5  
Others
  25     457.1       285.7       346.0       10.7  
 
                           
 
                                   
Total non-operating income and gains
        9,399.4       9,705.6       11,933.8       368.0  
 
                           
 
                                   
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES AND LOSSES
                                   
Provision for litigation loss
  28                 1,008.6       31.1  
Interest expense
  4     1,413.4       890.6       842.2       26.0  
Loss on impairment of financial assets
  2     128.9       279.7       54.2       1.7  
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
  2     60.1       241.4       6.2       0.2  
Valuation loss on financial instruments, net
  2, 4, 6     337.2       812.9              
Loss on settlement and disposal of financial instruments, net
  2, 4, 6     3,602.8       798.6              
Foreign exchange loss, net
  2           400.9              
Others
        562.3       184.0       102.5       3.1  
 
                           
 
                                   
Total non-operating expenses and losses
        6,104.7       3,608.1       2,013.7       62.1  
 
                           
 
                                   
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX
        94,263.3       133,362.2       121,642.0       3,750.9  
 
                                   
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
  2, 19     630.6       7,773.7       11,709.6       361.1  
 
                           
 
                                   
NET INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
        93,632.7       125,588.5       109,932.4       3,389.8  
 
                                   
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES, NET OF TAX BENEFIT OF NT$82.1 MILLION
  4           1,606.7              
 
                           
 
                                   
NET INCOME
      $ 93,632.7     $ 127,195.2     $ 109,932.4     $ 3,389.8  
 
                           
(Continued)

F-4


Table of Contents

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars, Except Earnings Per Share that are in New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)
                                     
        Year Ended December 31  
    Notes   2005     2006     2007  
        NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
                          (Note 3)  
ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
                                   
Shareholders of the parent
      $ 93,575.0     $ 127,009.7     $ 109,177.1     $ 3,366.5  
Minority interest
  2     57.7       185.5       755.3       23.3  
 
                           
 
                                   
 
      $ 93,632.7     $ 127,195.2     $ 109,932.4     $ 3,389.8  
 
                           
 
                                   
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
  2, 23                                
Before income tax
      $ 3.58     $ 5.11     $ 4.59     $ 0.14  
 
                           
After income tax
      $ 3.55     $ 4.82     $ 4.14     $ 0.13  
 
                           
 
                                   
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
  2, 23   $ 3.57     $ 5.10     $ 4.58     $ 0.14  
 
                           
Before income tax
      $ 3.55     $ 4.81     $ 4.14     $ 0.13  
 
                           
After income tax
                                   
 
                                   
BASIC EARNINGS PER EQUIVALENT ADS
  2                                
Before income tax
      $ 17.88     $ 25.54     $ 22.94     $ 0.71  
 
                           
After income tax
      $ 17.76     $ 24.08     $ 20.72     $ 0.64  
 
                           
 
                                   
DILUTED EARNINGS PER EQUIVALENT ADS
  2                                
Before income tax
      $ 17.87     $ 25.51     $ 22.92     $ 0.71  
 
                           
After income tax
      $ 17.75     $ 24.06     $ 20.70     $ 0.64  
 
                           
 
                                   
BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (THOUSANDS)
  2, 23     26,349,396,       26,374,757       26,346,582          
 
                             
 
                                   
DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (THOUSANDS)
  2, 23     26,359,727       26,398,858       26,368,250          
 
                             

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

F-5


Table of Contents

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In Millions of New Taiwan Dollars, Except Dividends Per Share)
                                                                                 
    Equity Attributable to Shareholders of the Parent              
    Capital Stock                     Unrealized                                    
    (NT$10 Par Value)                     Gain (Loss)     Cumulative                     Minority     Total  
    Common Stock     Capital     Retained     on Financial     Translation     Treasury             Interest in     Shareholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Surplus     Earnings     Instruments     Adjustments     Stock     Total     Subsidiaries     Equity  
    (Thousands)     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$  
 
                                                                               
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2005
    23,251,964     $ 232,519.6     $ 56,537.3     $ 113,730.0     $     $ (2,226.4 )   $ (1,595.2 )   $ 398,965.3     $ 75.7     $ 399,041.0  
 
Appropriations of prior year’s earnings
                                                                               
Bonus to employees — in cash
                      (3,086.2 )                       (3,086.2 )           (3,086.2 )
Bonus to employees — in stock
    308,622       3,086.2             (3,086.2 )                                    
Cash dividends to shareholders — NT$2.00 per share
                      (46,504.1 )                       (46,504.1 )           (46,504.1 )
Stock dividends to shareholders — NT$0.50 per share
    1,162,602       11,626.0             (11,626.0 )                                    
Bonus to directors and supervisors
                      (231.5 )                       (231.5 )           (231.5 )
Net income in 2005
                      93,575.0                         93,575.0       57.7       93,632.7  
Adjustment arising from changes in percentage of ownership in equity method investees
                71.4                               71.4             71.4  
Translation adjustments
                                  1,585.7             1,585.7       (51.8 )     1,533.9  
Issuance of stock from exercising employee stock options
    6,837       68.4       202.5                               270.9             270.9  
Cash dividends received by subsidiaries from TSMC
                84.3                               84.3             84.3  
Treasury stock transactions — sales of parent company’s stock held by subsidiaries
                222.4                         677.1       899.5             899.5  
Increase in minority interests
                                                    526.8       526.8  
 
                                                           
 
                                                                               
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2005
    24,730,025       247,300.2       57,117.9       142,771.0             (640.7 )     (918.1 )     445,630.3       608.4       446,238.7  
 
                                                                               
Appropriations of prior year’s earnings
                                                                               
Bonus to employees — in cash
                      (3,432.1 )                       (3,432.1 )           (3,432.1 )
Bonus to employees — in stock
    343,213       3,432.1             (3,432.1 )                                    
Cash dividends to common shareholders — NT$2.50 per share
                      (61,825.1 )                       (61,825.1 )           (61,825.1 )
Stock dividends to common shareholders — NT$0.15 per share
    370,950       3,709.5             (3,709.5 )                                    
Bonus to directors and supervisors
                      (257.4 )                       (257.4 )           (257.4 )
Capital surplus transferred to capital stock
    370,950       3,709.5       (3,709.5 )                                          
Net income in 2006
                      127,009.7                         127,009.7       185.5       127,195.2  
Adjustment arising from changes in percentage of ownership in equity method investees
                187.1                               187.1             187.1  
Translation adjustments
                                  (550.4 )           (550.4 )     (126.2 )     (676.6 )
Issuance of stock from exercising employee stock options
    14,550       145.6       429.7                               575.3             575.3  
Cash dividends received by subsidiaries from TSMC
                82.3                               82.3             82.3  
Valuation gain on available-for-sale financial assets
                            386.0                   386.0       2.1       388.1  
Equity in the valuation gain on available-for-sale financial assets held by equity method investees
                            175.6                   175.6             175.6  
Increase in minority interests
                                                    487.0       487.0  
 
                                                           
 
                                                                               
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2006
    25,829,688       258,296.9       54,107.5       197,124.5       561.6       (1,191.1 )     (918.1 )     507,981.3       1,156.8       509,138.1  
 
                                                                               
Appropriations of prior year’s earnings
                                                                               
Bonus to employees — in cash
                      (4,572.8 )                       (4,572.8 )           (4,572.8 )
Bonus to employees — in stock
    457,280       4,572.8             (4,572.8 )                                    
Cash dividends to shareholders —
NT$3.00 per share
                      (77,489.1 )                       (77,489.1 )           (77,489.1 )
Stock dividends to shareholders —
NT$0.02 per share
    51,659       516.6             (516.6 )                                    
Bonus to directors and supervisors
                      (285.8 )                       (285.8 )           (285.8 )
Capital surplus transferred to capital stock
    77,489       774.9       (774.9 )                                            
Net income in 2007
                        109,177.1                         109,177.1       755.3       109,932.4  
Adjustment arising from changes in percentage of ownership in equity method investees
                (28.7 )                             (28.7 )     31.9       3.2  
Translation adjustments
                                  118.2             118.2       (99.3 )     18.9  
Issuance of stock from exercising employee stock options
    10,988       109.9       327.0                               436.9             436.9  
Cash dividends received by subsidiaries from TSMC
                101.8                               101.8             101.8  
Valuation gain on available-for-sale financial assets
                            241.8                   241.8       19.5       261.3  
Equity in the valuation loss on available-for-sale financial assets held by equity method investees
                            (122.4 )                 (122.4 )           (122.4 )
Treasury stock repurchased by the Company
                                        (48,466.9 )     (48,466.9 )           (48,466.9 )
Increase in minority interest
                                                    1,729.9       1,729.9  
 
                                                           
 
                                                                               
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2007
    26,427,104     $ 264,271.1     $ 53,732.7     $ 218,864.5     $ 681.0     $ (1,072.9 )   $ (49,385.0 )   $ 487,091.4     $ 3,594.1     $ 490,685.5  
 
                                                           
 
                                                                               
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2007 (IN MILLIONS OF US$ — Note 3)
          $ 8,149.0     $ 1,656.9     $ 6,748.8     $ 21.0     $ (33.1 )   $ (1,522.8 )   $ 15,019.8     $ 110.8     $ 15,130.6  
 
                                                             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

F-6


Table of Contents

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)
                                 
    Year Ended December 31  
    2005     2006     2007  
    NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
                      (Note 3)  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                               
Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent
  $ 93,575.0     $ 127,009.7     $ 109,177.1     $ 3,366.5  
Net income attributable to minority interest
    57.7       185.5       755.3       23.3  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Depreciation and amortization
    75,649.4       73,715.2       80,005.4       2,467.0  
Amortization of premium/discount of financial assets
    120.9       2.4       (117.2 )     (3.6 )
Loss on impairment of financial assets
    128.9       279.7       54.2       1.7  
Loss (gain) on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets, net
    150.1       (90.8 )     (610.2 )     (18.8 )
Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net
    (1,433.2 )     (2,347.2 )     (2,507.9 )     (77.3 )
Dividends received from equity method investees
    668.5       614.6       625.1       19.3  
Gain on disposal of investments accounted for using equity method
    (0.6 )                  
Gain on disposal of financial assets carried at cost, net
    (14.7 )     (16.2 )     (264.5 )     (8.2 )
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets, net
    (282.6 )     (179.7 )     (85.0 )     (2.6 )
Deferred income taxes
    (3,353.0 )     121.6       943.8       29.1  
Loss on idle assets
    131.8       44.1              
Donation of idle assets
    7.2                    
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                               
Decrease (increase) in:
                               
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
    72.8       340.2       (187.1 )     (5.8 )
Notes and accounts receivable, net
    (10,601.0 )     6,447.3       (10,977.0 )     (338.5 )
Receivables from related parties
    (101.9 )     440.9       629.5       19.4  
Other receivables from related parties
    (88.0 )     341.1       13.2       0.4  
Other financial assets
    (306.0 )     (738.7 )     842.1       26.0  
Inventories, net
    (2,006.2 )     (3,702.4 )     (2,226.1 )     (68.6 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    120.1       (170.5 )     290.4       9.0  
Increase (decrease) in:
                               
Notes and accounts payable
    2,088.6       (1,487.1 )     3,218.3       99.2  
Payables to related parties
    (1,629.2 )     (572.4 )     (375.7 )     (11.6 )
Income tax payable
    3,611.5       3,931.0       3,179.7       98.0  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    181.7       862.4       913.9       28.2  
Accrued pension cost
    360.1       65.7       125.5       3.9  
Deferred credits
    117.3       (99.3 )     343.9       10.6  
 
                       
 
                               
Net cash provided by operating activities
    157,225.2       204,997.1       183,766.7       5,666.6  
 
                       
 
                               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                               
Acquisitions of:
                               
Available-for-sale financial assets
    (99,436.2 )     (119,291.7 )     (87,550.2 )     (2,699.7 )
Held-to-maturity financial assets
    (14,199.1 )     (18,554.0 )            
Investments accounted for using equity method
    (621.9 )     (2,613.0 )     (5,803.8 )     (179.0 )
Financial assets carried at cost
    (456.9 )     (511.6 )     (911.3 )     (28.1 )
Property, plant and equipment
    (79,878.7 )     (78,737.3 )     (84,001.0 )     (2,590.2 )
Proceeds from disposal or redemption of:
                               
Available-for-sale financial assets
    102,577.8       91,620.4       94,908.7       2,926.6  
Held-to-maturity financial assets
    14,595.4       10,410.0       17,325.1       534.2  
Investments accounted for using equity method
    65.1                    
Financial assets carried at cost
    76.1       126.5       410.5       12.7  
Property, plant and equipment and other assets
    480.7       518.7       60.5       1.9  
Increase in deferred charges
    (856.0 )     (1,414.8 )     (3,059.2 )     (94.3 )
Decrease (increase) in refundable deposits
    0.8       (1,224.5 )     (1,434.9 )     (44.2 )
Net cash paid for acquisition of subsidiaries
                (404.4 )     (12.5 )
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    0.7       (52.1 )     (228.8 )     (7.1 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net cash used in investing activities
    (77,652.2 )     (119,723.4 )     (70,688.8 )     (2,179.7 )
 
                       
(Continued)

F-7


Table of Contents

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)
                                 
    Year Ended December 31  
    2005     2006     2007  
    NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
                      (Note 3)  
 
                               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                               
Repayments of:
                               
Short-term bank loans
  $ (54.5 )   $ (328.5 )   $ (89.7 )   $ (2.8 )
Bonds payable
    (10,500.0 )           (7,000.0 )     (215.8 )
Long-term bank loans
    (1,337.4 )     (5.5 )     (196.2 )     (6.0 )
Increase in long-term bank loans
                653.0       20.1  
Increase (decrease) in guarantee deposits
    2,483.5       920.7       (1,574.1 )     (48.5 )
Cash dividends
    (46,419.8 )     (61,742.7 )     (77,387.3 )     (2,386.3 )
Cash bonus paid to employees
    (3,086.2 )     (3,432.1 )     (4,572.8 )     (141.0 )
Bonus to directors and supervisors
    (231.5 )     (257.4 )     (285.8 )     (8.8 )
Proceeds from:
                               
Exercise of employee stock options
    270.9       575.1       436.8       13.5  
Disposal of treasury stock
    899.5                    
Repurchase of treasury stock
                (45,413.4 )     (1,400.4 )
Increase in minority interests
    6.8       487.0       19.0       0.5  
 
                       
 
                               
Net cash used in financing activities
    (57,968.7 )     (63,783.4 )     (135,410.5 )     (4,175.5 )
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    21,604.3       21,490.3       (22,332.6 )     (688.6 )
 
                               
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    348.9       (136.8 )     (518.1 )     (16.0 )
 
                               
EFFECT OF FIRST INCLUSION FOR CONSOLIDATION OF CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES
    228.1                    
 
                               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
    74,302.4       96,483.7       117,837.2       3,633.6  
 
                       
 
                               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR
  $ 96,483.7     $ 117,837.2     $ 94,986.5     $ 2,929.0