UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

Commission File Number 000-29472

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

1900 South Price Road
Chandler, AZ 85286
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

 

(480) 821-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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 filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

 

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

 

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

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s Common Stock as of April 30, 2009 was 183,035,405.

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2009

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Basis of Presentation.  The Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures as of March 31, 2009 and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are unaudited, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The December 31, 2008 Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, (other than as it relates to the impact of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 160 as described below), but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In our opinion, these financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the results for the interim periods. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed on Form 10-K with the SEC on February 24, 2009. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. All references to “Amkor,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “company” are to Amkor Technology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

Effective at the beginning of the first quarter of 2009, we adopted SFAS No. 160 as described in Note 2. As required by this Standard, the presentation of noncontrolling interests, previously referred to as minority interest, has been changed on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to be reflected as a component of total stockholders’ equity and on the Consolidated Statements of Operations to be a specific allocation of net income (loss). Note 6 also allocates comprehensive (loss) income between Amkor and noncontrolling interests. Amounts reported or included in prior periods have not changed but have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. Earnings per share continue to be based on earnings attributable to Amkor.

 

Use of Estimates.  The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., using management’s best estimates and judgments where appropriate. These estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The estimates and judgments will also affect the reported amounts for certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and judgments.

 

 

Recently Adopted Standards

 

In May 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (“FSP No. APB 14-1”). FSP No. APB 14-1 applies to certain convertible debt instruments that, by their stated terms, may be settled in cash (or other assets) upon conversion, including partial cash settlement, unless the embedded conversion option is required to be separately accounted for as a derivative. Issuers of convertible debt instruments subject to the provisions of FSP No. APB 14-1 should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. FSP No. APB 14-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Our convertible debt instruments do not contain the features of the instruments covered by this FSP and will continue to be accounted for under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 14, Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Warrants (as amended). Accordingly, our adoption of the provisions of FSP No. APB 14-1 on January 1, 2009, did not have an impact on our financial statements.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142. FSP FAS 142-3 also requires expanded disclosures related to the determination of intangible asset useful lives. This standard applies prospectively to intangible assets acquired and/or recognized on or after January 1, 2009. Our adoption of the provisions of FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009, did not have an impact on our financial statements.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 requires (1) that noncontrolling (minority) interests be reported as a component of stockholders’ equity, (2) that net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be separately identified in the consolidated statement of operations, (3) that changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions, (4) that any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary be initially measured at fair value and (5) that sufficient disclosures are provided that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 160 on January 1, 2009 and, as required, we have adjusted the prior periods for comparative purposes. Minority interests reported in our December 31, 2008 Consolidated Balance Sheet were retrospectively adjusted to comply with SFAS No. 160 and are now reported as a component of equity identified as noncontrolling interests. The caption “Net (loss) income” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations represents the consolidated operating results for Amkor including the noncontrolling interests. In addition, earnings or losses attributable to the minority interests are separately disclosed on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented in the manner prescribed by SFAS No. 160.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations, as amended by FSP 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (collectively “SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) has significantly changed the accounting for business combinations. Under SFAS 141(R), an acquiring entity is required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 141(R) changes the accounting treatment for certain specific acquisition related items including: (1) expensing acquisition related costs as incurred; (2) valuing noncontrolling interests at fair value at the acquisition date of a controlling interest; and (3) expensing restructuring costs associated with an acquired business. SFAS No. 141(R) also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 141(R) is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), and in February 2008, the FASB amended SFAS No. 157 by issuing FSP FAS 157-1, Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13, and FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (collectively “SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 was effective for financial assets and liabilities in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and for non-financial assets and liabilities in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008, with respect to financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value did not have a material impact on our financial statements. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2009 with respect to non-financial assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value on a non-recurring basis, did not have an adoption date impact on our consolidated financial statements but will apply to measurements of fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities when a fair value measurement is required. See Note 15 for additional SFAS No. 157 information and disclosure for financial assets and liabilities.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued three FSPs related to fair value measurements, disclosures and other-than-temporary impairments. FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (“FSP FAS 157-4”), provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157 when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased. FSP FAS 157-4 also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (“FSP FAS 115-2”), amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation of other-than-temporary impairments in the financial statements. Finally, FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (“FSP FAS 107-1”), amends SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements as well as in annual financial statements and also amends APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require those disclosures in all interim financial statements. The three FSPs are effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt all three FSPs for our March 31, 2009 interim financial statements. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-4 and FSP FAS 115-2 did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements. The adoption of FSP FAS 107-1 is disclosure-only in nature (see Note 15).

 

Recently Issued Standards

 

In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (“FSP FAS No. 132(R)-1”). FSP FAS No. 132(R)-1 amends SFAS No. 132(R), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, and 106, to enhance the required disclosures regarding plan assets in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan, including investment allocation decisions, inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets and significant concentrations of risks within plan assets. The disclosure requirement under FSP FAS No. 132(R)-1 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The adoption of FSP FAS No. 132(R)-1 will require additional disclosures in the financial statements related to the assets of our foreign defined benefit pension plans and will not impact our financial results.

 

 

We account for our stock option plans in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payments (“SFAS No. 123(R)”). SFAS No. 123(R) requires that all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, be measured at fair value and expensed over the service period (generally the vesting period).

 

The following table presents stock-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of all common stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2009:

 

 

The following assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate weighted average fair values of the options granted for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

 

The intrinsic value of options exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $3.0 million. There were no options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2009.

 

Total unrecognized compensation expense from stock options, excluding any forfeiture estimate, was $9.6 million as of March 31, 2009, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years beginning April 1, 2009.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, we received $6.1 million in cash under all share-based payment arrangements, while no cash was received in the three months ended March 31, 2009. There was no tax benefit realized. The 2008 cash receipts are included in financing activities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

 

Our income tax expense of $3.1 million reflects income taxes at certain of our profitable foreign operations, foreign withholding taxes, minimum taxes at certain of our operations, and valuation allowances, all of which offset the tax benefits generated on the net losses incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2009. At March 31, 2009, we had U.S. net operating loss carryforwards totaling $291.5 million, which expire at various times through 2028. Additionally, at March 31, 2009, we had $105.7 million of non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards, which expire at various times through 2019.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

We maintain a valuation allowance on all of our U.S. net deferred tax assets, including our net operating loss carryforwards. We also have valuation allowances on deferred tax assets in certain foreign jurisdictions. We will release such valuation allowances as the related tax benefits are realized on our tax returns or when sufficient net positive evidence exists to conclude that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

Our liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits increased from $20.9 million at December 31, 2008 to $21.5 million as of March 31, 2009 primarily because of changes to estimates related to tax positions taken in prior years. Of the March 31, 2009 balance, $8.2 million, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease within twelve months due to statutes of limitations expiring in certain jurisdictions which would decrease our unrecognized tax benefits related to revenue attribution by up to $1.6 million.

 

Our unrecognized tax benefits are subject to change as examinations of tax years are completed. We believe that any change in taxes or any related interest and penalties, over the amounts accrued, will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, tax return examinations involve uncertainties and there can be no assurances regarding the outcome of examinations.

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net (loss) income attributable to Amkor by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding employee stock options and convertible debt. The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted EPS:

 

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the potential shares of common stock that were excluded from diluted EPS, because the effect of including these potential shares was antidilutive:

 

 

In April 2009, we issued $250.0 million of our 6.0% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due April 2014. The conversion rate for each $1,000 aggregate principal amount of notes is initially 330.6332 shares of our common stock or approximately $3.02 per share. The potential dilutive effect of this convertible note will be 82.8 million shares of common stock. The corresponding interest expense, net of tax, would also be an adjustment to net income for dilutive EPS.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The following table reflects the changes in equity and comprehensive (loss) income attributable to both Amkor and the noncontrolling interests.

 

 

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

 

 

The following table reconciles our activity related to property, plant and equipment purchases as presented on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to property, plant and equipment additions reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

 

 

Acquired intangibles as of March 31, 2009 consist of the following:

 

 

In January 2009, we purchased from a customer certain machinery and equipment and entered into a three year supply agreement in exchange for $9.9 million in cash. The fair value assigned to the supply agreement was $5.6 million.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Acquired intangibles as of December 31, 2008 consist of the following:

 

 

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $2.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Based on the amortizing assets recognized in our balance sheet at March 31, 2009, amortization for each of the next five years is estimated as follows:

 

 

 

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 

 

In accordance with Korean severance plan regulations, employers may pay employees earned benefits prior to terminating their employment. As a result of a weakening global economy, we have made reductions in labor costs by lowering compensation and shortening work weeks. To mitigate the impact on our employees in Korea and reduce our long-term commitments, we paid $31.6 million of interim benefits in January 2009 using cash on hand (see Note 12).

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Following is a summary of short-term borrowings and long-term debt:

 

 

In April 2009, we amended our $100.0 million first lien revolving credit facility and extended the term to April 2013. The facility has a letter of credit sub-limit of $25.0 million. Interest is charged under the credit facility at a floating rate based on the base rate in effect from time to time plus the applicable margins which range from 2.0% to 2.5% for base rate revolving loans, or LIBOR plus 3.5% to 4.0% for LIBOR revolving loans. The LIBOR-based interest rate effective in April 2009 was 3.9%. The borrowing base for the revolving credit facility is based on the amount of our eligible accounts receivable.

 

In April 2009, we issued $250.0 million of our 6.0% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due April 2014 (the “2014 Notes”). The 2014 Notes are convertible at any time prior to the maturity date into our common stock at a price of $3.02 per share, subject to adjustment. The 2014 Notes are subordinated to the prior payment in full of all of our senior debt. The 2014 Notes were purchased by certain qualified institutional buyers and Mr. James J. Kim, Amkor’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and largest shareholder, and an entity controlled by Mr. Kim. Mr. Kim and his affiliate purchased $150.0 million of the 2014 Notes. We received approximately $244.5 million in net proceeds which we expect to use to reduce debt and for general corporate purposes. We incurred $2.6 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the issuance of the 2014 Notes in the three months ended March 31, 2009, and we expect to record approximately $3 million of additional debt issuance costs in the three months ended June 30, 2009.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2009, we repurchased in open market transactions $32.1 million in aggregate principal amount of our 7.125% senior notes due March 2011, and $1.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes due May 2011 using $23.9 million of cash on hand. We recorded a gain on extinguishment of $9.2 million offset by the write-off of a proportionate amount of our deferred debt issuance costs of $0.2 million. In April 2009, we repurchased in an open market transaction $35.0 million principal amount of our 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes due May 2011 using $29.1 million of the proceeds from the issuance of the 2014 Notes. We expect to record a gain on extinguishment in the three months ending June 30, 2009 of $5.9 million. This gain is expected to be partially offset by the write-off of a proportionate amount of our deferred debt issuance costs of approximately $0.5 million.

 

In January 2009, Amkor Assembly & Test (Shanghai) Co, Ltd., a Chinese subsidiary, entered into a $50.0 million U.S. dollar denominated working capital facility agreement with a Chinese bank maturing in January 2011. Principal amounts borrowed must be repaid within twelve months of the drawdown date and may be prepaid at any time without penalty. All principal and interest must be repaid by January 2011. Amounts borrowed under the facility during the three months ended March 31, 2009, were $15.0 million. The working capital facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.7% (3.43% as of March 31, 2009), which is payable in semi-annual payments. The facility is collateralized with certain real property and buildings in China.

 

Interest expense related to short-term borrowings and long-term debt is presented net of interest income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $0.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

 

 

Our Philippine, Taiwanese and Japanese subsidiaries sponsor defined benefit plans that cover substantially all of their respective employees who are not covered by statutory plans. Charges to expense are based upon actuarial analyses. The components of net periodic pension cost for these defined benefit plans are as follows:

 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we recognized a curtailment gain of $1.1 million related to the remeasurement of two defined benefit plans due to reductions in force programs (see Note 16). Due to the reduction in our workforce, our service cost and interest cost recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2009 has decreased when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, we contributed $0.1 million to the pension plans, and we expect to contribute an additional $6.9 million during 2009.

 

Our Korean subsidiary participates in an accrued severance plan that covers employees and directors with at least one year of service. Eligible employees are entitled to receive a lump-sum payment upon termination of employment, based on their length of service, seniority and average monthly wages at the time of termination. In addition and in accordance with Korean severance plan regulations, employers may pay employees earned benefits prior to terminating their employment. Accrued severance benefits are estimated assuming all eligible employees were to terminate their employment at the balance sheet date. The provision recorded for severance benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was $2.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively. The balance recorded in pension and severance obligations for accrued severance at our Korean subsidiary was $95.5 million and $99.6 million at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. In December 2008, we reclassified $31.6 million to current liabilities for voluntary interim accrued severance plan benefits that were paid out in January 2009 to approximately 750 eligible employees. As a result of a weakening global economy, we have made reductions in labor costs by lowering compensation and shortening work weeks. The interim accrued severance plan benefit payments were intended to help mitigate the impact of reduced compensation on our employees and lower our long-term commitments.

 

 

We have a $100.0 million first lien revolving credit facility, which was amended in April 2009, with a letter of credit sub-limit of $25.0 million. As of March 31, 2009, we have outstanding $0.5 million of standby letters of credit and have available an additional $24.5 million for letters of credit. Such standby letters of credit are used in the ordinary course of our business and are collateralized by our cash balances.

 

We generally warrant that our services will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner and in compliance with our customers’ specifications. We accrue costs for known warranty issues. Historically, our warranty costs have been immaterial.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved in claims and legal proceedings and we may become involved in other legal matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. We evaluate these claims and legal matters on a case-by-case basis to make a determination as to the impact, if any, on our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Except as indicated below, we currently believe that the ultimate outcome of these claims and proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on us. Our evaluation of the potential impact of these claims and legal proceedings on our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could change in the future. We currently are party to the legal proceedings described below. Attorney fees related to legal matters are expensed as incurred.

 

Tessera, Inc. v. Amkor Technology, Inc.

 

On March 2, 2006, Tessera, Inc. filed a Request for Arbitration with the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, captioned Tessera, Inc. v. Amkor Technology, Inc. The subject matter of the arbitration was a license agreement (“the Agreement”) entered into between Tessera and our predecessor in 1996.

 

On January 9, 2009, the Arbitration Panel issued the final damage award in this matter. The final award, plus interest, of $64.7 million was paid when due, in February 2009. Amkor remains a licensee under the Agreement with the rights and benefits of a licensee along with ongoing obligations to pay royalties for packages subject to the patent royalty provisions.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Securities Class Action Litigation

 

On January 23, 2006, a purported securities class action suit entitled Nathan Weiss et al. v. Amkor Technology, Inc. et al., was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Amkor and certain of its current and former officers. Subsequently, other law firms filed two similar cases, which were consolidated with the initial complaint. The plaintiffs amended the complaint to add additional officer, director and former director defendants and alleged improprieties in certain option grants. The amended complaint further alleged that defendants improperly recorded and accounted for the options in violation of generally accepted accounting principles and made materially false and misleading statements and omissions in its disclosures in violation of the federal securities laws, during the period from July 2001 to July 2006. The amended complaint seeks certification as a class action pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Proc. 23, compensatory damages, costs and expenses, and such other further relief as the court deems just and proper. On December 28, 2006, pursuant to motion by defendants, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania transferred this action to the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.

 

On September 25, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona dismissed this case with prejudice. On October 23, 2007, plaintiffs filed an appeal from the dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

 

On December 10, 2008, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding to settle this case. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, Amkor and the other defendants will receive a full and complete release of all claims in the litigation in exchange for payment of an aggregate amount of $11.3 million. Our directors and officers liability insurance carrier will pay $9.0 million of the settlement amount and we will pay $2.3 million. The full amounts of the proposed settlement and insurance recovery were accrued as of December 31, 2008. The parties are in the process of finalizing formal settlement documentation. The settlement is subject to review and approval by the court.

 

We do not expect the outcome in this case to have a material adverse affect on our liquidity, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. We caution, however, that due to the inherent uncertainty of any litigation, if the court does not approve the settlement, an adverse outcome in this matter could result in material liabilities and could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Securities and Exchange Commission Investigation

 

In August 2005, the SEC issued a formal order of investigation regarding certain activities with respect to Amkor securities. The investigation related initially to transactions in our securities and was later expanded to include our historical stock option practices. In April 2007, the SEC filed a civil action against our former general counsel based on substantially the same allegations that had been charged in a criminal case against him with respect to trading Amkor securities based on material non-public information. The SEC’s civil action against the former general counsel has been settled. While the SEC’s investigation continues and we cannot predict the outcome, we believe that the investigation is now limited to certain securities trading by a former non-executive employee. We have fully cooperated with the SEC throughout this investigation, and intend to continue to do so.

 

Amkor Technology, Inc. v. Carsem (M) Sdn Bhd, Carsem Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, and Carsem Inc.

 

In November 2003, we filed a complaint against Carsem (M) Sdn Bhd, Carsem Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, and Carsem Inc. (collectively “Carsem”) with the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) in Washington, D.C., alleging infringement of our United States Patent Nos. 6,433,277; 6,455,356 and 6,630,728 (collectively the “Amkor Patents”) and seeking an exclusionary order barring the importation by Carsem of infringing products. We allege that by making, using, selling, offering for sale, or importing into the U.S. the Carsem Dual and Quad Flat No-Lead Package, Carsem has infringed on one or more of our MicroLeadFrame packaging technology claims in the Amkor Patents.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The ITC Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) conducted an evidentiary hearing during July and August of 2004 in Washington D.C. and issued an Initial Determination that Carsem infringed some of our patent claims relating to our MicroLeadFrame package technology, that some of our 21 asserted patent claims are valid, that we have a domestic industry in our patents, and that all of our asserted patent claims are enforceable. However, the ALJ did not find a statutory violation of the Tariff Act.

 

We filed a petition in November 2004 to have the ALJ’s ruling reviewed by the full International Trade Commission. The ITC ordered a new claims construction related to various disputed claim terms and remanded the case to the ALJ for further proceedings. On November 9, 2005, the ALJ issued an Initial Determination on remand finding that Carsem infringed some of our patent claims, and that Carsem had violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act.

 

On remand, the ITC had also authorized the ALJ to reopen the record on certain discovery issues related to a subpoena of documents from a third party. Following findings by the ALJ, on November 17, 2005, the Commission filed a second petition in the United Sates District Court for the District of Columbia to enforce the subpoena issued to the third party. On February 9, 2006, the ITC ordered a delay in issuance of the Final Determination pending resolution of that enforcement action. An order by the District Court enforcing the subpoena became final on January 9, 2009, and the third party has now produced documents pursuant to the subpoena.

 

On January 28, 2009 the Commission extended the target date for completion of the investigation to May 1, 2009. On April 20, 2009, Carsem filed a renewed motion to extend the target date and to remand the investigation. On April 28, 2009 the Commission extended the target date to July 1, 2009 for completion of the investigation.

 

In November 2003, we filed a complaint in the Northern District of California, alleging infringement of the Amkor Patents and seeking an injunction enjoining Carsem from further infringing the Amkor Patents, compensatory damages, treble damages due to willful infringement plus interest, costs and attorney’s fees. This District Court action has been stayed pending resolution of the ITC case.

 

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, we have determined we have two reportable segments, packaging and test. Packaging and test are integral parts of the process of manufacturing semiconductor devices and our customers will engage with us for both packaging and test services, or just packaging or test services. The packaging process creates an electrical interconnect between the semiconductor chip and the system board. In packaging, fabricated semiconductor wafers are separated into individual chips. These chips are typically attached through wire bond or wafer bump technologies to a substrate or leadframe and then encased in a protective material. In the case of an advanced wafer level package, the package is assembled on the surface of a wafer. The packaged chips are then tested using sophisticated equipment to ensure that each packaged chip meets its design and performance specifications.

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The accounting policies for segment reporting are the same as those for our Consolidated Financial Statements. We evaluate our operating segments based on gross margin and gross property, plant and equipment. We do not specifically identify and allocate total assets by operating segment. Summarized financial information concerning reportable segments is shown in the following table. The “other” column reflects other corporate adjustments to net sales and gross profit and the property, plant and equipment of our sales and corporate offices.

 

 

 

SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. SFAS No. 157 requires assets and liabilities carried at fair value to be classified and disclosed in a three-tier fair value hierarchy. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

 

Our financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are invested in U.S. money market funds and various U.S. and foreign bank operating and time deposit accounts, which are due on demand or carry a maturity date of less than three months when purchased. No restrictions have been imposed on us regarding withdrawal of balances with respect to our cash and cash equivalents as a result of liquidity or other credit market issues affecting the money market funds we invest in or the counterparty financial institutions holding our deposits. Money market funds and restricted cash are fair valued at quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets as summarized in the following table:

 

 

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The carrying values of long term debt reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 along with the related fair value amounts are as follows:

 

 

Market based assumptions include current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements adjusted for duration, optionality, and risk profile.

 

 

As part of our on going efforts to improve factory performance and manage costs, we regularly evaluate our staffing levels compared to current business needs. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we reduced our headcount through reductions-in-force programs by 1,750 employees in certain foreign locations. We recorded a charge for special and contractual termination benefits related to our reductions-in-force of $7.4 million, of which $6.8 million and $0.6 million were charged to cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. All amounts were paid prior to March 31, 2009.

 

During 2007 and 2008, we commenced a phased transition of all wafer level processing production from our wafer bumping facility in North Carolina to our facility in Taiwan. All wafer level processing production will cease at our North Carolina facility by June 2009 and the North Carolina facility will focus on research and development activities after the transition is complete. The costs associated with these activities are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (as amended). We recorded charges for termination benefits during 2008 and 2007 of $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we recorded charges for termination benefits of $0.6 million, of which $0.5 million and $0.1 million were charged to cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively. The amount recorded in accrued expenses for termination benefits was $0.8 million as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. We currently anticipate that an additional $0.4 million related to termination benefits will be expensed over the remaining employment service period through June 2009, of which $0.3 million and $0.1 million is expected to be recognized in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. We anticipate total termination benefits of $2.9 million will be paid through June 2009.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including but not limited to statements regarding: (1) our expectations regarding demand for our services and customer inventory levels, (2) the focus and level of our expected capital investments, (3) investments in technology advancements and cost reduction programs, (4) our expected gain on debt extinguishment, (5) our ability to fund our operating activities, working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for the next twelve months, (6) the payment of dividends and expected use of cash flows, if any in the future, (7) compliance with our covenants, (8) the effect of foreign currency exchange rate exposure on our financial results, (9) the release of valuation allowances related to taxes in the future, (10) the repurchase of outstanding debt, (11) expected labor cost reductions, workforce reductions and related severance charges and the impact on quarterly cost of sales and operating expenses, and (12) other statements that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “intend” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth in the following discussion as well as in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report. The following discussion provides information and analysis of our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and our liquidity and capital resources. You should read the following discussion in conjunction with Item 1, “Financial Statements” in this Quarterly Report as well as other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Overview

 

Amkor is one of the world’s leading subcontractors of semiconductor packaging and test services. Packaging and test are integral steps in the process of manufacturing semiconductor devices. The manufacturing process begins with silicon wafers and involves the fabrication of electronic circuitry into complex patterns, thus creating large numbers of individual chips on the wafers. The fabricated wafers are then probe tested to ensure the individual devices meet electrical specifications. The packaging process creates an electrical interconnect between the semiconductor chip and the system board. In packaging, fabricated semiconductor wafers are separated into individual chips. These chips are typically attached through wire bond or wafer bump technologies to a substrate or leadframe and then encased in a protective material. In the case of an advanced wafer level package, the package is assembled on the surface of a wafer.

 

Our packages are designed for application specific body size and electrical connection requirements to provide optimal electrical connectivity and thermal performance. The packaged chips are then tested using sophisticated equipment to ensure that each packaged chip meets its design and performance specifications. Increasingly, packages are custom designed for specific chips and specific end-market applications. We are able to provide turnkey assembly and test solutions including semiconductor wafer bump, wafer probe, wafer backgrind, package design, assembly, test and drop shipment services.

 

The recent credit crisis and global decline in consumer demand has resulted in a deteriorating macro-economic environment. As a result, the semiconductor industry is experiencing a significant cyclical downturn. Such a downturn is characterized by decreases in product demand and excess customer inventories. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we experienced a significant slowdown in orders. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, our net sales were $388.8 million compared to $699.5 million in the prior year comparable period due to the broad-based decline in demand across our packaging and test businesses. Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was 12.4%, down from 25.2% in the prior year comparable period. The recent downturn in demand has resulted in significant declines in our operating results and cash flows as our capacity utilization rates have declined.

 

As part of our focus on generating cash flow and driving greater factory and administrative efficiencies, beginning in 2008 and continuing into 2009, we have implemented cost reduction measures that include lowering

executive and other employee compensation, reducing employee and contractor headcount, and shortening work weeks. We have also significantly reduced our expected capital investment levels in 2009 to an estimated $100 million, well below our 2008 levels. We were free cash flow negative in the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily as a result of approximately $103.7 million of payments relating to the resolution of a patent license dispute and employee benefit and separation payments. Cash used in operating activities was $63.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared with cash provided by operating activities of $181.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less investing activities related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. Free cash flow is not defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities is set forth under the caption “Cash Flows” below. Please see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Cash Flows” below for a further analysis of the change in our balance sheet and cash flows during the first three months of 2009.

 

We believe our financial position and liquidity are sufficient to fund our operating activities for at least the next twelve months. In April 2009, we amended our $100.0 million first lien revolving credit facility which, among other things, extended the maturity date from November 2009 to April 2013. Also, in April 2009, we issued $250.0 million of our 6.0% convertible senior subordinated notes due April 2014 (the “2014 Notes”). In the three months ended March 31, 2009, we repurchased in open market transactions $32.1 million in aggregate principal amount of our 7.125% senior notes due March 2011, and $1.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes due May 2011 using $23.9 million of cash on hand. In April 2009, we repurchased in an open market transaction $35.0 million principal amount of our 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes due May 2011 using $29.1 million of the proceeds from the issuance of the 2014 Notes. At April 30, 2009, our cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $500 million with an aggregate of $112.9 million of debt due through the end of 2010. In 2011, the remaining $253.6 million aggregate amount of our 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes and 7.125% senior notes mature.

 

Our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were $388.8 million and $699.5 million, respectively. In the three months ended March 31, 2009, sales decreased $310.7 million, or 44.4%, from the three months ended March 31, 2008 primarily due to the general decline in demand and inventory management efforts by our customers as a result of the global economic downturn described above and continued weakness in consumer spending experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2009. We experienced a broad based decline in product demand across our packaging and test businesses during the three months ended March 31, 2009.

 

Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was 12.4% and 25.2%, respectively. We experienced a decline in gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily due to the lower levels of demand, which have significantly decreased our capacity utilization rates. In addition, cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 included a charge of $6.8 million for special termination benefits. This charge was partially offset by a pension curtailment gain of $1.0 million relating to workforce reductions. Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2009 benefitted from cost reduction initiatives and the strength of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies.

 

Amkor’s net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $22.1 million, or $0.12 loss per share, compared with Amkor’s net income of $72.0 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2009 includes a $12.1 million net foreign currency gain primarily due to the depreciation of the Korean won against the U.S. dollar and the remeasurement of our Korean won denominated severance plan obligation, and a gain of $9.0 million related to the repurchase of an aggregate $32.1 million principal amount of our 7.125% senior notes and $1.0 million principal amount of our 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes due in 2011. Also included in the net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is a $7.4 million charge for termination benefits that was partially offset by a $1.1 million pension curtailment gain relating to our workforce reduction programs.

Our capital additions totaled $24.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009. Because of the significantly reduced level of consumer demand, capital additions are focused on specific customer requirements, technology advancements and cost reduction programs.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain operating data as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

Net Sales.  Net sales decreased $310.7 million, or 44.4%, to $388.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009 from $699.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008. This decline in net sales was due to the general decline in demand and inventory management efforts by our customers as a result of the global economic downturn and continued weakness in consumer spending experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2009. As a result, we experienced a broad-based decline in product demand across our packaging and test businesses.

 

Packaging Net Sales.  Packaging net sales decreased $279.0 million, or 45.2%, to $338.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009 from $617.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 because of the broad-based decline in product demand across our package offerings. Packaging unit volume decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2009 to 1.2 billion units compared to 2.2 billion units in the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

Test Net Sales.  Test net sales decreased $31.4 million, or 38.6%, to $49.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009 from $81.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 due to the overall decline in demand due to the global economic downturn.

 

Cost of Sales.  Our cost of sales consists principally of materials, labor, depreciation and manufacturing overhead. Since a substantial portion of the costs at our factories is fixed, relatively modest increases or decreases in our capacity utilization rates can have a significant effect on our gross margin.

 

Material costs as a percentage of net sales increased from 37.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 to 39.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 due to a change in product mix to packages with higher material content as a percentage of net sales.

 

As a percentage of net sales, labor costs increased to 16.5% in the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to 15.8% in the three months ended March 31, 2008. The increase in labor costs includes $6.8 million of termination benefits incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2009 due to workforce reductions, which is partially offset by a pension curtailment gain of $1.0 million. Labor costs benefitted by a favorable foreign currency effect on labor costs resulting from the depreciation of the Korean won and other currencies and savings realized from our workforce reduction and other cost savings initiatives.

As a percentage of net sales, other manufacturing costs increased to 31.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2009 from 22.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2008. Other manufacturing costs in absolute dollars increased due to higher depreciation costs as a result of our capital expenditures, which are focused on increasing our wafer bump and flip chip packaging capacity, advanced laminate packaging services and test services. These costs increases were offset by reduced costs associated with lower volumes, including utilities and supplies.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit decreased $128.2 million to $48.0 million, or 12.4% of net sales, in the three months ended March 31, 2009 from $176.2 million, or 25.2% of net sales, in the three months ended March 31, 2008. We experienced a decline in gross margin in the three months ended March 31, 2009 primarily due to the lower levels of demand, which have significantly decreased our capacity utilization rates. In addition, included in our cost of sales in the three months ended March 31, 2009 is a charge of $6.8 million for special termination benefits that was partially offset by a pension curtailment gain of $1.0 million relating to workforce reductions. The decrease in gross profit and gross margin was partially offset by improved factory performance due to cost reduction initiatives and the favorable foreign currency effect on labor costs due to the depreciation of the Korean won.

 

Packaging Gross Profit.  Gross profit for packaging decreased $105.4 million to $43.9 million, or 13.0% of packaging net sales, in the three months ended March 31, 2009 from $149.3 million, or 24.2% of packaging net sales, in the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decrease in gross margin is primarily attributable to lower capacity utilization rates. In addition, cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2009 included a charge for termination benefits that was partially offset by a pension curtailment gain. The decrease was partially offset by improved factory performance due to cost reduction initiatives and a favorable foreign currency effect on labor costs due to the depreciation of the Korean won.

 

Test Gross Profit.  Gross profit for test in the three months ended March 31, 2009 decreased $22.3 million to $4.4 million, or 8.8% of test net sales, from $26.7 million, or 32.8% of test net sales, in the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decrease in gross margin is primarily attributable to lower capacity utilization rates and higher depreciation costs as a result of our capital investments. In addition, we recorded a charge in the three months ended March 31, 2009 for termination benefits which was partially offset by a pension curtailment gain attributable to our test business.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $15.3 million, or 23.5%, to $50.1 million in the three months ended March 31,2009, from $65.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to lower salaries and benefits in our corporate and sales offices and professional fees. These reductions were partially offset by enterprise resource planning implementation costs and termination benefits.

 

Research and Development.  Despite the global economic downturn, during the three months ended March 31, 2009 we continued to invest in research and development activities, focusing on advanced laminate, flip chip and wafer level packaging services. Research and development expenses decreased $3.8 million to $10.1 million, or 2.6% of net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2009 from $13.9 million, or 2.0% of net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decrease in our research and development expenses was primarily due to lower salaries and benefits.

 

Other Expense (Income), Net.  Other expense, net decreased $12.0 million to $6.7 million, or 1.7% of net sales, in the three months ended March 31, 2009 from $18.7 million, or 2.7% of net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2008. This decrease was driven by a net gain of $9.0 million related to the repurchase of an aggregate $33.1 million principal amount of our 7.125% senior notes and 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes due in 2011. In addition, there was a $1.3 million reduction in net interest expense due to reduced debt, and an increase of $2.6 million in net foreign currency gains primarily due to the depreciation of the Korean won and the remeasurement of the Korean won denominated severance plan obligation.

 

Income Tax Expense.  In the three months ended March 31, 2009, we recorded an income tax expense of $3.1 million as compared to an income tax expense of $5.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decrease in income tax expense is primarily attributable to a decline in profits in our taxable foreign jurisdictions. Our income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is attributable to income taxes in certain

profitable foreign jurisdictions, foreign withholding taxes, minimum taxes of our operations incurring losses, and valuation allowances, all of which offset the tax benefits generated on the net losses incurred for the period.

 

At March 31, 2009, we had U.S. net operating loss carryforwards totaling $291.5 million, which expire at various times through 2028. Additionally, at March 31, 2009, we had $105.7 million of non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards, which expire at various times through 2019. We maintain a valuation allowance on all of our U.S. net deferred tax assets, including our net operating loss carryforwards. We also have valuation allowances on deferred tax assets in certain foreign jurisdictions. We will release such valuation allowances as the related tax benefits are realized on our tax returns or when sufficient net positive evidence exists to conclude that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The recent credit crisis and global decline in consumer demand has resulted in a deteriorating macro-economic environment. As a result, the semiconductor industry is experiencing a significant cyclical downturn. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we experienced a significant slowdown in orders. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, our net sales were $388.8 million compared to $699.5 million in the prior year comparable period due to the broad-based decline in demand across our packaging and test businesses. Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was 12.4% down from 25.2% in the prior year comparable period. The downturn in demand has resulted in significant declines in our operating results and cash flows as our capacity utilization rates have declined. We were free cash flow negative by $106.0 million primarily as a result of the $64.7 million payment made in February 2009 in connection with the resolution of a patent license dispute and $39.0 million in other employee benefit and separation payments.

 

As part of our focus on generating cash flow and driving greater factory and administrative efficiencies, we have implemented cost reduction measures that include lowering executive and other employee compensation, reducing employee and contractor headcount, and shortening work weeks. In the three months ended March 31, 2009, we reduced our work force by approximately 1,750 employees and recorded a severance charge, net of a pension curtailment gain, of $6.3 million. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve performance and manage costs, we continue to evaluate our staffing levels compared to current business needs.

 

In response to the lower levels of demand and to preserve cash, we have also significantly reduced our expected capital investment levels in 2009 to an estimated $100 million, compared to our 2008 capital additions of $341.7 million. During the first three months of 2009, we had capital additions of $24.3 million compared to $95.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008. We operate in a capital intensive industry. Servicing our current and future customers requires that we incur significant operating expenses and make significant capital expenditures, which are generally made in advance of the related revenues and without any firm customer commitments. Because of the significantly reduced level of consumer demand, 2009 capital additions are focused on specific customer requirements, technology advancements and cost reduction programs.

 

We have a significant level of debt, with $1,464.0 million outstanding at March 31, 2009, of which $69.4 million is current. In April 2009, we issued $250.0 million of our 6.0% convertible senior subordinated notes due April 2014. We expect to use the $244.5 million of net proceeds to reduce other indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2009, we repurchased in open market transactions $32.1 million in aggregate principal amount of our 7.125% senior notes due March 2011, and $1.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes due May 2011 using $23.9 million of cash on hand. In April 2009, we repurchased in an open market transaction $35.0 million principal amount of our 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes due May 2011 using $29.1 million of the proceeds from the issuance of the 2014 Notes. Subsequent to the April 2009 repurchase transactions described above, we have an aggregate of $112.9 million of debt coming due through the end of 2010, and in 2011 the remaining $253.6 million 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes and 7.125% senior notes mature.

In order to reduce leverage and future cash interest payments, we may from time to time repurchase our outstanding notes for cash or exchange shares of our common stock for our outstanding notes. Any such transactions are subject to the terms of our indentures and other debt agreements, market conditions and other factors.

 

The interest payments required on our debt are substantial. For example, we paid $15.9 million of interest in the three months ended March 31, 2009. (See “Capital Additions and Contractual Obligations” below for a summary of principal and interest payments.)

 

The source of funds for our operations, including making capital expenditures and servicing principal and interest obligations with respect to our debt, are cash flows from our operations, current cash and cash equivalents, borrowings under available debt facilities, or proceeds from any additional debt or equity financings. As of March 31, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $291.5 million and availability of $99.5 million under our $100.0 million first lien senior secured revolving credit facility.

 

We assess our liquidity based on our current expectations regarding sales, operating expenses, capital spending and debt service requirements. Based on this assessment, we believe that our cash flow from operating activities together with existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months. Thereafter, our liquidity will continue to be affected by, among other things, volatility in the global economy and credit markets, the performance of our business, our capital expenditure levels and our ability to either repay debt out of operating cash flow or refinance debt at or prior to maturity with the proceeds of debt or equity offerings.

 

There is no assurance that we will generate the necessary net income or operating cash flows to meet the funding needs of our business beyond the next twelve months due to a variety of factors, including the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the other factors discussed in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors.”

 

Many of our debt agreements restrict our ability to pay dividends. The $671.1 million write-off of our goodwill at December 31, 2008 has significantly reduced our ability to pay dividends and repurchase stock and subordinated securities, including our convertible notes. We have never paid a dividend to our stockholders and we do not currently anticipate doing so. We expect cash flows to be used in the operation and expansion of our business, the repayment or repurchase of debt and for other corporate purposes.

 

We were in compliance with all debt covenants at March 31, 2009 and expect to remain in compliance with these covenants for at least the next twelve months.

 

Cash Flows

 

Cash used in operating activities was $63.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $181.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008. We were free cash flow negative for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Free cash flow decreased by $198.4 million to $(106.0) million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to $92.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating, investing and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

 

Operating activities:  Our cash flow from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 decreased by $244.4 million. Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 adjusted for depreciation and amortization, other operating activities and non-cash items decreased $103.2 million which is largely attributable to decreased net sales. Net interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009

decreased by $1.3 million, as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2008 as a result of reduced debt levels.

 

Changes in assets and liabilities decreased operating cash flow principally due to the $64.7 million payment made in February 2009 in connection with the resolution of a patent license dispute and $39.0 million in other employee benefit and separation payments for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Inventory and accounts payable have decreased more in the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the comparable period in 2008 reflecting lower demand due to the economic downturn.

 

Investing activities:  Our cash flows used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 decreased by $42.5 million. This decrease was primarily due to a $46.0 million decrease in payments for property, plant and equipment from $88.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 to $42.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009. Investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2009 includes the purchase of certain equipment and a three year supply agreement from a customer in exchange for $9.9 million in cash. Investing activities were higher in 2008 principally as a result of our higher level of capital expenditures driven in part by our increased investments in wafer bump equipment.

 

Financing activities:  Our net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was $22.3 million, compared with $94.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was primarily driven by the repurchase of an aggregate $33.1 million principal amount due of our 7.125% senior notes and 2.5% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2011 using $23.9 million of our cash on hand partially offset by proceeds of $15.0 million received from our working capital facility in China. In the three months ended March 31, 2009 we also incurred $2.6 million in debt issuance costs related to the April 2009 issuance of the $250.0 million 6.0% convertible senior subordinated notes due April 2014. In February 2008, we repaid the remaining $88.2 million of our 9.25% senior notes at maturity. We received $6.1 million in proceeds from the issuance of stock through our stock compensation plans in the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

We provide the following supplemental data to assist our investors and analysts in understanding our liquidity and capital resources. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less investing activities related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. Free cash flow is not defined by U.S. GAAP and our definition of free cash flow may not be comparable to similar companies and should not be considered a substitute for cash flow measures in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe free cash flow provides our investors and analysts useful information to analyze our liquidity and capital resources.

 

Capital Additions and Contractual Obligations

 

Our capital additions for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were $24.3 million. We expect that our full year 2009 capital additions will be approximately $100 million, as discussed above in the “Overview.” Ultimately, the amount of our 2009 capital additions will depend on several factors including, among others, the performance of our business, the need for additional capacity to service anticipated customer demand and the availability of suitable cash flow from operations or financing. The following table reconciles our activity related to property, plant and equipment purchases as presented on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to property, plant and equipment additions reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at March 31, 2009, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods.

 

 

 

 

In addition to the obligations identified in the table above, other non-current liabilities recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2009 include:

 

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We had no off-balance sheet guarantees or other off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2009. Operating lease commitments are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, there have been no significant changes in our lease commitments as reported in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Contingencies, Indemnifications and Guarantees

 

We refer you to Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies” to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for a discussion of our contingencies related to our securities litigation and other litigation and legal matters. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur in these matters, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial position and cash flows in the period in which the ruling occurs. The potential impact from the legal proceedings, on our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial position and cash flows, could change in the future.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies as reported in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.

 

 

Market Risk Sensitivity

 

We are exposed to market risks, primarily related to foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations. In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage the exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency values and changes in interest rates. Our use of derivative instruments, including forward exchange contracts, has been historically insignificant; however, we continue to evaluate the use of hedge instruments to manage market risk. We have not entered into any derivative transactions in the three months ended March 31, 2009 and have no outstanding contracts as of March 31, 2009.

 

Foreign Currency Risks

 

We currently do not have forward contracts or other instruments to reduce our exposure to foreign currency gains and losses. To the extent possible, we have managed our foreign currency exposures by using natural hedging techniques to minimize the foreign currency rate risk.

 

The U.S. dollar is our reporting currency and the functional currency for the majority of our foreign subsidiaries including our largest subsidiaries in Korea and the Philippines and also our subsidiaries in China and Singapore. For our subsidiaries in Japan and Taiwan, the local currency is the functional currency. We have foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with the remeasurement of monetary assets and monetary liabilities

on our Consolidated Balance Sheet that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency. The most significant foreign denominated monetary asset or liability is our Korean severance obligation which represents approximately 73% of the net monetary exposure. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, $6.1 million of the $12.1 million net foreign currency gain reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations was related to remeasurement of this severance obligation. We performed a sensitivity analysis of our foreign currency exposure as of March 31, 2009, to assess the potential impact of fluctuations in exchange rates for all foreign denominated assets and liabilities. Assuming a 10% adverse movement for all currencies against the U.S. dollar as of March 31, 2009, our loss before income taxes would have been approximately $14.5 million higher.

 

In addition, we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure on our results of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, approximately 76% of our net sales were denominated in U.S. dollars. Our remaining net sales were principally denominated in Japanese yen, Korean won and Taiwanese dollars for local country sales. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, approximately 55% of our cost of sales and operating expenses were denominated in U.S. dollars and were largely for raw materials and factory supplies. The remaining portion of our cost of sales and operating expenses was principally denominated in the Asian currency where our production facilities are located and was largely for labor and utilities. To the extent that the U.S. dollar weakens against these Asian-based currencies, similar foreign currency denominated transactions in the future will result in higher sales and higher operating expenses. Similarly, our sales and operating expenses will decrease if the U.S. dollar strengthens against these foreign currencies. We performed a sensitivity analysis of our foreign currency exposure as of March 31, 2009 to assess the potential impact of fluctuations in exchange rates for all foreign denominated sales and expenses. Assuming a 10% adverse movement from the three months ended March 31, 2009 exchange rates of the U.S. dollar compared to all of these Asian-based currencies as of March 31, 2009, our operating loss would have been approximately $12.2 million higher.

 

We have foreign currency exchange rate exposure on our stockholders’ equity as a result of the translation of our subsidiaries in Japan and Taiwan where the local currency is the functional currency. To the extent the U.S. dollar strengthens against the Japanese yen and the Taiwanese dollar, the translation of these foreign currency denominated transactions will result in reduced sales, operating expenses, assets and liabilities. Similarly, our sales, operating expenses, assets and liabilities will increase if the U.S. dollar weakens against the Japanese yen and the Taiwanese dollar. The effect of foreign exchange rate translation on our Consolidated Balance Sheet for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was a net foreign translation loss of $7.2 million and a gain of $30.5 million, respectively, and was recognized as an adjustment to equity through other comprehensive (loss) income.

 

There are inherent limitations in the sensitivity analysis presented, primarily due to the assumption that foreign exchange rate movements across multiple jurisdictions are similar and would be linear and instantaneous. As a result, the analysis is unable to reflect the potential effects of more complex market or other changes that could arise which may positively or negatively affect our results of operations.

 

Interest Rate Risks

 

We have interest rate risk with respect to our long-term debt. As of March 31, 2009, we had a total of $1,464.0 million of debt of which 82.0% was fixed rate debt and 18.0% was variable rate debt. Our variable rate debt principally relates to our foreign borrowings and any amounts outstanding under our $100.0 million revolving line of credit, of which no amounts were drawn as of March 31, 2009. The fixed rate debt consists of senior notes, senior subordinated notes and subordinated notes. As of December 31, 2008, we had a total of $1,493.4 million of debt of which 82.6% was fixed rate debt and 17.4% was variable rate debt.

The table below presents the interest rates and maturities of our fixed and variable rate debt as of March 31, 2009.

 

 

For information regarding the fair value of our long-term debt, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included within Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.

 

Equity Price Risks

 

We have convertible notes that are convertible into our common stock. We currently intend to repay our remaining convertible notes upon maturity, unless converted, repurchased or refinanced. If investors were to decide to convert their notes to common stock, our future earnings would benefit from a reduction in interest expense and our common stock outstanding would be increased. If we paid a premium to induce such conversion, our earnings could include an additional charge.

 

Further, the trading price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. Such fluctuations could impact our decision or ability to utilize the equity markets as a potential source of our funding needs in the future.

 

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, based on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures.

 

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2009 and concluded those disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

As previously reported, we are implementing a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system in a multi-year program on a company-wide basis. We do not expect to have any changes in our internal control over financial reporting with respect to this ERP implementation until 2010 when the next phase of modules will be implemented.

 

 

Information about legal proceedings is set forth in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report.

 

 

The factors discussed below are cautionary statements that identify important factors and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. For more information regarding the forward-looking statements contained in this report, see the introductory paragraph to Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information included in this report, in considering our business and prospects. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing Amkor. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us also may impair our business operations. The occurrence of any of the following risks could affect our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

 

Dependence on the Highly Cyclical Semiconductor and Electronic Products Industries — We Operate in Volatile Industries and Industry Downturns and the Recent Declines in Global Economic and Financial Conditions Could Harm Our Performance.

 

Our business reflects the market conditions in the semiconductor industry, which is cyclical by nature. The semiconductor industry has experienced significant and sometimes prolonged downturns in the past, and the recent financial crisis and declining conditions in the global economy have resulted in a downturn in the semiconductor industry. Reduced economic activity due to the global recession and decreased consumer spending, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity and concerns about inflation and deflation are negatively impacting demand for our services, creating downward pressure on prices and have made it difficult for us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities.

 

As a result of the deteriorating global economic conditions and tightening of the credit markets, our customers and suppliers may face issues gaining timely access to sufficient credit, which could impair our customers’ ability to make timely payments to us and could cause key suppliers to delay shipments and face serious risks of insolvency.

 

Since our business is, and will continue to be, dependent on the requirements of semiconductor companies for subcontracted packaging and test services, any significant downturn in the semiconductor industry or any other industry that uses a significant number of semiconductor devices, such as consumer electronic products, telecommunication devices, or computing devices, could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results. It is difficult to predict the timing, strength or duration of any economic slowdown or subsequent economic recovery, and if industry conditions continue to deteriorate, we could suffer significant losses, as we have in the past, which could materially and adversely impact our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Fluctuations in Operating Results and Cash Flows — Our Operating Results and Cash Flows Have Varied and May Vary Significantly as a Result of Factors That We Cannot Control.

 

Many factors, including the impact of current adverse economic conditions, could materially and adversely affect our net sales, gross profit, operating results and cash flows, or lead to significant variability of quarterly or annual operating results. Our profitability and ability to generate cash from operations is principally dependent upon demand for semiconductors, the utilization of our capacity, semiconductor package mix, the average selling price of our services, our ability to manage our capital expenditures in response to market conditions and control our costs including labor, material, overhead and financing costs. The recent downturn in demand for semiconductors has resulted in significant declines in our operating results and cash flows as our capacity utilization rates have declined.

Our operating results and cash flows have varied significantly from period to period. Our net sales, gross margins, operating income and cash flows have historically fluctuated significantly as a result of many of the following factors, over which we have little or no control and which we expect to continue to impact our business:

 

 

It is often difficult to predict the impact of these factors upon our results for a particular period. The recent downturn in the global economy and the semiconductor industry has increased the risks associated with the foregoing factors as customer forecasts have become more volatile, and there is less visibility regarding future demand and significantly increased uncertainty regarding the economy, credit markets, and consumer demand. These factors may materially and adversely affect our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, or lead to significant variability of quarterly or annual operating results. In addition, these factors may adversely affect our credit ratings which could make it more difficult and expensive for us to raise capital and could adversely affect the price of our securities.

High Fixed Costs — Due to Our High Percentage of Fixed Costs, We Will Be Unable to Maintain Our Gross Margin at Past Levels if We Are Unable to Achieve Relatively High Capacity Utilization Rates.

 

Our operations are characterized by relatively high fixed costs. Our profitability depends in part not only on pricing levels for our packaging and test services, but also on the utilization rates for our packaging and test equipment, commonly referred to as “capacity utilization rates.” In particular, increases or decreases in our capacity utilization rates can significantly affect gross margins since the unit cost of packaging and test services generally decreases as fixed costs are allocated over a larger number of units. In periods of low demand, we experience relatively low capacity utilization rates in our operations, which lead to reduced margins during those periods. We are currently experiencing lower than optimum utilization rates in our operations due to a decline in world-wide demand for our packaging and test services, which have significantly reduced our gross margin during the period. Although our capacity utilization rates at times have been strong, we cannot assure that we will be able to achieve consistently high capacity utilization rates, and if we fail to do so, our gross margins may decrease. If our gross margin continues at low levels or decreases further, our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. The recent declines in demand have significantly reduced our gross margin and we have experienced lower utilization rates in our manufacturing operations.

 

In addition, our fixed operating costs have increased in recent years in part as a result of our efforts to expand our capacity through significant capital additions. Forecasted customer demand for which we have made capital investments may not materialize during the downturn. As a result, our sales may not adequately cover our substantial fixed costs resulting in reduced profit levels or causing significant losses, both of which may adversely impact our liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Additionally, we could suffer significant losses if current industry conditions continue to deteriorate further, which could materially and adversely impact our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

 

Guidance — Our Failure to Meet Our Guidance or Analyst Projections Could Adversely Impact the Trading Prices of Our Securities.

 

We periodically provide guidance to investors with respect to certain financial information for future periods. Securities analysts also periodically publish their own projections with respect to our future operating results. As discussed above under “Fluctuations in Operating Results and Cash Flows — Our Operating Results and Cash Flows Have Varied and May Vary Significantly as a Result of Factors That We Cannot Control,” our operating results and cash flows vary significantly and are difficult to accurately predict. Recent downward volatility in customer forecasts and reduced visibility caused by economic uncertainty and declining global consumer demand has made it particularly difficult to predict future results. To the extent we fail to meet or exceed our own guidance or the analyst projections for any reason, the trading prices of our securities may be adversely impacted. Moreover, even if we do meet or exceed that guidance or those projections, the analysts and investors may not react favorably, and the trading prices of our securities may be adversely impacted.

 

Declining Average Selling Prices — The Semiconductor Industry Places Downward Pressure on the Prices of Our Packaging and Test Services.

 

Prices for packaging and test services have generally declined over time. Historically, we have been able to partially offset the effect of price declines by successfully developing and marketing new packages with higher prices, such as advanced leadframe and laminate packages, by negotiating lower prices with our material vendors, recovering material cost increases from our customers, and by driving engineering and technological changes in our packaging and test processes which resulted in reduced manufacturing costs. We expect general downward pressure on average selling prices for our packaging and test services in the future and these pricing pressures can be expected to increase during a downturn in the semiconductor industry. If we are unable to offset a decline in average selling prices, including developing and marketing new packages with higher prices, reducing our purchasing costs, recovering more of our material cost increases from our customers and reducing our manufacturing costs, our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Decisions by Our IDM Customers to Curtail Outsourcing May Adversely Affect Our Business.

 

Historically, we have been dependent on the trend in outsourcing of packaging and test services by integrated device manufacturers (“IDM”). Our IDM customers continually evaluate the outsourced services against their own in-house packaging and test services. As a result, at any time and for a variety of reasons, IDMs may decide to shift some or all of their outsourced packaging and test services to internally sourced capacity.

 

The reasons IDMs may shift their internal capacity include:

 

 

Furthermore, to the extent we limit capacity commitments for certain customers, these customers may begin to increase their level of in-house packaging and test capabilities, which could adversely impact our sales and profitability and make it more difficult for us to regain their business when we have available capacity. Any shift or a slowdown in this trend of outsourcing packaging and test services is likely to adversely affect our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

In a downturn in the semiconductor industry, such as the downturn we are currently experiencing, IDMs have responded by shifting some outsourced packaging and test services to internally serviced capacity on a short term basis. If this trend continues, this may have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows especially during a prolonged industry downturn.

 

Our Substantial Indebtedness Could Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Prevent Us from Fulfilling Our Obligations.

 

We now have, and for the foreseeable future will continue to have, a significant amount of indebtedness. As of March 31, 2009, our total debt balance was $1,464.0 million, of which $69.4 million was classified as a current liability. In April 2009, we increased our debt by issuing $250.0 million of our 2014 Notes. In addition, despite current debt levels, the terms of the indentures governing our indebtedness allow us or our subsidiaries to incur more debt, subject to certain limitations. If new debt is added to our consolidated debt level, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

 

Our substantial indebtedness could:

 

 

Ability to Fund Liquidity Needs.

 

We operate in a capital intensive industry. Servicing our current and future customers requires that we incur significant operating expenses and continue to make significant capital expenditures, which are generally made in

advance of the related revenues and without any firm customer commitments. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we had capital additions of $24.3 million and for the full year 2009 we expect to make capital additions of approximately $100 million, which is well below 2008 levels.

 

In addition, we have a significant level of debt, with $1,464.0 million outstanding at March 31, 2009, $69.4 million of which is current. The terms of such debt require significant scheduled principal payments in the coming years, including $43.5 million due during the remainder of 2009, $69.4 million due in 2010, $331.8 million due in 2011, $43.0 million due in 2012, $564.9 million due in 2013 and $411.4 million due thereafter. The interest payments required on our debt are also substantial. For example, in the three months ended March 31, 2009, we paid $15.9 million of interest. The source of funding for our operations, including making capital expenditures and servicing principal and interest obligations with respect to our debt, are cash flows from our operations, current cash and cash equivalents, borrowings under available debt facilities, or proceeds from any additional debt or equity financing. As of March 31, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $291.5 million and $99.5 million available under our senior secured revolving credit facility.

 

In April 2009, we issued $250.0 million of 2014 Notes and received net proceeds of approximately $244.5 million. We expect to use the net proceeds to reduce other indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

 

We assess our liquidity based on our current expectations regarding sales, operating expenses, capital spending and debt service requirements. Based on this assessment, we believe that our cash flow from operating activities together with existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months. Thereafter, our liquidity will continue to be affected by, among other things, the performance of our business, our capital expenditure levels and our ability to repay debt out of our operating cash flow or refinance the debt with the proceeds of debt or equity offerings at or prior to maturity. Moreover, the recent financial crisis affecting the worldwide banking system and financial markets and the going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions have resulted in a tightening in the credit markets, a low level of liquidity in many financial markets, and extreme volatility in fixed income, credit and equity markets which could make it much more difficult for us to maintain our existing credit facilities or refinance our debt. If our performance or access to the capital markets differs materially from our expectations, our liquidity may be adversely impacted.

 

In addition, if we fail to generate the necessary net income or operating cash flows to meet the funding needs of our business beyond the next twelve months due to a variety of factors, including the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, the current economic downturn and the other factors discussed in this “Risk Factors” section, our liquidity would be adversely affected.

 

Our Ability To Draw On Our Current Loan Facilities May Be Adversely Affected by Current Conditions in the U.S. and International Capital Markets.

 

If financial institutions that have extended credit commitments to us are adversely affected by the conditions of the U.S. and international capital markets, they may become unable to fund borrowings under their credit commitments to us. For example, we currently have a $100.0 million revolving credit facility with three banks in the U.S. and a $50.0 million working capital facility with a Chinese bank. If any of these banks are adversely affected by the current capital market conditions and are unable to make loans to us when requested, there could be a corresponding adverse impact on our financial condition and our ability to borrow additional funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, research and development and other corporate purposes.

 

Restrictive Covenants in the Indentures and Agreements Governing Our Current and Future Indebtedness Could Restrict Our Operating Flexibility.

 

The indentures and agreements governing our existing debt, and debt we may incur in the future, contain, or may contain, affirmative and negative covenants that materially limit our ability to take certain actions, including our ability to incur debt, pay dividends and repurchase stock, make certain investments and other payments, enter into certain mergers and consolidations, engage in sale leaseback transactions and encumber and dispose of assets. The $671.1 million write-off of our goodwill at December 31, 2008 has significantly reduced our ability to pay

dividends and repurchase stock and subordinated securities, including our convertible notes. In addition, our future debt agreements may contain financial covenants and ratios.

 

The breach of any of these covenants by us or the failure by us to meet any of these ratios or conditions could result in a default under any or all of such indebtedness. If a default occurs under any such indebtedness, all of the outstanding obligations thereunder could become immediately due and payable, which could result in a default under our other outstanding debt and could lead to an acceleration of obligations related to other outstanding debt. The existence of such a default or event of default could also preclude us from borrowing funds under our revolving credit facilities. Our ability to comply with the provisions of the indentures, credit facilities and other agreements governing our outstanding debt and indebtedness we may incur in the future can be affected by events beyond our control and a default under any debt instrument, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

We Have Significant Severance Plan Obligations Associated With Our Manufacturing Operations in Korea Which Could Reduce Our Cash Flow and Negatively Impact Our Financial Condition.

 

We sponsor an accrued severance plan in our Korean subsidiary. Under the Korean plan, eligible employees are entitled to receive a lump sum payment upon termination of their employment based on their length of service, seniority and rate of pay at the time of termination. In addition, and in accordance with severance plan regulations in Korea, employers may pay employees earned benefits prior to terminating their employment with us. In January 2009, we paid $31.6 million of such interim benefits using cash on hand. Our severance plan obligation is significant and in the event of a reduction in force or other termination of employment in our Korean facilities, payments under the plan could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and cash flows. See Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report.

 

If We Fail to Maintain an Effective System of Internal Controls, We May Not be Able to Accurately Report Financial Results or Prevent Fraud.

 

Effective internal controls are necessary to provide reliable financial reports and to assist in the effective prevention of fraud. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud could harm our business. We must annually evaluate our internal procedures to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which requires management and auditors to assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to remedy or maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties or shareholder litigation.

 

In addition, failure to maintain adequate internal controls could result in financial statements that do not accurately reflect our operating results or financial condition.

 

We Face Product Return and Liability Risks, the Risk of Economic Damage Claims and the Risk of Negative Publicity if Our Packages Fail.

 

Our packages are incorporated into a number of end products, and our business is exposed to product return and liability risks, the risk of economic damage claims and the risk of negative publicity if our packages fail.

 

In addition, we are exposed to the product and economic liability risks and the risk of negative publicity affecting our customers. Our sales may decline if any of our customers are sued on a product liability claim. We also may suffer a decline in sales from the negative publicity associated with such a lawsuit or with adverse public perceptions in general regarding our customers’ products. Further, if our packages are delivered with impurities or defects, we could incur additional development, repair or replacement costs, suffer other economic losses and our credibility and the market’s acceptance of our packages could be harmed.

 

Absence of Backlog — The Lack of Contractually Committed Customer Demand May Adversely Affect Our Sales.

 

Our packaging and test business does not typically operate with any material backlog. Our quarterly net sales from packaging and test services are substantially dependent upon our customers’ demand in that quarter. None of

our customers have committed to purchase any significant amount of packaging or test services or to provide us with binding forecasts of demand for packaging and test services for any future period, in any material amount. In addition, our customers often reduce, cancel or delay their purchases of packaging and test services for a variety of reasons including industry-wide, customer-specific and Amkor-related reasons. Since a large portion of our costs is fixed and our expense levels are based in part on our expectations of future revenues, we may not be able to adjust costs in a timely manner to compensate for any sales shortfall. If we are unable to do so, it would adversely affect our margins, operating results, financial condition and cash flows. If the decline in customer demand continues, our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will be materially and adversely affected.

 

Risks Associated With International Operations — We Depend on Our Factories and Operations in China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan. Many of Our Customers’ and Vendors’ Operations Are Also Located Outside of the U.S.

 

We provide packaging and test services through our factories and other operations located in China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan. Although we do not derive any revenue from, nor sell any packages in North Korea, any future increase in tensions between South Korea and North Korea which may occur, for example, an outbreak of military hostilities, could adversely affect our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Moreover, many of our customers’ and vendors’ operations are located outside the U.S. The following are some of the risks inherent in doing business internationally:

 

 

Our Management Information Systems May Prove Inadequate — We Face Risks in Connection With Our Current Project to Install a New Enterprise Resource Planning System For Our Business.

 

We depend on our management information systems for many aspects of our business. Some of our key software has been developed by our own programmers, and this software may not be easily integrated with other software and systems. We are implementing a new enterprise resource planning system to replace many of our existing systems at significant locations. We face risks in connection with our current project to install a new enterprise resource system for our business. These risks include:

 

 

Our business could be materially and adversely affected if our management information systems are disrupted or if we are unable to improve, upgrade, integrate or expand upon our systems, particularly in light of our intention to continue to implement a new enterprise resource planning system over a multi-year program on a company-wide basis.

We Face Risks Trying to Attract and Retain Qualified Employees to Support Our Operations.