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Himax Technologies

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FY2012 Annual Report · Himax Technologies
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Dear Shareholders,

We are extremely happy to report that 2012 was a successful year for Himax Technologies on several fronts. 
Sales increased over 16%, led by growth in our small-medium driver segment as well as our non-driver IC 
business. We met or exceeded our quarterly sales, margin and EPS guidance in every quarter in 2012, an 
accomplishment that illustrated the effectiveness of our processes and systems across our entire organization. 
More importantly, we have increased our gross margin by over 330 basis points since the fourth quarter 
2011. Based on the exciting new products we have introduced in the past several quarters and others we will 
introduce throughout 2013, we are optimistic that we can expand our margins even further.

Our strong operational and financial results in 2012 reflect successful execution of our long term growth 
strategies.

1. Increase sales of small and medium-sized drivers.
2. Invest in new products and new technologies, particularly in areas related to mobile devices.
3. Diversify our customers by end markets and geographies.

Small and medium-sized drivers generated impressive sales growth due primarily to demand of smart phones, 
which tend to require better displays and thus higher end driver ICs. We enjoy a commanding position in 
the smartphone sector as a result of our leading technologies, competitive products and growing base of tier 
1 and “white box” customers. Sales of small and medium-sized drivers have become our largest product 
segment, accounting for 44.6% of total sales in 2012. We expect further growth in this high margin product 
segment in 2013. 

We also had a terrific year in our non-driver product business. Coming off a successful 2011, we further 
expanded our product portfolio and client base for our non-driver products, including timing controllers, 
CMOS  image  sensors,  wafer-level  optics,  touch  panel  controllers,  LED  driver  ICs,  integrated  power 
management ICs, ASIC service and LCOS microdisplays. Overall non-driver IC sales grew 28% in 2012, 
representing approximately 14% of total sales.

We are making exciting progress in our non-driver products, which have been a focus of our company’s R&D 
and investment for many years. We are particularly excited to see several of them have already garnered 
interest by marquee and globally recognized end customers.

We intend to leverage our positive momentum to further improve our competitive position across all facets 
of our company. It is imperative that we maintain our focus on developing great products and providing 
exemplary customer service in each of the dynamic and competitive markets in which we compete. We are 
excited about the opportunities we have in front of us and the strong position we are in to capitalize.

I will close by thanking all of our employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders for their continued 
support. We have worked extremely hard to earn their trust and we intend to keep doing so by putting their 
interests at the forefront of everything we do. Since the fourth quarter of 2011 through March 31, 2013, we 
have delivered a solid return to our shareholders by paying $11 million in cash dividends; buying back $11.3 
million of stock; and generating $752.6 million in price appreciation. We have maintained a strong balance 
sheet, with no debt and over $158.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. We intend to deploy our capital 
wisely and continue growing our company profitably, as we have done in the past several years.

I hope you have a deeper understanding of Himax Technologies and why we are more excited than ever 
about our Company’s future. I thank you for your trust and support.

Sincerely,

Jordan Wu
President and CEO
Himax Technologies, Inc.

1

 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F 

(Mark One)

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE   

            SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 

            EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
           For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

OR

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES  

            EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
            For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 

            SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
            Date of event requiring this shell company report ________________

OR

Commission file number: 000-51847

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

CAYMAN ISLANDS
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

NO. 26, ZIH LIAN ROAD
SINSHIH DISTRICT, TAINAN CITY 74148
TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA
(Address of principal executive offices) 

Jackie Chang
Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: +886-2-2370-3999
E-mail: jackie_chang@himax.com.tw
Facsimile: +886-2-2314-0877
10F, No. 1, Xiangyang Road
Taipei 10046
Taiwan, Republic of China
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

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

                             Title of each class                                                               Name of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary Shares, par value $0.3 per ordinary share 

           The NASDAQ Global Select Market Inc.*

* 

2

Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, Inc. of American Depositary Shares  
representing such Ordinary Shares

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to 
Section 15(d) of the Act: None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the 
close of the period covered by the annual report. 339,149,508 Ordinary Shares.

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

x

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

x

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

x

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

Large accelerated filer                  Accelerated filer                Non-accelerated filer 

x

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

x
U.S.  GAAP        International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  as  issued  by  the  International Accounting 
Standards Board      Other 

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

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

x

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                                        

PAGES

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 
CERTAIN CONVENTIONS 
PART I 
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS 
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE 
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION 
3.A. Selected Financial Data 
3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness 
3.C. Reason for the Offer and Use of Proceeds 
3.D. Risk Factors 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 

4.A. History and Development of the Company 
4.B. Business Overview 
4.C. Organizational Structure 
4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS 

5.A. Operating Results 
5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources 
5.C. Research and Development 
5.D. Trend Information 
5.E. Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements 
5.F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES 

6.A. Directors and Senior Management 
6.B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers 
6.C. Board Practices 
6.D. Employees 
6.E. Share Ownership 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

7.A. Major Shareholders 
7.B. Related Party Transactions 
7.C. Interests of Experts and Counsel 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information 
8.B. Significant Changes 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING 
9.A. Offer and Listing Details 
9.B. Plan of Distribution 
9.C. Markets 
9.D. Selling Shareholders 
9.E. Dilution 
9.F. Expenses of the Issue 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

10.A. Share Capital 
10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association 
10.C. Material Contracts 
10.D. Exchange Controls 
10.E. Taxation 
10.F. Dividends and Paying Agents 
10.G. Statement by Experts 
10.H. Documents on Display 
10.I. Subsidiary Information 

4

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ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

12.A. Debt Securities
12.B. Warrants and Rights
12.C. Other Securities
12.D. American Depositary Shares

PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS 
AND USE OF PROCEEDS
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]

16.A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
16.B. Code of Ethics
16.C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
16.D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
16.E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
16.F. Chang in Registrant’s Certified Accountant
16.G. Corporate Governance
16.H. Mine Safety Disclosure

PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

106
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106
106
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109
109
109

109
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111
111
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112
112
113
113
113
113
113
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5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This annual report on Form 20-F contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 
27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended, or the Exchange Act. Although these forward-looking statements, which may include statements 
regarding our future results of operations, financial condition, or business prospects, are based on our own 
information  and  information  from  other  sources  we  believe  to  be  reliable,  you  should  not  place  undue 
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this annual report. The 
words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” and similar expressions, as they relate 
to us, are intended to identify a number of these forward-looking statements. Our actual results of operations, 
financial condition or business prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these 
forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, among other things and not limited to, our 
anticipated growth strategies, our and our customers’ future business developments, results of operations and 
financial condition, our ability to develop new products, the future growth and pricing trend of the display 
driver markets, the future growth of end-use applications that use flat panel displays, particularly TFT-LCD 
panels, development of alternative flat panel display technologies, market acceptance and competitiveness 
of the driver and non-driver products developed by us, our ability to protect intellectual property, changes 
in customer relations and preference, shortage in supply of key components, our ability to collect accounts 
receivable and manage inventory, changes in economic and financial market conditions, and other factors. 
For a discussion of these risks and other factors, please see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors.”

CERTAIN CONVENTIONS

Unless otherwise indicated, all translations from U.S. dollars to NT dollars in this annual report were 
made at a rate of $1.00 to NT$29.05, the exchange rates set forth in the H.10 weekly statistical release of 
the Federal Reserve System of the United States (the “Federal Reserve Board”) on December 31, 2012. No 
representation is made that the NT dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted 
into  U.S.  dollars  at  any  particular  rate  or  at  all.  On April  19,  2013,the  noon  buying  rate  was  $1.00  to 
NT$29.77. Any discrepancies in any table between totals and sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.

Unless otherwise indicated, in this annual report,

the terms “we,” “us,” “our company,” “our,” and “Himax” refer to Himax Technologies, Inc., its   
predecessor entities and subsidiaries;

the term “Himax Taiwan” refers to Himax Technologies Limited, our wholly owned subsidiary in 
Taiwan and our predecessor;

“shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our ordinary shares, par value $0.3 per share;

“RSUs” refers to restricted share units;

“ADSs” refers to our American depositary shares, each of which represents two ordinary shares;

“ADRs” refers to the American depositary receipts that evidence our ADSs;

“ROC” or “Taiwan” refers to the island of Taiwan and other areas under the effective control of 
 the Republic of China;

“PRC” or “China” for purposes of this annual report refers to the People’s Republic of China, 
 excluding Taiwan and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau;

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“AMOLED” refers to active matrix organic light-emitting diode;

“ASIC” refers to application specific integrated circuit;

“CMOS” refers to complementary metal oxide semiconductor;

“head-mounted-display” refers to a display device, worn on the head or as part of a helmet, that 
 has a small display optic in front of one or each;

“IC” refers to integrated circuit;

“IGZO” refers to indium gallium zinc oxide;

“Innolux” refers to Innolux Corporation, its predecessor and consolidated subsidiaries, unless 
 the context otherwise requires;

“LCOS” refers to liquid crystal on silicon;

“LED” refers to light-emitting diode;

“LTPS” refers to low temperature poly silicon;

“MEMS” refers to micro-electro mechanical systems;

“OLED” refers to organic light-emitting diode;

“TFT-LCD” refers to amorphous silicon thin film transistor liquid crystal display, or “a-Si TFT-
 LCD”;

“VGA” refers to Video Graphics Array;

“wafer level optics” are optical products manufactured using semiconductor process on wafers;

“processed tape” refers to polyimide tape plated with copper foil that has a circuit formed within 
 it, which is used in tape-automated bonding packaging;

“semiconductor manufacturing service providers” refers to third-party wafer fabrication foundries, 
 gold bumping houses, and assembly and testing houses;

“large-sized panels” refers to panels that are typically above ten inches in diagonal 
 measurement;

“small and medium-sized panels” refers to panels that are typically around ten inches or less in 
 diagonal measurement;

all references to “New Taiwan dollars,” “NT dollars” and “NT$” are to the legal currency of the 
ROC; and

all references to “dollars,” “U.S. dollars” and “$” are to the legal currency of the United States.

On August 10, 2009, we effected:(i) a stock split in the form of a stock dividend of 5,999 ordinary shares 
for each ordinary share held by shareholders of record, followed by a consolidation of every 3,000 ordinary 
shares into one ordinary share;(ii) a change of the par value of our ordinary shares from $0.0001 each to 
$0.3 each; and (iii) a change in our ADS ratio from one ADS representing one ordinary share to one ADS 
representing two ordinary shares. See “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major 

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders” for more information. Unless otherwise indicated, all shares, per share and share equity data in 
this annual report have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of the stock split and the change in par 
value for all periods presented.

PART I

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

  Not applicable.

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

3.A. Selected Financial Data

The selected consolidated statement of income data and selected consolidated cash flow data for the years 
ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 
31, 2011 and 2012 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included herein, which 
were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The selected consolidated statement of income data and 
selected consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 and the selected 
consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are derived from our audited 
consolidated financial statements that have not been included herein and were prepared in accordance with 
U.S. GAAP. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. The 
selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial 
Review and Prospects” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included 
herein.

2008

Year Ended December 31, 2011
2009
2010
2011
(in thousands, except per share data)

2012

Consolidated Statement of Income 
Data:
Revenues from third parties, net 
Revenues from related parties, net
Costs and expenses(1):
Cost of revenues 
Research and development 
General and administrative 
(Recovery of) bad debt expense 
Sales and marketing 

 $     312,336
         520,463

 $    245,075
       447,306

 $    304,068
       338,624

 $    374,788
       258,233

 $    485,281
       251,974

       628,693
         87,574
         19,353
         25,305
         11,692

       550,556
         71,364
         16,346
              218
         10,360

       507,647
         76,426
         18,770
           (8,788) 
         13,279

       507,449
         79,042
         17,095
          (1,541)
         14,368

       566,700
         70,913
         17,139             
                  -
         15,443

Operating income 

 $      60,182

 $      43,537

 $      35,358

 $      16,608

 $      67,060

Net income(2) 
Net income attributable to 
   Himax stockholders 

 $      72,724

 $      35,810

 $      29,066

 $        9,507

 $      50,138

 $      76,381

 $      39,650

 $      33,206

 $      10,706

 $      51,596

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
Earnings per ordinary share  
   attributable to Himax stockholders(2):
Basic 
Diluted 
Earnings per ADS attributable to 
   Himax stockholders:
Basic 
Diluted 
Weighted-average number of ordinary  
   shares used in earnings per share    
   computation:
Basic 
Diluted 
Weighted-average number of ADS 
   equivalent used in earnings per share 
   computation:
Basic 
Diluted 

Cash dividends declared per ordinary 
   share(3) 
Cash dividends declared per ADS

 $          0.20
 $          0.20

 $           0.11
 $           0.11

 $          0.09
 $          0.09

 $          0.03
 $          0.03

 $          0.15
 $          0.15

 $          0.40
 $          0.40

 $           0.21
 $           0.21

 $          0.19
 $          0.19

 $          0.06
 $          0.06

 $          0.30
 $          0.30

       383,229
       383,753

       369,652
       370,229

       355,037
       355,690

       353,771
       353,827

       341,056
       341,524

       191,615
       191,877

       184,826
       185,115

       177,518
       177,845

       176,886
       176,914

       170,528
       170,762

 $        0.175

 $        0.150

 $        0.125

 $        0.060

 $        0.032

 $        0.350

 $        0.300

 $        0.250

 $        0.120

 $        0.063

Note: 
                    is summarized as follows:

(1) The amount of share-based compensation included in applicable costs and expenses categories    

2008

2009

Year Ended December 31
2010
(in thousands)

2011

2012

Cost of revenues 
Research and development 
General and administrative 
Sales and marketing 
Total 

 $              435
           15,861
           2,813
           2,691
 $      21,800

 $           264
         10,936
           1,959
           1,902
 $      15,061

 $            240
            8,803
            1,525
            1,613
 $       12,181

 $           124
           5,062
              872
           1,005
 $        7,063

 $          176
          5,625
          1,191
          1,230
 $       8,222

Of  the  $21.8  million,  $15.1  million,  $12.2  million,  $7.1  million  and  $8.2  million  in  share-based 
compensation in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, $12.7 million, $6.5 million, $5.9 million, $2.9 
million and $6.3 million were settled in cash, respectively.

(2)  Under  the  ROC  Statute  for  Upgrading  Industries,  we  are  exempt  from  income  taxes  for  income 
attributable to expanded production capacity or newly developed technologies. The effect of such 
tax exemption on our historical results was an increase on net income and basic and diluted earnings 
per share attributable to our stockholders of $25.2 million, $0.07 and $0.07, respectively, for the year 
ended December 31, 2008, $9.4 million, $0.03 and $0.03, respectively, for the year ended December 
31, 2009, $3.6 million, $0.01 and $0.01, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2010, $0.8 
million, $0.002 and $0.002, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $2.9 million, $0.01 
and $0.01, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012. A portion of these tax exemptions 
expired or will expire on March 31, 2009, December 31, 2010, December 31, 2012, December 31, 
2013 and December 31, 2017.

(3)  The above cash dividends should not be considered representative of the dividends that would be paid 
in any future periods or our dividend policy. See “Item 8.A.8. Financial Information—Dividends and 
Dividend Policy” for more information on our dividends and our dividend policy.

9

 
 
 
 
  
2008

2009

As of December 31,
2010
(in thousands)

2011

2012

 $    135,200
         51,029

 $    110,924
         64,496

 $       96,842
          80,212

 $    106,164
       101,280

 $    138,737
       135,747

       104,477
         96,921
       434,650
       565,548
         53,720
         90,143
         95,542
       114,072
       470,006

       138,172
         67,768
       423,797
       550,448
         88,079
       120,651
       126,376
       107,404
       424,072

          95,964
        117,988
        485,924
        619,620
        115,922
        205,748
        212,644
        106,153
        406,976

         79,833
       112,985
       515,709
       644,978
       134,353
       245,360
       249,920
       107,010
       395,058

         73,258
       116,671
       567,088
       674,598
       135,546
       242,117
       246,440
       107,010
       428,158

2008

2009

Year Ended December 31,
2010
(in thousands)

2011

2012

 $    136,500
            (21,810)
         (74,304)

 $      73,630
               (7,541)
            (90,779)

 $       57,631
            (17,599)
            (54,195)

 $      43,448
           (10,197)
           (24,015)

 $       52,167
            (695)
       (18,931)

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable from related 
   parties, net
Inventories
Total current assets
Total assets
Accounts payable
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
Ordinary shares
Total equity

Consolidated Cash Flow Data:
Net cash provided by operating 
   activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities

Exchange Rate Information

The following table sets forth the average, high, low and period-end noon buying rates between NT 
dollars  and  U.S.  dollars  for  the  periods  indicated.  For  periods  prior  to  January  1,  2009,  the  exchange 
rates reflected the noon buying rate for cable transfers in NT dollars as certified for customs purposes by 
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For periods after January 1, 2009, the exchange rates reflect the 
exchange rates set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

Period
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
   October 
   November 
   December 
2013
   January 
   February 
   March 
   April (through April 19) 

Average(1)

Noon Buying Rate Low
High
Low

(NT dollars per U.S. dollar)

Period-end

                 31.51
                 32.96
                 31.39
                 29.42
                 29.47
                 29.24
                 29.11
                 29.04

                 33.58
                 35.21
                 32.43
                 30.67
                 30.28
                 29.31
                 29.26
                 29.10

                  29.99
                  31.95
                  29.14
                  28.50
                  28.96
                  29.15
                  28.96
                  29.00

                 32.76
                 31.95
                 29.14
                 30.27
                 29.05
                 29.20
                 29.07
                 29.05

                 29.10
                 29.63
                 29.74
                 29.91

                 29.54
                 29.73
                 29.88
                 30.06

                  28.93
                  29.52
                  29.63
                  29.77

                 29.54
                 29.67
                 29.81
                 29.77

(1) Annual averages are calculated by averaging month-end rates for the relevant year. 

Note: 
                  Monthly averages are calculated by averaging daily rates for the relevant period.

10

 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

  Not applicable.

3.C. Reason for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

3.D. Risk Factors

Risks Relating to Our Financial Condition and Business

We generate a substantial majority of our revenues from Innolux, which is the surviving entity following 
the merger of three of our customers. Any loss of or a significant reduction in Innolux’s sales could 
materially and adversely affect our operating results. 

Innolux, formally known as Chimei Innolux Corporation, is one of our key customers. Chimei Innolux 
Corporation (then Innolux Display Corporation), underwent a merger with Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp., 
or CMO, and TPO Displays Corporation, or TPO, in March 2010. All three of these entities have been our 
customers. In 2012, Innolux, together with its affiliates, accounted for approximately 34.2% of our revenues. 
As a significant portion of our revenues are generated from Innolux, we expect our results of operations 
and financial condition to continue to be significantly linked to the success and purchase policy of Innolux. 
Innolux has been adversely affected by the impact of the global economic downturn in recent years. Any loss 
of or a sharp reduction in Innolux’s sales could have a significant negative impact on our business and results 
of operations. In 2011 and 2012, our sales of large-sized panels, for which Innolux is our major customer, 
declined by approximately 26.2% and increased by approximately 12.9%, respectively. The decline in 2011 
was primarily due to Innolux’s change of purchase policy to diversify its display driver supply base. The 
increase in 2012 was attributed to the growth from the Chinese panel makers in the China market where most 
of the new buildings of panel capacity took place. We cannot assure you that the purchase policy of Innolux 
will not change further and result in a reduction of our future sales. In addition, if Innolux seeks lower prices 
from us, our business and financial results could be materially and adversely affected. We expect our reliance 
on sales to Innolux to continue in the foreseeable future. Therefore, our operating results will likely continue 
to depend on sales to Innolux, as well as on the ability of Innolux to sell products that incorporate our 
products.

Our  suppliers  may  have  increasing  bargaining  power  as  a  result  of  industry  consolidation,  which 
could result in an increase in our average unit cost and a decrease in our profit  margin.

There has been an increased  level  of  industry consolidation among our suppliers in recent years. In 
January, 2010, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd., one of our foundry service providers, merged 
with  GlobalFoundries,  one  of  the  world’s  largest  semiconductor  foundries.  In April  2010,  Chipbond 
Technology Corporation, or Chipbond, merged with International Semiconductor Technology Ltd., or IST, 
which have both been among our principal providers of gold bumping, assembly and testing, and chip probe 
testing services. Such merger and acquisition activities will likely increase the size and market power of 
the relevant suppliers and reduce the number of suppliers we could use. In addition, Siliconware Precision 
Industries Co., Ltd. closed its gold bumping manufacturing service in July 2010. Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd 
and Mitsui Micro Circuits Taiwan Co., Ltd will close chip-on flex, or packages business after June 2012. 
Such industry change could further reduce the number of suppliers for gold bumping, COF packages services 
and Tape that we could use. Therefore, suppliers could be in a better position to bargain for higher prices 
for their services and products, which could result in an increase in our average unit cost. Moreover, as gold 
is a crucial raw material in the gold bumping process, any increases in the price of gold could result in an 
increase in our average unit cost and a decrease in our profit margin. If we are unable to transfer any increase 
in average unit cost to our customers by selling at higher prices, our gross margin would decrease and our 
results of operations could be adversely affected.

11

 
 
 
  
 
 
The  global  economic  downturn  and  financial  crisis  could  negatively  affect  our  business,  results  of 
operations and financial condition. 

The global economic downturn and financial crisis that have been affecting global business, banking and 
financial sectors in recent years have also been affecting the semiconductor market. Our customers have 
reduced or delayed purchases of our products and may continue to alter their purchasing activities in response 
to economic uncertainty, weak consumer spending, concern about the stability of markets and lack of credit, 
among other factors. In addition, there could be a number of knock-on effects from such turmoil on our 
business, including insolvency of key suppliers resulting in product delays, inability of customers to obtain 
credit to finance purchases of our products or customer insolvencies, and other counterparty failures. Current 
uncertainty in global economic conditions also poses a risk to the overall economy that could impact our 
ability to manage commercial relationships with our customers and suppliers. Our revenues are susceptible 
to unexpected changes in global market conditions. If the severe global economic conditions continue or 
worsen, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

We derive over 80% of our net revenues from sales to the TFT-LCD panel industry, which is highly 
cyclical and subject to price fluctuations. Such cyclicality and price fluctuations could negatively impact 
our business or results of operations.

In 2011 and 2012, 87.3% and 86.0% of our revenues, respectively, were attributable to display drivers 
that were incorporated into TFT-LCD panels. We expect to continue to substantially depend on sales to the 
TFT-LCD panel industry for the foreseeable future. The TFT-LCD panel industry is intensely competitive 
and is vulnerable to cyclical market conditions. The average selling prices of TFT-LCD panels generally 
decline with time as a result of, among other factors, capacity ramp-up, technological advancements and cost 
reduction with the exception of the new high end and high resolution products. The average selling prices of 
TFT-LCD panels could further decline for numerous reasons, including but not limited to the following:

• 

lower-than-expected demand for end-use products that incorporate TFT-LCD panels;

a surge in industrial manufacturing capacity due to the ramping up of new fabrication 

• 
       facilities and/or improvements in production yields; and

•  manufacturers operating at high levels of capacity utilization in order to reduce fixed costs 

per panel.

The TFT-LCD panel industry is volatile and difficult to predict. Beginning in the second half of 2008, as 
a result of the severe economic downturn, the TFT-LCD panel industry suffered from an oversupply and a 
decrease in the average selling price of TFT-LCD panels. Such environment continued as we entered 2009, 
resulting in significant downward pricing pressure on our products. There was a rebound in demand for TFT-
LCD panels in the second quarter of 2009, but the growth in output of TFT-LCD panels has been limited by 
the shortage of certain components for TFT-LCD panels. In the first half of 2010, due to rush orders from 
customers, supply chain for display drivers became very tight, especially for wafer foundry and processed 
tape. TFT-LCD panel manufacturers began to significantly increase their orders for certain components for 
TFT-LCD panels because of concerns about component shortage. As a result, the TFT-LCD panel industry 
suffered again from an oversupply in the second half of 2010 as the end demand did not pick up as expected, 
which negatively affected our sales to the TFT-LCD panel industry. Moreover, the 9.0 magnitude earthquake 
and tsunami in Japan in March 2011 materially and adversely impacted the supply chain for the TFT-LCD 
industry. Japan has played and is expected to continue to play an important role in supplying chemicals, raw 
materials, semiconductors and other products to both the TFT-LCD panel industry and the semiconductor 
industry and any future adverse impacts to the Japanese TFT-LCD panel industry may negatively impact our 
sales in Japan which could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations. In 2012, 
there were no events such as those described above that negatively impacted the TFT-LCD panel industry; 
however, we cannot assure you that such similar events will not occur in the future or there will not be any 
future shortages of materials or components for our products or our customers’ products or a decrease in 
demand for our products.

12

 
 
 
   
In addition, the merger of certain of our major customers, including CMO, Innolux and TPO in 2010, 
could result in an increase in their bargaining power and therefore subject us to additional downward pricing 
pressure. We cannot assure you that in such periods in which we experience significant downward pricing 
pressure, we could sufficiently reduce costs to completely offset the loss of revenues. In addition, a severe 
and prolonged industry downturn could also result in higher risks in relation to the collectability of our 
accounts receivable, the marketability and valuation of our inventories, the impairment of our tangible and 
intangible assets, and the stability of our supply chain. As a result, the cyclicality of the TFT-LCD panel 
industry could adversely affect our revenues, cost of revenues and results of operations.

Our strategy of expanding our product offerings to non-driver products may not be successful.

We  have  devoted,  and  intend  to  continue  to  devote,  financial  and  management  resources  to  the 
development, manufacturing and marketing of non-driver products as we diversify our product portfolio 
and because our non-driver products have higher gross margin than our driver products. Our non-driver 
products include, among others, timing controllers, touch panel controllers, TFT-LCD television and monitor 
semiconductor solutions, LCOS and MEMS microdisplays, power management ICs, CMOS image sensors, 
and wafer level optics products.

 We believe end products utilizing our LCOS technology could potentially be a large market. Although 
we have made major progress toward commercialization of LCOS microdisplays for head-mounted-display, 
it is at a relatively early stage as compared to other products and has a relatively immature supply chain. 
Therefore it is difficult to project the success of the applications that use LCOS microdisplay products. We 
also believe there are potential market opportunities for our CMOS image sensors. However, the demand 
fluctuates and is very hard to predict. As we rely primarily on third-party foundries to supply wafers with at 
least a 3-month lead time and we currently do not have any long-term supply arrangements with any third-
party foundries, we cannot assure you that we can acquire sufficient wafer capacity to fulfill customers’ 
orders.

 Developing  and  commercializing  each  of  our  non-driver  products  requires  a  significant  amount  of 
management,  engineering  and  monetary  resources.  For  example,  we  have  established  certain  in-house 
facilities for key manufacturing process of our non-driver products including LCOS projector solutions 
and  wafer  level  optics  products. We  also  plan  to  increase  capital  expenditure  for  the  development  and 
manufacturing of non-driver products in the future. Moreover, we will be subject to ramp-up expenses in 
the early stage of mass production of our non-driver products. Numerous uncertainties exist in developing 
new products and we cannot assure you that we will be able to develop our non-driver products successfully. 
We  may  underestimate  the  amount  of  capital,  personnel  and  other  resources  required  to  develop  and 
commercialize  our  non-driver  products,  which  may  affect  the  success  of  our  growth  strategy. We  may 
also overestimate the market potential of the end products that are utilizing or will utilize our non-driver 
products, which may negatively impact our strategy for the development of non-driver products. In addition, 
if we are unsuccessful in expanding our product offerings to non-driver products, it may negatively affect 
our reputation and the status of our brand in our other markets. The failure or delay in the development, 
production or commercialization of any of our non-driver products, the occurrence of any product defects or 
design flaws, or the low market acceptance of or demand for either our products or the end devices using our 
products may adversely affect our results of operations and growth prospects.

The concentration of our accounts receivable and the extension of payment terms for certain of our 
customers exposes us to increased credit risk and could harm our operating results and cash flows.

As of December 31, 2012, our accounts receivable less allowance for sales returns and discounts from 
Innolux and its affiliates were $73.3 million, which represented approximately 35.1% of our total accounts 
receivable  less  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts,  sales  returns  and  discounts. The  concentration  of  our 
accounts  receivable  exposes  us  to  increased  credit  risk.  For  example,  in  2008,  partly  due  to  the  severe 
economic downturn, we incurred significant bad debt expense in relation to one of our largest customers 
Shanghai SVA-NEC Liquid Crystal Display Co. Ltd., or SVA-NEC, which represented 18% of our total 

13

 
accounts receivable outstanding as of December 31, 2008. During the second half of 2011, we agreed to 
extend payment terms for one of our largest customers because at that time this customer experienced certain 
financial difficulties. The receivables from this customer have since been paid and have stayed current during 
2012 and we incurred no bad debt expenses. In addition, we have at times agreed to extend the payment 
terms  for  certain  of  our  third-party  and  related  party  customers.  Other  customers  have  also  requested 
extension of payment terms. We may also agree to grant such requests for the extension of payment terms 
in the future. As a result, a default by any such customer, a prolonged delay in the payment of accounts 
receivable or the extension of payment terms for our customers could adversely affect our cash flow, liquidity 
and our operating results.

Our customers may experience a decline in profitability or may not be profitable at all, which could 
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The TFT-LCD  panel  industry  is  highly  competitive. TFT-LCD  panel  manufacturers,  including  our 
customers, experience significant pressure on prices and profit margins, due largely to growing industry 
capacity  and  fluctuations  in  demand  for TFT-LCD  panels.  Some TFT-LCD  panel  manufacturers  have 
greater access to capital or greater production, research and development, intellectual property, marketing or 
other resources than our customers, who may not be able to compete successfully and sustain their market 
positions. In addition, our customers’ business performance may fluctuate significantly due to a number of 
factors, many of which are beyond their control, including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

consumer demand and the general economic conditions;

the cyclical nature of both the TFT-LCD industry, including fluctuations in average selling  
prices, and its downstream industries; 

the speed at which TFT-LCD panel manufacturers expand production capacity;

brand companies’ continued need for original equipment manufacturing services provided  
by TFT-LCD panel manufacturers;

access to raw materials, components, equipment and utilities on a timely and economical basis; 

technological changes;

the rescheduling and cancellation of large orders;

access to funding on satisfactory terms; and

fluctuations in the currencies of TFT-LCD panels exporting countries against the U.S. dollar.

Our customers continued to operate in a challenging business environment and may experience a decline 
in profitability or may not be profitable at all. In addition, the aggressive expansion plans for next generation 
fabs in China proposed by several TFT-LCD panel manufacturers might significantly increase the output of 
TFT-LCD panels if all of the plans are implemented in the next few years, which could result in a decline in 
the average selling prices of TFT-LCD panels. In addition, the antitrust lawsuits in the U.S. and the European 
Union against several TFT-LCD panel manufacturers have materially and adversely affected the profitability 
of certain of our customers, which could, in turn, adversely affect our profit margin, significantly reduce our 
profits and materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We depend on sales of display drivers used in TFT-LCD panels, and the limited potential for further 
growth in both the market size of display drivers and the market share of our display drivers or the 
absence of continued market acceptance of our display drivers could limit our growth in revenues or 
harm our business.

14

 
 
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2011 and 2012, we derived 87.3% and 86.0% of our revenues from the sale of display drivers used for 
large-sized applications, mobile handset applications and consumer electronics applications, and we expect to 
continue to derive a substantial portion of our revenues from these or related products. As the display drivers 
industry and our display drivers business are relatively mature, there may be limited potential for the overall 
display drivers market to grow and for us to further grow our market share, which could limit our future 
growth in revenues. Failure to grow our unit shipments for display drivers, coupled with a general decline in 
the average selling prices, could adversely and materially affect our results of operations. See also “—Risks 
Relating to Our Industry—The average selling prices of our products could decrease rapidly, which may 
negatively impact our revenues and operating results.” We expect to continue to derive a substantial portion 
of our revenues from the sale of display drivers. Therefore, the continued market acceptance of our display 
drivers is critical to our future success. Failure to grow or maintain our revenues generated from the sales 
of display drivers could adversely and materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Technological innovation may reduce the number of display drivers typically required for each panel, 
thereby reducing the number of display drivers we are able to sell per panel. If such a reduction in 
demand is not offset by the general growth of the industry, growth in our market share or an increase in 
our average selling prices, our revenues may decline.

  Except for certain small-sized panels, multiple display drivers are typically required for each panel to 
function. In order to reduce costs, TFT-LCD panel manufacturers generally seek to have display drivers 
with higher channel counts and new panel designs to reduce the number of display drivers required for 
each panel. We have been developing such innovative and cost-effective display driver solutions in order 
to grow our market share, attract additional customers, increase our average selling prices and capture new 
design wins. However, we cannot assure you that we will successfully achieve these goals. If we fail to 
do so and the number of display drivers typically required per panel decreases thereby reducing our unit 
shipments,  our  revenues  may decline. Recently, TFT-LCD panel manufacturers have developed several 
panel designs to reduce the usage of display drivers, including gate in panel, or GIP, amorphous silicon gate, 
or ASG, or simply gateless designs, which integrate the gate driver function onto the glass and eliminate 
the need for gate drivers, as well as dual gate and triple gate panel designs, which would largely reduce the 
usage of source drivers. If such designs or technologies become widely adopted, demand for our display 
drivers may decrease significantly, which would adversely and materially affect our results of operations.

We face numerous challenges relating to our growth.

  The scope and complexity of our business has grown significantly since our inception. Our growth has 
placed, and will continue to place, a strain on our management, personnel, systems and resources. If we are 
unable to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities, 
execute our business plan or respond to competitive pressures. To successfully manage our growth, we 
believe we must effectively:

• 

• 

• 

hire, train, integrate, retain and manage additional qualified engineers, senior managers, sales and   
marketing personnel, and information technology personnel;

implement additional, and improve existing, administrative and operations systems, procedures and  
controls;

expand our accounting and internal audit team, including hiring additional personnel with U.S.  
GAAP and internal control expertise;

• 

continue to expand and upgrade our design and product development capabilities;

•  manage multiple relationships with semiconductor manufacturing service providers, customers,  

suppliers and certain other third parties; and

• 

continue to develop and commercialize non-driver products, including, among others, timing  

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
controllers, touch controller ICs, TFT-LCD television and monitor semiconductor solutions, LCOS 
and MEMS microdisplays, power ICs, CMOS image sensors and wafer level optics products.

  Moreover, if our allocation of resources does not correspond with future demand for particular products, 
we could miss market opportunities, and our business and financial results could be materially and adversely 
affected. Therefore, we cannot assure you that we will be able to manage our growth effectively in the future.

Our quarterly revenues and operating results are difficult to predict, and if we do not meet quarterly 
financial expectations, our ADS price will likely decline.

  Our quarterly revenues and operating results are difficult to predict. They have fluctuated in the past from 
quarter to quarter and may continue to do so in the future. Our operating results may in some quarters fall 
below market expectations, likely causing our ADS price to decline. Our quarterly revenues and operating 
results may fluctuate because of many factors, including:

our  ability  to  accurately  forecast  shipments,  average  selling  prices,  cost  of  revenues, 
operating expenses, non-operating income/loss, foreign currency exchange rates, and tax rates;

our ability to transfer any increase in unit costs to our customers;

our ability to accurately perform various tests, estimations and projections, including with respect to 
the write-down on slow or obsolete inventories, the impairment of long-
lived assets, the collectibility of accounts receivable, and the realization of deferred tax assets;

our ability to successfully design, develop and introduce in a timely manner new or enhanced  
products acceptable to our customers;

changes in the relative mix in the unit shipments of our products, which may have significantly  
different average selling prices and cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues;

changes in share-based compensation;

the loss of one or more of our key customers;

decreases in the average selling prices of our products;

our accumulation and write-down of inventory;

the relative unpredictability in the volume and timing of customer orders;

shortages of other components used in the manufacture of TFT-LCD panels;

the risk of cancellation or deferral of customer orders in anticipation of our new products or product  
enhancements, or due to a reduction in demand of our customers’ end product;

changes in our payment terms with our customers and our suppliers;

our ability to negotiate favorable prices with customers and suppliers;

our ability to hedge foreign exchange risks;

changes in the available capacity of semiconductor manufacturing service providers;

the rate at which new markets emerge for new products under development;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the evolution of industry standards and technologies;

product obsolescence and our ability to manage product transitions;

increase in cost of revenues due to inflation;

our involvement in litigation or other types of disputes;

changes in general economic conditions, especially the impact of the global financial crisis on  
economic growth and consumer spending, and the unease in the Middle East;

changes in our tax exemptions, transfer pricing policy and applicable income tax regulations; and

natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and typhoons, or outbreaks of disease affecting countries  
where we conduct our business or where our products are manufactured, assembled or tested.

  The factors listed above are difficult to foresee, and along with other factors, could seriously harm our 
business. We anticipate the rate of new orders may vary significantly from quarter to quarter. Our operating 
expenses and inventory levels are based on our expectations of future revenues, and our operating expenses 
are relatively fixed in the short term. Consequently, if anticipated sales and shipments in any quarter do 
not occur as expected, operating expenses and inventory levels could be disproportionately high, and our 
operating results for that quarter and, potentially, future quarters may be negatively impacted. Any shortfall 
in  our  revenues  would  directly  impact  our  business.  Our  operating  results  are  volatile  and  difficult  to 
predict; therefore, you should not rely on the operating results of any one quarter as indicative of our future 
performance. Our operating results in future quarters may fall below the expectations of securities analysts 
and investors. In this event, our ADS price may decline significantly.

Our close relationship with Innolux could limit our potential to do business with Innolux’s competitors, 
which may cause us to lose opportunities to grow our business and expand our customer base.

Innolux, the successor of CMO after its merger with Innolux and TPO, is one of our largest shareholders. 
Innolux  or,  prior  to  the  merger,  CMO  has  been  our  largest  customer  since  our  inception. We  expect  to 
continue to maintain various contractual and other relationships with Innolux and its affiliates. Our close 
relationship  with  Innolux  could  limit  our  potential  to  do  business  with  Innolux’s  competitors  or  other 
TFT-LCD panel manufacturers, who may perceive that granting business to us could benefit Innolux. Our 
close relationship with Innolux may result in losing business opportunities or may prevent us from taking 
advantage of opportunities to grow our business and expand our customer base.

If  there  were  an  adverse  change  to  our  relationship  with  Innolux  or  if  Innolux  were  to  reduce  its 
shareholding  in us  or  cease to  be  our  shareholder, our business could be materially and adversely 
affected.

Innolux is one of our largest shareholders, beneficially owning approximately 15.0% of our outstanding 
shares as of March 31, 2013, and also our largest customer, which, together with its affiliates, accounted for 
approximately 34.2% of our revenues in 2012. Our engineers work closely with Innolux’s engineers to design 
display drivers and other semiconductors used by Innolux and its affiliates or their customers. We have 
entered into various transactions with Innolux or CMO and its affiliates in the past, and we expect to continue 
to do so in the future. See “Item 7.B. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party 
Transactions.” Dr. Biing-Seng Wu, chairman of our board of directors, used to serve as the vice chairman of 
the board of directors of CMO prior to its merger with the predecessor of Innolux and TPO. However, Dr. 
Wu no longer serves on the board of director of Innolux and presently none of our executive officers holds a 
director or officer position at Innolux. In addition, if Innolux reduces its shareholding of us or ceases to hold 
our shares, our close relationship with it may also be impacted. If our relationship with Innolux deteriorates 
for any reason, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The strategic relationships between certain of our competitors and their customers and the development 
of in-house capabilities by TFT-LCD panel manufacturers may limit our ability to expand our customer 
base and our growth prospects.

  Certain of our competitors have established or may establish strategic or strong relationships with TFT-
LCD panel manufacturers that are also our existing or potential customers. Marketing our display drivers to 
such TFT-LCD panel manufacturers that have established relationships with our competitors may be difficult. 
Moreover, several TFT-LCD panel manufacturers have in-house design capabilities and therefore may not 
need to source semiconductor products from us. If our customers successfully develop in-house capabilities 
to design and develop semiconductors that can substitute for our products, they would likely reduce or 
stop purchasing our products. In addition, we also face challenges in attracting new customers for our new 
products. To  sell  new  products,  we  will likely  need to  target  new  market segments  and  new  customers 
with whom we do not have current relationships, which may require different strategies and may present 
difficulties that we have not encountered before. Therefore, failure to broaden our customer base and attract 
new customers may limit our growth prospects.

We depend primarily on nine foundries to manufacture our wafers, and any failure to obtain sufficient 
foundry capacity or loss of any of the foundries we use could significantly delay our ability to ship our 
products, causing us to lose revenues and damage our customer relationships.

  Access to foundry capacity is crucial to our business because we do not manufacture our own wafers, 
instead  relying  primarily  on  nine  third-party  foundries. The  ability  of  a  foundry  to  manufacture  our 
semiconductor products is limited by its available capacity. Access to capacity is especially important due to 
the limited availability of the high-voltage CMOS process technology required for the manufacture of wafers 
used in display drivers. Moreover, Japanese integrated device manufacturer companies may outsource their 
semiconductor manufacturing to foundries outside Japan. This could result in tightness in the foundry supply 
available to us and affect our ability to acquire sufficient capacity. As we currently do not have any long-
term supply arrangements with any third-party foundries to guarantee us access to a certain level of foundry 
capacity, if the primary third-party foundries that we rely upon are not able to meet our required capacity, or 
if our business relationships with these foundries are adversely affected, we would not be able to obtain the 
required capacity from these foundries to meet any increasing demand for our products and would have to 
seek alternative foundries, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or which 
may expose us to risks associated with qualifying new foundries, as further discussed below. Our results of 
operations and business prospects could be adversely affected as a result of the foregoing.

  We place wafer orders on the basis of our customers’ purchase orders and sales forecasts; however, any 
of the foundries we use can allocate capacity to other foundry customers and reduce deliveries to us on short 
notice. It could be that other foundry customers are larger and better financed than we are, or have supply 
agreements or better relationships with the foundries we use, and could induce these foundries to reallocate 
our capacity to them. The loss of any of the foundries we use or any shortfall in available foundry capacity 
could impair our ability to secure processed wafers, which could significantly delay our ability to ship our 
products, causing a loss of revenues and damages to our customer relationships.

  Although we use several foundries for different semiconductor products, certain of our products are 
manufactured at only one of these foundries. If any one of the foundries that we use for a specific product 
is unable to provide us with our required capacity, does not deliver in a timely manner, or the quality or 
pricing  terms  are  not  acceptable  to  us,  we  could  experience  significant  delays  in  receiving  the  product 
being manufactured for us by that foundry or incur additional costs to obtain substitutes. Also, if any of the 
foundries that we use experience financial difficulties or insolvency risks due to the impact of the global 
economic turmoil or any company-specific reasons or otherwise, if their operations are damaged or if there 
is any other disruption of their foundry operations, we may not be able to qualify an alternative foundry in 
a timely manner. If we choose to use a new foundry or process technology for a particular semiconductor 
product, we believe that it will take us several quarters to qualify the new foundry or process before we can 
begin shipping such products. If we cannot qualify a new foundry in a timely manner, we may experience a 

18

 
 
significant interruption in our supply of the affected products, which could reduce our revenues, increase our 
costs and expenses, and damage our customer relationships.

  The recent fluctuations in the prices of certain metals, chemicals and gasoline and the recent volatility of 
foreign exchange rates may have increased costs for foundries and semiconductor service providers. This 
increase in costs could limit their ability to continue to make the research and development investments 
needed to keep up with technological advances. Any increase in costs for foundries and semiconductor 
service providers we use could lead to an increase in our unit costs or could limit our ability to lower our 
unit costs. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to reduce our costs and maintain our profit 
margins.

  Taiwan  Semiconductor  Manufacturing  Company  Limited,  or  TSMC,  and  Vanguard  International 
Semiconductor Corporation, or Vanguard, historically manufactured substantially all of our wafers in the 
early years since our inception. In order to diversify our foundry sources, we have also used Macronix 
International  Co.,  Ltd.,  or  Macronix,  Powerchip  Technology  Corporation,  or  PSC,  Globalfoundries 
Singapore Pte., Ltd. (formerly Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.), or Globalfoundries Singapore, 
United Microelectronics Corporation, or UMC, Maxchip Electronics Corp., or Maxchip, Semiconductor 
Manufacturing International Corporation, or SMIC, and Shanghai Hua Hong NEC Electronics Company, 
Ltd., or HHNEC, to manufacture a portion of our products. As a result of outsourcing the manufacturing of 
our wafers, we face several significant risks, including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

failure to secure necessary manufacturing capacity, or being able to obtain required capacity only at  
higher costs;

risks of our proprietary information leaking to our competitors through the foundries we use;

limited control over delivery schedules, quality assurance and control, manufacturing yields and    
production costs;
the unavailability of, or potential delays in obtaining access to, key process technologies; and

financial risks of certain of our foundry suppliers, including those that are owned by ailing dynamic  
random access memory, or DRAM, companies.

In addition, in order to manufacture our display drivers used in TFT-LCD panels, we require foundries 
with  high-voltage  manufacturing  process  capacity.  Of  the  limited  number  of  foundries  that  offer  this 
capability, some are owned by integrated device manufacturers which are also our competitors. As a result, 
our dependence on high-voltage foundries presents the following additional risks:

•  

•  

•  

potential capacity constraints faced by the limited number of high-voltage foundries and the lack of  
investment in new and existing high-voltage foundries;

difficulty in attaining consistently high manufacturing yields from high-voltage foundries;

delay and time required (approximately one year) to qualify and ramp up production at new high-  
voltage foundries; and

•  

price increases.

As  a  result  of  these  risks,  we  may  be  required  to  use  foundries  with  which  we  have  no  established 
relationships, which could expose us to potentially unfavorable pricing, unsatisfactory quality or insufficient 
capacity allocation. Moreover, the scarcity and importance of high-voltage foundry capacity may necessitate 
us making investments in foundries in order to secure capacity, which would require us to substantially 
increase  our  capital  outlays  and  possibly  raise  additional  capital,  which  may  not  be  available  to  us  on 
satisfactory terms, if at all.

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shortages  of  processed  tape  used  in  the  manufacturing  of  our  products,  increased  costs  of 
manufacturing such tape, or the loss of one of our suppliers of such tape may increase our costs or 
limit our revenues and impair our ability to ship our products on time.

There are a limited number  of companies which supply the processed tape used to manufacture our 
semiconductor products, and we do not have binding long-term supply arrangements with processed tape 
suppliers that would guarantee us access to processed tape. Therefore, from time to time, shortages of such 
processed tape may occur. In the first half of 2010, the supply of processed tape has been tight and it is likely 
that the shortage of processed tape may continue in 2011, as certain of our processed tape suppliers have 
plans to either close or reduce the production of processed tape. Moreover, Japan, which has been leading in 
the production and supply of processed tape, was negatively affected by the earthquake and tsunami in March 
2011, which led to a decrease in the production of processed tape. If any of the processed tape suppliers we 
rely upon experience difficulties in delivering processed tape or are unable to meet the prices, quality or 
services that we require, or if our business relationships with these suppliers weaken or deteriorate, we may 
not be able to locate alternative sources in a timely manner. Therefore, if shortages of processed tape were 
to occur, or if the costs of manufacturing such tape increases, we would incur additional costs or be unable 
to ship our products to our customers in a timely fashion, all of which could harm our business and our 
customer relationships and negatively impact our earnings. As a result of these risks, we may also be required 
to use processed tape suppliers with which we have no established relationships, which could expose us 
to potentially unfavorable pricing, unsatisfactory quality or insufficient capacity allocation. Moreover, the 
scarcity and importance of processed tape may necessitate us making investments in processed tape suppliers 
in order to secure adequate supply, which would require us to substantially increase our capital outlays and 
possibly raise additional capital, which may not be available to us on satisfactory terms, if at all.

The loss of, or our inability to secure sufficient capacity from, any of our third-party assembly and 
testing houses at reasonable and competitive prices could disrupt our shipments, harm our customer 
relationships and reduce our sales.

Access to third-party assembly and testing capacity is critical to our business because we do not have in-
house assembly and testing capabilities for commercial production and instead rely on third-party service 
providers. Access to these services is especially important to our business because display drivers require 
specialized assembly and testing services. A limited number of third-party assembly and testing houses 
assemble and test substantially all of our current products. There has been an increased level of industry 
consolidation among our suppliers in recent years. Therefore, suppliers could be in a better position to 
bargain for higher prices for their services and products, which could result in an increase in our average unit 
cost. See also “—Our suppliers may have increasing bargaining power as a result of industry consolidation, 
which could result in an increase in our average unit cost and a decrease in our profit margin. “We do not 
have binding long-term supply arrangements with assembly and testing service providers that guarantee 
us access to our required capacity. If the primary assembly and testing service providers that we rely upon 
are not able to meet our requirements in price, quality, and service, or if our business relationships with 
these service providers were adversely affected, we would not be able to obtain the required capacity from 
such providers and would have to seek alternative providers, which may not be available on commercially 
reasonable terms, or at all. As a result, we do not directly control our product delivery schedules, assembly 
and testing costs, and quality assurance and control. If any of these third-party assembly and testing houses 
experiences capacity constraints, financial difficulties, suffers any damage to its facilities or if there is any 
disruption of its assembly and testing capacity, we may not be able to obtain alternative assembly and testing 
services in a timely manner. Because of the amount of time we usually take to qualify assembly and testing 
houses, we may experience significant delays in product shipments if we are required to find alternative 
sources. Any problems that we may encounter with the delivery, quality or cost of our products could damage 
our reputation and result in a loss of customers and orders.

As a result of these risks, we may be required to use assembly and testing service providers with which we 
have no established relationships, which could expose us to potentially unfavorable pricing, unsatisfactory 
quality or insufficient capacity allocation. Moreover, the scarcity and importance of assembly and testing 
services may necessitate us making investments in assembly and testing service providers in order to secure 

20

 
 
capacity, which would require us to substantially increase our capital outlays and possibly raise additional 
capital, which may not be available to us on satisfactory terms, if at all.

Shortages of key components for our customers’ products could decrease demand for our products.

Shortages  of  components  and  other  materials  that  are  critical  to  the  design  and  manufacture  of  our 
customers’ products may limit our sales. These components and other materials include, but are not limited 
to,  color  filters,  backlight  modules,  polarizers,  printed  circuit  boards  and  glass  substrates.  In  the  past, 
companies  that  use  our  products  in  their  production  have  experienced  delays  in  the  availability  of  key 
components from other suppliers. In addition, component manufacturers may not be able to increase or 
maintain their component supply because of labor shortage in China or otherwise, and may shut down certain 
of their capacity from time to time because of weak demand, which may increase the instability of timely 
delivery and the risk of shortage of components. Such shortages of components and other materials critical to 
the design and manufacture of our customers’ products may cause a slowdown in demand for our products, 
resulting in a decrease in our sales and adversely affecting our results of operations. In addition, as a result 
of uncertain demand conditions, our customers may hesitate to build inventory on hand and tend to release 
orders on short notice.

We rely on the services of our key personnel, and if we are unable to retain our current key personnel 
and  hire  additional  personnel,  our  ability  to  design,  develop  and  successfully  market  our  products 
could be harmed.

We rely upon the continued service and performance of a relatively small number of key personnel, 
including certain engineering, technical and senior management personnel. In particular, our engineers and 
other key technical personnel are critical to our future technological and product innovations. Competition 
for highly skilled engineers and other key technical personnel is intense in the semiconductor industry in 
general and in Taiwan’s flat panel semiconductor industry in particular. Moreover, our future success depends 
on the expansion of our senior management team and the retention of key employees such as Jordan Wu, 
our president and chief executive officer; Dr. Biing-Seng Wu, our chairman; and Chih-Chung Tsai, our chief 
technology officer. We rely on these individuals to manage our company, develop and execute our business 
strategies,  and  manage  our  relationships  with  key  suppliers  and  customers. Any  of  our  key  employees 
could leave our company with little or no prior notice. They could also leave our company to work with a 
competitor. In addition, we do not have “key person” life insurance policies covering any of our employees. 
The loss of any of our key personnel or our inability to attract or retain qualified personnel, whether engineers 
and others, could delay the development and introduction of new products and would have an adverse effect 
on our ability to sell our products as well as on our overall business and growth prospects. We may also incur 
increased operating expenses and be required to divert the attention of other senior executives away from 
their original duties to recruiting replacements for key personnel.

If we fail to forecast customer demand accurately, we may have excess or insufficient inventory, which 
may increase our operating costs and harm our business.

The lead time required by the semiconductor manufacturing service providers that we use to manufacture 
our products is typically longer than the lead time that our customers provide for delivery of our products 
to  them. Therefore,  to  ensure  availability  of  our  products  for  our  customers,  we  will  typically  ask  our 
semiconductor  manufacturing  service  providers  to  start  manufacturing  our  products  based  on  forecasts 
provided  by our  customers  in  advance  of  receiving their purchase orders. However, these forecasts are 
not binding purchase commitments, and we do not recognize revenues from these products until they are 
shipped to customers. Moreover, for the convenience of our customers, we may agree to ship our inventory 
to warehouses located near our customers, so that our products can be delivered to these customers more 
quickly. We may from time to time agree that title and risk of loss do not pass to our customer until the 
customer requests delivery of our products from such warehouses. In such cases, we will not recognize 
revenues from these products until the title and risk of loss have passed to our customers based on the 
shipping terms, which is generally when they are delivered to our customers from these warehouses. As a 
result, we incur inventory and manufacturing costs in advance of anticipated revenues.

21

 
 
The  anticipated  demand  for  our  products  may  not  materialize;  therefore,  manufacturing  based  on 
customer forecasts exposes us to risks of high inventory carrying costs, increased product obsolescence, and 
erosion of the products’ market value. For example, some of our customers might overstate their forecasts 
because of concerns that their semiconductor suppliers cannot deliver on their rush orders. If we overestimate 
demand for our display drivers or if purchase orders are cancelled or shipments delayed, we may incur excess 
inventory that we cannot sell, or may have to sell at low profit margins or even at a loss, which would harm 
our financial results. Conversely, if we underestimate demand, we may not have sufficient inventory and 
may lose market share and damage customer relationships, which also could harm our business. Obtaining 
additional supply in the face of product shortages may be costly or impossible, particularly in the short term, 
which could prevent us from fulfilling orders. These inventory risks are exacerbated by the high level of 
customization of our products, which limits our ability to sell excess inventory to other customers, which 
could eventually lead to write-down of these excess inventory.

If we do not achieve additional design wins in the future, our ability to grow will be limited.

Our future success depends on our current and prospective customers designing our products into their 
products. To  achieve  design  wins,  we  must  design  and  deliver  cost-effective,  innovative,  reliable  and 
integrated products that are customized for our customers’ needs. Once a supplier’s products have been 
designed into a system, the panel manufacturer may be reluctant to change its source of components due to 
the significant costs and time associated with qualifying a new supplier. Accordingly, our failure to obtain 
additional design wins with panel manufacturers and to successfully design, develop and introduce new 
products and product enhancements could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A design win is not a binding commitment by a customer to purchase our products and may not result in 
large volume orders of our products. Rather, it is a decision by a customer to use our products in the design 
process of that customer’s products. Customers can choose at any time to stop using our products in their 
designs or product development efforts. Moreover, even if our products were chosen to be incorporated into 
a customer’s products, our ability to generate significant revenues from that customer would depend on the 
commercial success of those products. Thus, a design win may not necessarily generate significant revenues 
if our customers’ products are not commercially successful.

Our products are complex and may require modifications to resolve undetected errors or failures in 
order for them to function with panels at the desired specifications, which could  lead to higher costs, a 
loss of customers or a delay in market acceptance of our products.

Our products are highly complex and may contain undetected errors or failures when first introduced or 
as new versions are released. If our products are delivered with errors or defects, we could incur additional 
development, repair or replacement costs, and our credibility and the market acceptance of our products 
could be harmed. Defects could also lead to liability for defective products and lawsuits against us or our 
customers. We have agreed to indemnify some of our customers under some circumstances against liability 
from defects in our products. A successful product liability claim could require us to make significant damage 
payments.

Our  display  drivers  comprise  part  of  a  complex  panel  manufactured  by  our  customers.  Our  display 
drivers must operate according to specifications with the other components used by our customers in the 
panel manufacturing process. For example, during the panel manufacturing process, our display drivers are 
attached to the panel glass and must interoperate with the glass efficiently. If other components fail to operate 
efficiently with our display drivers, we may be required to incur additional development time and costs to 
improve the interoperability of our display drivers with the other components.

Our highly integrated products are difficult to manufacture without defects. The existence of defects in 
our products could increase our costs, decrease our sales and damage our customer relationships and 
our reputation.

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The  manufacture  of  our  products  is  a  complex  process,  and  it  is  often  difficult  for  semiconductor 
foundries to manufacture our products completely without defects. Minor deviations in the manufacturing 
process can cause substantial decreases in yield and quality. In particular, some of our products are highly 
integrated and incorporate mixed analog and digital signal processing and embedded memory technology, 
and this complexity makes it even more difficult to manufacture without defects.

The  ability  to  manufacture  products  of  acceptable  quality  depends  on  both  product  design  and 
manufacturing  process  technology.  Defective  products  can  be  caused  by  design,  defective  materials  or 
component parts, or manufacturing difficulties. Thus, quality problems can be identified only by analyzing 
and testing our display drivers in a system after they have been manufactured. The difficulty in identifying 
defects is compounded by the uniqueness of the process technology used in each of the semiconductor 
foundries with which we have subcontracted to manufacture our products. Difficulties in achieving defect-
free products due to the increasing complexity of display drivers and the panel system surrounding them may 
result in an increase in our costs and expenses, and delays in the availability of our products. In addition, 
if the foundries that we use fail to deliver products of satisfactory quality in the volume and at the price 
required, we will be unable to meet our customers’ demand for our products or to sell those products at an 
acceptable profit margin, which could adversely affect our sales and margins, and damage our customer 
relationships and our reputation.

We do not have long-term purchase commitments from our customers, which may result in significant  
uncertainty and volatility with respect to our revenues and could materially and adversely affect our   
results of operations and financial condition.

We do not have long-term purchase commitments from our customers, including Innolux, our largest 
customer; our sales are made on the basis of individual purchase orders. Our customers may also cancel or 
defer purchase orders. Our customers’ purchase orders may vary significantly from period to period, and it 
is difficult to forecast future order quantities. In the event of a cancellation, postponement, or reduction of 
an order, we would likely not be able to reduce operating expenses sufficiently so as to minimize the impact 
of the lost revenues. Alternatively, we may have excess inventory that we cannot sell, which would harm 
our operating results. In addition, changes in our customers’ business may adversely affect the quantity 
of purchase orders that we receive. For example, Innolux, our key customer, changed its purchase policy 
to diversify its display driver supply base, resulting in a decline in purchase from us. See also “—Risks 
Relating to Our Financial Condition and Business—We generate a substantial majority of our revenues 
from Innolux, which is the surviving entity following the merger of three of our customers. Any loss of or 
a significant reduction in Innolux’s sales could materially and adversely affect our operating results.” The 
reorganization of Innolux could result in the discontinuation of a large number of our design-win projects or 
the discontinuation of those design-win projects with large sales quantities. We could be required to write 
off a substantial amount of inventory prepared based on forecasts provided by any of these customers. In 
the past, some of our customers have also significantly lowered their capacity utilization rates, reduced or 
canceled their orders of our products, and requested higher-than-usual price concessions from us. We cannot 
assure you that any of our customers will continue to place orders with us in the future at the same level as in 
prior periods. We also cannot assure you that the volume of our customers’ orders will be consistent with our 
expectations when we plan our expenditures. Our results of operations and financial condition may thus be 
materially and adversely affected.

Potential conflicts of interest with Innolux may affect our sales decisions and allocations.

We have a close relationship with Innolux, the successor of CMO after its merger with Innolux and TPO 
in March 2010. Innolux is currently one of our largest shareholders. Innolux or, prior to the merger, CMO 
has also been our largest customer since our inception. In addition, Mr. Tien-Jen Lin, our director, is the 
Special Assistant to the General Manager in Innolux. We cannot assure you that our close relationship with 
Innolux and the resulting potential conflicts of interest will not affect our sales decisions or allocations or that 
potential conflicts of interest with respect to Innolux will be resolved in our favor.

23

 
 
 
 
 
Our  corporate  actions  are  substantially  controlled  by  officers,  directors,  principal    shareholders 
and  affiliated  entities  who  may  take  actions  that  are  not  in,  or  may  conflict  with,  our  or  our  public 
shareholders’ interests.

As  of  March  31,  2013,  Jordan Wu  and  Dr.  Biing-Seng Wu  (who  are  brothers)  beneficially  owned 
approximately  8.3%  and  20.9%  of  our  ordinary  shares,  respectively,  and  Innolux  beneficially  owned 
approximately 15.0% of our ordinary shares. For information relating to the beneficial ownership of our 
ordinary shares, see “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders.” 
These shareholders, acting together, could exert substantial influence over matters requiring approval by our 
shareholders, including electing directors and approving mergers or other business combination transactions. 
This concentration of ownership may also discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, 
which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale 
of our company and might reduce the price of our ADSs. Actions may be taken even if they were opposed by 
our other shareholders.

Assertions against us by third parties for infringement of their intellectual property rights could result 
in significant costs and cause our operating results to suffer.

The semiconductor industry is characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property 
rights and positions, which results in protracted and expensive litigation for many companies. We have 
received, and expect to continue to receive, notices of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights. 
We may receive claims from various industry participants alleging infringement of their patents, trade secrets 
or other intellectual property rights in the future. Any lawsuit resulting from such allegations could subject 
us to significant liability for damages and invalidate our proprietary rights. These lawsuits, regardless of their 
success, would likely be time-consuming and expensive to resolve and would divert management time and 
attention. Any potential intellectual property litigation also could force us to do one or more of the following:

•  

stop selling products or using technology or manufacturing processes that contain the allegedly 
infringing intellectual property;

•  

pay damages to the party claiming infringement;

•  

•  

attempt to obtain a license for the relevant intellectual property, which may not be available on 
commercially reasonable terms or at all; and 

attempt to redesign those products that contain the allegedly infringing intellectual property with
non-infringing intellectual property, which may not be possible.

The outcome of a dispute may result in our need to develop non-infringing technology or enter into 
royalty  or  licensing  agreements. We  have  agreed  to  indemnify  certain  customers  for  certain  claims  of 
infringement arising out of the sale of our products. Any intellectual property litigation could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.

Our  ability  to  compete  will  be  harmed  if  we  are  unable  to  protect  our  intellectual  property  rights 
adequately.

We believe that the protection of our intellectual property rights is, and will continue to be, important 
to the success of our business. We rely primarily on a combination of patent, trademark, trade secret and 
copyright laws and contractual restrictions to protect our intellectual property. These afford only limited 
protection. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain, 
copy or use information that we regard as proprietary, such as product design and manufacturing process 
expertise. As of March 31, 2013, we and our subsidiaries had 297 U.S. patent applications pending, 735 
Taiwan patent applications pending and 275 patent applications pending in other jurisdictions, including the 
PRC, Japan, Korea and Europe. Our pending patent applications and any future applications may not result 
in issued patents or may not be sufficiently broad to protect our proprietary technologies. Moreover, policing 

24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
any unauthorized use of our products is difficult and costly, and we cannot be certain that the measures which 
we have implemented will prevent misappropriation or unauthorized use of our technologies, particularly in 
foreign jurisdictions where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as the laws of the United 
States. Others may independently develop substantially equivalent intellectual property or otherwise gain 
access to our trade secrets or intellectual property. Our failure to protect our intellectual property effectively 
could harm our business.

We may  undertake acquisitions  or investments to expand our business that may pose  risks to our 
business and dilute the ownership of our existing shareholders, and we may not realize the anticipated 
benefits of these acquisitions or investments.

As part of our growth and product diversification strategy, we will continue to evaluate opportunities to 
acquire or invest in other businesses, intellectual property or technologies that would complement our current 
offerings, expand the breadth of markets we can address or enhance our technical capabilities. For example, 
on July 3, 2012, our subsidiary, Himax Display, Inc., or Himax Display, acquired all of the outstanding 
shares of capital stock of Spatial Photonics, Inc., or Spatial Photonics, a Delaware corporation engaged in the 
business of manufacturing and production of high definition, high brightness, and high contrast projection 
displays for business and consumer applications. We cannot assure you that we will be able to realize the 
benefits we anticipate from acquiring Spatial Photonics. Acquisitions or investments that we have completed 
or potentially may make in the future, including our acquisition of Spatial Photonics, entail a number of risks 
that could materially and adversely affect our business, operating and financial results, including:

• 

•  

problems integrating the acquired operations, technologies or products into our existing business and 
products; 
diversion of management’s time and attention from our core business;

•  

adverse effects of losses of the acquired target upon our financial condition and results of  operations;

•  

adverse effects on existing business relationships with customers;

•  

the need for financial resources above our planned investment levels;

•  

dilution of share ownership of current shareholders under share swap transactions;

•  

failures in realizing anticipated synergies;

•  

difficulties in retaining business relationships with suppliers and customers of the acquired company;

•  

risks associated with entering markets in which we lack experience;

•  

potential loss of key employees of the acquired company;

•  

potential write-offs of acquired assets;

•  

potential expenses related to the depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of intangible assets; 
and

 •   potential impairment charges related to the goodwill acquired.

Our  failure  to  address  these  risks  successfully  may  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  financial 
condition and results of operations. Any such acquisition or investment may require a significant amount 
of capital investment, which would decrease the amount of cash available for working capital or capital 
expenditures. In addition, if we use our equity securities to pay for acquisitions, the value of our ADSs 
and the underlying ordinary shares may be diluted. If we borrow funds to finance acquisitions, such debt 
instruments may contain restrictive covenants that can, among other things, restrict us from distributing 
dividends.

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risks Relating to Our Industry

The average selling prices of our products could decrease rapidly, which may negatively impact our 
revenues and operating results.

The price of each semiconductor product typically declines over its product life cycle, reflecting product 
obsolescence, decreased demand as customers shift to more advanced products, decreased unit costs due 
to advanced designs or improved manufacturing yields, and increased competition as more semiconductor 
suppliers are able to offer similar products. We may experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in 
future operating results if our average selling prices decline. We may reduce the average unit price of our 
products in response to competitive pricing pressures, new product introductions by us or our competitors, 
and other factors. The TFT-LCD panel market is highly cost sensitive, which may result in declining average 
selling  prices  of  the  components  comprising TFT-LCD  panels. We  expect  that  these  factors  will  create 
downward pressure on our average selling prices and operating results. To maintain acceptable operating 
results, we will need to develop and introduce new products and product enhancements on a timely basis 
and continue to reduce our costs. If we are unable to offset any reductions in our average selling prices by 
increasing our sales volumes and corresponding production cost reductions, or if we fail to develop and 
introduce new products and enhancements on a timely basis, our revenues and operating results will suffer.

The  semiconductor  industry,  in  particular  semiconductors  used  in  flat  panel  displays,    is  highly 
competitive, and we cannot assure that we will be able to compete successfully against our competitors.

  The  semiconductor  industry,  in  particular  semiconductors  used  in  flat  panel  displays,  is  highly 
competitive. Increased competition may result in pricing pressure, reduced profitability and loss of market 
share, any of which could seriously harm our revenues and results of operations. Competition principally 
occurs at the design stage, where a customer evaluates alternative design solutions that require display 
drivers. We continually face intense competition from fabless display driver companies as well as from 
integrated device manufacturers. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial and other 
resources  than  we  do  with  which  to  pursue  engineering,  manufacturing,  marketing  and  distribution  of 
their products. As a result, they may be able to respond more quickly to changing customer demands or 
devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sales of their products than we can. Some of 
our competitors have manufacturing capabilities as well as in-house design operations that may give them 
significant advantages such as more research and development resources and the ability to attract highly 
skilled engineers. Furthermore, some of our competitors are affiliated with, or are subsidiaries of, our panel 
manufacturer customers. These relationships may also give our competitors significant advantages such as 
early access to product roadmaps and design-in priorities, which would allow them to respond more quickly 
to changing customer demands and achieve more design-wins than we can. In addition, even competitors 
with no such strategic associations with panel manufacturers may resort to price competition to maintain 
their market share, which may impose pricing pressures on us, reduce our profitability or decrease our market 
share. We cannot assure you that we will be able to increase or maintain our revenues and market share, or 
compete successfully against our current or future competitors in the semiconductor industry.

We may be adversely affected by the cyclicality of the semiconductor industry.

The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and is characterized by constant and rapid technological 
change, product obsolescence and price erosion, evolving standards, short product life cycles and wide 
fluctuations in product supply and demand. The semiconductor industry has, from time to time, experienced 
significant  downturns,  often  connected  with,  or  in  anticipation  of,  maturing  product  cycles  of  both 
semiconductor companies’ and their customers’ products and declines in general economic conditions. These 
downturns have been characterized by diminished product demand, production overcapacity, high inventory 
levels and accelerated erosion of average selling prices. Any future downturn may reduce our revenues and 
result in our having excess inventory. Furthermore, any upturn in the semiconductor industry could result in 
increased competition for access to limited third-party foundry, assembly and testing capacity. Failure to gain 
access to foundry, assembly and testing capacity could impair our ability to secure the supply of products 
that we need, which could significantly delay our ability to ship our products, cause a loss of revenues and 

26

 
 
 
 
damage our customer relationships.

We have a lengthy and expensive design-to-mass production cycle.
The cycle time from the design stage to mass production for display drivers is long and requires the 
investment of significant resources with each potential customer without any guarantee of sales. Our design-
to-mass production cycle typically begins with a three to twelve-month semiconductor development stage 
and test period followed by a three to twelve-month end product development period by customers. This 
fairly lengthy cycle creates the risk that we may incur significant expenses but will be unable to realize 
meaningful sales. Moreover, prior to mass production, customers may decide to cancel the projects or change 
production specifications, resulting in sudden changes in our product specifications, further causing increased 
production time and costs. Failure to meet such specifications may delay the launch of our products.

Our business could be materially and adversely affected if we fail to anticipate changes in evolving 
industry standards, fail to achieve and maintain technological leadership in our industry or fail to 
develop and introduce new and enhanced products.

Our products are generally based on industry standards, which are continually evolving. The emergence 
of new industry standards could render our products or those of our customers unmarketable or obsolete and 
may require us to incur substantial unanticipated costs to comply with any such new standards. Likewise, 
the components used in the TFT-LCD panel industry are constantly changing with increased demand for 
improved features. Moreover, our past sales and profitability have resulted, to a significant extent, from our 
ability to anticipate changes in technology and industry standards, and to develop and introduce new and 
enhanced products in a timely fashion. If we do not anticipate these changes in technologies and rapidly 
develop and introduce new and innovative technologies, we may not be able to provide advanced display 
semiconductors on competitive terms, and some of our customers may buy products from our competitors 
instead of from us. Our continued ability to adapt to such changes and anticipate future standards will be a 
significant factor in maintaining or improving our competitive position and our growth prospects. We cannot 
assure you that we will be able to anticipate evolving industry standards, successfully complete the design of 
our new products, have these products manufactured at acceptable manufacturing yields, or obtain significant 
purchase orders for these products to meet new standards or technologies. If we fail to anticipate changes 
in technology and to introduce new products that achieve market acceptance, our business and results of 
operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our Holding Company Structure

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

 We are a holding company and our assets consist mainly of our 100% ownership interest in Himax 
Taiwan. We receive cash from Himax Taiwan through intercompany borrowings. Himax Taiwan has not 
paid us cash dividends in the past. Nonetheless, dividends and interest on shareholder loans that we receive 
from our subsidiaries in Taiwan, if any, will be subject to withholding tax under ROC law. The ability of 
our subsidiaries to provide us with loans, pay dividends, repay any shareholder loans from us or make other 
distributions to us is restricted by, among other things, the availability of funds, the terms of various credit 
arrangements entered into by our subsidiaries, as well as statutory and other legal restrictions. A Taiwan 
company is generally not permitted to distribute dividends or to make any other distributions to shareholders 
for any year in which it did not have either earnings or retained earnings (excluding reserves). In addition, 
before distributing a dividend to shareholders following the end of a fiscal year, the Taiwan company must 
recover any past losses, pay all outstanding taxes and set aside 10% of its annual net income (less prior years’ 
losses and outstanding taxes) as a legal reserve until the accumulated legal reserve equals its paid-in capital, 
and may set aside a special reserve. Any limitation on dividend payments by our subsidiaries could materially 
and adversely affect our ability to grow, finance capital expenditures, make acquisitions, pay dividends, and 
otherwise fund and conduct our business. In addition, since Himax Taiwan is not a listed company, it will 
depend on us to meet its equity financing requirements in the future. Any capital contribution by us to Himax 

27

 
 
 
 
Taiwan may require the approval of the relevant ROC authorities. We may not be able to obtain any such 
approval in the future in a timely manner, or at all. If Himax Taiwan is unable to receive the equity financing 
it requires, its ability to grow and fund its operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Political, Geographical and Economic Risks

Due to the location of our operations in Taiwan, we and many of our semiconductor manufacturing 
service providers, suppliers and customers are vulnerable to natural disasters and other events outside 
of our control, which may seriously disrupt our operations.

Most of our operations, and the operations of many of our semiconductor manufacturing service providers, 
suppliers  and  customers  are  located  in Taiwan,  which  is  vulnerable  to  natural  disasters,  in  particular, 
earthquakes and typhoons. Our principal foundries and assembly and testing houses upon which we have 
relied to manufacture substantially all of our display drivers are located in Taiwan. In 2012, 48.4% of our 
revenues were derived from customers headquartered in Taiwan. As a result of this geographic concentration, 
disruption  of  operations  at  our  facilities  or  the  facilities  of  our  semiconductor  manufacturing  service 
providers, suppliers and customers for any reason, including work stoppages, power outages, water supply 
shortages, fire, typhoons, earthquakes, contagious diseases or other natural disasters, could cause delays in 
production and shipments of our products. Any delays or disruptions could result in our customers seeking to 
source products from our competitors. Shortages or suspension of power supplies have occasionally occurred 
and have disrupted our operations. The occurrence of a power outage in the future could seriously hurt our 
business.

The manufacturing processes of TFT-LCD panels require a substantial amount of water and, as a result, 
the production operations of TFT-LCD panels may be seriously disrupted by water shortages. Our customers 
may encounter droughts in areas where most of their current or future manufacturing sites are located. If 
a drought were to occur and our customers or the authorities were unable to source water from alternative 
sources in sufficient quantities, our customers may be required to shut down temporarily or to substantially 
reduce the operations of their fabs, which would seriously affect demand for our products. The occurrence of 
any of these events in the future could adversely affect our business.

Disruptions in Taiwan’s political environment could negatively affect our business and the market price 
of our ADSs.

Our  principal  executive  offices  and  a  substantial  amount  of  our  assets  are  located  in Taiwan,  and  a 
substantial portion of our revenues is derived from our operations in Taiwan. Accordingly, our business, 
financial condition and results of operations and the market price of our ADSs may be affected by changes in 
ROC governmental policies, taxation, inflation or interest rates, and by social instability and diplomatic and 
social developments in or affecting Taiwan that are outside of our control.

Taiwan has a unique international political status. Since 1949, Taiwan and the PRC have been separately 
governed. The government of the PRC claims that it is the sole government in China and that Taiwan is 
part of China. Although significant economic and cultural relations have been established during recent 
years between Taiwan and the PRC, the PRC government has refused to renounce the possibility that it may 
at some point use force to gain control over Taiwan. Furthermore, the PRC government adopted an anti-
secession law relating to Taiwan. Relations between the ROC and the PRC governments have been strained 
in recent years for a variety of reasons, including the PRC government’s position on the “One China” policy 
and tensions concerning arms sales to Taiwan by the United States government. Any tension between the 
ROC and the PRC, or between the United States and the PRC, could materially and adversely affect the 
market prices of our ADSs.

Our business is sensitive to global economic conditions. A severe or prolonged downturn in the global or Taiwan 
economy could materially and adversely affect our business and our financial condition.

The global financial markets experienced significant disruptions in 2008 and the United States, Europe 
and other economies went into recession. Since then, recovery has been uneven and the global economy 

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
is facing new challenges, such as the escalation of the European sovereign debt crisis since 2011 and the 
slowdown of the Chinese economy in 2012. It is unclear whether the European sovereign debt crisis will be 
contained. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and 
fiscal policies that have been adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world's 
leading economies. There have also been concerns over unrest in the Middle East and Africa, which have 
resulted in volatility in oil and other markets, and over the possibility of a conflict involving Iran. There have 
also been concerns about the tensions in the relationship between China and Japan and about North Korea's 
nuclear program. Economic conditions in Taiwan are sensitive to global economic conditions. Any prolonged 
slowdown in the global or Taiwanese economy may have a negative impact on our business, results of 
operations and financial condition, and continued turbulence in the international markets may adversely 
affect our ability to access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs.

A substantial portion of our sales are made to customers in the PRC, which may expose us to additional 
political, regulatory, and economic risks.

We  have  been  increasingly  selling  our  products  to  customers  in  the  PRC.  In  2010,  2011  and  2012, 
approximately 17.6%, 33.1% and 45.4% of our revenues, respectively, were from customers headquartered in 
the PRC. We expect to continue to increase our sales to customers in the PRC in the near future. As a result 
of this regional customer concentration, we expect to be particularly subject to economic and political events 
and other developments that affect our customers in the PRC.

The PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including 
the  structure,  level  of  government  involvement,  level  of  development,  foreign  exchange  control  and 
allocation of resources. The PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-
oriented economy and is growing rapidly. For the past two decades, the PRC government has implemented 
economic reform measures emphasizing utilization of market forces in the development of the PRC economy 
and also adjusted its macroeconomic control policies from time to time. These policies have led and may 
continue to lead to changes in market conditions. Although we believe these reforms have had a positive 
effect on the business of our customers in the PRC and consequently have benefited us, we cannot predict 
whether changes in the PRC’s political, economic and social conditions, laws, regulations and policies will 
have any adverse effect on our current or future customers in the PRC. In addition, the interpretation of PRC 
laws and regulations involves uncertainties. We cannot assure you that changes in such laws and regulations, 
or in their interpretation and enforcement, will not have a material adverse effect on the businesses and 
operations of our customers in the PRC and consequently have a material adverse effect on our own business 
and operations.

Fluctuations  in  exchange  rates  could  result  in  foreign  exchange  losses  and  affect  our  results  of 
operations.

Our functional and reporting currency is U.S. dollars. In 2012, more than 99.0% of our revenues and 
cost of revenues were denominated in U.S. dollars. However, we have foreign currency exposure and are 
primarily affected by  fluctuations  in  exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the NT dollar. This is 
because a significant portion of our operating expenses (including for research and development, general 
and administrative, and sales and marketing expenses) are denominated in NT dollars and we maintain 
a portion of our cash in NT dollars for local working capital purposes. For example, in December 2012, 
approximately 64% of our operating expenses were denominated in NT dollars, with a small percentage 
denominated in Japanese Yen, Korean Won and Chinese Renminbi, and the majority of the remainder in U.S. 
dollars. Moreover, there are tax-related assets and liabilities on our balance sheet which are denominated in 
NT dollars. The current global economic crisis may cause increased volatility in exchange rates. From time 
to time, we enter into forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposure, but we cannot assure you 
that this will adequately protect us against the risk of exchange rate fluctuations and reduce the impact of 
potential foreign exchange losses. Any significant fluctuation to our disadvantage in exchange rates would 
have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. 

29

 
 
 
 
 
Changes in ROC tax laws would likely increase our tax expenditures and decrease our net income.

Pursuant to the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, which expired at the end of 2009, companies were 
entitled to tax credits for expenses relating to qualifying research and development, personnel training and 
purchases of qualifying machinery. The tax credits could be applied within a five-year period. The amount of 
tax credit that could be applied in any year was limited to 50% of the income tax payable for that year (with 
the exception of the final year when the remainder of the tax credit could be applied without limitation to the 
total amount of the income tax). Himax Taiwan, after a three year holding period, was entitled to tax credits 
of twenty percent of the price paid for the acquisition of shares originally issued by ROC domestic companies 
invested in by Himax Taiwan that are newly emerging, important and strategic industries; provided that the 
shareholders’ meeting of such ROC companies did not resolve to forfeit the shareholders’ tax credit benefit 
in exchange for such ROC companies’ five-year tax holiday. The credit also could be applied to the income 
tax payable over a period of five years. Under the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, Himax Taiwan 
was granted tax credits at rates set at a certain percentage of the amount utilized in qualifying research and 
development and personnel training expenses. The balance of unused investment tax credits totaled $55.0 
million, $39.4 million and $22.8 million as of December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. On May 
12, 2010, the Statute for Industrial Innovation was promulgated in the ROC, which became effective on the 
same date except for the provision relating to tax incentives which went into effect retroactively on January 1, 
2010. Compared to the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, the Statute for Industrial Innovation provides 
for less tax credits. The Statute for Industrial Innovation entitles companies to tax credits for qualifying 
research and development expenses related to innovation activities but limits the amount of tax credit to only 
up to 15% of the total research and development expenditure for the current year, subject to a cap of 30% 
of the income tax payable for the current year. Moreover, any unused tax credits provided under the Statute 
for Industrial Innovation may not be carried forward. As a result, the tax credits that we received decreased 
significantly to $3.5 million in 2011 and $1.2 million in 2012 compared to $13.8 million in 2009.

In addition, unlike the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, the Statute for Industrial Innovation no 
longer provides to companies deemed to be operating in important or strategic industries any tax exemption 
for  income  attributable  to  expanded  production  capacity  or  newly  developed  technologies.  Pursuant  to 
the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, beginning April 1, 2004, January 1, 2006, January 1, 2008 and 
January 1, 2013, Himax Taiwan became entitled to four preferential tax treatments, each for a period of 
five years, which expired or will expire on March 31, 2009, December 31, 2010, December 31, 2012 and 
December  31,  2017,  respectively,  and  beginning  January  1,  2009,  Himax  Semiconductor  also  became 
entitled to one preferential tax treatment for a period of five years, which will expire on December 31, 2013. 
As a result of these preferential tax treatments, income attributable to certain of our expanded production 
capacity or newly developed technologies has been tax exempt for the relevant periods. The effect of such 
tax exemption under the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries was an increase on net income and basic and 
diluted earnings per share attributable to our stockholders of $3.6 million, $0.01 and $0.01, respectively, 
for the year ended December 31, 2010, $0.8 million, $0.002 and $0.002, respectively, for the year ended 
December 31, 2011 and $2.9 million, $0.01 and $0.01, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012. 
While the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries expired at the end of 2009, under a grandfather clause we 
have continued to enjoy the five-year tax holiday since the relevant investment plans were approved by the 
ROC tax authority before the expiration of the Statute. However, as the tax exemptions that expired on March 
31, 2009 and December 31, 2010 accounted for a substantial portion of our total tax-exempted income under 
the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, our income tax expenses increased significantly in 2009 and 2010 
and may increase further in the future.

  On  January  1,  2006,  an  income  basic  tax  (also  known  as  alternative  minimum  tax,  or  (“AMT”)  in 
accordance with the ROC Income Basic Tax Act (“IBTA”) became effective. The AMT is a supplemental 
tax which is payable if the income tax payable pursuant to the ROC Income Tax Act is below the minimum 
amount prescribed under the IBTA. In August 2012, the AMT rate for business entities was amended from 
10% to 12% effective from 2013. However, the AMT amendment is not expected to have a significant impact 
on our financial statements.

On April 1, 2013, the ROC Finance Committee of the Legislative Yuan passed preliminary examination 

30

 
 
on the draft amendment for anti-avoidance to establish Article 43-3 Controlled Foreign Corporation (“CFC”) 
rules and Article 43-4 profit-seeking  enterprises of resident status (“Resident Companies”) rules of the 
Income Tax Act (“ITA”). Key aspects of the ITA draft amendment are described as follows:

(i)  Effective starting January 1, 2015, a profit-seeking enterprise (“PSE”) that directly or indirectly owns 
affiliated enterprises in low-tax jurisdictions outside the territory of the ROC shall recognize and 
include its pro rata share of affiliated enterprises’ annual profits as investment income in its income
tax return for the year. Subsequent actual dividends and distributions from such affiliated enterprises
that were previously recognized as investment income will then not be subject to income taxation; 
any surplus to previously recognized investment income shall be included as taxable income in the
allocated year. Low-tax jurisdictions are defined as countries where the PSE income tax rate is lower 
than 30% of the income tax rate of the PSE in the ROC (the current rate is 17%) . (Article 43-3 CFC 
rules); and

 (ii)  Effective starting January 1, 2015, if a PSE, such as our company, is incorporated based on foreign
legislation but its place of effective management (“PEM”) is maintained within the territory of the
ROC, the head office of such PSE will be determined to be within the territory of the ROC and profit-
seeking enterprise income tax shall be levied in accordance with the ITA and relevant tax regulations.
The aforementioned PEM refers to a place where substantive key management and commercial
decisions of an entity’s business and its operations are made. The relevant definition and provisions 
shall be determined by the MOF. (Article 43-4 Resident Companies rule).

The ITA draft amendment is still in a preliminary form. At this time, it is unclear what the finalized form 
of the ITA draft amendment would be, and accordingly, it is unclear what actual effect, if any, the ITA draft 
amendment would have on our tax cost and net income. However, if the ITA draft amendment were finalized 
in its current form, it would increase our tax cost and consequently decrease our net income from 2015 
onwards.

We  face  risks  related  to  health  epidemics  and  outbreaks  of  contagious  diseases,  including  H1N1 
influenza, H5N1 influenza, H7N9 influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.

In recent years, there have been reports of outbreaks of a highly pathogenic influenza caused by the H1N1 
virus, H5N1 virus and H7N9 virus, in certain regions of Asia and other parts of the world. An outbreak 
of such contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could 
adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, particularly in Asia. Additionally, 
a recurrence of SARS, a highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia, similar to the occurrence in 2003 
which affected the PRC, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam and certain other countries, would also 
have similar adverse effects. Since all of our operations and substantially all of our customers and suppliers 
are based in Asia (mainly Taiwan), an outbreak of H1N1 influenza, H5N1 influenza, H7N9 influenza, SARS 
or other contagious diseases in Asia or elsewhere, or the perception that such an outbreak could occur, 
and the measures taken by the governments of countries affected, including the ROC and the PRC, could 
adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our ADSs and Our Trading Market

The market price for our ADSs is volatile.

The market price for our ADSs is volatile and has ranged from a low of $0.99 to a high of $2.46 on the 

NASDAQ Global Select Market in 2012.

The market price is subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, including the following:

•  

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;

• 

 changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  

conditions in the TFT-LCD panel market;

•  

•  

changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other display semiconductor
companies;
announcements by us or our competitors of new products, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint
ventures or capital commitments;

•  

the addition or departure of key personnel;

• 

• 

• 

fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the NT dollar;

litigation related to our intellectual property; and

the release of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding ADSs or sales of additional
ADSs.

In addition, as a result of the worldwide financial crisis, global stock markets have experienced extreme 
price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market prices of securities 
issued by many companies for reasons which may not be directly related to their operating performance, 
including but not limited to events such as tax-loss selling, mutual fund redemptions, hedge fund redemptions 
and margin calls. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our 
ADSs.

Future sales or perceived sales of securities by us, our executive officers, directors or major shareholders 
may hurt the price of our ADSs.

The market price of our ADSs could decline as a result of sales of ADSs or shares or the perception that 
these sales could occur. As of March 31, 2013, we had 339,149,508 outstanding shares and a significant 
number of our shares were beneficially owned by certain major shareholders such as Innolux, as well as our 
directors and executive officers. See “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major 
Shareholders. “If we, our executive officers, directors or our shareholders sell ADSs or shares, the market 
price for our shares or ADSs could decline. Future sales, or the perception of future sales, of ADSs or shares 
by us, our executive officers, directors or existing shareholders could cause the market price of our ADSs to 
decline.

The level of investor interest and trading in our ADSs could be affected by the lack of coverage by 
securities research analysts and the lack of investor relations activities.

We are currently only listed in the U.S. Investor interest in us may not be as strong as in U.S. companies 
or Taiwan companies that are listed in Taiwan both because we may not be adequately covered by securities 
research analyst reports and because of the lack of investor relations activities. The lack of coverage could 
negatively impact investor interest and the level of trading in our ADSs.

Although publicly traded, the trading market in our ADSs has been substantially less liquid than the 
average stock quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and this low trading volume may adversely 
affect the price of our ADSs.

Although our ADSs are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the trading volume of our ADSs 
has generally been very low. Reported average daily trading volume in our ADSs was approximately 1,921,092 
ADSs for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to approximately 337,283 ADSs for the year 
ended December 31, 2012. In addition, during the periods between November 8, 2007 and July 31, 2008, 
between November 17, 2008 and September 7, 2010, and between June 22, 2011 and April 19, 2013, we 
repurchased a total of approximately $33.1 million of our ADSs (approximately 7.7 million ADSs), a total of 

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
approximately $50.0 million of our ADSs (approximately 19.3 million ADSs) and a total of approximately 
$13.4 million of our ADSs (approximately 9.5 million ADSs), respectively, from the open market pursuant 
to three authorized share buyback programs. The repurchased ADSs and their underlying ordinary shares 
with respect to these three periods reduced the number of our ordinary shares otherwise outstanding by 
approximately 7.9%, 9.9% and 5.3%, respectively. Such share buyback programs or future share repurchases 
could negatively impact the average trading volume of our ADSs. Limited trading volume will subject our 
ADSs to greater price volatility and may make it difficult for you to buy or sell your ADSs at a price that is 
attractive to you.

You may not have the same voting rights as the holders of our ordinary shares and may not receive 
voting materials sufficiently in advance to be able to exercise your right to vote.

Except as described in the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs will not be able to exercise voting 
rights attaching to the shares evidenced by our ADSs on an individual basis. Holders of our ADSs will 
appoint  the  depositary  or  its  nominee  as  their  representative  to  exercise  the  voting  rights  attaching  to 
the shares represented by the ADSs. In certain circumstances, however, the depositary shall refrain from 
voting and any voting instructions received from ADS holders shall lapse. Furthermore, in certain other 
circumstances, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote shares evidenced by ADSs. You 
may not receive voting materials sufficiently in advance to instruct the depositary to vote, and it is possible 
that you, or persons who hold their ADSs through brokers, dealers or other third parties, will not have the 
opportunity to exercise a right to vote.

You may not be able to participate in rights offerings and may experience dilution of your holdings as a 
result.

We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. 
Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, the depositary will not offer those rights to ADS holders unless 
both the rights and the underlying securities to be distributed to ADS holders are either registered under the 
Securities Act, or exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to all holders of ADSs. We 
are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or underlying securities 
or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. In addition, we may not be able 
to take advantage of any exemptions from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, holders of our 
ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in their holdings as a 
result.

You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.

Your ADSs  represented  by  the ADRs  are  transferable  on  the  books  of  the  depositary.  However,  the 
depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time whenever it deems expedient in 
connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or 
register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any 
time if we or the depositary deem it necessary or advisable to do so because of any requirement of law, 
any government, governmental body, commission, or any securities exchange on which our ADSs or our 
ordinary shares are listed, or under any provision of the deposit agreement or provisions of, or governing, the 
deposited securities or any meeting of our shareholders, or for any other reason.

We  currently  follow  home  country  practice  in  lieu  of  complying  with  certain  requirements  of  the 
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. This may afford less protection to holders of our ordinary shares and 
ADSs.

Rule 5605 of the Marketplace Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, or the Nasdaq Rules, requires 
listed  companies  to  have,  among  others,  a  board  of  directors  comprised  of  a  majority  of  independent 
directors, the holding of regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present, a 
compensation committee, if any, comprised solely of independent directors, and a nominations committee, 
if any, comprised solely of independent directors. As a foreign private issuer, however, we are permitted 

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to, and we do, follow home country practice in lieu of the above requirements. See “Item 6.C. Directors, 
Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices” and “Item 16G. Corporate Governance” for more 
information on the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by 
U.S. companies under the Nasdaq Rules. As a result, we have fewer board members exercising independent 
judgment,  and  there  may  be  a  decreased  level  of  board  oversight  on  the  management  of  our  company. 
Holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs may therefore be afforded less protection.

Your ability to protect your rights through the United States federal courts may be limited, because we 
are incorporated under Cayman Islands law, conduct a substantial portion of our operations in Taiwan, 
and all of our directors and officers reside outside the United States.

We  are  incorporated  in  the  Cayman  Islands. A  substantial  portion  of  our  operations  is  conducted  in 
Taiwan through Himax Taiwan, our wholly owned subsidiary, and substantially all of our assets are located 
in Taiwan. All of our directors and officers reside outside the United States, and a substantial portion of the 
assets of those persons is located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible 
for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you 
believe that your rights have been infringed under the securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful 
in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of Taiwan may render you unable to 
enforce a United States judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. There is no 
statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although a final 
and conclusive judgment in the federal or state courts of the United States under which a sum of money is 
payable, other than a sum payable in respect of multiple damages, taxes, or other charges of a like nature or 
in respect of a fine or other penalty, may be subject to enforcement proceedings as debt in the courts of the 
Cayman Islands under the common law doctrine of obligation, provided that (a) such federal or state courts 
of the United States had proper jurisdiction over the parties subject to such judgment; (b) such federal or 
state courts of the United States did not contravene the rules of natural justice of the Cayman Islands; (c) 
such judgment was not obtained by fraud; (d) the enforcement of the judgment would not be contrary to the 
public policy of the Cayman Islands; (e) no new admissible evidence relevant to the action is submitted prior 
to the rendering of the judgment by the courts of the Cayman Islands; and (f) there is due compliance with 
the correct procedures under the laws of the Cayman Islands.

As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their 
interests through actions against our management, directors or major shareholders than shareholders of a 
corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States.

You  may  face  difficulties  in  protecting  your  interests  as  a  shareholder  because  judicial  precedents 
regarding shareholders’ rights are more limited under Cayman Islands law than under U.S. law, and 
because Cayman Islands law generally provides less protection  to shareholders than U.S. law.

Our  corporate  affairs  are  governed  by  our  memorandum  and  articles  of  association,  the  Companies 
Law, Cap. 22 (Law 3 of 1961, as consolidated and revised) of the Cayman Islands, or the Cayman Islands 
Companies Law, and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action 
against directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us 
under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The 
common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the 
Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a 
court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors 
under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent 
in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands have a less developed body 
of securities law than the United States. In addition, some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully 
developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands.

For  example,  the  Cayman  Islands  Companies  Law  differs  from  laws  applicable  to  United  States 
corporations  and  their  shareholders  in  certain  material  respects  which  may  affect  shareholders’  rights 

34

 
 
 
 
 
and shareholders’ access to information. These differences under the Cayman Islands Companies Law(as 
compared to Delaware law) include, though are not limited to, the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

directors who are interested in a transaction do not have a statutory duty to disclose such interest and
there are no provisions under the Cayman Islands Companies Law which render such director liable
to the company for any profit realized pursuant to such transaction. Our articles of association,
however, contain provisions that require our directors to disclose their interest in a transaction;

dissenting shareholders do not have comparable appraisal rights if a scheme of arrangement is  
approved by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands;

shareholders may not be able to bring class action or derivative action suits before a Cayman Islands 
court except in certain exceptional circumstances; and

unless otherwise provided under the memorandum and articles of association of the company, 
shareholders do not have the right to bring business before a meeting or call a meeting.

Moreover, certain of these differences in corporate law, including, for example, the fact that shareholders 
do not have the right to call a meeting or bring business to a meeting, may have anti-takeover effects, which 
could discourage, delay, or prevent the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a 
proxy contest or otherwise, which a shareholder may have considered in its best interest, and prevent the 
removal of incumbent officers and directors.

As a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in 
the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than 
they would have as public shareholders of a U.S. company.

Investor  confidence  and  the  market  price  of  our ADSs  may  be  adversely  impacted  if  we  or  our 
independent registered public accountants conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting 
are not effective.

The Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002, adopted rules requiring public companies to include in their Annual Report on Form 10-K or 
Form 20-F, as the case may be, a report of management on the company’s internal controls over financial 
reporting that contains an assessment by management of the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls 
over financial reporting. In addition, the company’s independent registered public accounting firm must report 
on the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our management may conclude that our internal 
controls over financial reporting are not effective. Moreover, even if our management does conclude that our 
internal controls over financial reporting are effective, if our independent registered public accounting firm 
is not satisfied with our internal controls, the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated 
or reviewed, or if our independent registered public accounting firm interprets the requirements, rules or 
regulations differently from us, then it may conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting are not 
effective. Furthermore, during the course of the evaluation, documentation and attestation, we may identify 
deficiencies that we may not be able to remedy in a timely manner. If we fail to achieve and maintain the 
adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal controls, on 
an ongoing basis, over financial reporting in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Furthermore, effective 
internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are 
important to help prevent fraud. As a result, our failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls 
over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial 
statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the trading price of our ADSs. In 
addition, we have incurred considerable costs and used significant management time and other resources in 
our effort to comply with Section 404 and other requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

4.A. History and Development of the Company

Himax Taiwan,  our  predecessor,  was  incorporated  on  June  12,  2001  as  a  limited  liability  company 
under the laws of the ROC. On April 26, 2005, we established Himax Technologies Limited, an exempted 
company with limited liability under the Cayman Islands Companies Law, as a holding company to hold the 
shares of Himax Taiwan in connection with our reorganization and share exchange. On October 14, 2005, 
Himax Taiwan became our wholly owned subsidiary through a share exchange consummated pursuant to the 
ROC Business Mergers and Acquisitions Law through which we acquired all of the issued and outstanding 
shares of Himax Taiwan, and we issued ordinary shares to the shareholders of Himax Taiwan. Shareholders 
of Himax Taiwan received one of our ordinary shares in exchange for one Himax Taiwan common share. 
The share exchange was unanimously approved by shareholders of Himax Taiwan on June 10, 2005 with 
no dissenting shareholders and by the ROC Investment Commission on August 30, 2005 for our inbound 
investment in Taiwan, and on September 7, 2005 for our outbound investment outside of Taiwan. We effected 
this reorganization and share exchange to comply with ROC laws, which prohibit a Taiwan incorporated 
company not otherwise publicly listed in Taiwan from listing its shares on an overseas stock exchange. Our 
reorganization enables us to maintain our operations through our Taiwan subsidiary, Himax Taiwan, while 
allowing us to list our shares overseas through our holding company structure.

The common shares of Himax Taiwan were traded on the Emerging Stock Board from December 26, 

2003 to August 10, 2005, under the stock code “3222.” Himax Taiwan’s common shares were delisted from 
the Emerging Stock Board on August 11, 2005. As a result of our reorganization, Himax Taiwan is no longer 
a Taiwan public company, and its common shares are no longer listed or traded on any trading markets.

On September 26, 2005, we changed our name to “Himax Technologies, Inc.,” and on October 17, 2005, 
Himax Taiwan changed its name to “Himax Technologies Limited” upon the approval of shareholders of 
both companies and amendments to the respective constitutive documents. We effected the name exchange in 
order to maintain continuity of operations and marketing under the trade name “Himax Technologies, Inc.,” 
which had been previously used by Himax Taiwan.

Our ADSs have been listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market since March 31, 2006. Our ordinary 

shares are not listed or publicly traded on any trading markets.

In February 2007, we completed the acquisition of Wisepal, currently known as Himax Semiconductor, 
Inc., a fabless semiconductor company focusing on the development of LTPS TFT-LCD drivers for small and 
medium-sized applications. This transaction strengthened our competitive position in the small and medium-
sized product areas and further diversified our technology and product offerings. From time to time, we 
have also made minority investments in various companies for strategic purposes in the ordinary course of 
business.

In March 2007, we established Himax Imaging, Inc., or Himax Imaging, which develops and markets 
CMOS  image  sensors  with  an  initial  focus  on  camera  applications  used  in  cell  phones  and  notebook 
computers.

In October 2007, we formed Himax Media Solutions, Inc., or Himax Media Solutions, which oversees 
our TFT-LCD television and monitor chipset business with a focus on expanding market share in the global 
TFT-LCD television and monitor chipset market. In January 2008, Himax Media Solutions issued shares 
representing  an  interest  of  19.9%  in  total  to  CMO, TPV Technology  Limited,  the  world’s  largest  LCD 
monitor  manufacturer  and  LCD TV  ODM,  and  individuals  including  certain  employees  of  CMO, TPV 
Technology Limited, Himax Media Solutions and Himax Taiwan.

On August 10, 2009, we effected:(i) a stock split in the form of a stock dividend of 5,999 ordinary shares 
for each ordinary share held by shareholders of record, followed by a consolidation of every 3,000 ordinary 
shares into one ordinary share;(ii) a change of the par value of our ordinary shares from $0.0001 each to 

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$0.3 each; and (iii) a change in our ADS ratio from one ADS representing one ordinary share to one ADS 
representing two ordinary shares.

In July 2012, our subsidiary, Himax Display, completed the acquisition of Spatial Photonics, a Delaware 

corporation engaged in the business of manufacturing and production of MEMS products.

Our principal executive offices are located at No. 26, Zih Lian Road, Sinshih District, Tainan City 74148, 
Taiwan, Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is +886-6-505-0880. Our registered office 
in the Cayman Islands is located at Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, P.O. Box 2681, Grand Cayman KY1-
1111, Cayman Islands. Our telephone number at this address is +1-345-945-3901. In addition, we have 
offices in Hsinchu and Taipei, Taiwan; Foshan, Fuqing, Ningbo, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou and 
Hefei, China; Yokohama and Matsusaka, Japan; Cheonan and Suwon, South Korea; and Irvine, California, 
and Sunnyvale, Delaware, USA.

Investor inquiries should be directed to our Investor Relations department, at +886-2-2370-3999 ext. 
22320  or  by  email  to  penny_lin@himax.com.tw.Our  website  is  www.himax.com.tw. The  information 
contained on our website is not part of this annual report. Our agent for service of process in the United 
States is Puglisi & Associates located at 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711.

4.B. Business Overview

 We design, develop and market semiconductors that are critical components of flat panel displays. Our 
principal products are display drivers for large-sized TFT-LCD panels, which are primarily used in desktop 
monitors, notebook computers and televisions, and display drivers for small and medium-sized TFT-LCD 
panels,  which  are  primarily  used  in  mobile  handsets  and  consumer  electronics  products  such  as  tablet 
PCs, netbook computers (typically ten inches or below in diagonal measurement), digital cameras, mobile 
gaming devices, portable DVD players, digital photo frames, head-mounted-displays and car navigation 
displays. We also offer display drivers for panels using OLED technology and LTPS technology. In addition, 
we are expanding our product offerings to include non-driver products such as timing controllers, touch 
controller ICs, TFT-LCD television and monitor semiconductor solutions, LCOS microdisplays solutions, 
power ICs, CMOS image sensors and wafer level optics products. For display drivers and display-related 
products, our customers are panel manufacturers, agents or distributors, module manufacturers and assembly 
houses. We also work with camera module manufacturers, optical engine manufacturers, and television 
system  manufacturers  for  various  non-driver  products. We  believe  that  our  recognized  leading  design 
and  engineering  expertise,  combined  with  our  focus  on  customer  service  and  close  relationships  with 
semiconductor manufacturing service providers, has contributed to our success.

Industry Background

We mainly operate in the flat panel display semiconductor industry. As the majority of our revenues 
derive from products that are critical components of flat panel displays, such as display drivers, timing 
controllers, scalers, power ICs and other semiconductor products, our industry is closely linked to the trends 
and developments of the flat panel display industry.

  Flat Panel Display Semiconductors

Flat panel displays require different semiconductors depending upon the display technologies and the 

applications. Some of the most important ones include the following:

•  Display Driver. The display driver receives image data from the timing controller and delivers 

precise analog voltages or currents to create images on the display. The two main types of display
drivers for a TFT-LCD panel are gate drivers and source drivers. Gate drivers turn on the transistor
within each pixel cell on the horizontal line on the panel for data input at each row. Source drivers
receive image data from the timing controller and generate voltage that is applied to the liquid crystal
within each pixel cell on the vertical line on the panel for data input at each column. The combination

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
determines the colors generated by each pixel. Typically multiple gate drivers and source drivers are
installed separately on the panel. However, for certain small and medium-sized applications, gate   
drivers and source drivers are integrated into a single chip due to space and cost considerations.
Large-sized panels typically have higher resolution and require more display drivers than small and
medium-sized panels.

Timing Controller. The timing controller receives image data and converts the format for the source
drivers’ input. The timing controller also generates controlling signals for gate and source drivers. 
Typically, the timing controller is a discrete semiconductor in large-sized TFT-LCD panels. For 
certain small and medium-sized applications, however, the timing controller may be integrated with
display drivers.

Scaler. For certain displays, a scaler is installed to magnify or shrink image data in order for the
image to fill the panel.

• 

• 

•  Operational Amplifier. An operational amplifier supplies the reference voltage to source drivers in                                                  

order to make their output voltage uniform.

• 

• 

Television Chipset. Television flat panel displays require chipsets that typically contain all or some
of the following components: an audio processor, analog interfaces, digital interfaces, a video
processor, a channel receiver and a digital television decoder. See “—Products—TFT-LCD 
Television and Monitor Semiconductor Solutions—TFT-LCD Television and Monitor Chipsets” for
a description of these components.

Power IC. Power ICs include certain drivers, amplifiers, DC to DC converters and other 
semiconductors designed to enhance power management, such as voltage regulation, voltage
boosting and battery management.

•  Others. Flat panel displays also require multiple general purpose semiconductors such as memory,

power converters and inverters.

  Characteristics of the Display Driver Market

  Although we operate in several distinct segments of the flat panel display semiconductor industry, our 
principal products are display drivers. Display drivers are critical components of flat panel displays. The 
display driver market has specific characteristics, including those discussed below.

  Concentration of Panel Manufacturers

  The global TFT-LCD panel industry consists of a small number of manufacturers, substantially all of 
which are based in Asia. In recent years, TFT-LCD panel manufacturers, in particular Taiwan- , Korea- 
and China-based manufacturers, have invested or are planning to invest heavily to establish, construct and 
ramp up additional fab capacity. The capital intensive nature of the industry often results in TFT-LCD panel 
manufacturers operating at a high level of capacity utilization in order to reduce unit costs. This tends to 
create a temporary oversupply of panels, which reduces the average selling price of panels and puts pricing 
pressure on component companies including display driver companies. Moreover, the concentration of panel 
manufacturers permits major panel manufacturers to exert pricing pressure on display driver companies such 
as us. The small number of panel manufacturers exacerbates this situation as display driver companies, in 
addition to seeking to expand their customer base, must also focus on winning a larger percentage of such 
customers’ display driver requirements.

  Customization Requirements

  Each panel display has a unique pixel design to meet its particular requirements. To optimize the panel’s 
performance, display drivers have to be customized for each panel design. The most common customization 

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
requirement is for the display driver company to optimize the gamma curve of each display driver for each 
panel design. Display driver companies must work closely with their customers to develop semiconductors 
that meet their customers’ specific needs in order to optimize the performance of their products.

  Mixed-Signal Design and High-Voltage CMOS Process Technology

  Display  drivers  have  specific  design  and  manufacturing  requirements  that  are  not  standard  in  the 
semiconductor  industry.  Some  display  drivers  require  mixed-signal  design  since  they  combine  both 
analog  and  digital  devices  on  a  single  semiconductor  to  process  both  analog  signals  and  digital  data. 
Manufacturing display drivers require high-voltage CMOS process technology operating typically at 4.5 
to 24 volts for source drivers and 10 to 50 volts for gate drivers, levels of voltage which are not standard in 
the semiconductor industry. For display drivers, the driving voltage must be maintained under a very high 
degree of uniformity, which can be difficult to achieve using standard CMOS process technology. However, 
manufacturing display drivers does not require very small-geometry semiconductor processes. Typically, 
the manufacturing process for large panel display drivers require geometries between 0.11 micron and 1 
micron because the physical dimensions of a high-voltage device do not allow for the economical reduction 
in geometries below this range. We believe that there are a limited number of fabs with high-voltage CMOS 
process technology that are capable of high-volume manufacturing of display drivers.

Special Assembly and Testing Requirements

  Manufacturing display drivers requires certain assembly and testing technologies and equipment that 
are not standard for other semiconductors and are offered by a limited number of providers. The assembly 
of display drivers typically uses either tape-automated bonding, also known as TAB, or chip-on-glass, also 
known as COG, technologies. Display drivers also require gold bumping, which is a process in which gold 
bumps are plated onto each wafer to connect the die and the processed tape, in the case of TAB packages, and 
the glass, in the case of COG packages. TAB may utilize tape carrier packages, also known as TCP, or chip 
on film, also known as COF. The type of assembly used depends on the panel manufacturer’s design, which 
is influenced by panel size and application and is typically determined by the panel manufacturers. Display 
drivers for large-sized applications typically require TAB package types and, to a lesser extent, COG package 
types, whereas display drivers for mobile handsets and consumer electronics products typically require COG 
packages. The testing of display drivers also requires special testers that can support high-channel and high-
voltage output semiconductors. Such testers are not standard in the semiconductor industry.

Supply Chain Management

  The manufacturing of display drivers is a complex process and requires several manufacturing stages such 
as wafer fabrication, gold bumping, and assembly and testing, and the availability of materials such as the 
processed tape used in TAB packaging. We refer to these manufacturing stages and material requirements 
collectively as the “supply chain.” Panel manufacturers typically operate at high levels of capacity utilization 
and require a reliable supply of display drivers. A shortage of display drivers, or a disruption to this supply, 
may disrupt panel manufacturers’ operations since replacement supplies may not be available on a timely 
basis or at all, given the customization of display drivers. As a result, a display driver company’s ability to 
deliver its products on a timely basis at the quality and quantity required is critical to satisfying its existing 
customers and winning new ones. Such supply chain management is particularly crucial to fabless display 
driver companies that do not have their own in-house manufacturing capacity. In the case of display drivers, 
supply chain management is further complicated by the high-voltage CMOS process technology and the 
special assembly and testing requirements that are not standard in the semiconductor industry. Access to this 
capacity also depends in part on display driver companies having received assurances of demand for their 
products since semiconductor manufacturing service providers require credible demand forecasts before 
allocating capacity among customers and investing to expand their capacity to support growth.
   Need for Higher Level of Integration

  The small form factor of mobile handsets and certain consumer electronics products restricts the space 
for components. Small and medium-sized panel applications typically require one or more source drivers, 

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
one or more gate drivers and one timing controller, which can be installed as separate semiconductors or as 
an integrated single-chip driver. Customers are increasingly demanding higher levels of integration in order 
to manufacture more compact panels, simplify the module assembly process and reduce unit costs. Display 
driver companies must be able to offer highly integrated chips that combine the source driver, gate driver 
and timing controller, as well as semiconductors such as memory, power circuit and image processors, into a 
single chip. Due to the size restrictions and stringent power consumption constraints of such display drivers, 
single-chip  drivers  are  complex  to  design.  For  large-sized  panel  applications,  integration  is  both  more 
difficult to achieve and less important since size and weight are less of a priority.

Products

  We have several principal product lines:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

display drivers and timing controllers;

touch controller ICs;

TFT-LCD television and monitor semiconductor solutions;

IP and ASIC service;

LCOS and MEMS products;

power ICs;

CMOS image sensor product; and

•  wafer level optics products.

  We commenced volume shipments of our first source and gate drivers for large-sized panels in July 2001 
and have developed a broad product portfolio of display drivers and timing controllers for use in large-
sized TFT-LCD panels. We commenced volume shipments of our first display drivers for use in consumer 
electronics applications in April 2002, volume shipments of two-chip display drivers for mobile handsets 
in August 2003 and volume shipments of single-chip display drivers for mobile handsets in August 2004. 
In  September  2004,  we  commenced  volume  shipments  of  our  first  television  semiconductor  solutions. 
We commenced shipping engineering samples of LCOS products in December 2003 and started volume 
shipments in June 2006. We commenced shipping engineering samples of power ICs in October 2006 and 
started volume shipments in January 2007. We commenced small quantity commercial shipments of our 
CMOS image sensor products in April 2009 and started volume shipments in August 2010. We commenced 
small quantity commercial  shipments  of  our wafer level optics products in December 2009 and started 
volume shipments in the third quarter of 2011. We commenced our IP and ASIC services in the fourth quarter 
of 2011. We commenced small quantity commercial shipments of our touch controller products in December 
2010 and started volume shipments in the fourth quarter of 2011.

  Display Drivers and Timing Controllers

  Display Driver Characteristics

  Display  drivers  deliver  precise  analog  voltages  and  currents  that  activate  the  pixels  on  panels. The 
following is a summary of certain display driver characteristics and their relationship to panel performance.

• 

Resolution and Number of Channels. Resolution refers to the number of pixels per line multiplied by
the number of lines, which determines the level of fine detail within an image displayed on a panel.
For example, a color display screen with 1,024 x 768 pixels has 1,024 red columns, 1,024 green
columns and 1,024 blue columns for a total of 3,072 columns and 768 rows. The red, green and blue  

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
columns are commonly referred to as “RGB.” Therefore, the display drivers need to drive 3,072 
column outputs and 768 row outputs. The number of display drivers required for each panel depends  
on the resolution of the panel and the number of channels per display driver. For example, an XGA 
(1,024 x 768 pixels) panel requires eight 384-channel source drivers (1,024 x 3 = 384 x 8) and three
256-channel gate drivers (768 = 256 x 3), while a full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) panel requires 
eight 720-channel source drivers and four 270-channel gate drivers. The number of display drivers 
required can be reduced by using drivers with a higher number of channels. For example, a full 
HD panel can have six 960-channel source drivers instead of eight 720-channel source drivers. Thus, 
using display drivers with a higher number of channels can reduce the number of display drivers 
required for each panel, although display drivers with a higher number of channels typically have 
higher unit costs.

• 

Color Depth. Color depth is the number of colors that can be displayed on a screen, which is
determined by the number of shades of a color, also known as grayscale, that can be shown by the
panel. For example, a 6-bit source driver is capable of generating 26 x 26 x 26 = 218, or 262K colors,
and similarly, an 8-bit source driver is capable of generating 16 million colors. Typically, for TFT-
LCD panels currently in commercial production, 262K, 16 million and 1 billion colors are supported  
by 6-bit, 8-bit and 10-bit source drivers, respectively.

•  Operational Voltage. A display driver operates with two voltages: the input voltage (which enables it  
to receive signals from the timing controller) and the output voltage (which, in the case of source 
drivers, is applied to liquid crystals and, in the case of gate drivers, is used to switch on the TFT 
device). Source drivers typically operate at input voltages from 3.3 to 1.8 volts and output voltages
ranging from 7 up to 24 volts. Gate drivers typically operate at input voltages from 3.3 to 1.8 volts 
and output voltages ranging from 10 to 50 volts. Lower input voltage saves power and lowers 
electromagnetic interference, or EMI. Output voltage may be higher or lower depending on the  
characteristics of the liquid crystal (or diode), in the case of source drivers, or TFT device, in the case 
of gate drivers.

•  Gamma Curve. The relationship between the light passing through a pixel and the voltage applied  
to it by the source driver is nonlinear and is referred to as the “gamma curve” of the source driver. 
Different panel designs and manufacturing processes require source drivers with different gamma 
curves. Display drivers need to adjust the gamma curve to fit the pixel design. Due to the materials 
and processes used in manufacturing, panels may contain certain imperfections which can be 
corrected by the gamma curve of the source driver, a process which is generally known as “gamma 
correction.” For certain types of liquid crystal, the gamma curves for RGB cells are significantly 
different and thus need to be independently corrected. Some advanced display drivers feature three i
ndependent gamma curves for RGB cells.

•  Driver Interface. Driver interface refers to the connection between the timing controller and display  
drivers. Display drivers increasingly require higher bandwidth interface technology to address the 
larger data volume necessary for video images. Panels used for higher data transmission applications, 
such as televisions, require more advanced interface technology. The principal types of interface 
technologies are transistor-to-transistor logic, or TTL, reduced swing differential signaling, or RSDS, 
mini-low voltage differential signaling, or mini-LVDS, and point-to-point high speed interface. 
Among these, RSDS, mini-LVDS and point-to-point interface were developed as low power, low 
noise and low amplitude methods for high-speed data transmission using fewer copper wires and 
resulting in lower EMI. Moreover, there are some panel manufacturers developing their proprietary 
point-to-point interfaces, such as embedded panel interface, or EPI, and advanced intra-panel  
interface, or AIPI,

• 

Package Type. The assembly of display drivers typically uses TAB and COG package types. COF  
and TCP are two types of TAB packages, of which COF packages have become predominantly used  
in recent years. Customers typically determine the package type required according to their specific  
mechanical and electrical considerations. In general, display drivers for small-sized panels use COG 

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
package types, whereas display  drivers for large-sized panels primarily use TAB package types and,  
to a lesser extent, COG  package types.

  Large-Sized Applications

  We provide source drivers, gate drivers and timing controllers for large-sized panels principally used 
in desktop monitors, notebook computers and televisions. Display drivers used in large-sized applications 
feature different key characteristics, depending on the end-use application. For example, the industry trend 
for large-sized applications is generally toward super high channel, low power consumption, low cost, thin 
and light form factor, touch function, higher data transmission rate and higher driving capabilities. Higher 
speed interface technologies are also key for 4Kx2K high-resolution TV. Greater color depth, enhanced color 
through RGB independent gamma and 3D display, are particularly important for advanced televisions and 
certain monitors.

In  December  2007,  we  introduced  the  cascade  modulated  driver  interface,  or  CDMI,  technology,  a 
patented technology for LED notebook panels, benefits of which include a thin and light form factor, lower 
power consumption and support of a resolution of up to 1,920 x 1,200 pixels.

In  February  2009,  we  introduced  timing  controllers  with  the  content  adaptive  brightness  control,  or 
CABC, technology. CABC technology controls backlight brightness intelligently by analyzing the content 
displayed  to  save  power  and  enhance  the  contrast  level  while  maintaining  vivid  display  quality.  Our 
algorithm enables a smooth adjustment in backlight brightness even when the content changes swiftly.

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The table below sets forth the features of our products for large-sized applications:
Features

Product

 TFT-LCD Source Drivers

 TFT-LCD Gate Drivers

 Timing Controllers

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

6-bit (262K colors), 8-bit (16 million colors) or 
10-bit (1 billion colors)
one gamma-type driver
two gamma-type driver to improve display
quality
three gamma-type drivers (RGB independent
gamma curve to enhance color image)
output driving voltage ranging from 7 up to 24V
input logic voltage ranging from standard 3.3V 
to low power 1.8V and support half VDDA
low power consumption and low EMI
support COF and COG package types
support TTL, RSDS, mini-LVDS (up to 
480MHz), cascade modulated driver interface, 
or CMDI, point-to-point high speed interface  
and customized interface technologies
support dual gate and triple gate panel designs

192 to 1600 output channels
output driving voltage ranging from 10 up 
to 50v
input logic voltage ranging from standard  
3.3V to low power 1.8V
low power consumption
support COF and COG package types
support dual gate and triple gate panel designs

product portfolio supports a wide range of
resolutions, from VGA (640 x 480 pixels) to full
HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels, 1,920 x 1,200 pixels 
and 3840 x 2160)
support TTL, RSDS, mini-LVDS, DETTL,  
turbo RSDS, CMDI, point-to-point high speed
interface and customized output interface
technologies
input logic voltage ranging from standard 3.3V
to low power 1.2V
embedded overdrive function to improve  
response time
support CABC to save power and color engine
to enhance color and sharpness
support TTL, LVDS, eDP and V-by-one input
interface technologies
support dual-gate and triple-gate panel designs

43

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  Mobile Handset Applications

  We offer display drivers for mobile handset displays that combine source driver, gate driver, timing 
controller, frame buffer and DC to DC circuits into a single chip in various display technologies, such as 
TFT-LCD,  LTPS  and AMOLED. As  mobile  handset  prices  remain  competitive,  mobile  display  module 
manufacturers continue to reduce cost and seek to source cost-effective display drivers. By designing a finer 
channel pitch that features cost efficient processes, we have offered a smaller chip size and endeavor to 
provide handset display driver products with fewer external components to reduce the cost of materials for 
our customers.

  The industry trend for mobile handset display drivers is generally toward display drivers that can support 
high-speed interfaces, have greater color depth and enhanced image quality as multimedia functions are 
increasingly incorporated into mobile handsets. In addition, the ability for mobile handsets to operate for 
long  durations  without  recharging  the  battery  is  of  high  value. Thus,  display  drivers  with  lower  power 
consumption are desired. We integrated our proprietary low power driving circuits and content adaptive 
brightness control, or technology into display drivers in order to extend the battery life.

  With new software platforms providing better access to the Internet, smartphones have gained greater 
popularity among consumers and enjoyed higher growth in recent years. This has also contributed to higher 
demand for mobile handset displays that have a larger size and higher resolution. In the past 2 years, we 
offered innovative handset display driver products by providing advanced WVGA (480 x 864 pixels), qHD 
(540 x 960 pixels), and HD720 (720 x 1280)/ WXGA (800 x 1280) display driver ICs. We have recently 
continued to update new products for this mainstream smartphone segment with new features, such as color 
enhancement and sun-light readability enhancement functions. Meanwhile, we believe we developed the 
first HD720/WXGA display driver with compressed RAM technology, which we believe has led the industry 
migration to smartphones with higher resolution displays and lower power consumption. We keep moving 
forward to develop and provide next generation display driver ICs, such as FHD (1080 x 1920 pixel), with 
higher resolution.

  The following table summarizes the features of our products for mobile handsets:

 Mobile Handset Display Drivers

Product

44

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

Features
highly integrated single chip embedded   
with the source driver, gate driver, power  
circuit, timing controller and memory
suitable for a wide range of resolutions    
from QQVGA (128 x 160 pixels) to FHD  
(1080 x 1920 pixels)
support 65K, 262K colors and up to 16    
million colors
support RGB separated gamma adjustment
support CABC
support color enhancement features including  
saturation, brightness, and sharpness  
enhancement
support MDDI and MIPI interfaces
low power consumption and low EMI
fewer external components to reduce costs
slimmer die for compact module to fit smaller 
mobile handset designs
application specific integrated circuits, or  
ASIC, can be designed to meet customized
requirements (e.g., drivers without memory,  
GIP drivers without gate driver, LTPS drivers,  
or AMOLED drivers)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Consumer Electronics Products

  We offer source drivers, gate drivers, timing controllers and integrated drivers for consumer electronics 
products such as tablet PCs, netbook computers, digital cameras, digital video recorders, personal digital 
assistants, mobile gaming devices, portable DVD players, electronic book readers, or E-readers, digital 
photo frames and car navigation displays. We offer an extensive line of display drivers covering different 
applications, interfaces and channel output and levels of integration. Similar to mobile handsets, consumer 
electronics products are typically compact, battery-operated devices. Customers are increasingly demanding 
display drivers with smaller and more compact die sizes and higher levels of integration with the source 
driver, gate driver and timing controller, as well as more functional semiconductors such as power circuit and 
touch controller, combined into a single chip.

  The industry trend for display drivers used in medium-sized consumer electronics products is towards 
higher channels and the integration of timing controllers with display drivers. The trend of display drivers 
used in small-sized consumer electronics products is toward single-chip solutions combining the source 
driver, gate driver, timing controller and power circuit into a single chip.

In 2009, we introduced our new electro-phoretic display solutions, including HX8701 (gate driver) and 

HX8702 (source driver), for use in E-reader devices.

In 2011, we introduced our new point-to-point display solution including HX8288 (source driver) and 
HX8896 (timing controller), for use in tablet PCs, and this solution is also suitable for other slim display 
applications such as Ultrabook .

In 2012, we developed our highly integrated display driver for low power, high resolution IGZO displays 

used in tablet PCs.

  The following table summarizes the features of our products used in consumer electronics products:

 TFT-LCD Source Drivers

Product

 TFT-LCD Gate Drivers

 TFT-LCD Integrated Drivers

Timing Controllers

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

Features

240 to 1,536 output channels
products for analog and digital interfaces
support 262K colors to 16.7 million colors
input logic voltage ranging from standard  
3.3V to low power 1.8V
low power consumption and low EMI

96 to 1,600 output channels
input logic voltage ranging from standard  
3.3V to low power 1.8V
output driving voltage ranging from 10 to 40V

highly integrated single chip embedded with
source driver, gate driver, timing controller and
power circuit
resolutions include WVGA (846 x 480 pixels),
SVGA (800 x 600 pixels), WSVGA (1,024 x  
600 pixels) and WXGA (1,280 x 800 pixels)
products for analog or digital interfaces
low power consumption
CABC function integrated for backlight power
saving
products for digital interfaces/high speed  
interface
products for Tablet/Netbook/Ultrabook

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

support various resolutions from 1024 x 600  
pixels to 1920 x1200 pixels

  Touch Controller ICs

  We offer touch controller solutions for capacitive touch panels. Our touch controller solutions are suitable 
for electronic devices employing touch panel screens of up to 11”, such as smartphones, mobile internet 
devices and tablet PCs. In the third quarter of 2011, we commenced shipping capacitive touch controller ICs 
to a worldwide brand smartphone and tablet customer.

  Our capacitive touch controller possesses certain innovations and merits. It could support sensing and 
tracking of up to ten points. Its embedded micro-controller, single chip solution and no external components 
contribute  to  reducing  cost  for  flexible  product  design.  Its  auto  calibration  mechanism  can  meet  strict 
validation requirements of leading smart phone brands. Our touch controller’s proprietary sensing circuits 
and algorithms could also enhance noise immunity capability and enable touch panels to work without 
shielding layer or to work on a single glass structure, which contributes to simplifying the manufacturing 
process and reducing costs for touch panels.

  The following table summarizes the features of our touch controller products:

 Capacitive Touch Controller

Product

• 

• 

Features
complete single chip touch controller  
solutions for handheld devices, supporting 
smartphones (up to 5”), MIDs (up to 8”), or
tablet PCs (up to 11”)
real multi-point capability support of up to 10  
points

•  mass production with GG, GFF and one glass 

without shielding layer
• 
approved LCD and AC noise immunity
•  minimum components: simple, neat, and  

flexible mechanical design

  TFT-LCD Television and Monitor Semiconductor Solutions

  Himax  Media  Solutions,  our  subsidiary,  provides TFT-LCD  television  and  monitor  semiconductor 
solutions.

  TFT-LCD Monitor Chipsets

  The following table summarizes the features of our monitor scaler solutions:

Monitor Scaler Integrated Solutions

Product

46

Features

ideal for monitor applications
integrated with high performance ADC and
scaler
built-in HDMI 1.4a and DVI receiver
built-in audio digital-to-analog converter
built-in high performance color engine
integrated high speed MCU
integrated with timing control for  
additional cost-down
input/output resolutions range from 640 x 480 
pixels up to 1,920 x 1,080 pixel.
integrated 2D to 3D conversion
integrated 3D format conversion

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In addition to scaler solutions, we expanded the product offering of monitor chipset solutions in 2012 
to unveil the innovative 2D to 3D conversion solution called RV2H and RVP3 for new 3D applications 
which can convert 2D images into the 3D format in real time. This compact solution can be implemented 
in a number of hardware platforms, such as 3D portable applications including tablet and mobile phone, 3D 
notebook personal computers, 3D digital photo frame, 3D projector and 3D converter box. This compact 
solution has already been designed into products of a number of famous companies. Our algorithm utilizes 
human visual perception characteristics, which not only reveals more 3D details but may also offer a more 
comfortable and enjoyable viewing experience.

The following table summarizes the features of our 2D to 3D RVP3 and RV2H conversion solutions:

 RVP3 2D to 3D Conversion Solutions

Product

 RV2H 2D to 3D Conversion Solutions

Features

• 

• 

3D Android: any 2D content can be in real time 
convert to 3D video sequence cover in UI, 
icons, video, photo and gaming
low power, small package, without CPU  
computing power and cost effective
real 3D adjustable
• 
•  multi-views in 3D
• 

support HDMI-1.4 3D formats and 2D    
content converting to 2~9 views
auto scene mode detection
switchable between Portrait and  Landscape
modes in 3D
switchable barrier 2D/3D control
resolution up to WUXGA - 1920 x 1200
3D conversion with elimination of jagged  
edge effectively
inter-bridge between MIPI, LVDS and TTL
I2C programming interface
easily integrated into existing project

support HDMI 1.4 3D format input including
3D format
support 2D mode, 2D to 3D mode, 3D to 2D
mode and 3D bypass/converter mode
support resolution up to full HD with 10 bits
deep color
built-in de-interlace and scaler
built-in 2D to 3D engine
built-in Frame rate conversion which can  
output 120 Hz frame rate
built-in 64 mega bits SDR chip
TTL interface supports up to 1920 x 1080 RGB
888 resolution
TTL interface supports up to 12 bits RGB/YUV
built-in 3D glass sync and L/R sync signal

47

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  IP and ASIC Service

  Video IP

In the fourth quarter of 2011, we developed a new business segment on IP and ASIC service. It is a brand 
new model based on our core technology of video display and High Speed Transmission. There are 3D Video 
and Image Compression/Decompression IP, 2D convert to 3D IP and Technology Licensing, High Speed 
Transmission and High Performance Video ADC Silicon IP (SIP) Licensing.

  As an expert player in 3D image and display core technologies solutions, we develop and own unique 
IPs of image and video applications. The high quality IPs, which are used in various popular multi-media 
commercial products, can provide our licensees with differentiated products and advantage in time-to-market. 
The features of IPs are summarized in the following table.

 Real 3D Depth Controllable (R3D) IP

Product

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

Features

state-of-the-art real 3D depth controllable  
technology for healthy and comfortable 3D
safe disparity angel is configurable and    
can meet each country’s 3D regulation in  
real 3D mode
precise disparity control for view synthesis  
and parameters are configurable
support 3D fatigue warning
support various 3D Visual Protection modes
3D content accommodation error detection  
and correction
easily integrated into existing Projector, TV,  

• 
  Monitor, Box, DVD, and DPF system SoC  

 2D to 3D Conversion IP 

 Multi-view: 3D Glasses-free IP

48

with 3D features

state-of-the-art 2D-to-3D conversion  
algorithms for transforming any 2D video
content to 3D video sequence and supporting
different 3D display
support auto-scene detection and various  
scene modes
precise disparity control for view synthesis  
and parameters are configurable
Support configurable stereoscopic density  
for both modes including in front of screen  
call pulled and behind the screen call push
easily integrated into existing Projector, TV,  
monitor, box, DVD, and DPF system SoC  
with 3D features

state-of-the-art real 2D/3D depth generator  
for multi-view controller
support multi-view (2~9 views) parallax  
barrier and lenticular lens glasses-free 3D 
displays based on perfect viewing angle
adjustment
both 2D content (one view) and real 3D content
(two views) can be synthesized for multi-view  
display
precise disparity control for view synthesis  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SunLight Readable IP 

Super High Resolution IP

Embedded Visual Lossless Compression IP

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

and parameters are configurable
support configurable stereoscopic density  
for both modes including in front of screen  
call pulled and behind the screen call push
easily integrated into existing portable  
DVD, DPF, Pad like, mobile system SoC  
with 3D features

improve sunlight readability under bright  
sunlight environment
smart contrast enhancement processing    
for shadow, mid-tone and highlight grey   
level respectively
pixel based contrast adjustment
adapt video content dynamically
support automatic adjustment based on ambient
light sensor input
support manual adjustment based on manual
enhancement level setting
no frame buffer is required
low power and compact architecture

high quality resolution up-conversion without
image blur or side-effect such as zigzag artifact
and ringing artifact
synthesize rich details with texture extraction  
capability by database-free architecture
support various levels of reality enhance effect
any resolution up-conversion without arbitrary
ratio limitation
real-time single-frame conversion, no extra  
external memory requirement
easily integrated into existing Projector, TV,

• 
  Monitor, Box, DVD, and Surveillance system 

SoC with scaler functionality

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

proprietary technologies near lossless  
compression for embedded frame buffer can
reduce bandwidth and power consumption for  
SOC application
compression Ratio: 2x~3x
reduce image storage capacity and transmission
time
offer two color domain compression: YUV /  
RGB
support real-time compress/decompress with
low latency delay for video processor 
application
block-based / frame-based data access encode/
decode

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Silicon IP

  We also develop and own unique IPs of high speed transmission. These silicon IPs are not only silicon 
proven but also “product proven” and are used in various popular media commercial products. We provide 
our licensees with unique, high quality and cost competitive silicon IPs to reduce risk and accelerate time-to-
market. The features of silicon IPs are summarized in the below table:

 HDMI Transmitter and Receiver IP

Product

 Mobile Industry Processor Interface (“MIPI”) and  
 Display Serial Interface (“DSI”) IP

 VBO IP

  ASIC Service

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Features

provide configurable HDMI digital  
controllers and high-speed mixed signal   
Physical Layer IP (“PHY”)
fully compliant with HDMI 1.4a  
specifications and received the ATC  
certification

fully compliant with the DSI version 1.01
support the physical adapter layer of the   
D-PHY specification version 1.00
support both command and video modes  
providing the greatest range of flexibility

fully compliant with the V-by-One® HS  
Standard Version 1.3
provide configurable VBO digital controllers
and high-speed mixed signal PHY
designed for supporting high-speed video  
data transmission between the host device  
and display device, especially UltraHD TV  
application

In 2012, we completed the ASIC project for Japan top TV makers with customized video processing chip. 

The chip has LVDS TX/RX interfaces and specialized video processing technology.

  The following table summarizes the features of our ASIC service:

 ASIC Service

Product

• 

• 

Features
based on our video processor platform  
solutions including video processor and   
timing controller platform
support video input/output interfaces like  
LVDS, HDMI, DVI, VBO, Display port,  

  MIPI, MHL, etc.
• 
• 

built-in 8/32- bit microprocessor
built-in video processing algorithm like   
super-high resolution, sun-light readable,  

• 
• 

50

  MEMC, FRC, etc
• 

built-in 3D feature technologies like 2D-to- 
3D, Glasses-free 3D, 3D multi-view, 3D  
visual protection, etc.
support 4K x 2K display
support advanced timing controller  
technologies like smart contrast enhance,  
local dimming, EVLC, and energy saving

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  LCOS and MEMS Products 

  Himax Display, our subsidiary, has contributed to our microdisplay products lines: Color-filter LCOS, 
Color-sequential LCOS and MEMS.

  Himax Display is the market leader of the LCOS industry based on market share in 2012. We believe 
Himax Display is the only non-captive LCOS company that owned a mass production ready liquid crystal 
assembly  line. We  have  produced  and  shipped  over  1.5  million  units  from  this  ISO  certified  line.  Our 
customers use our products in various applications such as pico-projector, embedded projector in different 
applications (cell phone and camcorder), communication, toy projector, and head-mounted-display.

  We believe Himax is among the few players, including Texas Instruments, in the market offering MEMS 
microdisplay solutions.

  Both technologies have their own merits for different applications in resolution, power consumption, size, 
cost, optical engine design, and image quality. We provide a rich products family for customers to choose for 
different applications, since each product has its own most important parameters to select. Himax Display 
provides choices to customers. The following table shows certain details of our products:

LCOS Microdisplays

 Color-Filter LCOS Microdisplays

 Color-Sequential LCOS Microdisplays

 MEMS

  Power ICs

Size and Resolution
0.28” (320x240 pixels) QVGA
0.38” (640x360 pixels) nHD
0.44” (640x480 pixels) VGA
0.59” (800x600 pixels) SVGA
Customized design

0.22” (640 x 360 pixels) nHD
0.28” (852 x 480 pixels) WVGA
0.38” (640 x 480 pixels) VGA
0.37” (800 x 600 pixels) SVGA
0.37” (1366 x 768 pixels) WXGA
0.45” (1024 x 768 pixels) XGA
Customized design

0.55” (1280 x 800 pixels) WXGA

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

  Himax Analogic,  Inc.,  or  Himax Analogic,  our  subsidiary,  has  two  major  product  lines:  power 
management ICs and LED drivers.

  Power Management ICs

  A power management IC integrates several power components to fulfill system power requirements. It 
may include step-up or step-down pulse width modulation, or PWM, DC-to-DC converters, low-dropout 
regulators, or LDO regulators, voltage detectors, operational amplifiers, level shifters, or other components. 
For panel module applications, a power management IC provides a reliable and precise voltage for source 
drivers, gate drivers, timing controllers, and panel cells. Moreover, its built-in over-temperature and over-
current protections help prevent components from being damaged under certain abnormal conditions. As 
integrating an increasing number of components into a power management IC is likely to be a continuing 
trend, we believe power management  ICs  will continue to be critical components of a TFT-LCD panel 
module. The following table summarizes certain features of our power management IC products:

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product

 Integrated Multi-Channel Power Solutions for 
 Notebooks

Features
built-in power MOSFET
• 
step-up PWM converter
• 
charge pump regulator
• 
LDO regulator
• 
voltage detector
• 
• 
gate pulse modulator
•  Vcom operational amplifier
•  with/without LED drivers
smart PWM control
• 

 Integrated Multi-Channel Power Solutions for 
 Monitors

 Integrated Multi-Channel Power Solutions for TVs

built-in power MOSFET
step-up PWM converter

• 
• 
•  HV LDO regulator
voltage detector
• 
gate pulse modulator
• 
programmable Vcom voltage / Vcom  
• 
operational amplifier
level shifter

• 

built-in power MOSFET
step-up PWM converter
step-down PWM converter
charge pump regulator

• 
• 
• 
• 
•  HV LDO regulator
voltage detector
• 
• 
gate pulse modulator
•  Vcom operational amplifier
• 
• 

I2C programmable
level shifter

  LED Drivers

  The LED driver provides sufficient voltage and current to light up LED diodes. Moreover, in addition 
to turning LEDs on, the driver has to keep the brightness of LEDs uniform and stable. Therefore, voltage 
boosting and current sensing are the core functional blocks of a white LED driver. The following table 
summarizes certain features of our LED drivers products:

 WLED Drivers for NB

Product

 WLED Drivers for LED MNT

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Features

4.5V to 24V input voltage range
built-in 1.3MHz step-up PWM converter  
(max. boost voltage: 40V)
8 constant current source channels
capable of driving up to 10 LEDs in serial  
for each channel

5V to 33V input voltage range
built-in 2MHz step-up PWM controller
2/4/8 constant current source channels
up to 200mA per channel
60V sustainable voltage for LED pins
capable of driving up to 16 LEDs in serial  
for each channel

WLED Drivers for LED TV

• 

8V to 33V input voltage range

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
• 
• 
• 

8-channel current sinks
up to 90mA per channel
60V sustainable voltage for LED pins

  CMOS Image Sensor Products

  Our CMOS image sensor products are designed primarily for camera-equipped mobile devices, such 
as mobile phones, tablets and notebook computers, with a focus on low light image and video quality. The 
CMOS image sensor product line is developed by our subsidiary, Himax Imaging. With the product launch 
of 3 mega pixel, 2 mega pixel and VGA system-on-chip sensor products in 2009, we have secured customer 
designs in both mobile phones and notebook applications and moved these products into production phase. 
We continue to expand our product portfolio with the successful introduction of a 1/6” 1.3 mega pixel, a 1/6” 
HD, and a 1/5” format 2.0 mega pixel system-on-chip sensor. Based on new pixel architecture, a 1/4” 5 mega 
pixel, a 1/3.2” 8 mega pixel and a smaller 1/9” HD sensor were designed and started phasing into production. 
Thanks to backside illumination, or BSI technology, a high performance 1/6” Full HD sensor and a new 8 
mega pixel sensor will be designed in 2013. Besides products in mobile devices, we also develop specialized 
sensors for automobile and surveillance. Almost all of our CMOS image sensors feature the BrightSenseTM 
technology to achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio in the lowlight or video mode without a decreasing 
frame rate or increasing power consumption. Embedded in our new 2.0 mega pixel sensor, ClearViewTM 
technology provides the optical restoration engine to enhance the optical performance. In the automobile and 
surveillance product line, ClearSenseTM technology extends the dynamic range by special pixel and readout. 
We are committed to being a key player in CMOS image sensor business with investments in experienced 
human  resources, an  efficient  supply chain, and strategic technology developments and partnerships to 
further increase the performance and features of small and specially designed pixel sensors.

  The following table sets forth the features of our CMOS image sensor products:

 8MP Color Image Sensor

Product

 5MP Color Image Sensor System on Chip

• 
• 

Features
1/3.2” format color type
8MP at 15 frames per second, support  
1080p and 720p at 30 frames per second
advanced ADC architecture to keep  
outstanding SNR
state-of-the-art ultra bright pixel
• 
• 
10 bit parallel video data port and 2-lane  
  MIPI CSI2 outputs RAW8/10, YUV422,  

• 

RGB565/555/444

• 
• 

1/4” format color type
5MP resolution at 15 frames per second   
(with MJEG), support 720p HD at 30  
frames per second and 1080 FHD at 15    
frames per second

•  VCM driver and MJEG engine embedded
color processing pipeline including lens   
• 
shading correction, defect correction, edge  
enhancement, exposure control with  
backlight compensation, color de-mosaic,  
color correction, gamma control, and  
saturation/hue adjustment
• 
10 bit parallel video data port and 2-lane  
  MIPI CSI2 outputs RAW8/10, YUV422, 

RGB565/555/444

3.4MP BrightSenseTM Color Image Sensor

• 

1/4” format color type

53

  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
• 

•  QXGA resolution at 15 frames per second,  
support for 720p HD and D1 resolution at  
30 frames per second
ClearVisionTM 80dB enhanced dynamic  
range mode compatible with standard color 
processing
on-chip 4-channel lens correction, defect  
removal

• 

2.0MP ClearViewTM Color Image Sensor

 2.0MP BrightSenseTM System on Chip

Product

 HD 720p ClearViewTM System on Chip

• 
• 

1/5” format color type
ClearViewTM boosts optical performance  
by lens compensation

•  UXGA YUV output at 15 frames per  

• 

second, 720p HD resolution at 30 frames  
per second
color processing pipeline including lens 
correction, defect correction, color 
demosaic, color correction, gamma control, 
saturation/hue adjustment, and edge  
enhancement

•  multiple video formats including YUV422,  

RGB565, and ITU656

Features

1/5” format color type

• 
•  UXGA resolution at 18 frames per second,  
720p HD resolution at 30 frames per  
second
on-chip 4-channel lens correction, defect  
removal
low noise and low power consumption

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

1/6” format with high sensitivity
ClearViewTM boosts optical performance  
by lens compensation
720p HD resolution at 30 frames per  
second
color processing pipeline including lens   
shading correction, defect correction, edge  
enhancement, exposure control with  
backlight compensation, color de-mosaic,  
color correction, gamma control, and  
saturation/hue adjustment.
10 bit parallel video data port and 1-lane  
• 
  MIPI CSI2 outputs RAW8/10, YUV422,  

 1.3MP ClearSenseTM EDR Color Image Sensor

54

RGB565/555/444

• 
• 

• 

• 

1/4” format with ultra high sensitivity
ClearSenseTM achieves higher dynamic  
range in color up to 84dB with on-chip tone  
mapping
800p and 720p resolution at 30 frames per  
second
FlexiTM engine automatically controls    
dynamic range, exposure, gain, and white  

  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 1.3MP BrightSenseTM System on Chip

 VGA BrightSenseTM System on Chip

balance to balance color fidelity and  
contrast
color processing pipeline including lens   
shading correction, defect correction, edge  
enhancement, color interpolation and  
correction, gamma control, and saturation/ 
hue adjustment.
anti-blooming and dark sun cancellation
built-in low dropout regulator and power on  
reset
10 bit parallel video data port supports    
RAW, YUV422, and RGB565/555/444

1/6” format color type
SXGA resolution at 20 frames per second,  
720p HD resolution at 30 frames per second
color processing pipeline with dynamic   
adjustments based on luminance and light  
color temperature
low noise and low power consumption

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

1/13” format color type

• 
•  VGA YUV output at 30 frames per second
• 

color processing pipeline including lens 
correction, defect correction, color
demosaic, color correction, gamma control,
saturation/hue adjustment, and edge  
enhancement
automatic low light and frame rate control
1-lane MIPI CSI2 outputs RAW, YUV422,  
RGB565/555/444

• 
• 

Wafer Level Optics Products

  Wafer  level  optics  are  optical  products  manufactured  using  semiconductor  process  on  wafers. This 
innovative approach enables wafer level optics to feature small-form factor and high temperature resistance, 
making the Surface-Mount Technology or SMT reflow process possible. We offer entire optical solutions for 
customers who need compact and easy-to-handle optical products on their electronic devices.

  Combining  traditional  optical  lens  design,  precise  mold  control  and  semiconductor  manufacturing 
expertise, our VGA wafer level optics products have been adopted by tier-1 camera module makers and 
mobile phone brands. The double-side manufacture process makes the lens structure more reductive and 
achieves better performance. With  the innovative process and specific  structure, our wafer level optics 
products enhance the performance of camera modules.

  Besides  imaging  lens,  our  technology  is  also  adapted  to  form  microstructure  such  as  lens  array  and 
lenticular for advanced application in digital optics field.

  The following table sets forth the features of our wafer level optics products:

 VGA 1 element wafer level lens

Product

Features
for 1/11” VGA CIS (2.0μm pixel pitch)
one-element and two-surface design for   
cost-competitive market
double-side manufacture process

• 
• 

• 

55

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 VGA 1 element wafer level lens

 HD/1.3M 2 element wafer level lens

 Lens array

• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

already in mass production

for 1/13” VGA CIS (1.75μm pixel pitch)
one-element and two-surface design for   
cost-competitive market
double-side manufacture process
already in mass production

for 1/9” 1.3M/HD CIS (1.4μm pixel pitch)
two-element and four-surface design for   
cost-competitive market
double-side manufacture process

customized lens array for various kinds of  
applications
precise surface form
dimension of lens let could achieve as  
small as 10μm

Core Technologies and Know-How

  Driving System Technology. Through our collaboration with panel manufacturers, we have developed 
extensive  knowledge  of  circuit  design, TFT-LCD  driving  systems,  high-voltage  processes  and  display 
systems,  all  of  which  are  important  to  the  design  of  high-performance TFT-LCD  display  drivers.  Our 
engineers  have  in-depth  knowledge  of  the  driving  system  technology,  which  is  the  architecture  for  the 
interaction between the source driver, gate driver, timing controller and power systems as well as other 
passive components. We believe that our understanding of the entire driving system has strengthened our 
design capabilities. Our engineers are highly skilled in designing power efficient and compact display drivers 
that enhance the performance of TFT-LCD. We are leveraging our know-how of display drivers and driving 
system technology to develop display drivers for panels utilizing other technologies such as OLED.

  High-Voltage  CMOS  Circuit  Design.  Unlike  most  other  semiconductors, TFT-LCD  display  drivers 
require a high output voltage of 3.3 to 50 volts. We have developed circuit design technologies using a high-
voltage CMOS process that enables us to produce high-yield, reliable and compact drivers for high-volume 
applications. Moreover, our technologies enable us to keep the driving voltage at very high uniformity, which 
can be difficult to achieve when using standard CMOS process technology.

  High-Bandwidth Interfaces. In addition to high-voltage circuit design, TFT-LCD display drivers require 
high bandwidth transmission for video signals. We have applied several high-speed interfaces, including 
transistor-transistor  logic  (“TTL”),  Reduced  Swing  Differential  Signaling  (“RSDS”),  mini  low-voltage 
differential signaling (“LVDS”), dual-edge TTL (“DETTL”), turbo Reduced Swing Differential Signaling 
(“RSDS”), Mobile Industry Processor Interface (“MIPI”)and other customized interfaces, in our display 
drivers. Moreover, we are developing additional driver interfaces for special applications with optimized 
speed, lower EMI and higher system stability.

  Die Shrink and Low Power Technologies. Our engineers are highly skilled in employing their knowledge 
of driving technology and high-voltage CMOS circuit design to shrink the die size of our display drivers 
while leveraging their understanding of driving technology and panel characteristics to design display drivers 
with low power consumption. Die size is an important consideration for applications with size constraints. 
Smaller die size also reduces the cost of the chip. Lower power consumption is important for many portable 
devices such as notebook computers, mobile handsets and consumer electronics products.

Customers

  Our  customers  for  display  drivers  are  primarily  panel  manufacturers  and  mobile  device  module 

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
manufacturers, who in turn design and market their products to manufacturers of end-use products such as 
notebook computers, desktop monitors, televisions, mobile handsets and consumer electronics products. 
We may sell our products through agents or distributors for certain products or in certain regions. As of 
December 31, 2012, we sold our products to more than 200 customers. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Innolux, 
including CMO, the predecessor of Innolux and TPO, and its affiliates, combined with the predecessor of 
Innolux and TPO before the merger, accounted for 52.8%, 40.8% and 34.2% of our revenues, respectively; 
customer A and its affiliates, accounted for 0.2%, 5.7% and 11.7% of our revenues, respectively.

  Set  forth  below  (in  alphabetical  order)  are  our  ten  largest  customers  (and  their  affiliates)  based  on 
revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012:

  BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
  Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
  HannStar Display Corporation
  Happiness Commercial Co., Limited

Innolux

  Mitsudi (HK) Company
  Perfect Display Limited
  Shanghai Tianma Microelectronics
  Truly Semiconductors Ltd.
  Welltek Electronics (Hong Kong) Limited

  Certain of our customers provide us with a long-term (twelve-month) forecast plus three-month rolling 
non-binding forecasts and confirm orders about one month ahead of scheduled delivery. In general, purchase 
orders are not cancellable by either party, although from time to time we and our customers have agreed to 
amend the terms of such orders.

Sales and Marketing

  We  focus  our  sales  and  marketing  strategy  on  establishing  business  and  technology  relationships 
principally with TFT-LCD panel manufacturers and also with panel manufacturers using LTPS or OLED 
technologies  and  also  with  mobile  display  module  and  mobile  handset  manufacturers  in  order  to  work 
closely with them on future semiconductor solutions that align with their product road maps. Our engineers 
collaborate with our customers’ engineers to create products that comply with their specifications and provide 
a high level of performance at competitive prices. Our end market for large-sized panels is concentrated 
among a limited number of major panel manufacturers. We also market our products directly to monitor, 
notebook and mobile device manufacturers so that our products can be qualified for their specifications and 
designed into their products.

  We primarily sell our products through our direct sales teams located in Taiwan, China, South Korea and 
Japan. We also have dedicated sales teams for certain of our most important current or prospective customers. 
We have sales and technical support offices in Tainan, Taiwan; and Foshan, Fuging, and Ningbo, China. 
We have offices in Hsinchu and Taipei, Taiwan; Hefei, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Suzhou, China; 
Yokohama and Matsusaka, Japan; Cheonan and Suwon, South Korea; and Irvine and Sunnyvale, California, 
and Delaware, USA, all in close proximity to our customers. For certain products or regions, we may sell our 
products through agents or distributors.

  Our sales and marketing team possesses a high level of technical expertise and industry knowledge used 
to support a lengthy and complex sales process. This includes a highly trained team of product managers 
and field applications engineers. Our team is equipped with extensive strategic marketing experience and a 
strong capability to identify market trends. We also provide technical support and assistance to potential and 
existing customers in designing, testing and qualifying display modules that incorporate our products. We 
believe that the depth and quality of this design support are key to improving customers’ time-to-market and 
maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

57

 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing

  We  operate  primarily  in  a  fabless  business  model  that  utilizes  substantially  third-party  foundry  and 
assembly and testing capabilities. We leverage our experience and engineering expertise to design high-
performance  semiconductors  and  rely  on  semiconductor  manufacturing  service  providers  for  wafer 
fabrication, gold bumping, assembly and testing. We also rely largely on third-party suppliers of processed 
tape used in TAB packaging. We engage foundries with high-voltage CMOS process technology for our 
display drivers and engage assembly and testing houses that specialize in TAB and COG packages, thereby 
taking advantage of the economies of scale and the specialization of such semiconductor manufacturing 
service providers. Our primarily fabless model enables us to capture certain financial and operational benefits, 
including reduced manufacturing personnel, capital expenditures, fixed assets and fixed costs. It also gives us 
the flexibility to use the technology and service providers that are the most suitable for any given product.

  We operate a small fab under Himax Display primarily for performing certain manufacturing processes 
for our LCOS microdisplays. Moreover, in order to further meet customers’ demand for higher quality, lower 
cost, and faster time-to-market, we have established an in-house color filter facility under Himax Taiwan, 
which  commenced  small-scale  shipments  in  2010. The  color  filter  line  is  a  critical  and  unique  process 
for our proprietary single-panel color LCOS microdisplays. An in-house color filter facility enhances the 
competitiveness of our LCOS products and creates value for our customers. In addition, we have established 
an in-house wafer level optics facility under Himax Taiwan for the key process of our wafer level optics 
products, which commenced small-scale shipments in December 2009.

  Manufacturing Stages

  The diagram below sets forth the various stages in manufacturing display drivers according to the two 
different types of assembly utilized: TAB or COG. The assembly type depends primarily on the application 
and design of the panel and is determined by our customers.

TAB

COG

Water Fabrication

Water Fabrication

Processed Tape

Tape Carrier
Packaging
(TCP)

Chip on
Film
(COF)

Gold Bumping

Chip Probe Testing

Inner-lead
Bonding

Final
Testing

58

Gold Bumping

Chip Probe Testing

COG Assembly
and Testing

 
 
 
 
  Wafer Fabrication: Based on our design, the foundry provides us with fabricated wafers. Each fabricated 
wafer contains many chips, each known as a die.

  Gold Bumping: After the wafers are fabricated, they are delivered to gold bumping houses where gold 
bumps are plated on each wafer. The gold bumping process uses thin film metal deposition, photolithography 
and electrical plating technologies. The gold bumps are plated onto each wafer to connect the die to the 
processed tape, in the case of TAB package, or the glass, in the case of COG package.

  Chip Probe Testing: Each die is electrically tested, or probed, for defects. Dies that fail this test are 
discarded.

  Assembly and Testing: Our display drivers use two types of assembly technology: TAB or COG. Display 
drivers for large-sized applications typically require TAB package types and to a lesser extent COG package 
types, whereas display drivers for mobile handsets and consumer electronics products typically require COG 
package types.

  TAB Assembly

  We  use  two  types  of TAB  technologies: TCP  and  COF. TCP  and  COF  packages  are  both  made  of 
processed tape that is typically 35mm or 48mm wide, plated with copper foil and has a circuit formed within 
it. TCP and COF packages differ, however, in terms of their chip connections. With TCP packages, a hole 
is punched through the processed tape in the area of the chip, which is connected to a flying lead made of 
copper. By contrast, with COF packages, the lead is mounted directly on the processed tape and there is no 
flying lead. In recent years, COF packages have become predominantly used in TAB technology.

• 

• 

Inner-Lead Bonding: The TCP and COF assembly process involves grinding the bumped wafers into
their required thickness and cutting the wafers into individual dies, or chips. An inner lead bonder  
machine connects the chip to the printed circuit processed tape and the package is sealed with resin  
at high temperatures.

Final Testing: The assembled display drivers are tested to ensure that they meet performance  
specifications. Testing takes place on specialized equipment using software customized for each
product.

  COG Assembly

  COG assembly connects display drivers directly to LCD panels without the need for processed tape. 
COG assembly involves grinding the tested wafers into their required thickness and cutting the wafers into 
individual dies, or chips. Each individual die is picked and placed into a chip tray and is then visually or 
auto-inspected for defects. The dies are packed within a tray in an aluminum bag after completion of the 
inspection process.

  Quality Assurance

  We maintain a comprehensive quality assurance system. Using a variety of methods, from conducting 
rigorous simulations during the circuit design process to evaluating supplier performance at various stages 
of  our  products’  manufacturing  process,  we  seek  to  bring  about  improvements  and  achieve  customer 
satisfaction. In addition to monitoring customer satisfaction through regular reviews, we implement extensive 
supplier quality controls so that the products we outsource achieve our high standards. Prior to engaging a 
third party as our supplier, we perform a series of audits on their operations, and upon engagement, we hold 
frequent quality assurance meetings with our suppliers to evaluate such factors as product quality, production 
costs, technological sophistication and timely delivery.

In November 2002, we received ISO 9001 certification, which was renewed in February 2011 and will 
expire in February 2014. In February 2006, we received ISO 14001 certification, which was renewed in 

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 2012 and will expire in January 2015. In addition, in March 2007, we received IECQ QC 080000 
certification,  which  was  renewed  in  March  2013  and  will  expire  in  March  2016,  and  OHSAS  18001 
certification, which was renewed in January 2012 and will expire in January 2015.

Semiconductor Manufacturing Service Providers and Suppliers

  Through  our  relationships  with  leading  foundries,  assembly,  gold  bumping  and  testing  houses  and 
processed tape suppliers, we believe we have established a supply chain that enables us to deliver high-
quality products to our customers in a timely manner.

  Access  to  semiconductor manufacturing service providers is critical as display drivers require high-
voltage CMOS process technology and specialized assembly and testing services, all of which are different 
from  industry  standards. We  have  obtained  our  foundry  services  from TSMC, Vanguard,  Macronix, 
Globalfoundries Singapore, SMIC and Maxchip in the past few years and have also established relationships 
with UMC, HHNEC and PSC.These are among a select number of semiconductor manufacturers that provide 
high-voltage CMOS process technology required for manufacturing display drivers. We engage assembly and 
testing houses that specialize in TAB and COG packages such as Chipbond, ChipMOS Technologies Inc., 
Chipmore International trading company Ltd. and Nepes Corporation.

  We plan to strengthen our relationships with our existing semiconductor manufacturing service providers 
and diversify our network of such service providers in order to ensure access to sufficient cost-competitive 
and high-quality manufacturing capacity. We are selective in our choice of semiconductor manufacturing 
service providers. It  takes  a substantial  amount of time to qualify alternative foundries, gold bumping, 
assembly and testing houses for production. As a result, we expect that we will continue to rely on a limited 
number of semiconductor manufacturing service providers for a substantial portion of our manufacturing 
requirements in the near future.

  The table below sets forth (in alphabetical order) our principal semiconductor manufacturing service 
providers and suppliers:

Wafer Fabrication
 Globalfoundries Singapore Pte., Ltd.
 Macronix International Co., Ltd.
 Maxchip Electronics Corp. 
 Shanghai Hua Hong NEC Electronics Company, Ltd.
 Semiconductor Manufacturing International  
 Corporation
 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company  
 Limited
 United Microelectronics Corporation
 Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation
 Powerchip Technology Corporation

Gold Bumping
 Chipbond Technology Corporation
 Chipmore International Trading Company Ltd.
 ChipMOS Technologies Inc.
 LB Semicon Co., Ltd.
 Nepes Corporation

60

 
 
 
 
 
Processed Tape for TAB Packaging

Assembly and Testing

 Mitsui Micro Circuits Taiwan Co., Ltd.
 Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
 Simpal Electronics Co., Ltd.
 Sumitomo Metal Mining Package Material Co., Ltd.
 LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
 Stemco., Ltd.

 Ardentec Corporation
 Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc.
 Chipbond Technology Corporation
 Chipmore International Trading Company Ltd.
 ChipMOS Technologies Inc.
 Nepes Corporation
 Global Testing Corporation
 Greatek Electronics Inc.
 Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
 King Yuan Electronics Co., Ltd.
 Orient Semiconductor Electronics Ltd.
 Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd.
 Taiwan IC Packaging Corporation
 Micro Silicon Electronics Corp.

Chip Probe Testing 

 Ardentec Corporation
 Chipbond Technology Corporation
 Chipmore International Trading Company Ltd.
 ChipMOS Technologies Inc.
 Nepes Corporation
 Global Testing Corporation
 Greatek Electronics Inc. 
 King Yuan Electronics Co., Ltd.
 Micro Silicon Electronics Corp.

Intellectual Property

  As of March 31, 2013, we held a total of 1,869 patents, including 660 in Taiwan, 708 in the United States, 
446 in China, and 55 in other countries. The expiration dates of our patents range from 2019 to 2032. We 
also have a total of 735 pending patent applications in Taiwan, 297 in the United States and 275 in other 
jurisdictions, including the PRC, Japan, Korea and Europe. In addition, we have registered “Himax” and our 
logo as a trademark and service mark in Taiwan, China, Europe, Singapore, Korea and Japan and the United 
States.

Competition

  The  markets  for  our  products  are,  in  general,  intensely  competitive,  characterized  by  continuous 
technological change, evolving industry standards, and declining average selling prices. We believe key 
factors that differentiate the competition in our industry include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

customer relations;

product performance;

design customization;

development time;

product integration;

technical services;

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  manufacturing costs;

• 

• 

• 

• 

supply chain management;

timely delivery;

economies of scale; and

broad product portfolio.

  We continually face intense competition from fabless display driver companies, including Fitipower 
Integrated Technology, Inc., Ili Technology Corp., Lusem Co., Ltd, Novatek Microelectronics Corp., Orise 
Technology Co., Ltd., Raydium Semiconductor Corporation, Sitronix Technology Co., Ltd., Silicon Works 
Co. Ltd. and Solomon Systech Limited. We also face competition from integrated device manufacturers, 
such as MagnaChip Semiconductor Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, NEC Electronics Corporation, Renesas 
Technology Corp., Seiko Epson Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. and Rohm Co., 
Ltd., and panel manufacturers with in-house semiconductor design capabilities, such as Samsung Electronics 
Co., Ltd. and Sharp Corporation. The latter are both our competitors and customers.

  Many of our competitors, some of whom are affiliated or have established relationships with other panel 
manufacturers, have longer operating histories, greater brand recognition and significantly greater financial, 
manufacturing, technological, sales and marketing, human and other resources than we do. Additionally, we 
expect that as the flat panel semiconductor industry expands, more companies may enter and compete in our 
markets.

  For  touch  controller  ICs,  we  compete  with  worldwide  suppliers,  such  as Atmel  Corp.,  Cypress 
Semiconductor Corp. and Synaptics Inc.

  Our  monitor  semiconductor  solutions  compete  against  solutions  offered  by  a  significant  number  of 
semiconductor  companies  including  MStar  Semiconductor,  Inc.,  Novatek  Microelectronics  Corp.,  and 
Realtek Semiconductor Corp. For 2D to 3D conversion solutions, we face competition from Mediatek Corp. 
and MStar Semiconductor, Inc.

  For LCOS products, we face competition primarily from digital lighting processing, or DLP, projectors 
incorporating Texas Instruments Incorporated’s digital light processing technology. We also face competition 
from a few other mobile projector technologies, including OmniVision, which acquired Aurora Systems 
in 2010, Syndiant Inc. and Microvision, Inc., a company providing laser-scanning projector solutions. For 
MEMS products, we face competition primarily from TI’s DLP and Epson 3LCD technology.

  For power ICs, we face competition from Taiwan companies including Richtek Technology Corporation, 
Global  Mixed-mode Technology  Inc.  and Advanced Analog Technology,  Inc. We  also  compete  with 
worldwide suppliers such as Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Texas Instruments Incorporated and Rohm 
Co., Ltd.

  For CMOS image sensor products, we face competition primarily from Aptina Imaging Corporation, 
Omnivision Technologies Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sony Corporation and SK Hynix Inc.

  For wafer level optics products, we face competition primarily from OmniVision, Heptagon, Anteryon, 
NemotekTechnologies and Q-Technology Ltd.

Insurance

  We maintain insurance policies on our buildings, equipment and inventories covering property damage 
and damage due to, among other events, fires, typhoons, earthquakes and floods. We maintain these insurance 
policies on our facilities and on transit of inventories. Additionally, we maintain director and officer liability 

62

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
insurance. We do not have insurance for business interruptions, nor do we have key person insurance.

Environmental Matters

  The business of semiconductor design does not cause any significant pollution. Himax Taiwan maintains 
a color filter facility and a wafer level optics facility and Himax Display maintains a facility for our LCOS 
products, where we have taken the necessary steps to obtain the appropriate permits and believe that we 
are in compliance with the existing environmental laws and regulations in the ROC. We have entered into 
various agreements with certain customers whereby we have agreed to indemnify them, and in certain cases, 
their customers, for any claims made against them for hazardous material violations that are found in our 
products.

4.C. Organizational Structure

  The following chart sets forth our corporate structure and ownership interest in each of our principal 
operating subsidiaries and affiliates as of March 31, 2013.

63

 
 
 
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  The following table sets forth summary information for our subsidiaries as of March 31, 2013.

Subsidiary

Main Activities

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

Percentage of
Our Ownership
Interest

 Himax Technologies Limited
 Himax Technologies Korea Ltd.
 Himax Semiconductor, Inc.
 Himax Technologies (Samoa), Inc.
 Himax Technologies (Suzhou)
    Co., Ltd.
 Himax Technologies (Shenzhen)
    Co., Ltd.

 IC design and sales
 Sales
 IC design and sales
 Investments

 ROC
 South Korea
 ROC
 Samoa

 Sales

 Sales

 PRC

 PRC

 Himax Display, Inc.
 Integrated Microdisplays Limited
 Himax Display (USA) Inc.
 Himax Analogic, Inc.
 Himax Imaging, Inc.
 Himax Imaging, Ltd.
 Himax Imaging Corp.
 Argo Limited
 Tellus Limited

Himax Media Solutions, Inc.
Himax Media Solutions (Hong Kong)
Limited
Harvest Investment Limited
Iris Optronics Co., Ltd.

Himax Technologies Japan Ltd.

 LCOS and MEMS design,  
 manufacturing and sales
 LCOS sales
 MEMS design
 IC design and sales
 Investments
 IC design and sales
 IC design
 Investments
 Investments
 TFT-LCD television  
 and monitor chipset  
 operations, ASIC service 
 and IP Licensing

 Investments
 Investments
 E-paper manufacturing  
 and sales
 Sales

 ROC
 Hong Kong
 Delaware, USA
 ROC
 Cayman Islands
 ROC
 California, USA
 Cayman Islands
 Cayman Islands

                100.0%
                100.0%
                100.0%
                       100.0%(1)

                       100.0%(2)

                       100.0%(2)

                          81.5%(1)
                          81.5%(3)
                          81.5%(3)
                          74.6%(1)
                100.0%
                          87.6%(4)
                       100.0%(5)  
                100.0%
                       100.0%(6)

 ROC

                          86.7%(7)

 Hong Kong
 ROC
 ROC

                          86.7%(8)
                       100.0%(1)
                          21.7%(1)

 Japan

                100.0%

(1)  Indirectly, through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Technologies Limited.

(2)  Indirectly, through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Technologies (Samoa), Inc.

(3)  Indirectly, through our 81.5% ownership of Himax Display, Inc.

(4)  Indirectly, as to 79.7% through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Imaging, Inc. and as to 7.9%

through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Technologies Limited.

(5)  Indirectly, through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Imaging, Inc.

(6)  Indirectly, through our 100.0% ownership of Argo Limited.

(7)  Directly, as to 22.0%, and indirectly, as to 64.7% through our 100.0% ownership of Himax  

Technologies Limited.

(8)  Indirectly, through our 86.7% ownership of Himax Media Solutions, Inc.

65

                          
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment

  Our corporate headquarters are located at a 22,172 square meter facility within the Tree Valley Industrial 
Park in Tainan, Taiwan. The facility houses our research and development, engineering, sales and marketing, 
operations and general administrative staff. Construction of the facility was completed in October 2006, and 
the total land and construction costs amounted to approximately $25.8 million.

  We also lease office space in Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan; Suzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Fuqing, Beijing, 
Shanghai and Ningbo, China; Yokohama and Matsusaka, Japan; Cheonan and Suwon, South Korea; and 
Irvine and Sunnyvale, California and Delaware, USA. In June 2008, we completed the relocation of the 
Taipei offices of our company, Himax Media Solutions and Himax Analogic. The lease contracts may be 
renewed upon expiration.

  We have established under Himax Taiwan an in-house wafer level optics facility for the key process of 
our products, with 1,171 square meters of floor space in a building leased from Innolux, which commenced 
small-scale shipments in December 2009. We have also expanded certain facilities for LCOS and wafer level 
optics products to accommodate new customers and new applications located at our headquarters in Tainan, 
Taiwan. In addition, Himax Taiwan owns and operates a fab with 1,431 square meters of floor space in a 
building leased from Innolux in Tainan, where it established an in-house color filter facility. The color filter 
line is a critical and unique process for our proprietary single-panel color LCOS microdisplays. An in-house 
color filter facility enhances the competitiveness of our LCOS products and creates value for our customers.

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

  Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

5.A. Operating Results

Overview

  We design, develop and market semiconductors that are critical components of flat panel displays. Our 
principal products are display drivers for large-sized TFT-LCD panels, which are primarily used in desktop 
monitors, notebook computers and televisions, and display drivers for small and medium-sized TFT-LCD 
panels, which are primarily used in mobile handsets and consumer electronics products such as tablet PCs, 
netbook computers (typically ten inches or below in diagonal measurement), digital cameras, mobile gaming 
devices, portable DVD players, digital photo frames, head-mounted-displays and car navigation displays. 
We also offer display drivers for panels using OLED technology and LTPS technology. In addition, we are 
expanding our product offerings to include non-driver products such as timing controllers, touch controller 
ICs, TFT-LCD television and monitor semiconductor solutions, LCOS microdisplays solutions, power ICs, 
CMOS image sensors and wafer level optics products. For display drivers and display-related products, 
our customers are panel manufacturers, agents or distributors, module manufacturers and assembly houses. 
We also work with  camera module  manufacturers, optical engine manufacturers, and television system 
manufacturers for various non-driver products.

  We commenced  operations through  our predecessor, Himax Taiwan, in June 2001. We must, among 
other things, continue to expand and diversify our customer base, broaden our product portfolio, maintain 
our leading technology position, achieve additional design wins and manage our costs to partially mitigate 
declining average selling prices and any other market risks in order to maintain our profitability. Moreover, 
we must continue to address the challenges of being a growing technology company, including hiring and 
retaining managerial, engineering, operational and financial personnel and implementing and improving our 
existing administrative, financial and operations systems.

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  We  operate  primarily  in  a  fabless  business  model  that  utilizes  substantially  third-party  foundry  and 
assembly and testing capabilities. We leverage our experience and engineering expertise to design high-
performance semiconductors and rely largely on third-party semiconductor manufacturing service providers 
for wafer fabrication, gold bumping, assembly and testing with the exception of manufacturing of LCOS 
microdisplay and wafer level optics products, which we manufacture through our own factories. We are 
able to take advantage of the economies of scale and the specialization of our third-party semiconductor 
manufacturing service providers. Our primarily fabless model enables us to capture certain financial and 
operational benefits, including reduced manufacturing personnel, capital expenditures, fixed assets and fixed 
costs. It also gives us the flexibility to use the technology and service providers that are the most suitable for 
any given product. For LCOS microdisplay and wafer level optics products, our in-house factories enable 
us to protect our proprietary technologies and manufacturing expertise in the effort to further expand these 
businesses.

  As our semiconductors are critical components of flat panel displays, our industry is closely linked to the 
trends and developments of the flat panel display industry, in particular, the TFT-LCD panel segment. The 
majority of our revenues in 2012 were derived from sales of display drivers that were eventually incorporated 
into TFT-LCD panels. We expect display drivers for TFT-LCD panels to continue to be our primary products. 
The TFT-LCD panel industry is intensely competitive and is vulnerable to cyclical market conditions. The 
average selling prices of TFT-LCD panels could decline for numerous reasons, which could in turn result in 
downward pricing pressure on our products. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating 
to Our Financial Condition and Business—We derive over 80% of our net revenues from sales to the TFT-
LCD panel industry, which is highly cyclical and subject to price fluctuations. Such cyclicality and price 
fluctuations could negatively impact our business or results of operations.” The revenue expansion of our 
non-driver products as well as TFT-LCD product trending toward high resolution and any other new product 
introduction help to mitigate these risks.

Factors Affecting Our Performance

  Our business, financial position and results of operations, as well as the period-to-period comparability of 
our financial results, are significantly affected by a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, 
including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

average selling prices;

unit shipments;

product mix;

design wins;

cost of revenues and cost reductions;

supply chain management;

share-based compensation expenses; and

tax credits and exemptions.

  Average Selling Prices

  Our performance is affected by the selling prices of each of our products. We price our products based 
on several factors, including manufacturing costs, life cycle stage of the product, competition, technical 
complexity of the product, size of the purchase order and our relationship with the customer. We typically are 
able to charge the highest price for a product when it is first introduced. Although from time to time we are 
able to raise our selling prices during times of supply constraints, our average selling prices typically decline 

67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
over a product’s life cycle, which may be offset by changes in conditions in the semiconductor industry such 
as constraints in foundry capacity. The general trend in the semiconductor industry is for the average selling 
prices of semiconductors to decline over a product’s life cycle due to competition, production efficiencies, 
emergence of substitutes and technological obsolescence. Our cost reduction efforts also contribute to this 
decline in average selling prices. See “—Cost of Revenues and Cost Reductions.”

  Our  average  selling  prices  are  also  affected  by  the  cyclicality  of  the TFT-LCD  panel  industry. Any 
downward pricing pressure on TFT-LCD panel manufacturers could result in similar downward pricing 
pressure on us. During periods of declining average selling prices for TFT-LCD panels, TFT-LCD panel 
manufacturers may also decrease capacity utilization and sell fewer panels, which could depress demand for 
our display drivers. For example, in the second half of 2008, as a result of the severe economic downturn 
and the weakening of consumer spending, there was an over-supply of large-sized TFT-LCD panels. Many 
TFT-LCD panel manufacturers experienced a decrease in prices of large-sized TFT-LCD panels and reduced 
capacity  utilization  significantly,  which  in  turn  resulted  in  strong  downward  pricing  pressure  on  and  a 
decrease in demand for our products, particularly in late 2008 and early 2009. While there was a rebound 
in demand for TFT-LCD panels in the second quarter of 2009, the growth in output of TFT-LCD panels 
has been limited by the shortage of certain components for TFT-LCD panels. Our product pricing remained 
weak in 2009. In the second half of 2010, the TFT-LCD panel industry suffered again from an over-supply 
due to a high inventory level built up previously, which significantly decreased our sales to the TFT-LCD 
panel industry. In the second half of 2011, the demand of TFT-LCD panels was affected by the uncertain 
global economic conditions by lowering capacity utilization for large panel products. Because the demand 
was lower than originally anticipated, ASP pressure arose for large-sized applications during the traditional 
peak season. In addition, our average selling prices are affected by the size and bargaining power of our 
customers. The merger of CMO, the predecessor of Innolux and TPO could negatively affect our ability to 
maintain, if not raise, our selling prices. In addition, as new China panel makers emerge in the marketplace 
and continue to expand their capacity, China panel makers’ bargaining power will increase accordingly, 
negatively impacting our average selling price. Our average selling prices are also affected by the packaging 
type our customers choose as well as the level of product integration. See “—Product Mix” below. Lastly, 
competition level affects our average selling prices as well. For example, as competitors have started to enter 
into the smartphone driver IC space and compete aggressively to get market share since the second quarter of 
2012, average selling prices of smartphone driver IC for mid to low-end resolution have been under pressure 
since then. However, the impact of declining average selling prices on our profitability might be offset or 
mitigated to a certain extent by increased volume as lower prices may stimulate demand and thereby drive 
sales and TFT-LCD panel products trending toward higher resolution which creates a higher barrier of entry, 
less competition and higher profit margins.

  Unit Shipments

  Our performance is also affected by the number of semiconductors we ship, or unit shipments. As our 
display  drivers  are  critical  components  of  flat  panel  displays,  our  unit  shipments  depend  primarily  on 
our customers’ panel shipments among other factors. Our unit shipments have grown since our inception 
primarily  as  a  result  of  our  increased  market  share  with  certain  major  customers  and  their  increased 
shipments of panels. Our growth in unit shipments also reflected the demand for higher resolution panels 
which typically require more display drivers. However, the development of higher channel display drivers 
or new technologies, if successful, could potentially reduce the number of display drivers required for each 
panel while achieving the same resolution. If such technologies become commercially available, the market 
for our display drivers will be reduced and we could experience a decline in revenue and profit.

  Product Mix

  The proportion of our revenues that is generated from the sale of different product types, also referred 
to as product mix, also affects our average selling prices, revenues and profitability. Our display driver 
products vary depending on, among other things, the number of output channels, the level of integration 
and the package type. Variations in each of these specifications could affect the average selling prices of 
such products. For example, the trend for display drivers for use in large-sized panels is toward products 

68

 
 
 
 
with a higher number of channels, which typically command higher average selling prices than traditional 
products with a lower number of channels. However, panels that use higher-channel display drivers typically 
require fewer display drivers per panel. As a result, our profitability will be adversely affected to the extent 
that the decrease in the number of display drivers required for each panel is not offset by increased total 
unit shipments and/or higher average selling prices for display drivers with a higher number of channels. 
The level of integration of our display drivers also affects average selling prices, as more highly integrated 
chips typically have higher selling prices. Additionally, average selling prices are affected by changes in 
the package types used by our customers. For example, the chip-on-glass package type typically has lower 
material costs because no processed tape is required. Moreover, our different non-driver products vary in 
average selling prices and costs.

  The proportion of non-driver business would also affect our financial position and results of operations. 
For the past three years, we have experienced operating losses from our non-driver business. This was partly 
due to low sales volume during these periods that led to insufficient revenue to fully cover expenses such as 
research and development and operating expenses. We expect; however, to ramp up the volume production 
and sales of our non-driver products in the future and generate positive operation income from such non-
driver  products.  In  addition,  given  that  our  non-driver  products  have  higher  gross  margins  and  higher 
growth potential than our driver products, we expect the overall profit margin across our product platform to 
improve.

  Design Wins

  Achieving design wins is important to our business, and it affects our unit shipments. Design wins occur 
when a customer incorporates our products into their product designs. There are numerous opportunities for 
design wins, including, but not limited to, when panel manufacturers:

• 

• 

• 

introduce new models to improve the cost and/or performance of their existing products or to expand
their product portfolio;

establish new fabs and seek to qualify existing or new component suppliers; and

replace existing display driver companies due to cost or performance reasons.

  Design wins are not binding commitments by customers to purchase our products. However, we believe 
that achieving design wins is an important performance indicator. Our customers typically devote substantial 
time and resources to designing their products as well as qualifying their component suppliers and their 
products. Once our products have been designed into a system, the customer may be reluctant to change 
its component suppliers due to the significant costs and time associated with qualifying a new supplier or 
a replacement component. Therefore, we strive to work closely with current and prospective customers in 
order to anticipate their requirements and product roadmaps and achieve additional design wins.

  Cost of Revenues and Cost Reductions

  We strive to control our cost of revenues. Our cost of revenues as a percentage of total revenues in 2010, 
2011 and 2012 was 79.0%,80.2% and 76.9%, respectively. In 2012, as a percentage of Himax Taiwan’s total 
manufacturing costs, the cost of wafer fabrication was 55.7%, the cost of processed tape was 8.0%, the cost 
of assembly and testing was 35.8% and overhead was 0.5%. Our cost of revenues may increase as a result of 
an increase in raw material prices, any failure to obtain sufficient foundry, assembly or testing capacity or any 
shortage of processed tape or failure to improve our manufacturing utilization rate or production yield. As a 
result, our ability to manage our wafer fabrication costs, costs for processed tape, and assembly and testing 
costs is critical to our performance. In addition, to mitigate declining average selling prices, we aim to reduce 
unit costs by, among other things:

• 

improving product design (e.g., having smaller die size allows for a larger number of dies on each
wafer, thereby reducing the cost of each die);

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

improving manufacturing yields through our close collaboration with our semiconductor   
manufacturing service providers and in our in-house manufacturing facilities; and

achieving better pricing from a diversified pool of semiconductor manufacturing service providers
and suppliers, reflecting our ability to leverage our scale, volume requirement and close relationships
as well as our strategy of sourcing from multiple service providers and suppliers.

  Supply Chain Management

  Due to the competitive nature of the flat panel display industry and our customers’ need to maintain 
high capacity utilization in order to reduce unit costs per panel, any delays in the delivery of our products 
could significantly disrupt our customers’ operations. To deliver our products on a timely basis and meet the 
quality standards and technical specifications our customers require, we must have assurances of high-quality 
capacity from our semiconductor manufacturing service providers. We therefore strive to manage our supply 
chain by maintaining close relationships with our key semiconductor manufacturing service providers and 
strive to provide credible forecasts of capacity demand and seek for new manufacturing service providers in 
case of any manufacturer’s capacity shortage. Any disruption to our supply chain could adversely affect our 
performance and could result in a loss of customers as well as potentially damage our reputation.

  Share-Based Compensation Expenses

  Our results of operations have been affected by, and we expect our results of operations to continue to 
be affected by, our share-based compensation expenses, which consist of charges taken relating to grants of 
mainly RSUs as well as non-vested shares to employees.

  We adopted two long-term incentive plans in October 2005 and September 2011, respectively, which 
permit the grant of options or RSUs to our employees and non-employees where each unit represents two 
ordinary shares. The actual awards will be determined by our compensation committee. We recorded share-
based compensation expenses under the long-term incentive plan totaling $11.5 million, $6.8 million and $8.2 
million in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. See “—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Share-
Based Compensation Expenses.” Of the total share-based compensation expenses recognized, $5.9 million, 
$2.9 million and $6.3 million in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, were settled in cash. We have applied 
Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, to account for 
our share-based compensation plans. ASC 718 requires companies to measure and recognize compensation 
expense for all share-based payments at fair value.

  Set  forth  below  is  a  summary  of  our  historical  share-based  compensation  plans  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 as reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

  Restricted Share Units (RSUs). We adopted two long-term incentive plans in October 2005 and September 
2011, respectively.

  We made grants of 7,108,675 RSUs to our employees on September 29, 2008. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 60.64% of the RSU grants vested immediately and were settled by cash in 
the amount of $12.7 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 
2009, 2010 and 2011, which has been or will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture 
events.

  We made grants of 3,577,686 RSUs to our employees on September 28, 2009. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 55.96% of the RSU grants vested immediately and were settled by cash in the 
amount of $6.5 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 2010, 
2011 and 2012, which will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

  We made grants of 3,488,952 RSUs to our employees on September 28, 2010. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 68.11% of the RSU grants vested immediately and were settled by cash in the 

70

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
amount of $5.9 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 2011, 
2012 and 2013, which will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

  We made grants of 2,727,278 RSUs to our employees on September 28, 2011. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 97.36% of the RSU grants vested immediately and were settled by cash in the 
amount of $2.9 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 2012, 
2013 and 2014, which will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

  We made grants of 5,522,279 RSUs to our employees on September 26, 2012. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 58.36% of the RSU grants vested immediately and were settled by cash in the 
amount of $6.3 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 2013, 
2014 and 2015, which will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

  The amount of share-based compensation expense with regard to the RSUs granted to our employees 
on September 28, 2010, September 28, 2011 and September 26, 2012 was $2.47, $1.10 and $1.95 per ADS, 
respectively, which was based on the trading price of our ADSs on that day.

  Tax Credits and Exemptions

  Our results of operations have been affected by, and we expect our results of operations to continue to be 
affected by, tax credits and income tax exemptions available to us.

  The ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, which expired at the end of 2009, entitled companies to tax 
credits for expenses relating to qualifying research and development, personnel training and purchases of 
qualifying machinery. The tax credits could be applied within a five-year period. The amount of tax credit that 
could be applied in any year was limited to 50% of the income tax payable for that year (with the exception 
of the final year when the remainder of the tax credit could be applied without limitation to the total amount 
of the income tax). Under the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, Himax Taiwan was granted tax credits 
at rates set at a certain percentage of the amount utilized in qualifying research and development, personnel 
training expenses, purchases of qualifying machinery and investments in the newly emerging, important and 
strategic industries; provided that the shareholders’ meeting of such ROC companies invested in by Himax 
Taiwan did not resolve to forfeit the shareholders’ tax credit benefit in exchange for such ROC companies’ 
five-years tax holiday. The balance of unused investment tax credits totaled $55.0 million, $39.4 million and 
$22.8 million as of December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

  On May 12, 2010, the Statute for Industrial Innovation was promulgated in the ROC, which became 
effective  on  the  same  date  except  for  the  provision  relating  to  tax  incentives  which  went  into  effect 
retroactively on January 1, 2010. Compared to the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, the Statute for 
Industrial Innovation provides for less tax credits. The Statute for Industrial Innovation entitles companies 
to tax credits for qualifying research and development expenses related to innovation activities but limits 
the amount of tax credit to only up to 15% of the total research and development expenditure for the current 
year, subject to a cap of 30% of the income tax payable for the current year. Moreover, any unused tax credits 
provided under the Statute for Industrial Innovation may not be carried forward. As a result, the tax credits 
that we received decreased significantly to $3.5 million in 2011 and $1.2 million in 2012 compared to $13.8 
million in 2009.

  The ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries provided to companies deemed to be operating in important 
or strategic industries a five-year tax exemption for income attributable to expanded production capacity or 
newly developed technologies. Such expanded production capacity or newly developed technologies was 
required to be funded in whole or in part from either the initial capital investment made by a company’s 
shareholders, a subsequent capital increase or a capitalization of a company’s retained earnings. As a result of 
this statute, income attributable to certain of Himax Taiwan’s expanded production capacity is tax exempt for 
a period of five years, effective on April 1, 2004, January 1, 2006, January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2013 and 
expiring on March 31, 2009, December 31, 2010, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2017, respectively. 
In addition, beginning January 1, 2009, Himax Semiconductor became entitled to a five-year tax exemption 

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
expiring on December 31, 2013. While the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries expired at the end of 
2009, under a grandfather clause we have continued to enjoy the five-year tax holiday since the relevant 
investment plans were approved by the ROC tax authority before the expiration of the Statute. The effect 
of such tax exemption was an increase on net income and basic and diluted earnings per share attributable 
to our stockholders of $3.6 million, $0.01 and $0.01, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2010, 
$0.8 million, $0.002 and $0.002 for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $2.9 million, $0.01 and $0.01 for 
the year ended December 31, 2012. As the tax exemptions that expired on March 31, 2009 and December 
31, 2010 accounted for a substantial portion of our total tax-exempted income under the ROC Statute for 
Upgrading Industries, our income tax expenses increased significantly in 2009 and 2010 as compared to 
2008. It may continue to increase in the future. No such tax exemption is provided for under the newly 
adopted Statute for Industrial Innovation.

Description of Certain Statements of Income Line Items

  Revenues

  Historically, we have generated revenues from sales of display drivers for large-sized applications, display 
drivers for mobile handsets and display drivers for consumer electronics products. In addition, our product 
portfolio includes operational amplifiers, timing controllers, touch controller ICs, TFT-LCD television and 
monitor semiconductor solutions, LCOS microdisplay solutions, power ICs, CMOS image sensors and wafer 
level optics products, 2D to 3D conversion solutions, ASIC service and IP licensing.

  Display drivers for large-sized applications have been the largest source of revenues for us, but we expect 
display drivers for mobile handsets applications, display drivers for consumer electronics applications and 
other non-driver products to increase in revenue contribution in the future. Our revenues generated from sales 
of display drivers for large-sized applications decreased in 2010 and 2011 both in absolute amount and as a 
percentage of our total revenues, primarily due to the significant decrease in sales to Innolux, or prior to the 
merger, CMO as a result of the impact of the global economic downturn in 2009 and the change of purchase 
policy by Innolux to diversify its display driver supply base in 2010. However, our revenues generated from 
sales of display drivers for large-sized applications increased in 2012 due to the increased sales to customers 
in China. Our revenues generated from sales of each of display drivers for mobile handsets applications, 
display drivers for consumer electronics applications and other non-driver products increased in 2010, 2011 
and 2012, primarily due to our increased market share for certain products, the larger market size for certain 
applications and a wider market adoption for some non-driver products.

2010

Percentage 
of
Revenues

Amount

Year Ended December 31
2011

Percentage 
of
Revenues

Amount

2012

Percentage 
of
Revenues

Amount

(in thousands, except percentages)

Display drivers for
large-sized plications 
Display drivers for mobile 
handsets applications 
Display drivers for consumer 
electronics applications 
Others(1) 
Total 

  $    366,492

                 57.0 %

 $     270,372

                 42.7 %

  $    305,247

          41.4 %

        119,623

          18.6

        169,248

          26.8

        177,175

          24.0

        103,942

          16.2

        112,836

         17.8

        151,689

          20.6

          52,635
 $     642,692

            8.2
        100.0 %

          80,565
 $     633,021

         12.7
       100.0 %

        103,144
 $     737,255

          14.0
        100.0 %

Note: 

(1) Includes, among other things, timing controllers, touch controller ICs, TFT-LCD television and 
      monitor chipsets, LCOS projector solutions, power ICs, CMOS image sensors, wafer level optics  
      products, 2D to 3D conversion solutions, ASIC service and IP licensing.

  A limited number of customers account for substantially all our revenues. Innolux and its affiliates, which 

72

 
 
 
 
   
    
 
 
 
 
 
take into account the effect of the merger of CMO, Innolux and TPO in March 2010, accounted for 52.8%, 
40.8% and 34.2% of our revenues in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Sales to Innolux and its affiliates 
further decreased both in absolute amount and as a percentage of our total revenues, primarily due to the 
change of purchase policy by Innolux to diversify its display driver supply base and our increased sales to 
China customers.

2010

Percentage 
of
Revenues

Amount

Year Ended December 31
2011

Percentage 
of
Revenues

Amount

2012

Percentage 
of
Revenues

Amount

(in thousands, except percentages)

Innolux and its affiliates 
Customer A and its affiliates
Others 
Total 

$ 339,220
        1,516
   301,956
$ 642,692

    52.8 %
  0.2
47.0
   100.0 %

$ 258,156
     35,908
   338,957
$ 633,021

    40.8 %
  5.7
53.5
  100.0 %

$ 251,974
     86,069
   399,212
$ 737,255

    34.2 %
11.7
54.1
  100.0 %

  The global TFT-LCD panel market is highly concentrated, with only a limited number of TFT-LCD panel 
manufacturers producing large-sized TFT-LCD panels in high volumes. We sell large-sized panel display 
drivers to many of these TFT-LCD panel manufacturers. Our revenues, therefore, will depend on our ability 
to capture an increasingly larger percentage of each panel manufacturer’s display driver requirements. Our 
sales to panel makers in China grew significantly in 2011 and 2012 due to the Chinese panel maker business 
expansion which started in 2011. These sales have become a significant portion of our revenue.

  We  derive  substantially  all  of  our  revenues from sales  to Asia-based customers whose end  products 
are sold worldwide. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, approximately 76.7%, 62.4% and 48.4% of our revenues, 
respectively, were from customers headquartered in Taiwan and approximately 17.6%, 33.1% and 45.4% of 
our revenues, respectively, were from customers headquartered in China. We believe that substantially all 
of our revenues will continue to be from customers located in Asia, where almost all of the TFT-LCD panel 
manufacturers and mobile device module manufacturers are located. As a result of the regional customer 
concentration, we expect to continue to be subject to economic and political events and other developments 
that affect our customers in Asia. A substantial majority of our sales invoices are denominated in U.S. dollars.

  Costs and Expenses

  Our costs and expenses consist of cost of revenues, research and development expenses, general and 
administrative expenses, bad debt expense, sales and marketing expenses and share-based compensation 
expenses.

  Cost of Revenues

  The principal items of our cost of revenues are:

• 

• 

• 

• 

cost of wafer fabrication;

cost of processed tape used in TAB packaging;

cost of gold bumping, assembly and testing; and

other costs and expenses.

  We outsource the manufacturing of our semiconductors and semiconductor solutions to semiconductor 
manufacturing service providers. The costs of wafer fabrication, gold bumping, assembly and testing depend 
on the availability of capacity and demand for such services. The wafer fabrication industry, in particular, is 

73

 
   
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
highly cyclical, resulting in fluctuations in the price of processed wafers depending on the available foundry 
capacity and the demand for foundry services.

  Research and Development Expenses

  Research and development expenses consist primarily of research and development employee salaries, 
including related employee welfare costs, costs associated with prototype wafers, processed tape, masks, 
molding and tooling sets, depreciation on research and development equipment, and acquisition-related 
charges. We believe that we will need to continue to spend a significant amount on research and development 
in order to remain competitive. We expect to continue increasing our spending on research and development 
in absolute dollar amounts in the future as we continue to increase our research and development headcount 
and associated costs to pursue additional product development opportunities. As a percentage of revenues, 
our research and development expenses in 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 11.9%, 12.4% and 9.6%, respectively.

  General and Administrative Expenses

  General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries of general and administrative employees, 
including related employee welfare costs, depreciation on buildings, office furniture and equipment, rent and 
professional fees. We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in absolute dollar 
amounts as we expand our operations, hire additional administrative personnel, incur depreciation expenses 
in connection with our headquarters at the Tree Valley Industrial Park, incur professional fees for filing patent 
applications and incur additional compliance costs required of a publicly listed company in the United States.

  Bad Debt Expense

  We  evaluate  our  outstanding  accounts  receivable  on  a  monthly  basis  for  collectability  purposes.  In 
establishing the required allowance, we consider our historical collection experience, current receivable aging 
and the current trend in the credit quality of our customers. In 2010 and 2011, we recognized net recoveries 
of previously considered doubtful accounts from SVA-NEC of $8.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Sales and Marketing Expenses

  Our  sales  and  marketing  expenses  consist  primarily  of  salaries  of  sales  and  marketing  employees, 
including related employee welfare costs, amortization expenses for the acquired intangible assets related to 
the acquisition of Wisepal in 2007, travel expenses and product sample costs. We expect that our sales and 
marketing expenses will increase in absolute dollar amounts over the next several years. However, we believe 
that as we continue to achieve greater economies of scale and operating efficiencies, our sales and marketing 
expenses may decline over time as a percentage of our revenues.

Share-Based Compensation Expenses

  Our share-based compensation expenses consist of various forms of share-based compensation that we 
have historically issued to our employees and consultants, as well as share-based compensation issued to 
employees, directors and service providers under our 2005 and 2011 long-term incentive plans. We allocate 
such share-based compensation expenses to the applicable cost of revenues and expense categories as related 
services are performed. See note 15 to our consolidated financial statements. Under the long-term incentive 
plan, we granted RSUs on December 30, 2005 to our employees and directors and again on September 
29, 2006, September 26, 2007, September 29, 2008, September 28, 2009, September 28, 2010, September 
28, 2011 and September 26, 2012 to our employees. Share-based compensation expenses recorded under 
the long-term incentive plan totaled $11.5 million, $6.8 million and $8.2 million in 2010, 2011 and 2012, 
respectively. See“—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Share-Based Compensation” for further 
discussion of the accounting of such expenses.

  Income Taxes

74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Since  we  and  our  direct  and  indirect  subsidiaries  are  incorporated  in  different  jurisdictions,  we  file 
separate income tax returns. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to income 
or  capital  gains  tax. Additionally,  dividend  payments  made  by  us  are  not  subject  to  withholding  tax  in 
the Cayman Islands. We recognize income taxes at the applicable statutory rates in accordance with the 
jurisdictions where our subsidiaries are located and as adjusted for certain items including accumulated losses 
carried forward, non-deductible expenses, research and development tax credits, certain tax holidays, as well 
as changes in our deferred tax assets and liabilities.

  Our effective income tax rate was 17.6% in 2010, 43.4% in 2011 and 23.9% in 2012, respectively.

  ROC law offers preferential tax treatments to industries that are encouraged by the ROC government. The 
ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, which expired at the end of 2009, entitled companies to tax credits 
for expenses relating to qualifying research and development, personnel training expenses, purchases of 
qualifying machinery and investments in the newly emerging, important and strategic industries; provided 
that the shareholders’ meeting of such ROC companies did not resolve to forfeit the shareholders’ tax credit 
benefit in exchange for such ROC companies’ five-year tax holiday. The tax credits could be applied within a 
five-year period. The amount from the tax credit that could be applied in any year (with the exception of the 
final year when the remainder of the tax credit could be applied without limitation to the total amount of the 
income tax payable) was limited to 50% of the income tax payable for that year. Under the ROC Statute for 
Upgrading Industries, Himax Taiwan, Himax Semiconductor, Himax Display, Himax Analogic, Himax Media 
Solutions and Himax Imaging, Ltd. were granted tax credits at rates set at a certain percentage of the amount 
utilized in qualifying research and development, and personnel training expenses. The balance of unused 
investment tax credits totaled $55.0 million, $39.4 million and $22.8 million as of December 31, 2010, 2011 
and 2012, respectively. On May 12, 2010, the Statute for Industrial Innovation was promulgated in the ROC, 
which became effective on the same date except for the provision relating to tax incentives which went into 
effect retroactively on January 1, 2010. Compared to the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, the Statute 
for Industrial Innovation provides for less tax credits. The Statute for Industrial Innovation entitles companies 
to tax credits for qualifying research and development expenses related to innovation activities but limits 
the amount of tax credit to only up to 15% of the total research and development expenditure for the current 
year, subject to a cap of 30% of the income tax payable for the current year. Moreover, any unused tax credits 
provided under the Statute for Industrial Innovation may not be carried forward. As a result, the tax credits 
that we received decreased significantly to $3.5 million in 2011 and $1.2 million in 2012 compared to $13.8 
million in 2009.

  Under  the  ROC  Statute  for  Upgrading  Industries  and  the  applicable  grandfather  clause,  income 
attributable to certain of Himax Taiwan’s expanded production capacity is tax exempt for a period of five 
years, effective on April 1, 2004, January 1, 2006, January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2013 and expiring on 
March 31, 2009, December 31, 2010, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2017, respectively. In addition, 
beginning January 1, 2009, Himax Semiconductor is also entitled to a five-year tax exemption expiring on 
December 31, 2013. Based on the ROC statutory income tax rate of 17%, the effect of these tax exemptions 
on net income and basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share attributable to our stockholders had been an 
increase of $3.6 million, $0.01 and $0.01 for the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively, $0.8 million, 
$0.002 and $0.002 for the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively, and $2.9 million, $0.01 and $0.01 
for the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively. The tax exemptions that expired on March 31, 2009 and 
December 31, 2010 accounted for a substantial proportion of our total tax-exempted income under the ROC 
Statute for Upgrading Industries. No such tax exemption is provided for under the newly adopted Statute for 
Industrial Innovation.

  Our higher effective tax rate in 2011 was due to two reasons. One, our Taiwan subsidiaries, other than 
Himax Taiwan, incurred net operating losses and provided full valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. 
Another factor was the NT dollar’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar during 2011. While our reporting 
currency is the U.S. dollar, a substantial majority of our taxes are incurred in Taiwan on the tax basis of the 
NT dollar. More deferred tax liabilities were recognized by Himax Taiwan in 2011 because if we were to 
settle the monetary assets or liabilities in U.S. dollars, it would have resulted in taxable income.

75

 
 
 
 
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

  We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates 
used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Share-Based Compensation

  Share-based compensation primarily consists of grants of non-vested or restricted shares of common 
stock,  stock  options  and  RSUs  issued  to  employees. We  have  applied ASC  718  for  our  share-based 
compensation plans for all periods since the incorporation of Himax Taiwan in 2001. The cost of employee 
services received in exchange for share-based compensation is measured based on the grant-date fair value 
of the share-based instruments issued. The cost of employee services is equal to the grant-date fair value of 
shares issued to employees and is recognized in earnings over the service period. Share-based compensation 
expense  estimates  also  take  into  account  the  number  of  shares  awarded  that  management  believes  will 
eventually vest. We adjust our estimate for each period to reflect the current estimate of forfeitures. As of 
December 31, 2012, we based our share-based compensation cost on an assumed forfeiture rate of 12.19% 
per annum for RSUs issued in 2009, and 14.13% per annum for RSUs issued in 2010 and 2012 under our 
long-term incentive plan. If actual forfeitures occur at a lower rate, share-based compensation costs will 
increase in future periods.

  For our issuance of RSUs in 2010, 2011 and 2012, the fair value of the ordinary shares underlying the 
RSUs granted to our employees was $2.47, $1.10 and $1.95 per share, respectively, which was the closing 
price of our ADSs on September 28, 2010 and 2011 and September 26, 2012, respectively.

  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Sales Returns and Discounts

  We record a reduction to revenues and accounts receivable by establishing a sales discount and return 
allowance  for  estimated  sales  discounts  and  product  returns  at  the  time  revenues  are  recognized  based 
primarily  on  historical  discount  and  return  rates.  However,  if  sales  discount  and  product  returns  for  a 
particular fiscal period exceed historical rates, we may determine that additional sales discount and return 
allowances are required to properly reflect our estimated remaining exposure for sales discounts and product 
returns.

  We  evaluate  our  outstanding  accounts  receivable  on  a  monthly  basis  for  collectability  purposes.  In 
establishing the required allowance, we consider our historical collection experience, current receivable aging 
and the current trend in the credit quality of our customers. In 2008, we recognized a valuation allowance of 
$25.3 million for the probable credit loss relating to SVA-NEC. Since around September 2008, SVA-NEC 
has delayed paying a large portion of our accounts receivable outstanding from them. Subsequently, in late 
February 2009, it was reported that SVA Group, the ultimate parent company of SVA-NEC, was in financial 
distress, and in late March 2009, the Shanghai municipal government set up a conservatorship committee 
to assist in SVA Group’s restructuring. While we recovered $8.8 million and $1.5 million from SVA-NEC 
in 2010 and 2011, respectively, we believe it is probable that we would not be able to collect any of our 
remaining accounts receivable outstanding from SVA-NEC.

  The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns and discounts for the years ended 
December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

  Allowance for doubtful accounts

76

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Year

 2010 
 2011 
 2012 

 Year

 2010 
 2011 
 2012 

Balance at Beginning
of Year

Charges (credits) to 
earnings

Amounts Utilized

Balance at End of Year

(in thousands)

 $                          25,515
 $                          16,727
 $                          15,186

 $                        (8,788)
 $                        (1,541)
 $   

                      -

 $                           - 
 $                           -
 $                           -

 $                            16,727
 $                            15,186
 $                            15,186

Allowance for sales returns and discounts

Balance at Beginning
of Year

Charges (credits) to 
earnings

Amounts Utilized

Balance at End of Year

 $                               970
 $                               591
 $                               785

 $                          4,551
 $                          3,385
 $                          7,386

 $                  (4,930)
 $                  (3,191)
 $                  (7,093)

 $                                 591
 $                                 785
 $                              1,078

(in thousands)

Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average 
method.  For  work-in-process  and  manufactured  inventories,  cost  consists  of  the  cost  of  raw  materials 
(primarily fabricated wafers and processed tape), direct labor and an appropriate proportion of production 
overheads. We also write down excess and obsolete inventory to its estimated market value based upon 
estimations about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than 
those projected by management, additional  future inventory  write-downs may be required which could 
adversely affect our operating results. Once written down, inventories are carried at this lower amount until 
sold or scrapped. If actual market conditions are more favorable, we may have higher gross margin when 
such products are sold. Sales to date of such products have not had a significant impact on our gross margin. 
The inventory write-downs in 2010, 2011 and 2012 were approximately $10.6 million, $9.1 million and $12.4 
million, respectively, and were included in cost of revenues in our consolidated statements of income.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Excluding Goodwill

  We routinely review our long-lived assets that are held and used for impairment whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The determination 
of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the 
asset and its eventual disposition. The estimate of cash flows is based upon, among other things, certain 
assumptions  about  expected  future  operating  performance,  average  selling  prices,  utilization  rates  and 
other factors. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value, 
an  impairment charge  is  recognized  for  the amount that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair 
value, based on the best information available, including discounted cash flow analysis. However, due to 
the cyclical nature of our industry and changes in our business strategy, market requirements, or the needs 
of our customers, we may not always be in a position to accurately anticipate declines in the utility of 
our equipment or acquired technology until they occur. Prior to evaluating goodwill for impairment, we 
evaluated the Company’s long-lived assets for impairment. For each significant asset group, we determined 
that the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset group significantly exceeded 
their respective carrying amounts. Consequently, we have not recognized any impairment charges on long-
lived assets during the period from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2012.

  Goodwill

  We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually, and test for impairment between annual tests if 
an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. 
Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step 
test. Under the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including 

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill 
impairment exists for the reporting unit and we perform step two of the impairment test (measurement). 
Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting 
unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined 
by  allocating  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  in  a  manner  similar  to  a  purchase  price  allocation,  in 
accordance with ASC 805 Business Combination. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied 
fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.

In 2010, we considered the enterprise as a whole to be a single reporting unit for purposes of testing 
goodwill for impairment. The adjusted market value of the Company, based on the quoted market price of 
the Company’s shares and including a reasonable control premium, was in excess of the Company’s equity 
book value on the date of first step of the assessment in 2010. Therefore, we concluded that the Company’s 
goodwill was not impaired in 2010.

  Since January 2011, we changed our internal reporting such that we now have two operating segments, 
which are also reportable, segments. We have determined that we have five reporting units. However, all of 
the goodwill has been assigned to the Driver IC reporting unit, which is also an operating segment. Therefore, 
only the Driver IC reporting unit needs to be tested for goodwill impairment.

  For the Driver IC reporting unit in 2011 and 2012, we compared the carrying value of the Driver IC 
reporting unit, inclusive of assigned goodwill, to its respective fair value—step 1 of the two-step impairment 
test.

  We use the discounted cash flow (DCF) method to determine the fair value of each reporting unit. We 
engaged an independent external service provider to assist us in estimating the fair value of each reporting 
unit. In conducting the DCF valuation, we incorporate the use of projected financial information and a 
discount rate that are developed using market-participant-based assumptions. The cash-flow projections 
are based on five-year financial forecasts that include revenue projections, which are based on our business 
plan and considered industry trends, capital spending trends, and investment in working capital to support 
anticipated  revenue  growth. The  selected  discount  rate  considers  the  risk  and  nature  of  the  respective 
reporting unit’s cash flows and the rates of return market participants would require to invest their capital in 
our reporting units. We used a discount rate based on our weighted average cost of capital, which was 23.0% 
for the Driver IC reporting unit and 30.1% and 35.1% for other reporting units as of October 31, 2011 and 
21.3% for the Driver IC reporting unit and 30.2% for other reporting units as of October 31, 2012.

In  order  to  determine  the  reasonableness  of  the  fair  values  of  the  reporting  units,  we  performed  a 
reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of the reporting units to our market capitalization based on the 
quoted market price of our ordinary shares, adjusted for an appropriate control premium. In determining 
an appropriate control premium, we referenced the FactSet MergerStat database and Standard Industrial 
Classification  (SIC)  Code  367X  to  identify  comparable  merger  and  acquisition  transactions  effected  in 
2011 and 2012 prior to October 31, 2011. Within the four compared and observed semiconductor industry 
transactions, the control premiums ranged from 57.9% to 175.3%. The average observed control premium 
was approximately 94.3%.

  Based on our assessment, the estimated fair value of the Driver IC reporting unit exceeded its carrying 
amount by 7.6% and 54.3% at October 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively and therefore we concluded that 
goodwill was not impaired in 2011 and 2012. However, our conclusion could change in the future if our 
quoted market price falls further below our net book value per share or if market conditions change with 
respect to control premiums paid for companies of our size and business nature.

  Goodwill also exists in our Non-Driver Products reportable segment as of December 31, 2012 as a result 
of our acquisition of Spatial Photonics, Inc. during that year. The amount of such goodwill is immaterial.

  Product Warranty

78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Under our standard terms and conditions of sale, products sold are subject to a limited product quality 
warranty. We  may  receive  warranty  claims  outside  the  scope  of  the  standard  terms  and  conditions. We 
provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized based primarily on 
historical experience and any specifically identified quality issues. The movement in accrued warranty costs 
for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 is as follows:

Year

 2010 
 2011 
 2012 

Balance at Beginning
of Year

Charges (credits) to 
earnings

Amounts Utilized

Balance at End of Year

(in thousands)

 $                              679
 $                              679
 $                                78

 $                         3,772
 $                           (321)
 $                            856

 $                 (3,772)
 $                    (280)
 $                    (737)

 $                                 679
 $                                   78
 $                                 197

Income Taxes

  According  to  the  ROC  Income Tax Act,  dividends  distributed  by  a Taiwan  company  to  its  foreign 
shareholders  are  subject  to  ROC  withholding  tax,  currently  at  the  rate  of  20%,  on  the  amount  of  the 
distribution in the case of cash dividends or on the par value of the ordinary shares in the case of stock 
dividends. However, a 10% ROC retained earnings tax paid by a Taiwan company on its undistributed after-
tax earnings, if any, would provide a credit of up to 10% of the gross amount of any dividends declared out 
of those earnings that would reduce the 20% ROC tax imposed on those distributions.

   As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, we have not provided for retained earnings tax on the undistributed 
earnings of approximately $467.7 million and $536.5 million, respectively, of our Taiwanese subsidiaries 
since we have specific plans to reinvest these earnings indefinitely. The undistributed earnings in our foreign 
subsidiaries are mainly from Himax Taiwan totaling approximately $467.3 million and $514.9 million as 
of December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. We intend to use accumulated and future earnings of Himax 
Taiwan to expand operations in Taiwan.

  However,  a  deferred  tax  liability  will  be  recognized  when  the Taiwanese  company  can  no  longer 
demonstrate that it plans to reinvest indefinitely these undistributed earnings. It is not practicable to estimate 
the amount of additional taxes that might be payable on such undistributed earnings.

  We are a holding company located in the Cayman Islands and have paid dividends and repurchased 
outstanding shares. To fund such dividends and repurchases, in the past four years, we have received cash 
from bank loans and from Himax Taiwan through intercompany borrowings instead of dividends distributed 
by Himax Taiwan. At December 31, 2011 and 2012, the amount of cash and cash equivalents and investments 
in marketable securities available-for-sale held by Himax Taiwan were $85.6 million and $119.3 million, 
respectively, which are not available to fund our ultimate parent company’s activities unless the cash is 
distributed.

  As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, our management is required to 
estimate income taxes and tax bases of assets and liabilities for us and our subsidiaries. This process involves 
estimating  current  tax  exposure  together  with  assessing  temporary  differences  resulting  from  differing 
treatments of items for tax and accounting purposes and the amount of tax credits and tax loss carry-forward. 
These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the consolidated balance 
sheets. Management must then assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future 
taxable income, and, to the extent it believes that recovery is not more likely than not, a valuation allowance 
is provided.

In assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets, our management considers whether it is more likely 
than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization 
of deferred tax assets and therefore the determination of the valuation allowance are dependent upon the 
generation  of  future  taxable  income  by  the  taxable  entity  during  the  periods  in  which  those  temporary 
differences  become  deductible.  Management  considers  the  scheduled  reversal  of  different  liabilities, 
projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in determining the valuation allowance.

79

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not to be 
sustained. We have to recognize income tax expenses when the possibility of tax adjustments made by the 
tax authority is greater than 50% in the future period. Changes in income tax recognition or measurement of 
previous periods are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.

  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of uncertain tax positions is as follows:

Balance at beginning of year
Increase related to prior year tax positions
Decrease related to prior year tax positions
Increase related to current year tax positions
Effect of exchange rate change 
Balance at end of year 

 $                  8,450
                            -
 $                (2,295)
 $                    133
 $                    604
 $                 6,892

2010

2012

Year Ended December 31
2011
(in thousands)
 $                  6,892
                            -
 $                 (6,759)
                            -
 $                        (5)
 $                     128

 $                     128
 $                     658
                            -
                            -
 $                         5
 $                     791

  With the exception of Himax Taiwan, Himax Technologies Korea Ltd. (based in South Korea), or Himax 
Korea, Himax Technologies (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Himax Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., and Himax 
Imaging Corp., most of our subsidiaries have generated tax losses since their inception and are not included 
in  the  consolidated  tax  filing  with  Himax Taiwan  or  other  subsidiaries  with  taxable  income. Valuation 
allowances of $31.6 million, $31.9 million and $30.5 million as of December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, 
respectively, were provided to reduce their deferred tax assets (consisting primarily of operating loss carry-
forwards and unused investment tax credits) to zero because management believes it is unlikely that these tax 
benefits will be realized. Additional valuation allowances of $3.3 million and $5.8 million as of December 
31, 2011 and 2012, respectively, were provided to reduce Himax Taiwan’s deferred tax assets related to 
unused investment tax credits.

Segment Reporting

  We  use  the  management  approach  in  determining  reportable  operating  segments. The  management 
approach  considers  the  internal  organization  and  reporting  used  by  our  chief  operating  decision  maker 
(CODM) for making operating decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance as the source for 
determining the Company’s reportable segments.

  Our CODM has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer, who regularly reviews operating results to 
make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for us.

  Management of the Company has determined that we have two operating segments, Driver IC and Non-
driver products, which are also reportable segments.

  The CODM assesses the performance of the operating segments based on segment sales and segment 
profit and loss. There are no intersegment sales in the segment revenues reported to the CODM. Segment 
profit and loss is determined on a basis that is consistent with how we report operating income (loss) in 
our consolidated statements of operations. Segment profit (loss) excludes income taxes, interest income 
and expense, foreign currency exchange gains and losses, equity in the earnings (losses) of affiliates, gains 
and losses on valuations of financial instruments and sales of investment securities, and other income and 
expenses.

  Consolidated Results of Operations

  The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated statements of income as a percentage of 
revenues:

80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31
2011

2010

2012

Revenues 
Costs and expenses:
    Cost of revenues 
    Research and development 
    General and administrative 
    (Recovery of) bad debt expense 
    Sales and marketing 
Total costs and expenses 
Operating income 
Non-operating income (loss) 
Income tax expense  
Net income 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Himax stockholders

                100.0 %

                100.0 % 

                100.0 %

                  79.0 
                  11.9 
                    2.9 
                   (1.4)
                    2.1
                  94.5
                    5.5
                       -
                    1.0
                    4.5
                    0.6
                    5.2

                  80.2
                  12.4
                    2.7
                     (0.2)
                    2.3
                  97.4
                    2.6
                       -
                    1.1
                    1.5
                    0.2
                    1.7

                  76.9
                    9.6
                    2.3
                       - 
                    2.1
                  90.9
                    9.1
                     (0.2)
                    2.1
                    6.8
                    0.2
                    7.0

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

  Revenues. Our revenues increased by 16.5% to $737.3 million in 2012 from $633.0 million in 2011. The 
growth was a result of increasing sales in all categories of products. This increase was attributable mainly 
to a 16.6% increase in revenues from sales of display drivers for, mobile handsets and consumer electronics 
applications to $328.9 million in 2012 from $282.1 million in 2011, primarily as a result of our expanding 
reach to end customers in China, Korea and the U.S. The increase was also attributable to a 12.9% increase 
in revenues from display drivers for large-sized applications to $305.2 million in 2012 from $270.4 million in 
2011, mainly driven by sales to Chinese customers, which led to a gain in market share and a 28.0% increase 
in revenues from non-driver products to $103.2 million in 2012 from $80.5 million in 2011. In 2012, our 
average selling prices increased by 4.6%, primarily as a result of changes in our product mix, and our unit 
shipments increased by 11.4% as a result of our increased market share for certain products, the larger market 
size for certain applications and a wider market adoption for some non-driver products.

  Costs and Expenses. Costs and expenses increased by 8.7% to $670.2 million in 2012 from $616.4 million 
in 2011. As a percentage of revenues, costs and expenses decreased to 90.9% in 2012 compared to 97.4% in 
2011.

• 

• 

Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues increased to $566.7 million in 2012 from $507.4 million  
in 2011. The increase in cost of revenues was due primarily to an 11.4% increase in unit 
shipments in 2012, as compared to 2011. Inventory write-downs, which are included in  
cost of revenues, increased to $12.4 million in 2012 from $9.1 million in 2011 primarily due
to larger inventory write-downs as a result of unused inventory produced to meet projected
customer demand. As a percentage of revenues, cost of revenues decreased to 76.9% in
2012 from 80.2% in 2011. The significant margin improvement is primarily a result of  
product diversification.

Research and Development. Research and development expenses decreased by 10.3%  
to $70.9 million in 2012 from $79.0 million in 2011. This decrease was primarily attributable  
to decreases in research and development material expenses and mask and mold    
expenses. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in salary expenses (including    
share-based compensation). The increase in salary expenses was due primarily to higher
average salaries.

•  General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased slightly by  

0.3% to $17.1 million in 2012 from $17.1 million in 2011, primarily as a result of increases  
in salary expenses and welfare expense. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in
depreciation expenses. The decrease in depreciation expenses was due primarily to the  

81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
useful life of prior capitalized items gradually being expired in 2012.

• 

• 

Recovery of Bad Debt Expense. We recognized net recoveries of previously considered doubtful    
accounts from SVA-NEC of nil in 2012 and $1.5 million in 2011.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased by 7.5% to $15.4 million in 2012 from  
$14.4 million in 2011, primarily as a result of increases in salary expenses, sample expenses and    
travelling expenses. The increase in salary expenses was due primarily to higher average salaries.

  Non-Operating Income (Loss), net. We had a net non-operating loss of $1.2 million in 2012 compared to 
net non-operating income of $0.2 million in 2011. We recognized a one-time impairment loss on investment 
of $1.3 million in 2012. Our foreign currency exchange losses increased to $0.5 million in 2012 from an 
exchange gain of $0.5 million in 2011, primarily due to the net liability denominated in NT dollars as a 
result of the stronger NT dollar against the U.S. dollar in 2012. Our other income increased to $0.1 million 
in 2012 from other losses of $0.4 million in 2011, primarily as a result of a decrease in unrealized losses on 
conversion options in 2012.

Income Tax Expense. Our income tax expense increased by $8.4 million to $15.7 million in 2012 from 
$7.3 million in 2011. Our effective income tax rate decreased to 23.9% from 43.4% in 2011. This change in 
our effective income tax rate was primarily attributable to tax benefits for realized tax losses on investments 
in subsidiaries due to capital reclassification to offset the accumulated deficit and tax benefits resulting from 
changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

  Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, our net income increased to $50.1 million in 2012 from $9.5 
million in 2011 and net income attributable to Himax stockholders increased to $51.6 million in 2012 from 
$10.7 million in 2011.

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

  Revenues. Our revenues decreased 1.5% to $633.0 million in 2011 from $642.7 million in 2010. This 
decrease  was  attributable  mainly  to  a  26.2%  decrease  in  revenues  from  display  drivers  for  large-sized 
applications to $270.4 million in 2011 from $366.5 million in 2010 primarily as a result of a significant 
decrease in sales to Innolux due to the change of purchase policy by Innolux to diversify its display driver 
supply base in 2011. The decrease was partially offset by a 26.2% increase in revenues from display drivers 
for mobile handset and consumer electronics applications to $282.1 million in 2011 from $223.6 million in 
2010, and a 53.1% increase in revenues from non-driver products to $80.6 million in 2011 from $52.6 million 
in 2010. Our average selling prices decreased 2.3% in 2011 primarily as a result of the downward pricing 
pressure from TFT-LCD panel manufacturers in 2011 and changes in our product mix. Such impact on our 
revenues was partially offset by a 28.1% increase in unit shipments of our display drivers for mobile handset 
applications, display drivers for consumer electronics applications and other non-driver products, as a result 
of our increased market share for certain products, the larger market size for certain applications and a wider 
market adoption for some non-driver products.

  Costs and Expenses. Costs and expenses increased 1.5% to $616.4 million in 2011 from $607.3 million 
in 2010. As a percentage of revenues, costs and expenses increased to 97.4% in 2011 compared to 94.5% in 
2010.

• 

Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues decreased to $507.4 million in 2011 from $507.6 million in
2010. The minor decrease in cost of revenues was due primarily to a 0.80% decrease in average unit  
cost, partially offset by a 0.77% increase in unit shipments, as compared to 2010. Inventory write-  
downs, which are included in cost of revenues, decreased slightly to $9.1 million in 2011 from $10.6  
million in 2010. As a percentage of revenues, cost of revenues decreased to 80.2% in 2011 from 
79.0% in 2010.

• 

Research and Development. Research and development expenses increased 3.4% to $79.0 million in 

82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 from $76.4 million in 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in salary 
expenses and outsourcing process expenses. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in
research and development material expenses. The increase in salary expenses was due primarily to a 
larger headcount of research and development staff and higher average salaries.

•  General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses decreased 8.9% to $17.1 million in 
2011 from $18.8 million in 2010, primarily as a result of a decrease in depreciation expenses and 
professional fees. The decrease in depreciation expenses was due primarily to the change of 
allocation base for the depreciation of our headquarters. The decrease in professional fees was due 
primarily to decreasing certain expenses relating to our Taiwan listing application with the Taiwan 
Stock Exchange on its main board and the lawyers’ fees for investment assessment in 2010.

• 

• 

Recovery of Bad Debt Expense. We recognized net recoveries of previously considered doubtful    
accounts from SVA-NEC of $1.5 million in 2011 and $8.8 million in 2010.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased 8.2% to $14.4 million in 2011 from  
$13.3 million in 2010, primarily as a result of an increase in salary expenses. The increase in salary  
expenses was due primarily to a larger headcount of sales and marketing staff and higher average   
salaries.

  Non-Operating Income (Loss), net. We had a net non-operating income of $0.2 million in 2011 compared 
to  net  non-operating  loss  of  $64,000  in  2010.  Our  foreign  currency  exchange  gains  increased  to  $0.5 
million in 2011 from an exchange loss of $0.9 million in 2010, primarily for the net liability denominated 
in NT dollars due to the weaker NT dollar against the U.S. dollar in 2011. Our interest expense increased to 
$0.5 million from $0.2 million in 2010 because we obtained bank loans in 2011 to fund our investment in 
subsidiary and dividend distribution. Our other losses increased to $0.4 million in 2011 from other income of 
$0.5 million in 2010, primarily as a result of unrealized losses on conversion options in 2011.

Income Tax Expense. Our income tax expense increased 17.2% to $7.3 million in 2011 from $6.2 million 
in 2010. Our effective income tax rate increased from 17.6% in 2010 to 43.4% in 2011. This change in our 
effective income tax rate was mainly attributable to the increase in taxable income due to the weaker NT 
dollar against the U.S. dollar in 2011, the additional valuation allowance provided in 2011 to reduce Himax 
Taiwan’s deferred tax assets related to unused investment tax credits, and net operating loss carry-forwards at 
certain loss-making subsidiaries.

  Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, our net income decreased to $9.5 million in 2011 from $29.1 
million in 2010 and net income attributable to Himax stockholders decreased to $10.7 million in 2011 from 
$33.2 million in 2010.

Segment Results

  The following table sets forth the revenues and operating results for our reportable segments for the 
periods indicated:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

Segment Revenues 
    Driver IC 
    Non-Driver Products
Total 

 $                           590,057
 $                             52,635
 $                           642,692

 $                           552,456
 $                             80,565
 $                           633,021

 $                           634,111
 $                           103,144
 $                           737,255

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

 $                     54,815
            (19,457)
 $ 
35,358
 $                   

 $                       38,401
           (21,793)
 $ 
            16,608  
 $    

 $ 
 $ 
 $ 

              83,883
            (16,823)
              67,060

Segment Operating Income (loss)
Driver IC 
Non-Driver Products 
Total 

  Driver IC Segment

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

Segment revenues. Our revenues from the Driver IC segment increased by 14.8% to $634.1 million in 
2012 from $552.5 million in 2011. This increase was attributable to a 9.8% increase in our average selling 
price and a 4.6% increase in unit shipments of our driver IC products.

Segment operating income. Operating income from the Driver IC segment increased to $83.9 million in 
2012 from $38.4 million in 2011. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in revenues and 
gross profit in 2012 as compared to 2011. As a percentage of segment revenues, segment operating income 
increased to 13.2% in 2012 from 7.0% in 2011. The increase is a result of the product diversification and 
more profit contribution generated from certain new products.

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

Segment revenues. Our revenues from the Driver IC segment decreased by 6.4% to $552.5 million in 2011 
from $590.1 million in 2010. This decrease was attributable to a 3.1% decrease in our average selling price 
and a 3.2% decrease in unit shipments of our driver IC products.

Segment operating income. Operating income from the Driver IC segment decreased to $38.4 million in 
2011 from $54.8 million in 2010. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in revenues, partially 
offset by a 0.9% decrease in average unit cost and a 2.7% decrease in operating expenses, as compared to 
2010. As a percentage of segment revenues, segment operating income decreased to 7.0% in 2011 from 9.3% 
in 2010. This decrease was primarily due to smaller contribution from shipments of large-sized applications.

  Non-Driver Products Segment

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

Segment revenues. Our revenues from the Non-Driver Products segment increased by 28.0% to $103.2 
million in 2012 from $80.6 million in 2011. This increase was attributable mainly to a 67.5% increase in unit 
shipments of our non-driver products.

Segment operating loss. Operating loss from the Non-Driver Products segment decreased to $16.8 million 
in 2012 from $21.8 million in 2011. Segment operating loss from Non-Driver Products as a percentage of its 
segment revenues decreased to 16.3% in 2012 from 27.1% in 2011, primarily due to an increase in shipments 
of WLO and controllers products and a decrease in research and development material expenses and mask 
and mold expenses.

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

Segment revenues. Our revenues from the Non-Driver Products segment increased by 53.1% to $80.6 
million in 2011 from $52.6 million in 2010. This increase was attributable mainly to a 54.4% increase in unit 
shipments of our non-driver products.

Segment operating loss. Operating loss from the Non-Driver Products segment increased to $21.8 million 

84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in 2011 from $19.5 million in 2010. Segment operating loss from Non-Driver Products as a percentage of its 
segment revenue decreased to 27.1% in 2011 from 37.0% in 2010, primarily due to an increase in shipments 
of CMOS products. This increase was attributable to a 31.8% increase in operating expenses, partially offset 
by an increase in revenues and a 2.1% decrease in average unit cost, as compared to 2010. This increase 
in operating expenses was primarily attributable to increases in salary expenses and outsourcing process 
expenses for research and development.

5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

  We need cash primarily for technology advancement, capacity expansion and working capital. We have 
historically been able to meet our cash requirements through cash flow from operations.

  As of December 31, 2012, we had total current assets of $567.1 million, total current liabilities of $242.1 
million and cash and cash equivalents of $138.7 million. As of December 31, 2012, we had total short-
term debt of $73.0 million with equal amount of cash and time deposits as collateral and did not have any 
outstanding long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2012. We believe that our working capital is sufficient 
for our present requirements.

  The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:

Net cash provided by operating activities 
Net cash used in investing activities 
Net cash used in financing activities 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash 
equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 
period 

Year Ended December 31
2011

2010

2012

 $               57,631
                  (17,599)
                  (54,195)
                  (14,082)

 $               43,448
                  (10,197)
                  (24,015)
                    9,322

 $               52,167
                                    (695)
                  (18,931)
                  32,573

                110,924 

                  96,842

                106,164

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

                  96,842 

                106,164

                138,737

  Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2012 was $52.2 million compared to 
$43.4 million in 2011. This increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 2012 was due primarily 
to an increase in cash collected from customers in 2012 compared to 2011 and a decrease in cash paid for 
income tax in 2012 compared to 2011, partially offset by an increase in cash used for raw materials, assembly 
and testing process fees in 2012 compared to 2011.Net cash provided by operating activities in 2011 was $43.4 
million compared to $57.6 million in 2010. This decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in 2011 
was due primarily to a decrease in cash collected from customers in 2011 compared to 2010, an increase in 
cash used in 2011 to pay for operating expense and a decrease in recovery of accounts receivable previously 
written off in 2011, partially offset by a decrease in cash used for raw materials, assembly and testing process 
fees in 2011 compared to 2010.

Investing Activities.Net cash used in investing activities in 2012 was $0.7 million compared to $10.2 
million in 2011. This decrease in net cash used in investing activities in 2012 was due primarily to a decrease 
in cash used for property and equipment in 2012 compared to 2011.Net cash used in investing activities 
in 2011 was $10.2 million compared to $17.6 million in 2010. This decrease in net cash used in investing 
activities in 2011 was due primarily to a decrease in purchasing of investment securities and available-for-
sale marketable securities and partially offset by an increase in cash used for property and equipment in 2011 
compared to 2010.

  Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities in 2012 was $18.9 million compared to $24.0 
million in 2011. This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in distribution of cash dividends and partially 
offset by an increase in payments to repurchase ordinary shares.Net cash used in financing activities in 

85

 
 
 
         
          
 
 
 
 
2011 was $24.0 million compared to $54.2 million in 2010. This change was due primarily to a decrease in 
payments to acquire ordinary shares and a decrease in distribution of cash dividends.

  Our liquidity could be negatively impacted by a decrease in demand for our products that are subject 
to  rapid  technological  change,  among  other  factors,  which  could  result  in  revenue  variability  in  future 
periods. In addition, we have at times agreed to extend the payment terms for certain of our customers. Other 
customers have also requested extension of payment terms and we may grant such requests for extensions in 
the future. The extension of payment terms for our customers could adversely affect our cash flow, liquidity 
and our operating results. Our subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends and other payments to us may be 
limited by ROC regulations. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Holding Company Structure — 
Our ability to receive dividends and other payments or funds from our subsidiaries may be restricted by 
commercial, statutory and legal restrictions, and thereby materially and adversely affect our ability to grow, 
fund investments, make acquisitions, pay dividends and otherwise fund and conduct our business.”

  Our  capital  expenditures  were  incurred  primarily  in  connection  with  the  purchase  of  property  and 
equipment. Our capital expenditures totaled $7.2 million, $18.9 million and $6.6 million in 2010, 2011 
and 2012, respectively. We will continue to make capital expenditures to meet the expected growth of our 
operations. We believe that our working capital is sufficient for our present requirements.

5.C. Research and Development

  Our research and development  efforts  focus on improving and enhancing our core technologies and 
know-how relating to the semiconductor solutions we offer to the flat panel display industry. In particular, 
we have committed a significant portion of our resources to the research and development of non-driver 
products  because  we  believe  in  the  long-term  business  prospects  of  such  products  and  are  committed 
to  continuing  to  diversify  our  product  portfolio. Although  a  significant  portion  of  the  resources  at  our 
integrated circuit design center are invested in advanced research for future products, we continue to invest 
in improving the performance and reducing the costs of our existing products. Our application engineers, 
who provide on-system verification of semiconductors and product specifications, and field application 
engineers, who provide on-site engineering support at our customers’ offices or factories, work closely with 
panel manufacturers to co-develop display solutions for their electronic devices. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, we 
incurred research and development expenses of $76.4 million, $79.0 million and $70.9 million, respectively, 
representing 11.9%, 12.4% and 9.6% of our revenues, respectively.

5.D. Trend Information

  LED TVs, 3D TVs, smartphones and tablet PCs are the major themes for large, small and medium-sized 
panels. There will be more and more similar products on the market. In 2011, we lost share in large panel 
drivers because one of our major customers continued to diversify their driver IC supply base. However, 
benefiting from the growth in the market in China, where most of the new buildings of panel capacity took 
place, we gained share in the large panel sector and grew our large panel driver IC sales in 2012. In addition, 
we also benefited from our gains in small and medium-sized panels, especially in smartphone and tablet 
applications. Excluding feature phone sales, our small and medium-sized drivers grew over 50% year over 
year. We were able to achieve such strong performance in this area in 2012 because we were able to expand 
our reach to end customers across China, Korea and the U.S. However, continued growth momentum in the 
smart phone market has attracted more competitors to this segment. Increased competition in the smart phone 
segment may result in pricing pressure and loss of market share.

   We also see the demand from our customers for high-resolution displays of all sizes of TFT-LCD panels 
to provide better user experiences. As a leading player with a track record with top global brands in display 
driver ICs, we are well-positioned to benefit from this trend in resolution upgrades. We have worked closely 
with panel partners and also tier-one brand customers to develop next-generation high-resolution mobile 
devices.

  We are devoted to the development, manufacturing and marketing of non-driver products to diversify our 

86

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
customer base and product portfolio. Our non-driver products delivered the strongest growth last year owing 
to many new product launches and project wins. We expect that our non-driver businesses will continue to 
account for an increasing percentage of our sales.

  The potential expansion plans for next generation fabs in China proposed by several TFT-LCD panel 
manufacturers might significantly increase the output of TFT-LCD panels if all of the plans are implemented 
in the following years. Although these capacity expansions offer attractive new driver business opportunities, 
they might also cause over-supply for TFT-LCD panels at the same time. In addition, as new China panel 
makers have continued to expand their capacity, their bargaining power will increase due to their larger size 
and result in more ASP pressure.

  For more trend information, see “Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating 
Results.”

5.E. Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2012, we did not have any off-balance-sheet guarantees, interest rate swap transactions 
or foreign currency forwards. We do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts. 
Furthermore, as of December 31, 2012, we did not have any interests in variable interest entities.

5.F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

  The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012:

Payment Due by Period

Total

Less than
1 year

Operating lease obligations
Purchase obligations(1)
Other obligations(2)
Total 

              5,009
          157,626
              1,817
          164,452

              1,898
          157,626
                 755
          160,279

1-3 years
(in thousands)
              1,380
                     -
                 804
              2,184

3-5 years

More than
5 years

                 552
                     -
                 258
                 810

              1,179
                     -
                     -
              1,179

Notes:  (1) 

Includes obligations for purchase of equipment, computer software and machinery and wafer  
fabrication, raw material, supplies, assembly and testing services.

(2) 

Includes obligations under license agreements and donations for laboratory commitments.

  We lease office and building space pursuant to operating lease arrangements with unrelated third parties. 
In 2010, 2011 and 2012, rental expenses for operating leases amounted to $1.2 million, $1.2 million and 
$1.8 million, respectively. The lease arrangements will expire gradually from 2014 to 2017. As of December 
31, 2012, we agreed to make future minimum lease payments of $1.7 million, $0.8 million, $0.2 million, 
$0.1 million and $65,000 in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively, under non-cancelable operating 
leases.

  We  have,  from  time  to  time,  entered  into  contracts  for  the  acquisition  of  equipment  and  computer 
software. As of December 31, 2012, the remaining commitments under such contracts were $13.9 million. 
These outstanding contracts had a total contract value of $15.1 million.

  Pursuant  to  several  wafer  fabrication  or  assembly  and  testing  service  arrangements  we  entered  into 
with  service  providers,  we  may  be  obligated  to  make  payments  for  purchase  orders  made  under  such 
arrangements. As of December 31, 2012, our contractual obligations pursuant to such arrangements amounted 
to approximately $121.0 million.

  Under the ROC Labor Standard Law, we established a defined benefit plan and were required to make 
monthly contributions to a pension fund in an amount equal to 2% of wages and salaries of our employees. 
Under  the  ROC  Labor  Pension Act,  beginning  on  July  1,  2005,  we  are  required  to  make  a  monthly 

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
contribution for employees that elect to participate in the new defined contribution plan of no less than 
6% of the employee’s monthly wages, to the employee’s individual pension fund account. Substantially 
all participants in the defined benefit plan have elected to participate in the new defined contribution plan. 
Participants’  accumulated  benefits  under  the  defined  benefit  plan  are  not  impacted  by  their  election  to 
change plans. We are required to make contributions to the defined benefit plan until it is fully funded. Total 
contributions to the new defined contribution plan in 2012 were $1.8 million compared to $1.8 million and $1.5 
million in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Total contributions to the defined benefit plan and the new defined 
contribution plan in 2012 were $2.0 million compared to $1.9 million and $1.7 million in 2011 and 2010, 
respectively. Such changes in contributions have not, and are not expected to have, a material effect on our 
cash flows or results of operations.

Inflation

Inflation in Taiwan has not had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years. However, 
an increase in inflation can lead to increases in our costs and lower our profit margins. According to the 
Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Executive Yuan, ROC, the change of the consumer 
price index in Taiwan was 1.0%,1.4% and 1.9% in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

6.A. Directors and Senior Management

  Members of our board of directors may be elected by our directors or our shareholders. Our board of 
directors consists of seven directors, three of whom are independent directors within the meaning of Rule 
5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Rules. Other than Jordan Wu and Dr. Biing-Seng Wu, who are brothers, there are 
no family relationships between any of our directors and executive officers. The following table sets forth 
information regarding our directors and executive officers as of March 31, 2013. Unless otherwise indicated, 
the positions or titles indicated in the table below refer to Himax Technologies, Inc.

Directors and Executive Officers
Dr. Biing-Seng Wu 
Jordan Wu 
Tien-Jen Lin 
Chih-Chung Tsai 
Dr. Yan-Kuin Su 
Yuan-Chuan Horng 
Hsiung-Ku Chen 
Jackie Chang 
Norman Hung 

  Directors

Age
55
52
50
57
64
61
61
53
55

Position/Title

Chairman of the Board
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Director
Director, Chief Technology Officer, Senior Vice President
Director
Director
Director
Chief Financial Officer
Vice President, Sales and Marketing

  Dr. Biing-Seng Wu is the chairman of our board of directors. Prior to our reorganization in October 2005, 
Dr. Wu served as president, chief executive officer and a director of Himax Taiwan. Dr. Wu also served as 
the vice chairman of the board of directors of CMO prior to its merger with the predecessor of Innolux and 
TPO. Dr. Wu has been active in the TFT-LCD panel industry for over 20 years and is a member of the boards 
of the Taiwan TFT-LCD Association and the Society for Information Display. Prior to joining CMO in 
1998, Dr. Wu was senior director and plant director of Prime View International Co., Ltd., a TFT-LCD panel 
manufacturer, from 1993 to 1997, and a manager of Thin Film Technology Development at the Electronics 
Research & Service Organization/Industry Technology Research Institute, or ERSO/ITRI, of Taiwan. Dr. Wu 
holds a B.S. degree, an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from National Cheng Kung 
University. Dr. Wu is the brother of Mr. Jordan Wu, our president and chief executive officer.

Jordan Wu is our president, chief executive officer and director. Prior to our reorganization in October 
2005, Mr. Wu served as the chairman of the board of directors of Himax Taiwan, a position which he held 
since April  2003.  Prior to joining Himax Taiwan, Mr. Wu served as chief executive officer of TV Plus 

88

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technologies, Inc. and chief financial officer and executive director of DVN Holdings Ltd. in Hong Kong. 
Prior  to  that,  he  was  an  investment  banker  at  Merrill  Lynch  (Asia  Pacific)  Limited,  Barclays  de  Zoete 
Wedd (Asia) Limited and Baring Securities, based in Hong Kong and Taipei. Mr. Wu holds a B.S. degree 
in mechanical engineering from National Taiwan University and an M.B.A. degree from the University of 
Rochester. Mr. Wu is the brother of Dr. Biing-Seng Wu, our chairman.

  Tien-Jen Lin is our director. Mr. Lin is the Special Assistant to the General Manager of Innolux. Mr. Lin 
has extensive experience and broad knowledge in the TFT-LCD industry. Prior to his current position, he has 
held various positions in the field of TFT-LCD panel product design and market development. Mr. Lin holds 
a B.S. degree and an M.S. degree in electrical engineering from National Taiwan University.

  Chih-Chung Tsai is our director, chief technology officer and senior vice president. Prior to joining Himax 
Taiwan, Mr. Tsai served as vice president of IC Design of Utron Technology from 1998 to 2001, manager 
and director of the IC Division of Sunplus Technology from 1994 to 1998, director of the IC Design Division 
of Silicon Integrated Systems Corp. from 1987 to 1993 and project leader at ERSO/ITRI from 1981 to 
1987. Mr. Tsai holds a B.S. degree and an M.S. degree in electrical engineering from National Chiao Tung 
University.

  Dr. Yan-Kuin Su is our director. He is currently the president of Kun Shan University and also a professor 
in the Department of Electrical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University since 1983. He is a fellow of 
the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. Dr. Su holds a B.S. degree and an M.S. degree and a 
Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from National Cheng Kung University.

  Yuan-Chuan Horng is our director. He has been the assistant vice president of the Finance Division of 
China Steel Corporation since October 2011. Prior to our reorganization in October 2005, Mr. Horng served 
as a director of Himax Taiwan from August 2004 to October 2005. Mr. Horng was the general manager of 
the Finance Department of China Steel Corporation, a position which he held since April 2000. He has held 
various accounting and finance positions at China Steel Corporation for over 30 years. Mr. Horng holds a B.A. 
degree in economics from Soochow University.

  Hsiung-Ku Chen is our director. He has a B.S. degree in Physics from Fu-Jen University, an M.A. degree 
in Physics from Temple University and a Ph.D. degree in Applied Physics from Oregon Graduate Center. Dr. 
Chen specializes in areas including Thin Film Transistor Technology, Liquid Crystal Display Technology, 
IC Process Technology and Patent Laws and Regulations, etc. He has dedicated himself to the researching 
and performing practice of the TFT-LCD industry. From 1980 to 2002, Dr. Chen held various positions 
including  manager,  director  and  special  assistant  of  the  director’s  office  in  the  Electronics  Research  & 
Service Organization of the Industrial Technology Research Institute for over 20 years and was the leader 
of many research projects during his tenure. Additionally, Dr. Chen was elected as Society of Information 
Display, Taipei Chapter Director and Treasurer from 1992 to 1997 and as Taiwan TFT LCD Association 
Secretary General from 2000 to 2002. Furthermore, Dr. Chen contributed his professional knowledge to 
serve as a supervisor of Himax Technologies Limited from April 2003 to December 2003 and as a director 
from December 2003 to October 2005. Dr. Chen was also the Special Assistant of the CEO Office at Etron 
Technology, Inc. from 2005 to 2007. Currently, Dr. Chen serves as consultants in various organizations, 
including Color Display Industry Promotion Office and the Intellectual Property Innovation Corporation.

  Other Executive Officers

Jackie Chang is our chief financial officer. Before joining Himax, Ms. Chang served as the CFO of 
Castlink Corporation and Tongxing International, as well as the VP of Finance and Operations for PlayHut, 
Inc. Prior to joining PlayHut, Ms. Chang was General Manager -Treasury Control for Nissan North America. 
She held several positions in Nissan North America from 1994 to 2006 including finance, treasury planning, 
operations and accounting. She worked at Nissan JV in China from 2003 to 2006, where she implemented 
IFRS and SAP successfully. She holds a BBA in accounting from the National Chung-Hsing University in 
Taiwan and an MBA in Finance from Memphis State University.

89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Norman Hung is our vice president in charge of Sales and Marketing and also serves as a supervisor of 
Himax Analogic and Himax Media Solutions. From 2000 to 2006, Mr. Hung served as president of ZyDAS 
Technology Corp., a fabless integrated circuit design house. From 1999 to 2000, he served as vice president 
of  Sales  and  Marketing  for  HiMARK Technology  Inc.,  another  fabless  integrated  circuit  design  house. 
Prior to that, from 1996 to 1998, Mr. Hung served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Integrated Silicon 
Solution, Inc. He has also served in various Marketing positions for Hewlett-Packard and Logitech. Mr. Hung 
holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from National Cheng Kung University and an executive M.B.A. 
degree from National Chiao Tung University.

6.B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

  For the year ended December 31, 2012, the aggregate cash compensation that we paid to our executive 
officers  was  approximately  $0.7  million. The  aggregate  share-based  compensation  that  we  paid  to  our 
executive officers was approximately $0.4 million. No executive officer is entitled to any severance benefits 
upon termination of his or her employment with us.

  For the year ended December 31, 2012, the aggregate cash compensation that we paid to our independent 
directors  was  approximately  $120,000. The  aggregate  share-based  compensation  that  we  paid  to  our 
independent directors was nil.

  The following table summarizes the RSUs that we granted in 2012 to our directors and executive officers 
under our 2011 long-term incentive plan. Each unit of RSU represents two ordinary shares as of August 
10,  2009.  See  “Item  6.D.  Directors,  Senior  Management  and  Employees—Employees––Share-Based 
Compensation Plans” for more details regarding our RSU grants.

Name

Total RSUs
Granted

Ordinary Shares Underlying 
Vested Portion of RSUs

Ordinary Shares Underlying
Unvested Portion of RSUs

 Dr. Biing-Seng Wu 
 Jordan Wu
 Tien-Jen Lin
 Chih-Chung Tsai
 Hsiung-Ku Chen
 Dr. Yan-Kuin Su
 Yuan-Chuan Horng
 Jackie Chang
 Norman Hung

         140,717
         140,717
                    -
         140,717
                    -
                    -
                    -
           48,757
           75,469

                                          70,358
                                          70,358
                                                   -                                                   
                                          70,358
                                                   -
                                                   -
                                                   -
                                          24,378
                                          37,734

                                          211,076
                                          211,076
                                                     -
                                          211,076
                                                    -
                                                    -
                                                    -
                                            73,136
                                          113,204

6.C. Board Practices

General

  Our board of directors consists of seven directors, three of whom are independent directors within the 
meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Rules. We intend to follow home country practice that permits 
our board of directors to have less than a majority of independent directors in lieu of complying with Rule 
5605(b)(1) of the Nasdaq Rules that require boards of U.S. companies to have a board of directors which 
is comprised of a majority of independent directors. Moreover, we intend to follow home country practice 
that permits our independent directors not to hold regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent 
directors are present in lieu of complying with Rule 5605(b)(2).

Committees of the Board of Directors

  To enhance our corporate governance, we have established three committees under the board of directors: 
the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee. 

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are 
described below.

  Audit Committee. Our audit committee currently consists of Yuan-Chuan Horng, Hsiung-Ku Chen and Dr. 
Yan-Kuin Su. Our board of directors has determined that all of our audit committee members are “independent 
directors” within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Rules and meet the criteria for independence 
set forth in Section 10A(m)(3)(B)(i) of the Exchange Act. Our audit committee will oversee our accounting 
and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. The audit committee will be 
responsible for, among other things:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

selecting the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted
to be performed by the independent auditors; 
reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s 
response;
reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of  
Regulation SK under the Securities Act;

discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;

reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted 
in light of material internal control deficiencies;

• 

annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter;

•  meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors;

• 

• 

reporting regularly to the board of directors; and

such other matters that are specifically delegated to our audit committee by our board of directors 
from time to time.

  Compensation Committee. Our current compensation committee consists of Yuan-Chuan Horng, Dr. Yan-
Kuin Su, Hsiung-Ku Chen and Tien-Jen Lin. Our compensation committee assists our board of directors in 
reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our 
directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting 
where his or her compensation is deliberated. We intend to follow home country practice that permits a 
compensation committee to contain a director who does not meet the definition of “independence” within 
the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Rules. We intend to follow home country practice in lieu 
of complying with Rule 5605(d)(1)(B) and (2)(B) of the Nasdaq Rules which requires the compensation 
committees of U.S. companies to be comprised solely of independent directors. The compensation committee 
will be responsible for, among other things:

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

reviewing and making recommendations to our board of directors regarding our compensation 
policies and forms of compensation provided to our directors and officers;

reviewing and determining bonuses for our officers and other employees;
reviewing and determining share-based compensation for our directors, officers, employees and 
consultants;

administering our equity incentive plans in accordance with the terms thereof; and

such other matters that are specifically delegated to the compensation committee by our board of 
directors from time to time.

  Nominating  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee.  Our  nominating  and  corporate  governance 

91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
committee assists the board of directors in identifying individuals qualified to be members of our board of 
directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. Our current nominating and 
corporate governance committee consists of Yuan-Chuan Horng, Hsiung-Ku Chen, Dr. Yan-Kuin Su and 
Tien-Jen Lin. We intend to follow home country practice that permits a nominations committee to contain a 
director who does not meet the definition of “independence” within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the 
Nasdaq Rules. We intend to follow home country practice in lieu of complying with Rule 5605(e)(1)(B) of 
the Nasdaq Rules which requires that nominations committees of U.S. companies be comprised solely of 
independent directors. Our nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for, among 
other things:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

identifying and recommending to our board of directors nominees for election or reelection, 
or for appointment to fill any vacancy;

reviewing annually with our board of directors the current composition of our board of
directors in light of the characteristics of independence, age, skills, experience and
availability of service to us;

reviewing the continued board membership of a director upon a significant change in such
director’s principal occupation;

identifying and recommending to our board of directors the names of directors to serve as
members of the audit committee and the compensation committee, as well as the nominating 
and corporate governance committee itself;

advising the board periodically with respect to significant developments in the law and
practice of corporate governance as well as our compliance with applicable laws and
regulations, and making recommendations to our board of directors on all matters of
corporate governance and on any corrective action to be taken; and

•  monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including  

reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance.

Terms of Directors and Officers

  Under Cayman Islands law and our articles of association, each of our directors holds office until a 
successor has been duly elected or appointed, except where any director was appointed by the board of 
directors to fill a vacancy on the board of directors or as an addition to the existing board, such director shall 
hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders at which time such director is eligible for 
re-election. Our directors are subject to periodic retirement and re-election by shareholders in accordance 
with our articles of association, resulting in their retirement and re-election at staggered intervals. At each 
annual general meeting, one-third of our directors are subject to retirement by rotation, or if their number is 
not a multiple of three, the number nearest to one-third but not exceeding one-third shall retire from office. 
Any retiring director is eligible for re-election. The chairman of our board of directors and/or the managing 
director will not be subject to retirement by rotation or be taken into account in determining the number of 
directors to retire in each year. Under our articles of association, which director will retire at each annual 
general meeting will be determined as follows: (i) any director who wishes to retire and not offer himself 
for re-election, (ii) if no director wishes to retire, the director who has been longest in office since his last 
re-election or appointment, and (iii) if two or more directors have served on the board the longest, then as 
agreed among the directors themselves or as determined by lot.

6.D. Employees

  As  of  December  31,  2010,  2011  and  2012,  we  had  1,341,  1,423  and  1,431  employees, 
respectively. The following is a breakdown of our employees by function as of December 31, 2012:

92

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Function

 Research and development(1) 
 Engineering and manufacturing(2) 
 Sales and marketing(3) 
 General and administrative 
 Total 

Number
                   870
                   206
                   247
                   108
                1,431

Notes:  (1) 

Includes semiconductor design engineers, application engineers, assembly and testing  
engineers and quality control engineers.

(2) 

Includes manufacturing personnel of Himax Display, our subsidiary focused on design and  
manufacturing of LCOS products and liquid crystal injection services.

(3) 

Includes field application engineers.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

  Himax Technologies, Inc. 2005 and 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan

  We  adopted  two  long-term  incentive  plans  in  October  2005  and  September  2011. The  following 
description of the plan is intended to be a summary and does not describe all provisions of the plan.

  Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of the plan is to advance our interests and those of our shareholders by:

• 

• 

providing the opportunity for our employees, directors and service providers to develop a  sense of
proprietorship and personal involvement in our development and financial success and to devote their 
best efforts to our business; and

providing us with a means through which we may attract able individuals to become our employees  
or to serve as our directors or service providers and providing us a means whereby those individuals,  
upon whom the responsibilities of our successful administration and management are of importance,  
can acquire and maintain share ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for our welfare.

  Type of Awards. The plan provides for the grant of stock options and restricted share units.

  Duration. Generally, the plan will terminate five years from the effective date of the plan. After the plan 
is terminated,  no  awards may be granted, but any award previously granted will remain outstanding in 
accordance with the plan.

  Administration. The plan is administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors or any 
other committee designated by our board to administer the plan. Committee members will be appointed from 
time to time by, and will serve at the discretion of, our board. The committee has full power and authority 
to interpret the terms and intent of the plan or any agreement or document in connection with the plan, 
determine eligibility for awards and adopt such rules, regulations, forms, instruments and guidelines for 
administering the plan. The committee may delegate its duties or powers.

  Number of Authorized Shares. We have authorized a maximum issuance of 36,153,854 shares in the 2005 
plan and 20,000,000 shares in the 2011 plan. As of the date of this annual report, there were no stock options 
or restricted share units outstanding under the plan except as described under “—Restricted Share Units.”

  Eligibility  and  Participation. All  of  our  employees,  directors  and  service  providers  are  eligible  to 
participate in the plan. The committee may select from all eligible individuals those individuals to whom 
awards will be granted and will determine the nature of any and all terms permissible by law and the amount 
of each award. 

93

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Options. The committee may grant options to participants in such number, upon such terms and 
at any time as it determines. Each option grant will be evidenced by an award document that will specify 
the exercise price, the maximum duration of the option, the number of shares to which the option pertains, 
conditions upon which the option will become vested and exercisable and such other provisions which are 
not inconsistent with the plan.

  The exercise price for each option will be:

• 

• 

• 

based on 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant;

set at a premium to the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant; or

indexed to the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant, with the committee determining
the index.

  The exercise price on the date of grant must be at least equal to 100% of the fair market value of the 
shares on the date of grant.

  Each option will expire at such time as the committee determines at the time of its grant; however, no 
option will be exercisable later than the 10th anniversary of its grant date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 
for options granted to participants outside the United States, the committee can set options that have terms 
greater than ten years.

  Options will be exercisable at such times and be subject to such terms and conditions as the committee 
approves. A condition of the delivery of shares as to which an option will be exercised will be the payment 
of the exercise price. Subject to any governing rules or regulations, as soon as practicable after receipt of 
written notification of exercise and full payment, we will deliver to the participant evidence of book-entry 
shares or, upon his or her request, share certificates in an appropriate amount based on the number of shares 
purchased under the option(s). The committee may impose such restrictions on any shares acquired pursuant 
to the exercise of an option as it may deem advisable.

  Each participant’s award document will set forth the extent to which he or she will have the right to 
exercise the options following termination of his or her employment or services.

  We have not yet granted any stock options under the plan.

  Restricted Share Units. The committee may grant restricted share units to participants. Each grant will be 
evidenced by an award document that will specify the period(s) of restriction, the number of restricted share 
units granted and such other provisions as the committee determines.

  Generally,  restricted  share  units  will  become  freely  transferable  after  all  conditions  and  restrictions 
applicable to such shares have been satisfied or lapse and restricted share units will be paid in cash, shares or 
a combination of the two, as determined by the committee.

  The committee may impose such other conditions or restrictions on any restricted share units as it may 
deem advisable, including a requirement that participants pay a stipulated purchase price for each restricted 
share unit, restrictions based upon the achievement of specific performance goals and time-based restrictions 
on vesting.

  A participant will have no voting rights with respect to any restricted share units.

  Each  award  document  will  set  forth  the  extent  to  which  the  participant  will  have  the  right  to  retain 
restricted share units following termination of his or her employment or services.
   We made grants of 7,108,675 RSUs to our employees on September 29, 2008. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 60.64% of the RSU grants vested immediately and was settled by cash in 

94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the amount of $12.7 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 
2009, 2010 and 2011, which will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

  We made grants of 3,577,686 RSUs to our employees on September 28, 2009. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 55.96% of the RSU grants vested immediately and was settled by cash in the 
amount of $6.5 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 2010, 
2011 and 2012, which will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

  We made grants of 3,488,952 RSUs to our employees on September 28, 2010. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 68.11% of the RSU grants vested immediately and was settled by cash in the 
amount of $5.9 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 2011, 
2012 and 2013, which will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

  We made grants of 2,727,278 RSUs to our employees on September 28, 2011. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 97.36% of the RSU grants vested immediately and was settled by cash in the 
amount of $2.9 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 2012, 
2013 and 2014, which will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

  We made grants of 5,522,279 RSUs to our employees on September 26, 2012. The vesting schedule for 
such RSU grants is as follows: 58.36% of the RSU grants vested immediately and was settled by cash in the 
amount of $6.3 million on the grant date, with the remainder vesting equally on each of September 30, 2013, 
2014 and 2015, which will be settled by our ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

  Dividend Equivalents. Any participant selected by the committee may be granted dividend equivalents 
based  on  the  dividends  declared  on  shares  that  are  subject  to  any  award,  to  be  credited  as  of  dividend 
payment dates, during the period between the date the award is granted and the date the award is exercised, 
vests or expires, as determined by the committee, provided that unvested RSUs are currently not entitled to 
dividend equivalents. Dividend equivalents will be converted to cash or additional shares by such formula 
and at such time and subject to such limitations as determined by the committee.

  Transferability of Awards. Generally, awards cannot be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise 
alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

  Adjustments in Authorized Shares. In the event of any of the corporate events or transactions described in 
the plan, to avoid any unintended enlargement or dilution of benefits, the committee has the sole discretion to 
substitute or adjust the number and kind of shares that can be issued or otherwise delivered.

  Forfeiture  Events. The  committee  may  specify  in  an  award  document  that  the  participant’s  rights, 
payments and benefits with respect to an award will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or 
recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting 
or performance conditions of an award.

If we are required to prepare an accounting restatement owing to our material noncompliance, as a result 
of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, then if the participant is 
one of the individuals subject to automatic forfeiture under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 
the participant will reimburse us the amount of any payment in settlement of an award earned or accrued 
during the twelve-month period following the first public issuance or filing with the SEC (whichever first 
occurred) of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement.

  Amendment and Termination. Subject to, and except as, provided in the plan, the committee has the sole 
discretion to alter, amend, modify, suspend, or terminate the plan and any award document in whole or in 
part. Amendments to the plan are subject to shareholder approval, to the extent required by law, or by stock 
exchange rules or regulations.

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.E. Share Ownership

  The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares, as of March 31, 2013, by 
each of our directors and executive officers.

 Name
 Dr. Biing-Seng Wu
 Jordan Wu
 Tien-Jen Lin
 Chih-Chung Tsai
 Hsiung-Ku Chen
 Dr. Yan-Kuin Su
 Yuan-Chuan Horng
 Jackie Chang
 Norman Hung 

Number of Shares Owned
                                        71,049,528
                                        28,110,756
    -
                                          7,065,902
    -
    -
                                             916,104
    -
                                             397,122

Percentage of Shares Owned
                                                   20.9 %
                                                     8.3 %
                                                          -
                                                     2.1 %

      -
      -

                                                     0.3 %

      -

                                                     0.1 %

  None of our directors or executive officers has voting rights different from those of other shareholders.

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

7.A. Major Shareholders

  On August 10, 2009, we effected certain changes in our capital stock structure in order to meet the Taiwan 
Stock Exchange’s primary listing requirement that the par value of shares be NT$10 or $0.3 per share and 
in order to increase the number of outstanding ordinary shares to be listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. 
In particular, we increased our authorized share capital from $50,000 (divided into 500,000,000 shares of 
par value $0.0001 each) to $300,000,000 (divided into 3,000,000,000,000 shares of par value $0.0001 each) 
and distributed 5,999 bonus shares for each share of par value $0.0001 held by shareholders of record as of 
August 7, 2009. These were followed by a consolidation of every 3,000 shares of par value $0.0001 each 
into one ordinary share of par value $0.3 each. As a result, the number of ordinary shares outstanding was 
doubled and each of our ordinary shares had a par value of $0.3.

In connection with the above changes, we also changed our ADS ratio effective August 10, 2009 from 
one ADS representing one ordinary share to one ADS representing two ordinary shares. Such change in 
ADS ratio was intended to adjust for the net dilutive effect due to the bonus shares distribution and the 
shares consolidation so that each ADS would represent the same percentage ownership in our share capital 
immediately before and after the above changes. The number of ADSs also remained the same immediately 
before and after the above changes.

  As of March 31, 2013, 339,149,508 of our shares were outstanding. We believe that, of such shares, 
147,463,282 shares in the form of ADSs were held by approximately 13,077 holders in the United States as 
of March 31, 2013.

  The following table sets forth information known to us with respect to the beneficial ownership of our 
shares  as  of March  31,  2013,  the  most  recent  practicable  date,  by  (i) each  shareholder  known by  us  to 
beneficially own more than 5% of our shares and (ii) all directors and executive officers as a group.

 Name of Beneficial Owner

 Dr. Biing-Seng Wu(1)
 Innolux(2)
 Jordan Wu(3)
 Dalton Investment LLC(4)
 All directors and executive officers as a group

Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
                          71,049,528
                          50,799,506
                          28,110,756
                          20,618,718
                        107,539,412

Percentage of Shares
Beneficially Owned
                                      20.9 %
                                      15.0 %
                                        8.3 %
                                        6.1 %
                                      31.7 %

96

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: 

(1)  

Dr. Biing-Seng Wu beneficially owns 46,365,451 ordinary shares and 23,529,677 ordinary shares 
through Sanfair Asia Investments Ltd. and Chi-Duan Investment Co., Ltd, respectively, both 
of which are investment companies controlled by Dr. Biing-Seng Wu, and may be deemed to 
beneficially own 1,154,400 shares held by certain of his children. Accordingly, Dr. Biing-Seng 
Wu may be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of 71,049,528 ordinary shares, representing 
approximately 20.9% of the outstanding ordinary shares.

(2) 

Innolux directly owns 1,154,448 ordinary shares and beneficially owns 49,645,058 ordinary 
shares through its wholly owned British Virgin Islands subsidiary, Leadtek Global Group Limited. 
As of March 31, 2013, Innolux also beneficially owns an equity interest of approximately 3.3% in 
our subsidiary Himax Media Solutions.

(3)  

Jordan Wu beneficially owns 22,662,426 ordinary shares and 4,780,730 ordinary shares through 
Arch Finance Ltd. and Shu Chuan Investment Co., Ltd, respectively, both of which are investment 
companies controlled by Jordan Wu, and may be deemed to beneficially own 667,600 shares 
held by certain of his children. Accordingly, Jordan Wu may be deemed to beneficially own an 
aggregate of 28,110,756 ordinary shares, representing approximately 8.3% of the outstanding 
ordinary shares.

(4)

According to the amendment to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2013, 
Dalton Investment LLC, together with its affiliates, beneficially owned 20,618,718 of our shares, 
some or all of which may include shares represented by our ADS, as of December 31, 2012. 
We do not have further information with respect to any changes in Dalton Investment LLC’s 
beneficial ownership of our shares subsequent to December 31, 2012.

  We have a close relationship with Innolux, one of our major shareholders and a leading TFT-LCD panel 
manufacturer based in Taiwan and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Innolux’s primary focus is the 
manufacture of large-sized TFT-LCD panels for use in notebook computers, desktop monitors and LCD 
televisions. Innolux was formerly known as Innolux and is the surviving entity following the completion of 
the merger of CMO, Innolux, and TPO on March 18, 2010. Several of Himax Taiwan’s initial employees, 
including Dr. Biing-Seng Wu, our chairman, were former employees of CMO. CMO was Himax Taiwan’s 
largest shareholder at the time of its incorporation, and Innolux currently is one of our largest shareholders. 
Innolux or CMO has also been our largest customer since our inception. In 2012, sales to Innolux(together 
with  its  affiliates)accounted  for  34.2%  of  our  revenues.  Certain  of  our  directors  also  held  or  hold  key 
management positions at Innolux or CMO or its affiliates prior to the merger. Mr. Tien-Jen Lin, our director, 
served as the Special Assistant to the General Manager at Innolux. Prior to the merger, Mr. Jung-Chun Lin, 
our former director, was the senior vice president of finance and administration of CMO and Dr. Biing-Seng 
Wu, our chairman, was the vice chairman of the board of directors of CMO. After the merger, Mr. Jung-
Chun Lin and Dr. Biing-Seng Wu no longer hold positions in Innolux. We also have entered into various 
transactions with Innolux, or CMO prior to the merger, and its affiliates as further described below. 

   None of our major shareholders has voting rights different from those of other shareholders. We are not 
aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.

7.B. Related Party Transactions

Innolux and Related Companies

  Innolux

  We sold display drivers to Innolux. We generated net sales to Innolux in the amount of $56.2 million in 
2012. Our receivables from such sales were $17.3 million as of December 31, 2012.

  We lease office space, facilities and inventory locations from Innolux and certain of its subsidiaries. 
Rent and utility expenses resulting from such leases in 2012 were $0.8 million. The related payables as of 

97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012 were $0.2 million. As of December 31, 2012, we agreed to make future minimum lease 
payments of $2.1 million in aggregate under non-cancelable operating leases with these related parties.

In 2012, we purchased consumable and miscellaneous items amounting to $31,000 from Innolux and 

other related parties. The related payables as of December 31, 2012 were nil.

  CMO-NingBo

  CMO-NingBo is a subsidiary of Innolux. We sell display drivers to CMO-NingBo. We generated net sales 
to CMO-NingBo in the amount of $93.7 million in 2012. Our receivables from such sales were $31.4 million 
as of December 31, 2012.

  CMO-NanHai

  CMO-NanHai is a subsidiary of Innolux. We sell display drivers to CMO-NanHai. We generated net sales 
to CMO-NanHai in the amount of $63.4 million in 2012. Our receivables from such sales were $13.4 million 
as of December 31, 2012.

  NingBo Chi Hsin Electronics Ltd.

  NingBo Chi Hsin Electronics Ltd., or Chi Hsin-NingBo, is a subsidiary of Innolux. We sell display drivers 
for certain audio and visual and mobile applications to Chi Hsin-NingBo. We generated net sales to Chi 
Hsin-NingBo in the amount of $12.6 million in 2012. Our receivables from such sales were $3.2 million as 
of December 31, 2012.

  NingBo Chi Mei Electronics Ltd.

  NingBo Chi Mei Electronics Ltd., or CME-NingBo, is a subsidiary of Innolux. We sell display drivers for 
large-sized applications to CME-NingBo. We generated net sales to CME-NingBo in the amount of $21.7 
million in 2012, and our receivables from these sales were approximately $5.9 million as of December 31, 
2012.

7.C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

  Not applicable.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

  8.A.1. See “Item 18. Financial Statements” for our audited consolidated financial statements.

  8.A.2. See “Item 18. Financial Statements” for our audited consolidated financial statements,  

 which cover the last three financial years.

  8.A.3. See page F-1 for the report of our independent registered public accounting firm.

  8.A.4. Not applicable.

  8.A.5. Not applicable.

  8.A.6. See Note 22 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 18.  

 Financial Statements.”

  8.A.7. Litigation

98

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  We may be subject to legal proceedings, investigations and claims relating to the conduct of our business 
from time to time. We may also initiate legal proceedings in order to protect our contractual and property 
rights. However, as of the date of this annual report, we are not currently a party to, nor are we aware of, any 
legal proceeding, investigation or claim which, in the opinion of our management, is likely to have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

  8.A.8. Dividends and Dividend Policy

  Subject  to  the  Cayman  Islands  Companies  Law,  we  may  declare  dividends  in  any  currency,  but  no 
dividend may be declared in excess of the amount recommended by our board of directors. Whether our 
board of directors recommends any dividends and the form, frequency and amount of dividends, if any, 
will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial 
condition, contractual restrictions and other factors as the board of directors may deem relevant.

  On June 27, 2008, we paid a cash dividend in the amount of $66.8 million, or the equivalent of $0.350 per 
ADS. In 2009, we paid a cash dividend on June 29, 2009 in the amount of $55.5 million, or the equivalent of 
$0.300 per ADS, and distributed a stock dividend on August 10, 2009 of 5,999 ordinary shares of par value 
$0.0001 for each ordinary share of par value $0.0001 held by shareholders of record as of August 7, 2009. 
On August 13, 2010, we paid a cash dividend in the amount of $44.1 million, or the equivalent of $0.250 per 
ADS. On July 20, 2011, we paid a cash dividend in the amount of $21.2 million, or the equivalent of $0.120 
per ADS. On July 25, 2012, we paid a cash dividend in the amount of $10.7 million, or the equivalent of 
$0.063 per ADS. For more information on the stock dividend distribution, see “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders 
and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders.” The dividends for any of these years should not be 
considered representative of the dividends that would be paid in any future periods or of our dividend policy.

  Our  ability  to  pay  cash  or  stock  dividends  will  depend,  at  least  partially,  upon  the  amount  of  funds 
received by us from our direct and indirect subsidiaries, which must comply with the laws and regulations of 
their respective countries and respective articles of association. We receive cash from Himax Taiwan through 
intercompany borrowings. Himax Taiwan has not paid us cash dividends in the past. In accordance with ROC 
laws and regulations and Himax Taiwan’s articles of incorporation, Himax Taiwan is permitted to distribute 
dividends after allowances have been made for:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

payment of taxes;

recovery of prior years’ deficits, if any;

legal reserve (in an amount equal to 10% of annual net income after having deducted the above items  
until such time as its legal reserve equals the amount of its total paid-in capital);

special reserve based on relevant laws or regulations, or retained earnings, if necessary;

dividends for preferred shares, if any; and

cash or stock bonus to employees (in an amount no more than 10% of annual net income) and
remuneration for directors and supervisor(s) (in an amount no more than 2% of the annual net
income); after having deducted the above items, based on a resolution of the board of directors; if  
stock bonuses are paid to employees, the bonus may also be appropriated to employees of  
subsidiaries under the board of directors’ approval.

  Furthermore, if Himax Taiwan does not record any net income for any year as determined in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles in Taiwan, it generally may not distribute dividends for that 
year.

  Any  dividend  we  declare  will  be  paid  to  the  holders  of ADSs,  subject  to  the  terms  of  the  deposit 

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
agreement, to the same extent as holders of our ordinary shares, to the extent permitted by applicable laws 
and regulations, less the fees and expenses payable under the deposit agreement. Any dividend we declare 
will be distributed by the depositary bank to the holders of our ADSs. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, 
if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.

8.B. Significant Changes

  Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes 
since the date of the annual financial statements.

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

9.A. Offer and Listing Details

  Our ADSs have been quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “HIMX” since 
March 31, 2006. The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low market prices and the 
average daily volume of trading activity on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the shares represented by 
ADSs.

High

Low

Average Daily Trading Volume
(in thousands of ADSs)

  6.29
  3.97
  3.28
  2.69
  2.69
  2.56
  2.20
  1.20
  2.46
  2.34
  2.45
  2.10
  2.46
  2.07
  2.45
  2.46

  5.45
  3.25
  3.23
  5.45

  1.00
  1.32
  2.00
  0.97
  2.17
  1.71
  1.10
  0.97
  0.99
  0.99
  1.75
  1.47
  1.77
  1.77
  1.82
  2.25

          590.1
          529.6
          297.0
          293.1
          240.7
          140.9
          241.7
          548.4
          337.3
          639.1
          298.4
          151.2
          265.1
          171.7
          368.6
          254.4

  2.40
  2.40
  2.74
  3.15

                                              1,921.1
          869.5
          456.3
                                              4,416.8

                            6.63

 5.00

                                             4,904.4

2008
2009
2010
2011
   First quarter
   Second quarter
   Third quarter
   Fourth quarter
2012
   First quarter
   Second quarter
   Third quarter
   Fourth quarter
   October
   November
   December
2013
   First quarter
   January
   February
   March
   April (through April 
   26)

100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
9.B. Plan of Distribution

  Not applicable.

9.C. Markets

  The principal trading market for our shares is the NASDAQ Global Select Market, on which our shares 
are traded in the form of ADSs.

9.D. Selling Shareholders

  Not applicable.

9.E. Dilution
  Not applicable.

9.F. Expenses of the Issue

  Not applicable.

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

10.A. Share Capital

  Not applicable.

10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

  Our  shareholders  previously  adopted  the Amended  and  Restated  Memorandum  of Association  on 
September 26, 2005 by a special resolution passed by the sole shareholder of our company and the Amended 
and Restated Articles of Association at an extraordinary shareholder meeting held on October 25, 2005, both 
of which were filed as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-132372) with the 
SEC on March 13, 2006.

  At our annual general meeting on August 6, 2009, our shareholders adopted the Second Amended and 
Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, which became effective on August 10, 2009 and were 
filed as exhibits to our current report on Form 6-K with the SEC on July 13, 2009. These were adopted 
primarily in connection with our proposed Taiwan listing to meet the Taiwan Stock Exchange’s primary 
listing requirement concerning protection of material shareholders’ rights under the ROC’s Company Act and 
Securities Exchange Act. At the same time, our shareholders also adopted the Third Amended and Restated 
Memorandum and Articles of Association, which were filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F 
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 with the SEC on June 3, 2010 and are substantially the same 
as the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of our company except that our 
authorized share capital is stated to be $300,000,000 divided into 1,000,000,000 shares of nominal or par 
value of $0.3 each, on the condition that it shall become effective if the application made by our company 
to  list  its  ordinary  shares  on  the Taiwan  Stock  Exchange  is  rejected  or  aborted.  On  May  20,  2010,  the 
Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association became effective as a result of the 
termination of our primary listing application to the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

  We  incorporate  by  reference  into  this  annual  report  the  description  of  our Amended  and  Restated 
Memorandum and Articles of Association (except for provisions relating to our authorized share capital) 
contained in our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-132372) filed with the SEC on March 13, 2006. 
Such description sets forth a summary of certain provisions of our memorandum and articles of association 
as currently in effect, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Third Amended and 
Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. As of the date of this annual report, our authorized share 

101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
capital is $300,000,000 divided into 1,000,000,000 shares of nominal or par value of $0.3 each.

10.C. Material Contracts

  For a summary of any material contract entered into by us outside of the ordinary course of business 
during the last two years, see “Item 4A. History and Development of the Company” for more information 
on our subsidiary, Himax Display, which acquired all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Spatial 
Photonics in exchange for a certain number of common stock of Himax Display.

10.D. Exchange Controls

  We have extracted from publicly available documents the information presented in this section. The 
information below may be applicable because our wholly owned operating subsidiary, Himax Taiwan, is 
incorporated in the ROC. Please note that citizens of the PRC and entities organized in the PRC are subject 
to special ROC laws, rules and regulations, which are not discussed in this section.

  The  ROC’s  Foreign  Exchange  Control  Statute  and  regulations  provide  that  all  foreign  exchange 
transactions must be executed by banks designated to handle foreign exchange transactions by the Central 
Bank of the ROC. There is an annual limit on the amount of currency a Taiwanese entity may convert into, 
or out of, NT dollars other than for trade purposes. Current regulations favor trade-related foreign exchange 
transactions.

  With regard to inward and outward remittances, approval by the Central Bank of the ROC is generally 
required for any conversion exceeding, in aggregate in each calendar year, $50 million (or its equivalent) for 
companies and $5 million (or its equivalent) for Taiwanese and resident foreign individuals. A requirement 
is also imposed on all private enterprises to report all medium- and long-term foreign debt with the Central 
Bank of the ROC.

In addition, a foreign person without an alien resident card or an unrecognized foreign entity may remit to 
and from Taiwan foreign currencies of up to $100,000 per remittance if required documentation is provided 
to the ROC authorities. This limit applies only to remittances involving a conversion between NT dollars and 
U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies.

10.E. Taxation

Cayman Islands Taxation

  The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, 
gains or appreciation, and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no 
other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp 
duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or brought within the jurisdiction of, the Cayman 
Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties. There are no exchange control regulations 
or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

  We have, pursuant to Section 6 of the Tax Concessions Law (1999 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, 
obtained an undertaking from the Governor-in-Council that:

(a) no law which is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits,  

     income or gains or appreciations shall apply to us or our operations;

(b) the aforesaid tax or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax shall not be  

     payable on our ordinary shares, debentures or other obligations.

  The undertaking that we have obtained is for a period of 20 years from May 3, 2005.

102

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Federal Income Taxation
   The following is a description of material U.S. federal income tax consequences to the U.S. Holders 
described  below  of  owning  and  disposing  of  ordinary  shares  or ADSs,  but  it  does  not  purport  to  be  a 
comprehensive description of all tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’s decision to 
hold the securities. This discussion applies only to a U.S. Holder that holds ordinary shares or ADSs as capital 
assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This discussion does not address any aspect of the “Medicare 
contributions tax” on “net investment income.” In addition, it does not describe all of the tax consequences 
that may be relevant in light of the U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including alternative minimum 
tax consequences and tax consequences applicable to U.S. Holders subject to special rules, such as:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

certain financial institutions;

dealers or traders in securities who use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting;

persons holding ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a hedging transaction, straddle, wash   
sale, conversion transaction or integrated transaction or persons entering into a constructive 
sale with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs;

persons whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S.  
dollar;

entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

tax-exempt entities, including “individual retirement accounts” or “Roth IRAs”;

persons that own or are deemed to own ten percent or more of our voting stock; or

persons holding ordinary shares or ADSs in connection with a trade or business conducted  
outside of the United States.

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes owns ordinary shares 
or ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner 
and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding ordinary shares or ADSs and partners in such 
partnerships should consult their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of 
owning and disposing of the ordinary shares or ADSs.

  This  discussion  is  based  on  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  of  1986,  as  amended,  administrative 
pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the 
date hereof. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. It is also based in part on 
representations by the depositary and assumes that each obligation under the deposit agreement and any 
related  agreement  will be performed in accordance with its terms. You should consult your tax adviser 
concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of owning and disposing of ordinary 
shares or ADSs in your particular circumstances.

  As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” is a person that is, for U.S. federal tax purposes, a beneficial owner 
of ordinary shares or ADSs and is: (i) a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, or other 
entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political 
subdivision thereof; or (iii) an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation 
regardless of its source.

In general, a U.S. Holder of ADSs will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as the owner of the 
underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized if a 
U.S. Holder exchanges ADSs for the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs.

  The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom American depositary shares are released 

103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
before delivery of shares to the depositary (“pre-release”) may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the 
claiming of foreign tax credits for U.S. holders of American depositary shares. Such actions would also be 
inconsistent with the claiming of the preferred rates of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received 
by certain non-corporate U.S. holders. Accordingly, the availability of the preferential tax rates for dividends 
received by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders, described below, could be affected by actions taken by 
parties to whom ADSs are pre-released.

  This discussion assumes that we are not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company (as 
discussed below).

  Taxation of Distributions

  Distributions received by U.S. Holders with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs, other than certain 
pro rata distributions of ordinary shares, will constitute foreign-source dividend income for U.S. federal 
income tax purposes to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined 
in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. We do not to maintain records of earnings and profits 
in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and therefore it is expected that distributions will 
generally be reported to U.S. Holders as dividends. Dividends will be included in a U.S. Holder’s income 
on the date of the U.S. Holder’s (or in the case of ADSs, the depository’s) receipt of the dividends. Subject 
to  applicable  limitations  and  the  discussion  above  regarding  concerns  expressed  by  the  U.S. Treasury, 
certain dividends paid by qualified foreign corporations to certain non-corporate holders may be taxable at 
preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains. A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified 
foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on stock that is readily tradable on a securities market in 
the United States, such as the NASDAQ Global Select Market, where our ADSs are traded. Our ordinary 
shares are not traded on a securities market in the United States. Non-corporate U.S. Holders of our ordinary 
shares or ADSs should consult their tax advisers regarding their eligibility for taxation at such preferential 
rates and whether they are subject to any special rules that limit their ability to be taxed at such preferential 
rates. Corporate U.S. Holders will not be entitled to claim the dividends-received deduction with respect to 
dividends paid by us.

  Sale and Other Disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADSs

  A  U.S. Holder will  generally recognize U.S.-source capital gain  or loss  for U.S. federal income  tax 
purposes on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs, which will be long-term capital gain or 
loss if the ordinary shares or ADSs were held for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of certain non-
corporate U.S. Holders may be taxable at preferential rates. The amount of gain or loss will be equal to the 
difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the 
ordinary shares or ADSs. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

  Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

  We believe that we were not a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) for U.S. federal income 
tax purposes for our taxable year ended December 31, 2012.

In general, a non-U.S. company will be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year 
in which (i) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income (such as dividends, interest, rents 
and royalties) or (ii) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of its assets consists of assets that produce, 
or are held for the production of, passive income (including cash). If a corporation owns at least 25% (by 
value) of the stock of another corporation, the corporation will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as 
owning its proportionate share of the 25%-owned subsidiary’s assets and receiving its proportionate share of 
the 25%-owned subsidiary’s income. As PFIC status depends upon the composition of our income and assets 
and the value of our assets from time to time (and the value of our assets may be determined, in part, based 
on the market price of our shares and ADSs, which may fluctuate considerably from time to time given that 
market prices of certain technology companies historically have been volatile), there can be no assurance that 
we will not be a PFIC for any taxable year.

104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held ordinary shares or ADSs, certain 
adverse U.S. federal income tax rules would apply on a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of 
ordinary shares or ADSs by the U.S. Holder. In general, under those rules, gain recognized by the U.S. 
Holder on a sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs would be allocated ratably over the U.S. 
Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares or ADSs. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the 
sale or other disposition and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The 
amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals 
or corporations, as appropriate, for that taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax 
attributable to such allocated amounts. Similar rules would apply to any distribution in respect of ordinary 
shares or ADSs to the extent in excess of 125% of the average of the annual distributions on ordinary shares 
or ADSs received by the U.S. Holder during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, 
whichever is shorter. Certain elections may be available that would result in alternative treatments (such as a 
mark-to-market treatment of the ADSs). U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers to determine whether 
any of these elections would be available and, if so, what the consequences of the alternative treatments 
would be in their particular circumstances.

If  we  were  a  PFIC  in  a  taxable  year  in  which  we  pay  a  dividend  or  in  the  prior  taxable  year,  the 
preferential  tax rates discussed above with respect to dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. 
Holders would not apply.

In addition, if U.S. Holder owns ordinary shares or ADSs during any year in which we are a PFIC, the U.S. 
Holder may be required to file certain information reports, containing such information as the U.S. Treasury 
may require.

  Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

  Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain 
U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting, and may be subject to 
backup withholding, unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient or, in the case of backup withholding, the 
U.S. Holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup 
withholding. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a 
credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund, 
provided that the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

10.F. Dividends and Paying Agents

  Not applicable.

10.G. Statement by Experts

  Not applicable.

10.H. Documents on Display

It is possible to read and copy documents referred to in this annual report that have been filed with the 
SEC at the SEC’s public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call 
the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the reference rooms.

10.I. Subsidiary Information

  Not applicable.

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk. Our exposure to interest rate risk for changes in interest rates is primarily the interest 
income generated by our cash deposited with banks. In addition, we are exposed to interest rate risks related 
to bank borrowings with equal amounts of cash and time deposits pledged as collateral for the debt.

  Foreign Exchange Risk. The U.S. dollar is our reporting currency. The U.S. dollar is also the functional 
currency for the majority of our operations. In 2012, more than 99.0% of our sales and cost of revenues were 
denominated in U.S. dollars. However, in December 2012, approximately 64% of our operating expenses 
were denominated in NT dollars, with a small percentage denominated in Japanese Yen, Korean Won and 
Chinese Renminbi, and the majority of the remainder denominated in U.S. dollars. We anticipate that we will 
continue to conduct substantially all of our sales in U.S. dollars. We do not believe that we have a material 
currency risk with regard to the NT dollar. We believe the majority of any potential adverse foreign currency 
exchange impacts on our operating assets may be offset by a potential favorable foreign currency exchange 
impact on our operating liabilities. From time to time we have engaged in, and may continue to engage in, 
forward contracts to hedge against our foreign currency exposure.

As of December 31, 2012, no foreign currency exchange contracts are outstanding.

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

12.A. Debt Securities

  Not applicable.

12.B. Warrants and Rights

  Not applicable.

12.C. Other Securities

  Not applicable.

12.D. American Depositary Shares

Fees and Charges Payable by ADS Holders

106

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Persons depositing or withdrawing
shares or ADS holders must pay:

 $5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100  
  ADSs)

For: 

 Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting 
    from a distribution of shares or rights or other  
    property
 Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, 
    including if the deposit agreement terminates

 $.05 (or less) per ADS

 Any cash distribution to ADS holders

 A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if  
 securities distributed to you had been shares and the 
 shares had been deposited for the issuance of ADSs

 Distribution of securities distributed to holders of 
 deposited securities which are distributed by the  
 depositary to ADS holders

 $.05 (or less) per ADS per calendar year

 Depositary services

 Registration or transfer fees

 Expenses of the depositary

 Transfer and registration of shares on our share 
 register to or from the name of the depositary or its 
 agent when you deposit or withdraw shares

 Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when 
 expressly provided in the deposit agreement)
 converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars

 Taxes and other governmental charges that the  
 depositary or custodian have to pay on any ADS or  
 share underlying an ADS, e.g., stock transfer taxes, 
 stamp duty or withholding taxes

 As necessary

 Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents  
 for servicing the deposited securities

 As necessary

  The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing 
shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The 
depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts 
distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its 
annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or 
charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of 
its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. 
The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are 
paid.

  From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse and/or share revenue from 
the fees collected from ADS holders, or waive fees and expenses for services provided, generally relating 
to costs and expenses arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program. In performing its 
duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers or other service providers that 
are affiliates of the depositary and that may earn or share fees or commissions.

Fees and Other Payments from the Depositary to Us

In June 2012, we received a payment of $0.4 million netting of 30% withholding tax from the depositary 
relating to the ADR program, which was intended to cover certain of our expenses incurred in relation to the 
ADR program for the year, including:

• 

legal, audit and other fees incurred in connection with preparation of Form 20-F and annual  

107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

reports and ongoing SEC compliance and listing requirements;
director and officer insurance;

stock exchange listing fees;

non-deal roadshow expenses;

costs incurred by financial printer and share certificate printer;

postage for communications to ADR holders;

costs of retaining third-party public relations, investor relations and/or corporate communications
advisory firms in the U.S.; and

• 

costs incurred in connection with participation in retail investor shows and capital markets days.

Appointment of New Depositary Bank

  On May 29, 2012, we appointed The Bank of New York Mellon as our new American depositary receipt 
bank. Effective the same day, our ADR program was officially transferred to The Bank of New York Mellon 
and the contract is to last for ten years.

108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

  Not applicable.

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE 
OF PROCEEDS

  Not applicable.

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

  Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure 
controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period 
covered by this report, have concluded that based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required 
by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

  Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 
reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in 
accordance with U.S. GAAP.

  Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

• 

• 

• 

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our
transactions and dispositions of our assets;

provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are  
being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our directors; and

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition,
use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

  Management,  with  the  participation  of  our  chief  executive  and  chief  financial  officers,  assessed  the 
effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as  defined  in  Rule  13a-15(f)  under  the 
Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2012 based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on 
the assessment, our management believes that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of 
December 31, 2012.

109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Himax Technologies, Inc.:

  We have audited Himax Technologies, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).Himax Technologies, Inc.’s management 
is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report 
on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s 
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

  We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing 
the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness 
of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as 
we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our 
opinion.

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

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

In our opinion, Himax Technologies, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control 
over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2012,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  - 
Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.

  We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Himax Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries as of 
December 31, 2011 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, 
changes in equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and 
our report dated April 26, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG
Taipei, Taiwan (the Republic of China)
April 26, 2013

110

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

In 2012, no change in our internal control over financial reporting has occurred during the period covered 
by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal 
control over financial reporting.

ITEM 16. [RESERVED]

16.A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

  Our board of directors has determined that Yuan-Chuan Horng is an audit committee financial expert, as 
that term is defined in Item 16A(b) of Form 20-F, and is independent for the purposes of Rule 5605(a)(2) of 
the Nasdaq Rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act.

16.B. Code of Ethics

  Our board of directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, 
officers  and  employees,  including  our  principal  executive  officer,  principal  financial  officer,  principal 
accounting officer or controller and any other persons who perform similar functions for us. We will provide 
a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics without charge upon written request to:

  Himax Technologies, Inc.

Human Resources Department
No. 26, Zih Lian Road, Tree Valley Park
Sinshih District, Tainan City 74148

  Taiwan, Republic of China

16.C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

  KPMG,  our  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm,  began  serving  as  our  auditor  upon  the 
formation of our company in 2001.

  Our audit committee is responsible for the oversight of KPMG’s work. The policy of our audit committee 
is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by KPMG, including audit services, audit-related 
services, tax services and other services. 

  We paid the following fees for professional services to KPMG for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 
2012.

Services

  Audit Fees(1)
  All Other Fees(2)
  Tax Fees(3)
  Total

Year ended December 31,   

2011

2012

 $           716,000
           14,000
                   -
 $           730,000

 $           735,000
             4,000
             2,000
 $           741,000

Note: 

(1) 

Audit Fees. This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements and internal  
control over financial reporting, review of quarterly financial statements, services that  
are normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with statutory and  
regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. This category also includes statutory  
audits required by the Tax Bureau of the ROC.

(2) 

All Other Fees. This category consists of fees for the preparation of transfer pricing reports.

(3) 

Tax Fees. This category consists of fees for general tax planning and advice.

111

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

  Not applicable.

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

  On  November  1,  2007,  our  board  of  directors  authorized  a  share  buyback  program  allowing  us  to 
repurchase up to $40.0 million of our ADSs in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. 
We  concluded  this  share  buyback  program  in  the  first  quarter  of  2008  and  repurchased  a  total  of 
approximately $33.1 million of our ADSs (equivalent to approximately 7.7 million ADSs) from the open 
market.

  On  November  14,  2008,  our  board  of  directors  authorized  another  share  buyback  program  allowing 
us  to  repurchase  up  to  $50.0  million  of  our ADSs  in  the  open  market  or  through  privately  negotiated 
transactions. We concluded this share buyback program in the third quarter of 2010 and repurchased a total 
of approximately $50.0 million of our ADSs (approximately 19.3 million ADSs) under this program from the 
open market.

In April 2011, the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands was amended to permit treasury shares if 
so approved by the board of directors and to the extent that the articles do not prohibit treasury shares. 
Therefore, we would hold the treasury shares for future employees awards.

  On  June  20,  2011,  our  board  of  directors  authorized  another  share  buyback  program  allowing  us  to 
repurchase up to $25.0 million of our ADSs in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. 
As of March 31, 2013, we had repurchased a total of approximately $13.4 million of our ADSs (approximately 
9.5 million ADSs) under this program from the open market.

  The following table sets forth information regarding transactions completed under the two share buyback 
programs for each of the specified periods.

(a) Total 
Number 
of ADSs 
Purchased

(b) Average 
Price Paid 
per ADS

(c) Total Number 
of ADSs Purchased 
as Part of Publicly 
Announced Plans 
or Programs

(d) Approximate 
Dollar Value of 
ADSs That May 
Yet Be Purchased 
Under the Plans or 
Programs

    2,451,652

 $        1.31

                6,218,862

  $          17,185,592

    1,873,787

 $        1.61

                8,092,649

  $          14,172,391

         186,345
         120,968

 $        1.75
 $        1.96

                8,278,994
                8,399,962

  $          13,847,214
  $          13,610,673

Period

 2012 Share Buyback Program:
 January 3, 2012 to January 31,  
 2012 
 February 1, 2012 to February 27,  
 2012 
 March 6, 2012 to March 30,  
 2012 
 April 3, 2012 to April 25, 2012 

 May 7, 2012 to May 31, 2012 

            83,839

 $        1.99

                8,483,801

  $          13,444,651

 June 1, 2012 to June 28, 2012 

         399,340

 $        1.86

                8,883,141

  $          12,703,233

 July 12, 2012 to July 31, 2012

         169,188

 $        1.55

                9,052,329

  $          12,442,204

 August 1, 2012 to August 29,  
 2012 

112

            45,416

 $        1.72

                9,097,745

  $          12,364,315

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 September 4, 2012 to September 26,  
 2012 
 October 1, 2012 to October 25, 
 2012 
 November 1, 2012 to November 13, 
 2012 

        48,276

 $        1.92

                9,146,021

  $          12,272,014

      228,759

 $        1.94

                9,374,780

  $          11,830,123

      113,876

 $        1.94

                9,488,656

  $          11,609,979

16.F. Chang in Registrant’s Certified Accountant

  Not applicable.

16.G. Corporate Governance

  The Nasdaq Rules provide that foreign private issuers may follow home country practice in lieu of the 
corporate governance requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, subject to certain exceptions and 
requirements and except to the extent that such exemptions would be contrary to U.S. federal securities laws 
and regulations. The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed 
by U.S. companies under the Nasdaq Rules are summarized as follows:

•  We follow home country practice that permits our board of directors to have less than a majority    
of independent directors within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Rules, in lieu of 
complying with Rule 5605(b)(1) of the Nasdaq Rules that require boards of U.S. companies to have
a board of directors which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.

•  We follow home country practice that permits our independent directors not to hold regularly  

scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present in lieu of complying with Rule  
5605(b)(2).

•  We follow home country practice that permits a compensation committee to contain a director  

who does not meet the definition of “independence” within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the  
Nasdaq Rules, in lieu of complying with Rule 5605(d)(1)(B) and (2)(B) of the Nasdaq Rules which  
requires the compensation committees of U.S. companies to be comprised solely of independent    
directors.

•  We follow home country practice that permits a nominations committee to contain a director who   

does not meet the definition of “independence” within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq  
Rules, in lieu of complying with Rule 5605(e)(1)(B) of the Nasdaq Rules that requires the  
nominations committees of U.S. companies to be comprised solely of independent directors.

16.H. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Not applicable.

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PART III

  Our consolidated financial statements and the report thereon by the independent auditors listed below are 
attached hereto as follows:

(a) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated April 26, 2013.

113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2012.

(c) Consolidated Statements of Income of the Company and subsidiaries for the years ended December  
     31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

(d) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income of the Company and subsidiaries for the years   
      ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

(e) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity of the Company and subsidiaries for the years ended  
     December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

(f) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of the Company and subsidiaries for the years ended
     December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

(g) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and subsidiaries.

114

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number

Description of Document

  1.1

  2.1

  2.2

  2.3

  4.1

Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant, 
as currently in effect. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 from our Annual Report 
on Form 20-F (file no. 000-51847) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
on June 3, 2010.)

Registrant’s Specimen American Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 2.3).

Registrant’s Specimen Certificate for Ordinary Shares. (Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.2 from our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-132372) filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2006.)

Form of Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, the Bank of New York Mellon, as 
depositary, and holders of the American depositary receipts. (Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit (a) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-6 (file no. 333-181416) 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2012.)

Himax Technologies, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 from our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-132372) filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2006.)

    4.2*

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 8, 2010 among Himax Display, Inc., 
Spatial Photonics, Inc. and Wen Hsieh.

  8.1

12.1

12.2

13.1

List of Subsidiaries.

Certification  of  Jordan  Wu,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Himax 
Technologies, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification  of  Jackie  Chang,  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  Himax Technologies,  Inc., 
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

15.1

Consent of KPMG, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

* Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this exhibit.

115

SIGNATURES

  Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant certifies 
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be 
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

          HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

                                                                            By:/s/ Jordan Wu
                                                                           Name:  Jordan Wu
                                                                           Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 30, 2013

116

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and  

2012 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 

2011 and 2012 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2011 

and 2012 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 

2012 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

PAGE
F-1
F-2
F-4

F-5

F-6

F-9

F-11

117

 
 
HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

(With Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm Thereon)

118

 
 
 
F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Himax Technologies, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Himax Technologies, Inc. (a Cayman 
Island Company) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2012, and the related consolidated 
statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the years in the 
three-year period ended December 31, 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility 
of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial 
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatements. An audit includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An 
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, 
as well as evaluating the overall financial statements presentation. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, 
the financial position of Himax Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2012, 
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 
December 31, 2012, in conformity with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), Himax Technologies, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee 
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated April 26, 2013 
expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting.

/S/ KPMG
Taipei, Taiwan (the Republic of China)
April 26, 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
F-2

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2011 and 2012
(in thousands of US dollars)

Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments in marketable securities available-for-sale
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns and    
   discounts of $15,888 and $16,090 at December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively
Accounts receivable from related parties, less allowance for sales returns and 
   discounts of $83 and $174 at December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively
Inventories
Deferred income taxes
Restricted cash,  cash equivalents and marketable securities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets

Investment securities, including securities measured at fair value of $5,080 
   and nil at December 31, 2011 and 2012
Equity method investments
Property, plant and equipment, net
Deferred income taxes
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Restricted marketable securities
Other assets

Total assets

December 31,

2011

2012

$ 106,164
165

$ 138,737
172

101,280

135,747

79,833
112,985
16,217
84,200
14,865
515,709

24,506
439
57,150
13,649
26,846
4,494
1,266
919
129,269
$ 644,978

73,258
116,671
15,374
74,100
13,029
567,088

12,688
283
52,609
4,303
28,138
8,143
173
1,173
107,510
$ 674,598

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
  
F-3

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

December 31, 2011 and 2012
(in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data)

Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
   Short-term debt
   Accounts payable
   Income taxes payable
   Deferred income taxes
   Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Income taxes payable
Accrued pension liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity
   Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders’ equity:

December 31,

2011

2012

$  84,200
134,353
3,644
-
23,163
245,360
-
319
836
3,405
249,920

$  73,000
135,546
9,766
80
23,725
242,117
591
242
409
3,081
246,440

Ordinary shares, US$0.3 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized;  
   356,699,482 shares issued and 349,279,556 shares and 339,149,508  
   shares outstanding at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012,   
   respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Treasury shares, at cost (7,419,926 shares and 17,549,974 shares at  
   December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012, respectively)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Unappropriated retained earnings

   Total Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders’ equity
   Noncontrolling interests
Total equity

Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities and equity

107,010
103,051

(4,502)
166
187,712
393,437
1,621
395,058

107,010
104,911

(12,469)
(137)
228,628
427,943
215
428,158

$ 644,978

674,598

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
F-4

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income 

Years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012
(in thousands of US dollars, except per share data)

Revenues:
   Revenues from third parties, net
   Revenues from related parties, net

Total revenues

Costs and expenses:
   Cost of revenues
   Research and development
   General and administrative
   Recovery of bad debt expense
   Sales and marketing

Total costs and expenses

Year Ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

$ 304,068
   338,624
   642,692

$ 374,788
    258,233
    633,021

$ 485,281
   251,974
   737,255

   507,647
     76,426
     18,770
       (8,788)
     13,279
   607,334

507,449
  79,042
  17,095
    (1,541)
  14,368
616,413

  566,700
    70,913
    17,139
             -
     15,443
   670,195

Operating income

     35,358

  16,608

    67,060

Non operating income (loss):
   Interest income
   Gains on sale of marketable securities, net
   Equity in losses of equity method investees
   Impairment loss on investments
   Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net
   Interest expense
   Other income (loss), net

Earnings before income taxes
   Income tax expense
Net income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc.
   stockholders

          607
          296
          (410)
             -
          (899)
          (182)
          524
           (64)
     35,294
       6,228
     29,066
       4,140
$   33,206

      556
      350
      (349)
          -
      466
      (455)
      (368)
      200
16,808
  7,301
  9,507
  1,199
10,706

         317
         648
         (128)
       (1,299)
          (452)
          (352)
            92
      (1,174)
     65,886
     15,748
     50,138
       1,458
     51,596

Basic earnings per ordinary share attributable to Himax
   Technologies, Inc. stockholders
Diluted earnings per ordinary share attributable to Himax 
   Technologies, Inc. stockholders
Basic earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies,
   Inc. stockholders
Diluted earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies,
   Inc. stockholders

$       0.09

$       0.03

$       0.15

$       0.09

$       0.03

$       0.15

$       0.19

$       0.06

$       0.30

$       0.19

$       0.06

$       0.30

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-5

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 

Years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012
(in thousands of US dollars)

Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, not subject 
to income tax:
   Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for- 
sale marketable securities arising during the  
period

   Reclassification adjustment for realized losses   

Year Ended December 31,

2010
$     -     29,066

2011
$     -     9,507

2012
$     -     50,138

1,511           -

(305)           -

59           -

(gains) included in net income

(296)    1,215

(350)     (655)

(648)    (589)

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax     
   of nil
Net unrecognized actuarial gain (loss), net of tax 
   of $(54), $(125) and $8 in 2010, 2011 and 2012, 
   respectively
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive loss attributable to    
   noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Himax 
   Technologies, Inc. stockholders

210

128

50

(203)
30,288

4,118

(573)
8,407

1,261

233               

49,832

1,461

$ 34,406

$  9,668

$ 51,293

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
     
 
 
F-6

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F-9

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012
(in thousands of US dollars)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash  

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Depreciation and amortization
Share-based compensation expenses
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
Gain on disposal of equity method 
   investment
Gain on disposal of marketable securities,  
   net
Unrealized loss (gain) on conversion option
Interest income from amortization of 
   discount on investment in corporate bonds
Impairment loss on investment
Equity in losses of equity method investees
Deferred income tax expense
Inventories write downs

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable from related parties
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Accounts payable
Income taxes payable
Other accrued expenses and other current 
   liabilities
Other liabilities

   Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Purchase of property and equipment
   Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
   Purchase of available-for-sale marketable securities
   Disposal of available-for-sale marketable securities
   Disposal of equity method investment
   Purchase of investment securities
   Purchase of equity method investments
   Refund from (increase in) refundable deposits
   Decrease (increase) in other assets
   Pledge of restricted cash, cash equivalents and   

marketable securities
   Cash acquired in acquisition

   Net cash used in investing activities

Year Ended December 31,

2010

2011

2010

$ 29,066

9,507 

50,138

13,626
6,311
34

-

(296)
(320)

(52)
-
410
4,481
10,557

(14,782)
41,306
(60,777)
(1,590)
27,843
(5,793)

4,767
2,840
57,631

(7,172)
-
(34,976)
33,443
-
(7,524)
(906)
298
(684)

(78)
-
(17,599)

12,795 
4,190
121

(313)

(350)
934

(170)
-
349
6,492
9,138

(21,068)
16,181
(4,135)
951
18,431
(5,616)

(2,092)
(1,897)
43,448

(18,859)
7
(17,490)
25,834
371
-
-
34
-

(94)
-
(10,197)

13,299
1,936
36

-

(648)
(28)

(101)
1,299
128
8,851
12,418

(34,467)
6,591
(16,104)
1,421
1,192
6,711

(172)
(333)
52,167

(6,560)
1
(19,609)
25,043
-
(3)
-
(106)
-

(7)
546
(695)

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
F-10

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012
(in thousands of US dollars)

Year Ended December 31,

2010

2011

2012

  $   (44,097)

(21,224)

(10,680)

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Distribution of cash dividends
   Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary shares to   
         noncontrolling interests by Himax Technologies   
         Limited
   Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary shares to    
         noncontrolling interests by Himax Imaging, Inc.
   Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling   
         interests
   Release (pledge) of restricted cash, cash equivalents 
         and marketable securities (for borrowing of 
         short-term debt)
   Proceeds from issuance of new shares by subsidiaries
   Payments to repurchase ordinary shares
   Proceeds from borrowing of short-term debt
   Repayment of short-term debt

Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on   
   cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
   Cash paid during the year for:

1,011

           -

17

3,224

(207)

(1,958)

(57,500)
353
(10,755)
217,000
(160,000)
(54,195)

81
(14,082)
110,924
  $   96,842

(26,700)
53
(4,627)
277,200
(250,000)
(24,015)

86
9,322
96,842
106,164

Interest
Income taxes

  $        170
  $     8,329

490
6,326

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing  
   activities:
   Fair value of ordinary shares issued by Himax    
         Display, Inc. in the acquisition

$             -

-

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

97

436

(14)

11,200
116
(8,886)
304,000
(315,200)
(18,931)

32
32,573
106,164
138,737

352
456

270

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-11

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Note 1. Background, Principal Activities and Basis of Presentation

Background

Himax Technologies,  Inc.  is  a  holding  company  located  in  the  Cayman  Islands.  Following  is  general 
information about Himax Technologies, Inc.’s subsidiaries:

Subsidiary

Main activities

Percentage of
Ownership December 31,

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

2011 

2012 

Himax Technologies Limited

IC design and sales

ROC

100.00 %

100.00 %

Himax Technologies Korea Ltd.
Himax Semiconductor, Inc.

Sales
IC design and sales

South Korea
ROC

100.00 %
100.00 %

100.00 %
100.00 %

Himax Technologies (Samoa), Inc.
Himax Technologies (Suzhou), Co., 
Ltd.
Himax Technologies (Shenzhen), Co., 
Ltd.
Himax Display, Inc.

Integrated Microdisplays Limited
Himax Display US Corp (1)
Himax Display (USA) Inc. (2)
Himax Analogic, Inc.

Investments
Sales

Sales

LCOS and 
MEMS design, 
manufacturing and 
sales
LCOS sales
Investments
MEMS design
IC design and sales

Samoa
PRC

PRC

ROC

100.00 %
100.00 %

100.00 %
100.00 %

100.00 %

100.00 %

  88.02 %

81.53 %

Hong Kong
Delaware, USA
Delaware, USA
ROC

  88.02 %
  88.02 %
    -
  75.10 %

81.53 %
-
81.53 %
74.60 %

Himax Imaging, Inc.
Himax Imaging, Ltd.

Himax Imaging Corp.
Argo Limited
Tellus Limited

Investments
IC design and sales

Cayman Islands
ROC

100.00 %
  89.69 %

100.00 %
87.95 %

IC design
Investments
Investments

California, USA
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands

100.00 %
100.00 %
100.00 %

100.00 %
100.00 %
100.00 %

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-12

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Percentage of
Ownership December 31,

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

2011 

2012 

ROC

    78.25 %

    78.28 %

Subsidiary

Main activities

Himax Media Solutions, Inc.

TFT-LCD 
television, monitor 
chipset operations, 
ASIC service and 
IP licensing

Himax Media Solutions (Hong Kong) 
Limited
Harvest Investment Limited
Iris Optronics Co., Ltd. (3)

Investments

Hong Kong

   78.25 %

   78.28 %

Investments
E-paper 
manufacturing and 
sales

ROC
ROC

100.00 %
     -

100.00 %
  22.22 %

(1)  Himax Display US Corp., a holding company was newly incorporated in May 12, 2011, which was  
wholly owned by Himax Display, Inc. and merged with Spatial Photonics, Inc. on July 3, 2012. (see  
Note 3, “Acquisition”, for additional information)

(2)  Spatial Photonics, Inc. has renamed as Himax Display (USA) Inc. on July 3, 2012.

(3)  Iris Optronics Co., Ltd. (“Iris”) was newly incorporated on May 18, 2012 and the paid-in capital    
was $153 thousand. The Company is initially able to exercise control over the daily operating and
financial decisions of Iris. As a result, Iris is included in the consolidated financial statements since  
established date.

Since March 2006, Himax Technologies, Inc.’s ordinary shares have been quoted on the NASDAQ Global 
Market under the symbol “HIMX” in the form of ADSs and two ordinary shares represent one ADS effect 
from August 10, 2009. See Note16 (a) as further described.

Principal Activities

Himax Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) is a fabless semiconductor solution 
provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company is a worldwide market leader 
in display driver ICs and timing controllers used in TVs, laptops, monitors, mobile phones, tablets, digital 
cameras, car navigation, and many other consumer electronics devices. Additionally, the Company designs 
and  provides  controllers  for  touch  sensor  displays,  MEMS  and  LCOS  microdisplays  used  in  palm-size 
projectors and head-mounted displays, LED driver ICs, power management ICs, scaler products for monitors 
and projectors, tailor-made video processing IC solutions, IP licensing and ASIC services. The Company also 
offers digital camera solutions, including CMOS image sensors and wafer level optics, which are used in a 
wide variety of applications such as mobile phone, tablet, laptop, TV, PC camera, automobile, security and 
medical devices.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-13

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Basis of Presentation

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company  have  been  prepared  in 
conformity with US generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”).

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) 

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations 
of the Himax Technologies, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries and entities that it has 
a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have 
been eliminated in consolidatio.

(b) 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires 
management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  relating  to  the  reported  amounts  of 
assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the 
consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during 
the  reporting  period. Actual  results  could  differ  from  those  estimates.  Significant  items 
subject to such estimates and assumptions include the useful lives of property, plant and 
equipment and intangible assets; allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns; the 
valuation of derivatives, deferred income tax assets, property, plant and equipment, inventory, 
share-based compensation, the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets, potential 
impairment  of  intangible  assets,  goodwill,  marketable  securities  and  other  investment 
securities  and  liabilities  for  employee  benefit  obligations,  and  income  tax  uncertainties 
and other contingencies. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and also 
on assumptions that it believes are reasonable. Management assesses these estimates on a 
regular basis; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

(c) 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity 
of three  months  or  less  at  the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of December 
31,  2011  and  2012,  the  Company  had  $72,000  thousand  and  $45,000  thousand  of  cash 
equivalents, respectively, in US dollar denominated time deposits with original maturities 
of less than three months. As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, cash, including time deposits 
in the amount of $84,200 thousand and $73,000 thousand, respectively, had been pledged 
as collateral for short term debts which would be released within one year and are therefore 
excluded from cash and cash equivalents for purposes of the consolidated statements of cash 
flows.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-14

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

(d) 

Investment Securities

Investment securities as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 consist of investments in marketable 
securities, investments in non-marketable equity securities and corporate bond. All of the 
Company’s investments in debt and marketable equity securities are classified as available-
for-sale securities and are reported at fair value.

Available-for-sale  securities,  which  mature  or  are  expected  to  be  sold  in  one  year,  are 
classified as current  assets. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of related taxes on 
available for sale securities are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component 
of  equity  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  until  realized.  Realized 
gains and losses from the sale of available for sale securities are determined on a specific 
identification basis.

Conversion option in the Company’s investment in corporate convertible bonds are separated 
from the corporate bonds and accounted for separately as the economic characteristics and 
risks of the corporate bonds and the conversion options are not closely related, a separate 
instrument with the same terms as the conversion options would meet the definition of a 
derivative, and the combined instrument is not measured at fair value. Changes in the fair 
value of the separated conversion options are recognized immediately in earnings.

Premiums and discounts on the corporate bonds are amortized over the life of the bonds as 
an adjustment to yield using the effective-interest method and are included in the interest 
income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

The cost of the securities sold is computed based on the moving average cost of each security 
held at the time of sale.

As  of  December  31,  2011  and  2012,  the  Company  had  $1,266  thousand  and  $1,273 
thousand, respectively, of restricted marketable securities, consisting of negotiable certificate 
of deposits and New Taiwan dollar (NT$) and US dollar denominated time deposits with 
original maturities of more than three months, which had been pledged as collateral for 
customs duties and guarantees for government grants.

Investments in non-marketable equity securities in which the Company does not have the 
ability  to  exercise  significant  influence  over  the  operating  and  financial  policies  of  the 
investee are stated at cost. Dividends, if any, are recognized into earnings when received.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-15

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 

Equity investments in entities where the Company has the ability to exercise significant 
influence over the operating and financial policy decisions of the investee, but does not have 
a controlling financial interest in the investee, are accounted for using the equity method. 
The Company’s share of the net income or net loss of an investee is recognized in earnings 
from the date the significant influence commences until the date that significant influence 
ceases. The difference between the cost of an investment and the amount of underlyingequity 
in net assets of an investee at investment date was amortized over useful life of related  
assets.

A decline in value of a security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary a result 
in an impairment to reduce the carrying amount to fair value. To determine whether any 
impairment is other-than-temporary, management considers all available information relevant 
to the collectability of the security, including past events, current conditions, and reasonable 
and supportable forecasts, when developing estimates of cash flows to be collected. Evidence 
considered  in  this  assessment  includes  the  reasons  for  the  impairment,  the  severity  and 
duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year-end, forecasted performance 
of the investee, and the general market condition in the geographic area or industry the 
investee operates in. 

(e) 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  is  provided  based  on  a  review  of  collectability  of 
accounts receivable on a monthly basis. In establishing the required allowance, management 
considers the historical collection experience, current receivable aging and the current trend 
in the credit quality of the Company’s customers. Management reviews its allowance for 
doubtful accounts quarterly. Account balance is charged off against the allowance after all 
means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

(f) 

Inventories

Inventories primarily consist of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods awaiting 
final assembly and test, and are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined 
using the weighted-average method. For work-in-process and manufactured inventories, cost 
consists of the cost of raw materials (primarily fabricated wafer and processed tape), direct 
labor and an appropriate proportion of production overheads. The Company also writes down 
excess and obsolete inventories to their estimated market value based upon estimations about 
future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than 
those projected by management, additional future inventory write-down may be required 
that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results. Once written down, inventories 
are carried at this lower amount until sold or scrapped. If actual market conditions are more 
favorable, the Company may have higher operating income when such products are sold. 
Sales to date of such products have not had a significant impact on the Company’s operating 
income.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-16

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

(g) 

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consists primarily of land purchased as the construction site 
of the Company’s new headquarters, and machinery and equipment used in the design and 
development of products, and is stated at cost. Depreciation on building and machinery and 
equipment commences when the asset is ready for its intended use and is calculated on the 
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of related assets which range as follows: 
building 25 years, building improvements 4 to 16 years, machinery 4 to 6 years, research and 
development equipment 2 to 6 years, office furniture and equipment 2 to 7 years, others 2 
to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight line basis over the shorter 
of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Software is amortized on a straight 
line basis over the estimated useful lives ranging from 2 to 6 years.

(h) 

Goodwill

Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets 
acquired in the business combination of the Company’s acquisition of Himax Semiconductor, 
Inc. (formerly Wisepal Technologies, Inc.) in 2007 and Himax Display USA Inc. (formerly 
Spatial  Photonics,  Inc.)  in  2012,  that  are  not  individually  identified  and  separately 
recognized.  Goodwill  is  reviewed  for  impairment  at  least  annually. The  Company  tests 
goodwill for impairment on the end day of October each fiscal year. Goodwill is also tested 
for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would 
more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which 
provides an entity the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is 
more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount 
prior to performing the two-step goodwill impairment test. If this is the case, the two-step 
goodwill impairment test is required. If it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a 
reporting is greater than its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not 
required. The Company adopted this ASU in 2012.

When testing goodwill for impairment, management may accesses qualitative factors for 
some or all of its reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, 
a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its 
carrying amount, including goodwill. Alternatively, management may bypass this qualitative 
assessment for some or all of its reporting units and perform step 1 of the two-step goodwill 
impairment test, under the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with 
its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its 
carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the 
Company must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an 
impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s 
goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is 
determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase 
price allocation, in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The residual fair value 
after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. If the fair value of 
the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two does not need to be performed.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-17

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 

Impairment testing  for  goodwill  is done at a reporting unit level. A reporting unit  is  an 
operating segment or one level below an operating segment (also known as a component). 
A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a 
business for which discrete financial information is available, and segment management 
regularly reviews the operating results of that component.

In  2010,  management  determined  that  the  Company  in  essence  only  had  one  reporting 
unit for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, which was the enterprise as a whole. 
Management performs the annual impairment review of goodwill at October 31, and when 
a triggering event occurs between annual impairment tests. Consequently, the market value 
based on the quoted market price of the Company’s shares was excess of the Company’s 
equity book value on the date of first step of the assessment in 2010. Therefore, management 
concluded that the Company’s goodwill was not impaired in 2010.

In 2011, as further described in Note 2(s) below, the Company changed its internal reporting 
such that the Company now has two operating segment, which are also reportable segments. 
The  Company  has  determined  that  three  of  the  components  in  Segment  Driver  IC  are 
economically similar and is deemed a single reporting unit. As a result, the Company has five 
reporting units which are Driver IC, Projection displays, CMOS image sensors and wafer 
level optics, Chipsets for TVs and Monitors, and Others.

Management assigned the Company’s assets and liabilities to each reporting unit based on 
either specific identification or by using judgment for the remaining assets and liabilities 
that are not specific to a reporting unit. Goodwill from acquisition of Himax Semiconductor, 
Inc. has been assigned to Driver IC reporting unit and goodwill from acquisition of Himax 
Display USA Inc. has been assigned to Projection displays reporting unit because on that 
reporting units are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination.

For Projection displays reporting unit in 2012, management qualitatively assessed whether 
it is more likely than not that the respective fair values of this reporting unit are less than its 
carrying amount, including goodwill. Based on that assessment, management determined 
that this condition, for this reporting unit, does not exist. As such, performing the first step of 
the two-step test impairment test for this reporting unit was unnecessary.

For Driver IC reporting unit in 2011 and 2012, management compared the carrying value of 
individual reporting unit, inclusive of assigned goodwill, to its respective fair value - step 1 
of the two-step impairment test.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-18

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The discounted cash flow (DCF) method is used by management in applying the income 
approach to determine the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units. Significant 
assumptions inherent in the valuation method for goodwill are employed and included, but 
are not limited to, prospective financial information, terminal value, and discount rates.

When performing income approach for each reporting unit, the Company incorporates the 
use of projected financial information and a discount rate that are developed using market 
participant based assumptions. The cash-flow projections are based on five-year financial 
forecasts  developed  by  management  that  include  revenue  projections,  capital  spending 
trends, and investment in working capital to support anticipated revenue growth, which are 
regularly and reviewed by management. The selected discount rate considers the risk and 
nature of the respective reporting unit’s cash flows and the rates of return market participants 
would require to investing their capital in reporting units.

In  order  to  determine  the  reasonableness  of  the  fair  values  of  the  reporting  units, 
management performed a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of the reporting units to 
the Company’s market capitalization based on the quoted market price of Himax’s ordinary 
shares,  adjusted  for  an  appropriate  control  premium.  Management  believes  the  control 
premium represents the additional amount that a buyer would be willing to pay to obtain 
a controlling voting interest in the Company as a result of the ability to take advantage of 
synergies and other benefits. To determine an appropriate control premium, references were 
made to recent and comparable merger and acquisition transactions in the SIC code 367X- 
Semiconductors and Related Technology industry.

The following is a summary of activity in goodwill by reportable segment.

Balance, December 31, 2010
Balance, December 31, 2011
Balance, December 31, 2012

(i) 

Other Intangible Assets 

Driver IC

$ 26,846
$ 26,846
$ 26,846

Non-driver
products

Consolidated
Total

(in thousands)

       -
       -
1,292

26,846
26,846
28,138

Acquired intangible assets include patents, developed technology, customer relationship 
assets and in-process research and development (IPR&D) acquired in a business combination 
at December 31, 2011 and 2012. Intangible assets with a definite life are amortized on a 
straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: patents 5 to 15 years, technology 
5 to 7 years and customer relationship 7 years.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-19

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 

Under ASC Topic 805, IPR&D assets acquired in a business combination are recognized 
as assets at the acquisition date at their acquisition-date fair value, rather than charged to 
expense, regardless of whether they have an alternative future use. In addition, IPR&D assets 
acquired in a business combination are to be accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible 
assets until the project is completed or abandoned. Subsequent R&D costs associated with 
the acquired IPR&D projects are charged to expense as incurred.

IPR&D has an indefinite life and is not amortized until completion and development of the 
project at which time the IPR&D becomes an amortizable asset. If the related project is not 
completed in a timely manner, the Company may have an impairment related to the IPR&D, 
calculated as the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value. 

(j) 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 

The  Company’s  long-lived  assets,  which  consist  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  and 
intangible  assets  subject  to  amortization,  are  reviewed  for  impairment  whenever  events 
or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  may  not  be 
recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is assessed by a comparison of 
the carrying amount of an asset to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected 
to be generated. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds such estimated cash flows, an 
impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset 
exceeds its estimated fair value. Management generally determines fair value based on the 
estimated discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.

(k) 

Revenue Recognition

The  Company  recognizes  revenue  from  product  sales  when  persuasive  evidence  of  an 
arrangement exists, the product has been delivered, the price is fixed and determinable and 
collection is reasonably assured. The Company uses a binding purchase order as evidence 
of an arrangement. Management considers delivery to occur upon shipment provided title 
and risk of loss has passed to the customer based on the shipping terms, which is generally 
when the product is shipped to the customer from the Company’s facilities or the outsourced 
assembly and testing house. In some cases, title and risk of loss does not pass to the customer 
when the product is received by them. In these cases, the Company recognizes revenue at the 
time when title and risk of loss is transferred, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria 
have been satisfied. These cases include several inventory locations where the Company 
manages inventories for its customers, some of which inventories are at customer facilities. 
In such cases, revenue is not recognized when products are received at these locations; rather, 
revenue is recognized when customers take the inventories from the location for their use.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-20

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The Company records a reduction to revenue and accounts receivable by establishing a sales 
discount and return allowance for estimated sales discounts and product returns at the time 
revenue is recognized based primarily on historical discount and return rates. However, 
if sales discount and product returns for a particular fiscal period exceed historical rates, 
management may determine that additional sales discount and return allowances are required 
to properly reflect the Company’s estimated remaining exposure for sales discounts and 
product returns. 

Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted 
for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from revenues in the consolidated statements of 
income.

(l) 

Product Warranty 

Under the Company’s standard terms and conditions of sale, products sold are subject to a 
limited product quality warranty. The Company may receive warranty claims outside the 
scope of the standard terms and conditions. The Company provides for the estimated cost of 
product warranties at the time revenue is recognized based primarily on historical experience 
and any specifically identified quality issues.

(m) 

Research and Development and Advertising Costs

The  Company’s  research  and  development  and  advertising  expenditures  are  charged  to 
expense as incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 
2012, were $161 thousand, $59 thousand and $73 thousand, respectively.

The Company recognizes government grants to fund research and development expenditures 
as  a  reduction  of  research  and  development  expense  in  the  accompanying  consolidated 
statements of income based on the percentage of actual qualifying expenditures incurred 
to date to the most recent estimate of total expenditures for which they are intended to be 
compensated.

(n) 

Employee Retirement Plan

The Company has established an employee noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan 
(the “Defined Benefit Plan”) covering full-time employees in the ROC which were hired by 
the Company before January 1, 2005.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-21

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The  Company  records  annual  amounts  relating  to  its  pension  and  postretirement  plans 
based on calculations that incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions including 
discount rates, mortality, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, and turnover 
rates. Management reviews its assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications 
to  the assumptions based  on current rates when it is appropriate to do so. The effect of 
modifications  to  those  assumptions  is  recorded  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive 
income and amortized to net periodic cost over future periods using the corridor method. 
Management believes that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under its 
plans are reasonable based on its experience and market conditions.

The Company has adopted a defined contribution plan covering full-time employees in the 
ROC (the “Defined Contribution Plan”) beginning July 1, 2005 pursuant to ROC Labor 
Pension Act. Pension cost for a period is determined based on the contribution called for in 
that period. Substantially all participants in the Defined Benefit Plan have been provided 
the option of continuing to participate in the Defined Benefit Plan, or to participate in the 
Defined Contribution Plan on a prospective basis from July 1, 2005. Accumulated benefits 
attributed to participants that elect to change plans are not impacted by their election.

(o) 

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between 
the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their 
respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carry-forward. Deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the 
years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect 
on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the 
period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded for deferred tax 
assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will 
not be realized.

The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more 
likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the 
largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition 
or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The 
Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax 
expense in the consolidated statement of income.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-22

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

(p) 

Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Currency Transactions

The reporting currency of the Company is the United States dollar. The functional currency 
for the Company and its major operating subsidiaries is the United States dollar. Accordingly, 
the assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the United 
States dollar are included in the consolidation by translating the assets and liabilities into the 
reporting currency (the United States dollar) at the exchange rates applicable at the end of the 
reporting period. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates. The statements of income 
and cash flows are translated at the average exchange rates during the year. Translation 
gains or losses are accumulated as a separate component of equity in accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss).

(q) 

Earnings Per Ordinary Share

Basic  earnings  per  ordinary  share  is  computed  using  the  weighted  average  number  of 
ordinary  shares  outstanding  during  the  period.  Diluted  earnings  per  ordinary  share  is 
computed using the weighted average number of ordinary and diluted ordinary equivalent 
shares outstanding during the period. Ordinary equivalent shares are ordinary shares that are 
contingently issuable upon the vesting of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) granted to 
employees.

Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share have been calculated as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
2011

2010

2012

Net income attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc.    
   stockholders (in thousands)
Denominator for basic earnings per ordinary share:
   Weighted average number of ordinary shares   
   outstanding (in thousands)
Basic earnings per ordinary share attributable to  
   Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders

$    33,206

10,706

51,596

355,037

353,771

341,056

$       0.09

0.03

0.15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-23

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Contingently issuable ordinary shares underlying the unvested RSUs granted to employees 
are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share based on treasury stock 
method. In 2011, the unvested 437,029 RSUs (represents 874,058 ordinary shares) which 
will vest in 2012 were excluded as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Year Ended December 31,
2011

2012

2010

Net income attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. 
   stockholders (in thousands)
Denominator for diluted earnings per ordinary share:
   Weighted average number of ordinary shares   
         outstanding (in thousands)
   Unvested RSUs (in thousands)

Diluted earnings per ordinary share attributable to 
   Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders

$     33,206

10,706 

51,596

     355,037
            653
     355,690

353,771
56
353,827

341,056
468
341,524

$        0.09

0.03

0.15

(r) 

Share-Based Compensation 

The  cost  of  employee  services  received  in  exchange  for  share-based  compensation  is 
measured based on the grant-date fair value of the share-based instruments issued. The cost 
of employee services is equal to the grant-date fair value of shares issued to employees and 
is recognized in earnings over the service period. Compensation cost also considers the 
number of awards management believes will eventually vest. As a result, compensation cost 
is reduced by the estimated forfeitures. The estimate is adjusted each period to reflect the 
current estimate of forfeitures, and finally, the actual number of awards that vest.

(s) 

Segment Reporting

The Company uses the management approach in determining reportable operating segments. 
The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the 
Company's  chief  operating  decision  maker  for  making  operating  decisions,  allocating 
resources and assessing performance as the source for determining the Company's reportable 
segments.

The  Company’s  chief  operating  decision  maker  (“CODM”)  has  been  identified  as  the 
Chief Executive Officer, who regularly reviews operating results to make decisions about 
allocating resources and assessing performance for the Company.

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
F-24

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The CODM assesses the performance of the operating segments based on segment sales and 
segment profit and loss. There are no intersegment sales in the segment revenues reported 
to the CODM. Segment profit and loss is determined on a basis that is consistent with how 
the Company reports operating income (loss) in its consolidated statements of operations. 
Segment profit (loss) excludes income taxes, interest income and expense, foreign currency 
exchange gains and losses, equity in the earnings (losses) of affiliates, gains and losses on 
valuations of financial instruments and sales of investment securities, and other income and 
expenses.

The  Company  does  not  report  segment  asset  information  to  the  Company’s  CODM. 
Consequently, no asset information by segment is presented.

(t) 

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests are classified in the consolidated statements of income as part of 
consolidated net income and the accumulated amount of noncontrolling interests as part 
of equity in the consolidated balance sheets. If a change in ownership of a consolidated 
subsidiary results in loss of control and deconsolidation, any retained ownership interests are 
re-measured with the gain or loss reported in net earnings.

The effects of changes in the Company’s ownership interests in its subsidiaries on Himax 
Technologies, Inc. equity are set forth as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
2011

2012

2010

Net income attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc.   
   stockholders
   Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interests:
         Increase (decrease) in Himax Technologies,    
         Inc.’s paid-in capital for sale of shares of   
         subsidiaries
Change from net income attributable to Himax  
   Technologies, Inc. stockholders and transfers from  
   noncontrolling interests

$     33,206

10,706

51,596

652

(382)

501

 $     33,858

 10,324

52,097

 
 
 
 
 
 
HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

(u) 

Fair Value Measurements

F-25

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer 
a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 
The  fair  values  of  cash,  cash  equivalents,  accounts  receivable,  restricted  cash  and  cash 
equivalents,  short-term  debt,  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities  approximate  their 
carrying  values  due  to  their  relatively  short  maturities.  Marketable  securities  consisting 
of open-ended bond funds are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices at the 
reporting date. Marketable securities consisting of time deposits with original maturities 
more than three months are determined using the discounted present value of expected cash 
flows. The fair value of the corporate straight bonds was initially determined by subtracting 
the  fair  value  of  the  embedded  conversion  option  from  the  fair  value  of  the  combined 
instrument. The  embedded  conversion  options  and  the  subsequent  measurement  of  the 
corporate straight bond are reported at fair value based on discounting estimated future cash 
flows based on the terms and maturity of each instrument and using market interest rates for 
a similar instrument at the reporting date. Fair values reflect the credit risk of the instrument 
and include adjustments to take account of the credit risk of the Company and counterparty 
when appropriate. The fair value of equity method investments and cost method investments 
have not been estimated as there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that 
may have significant adverse effects on the carrying value of these investments, and it is not 
practicable to estimate their fair values.

A  fair  value  hierarchy  exists  that  prioritizes  the  inputs  to  valuation  techniques  used  to 
measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices 
in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest 
priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). 
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 (i) 

 (ii) 

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or  
liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are  
observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

 (iii) 

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair measurement in its entirety falls is 
based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
F-26

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

(v) 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In  December  2011,  the  FASB  issued ASU  No.  2011-11, Balance  Sheet  (Topic  210): 
Disclosures  about  Offsetting Assets  and  Liabilities. ASU  2011-11  requires  an  entity  to 
disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of financial 
statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position, and to 
allow  investors  to  better  compare  financial  statements  prepared  under  U.S.  GAAP  with 
financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 
The new standards are effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2013, and interim 
periods within those annual periods. Retrospective application is required. The Company will 
implement the provisions of ASU 2011-11 as of January 1, 2013.

In  June  2011,  the  FASB  issued ASU  2011-05,  Comprehensive  Income  (Topic  220): 
Presentation  of  Comprehensive  Income.  Under  this ASU,  the  Company  had  the  option 
to present the components of net income and comprehensive income in either one or two 
consecutive financial statements. The ASU eliminated the option in U.S. GAAP to present 
other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity. In December 2011, the 
FASB decided to defer the effective date of those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate only 
to the presentation of reclassification adjustments in the statement of income by issuing 
ASU  2011-12,  Comprehensive  Income  (Topic  220):  Deferral  of  the  Effective  Date  for 
Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive income in Accounting Standards Update 2011-05. The Company already 
presents a separate statement of other comprehensive income following the statement of 
income. Therefore, the adoption of ASU 2011-05 was not applicable to the Company.

Note 3.  Acquisition

On July 3, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common shares 
of Spatial Photonics, Inc. (“SP”) to total consideration approximating $5.7 million that included 
newly issued ordinary shares in Himax Display, Inc. and cash. Himax Display Inc. issued 6,762,537 
ordinary shares valued at $270 thousand. The fair value of Himax Display Inc.’s ordinary shares was 
determined using the assistance of an independent appraiser using the discounted cash flow method. 
The Company’s previously held equity interests in SP was re-measured at fair value, which was 
determined using the assistance of an independent appraiser using the equity value allocation method 
at acquisition date. The re-measurement loss on the previously held equity interests in SP was $1,061 
thousand which is included in other non-operating loss within “impairment loss on investment” in 
the accompanying consolidated statements of income. 

SP was then renamed as Himax Display (USA) Inc. (“HDI (USA)”). The results of HDI (USA)’s 
operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since that date. 
The amounts of HDI (USA)’s revenues and losses included in the consolidated statements of income 
from the acquisition date to the period ended December 31, 2012 were nil and $1,390 thousand, 
respectively.  HDI  (USA)  develops  and  manufactures  high  definition,  high  brightness,  and  high 
contrast projection displays for business and consumer applications. As a result of the acquisition, the 
Company is expected to diversify its projection product portfolio.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-27

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The following table summarizes the consideration paid for HDI(USA) and the amounts of 
estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

Consideration:
   Fair value of previously held equity interests
   Fair value of Himax Display Inc.’s ordinary shares
   Cash
      Total consideration transferred

   Acquisition related costs included in G&A expense

At July 3, 2012
(in thousands)

$            5,439
270
3
5,712

$               347

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
   Current asset
   Property and equipment
   Other assets
   Intangible assets
   Current liabilities
   Other liabilities
   Deferred income taxes
      Total identifiable net assets acquired
   Goodwill

$               632
267
35
6,157
(78)
(1,610)
(983)
4,420
$            1,292

Acquired tangible assets were valued at estimates of their current fair values.  The valuation 
of  acquired  intangible  assets  was  determined  based  on  management’s  estimates  and 
consultation with an independent appraiser. The multi-period excess earnings method was 
used in applying the income approach to determine the fair value of acquired intangible 
assets. Significant  assumptions inherent in the valuation method for acquired intangible 
assets are employed and included, but are not limited to, prospective financial information, 
terminal  value,  and  discount  rates. When  performing  the  multi-period  excess  earnings 
method  for  acquired  intangible  assets,  the  Company  incorporates  the  use  of  projected 
financial information and a discount rate that are developed using market participant based 
assumptions. The cash-flow projections are based on five-year financial forecasts developed 
by management that include revenue projections, capital spending trends, and investment 
in working capital to support anticipated revenue growth, which are regularly and reviewed 
by management. The selected discount rate considers the risk and nature of the respective 
reporting  unit’s  cash  flows  and  the  rates  of  return  market  participants  would  require  to 
investing their capital in reporting units. The Company used a discount rate based on the 
weighted average cost of capital, which was 22.0% for developed technology and 23.0% for 
in-process R&D asset.

 
 
 
 
 
 
F-28

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Of  the  $6,157  thousand  of  the  acquired  intangible  assets,  $722  thousand  was  assigned 
to  in-process  R&D  asset  that  is  capitalized  as  an  indefinite-lived  intangible  asset  until 
completion or abandonment of the associated project. The remaining acquired intangible 
assets, core and developed technology, will be amortized, have a weighted-average useful 
life of approximately 7 years. Himax Display paid a premium for this acquisition because of 
expected synergistic benefits, including diversified its technology and product mix. Goodwill 
is not expected to be deductible for tax purpose.

The property and equipment was valued at the current replacement cost for similar capacity. 
The replacement cost was estimated from the Company’s actual historical cost less estimated 
accumulated depreciation.

The following unaudited pro forma results of operations for the years end December 31, 
2011 and 2012 are presented as if the acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2011, 
(dollars in thousands except per share amounts):

For the years end 
December 31, 
(unaudited)

2011

2012 

Net revenues
Net income attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders
Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Himax   
   Technologies, Inc. stockholders

 $  633,177
 $      2,895

     737,255         
       49,262                              

 $        0.01

          0.14

The above unaudited pro forma information does not reflect any incremental direct costs, 
including any restructuring charges to be recorded in connection with the acquisition, or 
any potential cost savings that may result from the consolidation of certain operations of the 
Company or HDI(USA). Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma financial information above 
not necessarily indicative the actual results that would have occurred had the acquisition of 
HDI (USA) been combined during the periods presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of 
future consolidated results of operations

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
          
F-29

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Note 4. Investments in Marketable Securities Available-for sale

Following is a summary of marketable securities as of December 31, 2011 and 2012:

Time deposit with original maturities   
    more than three months

Time deposit with original maturities   
    more than three months

Aggregate
Cost

December 31, 2011
Gross 
Unrealized
Gains

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

(in thousands)

Aggregate 
Market
Value

$          150

             15

               -

           165

Aggregate
Cost

December 31, 2012
Gross 
Unrealized
Gains

Gross 
Unrealized
Losses

(in thousands)

Aggregate 
Market
Value

$          150

             22

               -

           172

The Company’s portfolio of available for sale marketable securities by contractual maturity or the 
expected holding period as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 is due in one year or less.

Information on sales of available for sale marketable securities for the years ended December 31, 
2010, 2011 and 2012 is summarized below.

Period

Year 2010
Year 2011
Year 2012

Proceeds
from sales

$      33,443
$      25,834
$      19,612

Gross
realized gains

(in thousands)

                 326
                 420
                   35

Gross
realized losses

                  (30)
                  (70)
                   (32)

Note 5. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Sales Returns and Discounts 

The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns and discounts for the years ended 
December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 follows:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Period

Balance at
beginning of year

Charges 
(credits) to earnings

Amounts
utilized

Balance at
end of year

(in thousands)

 Year 2010
 Year 2011
 Year 2012

  $                  25,515
  $                  16,727
  $                  15,186

                           (8,788)
                           (1,541)
                                    -

                          -
                          -
                          -

           16,727
           15,186
           15,186

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-30F-30

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Allowance for sales returns and discounts

Period

Balance at
beginning of year 

Additions

Amounts
utilized

Balance at
end of year 

 Year 2010
 Year 2011
 Year 2012

  $                        970
  $                        591
  $                        785

                      4,551
                      3,385
                      7,386

               (4,930)
               (3,191)
               (7,093)

                            591
                           785
                       1,078

(in thousands)

Note 6. Equity Method Investments

As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, equity method investments consisted of the following:

December 31,

2011

2012

Amount

Holding %

Amount

Holding %

Create Electronic Optical Co., Ltd.

$   439

21.11

283

21.11

The Company disposed of Hangzhou Crystal Display Technology Co., Ltd. equity to its 
other shareholders in June 2011 and resulted in $313 thousand gain on disposal of the equity, 
which was presented in other income in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.

Investment accounted for under the equity method is Create Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. 
(C.E.O.), a camera module supplier. At investment date, the difference between the carrying 
amount of the Company’s investment in C.E.O. and the underlying equity in the net assets 
of  C.E.O.  was  $370  thousand  which  was  resulting  from  C.E.O.’s  identifiable  intangible 
assets and was amortized over 3 years. At the December 31, 2012, the excess of cost of such 
investment in C.E.O. over the Company’s share of the net assets of C.E.O. was $34 thousand.

As of December 31, 2012, it was not practicable for management to estimate the fair value of 
the Company’s investments in C.E.O. due to the lack of quoted market price and the inability 
to estimate the fair value without incurring excessive costs. However, management identified 
no events or changes in circumstance that may significantly affect the Company’s ability on 
recovering the carrying value of the investment.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-31

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Note 7. Inventories 

As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, inventories consisted of the following:

Finished goods
Work in process
Raw materials
Supplies

December 31,

2011

2012

(in thousands)

 $              30,703
                 57,737
                 24,505
                        40
 $            112,985

                 39,988
                 60,227
                 16,424
                        32
               116,671

Inventory write-downs were $10,557 thousand, $9,138 thousand and $12,418 thousand for the years 
ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, and are included in cost of revenues.

Note 8. Other Intangible Assests, Other than Goodwill

Gross 
carrying 
amount

December 31, 2011
Weighted 
average
amortization
period
(in thousands)

Accumulated 
amortization

      6,339
      8,100
         842
    15,281

7 years
7 years
6 years

    4,495
                 5,689
                    603
               10,787

Gross 
carrying 
amount

December 31, 2012
Weighted 
average
amortization
period
(in thousands)

Accumulated 
amortization

7 years
7 years
6 years

    5,762
                 6,847
                    686
               13,295

    11,774
      8,100
         842
    20,716

         722

$ 

 $ 

$ 

 $ 

 $ 

Amortized intangible assets:
   Technology
   Customer relationship
   Patents

Total

Amortized intangible assets:
   Technology
   Customer relationship
   Patents

Total

Unamortized intangible assets:
   In-process research and development

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
F-32

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, was $2,198 thousand, 
$2,180 thousand and $2,508 thousand, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next 
five years is $2,909 thousand in 2013, $953 thousand in 2014, and $783 thousand in 2015, 2016 and 
2017.

Note 9. Property, Plant and Equipment

Land
Building and improvements
Machinery
Research and development equipment
Software
Office furniture and equipment
Others

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Prepayment for purchases of land and equipment

2011

December 31,

(in thousands)

2012

 $               10,154
                  17,737
                  27,213
                  17,393
                  10,047
       7,281
       9,881
                  99,706
                 (53,594)
                  11,038
 $               57,150

                  14,328
                  17,740
                  31,494
                  18,020
                  10,540
       7,681
     17,282
                117,085
                 (66,420)
                    1,944
 $               52,609

Depreciation and amortization of these assets for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 
2012, were $11,428 thousand, $10,615 thousand and $10,791 thousand, respectively.

Note 10. Investment securities, including securities measured at fair value

(a) Investments in Non-marketable Equity Securities

Following is a summary of such investments which are accounted for using the cost method as 
of December 31, 2011 and 2012:

Chi Lin Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.
Chi Lin Technology Co. Ltd.
Jetronics International Corp.
C Company
Spatial Photonics, Inc.
eTurboTouch Technology Inc.
Oculon Optoelectronics Inc.
Shinyoptics Corp.

2011

December 31,

(in thousands)

2012

 $                    625
                       432
                    1,600
                    8,962
                    6,500
          751
          309
                       283
 $               19,426

 $                    625
                       432
                    1,600
                    8,962
                           -
          477
          309
                       283
 $               12,688

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-33

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

On July 25, 2011, Chi Lin Technology Co. Ltd. was split into Chi Lin Optoelectronics Co., 
Ltd. and Chi Lin Technology Co. Ltd. Chi Lin Technology Co. Ltd. was renamed as Chi Lin 
Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.

On July 3, 2012, the Company acquired all of the remaining outstanding equity of Spatial 
Photonics, Inc. Afterwards, Spatial Photonics, Inc. was one of the consolidated subsidiaries 
and  de-recognized  from  investment  securities.  See  Note  3,  “Acquisition”,  as  further 
described.

In  2012,  management  considered  the  Company’s  investment  in  equity  of  eTurboTouch 
Technology Inc. was impaired as it did not believe that the investment carrying value would 
be recovered due to the investee’s significant deterioration in the earnings performance. 
Management believes that Company’s proportionate equity interest in the net book value 
of investee as is the  best  estimate of the recoverable amount. As a result, the Company 
recognized a $238 thousand impairment loss which is included in other non-operating loss 
within “impairment loss on investment” in the accompanying consolidated statements of 
income.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, it was not practicable for management to estimate the 
fair values of the Company’s investments in equity listed above due to the lack of quoted 
market price and the inability to estimate the fair value without incurring excessive costs. 
However, management identified no events or changes in circumstance that may significantly 
affect the Company’s ability on recovering the carrying values of these investments.

(b) 

Investments in corporate convertible bonds

On August 10, 2010, the Company purchased 1,620,000 units of the corporate convertible 
bonds issued by Chang Wah Electromaterials Inc. (“CWE”). The bonds have embedded 
conversion options which the Company can require CWE to settle the bonds during the 
period  from  September  11,  2010  to  July  31,  2015  by  converting  each  unit  of  bond  into 
0.6020 common shares of CWE. The embedded conversion options were separated from 
the corporate bonds and accounted for separately. The corporate bonds were recorded as 
available-for sale security and the separated convertible option was recorded as other assets 
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company sold the bonds in August 
2012. Proceed from the sale of the bonds was $5,431 thousand and realized gains from the 
sale included in “Gains on sale of marketable securities, net” was $645 thousand.

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
F-34

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Following is a summary of the corporate bonds as of December 31, 2011:

December 31, 2011

Aggregate
Cost

Gross 
unrealized
gains

Discount
amortization

Aggregate 
market
Value

(in thousands)

Corporate bond-available for sale

 $            4,365

                   596

                   119

                5,080

Following is a summary of the separated conversion options as of December 31, 2011:

December 31, 2012
                                        Gross unrealized

Aggregate
Cost

gains

losses 

(in thousands)

Fair
value 

Conversion option

 $               684

                       -

                  510

                 174

Note 11. Other Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

Accrued mask, mold fees and other expenses for RD
Payable for purchases of equipment
Accrued software maintenance
Accrued payroll and related expenses
Accrued professional service fee
Accrued warranty costs
Accrued insurance, welfare expenses, etc.

2011

December 31,

(in thousands)

2012

        8,211
        2,276
        1,830
        3,837
        1,210
             78
        5,721
      23,163

                     7,582
                     1,694
                     2,006
                     4,144
                     1,025
                        197
                     7,077
                   23,725

 $ 

 $ 

The movement in accrued warranty costs for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 is 
as follows:

Period

Balance at
beginning
of year 

Additions
(reversal)
charged to
expense

Amounts
utilized

Balance at
end of year 

(in thousands)

 Year ended December 31, 2010
 Year ended December 31, 2011
 Year ended December 31, 2012

  $                  679
  $                  679
  $                    78

3,772
(321)
856

(3,772)
(280)
(737)

                   679
                     78
                   197

 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
                                         
 
  
                
 
  
                 
   
         
                     
                      
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
               
F-35

Note 12. Short-Term Debt

In 2011 and 2012, short-term debt consisted of bank loans with interest rates per annum that ranged 
from 0.45% to 0.70% and 0.42% to 0.57%, respectively, and cash totaling $84,200 thousand and 
$73,000 thousand are pledged as collateral, respectively.

As  of  December  31,  2012,  unused  credit  lines  amounted  to  $167,988  thousand,  which  expire 
between January 2013 and December 2013. Among which, $6,887 thousand expired in January 
2013.

Note 13. Government Grants

The Company entered into several contracts with Department of Industrial Technology of Ministry 
of Economic Affairs (DOIT of MOEA) and Institute for Information Industry (III) during 2010, 
2011 and 2012 primarily for the development of certain new leading products or technologies. 
Details of these contracts are summarized below:

Authority

Total Grant
(in thousands) 

Execution Period

Product Description

 DOIT of    
 MOEA
 III

 III

 III

NT$ 30,240 (US$919)

          4,340 (US$140)

        18,700 (US$582)

        23,220 (US$770)

 October 2008 to September   
 2010
 January 2010 to November 
 2011
 January 2010 to December 
 2011
 June 2011 to February 2013

 Multi-standard Decoder iDTV  
 SOC
 Himax Headquarter Excellent  
 Program (II)
 LCOS Projector Development 
 Program
 CMOS Development Program

Government grants recognized by the Company as a reduction of research and development expense 
and general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in 
2010, 2011 and 2012 were $819 thousand, $688 thousand and $216 thousand, respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
 
F-36

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Note 14. Retirement Plan

The Company has established a Defined Benefit Plan covering full-time employees in the ROC 
which were hired by the Company before January 1, 2005. In accordance with the Defined Benefit 
Plan, employees are eligible for retirement or are required to retire after meeting certain age or 
service requirements. Retirement benefits are based on years of service and the average salary 
for the six-month period before the employee’s retirement. Each employee earns two months of 
salary for each of the first fifteen years of service, and one month of salary for each year of service 
thereafter. The maximum retirement benefit is 45 months of salary. Retirement benefits are paid to 
eligible participants on a lump-sum basis upon retirement.

Defined Benefit Plan assets consist entirely of a Pension Fund (the “Fund”) denominated solely in 
cash, as mandated by ROC Labor Standard Law. The Company contributes an amount equal to 2% 
of wages and salaries paid every month to the Fund (required by law). The Fund is administered by 
a pension fund monitoring committee (the “Committee”) and is deposited in the Committee’s name 
in the Bank of Taiwan.

The Company’s pension fund is managed by a government-established institution with minimum 
return guaranteed by government and the fund asset is treated as cash category.

Beginning July 1, 2005, pursuant to the newly effective ROC Labor Pension Act, the Company 
is required to make a monthly contribution for full-time employees in the ROC that elected to 
participate in the Defined Contribution Plan at a rate no less than 6% of the employee’s monthly 
wages to the employees’ individual pension fund accounts at the ROC Bureau of Labor Insurance. 
Expense  recognized  in  2010,  2011  and  2012,  based  on  the  contribution  called  for  was  $1,507 
thousand, $1,801 thousand and $1,844 thousand, respectively.

Substantially  all  participants  in  the  Defined  Benefits  Plan  had  elected  to  participate  in  the 
Defined Contribution Plan. The transfer of participants to the Defined Contribution Plan did not 
have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Participants’ 
accumulated benefits under the Defined Benefit Plan are not impacted by their election to change 
the plans and their seniority remains regulated by ROC Labor Standard Law, such as the retirement 
criteria and the amount payable. The Company is required to make contribution for the Defined 
Benefit Plan until it is fully funded. Pursuant to relevant regulatory requirements, the Company 
expects to make a cash contribution of $130 thousand to its pension fund maintained with the Bank 
of Taiwan and $2,139 thousand to the employees’ individual pension fund accounts at the ROC 
Bureau of Labor Insurance in 2013.

The Company established a defined contribution plan in the United States that qualifies under 
Section  401(k)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code. This  plan  covers  substantially  all  employees 
who meet the service requirement. The Company’s contribution to the plan may be made at the 
discretion of the board of directors. As now, no contributions have been made by the Company to 
the plan.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-37

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

All  PRC  employees  participate  in  employee  social  security  plans,  including  pension  and 
other  welfare  benefits,  which  are  organized  and  administered  by  governmental  authorities. 
We have no other substantial commitments to employees. The premiums and welfare benefit 
contributions that should be borne by our Company are calculated in accordance with relevant 
PRC regulations, and are paid to the labor and social welfare authorities. Expenses recognized 
based on this plan were $335 thousand, $517 thousand, and $606 thousand for the years ended 
December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The Company uses a measurement date of December 31, for the Defined Benefit Plan. The 
changes in projected benefit obligation, plan assets and details of the funded status of the Plan 
are as follows:

Change in projected benefit obligation:
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  Service cost
  Interest cost
  Actuarial loss (gain)
  Benefit obligation at end of year
Change in plan assets:
  Fair value at beginning of year
  Actual return on plan assets
  Employer contribution
  Fair value at end of year
          Funded status
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
Prepaid pension costs
Accrued pension liabilities
          Net amount recognized

December 31,

2011

2012

(in thousands)

 $                 1,713
                           -
                         33
                       679
                    2,425

                    2,425
                           -
                         50
                      (141)
                    2,334

                    2,176
                         27
                       102
                    2,305
 $                   (120)

                    2,305
                         24
                       220
                    2,549
                       215

 $                    198
                      (318)
 $                   (120)

                       457
                      (242)
                       215

Amounts  recognized  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  was  net  actuarial  loss  of 
$668 thousand, $1,241 thousand and $1,008 thousand at December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, 
respectively.

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Defined Benefit Plan was $687 thousand and $887 
thousand at December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, no 
employee was eligible for retirement or was required to retire.

 
 
 
 
F-38

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, the net periodic pension cost consisted 
of the following:

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Net amortization
Net periodic pension cost

2010

2012

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)
 $                   -
                    33
                   (44)
                    36
 $                 25

 $                   -
                    50
                   (48)
                    69
 $                 71

 $                   -
                    29
                   (43)
                    27
 $                 13

The  net  actuarial  loss  for  the  defined  benefit  pension  plan  that  will  be  amortized  from 
accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 is $57 thousand.

At December 31, 2011 and 2012, the weighted-average assumptions used in computing the 
benefit obligation are as follows:

December 31,

2011

2012

Discount rate
Rate of increase in compensation levels

            2.00 %
            5.00 %

            1.75 %
            4.00 %

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, the weighted average assumptions used 
in computing net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

2010

December 31,
2011
whole

2012

Discount rate
Rate of increase in compensation levels
Expected long-term rate of return on pension assets

           2.00 %
           4.00 %
           2.00 %

          2.00 %
          5.00 %
          2.00 %

           1.75 %
           4.00 %
           1.75 %

Management determines the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 
based on the yields of twenty year ROC central government bonds which is in line with the 
respective employees remaining service period and the historical long-term rate of return on the 
above mentioned Fund mandated by the ROC Labor Standard Law.

The benefits expected to be paid from the defined benefit pension plan is $33 thousand in 2017 
and $220 thousand from 2018 to 2022, and no benefits payments to be paid during the years 
from 2013 to 2016.

 
 
 
 
F-39

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Note 15. Share-Based Compensation

The  amount  of  share-based  compensation  expenses  included  in  applicable  costs  of  sales  and 
expense categories and related tax effects are summarized as follows:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

Cost of revenues
Research and development
General and administrative
Sales and marketing
Total compensation recognized in income
Income tax benefit

$              240
             8,803
             1,525
             1,613
$         12,181
$           2,127

                  124
               5,062
                  872
               1,005
               7,063
                  818

                  176
               5,625
               1,191
               1,230
               8,222
               1,886

(a) 

Long-term Incentive Plan

On October 25, 2005, the Company’s shareholders approved a long-term incentive plan. 
The plan permits the grants of options or RSUs to the Company’s employees, directors and 
service providers where each unit of RSU represents two ordinary shares of the Company. 
The 2005 plan was terminated in October 2010.

On September 26, 2007, the Company’s compensation committee made grants of 6,694,411 
RSUs to the Company’s employees. The vesting schedule for the RSUs is as follows: 54.55% 
of the RSUs grant vested immediately on the grant date which was settled by cash amounting 
to  $14,426  thousand,  a  subsequent  15.15%  that  vested  on  each  of  September  30,  2008, 
2009 and 2010 which will be settled by the Company’s ordinary shares, subject to certain 
forfeiture events.

On September 29, 2008, the Company’s compensation committee made grants of 7,108,675 
RSUs to the Company’s employees. The vesting schedule for the RSUs is as follows: 60.64% 
of the RSUs grant vested immediately on the grant date which was settled by cash amounting 
to $12,714 thousand, a subsequent 13.12% will vest on each of September 30, 2009, 2010 
and 2011 which will be settled by the Company’s ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture 
events.

On September 28, 2009, the Company’s compensation committee made grants of 3,577,686 
RSUs to the Company’s employees. The vesting schedule for the RSUs is as follows: 55.96% 
of the RSUs grant vested immediately on the grant date which was settled by cash amounting 
to $6,508 thousand, a subsequent 14.68% will vest on each of September 30, 2010, 2011 and 
2012 which will be settled by the Company’s ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture 
events.

 
 
   
        
 
 
 
 
F-40

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

On September 28, 2010, the Company’s compensation committee made grants of 3,488,952 RSUs 
to the Company’s employees. The vesting schedule for the RSUs is as follows: 68.11% of the RSUs 
grant vested immediately on the grant date which was settled by cash amounting to $5,870 thousand, 
a subsequent 10.63% will vest on each of September 30, 2011, 2012 and 2013 which will be settled 
by the Company’s ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

On September 7, 2011, the Company’s shareholders approved another long-term incentive plan. The 
2011 plan permits the grants of options or RSUs to the Company’s employees, directors and service 
providers where each unit of RSU represents two ordinary shares of the Company.

On September 28, 2011, the Company’s compensation committee made grants of 2,727,278 RSUs 
to the Company’s employees. The vesting schedule for the RSUs is as follows: 97.36% of the RSUs 
grant vested immediately on the grant date which was settled by cash amounting to $2,873 thousand, 
a subsequent 0.88% will vest on each of September 30, 2012, 2013 and 2014 which will be settled by 
the Company’s ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

On September 26, 2012, the Company’s compensation committee made grants of 5,522,279 RSUs 
to the Company’s employees. The vesting schedule for the RSUs is as follows: 58.36% of the RSUs 
grant vested immediately on the grant date which was settled by cash amounting to $6,286 thousand, 
a subsequent 13.88% will vest on each of September 30, 2013, 2014 and 2015 which will be settled 
by the Company’s ordinary shares, subject to certain forfeiture events.

The amount of compensation expense from the long-term incentive plan was determined based on 
the estimated fair value and the market price of ADS (one ADS represents two ordinary shares) 
underlying the RSUs granted on the date of grant, which were $3.95 per ADS, $2.95 per ADS, $3.25 
per ADS, $2.47 per ADS, $1.1 per ADS and $1.95 per ADS on September 26, 2007, September 
29, 2008, September 28, 2009, September 28, 2010, September 28, 2011 and September 26, 2012, 
respectively.

In December 2007, due to the carve-out of television semiconductor solutions business to incorporate 
Himax Media Solutions, Inc. (“Himax Media Solution”, a consolidated subsidiary), 145 employees 
were transferred from Himax Taiwan to Himax Media Solutions. 361,046 units of these employees’ 
unvested  RSUs  were  cancelled  in  exchange  for  3,416,714  non-vested  shares  of  Himax  Media 
Solutions’ ordinary share. See Note 15 (b)(ii) for further details of the modification of award.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

RSUs activity under the long-term incentive plan during the periods indicated is as follows:

F-41

Balance at January 1, 2010
  Granted
  Vested
  Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2010
  Granted
  Vested
  Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2011
  Granted
  Vested
  Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2012

Number of
Underlying
Shares for RSUs

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

                  3,837,752
                  3,488,952
                 (4,145,854)
                    (492,468)
                  2,688,382
                  2,727,278
                 (4,096,965)
                    (146,307)
                  1,172,388
                  5,522,279
                 (3,879,959)
                    (177,253)
                  2,637,455

  $                        3.23
                            2.47
                            2.84
                            3.10
                            2.87
                            1.10
                            1.74
                            2.87
                            2.68
                            1.95
                            2.10
                            2.81
                            1.99

As  of  December  31,  2012,  the  total  compensation  cost  related  to  the  unvested  RSUs  not  yet 
recognized  was  $3,617  thousand. The  weighted-average  period  over  which  it  is  expected  to  be 
recognized is 2.51 years.

As of December 31, 2012, the 290,524 and 2,346,931 unvested RSUs were outstanding under 2005 
plan and 2011 plan, respectively.

In  2011,  the  Company  settled  RSUs  releases  with  newly  issued  shares  of  ordinary  shares  were 
2,971,212 shares. In 2012, the Company settled RSUs release with shares buyback were 1,312,844 
shares.

The allocation of compensation expenses and related tax effects from the RSUs granted to employees 
under the long-term incentive plan are summarized as follows:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

Cost of revenues
Research and development
General and administrative
Sales and marketing

Total compensation from RSUs
Income tax benefit

$              240
             8,153
             1,505
             1,587
$         11,485
$           2,127

                  124
               4,790
                  863
                  996
               6,773
                  818

                  176
               5,605
               1,184
               1,230
               8,195
               1,886

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
        
F-42

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

(b) 

Non-vested Shares Issued to Employees

 (i)  During September 2007 to December 2010, Himax Imaging Inc. (“Imaging Cayman”, 
a consolidated subsidiary) granted non-vested shares of its ordinary shares to certain 
employees for their future service, and the employees must pay $0.15 or $0.3 (employees 
hired after March 1, 2009) per share. The shares vest over four years after the grant 
date. If employees leave Himax Imaging before completing the four year service period, 
they would sell these shares back to Himax Imaging at their original purchase price. On 
January 1, 2011, 5,346,777 unvested ordinary shares of Imaging Cayman were cancelled 
in exchange for 1,939,490 unvested ordinary shares of Himax Imaging Ltd. (“Imaging 
Taiwan”,  a  consolidated  subsidiary)  by  per  ordinary  share  of  Imaging  Cayman  in 
exchange for 0.36274 ordinary share of Imaging Taiwan. The plan will continue to vest 
according to the original vesting schedule. In 2010, Company recognized compensation 
expenses of $355 thousand with the fair value of shares of Imaging Cayman on grant 
date based on the then most recent price of new shares issued, which was US$0.33 per 
share.

During 2011, Imaging Cayman granted non-vested shares of Imaging Taiwan’s ordinary 
shares to certain employees for their future service, and the employees must pay NT$30 
($1.03) per share. The shares vest over one year or three years after the grant date. If 
employees leave Himax Imaging before completing the service period, Himax Imaging 
should  have  the  option  to  buy  the  vested  shares  back  or  not  at  employees’  original 
purchase price. In 2011 and 2012, the Company recognized compensation expenses 
of $71 thousand and $14 thousand, respectively, which were determined based on the 
estimated fair value of the ordinary shares of Imaging Taiwan on the date of grant, 
which  was  NT$21  (US$0.72)  per  share.  Such  compensation  expense  was  recorded 
as research and development expenses, general and administrative expense and sales 
and marketing expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income with a 
corresponding increase to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated 
balance sheets. The fair value of ordinary shares was determined based on a third-party 
valuation conducted by an independent third-party appraiser.

Non-vested share activity of this award for Imaging Cayman during the period indicated 
is as follows:

Balance at January 1, 2010
   Granted
   Vested
   Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2010
   Cancelled
Balance at December 31, 2011

Number of
Shares

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

                  5,648,889
                  1,380,000
                    (868,390)
                    (813,722)
                  5,346,777
                 (5,346,777)
                                -

  $                       0.33
                           0.33
                           0.33
                           0.33
                           0.33
                           0.33
                                 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-43

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Non-vested share activity of this award for Imaging Taiwan during the period indicated is as 
follows:

Balance at January 1, 2011
   Granted 
   Vested
   Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2011
   Vested
   Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2012

Number of
Shares

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

                  1,939,490
                     567,689 
                    (601,129)
                      (28,971)
                  1,877,079
                    (699,967)
                    (821,365)
                     355,747

  $                       0.72
                           0.72
                           0.72
                           0.72
                           0.72
                           0.72
                           0.72
                           0.72

As of December 31, 2012, the total compensation cost related to this award not yet recognized 
was $12 thousand. The weighted-average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 
0.45 years.

(ii)  As stated in Note 15 (a) above, in December 2007, Himax Media Solutions granted 3,416,714 
non-vested shares of its ordinary shares to 145 employees transferred from Himax Taiwan to 
exchange for 361,046 units of these employees’ unvested RSUs. The modification of equity 
award incurred an incremental compensation cost of $148 thousand for the excess of the fair 
value of the modified award issued over the fair value of the original unvested RSUs at the date 
of modification. The Company then added incremental compensation cost to the remaining 
unrecognized compensation cost of the original award at the date of modification and the total 
compensation cost are recognized as compensation expenses ratably over the requisite service 
period of the modified award.

The fair value of the original unvested RSUs was determined based on the average market price 
of the Company’s ordinary shares underlying the RSU at the modification dates occurred during 
the period from November 12, 2007 to November 16, 2007. The fair value of Himax Media 
Solutions’ non-vested shares at the modification date was determined based on the then most 
recent price of Himax Media Solutions’ new shares issued to unrelated third parties, which was 
NT$15 (US$0.464) per share.

 
 
 
 
F-44

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The vesting schedule for the non-vested shares is as follows: 50% will vest on June 20, 2009 and 
the remaining 50% will vest on December 20, 2010. The Company recognized compensation 
expenses of $161 thousand in 2010. Such compensation expense was recorded as sales and 
marketing expense and research and development expenses in the accompanying consolidated 
statements of income.

Non-vested share activity of this award during the period indicated is as follows:

Number of
Shares

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

Balance at January 1, 2010
    Vested
    Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2010

                  1,121,000
                    (988,000)
                    (133,000)
                                -

  $                     0.464
                         0.464
                         0.464
                                -

As of December 31, 2010, the total compensation cost related to this award has been fully 
recognized.

(c)   Employee stock options

(i)  On December 20, 2007 and October 20, 2009, board of directors of Himax Media Solutions 
approved two plans, the 2007 plan and the 2009 plan, respectively, to grant stock options to 
certain employees. These two plans authorize grants to purchase up to 6,800,000 shares and 
2,300,000 shares, respectively, of Himax Media Solutions’ authorized but unissued ordinary 
shares. The exercise price was NT$15 (US$0.464) and NT$10 (US$0.311), respectively.

On November 29, 2011, Himax Media Solutions’ general shareholders’ meeting approved 
a capital reduction plan to offset its loss by a ratio of 75% and effected on December 12, 
2011.  Concurrently  with  the  capital  reduction  plan,  the  exercise  price  was  changed  to 
NT$60(US$1.856) and NT$40(US$1.244), respectively.

All options under these plans have four-year vesting period, 50%, 25% and 25% of each 
grant will be vested subsequent to the second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant 
date,  respectively. The  Company  recognized  compensation  expenses  of  $180  thousand, 
$219 thousand and $13 thousand in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Such compensation 
expense was recorded as sales and marketing expense, general and administrative expense 
and research and development expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of 
income.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-45 

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

At  December  31,  2012,  there  was  1,000  additional  shares  available  for  Himax  Media 
Solutions’ grant under 2009 plan. The calculated value of each option award is estimated on 
the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that used the weighted average 
assumptions in the following table. Himax Media Solutions uses the simplified method to 
estimate the expected term of the options as it does not have sufficient historical share option 
exercise experience and the exercise data relating to employees of other companies is not easily 
obtainable. Since Himax Media Solutions’ shares are not publicly traded and its shares are 
rarely traded privately, expected volatility is computed based on the average historical volatility 
of similar entities with publicly traded shares. The risk-free rates for the expected term of the 
options are based on the interest rate of 10 years and 5 years ROC central government bond at 
the time of grant for the 2007 plan and the 2009 plan, respectively.

Valuation assumptions:
   Expected dividend yield
   Expected volatility
   Expected term (years)
   Risk-free interest rate

2007

2009

                             0 %
                      39.94 %
                      4.375
                    2.4776 %

                             0 %
                      51.52 %
                      4.375
                             2 %

Numbers of shares and related data have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of 
Himax  Media  Solutions’  capital  reduction. A  summary  of  stock  options  activity  during  the 
periods indicated is as follows:

Number
of shares 

           1,693,250
                         -
                         -
             (249,375)
           1,443,875
              444,500
                         -
             (346,813)
           1,541,562
                  9,750
                         -
             (372,187)
           1,179,125
           1,101,938

Weighted
average
exercise 
price

$         1.664
-
-
1.680
1.660
1.834
-
1.717
1.696
1.856
-
1.721
1.690
1.721

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term

     2.826

     2.452

     1.803

     0.803

Balance at January 1, 2010
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2010
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2011
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2012
Exercisable at December 31, 2012

 
 
          
  
 
   
   
     
  
 
   
   
     
   
F-46

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The weighted average grant date calculated value of the options granted in 2007 and 2009  
were NT$21.6608 (US$0.672) and NT$5.2 (US$0.160), respectively.

 (ii)

On July 1, 2012, board of directors of Imaging Cayman approved a plan to grant stock 
options to certain employees. The plan authorizes grants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares 
of Imaging Taiwan’ issued ordinary shares held by Imaging Cayman. The exercise price was 
NT$30 (US$1.004).

All options under this plan have four years contractual life and three years vesting period. 
Based on the vesting schedule, 50% of the options vest one and half years after the date of 
grant and 50% of the options vest three years after the date of grant. Because the exercise 
price of the option is higher than the estimated fair value of Imaging Taiwan at the date of 
grant, the calculated value of each option award estimated using the Black-Scholes option-
pricing model was nil.

The calculated value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-
Scholes option-pricing model that used the weighted average assumptions in the following 
table. Imaging Cayman uses the simplified method to estimate the expected term of the 
options as it does not have sufficient historical share option exercise experience and the 
exercise  data  relating  to  employees  of  other  companies  is  not  easily  obtainable.  Since 
Imaging Taiwan’ shares are not publicly traded and its shares are rarely traded privately, 
expected volatility is computed based on the average historical volatility of similar entities 
with publicly traded shares. The risk-free rates for the expected term of the options are based 
on the interest rate of 3 years ROC central government bond at the time of grant.

Valuation assumptions:
   Expected dividend yield
   Expected volatility
   Expected term (years)
   Risk-free interest rate

Stock option activity during the periods indicated is as follows:

2012

                            0 %
                     43.29 %
                     3.125
                       0.87 %

Weighted
average
exercise
price

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term

Number
of shares

Balance at January 1, 2012
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Balance at December 31, 2012

                            - 
              1,115,000
                            -
                 (65,000)
             1,050,000

  $                        -
                     1.004
                            -
                     1.004
                     1.004

                        3.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
      
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

F-47 

Note 16. Equity

(a) 

Share capital

In accordance with the Company’s board of director’s resolution on November 14, 2008, the 
Company authorized another new share buyback program. The program allows the Company 
to  repurchase  up  to  $50  million  of  the  Company’s ADSs  for  retirement. The  Company 
repurchased 2,369,091 ADSs, 13,125,251 ADSs and 3,854,026 ADSs in 2008, 2009 and 
2010, respectively, from open market. In total, the Company has repurchased $50 million or 
19,348,368 ADSs in the open market at an average price of US$2.58 per ADS.

In  accordance  with  the  Company’s  board  of  director’s  resolution  on  June  20,  2011,  the 
Company authorized another new share buyback program. The program allows the Company 
to repurchase up to $25 million of the Company’s ADSs.

In April 2011, the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands was amended to permit treasury 
shares if so approved by the board and to the extent that the articles do not prohibit treasury 
shares. Therefore, the Company would hold the treasury shares not been cancelled used for 
settle future employees awards.

The  Company  repurchased  $13.4  million  or  9,488,656 ADSs  in  the  open  market  at  an 
average price of US$1.41 per ADS as of December 31, 2012. Among which, 8,774,987 ADSs 
was held by the Company as of December 31, 2012.

(b) 

Earnings distribution

As a holding company, the major asset of the Company is the 100% ownership interest in 
Himax Taiwan. Dividends received from the Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan, if any, will 
be subjected to withholding tax under ROC law. The ability of the Company’s subsidiaries 
to pay dividends, repay intercompany loans from the Company or make other distributions 
to the Company may be restricted by the availability of funds, the terms of various credit 
arrangements entered into by the Company’s subsidiaries, as well as statutory and other legal 
restrictions. The Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan are generally not permitted to distribute 
dividends or to make any other distributions to shareholders for any year in which it did not 
have either earnings or retained earnings (excluding reserve). In addition, before distributing 
a dividend to shareholders following the end of a fiscal year, a Taiwan company must recover 
any past losses, pay all outstanding taxes and set aside 10% of its annual net income (less 
prior  years’  losses  and  outstanding  taxes)  as  a  legal  reserve  until  the  accumulated  legal 
reserve equals its paid-in capital, and may set aside a special reserve.

The accumulated legal and special reserve provided by Himax Taiwan as of December 31, 
2011 and 2012 amounting to $47,297 thousand and $50,750 thousand, respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-48

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Note 17. Comprehensive Income

  The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows:

Beginning balance,    
   January 1, 2011
Net current period change
Reclassification adjustments:
   for gains (losses)    
      reclassified into income
Ending balance, December  
   31, 2011
Beginning balance, January 1, 
   2012
Net current period change
   Reclassification 
      adjustments for gains  
      (losses) reclassified into 
      income
Ending balance, December  
   31, 2012

Foreign
currency
items

Unrealized
gains/
(losses) on
securities

Defined
Benefit
pension
plan

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income

 $            610
               128

             1,236
               (283)

             (642)
             (546)

                 1,204
                   (701)

                   -

               (337)

                   -

                   (337)

 $            738

                616

          (1,188)

                    166 

 $            738
                 52

                616
                  59

          (1,188)
              234

                    166  
                    345

                   -

               (648)

                  -

                   (648)

 $            790

                  27

             (954)

                   (137)

Note 18. Income Taxes

Substantially all of the Company’s earnings from continuing operations before income taxes is 
derived from the operations in the ROC and, therefore, substantially all of the Company’s income 
tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from continuing operations is incurred in the ROC. 
Other foreign subsidiary companies calculated income tax in accordance with local tax law and 
regulations.

The statutory tax rate applicable to the subsidiaries which located in the Republic of China is 17% 
in 2010, 2011 and 2012. An additional 10% corporate income tax is assessed on undistributed 
income for the entities in the ROC, but only to the extent such income is not distributed or set aside 
as legal reserve before the end of the following year. The 10% surtax is recorded in the period the 
income is earned, and the reduction in the surtax liability is recognized in the period the distribution 
to shareholders or the setting aside of legal reserve is finalized in the following year.

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
F-49

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

In accordance with the ROC Statute for Upgrading Industries, Himax Taiwan’s capital increase 
in 2003 and 2004 and Himax Semiconductor’s newly incorporated investment in 2004 related 
to the manufacturing of newly designed TFT-LCD driver was approved by the government 
authorities as a newly emerging, important and strategic industry. Besides, Himax Taiwan’s 
capital increase in 2009 related to the electronic parts and components manufacturing was 
approved  by  the  government  authorities. The  incremental  income  derived  from  selling 
the above new product is tax exempt for a period of five years, however, there is limit tax 
exemption $15,972 thousand (NT$463,823 thousand) for the tax exemption in 2009.

The Company is entitled to the following tax exemptions:

Date of investment

Tax exemption period

 Himax Taiwan:
    October 29, 2003
    September 20, 2004
    November 12, 2009
 Himax Semiconductor:
    August 26, 2004

 January 1, 2006-December 31, 2010
 January 1, 2008-December 31, 2012
 January 1, 2013-December 31, 2017

 January 1, 2009-December 31, 2013

Income (loss) before income taxes for domestic and foreign entities is as follows:

Taiwan operations
Cayman operations
US operations
China operations
Korea operations

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

 $            42,550
             ( 7,535)  
                   (55)
                  157
                  177
 $          35,294

             22,370
              (7,038)
                  151
               1,293
                    32
             16,808

              73,461
              (7,395)
              (1,597)
               1,388
                    29
             65,886

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
F-50

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The components of the income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from continuing 
operations before taxes for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 consist of the 
following:

Year Ended December 31,
2011
2010
(in thousands)

2012

Current:
   Taiwan operations – based on statutory tax rate of 17%
   Taiwan operations – 10% of surtax

 $         (54)
         1,643

       (2,842)
        3,424

   US operations
   China operations
   Korea operations
   Others
        Total current

              33
            112
              12
                1
         1,747

           104
           120
               5
               -
           811

Deferred:
   Taiwan operations - based on statutory tax rate of 17%
   Taiwan operations – 10% of surtax
   US operations
   China operations
   Korea operations
   Others
         Total deferred
Income tax expense

         4,824
          (306)
            (30)
            (15)
               8
               -
        4,481
 $     6,228

        6,468
          (143)
               5
           162
              (2)
               -
        6,490
        7,301

 755
5,277

162
699
3
1
6,897

9,789
(29)
(998)
89
-
-
8,851
15,748

Since the Company is based in the Cayman Islands, a tax-free country, domestic tax on pretax 
income is calculated at the Cayman Islands statutory rate of zero for each year.

The  significant  components  of  deferred  income  tax  expense  attributable  to  income  from 
continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

Deferred income tax expense (benefit), exclusive of the    
   effects of other components listed below
Adjustments to deferred tax assets and liabilities for   
   changes in enacted tax laws and rates
Tax benefits of operating loss carryforwards
Increase in the beginning-of-the-year balance of the 
   valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

 $   (13,141)

1,085

9,981

         3,144
                -

(1)
-

-
(1,130)

       14,478
 $      4,481

5,406
6,490

-
8,851

 
 
 
 
 
     
      
F-51

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The applicable combined tax rate of 23.85% for an aggregate calculation of 17% expected 
income tax and 10% undistributed earning surtax in 2010, 2011 and 2012. 
The  expected  tax  is  computed  based  on  the  17%  rate  only  and  the  separate  item  of  10% 
undistributed  earnings  surtax  is  immediately  following  the  expected  tax  in  the  rate 
reconciliation.

The differences between expected income tax expense, computed based on the ROC statutory 
income tax rate of 17% to pretax income and the actual income tax expense as reported in the 
accompanying consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 
2011 and 2012 are summarized as follows:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

Expected income tax expense
Tax on undistributed retained earnings
Tax-exempted income
Tax benefit resulting from setting aside legal   
   reserve from prior year’s income
Adjustment to deferred tax assets and liabilities 
   for enacted change in tax laws and rates
Realized tax losses on investments in subsidiaries 
   due to capital reclassification  to offset the    
   accumulated deficit
Increase in investment tax credits
Expired investment tax credits
Increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance
Non-deductible share-based compensation 
   expenses
Provision for uncertain tax position in connection 
   with share-based compensation expenses
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits related to 
   prior year uncertain tax positions, net of its 
   impact to tax-exempted income 
Tax effect resulting from foreign currency matters
Foreign tax rate differential
Variance from audits of prior years’ income tax 
   filings
Others
Actual income tax expense

 $         6,000
            1,643 
           (3,567)

            2,857
            3,424
              (836)

          11,201
            5,277
           (2,921)

               (639)

              (164)

              (571)

            3,144

                  (1)

                   -

                   -
           (3,870)
               183
          12,408

           (1,821)
           (3,533)
            1,841
            6,823

           (6,157)
           (1,210)
            5,302
            6,319

               178

               589

                 53

               133

                   -

                   -

           (2,295)
           (9,086)
           1,320

           (6,759)
            3,160
            1,350

               658
           (3,607)
            1,415

           1,205
             (529)
 $        6,228

               476
              (105)
            7,301

                 40
                (51)
          15,748

The  basic  and  diluted  earnings  per  ordinary  share  effect  resulting  from  the  income  tax 
exemption for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, is a $0.01, nil and $0.01, 
increase to earnings per ordinary share, respectively.

 
 
 
               
 
             
           
 
       
             
            
        
        
         
          
              
          
 
 
               
            
F-52

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The total income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 
allocated as follows:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

Income from continuing operations
Other comprehensive gain (loss)
         Total income tax expense

 $         6,228
                (54)
 $         6,174

            7,301
              (125)
            7,176

          15,748
                   8
          15,756

As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, the components of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) 
were as follows:

Deferred tax assets:
   Inventory
   Allowance for doubtful accounts
   Unused investment tax credits
   Unused loss carry-forward
   Other
         Total gross deferred tax assets
Less: valuation allowance
         Net deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
   Unrealized foreign exchange gain
   Prepaid pension cost 
   Acquired intangible assets 
   Other 
         Total gross deferred tax liabilities
         Net deferred tax assets

December 31,

2011

2012

(in thousands)

 $                    4,219 
                       2,303
                     39,393
                     20,919
                         987
                     67,821
                      (35,241)
                      32,580

                       5,538
                       2,270
                     22,835
                     26,388
                       1,992
                     59,023
                      (36,341)
                     22,682

                        (2,112)
                           (361)
                        (1,041)
                             (36)
                        (3,550)
 $                  29,030

                              -
                           (401)
                        (3,015)
                                  (78)
                        (3,494)
                     19,188

As  of  December  31,  2012,  the  Company  has  not  provided  for  income  taxes  on  the 
undistributed earnings of approximately $536,452 thousand of its foreign subsidiaries since 
the Company has specific plans to reinvest these earnings indefinitely. A deferred tax liability 
will be recognized when the Company can no longer demonstrate that it plans to indefinitely 
reinvest these undistributed earnings. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional 
taxes that might be payable on such undistributed earnings.

The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of January 1, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 
$28,428 thousand, $42,906 thousand and $35,241 thousand, respectively. The net change in the 
valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, was an increase 
of  $14,478  thousand,  a  decrease  of  $7,665  thousand  and  an  increase  of  $1,100  thousand, 
respectively.

               
 
               
 
  
  
 
        
 
 
 
F-53

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more 
likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The 
ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable 
income  during  the  periods  in  which  those  temporary  differences  become  deductible  and 
operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are available to be utilized. Management considers 
the scheduled reversal  of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax 
planning  strategies  in  making  this  assessment.  Based  upon  the  level  of  historical  taxable 
income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax 
assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will 
realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance at December 31, 
2012. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in 
the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry-forward period are reduced.

Each  entity  within  the  Company  files  separate  standalone  income  tax  return.  Except  for 
Himax Taiwan, Himax Korea, Himax Technologies (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Himax Technologies 
(Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., and Himax Imaging Corp., most of other subsidiaries of the Company 
have generated tax losses since their inception, therefore, a valuation allowance of $31,905 
thousand and $30,541 thousand as of December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively, were provided 
to reduce their deferred tax assets (consisting primarily of operating loss carry-forward and 
unused investment tax credits) to zero because management believes it is unlikely that these 
tax benefits will be realized.
In addition, a valuation allowance of $3,336 thousands and $5,800 thousands as of December 
31, 2011 and 2012, respectively, was provided to reduce Himax Taiwan’s deferred tax assets 
related to unused investment tax credits.

As  ROC  Income Tax Acts  has  been  amended  in  January  2009,  the  tax  loss  carry-forward 
in the preceding ten years would be deducted from tax income for Taiwan operations. That 
amendment is effective for the Company beginning 2009 and extends the period of tax loss 
carry-forward for certain subsidiaries.

As  of  December  31,  2012,  the  Company’s  unused  operating  loss  carryforwards  were  as 
follows:

Deductible amount

Tax effect

Expiration year

(in thousands)

Taiwan operations
China operations
US operations

 $                                 138,080
                                        1,807
                                        6,236

 $            23,481
                    298
                 2,609
 $            26,388

                  2014~2022
                  2016~2020
                  2024~2032

 
 
 
 
 
 
F-54

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

According  to  the  ROC  Statute  for  Upgrading  Industries,  which  expired  on  December  31, 
2009, the purchase of machinery for the automation of production, expenditure for research 
and development and training of professional personnel, each occurring before December 
31, 2009, entitles the Company to tax credits. These credits may be applied over a period of 
five years. The amount of the credit that may be applied in any year, except the final year, is 
limited to 50% of the income tax payable for that year. There is no limitation on the utilization 
of the amount of investment tax credit to offset the income tax payable in the final year. Also, 
investments in shares originally issued by ROC domestic companies that are newly emerging, 
important and strategic industries, entitles the Company after a three year holding period to a 
tax credit of twenty percent of the price paid for the acquisition of such shares. The credit also 
may be applied over a period of five years.

On May 12, 2010, the Statute for Industrial Innovation was promulgated in the ROC, which 
became effective on the same date except for the provision relating to tax incentives which 
went  into  effect  retroactively  on  January  1,  2010. The  Statute  for  Industrial  Innovation 
entitles companies to investment tax credits for research and development expenses related to 
innovation activities but limits the amount of investment tax credit to only up to 15% of the 
total research and development expenditure for the current year, subject to a cap of 30% of the 
income tax payable for the current year. Moreover, any unused investment tax credits provided 
under the Statute for Industrial Innovation can not be carried forward.

As of December 31, 2012, all of the Company’s unused investment tax credits were as follows:

Taiwan operations
US operations

Tax effect
(in thousands)

 $                               22,333
                                       502
                                  22,835

Expiration year

2013~2016
2020~2027

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

For the year ended December 31,
2012
2011
2010
(in thousands)

Balance at beginning of year
Increase related to prior year tax positions
Decrease related to prior year tax positions
Increase related to current year tax positions
Effect of exchange rate change
Balance at end of year

 $           8,450
                     -
             (2,295)
                 133
                 604      
 $           6,892

              6,892
                     -
             (6,759)
                     -
                    (5)
                 128

                 128
                 658
                     -
                     -
                     5
                 791

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-55

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Included in the balance of total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011 and 2012, are 
potential benefits of $128 thousand and $791 thousand, respectively that if recognized, would 
reduce the Company’s effective tax rate. No interest and penalties related to unrecognized  tax 
benefits were recorded by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. 
The  Company’s  major  taxing  jurisdiction  is  Taiwan.  Except  for  Himax  Taiwan  and  Himax 
Semiconductor, all other Taiwan subsidiaries’ income tax returns have been examined and assessed 
by  the  ROC  tax  authorities  through  2010. The  tax  year  of  2010  and  2011  for  Himax Taiwan 
and  Himax  Semiconductor  and  tax  year  of  2011  for  other Taiwan  subsidiaries  are  opening  to 
examination by the ROC tax authorities. Taiwanese entities are customarily examined by the tax 
authorities and it is possible that a future examination will result in a positive or negative adjustment 
to the Company's unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months; however, management is 
unable to estimate a range of the tax benefits or detriment as of December 31, 2012.

Note 19. Fair Value Measurement

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair 
value on a recurring basis which were comprised of the following types of instruments at December 
31, 2011 and 2012:

Fair Value Measurements at 
December 31, 2011 Using 
Level 2
(in thousands)

Level 3

Level 1

Assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents:
      Time deposits with original maturities less 

than three months

 $          72,000

                      -

                     -

   Marketable securities available-for-sale:
      Time deposit with original maturities more 

than three months

         -     

                  165

                     -

   Investment securities available-for-sale: 
      Corporate straight bonds
Restricted cash and cash equivalents :
   Time deposits with original maturities less 

than three months

Other assets:
   Embedded conversion option
Restricted marketable securities:
   Time deposits with original maturities of  

more than three months

Liabilities:
   Short-term debt

Total

Total

                      -

                      -

              5,080

             44,000

                      -

                     -

                      -

                      -

                 174

                      -
 $        116,000

               1,266
               1,431

                     -
              5,254

 $                   -
 $                   -

             84,200
             84,200

                     -
                     -

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
F-56

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2012 Using
Level 2
(in thousands)

Level 1

Level 3

Assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents:
      Time deposits with original maturities less  

than three months

 $          45,000

                     -

                     -

   Marketable securities available-for-sale:
      Time deposit with original maturities more

than three months
   Restricted marketable securities:
      Time deposits with original maturities of 

more than three months

Liabilities:
   Short-term debt

Total

Total

                      -

                 172

                     -

                      -
 $          45,000

              1,273
              1,445

                     -
                     -

 $                   -
 $                   -

            73,000
            73,000

                     -
                     -

The following table presents fair value measurements of assets that are measured at fair value 
on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2012 and the associated losses recognized in 2012 (nil 
in 2011):

Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using

For the
Year
Ended
December
31, 2012
Impairment 
Loss

December 
31, 2012

Level 1

Level 2
(in thousands)

Level 3

Assets:
Investments in Non-
marketable Equity Securities- 
eTurbo Touch Technology 
Inc.

 $ 

477

                 -

                 -

           477

             238

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
F-57

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The Company reviews the carrying values of financial assets carried at cost when impairment 
indicators  are  present.  For  such  financial  assets  that  do  not  have  a  quoted  market  price, 
management of the Company reviews the current operating performance of the investee based 
on evaluation of the latest available financial statements, as well as changes in the industry and 
market prospects based on publicly available information. The impairment charge recognized 
in 2012 for the investment in eTurbo Touch Technology Inc was determined based on the 
difference between the Company’s carrying value and the proportionate equity interest in the 
net book value of investee at year end (which was managements best estimate of the amount to 
be realized from this investment).

Non-financial assets such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment 
are measured at fair value only when an impairment loss is recognized. No such impairments 
were recognized in 2010, 2011 and 2012. As stated in Note 2 (h) “Summary of Significant 
Accounting Policy”-“Goodwill”, for Driver IC reporting unit in 2011 and 2012, the discounted 
cash flow (DCF) method is used by management in applying the income approach to determine 
the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units. Significant assumptions inherent in the 
valuation method for goodwill are employed and included, but are not limited to, prospective 
financial information, terminal value, and discount rates. 

The Company performed the fair value measurement, which is categorized in Level 3 as part of 
the step 1 of the goodwill impairment test, for the Driver IC reporting unit. The Company used 
a discount rate based on the weighted average cost of capital, which were 23.0% and 21.3% 
for Driver IC reporting unit as of October 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively, and long-term 
growth rate were (8)% and 1.1% for Driver IC reporting unit as of October 31, 2011 and 2012, 
respectively.

Management determined that the fair values of Driver IC reporting unit were approximately 
$367.4 million and $571.9 million, which exceeded its carrying amount by 7.6% and 54.3%, at 
October 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Therefore, management concluded that goodwill was 
not impaired and step 2 of the two-step goodwill impairment test was unnecessary.
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of fair value hierarchy and no transfers 
into or out of Level 3 financial instruments during the year ended December 31, 2011 and 
2012.

 
 
 
 
 
F-58

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value 
on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2011:

Balance at January 1, 2011
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in 
   earnings
Total unrealized losses included in other 
   comprehensive income, net
Balance at December 31, 2011
The amount of total gains (losses) in 2011 
   included in earnings attributable to the  
   change in unrealized gains (losses) relating 
   to assets and liabilities still held December   
   31, 2011

Corporate
straight
bonds

Derivatives-
Conversion
option
(in thousands)

$5,196

67

(183)
$5,080

1,004

(830)

-
174

Total

6,200

(763)

(183)
5,254

$67

(830)

(763)

The  Company  estimated  the  fair  value  for  corporate  straight  bond  and  conversion  option 
based on an external expert’s valuation report. The calculated fair values are estimated by 
using Binomial Model. The measure is based on significant inputs that are not observable 
in the market, which are Level 3 inputs. Key valuation assumptions include (a) a discount 
rate of 1.4532% at December 31, 2011, which are based on risk-free rates plus issuer’s risk 
premium for the expected terms. The risk-free rate of 0.9139% applied for the expected terms 
of 3.6 years at December 31, 2011, was derived from the yield rate of 2 years and 5 years 
ROC central government bond at the reporting date. The investee’s risk premium of 0.54% 
at December 31, 2011, that is based on the risk premium of the unsecured bank loan of the 
peer; (b) an expected volatility of 40.78% at December 31, 2011, was used in the valuation of 
conversion option, which are based on the average historical volatility of the issuer’s publicly 
traded shares.

Note 20.  Significant Concentrations

Financial instruments that currently subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist 
primarily of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. The Company 
places its cash primarily in checking and saving accounts with reputable financial institutions. The 
Company has not experienced any material losses on deposits of the Company’s cash and cash 
equivalents. Marketable securities consist of time deposits with original maturities of greater than 
three months, corporate convertible bond and investments in open-ended bond fund identified to 
fund current operations.

The  Company  derived  substantially  all  of  its  revenues  from  sales  of  display  drivers  that  are 
incorporated into TFT-LCD panels. The TFT-LCD panel industry is intensely competitive and is 
vulnerable to cyclical market conditions and subject to price fluctuations. Management expects the 
Company to be substantially dependent on sales to the TFT-LCD panel industry for the foreseeable 
future.

 
 
 
 
F-59

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The  Company  depends  on  two  customers  for  majority  of  its  revenues  and  the  loss  of,  or 
a  significant  reduction  in  orders  would  significantly  reduce  the  Company’s  revenues  and 
adversely  impact  the  Company’s  operating  results. The  largest  customer,  CMO  and  its 
affiliates,  which  is  a  related  party  to  the  Company.  In  November  2009,  CMO,  Innolux 
Display Corporation, and TPO Displays Corporation agreed to conduct a merger of the three 
companies. The merger transaction was completed on March 18, 2010. Innolux is the surviving 
entity following the merger and is renamed Chimei Innolux Corporation, or CMI. Later, CMI 
is renamed as Innolux Corporation on January 1, 2013. CMO/CMI and its affiliates accounted 
for approximately 52.2%, 40.8% and 34.2%, respectively, of the Company’s revenues in 2010, 
2011 and 2012, and represented more than 10% of the Company’s total accounts receivable 
balance at December 31, 2011 and 2012. CMI and its affiliates accounted for approximately 
44.1% and 35.1% of the Company’s total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2011 
and  2012,  respectively. The  other  customer,  customer A  and  its  affiliates,  accounted  for 
approximately 0.2%, 5.7% and 11.7%, respectively, of the Company’s revenues in 2010, 2011 
and 2012, and represented more than 10% of the Company’s total accounts receivable balance 
at December 31, 2011 and 2012. Customer A and its affiliates accounted for approximately 
10.3% and 14.0% of the Company’s total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2011 
and 2012, respectively. In addition, the Company had accounts receivable of $15.2 million 
outstanding from SVA-NEC as of December 31, 2011 and 2012. Since second half of 2008, 
SVA-NEC has delayed paying a large portion of its outstanding accounts receivable. Due to the 
increasing concern about SVA-NEC’s financial condition, the Company recognized a provision 
for  doubtful  accounts  receivable  of  $25.3  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2008. 
Afterwards, the Company recovered $8.6 million and $1.5 million in cash from SVA-NEC in 
October 2010 and March 2011, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts for SVA-
NEC’s accounts receivable is $15.2 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2012. The Company 
has at times agreed to extend the payment terms for certain of its customers. Other customers 
have also requested extension of payment terms, and the Company may grant such requests 
for extension in the future. As a result, a default by any such customer, a prolonged delay in 
the payment of accounts receivable, or the extension of payment terms for the Company’s 
customers would adversely affect the Company’s cash flow, liquidity and operating results. 
Management performs ongoing credit evaluations of each customer and adjusts credit policy 
based upon payment history and the customer’s credit worthiness, as determined by the review 
of their current credit information. See Notes 21 and 22 for additional information.

The Company focuses on design, development and marketing of its products and outsources 
all  its  semiconductor  fabrication,  assembly  and  test. The  Company  primarily  depends  on 
nine foundries to manufacture its wafer, and any failure to obtain sufficient foundry capacity 
or  loss  of  any  of  the  foundries  it  uses  could  significantly  delay  the  Company’s  ability  to 
ship its products, cause the Company to lose revenues and damage the Company’s customer 
relationships.

There are a limited number of companies which supply processed tape used to manufacture 
the  Company’s  semiconductor  products  and  therefore,  from  time  to  time,  shortage  of 
such  processed  tape  may  occur.  If  any  of  the  Company’s  suppliers  experience  difficulties 
in  delivering  processed  tape  used  in  its  products,  the  Company  may  not  be  able  to  locate 
alternative  sources  in  a  timely  manner.  Moreover,  if  shortages  of  processed  tape  were  to 
occur, the Company may incur additional costs or be unable to ship its products to customers 
in a timely manner, which could harm the Company’s business customer relationships and 
negatively impact its earnings.

 
 
 
 
F-60

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

A limited number of third-party assembly and testing houses assemble and test substantially 
all of the Company’s current products. As a result, the Company does not directly control its 
product delivery schedule, assembly and testing costs and quality assurance and control. If any 
of these assembly and testing houses experiences capacity constraints or financial difficulties, 
or suffers any damage to its facilities, or if there is any other disruption of its assembly and 
testing  capacity,  the  Company  may  not  be  able  to  obtain  alternative  assembly  and  testing 
services in a timely manner. Because the amount of time the Company usually takes to qualify 
assembly and testing houses, the Company could experience significant delays in product 
shipments if it is required to find alternative sources. Any problems that the Company may 
encounter  with  the  delivery,  quality  or  cost  of  its  products  could  damage  the  Company’s 
reputation and result in a loss of customers and orders.

Note 21.  Related-party Transactions

(a) Name and relationship

Name of related parties

Relationship

 Chimei Innolux Corporation (CMI)

 Principal Owner (1)

 Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp. (CMO)

 The Company’s Chairman represented on CMO’s 
    Board of Directors ,expired on March 18, 2010(1)

 Chi Mei Optoelectronics Japan, Co., 
    Ltd. (CMO-Japan)

 NEXGEN Mediatech Inc. (NEXGEN)

 Wholly owned subsidiary of CMI (2)

 The Company’s Chairman represented on 
    NEXGEN’s Board of Directors, not included as 
    related party since July 2011

 Chi Lin Technology Co., Ltd. (Chi Lin 
    Tech)

 The Company’s Chairman represented on Chi Lin 
    Tech’s Board of Directors, not included as related 
    party since May 2011

 NingBo Chi Mei Electronics Ltd. 
    (CME-NingBo)

 The subsidiary of CMI (2)

 NingBo Chi Mei Optoelectronics Ltd. 
    (CMO-NingBo)

 The subsidiary of CMI (2)

 NanHai Chi Mei Optoelectronics Ltd. 
    (CMO- NanHai)

 The subsidiary of CMI (2)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-61

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Name of related parties

Relationship

 Chi Mei Logistics Corp. (CMLC)

 The subsidiary of CMI (2), not included as related   
   party since July 2011.

 NingBo Chi Mei Logistics Corp. 
   (CMLC-NingBo)

 The subsidiary of CMI (2)

 Foshan Chi Mei Logistics Ltd. (CMLC-
   Foshan)

 The subsidiary of CMI (2)

 Dongguan Chi Hsin Electronics Co., Ltd. 
   (Chi Hsin-Dongguan)

 The subsidiary of CMI (2)

 NingBo ChiHsin Electronics Ltd. (Chi 
   Hsin-NingBo)

 The subsidiary of CMI (2)

 Fulintec Science Engineering Co., Ltd. 
   (Fulintec)

 The subsidiary of CMI (2), not included as related 
   party since May 2011

 ShenZhen Nexgen Trading Co., Ltd. 
   (ShenZhen Nexgen)

 The subsidiary of NEXGEN, not included as related  
   party since July 2011

 TPO Displays Japan K.K. (TPO Japan)

 The subsidiary of CMI, as related party since March 
   18, 2010

 TPO Displays Hong Kong Limited (TPO 
   Hong Kong)

 The subsidiary of CMI, as related party since March 
   18, 2010

 TPO Displays (Shanghai) Ltd. (TPO  
   Shanghai)

 The subsidiary of CMI, as related party since March 
   18, 2010

 TPO Displays (Nanjing) Ltd. (TPO-NJ)

 The subsidiary of CMI, as related party since March 
   18, 2010

 Lakers Trading Ltd. (Lakers)

 The subsidiary of CMI, as related party since March 
   18, 2010

 Ampower Technology Co., Ltd. 
   (Ampower)

 Related party in substance, not included as related 
   party since March 18, 2010

 Amlink (Shanghai) Ltd. (Amlink)

 Related party in substance, not included as related  
   party since March 18, 2010

 Shinyoptics Corp. (Shinyoptics)

 Equity method investee of the Company, not 
   included as related party since October 1, 2010

 Hangzhou Crystal Display Technology 
   Co., Ltd. (Crystal)

 Equity method investee of the Company, not 
   included as related party since May 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-62

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

  (1) 

CMO,  Innolux  Display  Corporation,  and TPO  Displays  Corporation  agreed  to    
conduct a merger of the three companies. The merger transaction was completed on 
March 18, 2010. Innolux is the surviving entity following the merger and is renamed 
Chimei Innolux Corporation, or CMI. On January 1, 2013, CMI changed its name as 
Innolux Corporation.

  (2) 

The entities are the subsidiary of CMO before March 18, 2010.

(b) 

Significant transactions with related parties

(i) 

Revenues and accounts receivable

Revenues from related parties are summarized as follows:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

CMO- NingBo
CMO- NanHai
CMI
CME- NingBo
Chi Hsin- NingBo
CMO
Others (individually below 5%)

 $        167,255
             51,821
             56,770
               8,592
             19,730
             15,602
             18,854
 $        338,624

           123,888
             41,241
             55,629
             18,889
             16,806
                      -
               1,780
           258,233

             93,664
             63,375
             56,221
             21,673
             12,637
                      -
               4,404
           251,974

A breakdown by product type for sales to CMO/CMI and its affiliates is summarized 
as follows:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

Display driver for large-size  
   applications
Display driver for consumer 
   electronics applications
Display driver for mobile handsets
Others

 $        297,146

          210,137

           190,963

             27,189
             10,170
               1,090
 $        335,595

            29,316
            14,454
              4,249
          258,156

             40,582
             14,748
               5,681
           251,974

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
         
           
          
      
F-63

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

The sales prices with CMO/CMI and its affiliates are comparable to those offered to unrelated 
third parties.

The related accounts receivable resulting from the above sales as of December 31, 2011 and 
2012, were as follows:

December 31

2011

2012

(in thousands)

CMO- NingBo
CMI
CMO- NanHai
CME- NingBo
Chi Hsin- NingBo
Others (individually below 5%)

Allowance for sales returns and discounts

 $                       33,981
                          17,690
                          17,019
                            6,629
                            4,038
                               559
                          79,916
                                   (83)
 $                       79,833

31,421
17,319
13,390
5,947
3,210
2,145
73,432
(174)
73,258

The credit terms granted to CMI and its affiliates ranged from 30 days to 120 days, and the 
credit terms granted to other related parties ranged from 45 days to 90 days. The credit terms 
offered to unrelated third parties ranged from 15 days to 150 days.

  (ii)

Property transactions

In  2010,  the  Company  purchased  equipment  amounting  to  $71  thousand  from  Fulintec, 
respectively. The purchase transaction in 2010 had been full paid as of December 31, 2010.

  (iii)

Lease

The Company entered into several lease contracts with CMO, CMI, CMLC, CMLC-NingBo, 
CMLC-Foshan and CMO-NanHai for leasing office space, facilities and inventory locations. 
For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, the related rent and utility expenses 
resulting from the aforementioned transactions amounted to $1,119 thousand, $705 thousand 
and $828 thousand, respectively, and were recorded as cost of revenue and operating expenses 
in  the  accompanying  consolidated  statements  of  income. As  of  December  31,  2011  and 
2012, the related payables resulting from the aforementioned transactions amounted to $326 
thousand and $206 thousand, respectively, and were recorded as other accrued expenses in the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-64

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

As of December 31, 2012, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating 
leases with related parties are as follows:

Duration

 January 1, 2013~December 31, 2013
 January 1, 2014~December 31, 2014
 January 1, 2015~December 31, 2015
 January 1, 2016~December 31, 2016
 January 1, 2017~December 31, 2017 
 After January 1, 2018

Amount
(in thousands)

  $                         195
                             187
                             187
                             187
                             187
                          1,179
 $                       2,122

  (iv)

Others

In  2010,  2011  and  2012,  the  Company  purchased  consumable  and  miscellaneous  items 
amounting to $449 thousand, $348 thousand and $31 thousand, respectively, from CMI, CMO-
NanHai, CMLC-NingBo, Chi Lin Tech, NEXGEN, Fulintec and, which were charged to cost 
of revenues and operating expenses. As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, the related payables 
resulting from the aforementioned transactions were $9 thousand and nil, respectively.

In 2010, Chi Lin Tech provided IC bonding service on prototype panels for the Company’s 
research activities for a fee of $12 thousand, which was charged to research and development 
expense. The related process fee payables resulting from the aforementioned transactions had 
been full paid in 2010.

Note 22. 

Commitments and Contingencies 

(a)

(b)

As of December 31, 2011, and 2012 the Company had entered into several contracts for 
the acquisition of equipment and computer software. Total contract prices amounted to 
$8,207 thousand and $15,126 thousand, respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, 
the remaining commitments were $2,387 thousand and $13,876 thousand, respectively.

The Company leases certain offices and buildings pursuant to operating lease 
arrangements  with  unrelated  third  parties. The  lease  arrangement  will  expire 
gradually from 2014 to 2017. As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, deposits paid 
amounted to $520 thousand and $683 thousand, respectively, and were recorded 
as refundable deposit in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-65

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

As of December 31, 2012, future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating 
leases are as follows:

Duration

January 1, 2013~December 31, 2013
January 1, 2014~December 31, 2014
January 1, 2015~December 31, 2015
January 1, 2016~December 31, 2016
January 1, 2017~December 31, 2017

Amount
(in thousands)

 $                      1,703
                            771
                            235
                            113
                              65
 $                      2,887

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

Rental expense for operating leases with unrelated third parties amounted to $1,229 thousand, 
$1,223 thousand and $1,812 thousand in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The Company entered into several sales agent agreements, based on these agreements, the 
Company shall pay commissions at the rates ranging from 0.5% to 5% of the sales to customers 
in the specific territory or referred by agents as stipulated in these agreements.

In December 2011, the Company entered into a license agreement for the use of Crosstalk 
relevant technology for product development. In accordance with the agreement, the Company 
was required to pay an initial license fee based on the progress of the project development and 
a royalty based on shipments. In 2011 and 2012, no royalty was paid.

The Company from time to time is subject to claims regarding the proprietary use of certain 
technologies. Currently, management is not aware of any such claims that it believes could 
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Since Himax Taiwan is not  a listed company, it will depend on Himax Technologies, Inc. 
to meet its equity financing requirements in the future. Any capital contribution by Himax 
Technologies, Inc. to Himax Taiwan may require the approval of the relevant ROC authorities. 
The Company may not be able to obtain any such approval in the future in a timely manner, or 
at all. If Himax Taiwan is unable to receive the equity financing it requires, its ability to grow 
and fund its operations may be materially and adversely affected.

The  Company  has  entered  into  several  wafer  fabrication  or  assembly  and  testing  service 
arrangements with service providers. The Company may be obligated to make payments for 
purchase orders entered into pursuant to these arrangements. Contractual obligations resulted 
from  above  arrangements  approximate  $77,434  thousand  and  $121,010  thousand  as  of 
December 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
F-66

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

(h)

The Company is involved in various claims arising in the ordinary course of business. 
In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have 
a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of 
operations, or liquidity.

Note 23.    Segment, Product and Geographic Information

Year Ended December 31, 2010
Non-driver
products
(in thousands)

Consolidated
Total

Driver IC

Segment revenues

 $         590,057

              52,635

642,692

Segment operating income (loss)
Non operating loss, net
Consolidated earnings before income taxes
Significant noncash item: 
   Share based compensation

Depreciation and amortization

 $           54,815

              (19,457)

 $             5,007
 $           10,074

                1,304
                3,552

35,358
(64)
35,294

6,311
13,626

Year Ended December 31, 2011
Non-driver
products
(in thousands)

Consolidated
Total

Driver IC

Segment revenues
Segment operating income (loss)
Non operating income, net
Consolidated earnings before income taxes
Significant noncash item: 
   Share Based Compensation

Depreciation and amortization

 $         552,456
 $           38,401

              80,565
              (21,793)

633,021
16,608
200
$         16,808

 $             2,820
 $             7,849

                1,370
                4,946

4,190
12,795

Year Ended December 31, 2012
Non-driver
products
(in thousands)

Consolidated
Total

Driver IC

Segment revenues
Segment operating income (loss)
Non operating loss, net
Consolidated earnings before income taxes
Significant noncash item: 
   Share Based Compensation

Depreciation and amortization

 $         634,111
 $           83,883

            103,144
              (16,823)

            737,255
              67,060
              (1,174)
              65,886

 $             1,612
 $             8,881

                   324
                4,418

               1,936
             13,299

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-67

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Revenues from the Company’s major product lines are summarized as follow:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

Display drivers for large-size applications
Display drivers for mobile handsets  
   applications
Display drivers for consumer electronics 
   applications
Others

 $          366,492

            270,372

             305,247      

             119,623

            169,248

             177,175

             103,942
               52,635
 $          642,692

            112,836
              80,565                
            633,021

             151,689
             103,144            
             737,255

The  following  tables  summarize  information  pertaining  to  the  Company’s  revenues  from 
customers in different geographic region (based on customer’s headquarter location):

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

Taiwan
China
Other Asia Pacific (Korea and Japan)
Europe (Europe and America)

 $          492,687
             112,845                
               37,121
                      39
 $          642,692

             395,228
             209,216
               27,738
                    839
             633,021

             356,793
             334,433
               43,245
                 2,784
             737,255

The carrying values of the Company’s tangible long-lived assets are located in the following 
countries:

Taiwan
China
U.S.
Korea

December 31,

2011

2012

(in thousands)

 $            56,185
                    822               
                    132
                      11
 $            57,150

               51,519
                    744
                    330
                      16
               52,609

 
 
          
           
           
           
             
             
F-68

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Revenues from significant customers, those representing 10% or more of total revenue for the 
respective periods, are summarized as follows:

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

2012

CMO/CMI and its affiliates, a related party
Customer A and its affiliates

$        335,595

1,516          

$        337,111

            258,156
              35,908            
            294,064

            251,974             
              86,069                        
            338,043

Accounts  receivable  from  significant  customers,  those  representing  10%  or  more  of  total 
accounts receivable for the respective periods, is summarized as follows:

CMI and its affiliates, a related party
Customer A and its affiliates

December 31,

2011

2012

(in thousands)

 $            79,916
               18,684               
 $            98,600

               73,432    
               29,198              
             102,630

As  of  December  31,  2011  and  2012,  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts,  sales  returns  and 
discounts for those accounts receivable was $178 thousand and $342 thousand, respectively.

Note 24.    Himax Technologies, Inc. (the Parent Company only)

As a holding company, dividends received from Himax Technologies, Inc.’s subsidiaries in 
Taiwan, if any, will be subjected to withholding tax under ROC law as well as statutory and 
other legal restrictions.

The condensed separate financial information of Himax Technologies, Inc. is presented as 
follows:

 
 
 
F-69

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Condensed Balance Sheets

Cash
Other current assets
Investment in non-marketable securities
Investments in subsidiaries
Total assets

Current liabilities
Short-term debt
Debt borrowing from a subsidiary
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

December 31,

2011

2012

(in thousands)

 $                 584
                 1,146
                 1,600
             628,528
 $          631,858

                 1,075
                    835
                 1,600
             627,792
             631,302

 $              3,921
               65,200
             169,300
             393,437
 $          631,858

                    176
               54,000
             149,183
             427,943
             631,302

Himax Technologies, Inc. had no guarantees as of December 31, 2011 and 2012.

Condensed Statements of Income

Revenues
Costs and expenses
   Operating loss
Equity in earnings from subsidiaries
Other non-operating loss
   Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes expenses
   Net Income

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)
- 
(548)
(548)
13,433
(2,179)
10,706
-
10,706 

 $                    - 
(1,210)
(1,210)
36,427
(2,010)
33,207
(1)
$           33,206

2012

-
(695)
(695)
54,929
(2,637)
51,597
(1)
51,596

 
 
 
 
 
F-70

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)
-     10,706

2012

$    -      33,206

-       51,596

Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss):
   Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, 
not subject to income tax:

   Unrealized holding gains (losses) on  
available-for-sale marketable  

             securities arising during  

the period

1,511              -

(305)            -

59                - 

   Reclassification adjustment for realized 

losses (gains) included in net  
income

   Foreign currency translation  

adjustments, not subject to
income tax

Net unrecognized actuarial gain (loss),   
   net of tax of $(54), $(125) and $8 in 
   2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively
Comprehensive income

(296)     1,215

(350)     (655)

(648)        (589)

210

128

50

(203)
$  34,428

(573)
9,606

233
51,290

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
F-71

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash   

used in operating activities: 
Equity in earnings from subsidiaries

Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

Other current assets 
Other current liabilities 
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from financing activities: 

Distribution of cash dividends 
Proceeds from borrowing of short-term debt 
Repayment of short-term debt 
Investment returned from subsidiaries 
Proceeds from issue of RSUs from a subsidiary 
Purchase of subsidiary shares from 
noncontrolling interests 
Proceeds from (repayment of) debt from a 
subsidiary 
Acquisitions of ordinary shares for retirement
              Net cash provided by financing activities
Net increase in cash
Cash at beginning of year
Cash at end of year

2010

Year Ended December 31,
2011
(in thousands)
         10,706

 $      33,206

2012

         51,596

        (36,427) 

       (13,433)

        (54,929)

           1,543
          (2,542)     
          (4,220)

            (790)
          1,767
         (1,750)

               311
            1,637
          (1,385)

        (44,097)
       204,000
      (160,000)
                   -
            4,370

       (21,224)
      271,200
     (250,000)
                  -
           1,634

        (10,680)         
        266,000 
      (277,200)
         56,836
           1,306

                   -

         (1,324)

                   -

          11,000
        (10,755)
           4,518
              298
                77
 $           375

           6,300
         (4,627)
          1,959
             209
             375
             584

        (25,500)
          (8,886)
           1,876
              491
              584
           1,075

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
   Interest paid during the year
   Income taxes paid during the year

 $           156
 $               1

             353
                 -

              264
                  1

 
 
   
  
  
          
 
 
 
          
 
 
        
       
             
Himax Technologies, Inc.

List of Subsidiaries

Exhibit 8.1

 Subsidiary

 Himax Technologies Limited
 Himax Technologies Korea Ltd.
 Himax Semiconductor, Inc.
 Himax Technologies (Samoa), Inc.
 Himax Technologies (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
 Himax Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
 Himax Display, Inc.
 Integrated Microdisplays Limited
 Himax Display (USA) Inc.
 Himax Analogic, Inc.
 Himax Imaging, Inc.
 Himax Imaging, Ltd.
 Himax Imaging Corp.
 Argo Limited
 Tellus Limited
 Himax Media Solutions, Inc.
 Himax Media Solutions (Hong Kong)Limited
 Harvest Investment Limited
 Iris Optronics Co., Ltd.
 Himax Technologies Japan Ltd.

Jurisdiction of 
Incorporation

ROC
South Korea
ROC
Samoa
PRC
PRC
ROC
Hong Kong
Delaware, USA
ROC
Cayman Islands
ROC
California, USA
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
ROC
Hong Kong
ROC
ROC
Japan

Percentage of
Our Ownership
Interest

                                     100.0 %
                                     100.0 %
                                     100.0 %
                                     100.0 %(1)
                                     100.0 %(2)
                                     100.0 %(2)
                                       81.5 %(1)
                                       81.5 %(3)
                                       81.5 %(3)
                                       74.6 %(1)
                                     100.0 %
                                       87.6 %(4)
                                     100.0 %(5)
                                     100.0 %
                                     100.0 %(6)
                                       86.7 %(7)
                                       86.7 %(8)
                                     100.0 %(1)
                                       21.7 %(1)
                                     100.0 %

(1) 

Indirectly, through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Technologies Limited.

(2) 

Indirectly, through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Technologies (Samoa), Inc.

(3) 

Indirectly, through our 81.5% ownership of Himax Display, Inc.

(4) 

Indirectly, as to 79.7% through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Imaging, Inc. and as to 7.9%  
through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Technologies Limited.

(5) 

Indirectly, through our 100.0% ownership of Himax Imaging, Inc.

(6) 

Indirectly, through our 100.0% ownership of Argo Limited.

(7) 

Directly, as to 22.0%, and indirectly, as to 64.7% through our 100.0% ownership of Himax  
Technologies Limited.

(8) 

Indirectly, through our 86.7% ownership of Himax Media Solutions, Inc.

190

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 Exhibit 12.1

    I, Jordan Wu, certify that:

Certification

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Himax Technologies, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or 
omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances 
under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this 
report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash 
flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) 
and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 
15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a)  Designed  such  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  or  caused  such  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to 
the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those 
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over 
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external 
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in 
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of 
the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting 
that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is 
reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
5. 

The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation 
of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the 
company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control 
over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to 
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other  employees  who  have  a 

significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 30, 2013

By:   

/s/ Jordan Wu
Name:   Jordan Wu
Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer

192

  
  
 
 
  
 Exhibit 12.2

    I, Jackie Chang, certify that:

Certification

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Himax Technologies, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or 
omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances 
under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this 
report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash 
flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) 
and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 
15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

(a)  Designed  such  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  or  caused  such  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to 
the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those 
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over 
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external 
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in 
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of 
the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting 
that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is 
reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

193

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. 

The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation
of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of    
the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control 
over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to 
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  Any  fraud,  whether  or  not  material,  that  involves  management  or  other  employees  who  have  a 

significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 30, 2013

By:   

/s/ Jackie Chang
Name:   Jackie Chang
Title:  Chief Financial Officer

194

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
Certification

 Exhibit 13.1

April 30, 2013

The  certification  set  forth  below  is  being  submitted  to  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  in 
connection with the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “Report”) for 
the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 
“Exchange Act”) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

Jordan Wu, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Himax Technologies, Inc., and Jackie Chang, the 

Chief Financial Officer of Himax Technologies, Inc., each certifies that, to the best of his or her knowledge:

1. 

the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange  Act; and

2. 

the  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial 
condition and results of operations of Himax Technologies, Inc.

By:   

/s/ Jordan Wu
Name:   Jordan Wu
Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer

By:   

/s/ Jackie Chang
Name:   Jackie Chang
Title:  Chief Financial Officer

195

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 Exhibit 15.1

The Board of Directors
Himax Technologies, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No. 333-137585 and No. 333-
176863) on Form S-8 of Himax Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries of our reports dated April 26, 2013, with 
respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Himax Technologies, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, 
and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows 
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and the effectiveness of internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, which reports appear in the December 31, 2012 
annual report on Form 20-F of Himax Technologies, Inc.

/s/ KPMG
Taipei, Taiwan (the Republic of China)
April 30, 2013

196

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Listings
The  company’s  common  stock  trades  on  the 
NASDAQ  National  Market  under  the  symbol 
“HIMX”

Independent Auditors
KPMG Certified Public Accountants

Investor Contacts
Penny Lin / Jessica Huang
Investor Relations
Himax Technologies, Inc.
10F, No1, XiangYang Road, Taipei 10046, Taiwan
penny_lin@himax.com.tw
jessica_huang@himax.com.tw

John Mattio
MZ North America 
Suite 411, 1001 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10018
+1-212-301-7130
john.mattio@mzgroup.us

Corporate Information

Board of Directors

Chairman

Dr. Biing-Seng Wu

Directors
Jordan Wu
Chih-Chung Tsai
Dr. Yan-Kuin Su
Yuan-Chuan Horng
Dr. Hsiung-Ku Chen

Senior Management

Jordan Wu
Chief Executive Officer

Jackie Chang
Chief Financial Officer

Chih-Chung Tsai
Chief Technology Officer, Senior VP

Norman Hong
Sales and Marketing, VP

Corporate Headquarters

Himax Technologies, Inc.
No.26,  Zilian  Road,  Xinshi  Dist,  Tainan  City 
74148, Taiwan 
Tel:+886-6-505-0880
Fax:+886-6-507-0000 

Investor Information

Shareholder  Services  for American  Depositary 
Shares (ADSs)
The Bank of New York Mellon
P.O. Box 358516
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8516

197

198