Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

AU Optronics disclosed 65 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. AU Optronics reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2019

Risk Distribution

32% Finance & Corporate

15% Tech & Innovation

14% Legal & Regulatory

14% Production

14% Macro & Political

11% Ability to Sell

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

AU Optronics Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q4, 2019

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 21 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 21 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

3Risks added

2Risks removed

2Risks changed

Since Dec 2019

3Risks added

2Risks removed

2Risks changed

Since Dec 2019

Number of Risk Changed

-4

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

-4

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

See the risk highlights of AU Optronics in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 65

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 21/65 (32%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights7 | 10.8%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Added

We have voluntarily delisted our ADSs from NYSE and may terminate the registration of our securities with the SEC in the future, and this may adversely affect our share price.

On September 9, 2019, our board of directors resolved to delist our ADSs from NYSE. The voluntary delisting was sought in view of the costs of maintaining the listing of the ADSs in the United States. On September 20, 2019, we filed with the SEC a Form 25 to effect the delisting from the NYSE. As soon as we are eligible, we intend to file a Form 15 with the SEC to terminate the registration of the ADSs and the underlying ordinary shares under the Exchange Act. We will remain subject to all SEC requirements, including reporting obligations, until such time as our ADSs and the underlying ordinary shares are deregistered. Since the delisting came into effect on October 1, 2019, our ADSs have been traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market, and Citibank, N.A. has continued to act as our ADSs depositary pursuant to the existing deposit agreement. The delisting of the ADSs from the NYSE and the possible deregistration under the Exchange Act may have a negative impact on the price of our ADSs and shares of common stock. Following the delisting from NYSE, the ADSs have traded on the U.S. over-the-counter market. Compared with the NYSE, the U.S. over-the-counter market has a smaller trading volume, less liquidity and an information disclosure regime that is less robust. These characteristics may make it more difficult for holders of our ADSs to sell their securities. In addition, broker-dealers have certain regulatory burdens imposed upon them that may discourage them from effecting transactions in our ADSs, further limiting the liquidity of our ADSs. The delisting may result in holders of our ADSs surrendering their ADSs in exchange for the underlying shares and selling them on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. As a result, the market price of our ADSs may be depressed, and the investors may find it more difficult to sell our ADSs.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

ADS holders will not have the same rights as our shareholders, which may affect the value of the ADSs.

ADS holders' rights as to the shares represented by such holders' ADSs are governed by the deposit agreement. ADS holders will not be able to exercise voting rights on an individual basis. If holders representing at least 51% of our ADSs outstanding at the relevant record date instruct the depositary to vote in the same manner regarding a resolution, including the election of directors, the depositary will cause all shares represented by the ADSs to be voted in that manner. If, at the relevant record date, the depositary does not receive instructions representing at least 51% of ADSs outstanding to vote in the same manner for any resolution, including the election of directors, ADS holders will be deemed to have instructed the depositary or its nominee to authorize all the shares represented by the ADS holders' ADSs to be voted at the discretion of our Chairman or his designee, which may not be in the ADS holders' interest. Moreover, while shareholders who own 1% or more of our total issued shares are entitled to submit one proposal to be considered at our annual general meetings and submit a roster of candidates to be considered for nomination to our board of directors at our shareholders' meeting for the election of directors, only holders representing at least 51% or more of our ADSs outstanding at the relevant record date are entitled to submit one proposal to be considered at our annual general meetings or one nomination to our board of directors, in accordance with the deposit agreement. Hence, only one proposal or one nomination can be submitted on behalf of all ADS holders.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

ADS holders' rights to participate in our rights offerings are limited, which could cause dilution to the holdings of ADS holders.

We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not offer ADS holders those rights unless both the distribution of the rights and the underlying securities to all our ADS holders are either registered under the Securities Act or exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Although we may be eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions under the Securities Act available to certain foreign issuers for rights offerings, we can give no assurances that we will be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement for any of these rights. Accordingly, ADS holders may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution with respect to their holdings.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

Non-ROC holders of ADSs who withdraw our shares will be required to obtain a foreign investor investment identification and appoint a local custodian and agent and a tax guarantor in the ROC.

Under current ROC law, if you are a non-ROC person (other than a PRC person) and wish to withdraw and hold our shares from a depositary receipt facility, you will be required to obtain a foreign investor investment identification, or a Foreign Investor Investment I.D., issued in accordance with the ROC Regulations Governing Investment in Securities by Overseas Chinese and Foreign Nationals (the "Investment Regulations"). You also will be required to appoint an eligible agent in the ROC to open a securities trading account and a Taiwan Depository & Clearing Corporation book-entry account and a bank account, to pay ROC taxes, remit funds, exercise shareholders' rights and perform such other functions as you may designate upon such withdrawal. In addition, you will be required to appoint a custodian bank to hold the securities in safekeeping, make confirmation and settle trades and report all relevant information. Without obtaining such Foreign Investor Investment I.D. under the Investment Regulations and opening such accounts, the non-ROC withdrawing holder would be unable to hold or subsequently sell our shares withdrawn from the depositary receipt facility on the Taiwan Stock Exchange or otherwise. There can be no assurance that such withdrawing holder would be able to obtain the Foreign Investor Investment I.D. and open such accounts in a timely manner. With the exception of a foreign institutional investor with a fixed place of business or business agent within the ROC, non-ROC holders of ADSs (other than a PRC person) withdrawing our shares represented by ADSs also are required under current ROC law and regulations to appoint an agent in the ROC for filing tax returns and making tax payments. Such agent must meet certain qualifications set by the ROC Ministry of Finance and, upon appointment, becomes a guarantor of such withdrawing holder's ROC tax obligations ("Tax Guarantor"). Generally, the evidence of the appointment of such agent and the approval of such appointment by the ROC tax authorities may be required as conditions to such withdrawing holder's repatriation of the profits. There can be no assurance that such withdrawing holder would be able to appoint and obtain approval for such agent in a timely manner. Also, if any non-ROC person (other than a PRC person) receives 10% or more of our total issued shares upon a single withdrawal, such non-ROC person must obtain prior approval from the Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (the "MOEAIC"). There can be no assurance that such withdrawing holder would be able to obtain such approval in a timely manner. Pursuant to the Regulations Governing Securities Investment and Futures Trading in Taiwan by Mainland Area Investors (the "Mainland Investors Regulations"), only qualified domestic institutional investors ("QDIIs") approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission and registered with the Taiwan Stock Exchange or Taiwan Futures Exchange are permitted to withdraw and hold our shares from a depositary receipt facility. In order to hold our shares, such QDIIs are required to appoint an agent, custodian and Tax Guarantor as required by the Mainland Investors Regulations. If the aggregate amount of our shares held by any QDII or shares received by any QDII upon a single withdrawal reaches 10% or more of our total issued shares, such QDII must obtain the prior approval from the MOEAIC. We cannot assure you that such approval would be granted. In addition, PRC investors' investments in our shares are subject to various restrictions; specifically, there are restrictions on the amount remitted to the ROC for investments by QDIIs, either individually or jointly. Accordingly, the qualification criteria for a PRC person to make an investment and the investment threshold imposed by the ROC government might cause an ADS holder who is a PRC person to be unable to withdraw and hold our shares.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5

The protection of the interests of our public shareholders available under our Articles of Incorporation and the laws governing ROC corporations is different from that which applies to a U.S. corporation.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our Articles of Incorporation and by the laws governing ROC corporations. The rights and responsibilities of our shareholders and members of our board of directors under ROC law are different from those that apply to a U.S. corporation. Directors of ROC corporations are required to conduct business faithfully and act with the care of good administrators. However, the duty of care required of a ROC corporation's directors may not be the same as the fiduciary duty of a director of a U.S. corporation. In addition, controlling shareholders of U.S. corporations owe fiduciary duties to minority shareholders, while controlling shareholders in ROC corporations do not. The ROC Company Act also requires that a shareholder continuously hold at least 1% of our issued shares for at least six months in order to request that our independent director institute an action against a director on the company's behalf. Therefore, our public shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests against actions of our management, members of our board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as shareholders of a U.S. corporation.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6

As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to follow certain home-country corporate governance practices instead of applicable SEC and NYSE requirements, which may result in less protection than is accorded to investors under rules applicable to domestic issuers.

As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to follow certain home-country corporate governance practices instead of those otherwise required under the NYSE rules for domestic issuers, including, but not limited to: - the evaluation standards for director's independence;- the requirements for non-management directors to meet regularly without management;- the requirement to have nominating committee;- the requirement to have a remuneration committee/corporate governance committee set up pursuant to the NYSE rules;- the requirement for shareholders' approval on all equity-based compensation and material revisions thereto; and - the requirement to adopt NYSE corporate governance guidelines. For a detailed discussion of the differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE listing standards, see "Item 16-16.G. Corporate Governance" for more information. Following our home-country governance practices as opposed to the requirements that would otherwise apply to a U.S. company listed on the NYSE may provide less protection than is accorded to investors under the NYSE rules applicable to domestic issuers. In addition, as a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, related to the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act, to file annual, quarterly and current reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as domestic companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7

Potential conflicts of interest with our affiliates may cause us to lose opportunities to expand and improve our operations.

We face potential conflicts of interest with our affiliates, such as Qisda Corporation ("Qisda") and its subsidiaries, including BenQ Corporation. Qisda is our largest shareholder, owning directly 6.99% of our outstanding shares as of December 31, 2019 and is also one of our large customers. Qisda and its subsidiaries accounted for approximately 3.5%, 3.9% and 3.8% of our net revenue in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Qisda and its subsidiaries' substantial interest in our company may lead to conflicts of interest affecting our sales decisions or allocations. One of our directors, Mr. Peter Chen, is the Chairman and President of Qisda. Furthermore, Mr. Kuen-Yao (K.Y.) Lee, our director and former Chairman, is also a director of Qisda and Chairman of BenQ Corporation. See "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees-6.A. Directors and Senior Management." As a result, conflicts of interest between their duties to Qisda and/or its subsidiaries and us may arise. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise with respect to Qisda and/or its subsidiaries, the conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor. These conflicts may result in lost corporate opportunities, including opportunities that are never brought to our attention, or actions that may prevent us from taking advantage of opportunities to expand and improve our operations.

Accounting & Financial Operations5 | 7.7%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to report accurately our financial results or prevent fraud.

The SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, adopted rules requiring every public company to include a management report on such company's internal controls over financial reporting in its annual report, which contains management's assessment of the effectiveness of the company's internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, an independent registered public accounting firm must report on the effectiveness of the company's internal controls over financial reporting unless the company is exempt from such requirement. Our management may conclude that our internal controls over our financial reporting are not effective. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm 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 of 2002. Moreover, effective internal controls 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.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Our annual consolidated financial statements for Taiwan reporting purposes and the basis for our earnings distribution may differ from those included in the annual report on Form 20-F.

We have adopted Taiwan IFRS for reporting in Taiwan our annual consolidated financial statements beginning in 2013 and our interim quarterly earnings releases beginning in the first quarter of 2013. While we have adopted Taiwan IFRS for Taiwan reporting purposes and earnings distribution purposes, we have also adopted and will continue to adopt IFRS, which differs from Taiwan IFRS, for certain filings with the SEC, including this annual report and future reports on Form 20-F. Taiwan IFRS differs from IFRS in certain significant respects, including, but not limited to, the extent that any new or amended standards or interpretations applicable under IFRS may not be timely endorsed by the FSC. Consequently, our annual consolidated financial statements for Taiwan reporting purposes and the basis for our earnings distribution may differ from those included in the annual report on Form 20-F.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

Any impairment charge may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Under IFRS, we are required to evaluate our investments and long-term non-financial assets, such as property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and long-term purchase agreements, for impairment whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired and carrying value may not be recoverable. If certain criteria are met, we are required to recognize an impairment charge. The determination of an impairment charge at any given time is based significantly on our expected results of operations over a number of years subsequent to that time. As a result, an impairment charge is more likely to occur during a period when our operating results are otherwise already depressed. The valuation of long-term non-financial assets is subjective and requires us to make significant estimates about our future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in business operations, changes in competition or potential changes in our stock price and market capitalization. Changes in these estimates and assumptions, or changes in actual performance compared with estimates of our future performance, may affect the fair value of long-term non-financial assets, which may result in an impairment charge. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" for a discussion of how we assess if an impairment charge is required and, if so, how the amount is determined. In addition, under IFRS, we are required to determine the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Our deferred tax assets are reviewed on the annual reporting date, by considering global economic environment, industry environment, statutory tax deduction years and projected future taxable income. The deferred tax assets are then reduced by the amount that any related tax benefits will be no longer probable to be realized. Any impairment charge on our investments and long-term non-financial assets, or the inability to recognize or the subsequent derecognition of previously recognized deferred tax assets may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4

Changed

Our results of operations have fluctuated in the past. If we are unable to achieve profitability in 2020 or beyond, the value of the ADSs and our shares may be adversely affected.

Our business is significantly affected by cyclical market conditions for the display panel industry. From time to time, the industry has experienced imbalances between excess supply and slowdowns in demand, and in certain periods, resulting in declines in selling prices. In addition, other factors such as technology advancement and cost reductions have driven down and may continue to drive down our average selling prices irrespective of cyclical market conditions for the display panel industry. The solar industry has undergone challenging business conditions in the past years, including downward pricing pressure for solar modules, solar cells, solar wafers and ingots mainly as a result of oversupply and reductions in applicable governmental subsidies. Although the solar industry may continue to grow in the long run, there is no assurance that the solar industry will not suffer significant downturns or significant reductions in the scope or discontinuation of government incentive programs in the future, especially in markets where we operate or we target, which will adversely affect demands for our solar products as well as our results of operations. Our results of operations have fluctuated in the past. Our net revenue decreased by approximately 12.6% to NT$268.8 billion (US$9.0 billion) in 2019 compared to net revenue of NT$307.6 billion in 2018, while our net profit for the year decreased from NT$10.9 billion in 2018 to negative NT$21.2 billion (negative US$0.7 billion) in 2019. We cannot assure you that we will be profitable in 2020 or beyond. In addition, we expect that selling prices for many of our existing products will continue to decline over the long term. If we are unable to introduce new products, reduce our production cost to offset the declines in selling prices and maintain a high-capacity utilization rate, our gross margin will decline, which could seriously harm our business and reduce the value of our equity securities. If we are unable to achieve profitability in 2020 or beyond, the value of the ADSs and our shares may be adversely affected. Our future net revenue, gross profit, net income and financing capabilities may vary significantly due to a combination of factors, including, but not limited to: - our ability to develop and introduce new products to meet customers' needs in a timely manner;- our ability to develop or acquire and implement new manufacturing processes and product technologies;- our ability to control our fixed and variable costs and operating expenses;- our ability to reduce production cost, such as raw materials and components;- our ability to manage our product mix;- our ability to obtain raw materials and components at acceptable prices and in a timely manner;- lower than expected growth in demand resulting in oversupply in the market;- our ability to obtain adequate external financing on satisfactory terms; and - other unforeseen circumstances resulting from the above factors which might lead to derecognition of deferred tax assets.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5

Our results of operations fluctuate from quarter to quarter, which makes it difficult to predict our future performance.

Our results of operations have varied significantly in the past and may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in the future due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our business and operations may be adversely affected by the following factors, among others: - rapid changes from month to month, including shipment volume and product mix change;- the cyclical nature of the industry, including fluctuations in selling prices, and imbalances between excess supply and slowdowns in demand;- the speed at which we and our competitors expand production capacity;- access to raw materials and components, equipment, electricity, water and other required utilities on a timely and economical basis;- technological changes;- the loss of a key customer or the postponement, rescheduling or cancellation of large orders from customers;- the outcome of ongoing and future litigation and government investigations;- changes in end-users' spending patterns;- changes to our management team;- access to funding on satisfactory terms;- our customers' adjustments in their inventory;- changes in general political, economic, financial and legal conditions; and - natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes, and industrial accidents, such as fires and power failures, as well as geopolitical instability as a result of terrorism or political or military conflicts. Due to the factors noted above and other risks discussed in this section, many of which are beyond our control, you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons to predict our future performance. Unfavorable changes in any of the above factors may seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our results of operations may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors in some future periods, which may result in a decline in the price of the ADSs or shares.

Debt & Financing4 | 6.2%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

If capital resources required for our planned growth or development are not available, we may be unable to successfully implement our business strategy.

Historically, we have been able to finance our capital expenditures through cash flow from our operating activities and financing activities, including long-term borrowings, the issuance of convertible and other debt securities and the issuance of equity securities. Our ability to expand our production facilities and establish advanced technology fabs will continue to largely depend on our ability to obtain sufficient cash flow from operations as well as external funding. We expect to make capital expenditures in connection with the development of our business, including investments in connection with new capacity, technological upgrade and the enhancement of capacity value. These capital expenditures will be made well in advance of any additional sales to be generated from these expenditures. Our results of operations may be affected adversely if we do not have the capital resources to complete our planned growth, or if our actual expenditures exceed planned expenditures for any number of reasons, including changes in: - our growth plan and strategy;- manufacturing process and product technologies;- market conditions;- prices of equipment;- costs of construction and installation;- market conditions for financing activities of display panel manufacturers;- interest rates and foreign exchange rates; and - social, economic, financial, political and other conditions in Taiwan and elsewhere. If adequate funds are not available on satisfactory terms at appropriate times, we may have to curtail our planned growth, which could result in a loss of customers, adversely affect our ability to implement successfully our business strategy and limit the growth of our business.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

We must comply with certain financial and other covenants under the terms of our debt instruments, the failure to comply with which may put us in default under those instruments.

We are a party to numerous loans and other agreements relating to the incurrence of debt, many of which include financial covenants and broad default provisions. The financial covenants primarily include current ratios, leverage ratio, interest coverage ratios, tangible net worth and other technical requirements, which, in general, govern our existing long-term debt and debt we may incur in the future. These covenants could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or to meet our capital needs in a timely manner and we may have to curtail some of our operations and growth plans to maintain compliance. In addition, any global or regional economic deterioration may cause us to incur significant net losses or force us to assume considerable liabilities, which would adversely impact our ability to comply with the financial covenants of our outstanding loans. If the relevant creditors decline to grant waivers for any noncompliance with the covenants, such noncompliance will constitute an event of default which may trigger a requirement for acceleration of the amounts due under the applicable loan agreements. Some of our loan agreements also contain cross-default clauses, which could enable creditors under our other debt instruments to declare an event of default when there is a default in other loan agreements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to remain in compliance with our financial covenants. In the event of default, we may not be able to cure the default or obtain a waiver on a timely basis. An event of default under any agreement governing our existing or future debts, if not cured by us or waived by our creditors, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. If we breach our financial or other covenants, our financial condition will be adversely affected to the extent we are not able to cure such breaches or repay the relevant debt. We have on occasion failed to comply with certain financial covenants in some of our loan agreements. Although in the past we have either obtained waivers for such noncompliance from the relevant banks or fully repaid the facility, we cannot assure you that we will always be able to do that in the future.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

The market value of our ADSs may fluctuate due to the volatility of the securities markets.

The securities markets in the United States and other countries have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. Volatility in the price of our ADSs may be caused by factors beyond our control and may be unrelated to, or disproportionate to changes in, our results of operations. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company's securities, securities class action litigation has been instituted against that company. Litigation of this kind could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources.

Debt & Financing - Risk 4

The market value of our ADSs may fluctuate due to the volatility of the ROC securities market.

The trading price of our ADSs may be affected by the trading price of our shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. The Taiwan Stock Exchange is smaller and more volatile than the securities markets in the United States and a number of stock exchanges in Europe. The Taiwan Stock Exchange has experienced substantial fluctuations in the prices and volumes of trading of securities, and there are currently limits on the range of daily price fluctuations on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. During the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, the Taiwan Stock Exchange Index peaked at 12,122.45 on December 18, 2019, and reached a low of 9,382.51 on January 4, 2019. Over the same period, daily closing values of our shares ranged from NT$7.03 per share to NT$12.75 per share. On March 12, 2020, the Taiwan Stock Exchange Index closed at 10,422.32, and the closing value of our shares was NT$8.04 per share. The Taiwan Stock Exchange is particularly volatile during times of political instability, including when relations between the ROC and the PRC are strained. Several investment funds affiliated with the ROC government have also from time to time purchased securities from the Taiwan Stock Exchange to support the trading level of the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Moreover, the Taiwan Stock Exchange has experienced problems, including market manipulation, insider trading and settlement defaults. The recurrence of these or similar problems could have an adverse effect on the market price and liquidity of our shares and ADSs.

Corporate Activity and Growth5 | 7.7%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

We have made investments in, and are exploring the possibility of expanding our businesses and operations to, or making additional investments in, the PRC, which may expose us to additional social, political, regulatory and economic risks with respect to our investments and business operations in the PRC.

We have established subsidiaries in the PRC. Depending on our business needs, we may further expand or adjust our business operations in the PRC in the future. However, in recent years, China has experienced rapid social, political and economic changes which have led to extensive environmental regulations, rising wages and a growing shortage of blue-collar workers. Environmental regulations, rising wages as well as a shortage of labor in China may increase our overall cost of production, cause delays in production and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, the interpretation of PRC laws and regulations involves uncertainties. Furthermore, since mid-2018, increased political tensions between the United States and the PRC have escalated into a trade war. Although on January 15, 2020, the United States and the PRC signed the Phase One trade deal, which officially agreed to the rollback of tariffs, expansion of trade purchases, and renewed commitments on intellectual property, technology transfer and currency practices, any future re-adoption or expansion of United States trade restrictions and tariffs, quotas and embargoes, or further escalation of the United States and PRC trade war could adversely impact our business operations. In addition, 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 investments and operations in the PRC. Therefore, 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 our investments, businesses and operations in the PRC.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

Our divestiture strategies and divestment activities may affect our financial performance and the market price of our shares and ADSs.

From time to time, we evaluate possible divestments and may, if a suitable opportunity or condition arises, make divestments or decisions to dispose of certain businesses or assets. We may reduce our holdings of equity securities or dispose of certain of our businesses or assets in order to reduce financial or operational risks. As part of our ongoing strategic plan, we have selectively divested, and may in the future continue to pursue divestitures of certain of our businesses or assets as part of our portfolio optimization strategy. We make divestments based on, among other considerations, management's evaluation of or changes in business strategies and performance and valuation of divested businesses or assets. For example, AU Optronics (Slovakia) s.r.o., one of our subsidiaries, sold its land and building in December 2018 for a total selling price of EUR$87.7 million and recorded a profit from the disposal of approximately EUR$30.4 million. These divestment activities may result in either gains or losses and we cannot assure you that we can always make divestment with a gain. We may be subject to continuing financial obligations for a period of time following the divestments, and any claims such as warranty or indemnification claims, if determined against us, would negatively affect our financial performance. Moreover, divestures may require us to separate integrated assets and personnel from our retained businesses and devote our resources to transitioning assets and services to purchasers, resulting in disruptions to our ongoing business and distraction of management. Any losses due to our divestments of businesses or disposal of assets could adversely affect our financial performance and may affect the market price of our shares and ADSs.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3

If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, our business could be affected adversely.

We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, growth in the scope and complexity of our operations. For example, we may make capital expenditures in connection with new capacity and technological upgrade. This growth may strain our existing managerial, financial and other resources. In order to manage our growth, we must continue to implement additional operating and financial controls and may hire and train suitable personnel for these functions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so in the future, and our failure to do so could jeopardize our planned growth and seriously harm our operations.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4

We may encounter difficulties expanding into new businesses or industries, which may affect adversely our results of operations and financial condition.

We may encounter difficulties and face risks in connection with our expansion into new businesses or industries. We cannot assure you that our expansion into new businesses will be successful, as we may have limited experience in such industries. We cannot assure you that we will be able to generate sufficient profits to justify the costs of expanding into new businesses or industries. Any new business in which we invest or which we intend to develop may require our additional capital investment, research and development efforts, as well as our management's attention. If such new business does not progress as planned, our results of operations and financial condition may be affected adversely.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5

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

As part of our growth and product diversification strategy, we may continue to evaluate opportunities to acquire or invest in other businesses or existing businesses, intellectual property or technologies and expand the breadth of markets we can address or enhance our technical capabilities. For example, we acquired a total of 42,310,407 common shares from ADLINK Technology Inc. on March 12, 2020 in connection to the tender offer. Mergers, investments or acquisitions, such as the ADLINK share acquisition, that we have entered into and may enter into in the future entail a number of risks that could materially and adversely affect our business, operating and financial results, including, among others: - 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;- conflicts with joint venture partners;- adverse effect on our existing business relationships with customers;- need for financial resources above our planned investment levels;- 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; and - potential write-offs of acquired assets. 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 will likely 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 your 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. Please refer to "Item 4. Information on the Company-4.A. History and Development of the Company" for further details about the ADLINK share acquisition.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 10/65 (15%)Below Sector Average

Innovation / R&D3 | 4.6%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

Our future competitiveness and growth prospects could be affected adversely if we are unable to successfully expand or improve our fabs to meet market demand.

As part of our business growth strategy, we have been undertaking and may undertake in the future a number of significant capital expenditures for our fabs. The successful expansion of our fabs and commencement of commercial production is dependent upon a number of factors, including timely delivery of equipment and machinery and the hiring and training of new skilled personnel. Although we believe that we have the internal capabilities and know-how to expand our fabs and commence commercial production, no assurances can be given that we will be successful. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain from third parties, if necessary, the technology, intellectual property or know-how that may be required for the expansion or improvement of our fabs on acceptable terms. In addition, delays in the delivery of equipment and machinery as a result of increased demand for such equipment and machinery or the delivery of equipment and machinery that do not meet our specifications could delay the establishment, expansion or improvement of these fabs. Moreover, the expansion of our fabs may also be disrupted by governmental planning activities. If we face unforeseen disruptions in the installation, expansion and/or manufacturing processes with respect to our fabs, we may not be able to realize the potential gains and may face disruptions in capturing the growth opportunities.

Innovation / R&D - Risk 2

Our results of operations may be affected adversely if we cannot timely introduce new products or if our new products do not gain market acceptance.

Early product development by itself does not guarantee the success of a new product. Success also depends on other factors such as product acceptance by the market. New products are developed in anticipation of future demand. Our delay in the development of commercially successful products with anticipated technological advancement may adversely affect our business. We cannot assure you that the launch of any new product will be successful, or that we will be able to produce sufficient quantities of these products to meet market demand. We plan to continue to expand our operations to meet the needs of applications in televisions, monitors, mobile PCs and devices and commercial and other applications as demand increases. Because these products are expected to be marketed to a diversified group of end-users with demands for different specifications, functions and prices, we have developed different marketing strategies to promote our panels for these products. We cannot assure you that our strategies to expand our market share for these panels will be successful. If we fail to successfully market panels for these products, our results of operations will be adversely affected.

Innovation / R&D - Risk 3

If we cannot successfully introduce, develop or acquire advanced technologies, our profitability may suffer.

Technology and industry standards in the display panel industry evolve quickly, resulting in steep price declines in the advanced stages of a product's life cycle. To remain competitive, we must develop or acquire advanced manufacturing process technologies and build advanced technology fabs to lower production costs and enable the timely release of new products. In addition, we expect to utilize more advanced display technologies, such as curved display, OLED, quantum dot wide color gamut, high dynamic range ("HDR"), bezel-less, touch, 8K4K (7680 x 4320 pixel), mini LED, micro LED and other sensor technologies like fingerprinting, to develop new products. Our ability to manufacture products by utilizing more advanced manufacturing process technologies to increase production efficiency will be critical to our sustained competitiveness. We may undertake in the future a number of significant capital expenditures for advanced technology fabs and new capacity subject to market demand and our overall business strategy. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources." However, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in completing our planned growth or in the development of other future technologies for our fabs, or that we will be able to complete them without material delays or at the expected costs. If we fail to do so, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. We also cannot assure you that there will be no material delays in connection with our efforts to develop new technology and manufacture more technologically advanced products. If we fail to develop or make advancements in product technologies or manufacturing process technologies on a timely basis, we may become less competitive.

Trade Secrets5 | 7.7%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

If we lose the support of our technology partners or the legal rights to use our licensed manufacturing process or product technologies, our business may suffer.

Enhancing our manufacturing process and product technologies is critical to our ability to provide high-quality products to our customers at competitive prices. We intend to continue to advance our manufacturing process and product technologies through internal research and development and licensing from other companies. We currently have certain licensing arrangements with certain companies for product and manufacturing process technologies related to the production of certain products, including certain display panels. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-4.B. Business Overview-Intellectual Property-License Agreements." If we are unable to renew our technology licensing arrangements with some or all of these companies on mutually beneficial economic terms, we may lose the legal right to use certain of the processes and designs that we may have employed to manufacture our products. Similarly, if we cannot license or otherwise acquire or develop new manufacturing process and product technologies that are critical to the development of our business or products, we may lose important customers because we are unable to continue providing our customers with products based on advanced manufacturing process and product technologies. We have entered into patent and intellectual property license or cross-license agreements, some of which require periodic royalty payments. In the future, we may need to obtain additional patent licenses or renew existing license agreements. We cannot assure you that these license agreements can be obtained or renewed on acceptable terms, if at all. If these license agreements are not obtained or renewed on acceptable terms or at all, our business and future results of operations may be affected materially and adversely.

Trade Secrets - Risk 2

Disputes over intellectual property rights could be costly and deprive us of the technology to stay competitive.

As technology is an integral part of our manufacturing process and product, we have, in the past, received communications alleging that our products or processes infringe product or manufacturing process technology rights held by others, and expect to continue to receive such communications. We are involved in intellectual property disputes with third parties. There is no means of knowing all of the patent applications that have been filed in the United States or elsewhere and whether, if the applications are granted, such patents would have a material adverse effect on our business. If any third party were to make valid intellectual property infringement claims against our customers or us, we may be required to: - discontinue using disputed manufacturing process technologies;- pay substantial monetary damages;- seek to develop non-infringing technologies, which may not be feasible;- stop shipment to certain areas; and/or - seek to acquire licenses for certain technology, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. If our products or manufacturing processes are found to infringe third-party rights, we may be subject to significant liabilities and/or be required to change our manufacturing processes or products. Disputes over intellectual property rights could restrict us from making, using, selling or exporting some of our products, which in turn could affect materially and adversely our business and financial condition. In addition, any litigation, whether to enforce our patents or other intellectual property rights or to defend ourselves against claims that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of others, could affect materially and adversely our results of operations because of the management attention required and legal costs incurred. For detailed information regarding legal disputes we are involved in, please refer to "Item 8.A.7. Litigation."

Trade Secrets - Risk 3

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

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 law 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. Although we have patent applications pending, our pending patent applications and any future applications may not result in issued patents or may not be broad enough to protect our proprietary technologies. Moreover, policing any unauthorized use of our products is difficult and costly, and we cannot be certain that the measures 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 independently may develop substantially equivalent intellectual property or otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or intellectual property. Our failure to protect effectively our intellectual property could harm our business.

Trade Secrets - Risk 4

Our rapid introduction of new technologies and products may increase the likelihood that third parties will assert claims that our products infringe upon their proprietary rights.

Although we take and will continue to take steps to endeavor that our new products do not infringe upon valid third-party rights, the rapid technological changes that characterize our industry require that we quickly implement new processes and components with respect to our products. Often with respect to recently developed processes and components, a degree of uncertainty exists as to who may rightfully claim ownership rights in such processes and components. Uncertainty of this type increases the risk that claims alleging that such components or processes infringe upon third-party rights may be brought against us. If our products or manufacturing processes are found to infringe upon third-party rights, we may be subject to significant liabilities and be required to change our manufacturing processes or be prohibited from manufacturing certain products, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

Trade Secrets - Risk 5

We rely upon trade secrets and other unpatented proprietary know-how to maintain our competitive position in the industry and any loss of our rights to, or unauthorized disclosure of, our trade secrets or other unpatented proprietary know-how could affect adversely our business.

We rely upon trade secrets, unpatented proprietary know-how and information, as well as continuing technological innovation in our business. The information we rely upon includes price forecasts, core technology and key customer information. Our current standard employment agreement with our employees contains a confidentiality provision which generally provides that all inventions, ideas, discoveries, improvements and copyrightable material made or conceived by the individual arising out of the employment relationship and all confidential information developed or made known to the individual during the term of the relationship is our exclusive property. We cannot assure the enforceability of these types of agreements, or that they will not be breached. We also cannot be certain that we will have adequate remedies for any breach. The disclosure of our trade secrets or other know-how as a result of such a breach could adversely affect our business. Also, our competitors may come to know about or determine our trade secrets and other proprietary information through a variety of methods. Disputes may arise concerning the ownership of intellectual property or the applicability or enforceability of the relevant agreements and there can be no assurance that any such disputes would be resolved in our favor. Furthermore, others may acquire or independently develop similar technology, or if patents are not issued with respect to products arising from research, we may not be able to maintain information pertinent to such research as proprietary technology or trade secrets, and that could have an adverse effect on our competitive position within the industry.

Cyber Security1 | 1.5%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

A cybersecurity breach could interfere with our business operations, compromise confidential information, adversely impact our business reputation and operating results and potentially lead to litigation and other liabilities.

Cybersecurity threats continue to expand and evolve globally. While we actively take measures to manage information technology security risks, there can be no assurance that these measures will be sufficient to mitigate all potential risks to our system, networks and data. Cybersecurity is an integral part of our risk management program. Our cybersecurity response system involves a risk evaluation mechanism that categorizes and escalates different levels of cybersecurity risks towards different countermeasures. In general, our cybersecurity protocols react against lower-level cybersecurity risks within 24 hours and react against higher-level cybersecurity risks within eight hours. A failure or breach in our cybersecurity response system could expose us and our customers, vendors and suppliers to risks of unauthorized access to information technology systems, misuse and compromise of confidential information, manipulation and destruction of data. These occurrences may result in the disruption of our business operations and adversely affect our business reputation, market leadership, financial condition and results of operations. Cybersecurity breaches could also involve us in litigation with third parties, regulatory scrutiny and increase our costs from having to implement additional data protection measures.

Technology1 | 1.5%

Technology - Risk 1

Other flat panel display technologies or alternative display technologies could render our products uncompetitive.

We currently manufacture products primarily using TFT-LCD technology, which is currently one of the most commonly used flat panel display technologies. We may face competition from flat panel display manufacturers utilizing alternative flat panel technologies, such as OLED. OLED technology is currently at various stages of development and production by us and other display panel makers. OLED technologies may, in the future, gain wider market acceptance than TFT-LCD technology for application in certain consumer products, such as televisions, mobile phones, tablets and wearable devices. Failure to further refine our OLED technology or any other alternative display technology could render our products uncompetitive or obsolete, which in turn could cause our sales and revenues to decline. Moreover, if the various alternative flat panel technologies currently commercially available or in the research and development stage are developed to have better performance-to-price ratios and begin mass production, such technologies may pose a great challenge to TFT-LCD technology. Even though we seek to remain competitive through research and development of flat panel technologies, we may invest in research and development in certain technologies that do not come to fruition.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 9/65 (14%)Below Sector Average

Regulation4 | 6.2%

Regulation - Risk 1

Restrictions on the ability to deposit shares into our ADS facility may adversely affect the liquidity and price of our ADSs.

The ability to deposit shares into our ADS facility is restricted by ROC law. A significant number of withdrawals of shares underlying our ADSs would reduce the liquidity of our ADSs by reducing the number of ADSs outstanding. As a result, the prevailing market price of our ADSs may differ from the prevailing market price of our shares on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Under current ROC law, no person or entity, including you and us, may deposit its shares in our ADS facility without specific approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission of the Republic of China (the "FSC"), unless: (1)we pay stock dividends on our shares;(2)we make a free distribution of shares;(3)ADS holders exercise preemptive rights in the event of capital increases for cash; or (4)investors purchase our shares, directly or through the depositary, on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, and deliver our shares to the custodian for deposit into our ADS facility, or our existing shareholders deliver our shares to the custodian for deposit into our ADS facility. With respect to (4) above, the depositary may issue ADSs against the deposit of those shares only if the total number of ADSs outstanding following the deposit will not exceed the number of ADSs previously approved by the FSC, plus any ADSs issued pursuant to the events described in the subparagraph (1), (2) and (3) above. Issuance of additional ADSs under item (4) above will be permitted to the extent that previously issued ADSs have been canceled. In addition, in the case of a deposit of our shares requested under item (4) above, the depositary will refuse to accept deposit of our shares if such deposit is not permitted under any legal, regulatory or other restrictions notified by us to the depositary from time to time, which restrictions may specify blackout periods (during which deposits may not be made), minimum and maximum amounts and frequencies of deposits. Notwithstanding the above, per the directive issued by the FSC to us in connection with the FSC's review of the delisting of ADSs from the NYSE (Reference No. Zheng-Qi-Fa-Zi-1080335017), the total number of the ADSs permitted for trading in the over-the-counter market shall be capped at the outstanding number of the ADSs as of December 2, 2019, New York Time, which is 51,036,874 ADSs, and from December 3, 2019, New York Time, no additional reissuance after redemption of the ADSs will be permitted.

Regulation - Risk 2

The current restrictions imposed by the ROC government on investments in certain related businesses may limit our ability to compete with other display panel manufacturers that are permitted to establish display panel production operations in the PRC.

The ROC government imposes restrictions on investments made by Taiwan companies in the PRC, including, but not limited to, investments that relate to TFT-LCD manufacturing technology in the PRC. These restrictions limit our investment capacity in the PRC and may disadvantage us compared to other display panel manufacturers that are less restricted by their domestic regulators. Recently, the ROC government has alleviated some of the relevant regulatory restrictions by offering exemptions, such as making certain investments in and conducting research for the next generation of display panel technology in Taiwan, to allow Taiwan-based TFT-LCD manufacturers to apply to the MOEAIC for investing up to three 6-generation or more advanced TFT-LCD manufacturing fabs in the PRC if these TFT-LCD manufacturers use the same or higher-generation manufacturing technology in Taiwan. In addition, the MOEAIC now also permits Taiwan-based TFT-LCD manufacturers to make equity investments or conduct mergers with PRC-based companies. Many of our customers and competitors have expanded their businesses and operations to the PRC. To capture the growth trajectory of the PRC market and the lower production costs in the PRC, we started to invest in the PRC in 2002 with the establishment of a module-assembly facility. During the past few years, our investment and commercial presence in the PRC has significantly increased. As of December 31, 2019, we have 18 subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC. For further information of our PRC investments, see "Item 4. Information on the Company-4.C. Organizational Structure." Since some investment restrictions imposed by the ROC government are currently still effective, we cannot assure you that any of our future applications to the MOEAIC to make further investments in the PRC will be successful or timely approved. And as we do not know when or whether any of the ROC laws that govern the remaining investment restrictions in the PRC will be amended or repealed, we cannot assure you that future amendments to relevant ROC laws will enhance or hinder our capacity to invest in our commercial operations in the PRC; if amendments to relevant ROC laws impose further limitations on investing in the PRC, our business prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

Regulation - Risk 3

If we fail to overcome the duty barrier, our revenue will be materially affected.

There are some trade tensions in the international solar market, especially in the United States, where we are undertaking efforts to avoid or alleviate the impacts from the present and foreseeable anti-dumping duty ("AD"), and countervailing duty ("CVD") proceedings. However, we cannot guarantee that these efforts will be successful due to potential policy changes or other changes in the activities and practices of the various national trade authorities responsible for AD and CVD enforcement. Any material adverse change in trade policies and/or our failure to overcome any duty barrier could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operation.

Regulation - Risk 4

We may not be able to obtain or renew all licenses, approvals or permits necessary for our current and future operations.

Our current and future operations in Taiwan and other regions require a number of regulatory licenses, approvals and permits. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain licenses, approvals or permits necessary for our operations in these regions, or that upon the expiration of our existing licenses, approvals or permits, we will be able to successfully renew them. In addition, if the relevant authorities enact new regulations, we cannot assure you that we will be able to meet successfully such requirements. If we fail to obtain or renew the necessary regulatory licenses, approvals or permits, we may have to cease construction or operation of the relevant projects, be subject to fines, or face other penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we already obtained the licenses, approvals and permits, there could be parties or interest groups with different views who may take actions against the renewal of such licenses, approvals and permits, which may have an adverse effect on our business operations. For example, there have been environmental proceedings relating to the development project of the Central Taiwan Science Park in Houli, Taichung, where our second 8.5-generation fab is located. See "Item 8. Financial Information-Item 8.A.7. Litigation."

Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 3.1%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings concerning matters arising from our business and operations, and as a result we may face significant liabilities. If we or our employees are found to have violated any applicable law, including antitrust and competition laws in pending actions or new claims, or if our appeals regarding such violations are not successful, we may be subject to severe fines or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings concerning matters arising from our business and operations, primarily related to the development and the sale of our products, including patent infringements, investigations by government authorities such as antitrust investigations and proceedings and other legal matters. In addition, we may have compliance issues with regulatory bodies in the course of our operations, which may subject us to administrative proceedings and unfavorable decrees that result in liabilities and cause delays to our production. Our products may also be subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duty proceedings as a result of protectionist measures adopted by governments in any of our export markets. We may be involved in other proceedings or disputes in the future that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See "Item 8. Financial Information-8.A.7. Litigation" for a discussion of certain legal proceedings in which we are involved. We may be subject to other new claims, charges or investigations. Defending against any of these pending or future actions will likely be costly and time-consuming and could significantly divert management's efforts and resources. The ultimate outcome of the pending investigations cannot be predicted with certainty. Any penalties, fines, damages or settlements made in connection with these criminal, civil and/or administrative investigations and/or lawsuits may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and future prospects.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2

You may not be able to enforce a judgment of a foreign court in the ROC.

We are a company limited by shares and incorporated under the ROC Company Act. Most of our directors and executives, and some of the experts named herein, are residents of the ROC. As a result, it may be difficult for holders of our shares or ADSs to enforce against us judgments obtained outside the ROC, including those predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. It is also not entirely certain that an action for civil liability predicated solely on the United States federal securities laws could be brought directly in the ROC courts.

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 1.5%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

Any disagreement between applicable tax authorities and us with respect to our tax estimates, adverse changes in tax law, and any noncompliance with changes in tax laws or their application could adversely affect our results of operations.

We are subject to income taxes in Taiwan and many foreign jurisdictions and might be under tax audit by local tax authorities within certain assessment periods. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits could be materially different from our recorded income tax accruals. For example, our taxable income in any jurisdiction depends on the acceptance of our operational practices and intercompany transfer pricing by local tax authorities as being on an arm's-length basis. In addition, each country's tax authority has its own regulations on transfer pricing and its own interpretations of those regulations, such as China State Administration of Taxation Public Notice [2017] No. 6, which regulates the special tax investigation and adjustment. Due to inconsistencies in the application of the arm's-length standard among taxing authorities, as well as a lack of adequate treaty-based protection, challenges to transfer pricing by tax authorities could, if successful, substantially increase our income tax liability and interest expense. As a multinational enterprise, we are subject to distinct tax regulations in multiple jurisdictions; these different regulations may change adversely over time, which can materially impact our business. For example, although we file a country-by-country reporting return that requires us to disclose the global allocation of our business income, taxes paid, and select indicators of economic activity in the tax jurisdictions where we have business operations, we cannot assure you that the relevant tax authority in every tax jurisdiction in which we operate will consider our transfer pricing policy acceptable. Any increase in tax liability, tax penalty or tax-related interest could adversely affect our financial position and results of operation. In addition, many countries where we have commercial operations may amend their tax laws in accordance with the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project as set out by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Rapid shifts in tax regulation can increase our risk of regulatory incompliance in the relevant jurisdiction.

Environmental / Social2 | 3.1%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

Regulations related to conflict minerals could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, which are defined as cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, gold, wolframite or their derivatives and other minerals determined by the U.S. government to be financing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012, the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals in their products. These requirements require companies that manufacture or contract to manufacture products for which conflict minerals are necessary to the functionality or production to begin scrutinizing the origin of conflict minerals in their products starting from January 1, 2013, and file Form SD, containing the conflict minerals disclosure for the prior calendar year, beginning May 31, 2014. We may be subject to the new disclosure requirements related to the conflict minerals. There will be costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including costs for diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes to products, processes or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. The implementation of these rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict-free" minerals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary "conflict-free" minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, we may face adverse effects to our reputation if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals to be not conflict-free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products through the procedures we may implement.

Environmental / Social - Risk 2

If we violate environmental regulations, we may be subject to fines or restrictions that could cause our operations to be delayed or interrupted and our business to suffer.

Our operations can expose us to the risk of environmental claims that could result in damages awarded or fines imposed against us. We must comply with regulations relating to storage, handling, generation, treatment, emission, release, discharge and disposal of certain materials and wastes resulting from our manufacturing processes. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-4.B. Business Overview-Environmental Matters." In the past, we incurred small fines for failure to meet certain effluent standards and air pollution control regulations. Future changes to existing environmental regulations or unknown contamination of our sites, including contamination by prior owners and operators of our sites, may give rise to additional compliance costs or potential exposure to liability for environmental claims that may seriously affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may face possible disruptions in our manufacturing and production facilities caused by environmental activists, which may affect adversely our business operations.

Production

Total Risks: 9/65 (14%)Above Sector Average

Manufacturing3 | 4.6%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

If we are unable to manufacture successfully our products within the acceptable range of quality, our results of operations could be affected adversely.

Display panel manufacturing processes are complex and involve a number of precise steps. Defective production can result from a number of factors, including, but not limited to: - the level of contaminants in the manufacturing environment;- human error;- equipment malfunction;- use of substandard raw materials and components; and - inadequate sample testing. From time to time, we have experienced, and may in the future experience, lower than anticipated production yields as a result of the above factors, particularly in connection with the expansion of our capacity or change in our manufacturing processes. We remediate our customers mainly through repairing or replacing the defective products or refunding the purchase price relating to defective products if they are within the warranty period. We recognize a provision for warranty obligations based on the estimated costs that we expect to incur under our basic limited warranty for our products, which includes the provision of replacement parts and after-sale service for our products. The warranty provision is largely based on historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and therefore we cannot provide assurance that the provision would be sufficient to cover any surge in future warranty expenses that significantly exceed historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims. In addition, our production yield on new products will be lower than average as we develop the necessary expertise and experience to produce those products. If we fail to maintain high production yields and high-quality production standards, our reputation may suffer and our customers may cancel their orders or return our panels for rework, which could affect adversely our results of operations.

Manufacturing - Risk 2

Our manufacturing processes are highly complex, costly and potentially vulnerable to disruptions that can significantly increase our production costs and delay product shipments to our customers.

Our manufacturing processes are highly complex, require advanced and costly equipment and are modified periodically to improve manufacturing yields and production efficiency. We face the risk of production difficulties from time to time that could cause delivery delays and reduced production yields. These production difficulties include capacity constraints, construction delays, difficulties in upgrading or expanding existing facilities, difficulties in changing our manufacturing technology and delays in the delivery or relocation of specialized equipment. We may encounter these difficulties in connection with the adoption of new manufacturing process technologies. We cannot assure you that we will be able to develop and expand our fabs without equipment delays or difficulties, or that we will not encounter manufacturing difficulties in the future.

Manufacturing - Risk 3

If we are unable to achieve high-capacity utilization rates, our results of operations will be affected adversely.

High-capacity utilization rates allow us to allocate fixed costs over a greater number of products produced. Increases or decreases in capacity utilization rates can impact significantly our gross margins. Accordingly, our ability to maintain or improve our gross margins will continue to depend, in part, on achieving high-capacity utilization rates. In turn, our ability to achieve high-capacity utilization rates will depend on the ramp-up progress of our advanced production facilities and our ability to efficiently and effectively allocate production capacity among our product lines, as well as the demand for our products and our ability to offer products that meet our customers' requirements at competitive prices. From time to time, our results of operations in the past have been adversely affected by low capacity utilization rates. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve high-capacity utilization rates in 2020 or beyond. If we are unable to efficiently ramp-up our production facilities for advanced technology or demand for our products does not meet our expectations, our capacity utilization rates will decrease, our gross margins will suffer and our results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.

Employment / Personnel3 | 4.6%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

The loss of any key management personnel or the undue distraction of any such personnel may disrupt our business.

Our success depends on the continued services of key senior management, including our Chairman and President. If any legal proceedings are brought against our senior management in the future, these proceedings may divert such senior management's attention from our business operations. Our reputation may also be harmed as a result of any negative publicity associated with these charges or otherwise. Although our talent development committee, a high-level committee that comprises the Chairman, President and other senior executives, convenes quarterly to review our mid-and long-term strategic positioning for talent acquisition, organizational risk indicators and development of our senior managers, there can be no assurance that we will not lose the services of key senior management personnel. If we are not able to find suitable replacements or integrate replacement personnel in a timely manner or at all, our business operations will suffer material harm. In addition, our continuing growth will, to a large extent, depend on the attention of key management personnel to our day-to-day affairs. If any of our key management personnel is unable to devote enough time to our company, our operations may be affected adversely. We do not carry key person life insurance for any of our senior management personnel.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

If we are not able to attract and retain skilled technical personnel, including research and development and other personnel, our operations and planned growth would be affected adversely.

Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain skilled employees, particularly engineering and technical personnel in the research and development and manufacturing processing areas. We also have established a professional on-the-job training program for employees. Without a sufficient number of skilled employees, our operations and production quality could suffer. Competition for qualified technical personnel and operators in Taiwan and many other places where we operate is intense and the replacement of skilled employees is difficult. We may encounter this problem in the future, as we require an increased number of skilled employees for any expansion we may choose to undertake if market demand arises. If we are unable to attract and retain our technical personnel and other employees, this may adversely affect our business and our operating efficiency may deteriorate.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 3

If we violate labor regulations, we may be subject to fines or restrictions that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We must comply with the various labor regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. The cost of compliance with such regulations may increase as regulations change or new regulations are adopted. For instance, China has been experiencing rapid changes in its labor policies and it is uncertain how any such changes in China as well as other jurisdictions will impact our current employment policies and practices. Our employment policies and practices may violate current or future laws and we may be subject to related penalties, fines or legal fees. In addition, compliance with any new labor regulations may increase our operating expenses as we may incur substantial administrative and staffing cost.

Supply Chain2 | 3.1%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

If we are unable to obtain raw materials and components in suitable quantity and quality from our suppliers, our production schedules would be delayed and we may lose substantial customers.

Raw materials and component costs represent a substantial portion of our cost of goods sold. We must obtain sufficient quantities of raw materials and components of the right quality at acceptable prices and in a timely manner. We source most of our raw materials and components, including critical materials like Backlight ("B/L"), driver ICs, glass substrates, Printed Circuit Board Assembly ("PCBA") and polarizer from a limited group of suppliers, both foreign and domestic. Our operations would be affected adversely if we could not obtain raw materials and components in sufficient quantity and quality at acceptable prices. We may also experience difficulties in sourcing adequate supplies for our operations if there is a ramp-up of production capacity by display panel manufacturers, including our company, without a corresponding increase in the supply of raw materials and components. Further, our suppliers may also face shortage in supply of their key raw materials. The impact of any shortage in raw materials and components will be magnified as we establish new fabs and/or continue to increase our production capacity. We depend on supplies of certain principal raw materials and components mainly from suppliers with production in certain jurisdictions, such as Taiwan, Japan and Korea. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain sufficient quantities of raw materials, components and other supplies of an acceptable quality in the future. Our inability to obtain raw materials and components of the right quality in a timely and cost-effective manner or our suppliers' failure in obtaining their raw materials may cause us to delay our production and delivery schedules, which may result in the loss of our customers and revenues.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

If we are unable to obtain equipment and services from our suppliers, we may be forced to delay our planned growth.

We have purchased, and expect to purchase, a substantial portion of our equipment from foreign suppliers for our new capacity and advanced technology fabs. These foreign suppliers also provide assembly, testing and/or maintenance services for our purchased equipment. From time to time, increased demand for new equipment may cause lead time to extend beyond those normally required by equipment vendors. For example, in the past, increased demand for equipment caused some equipment suppliers to satisfy only partially our equipment orders in the normal time frame. The unavailability of equipment, delays in the delivery of equipment or the delivery of equipment that does not meet our specifications could delay implementation of our planned growth and impair our ability to meet customer orders. Furthermore, if our equipment vendors are unable to provide assembly, testing and/or maintenance services in a timely manner for any reasons, our planned growth may be adversely affected. In addition, the availability or the timely supply of equipment and services from our suppliers and vendors also could be affected by factors such as natural disasters. We may have to use assembly, testing and/or maintenance service providers with which we have no established relationship, which could expose us to potentially unfavorable pricing, unsatisfactory quality or insufficient capacity allocation. As a result of these risks, we may be unable to implement our planned growth on schedule or in line with customer expectations, and our business may be materially and adversely affected.

Costs1 | 1.5%

Costs - Risk 1

We may experience losses on inventories.

Frequent new product introductions in the technology industry can result in a decline in the selling prices of our products and the obsolescence of our existing inventory. This can result in a decrease in the stated value of our inventory, which we value at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We manage our inventory based on our customers' and our own forecasts. Although we regularly make adjustments based on market conditions, we typically deliver our goods to our customers several weeks after a firm order is placed. While we maintain open channels of communication with our major customers to avoid unexpected decreases in firm orders or subsequent changes to placed orders, and try to minimize our inventory levels, such actions by our customers may have a material adverse effect on our inventory management and our results of operations.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 9/65 (14%)Above Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment2 | 3.1%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

A slowdown in the global economy could affect materially and adversely our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A slowdown in the global economy could adversely affect the market demand and result in a negative impact on electronic products sales from which we generate our income. A global economic downturn could also lead to a slowdown in our business, with side effects including significant decreases in orders from our customers, insolvency of key suppliers resulting in raw material constraints and product delays, inability of customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products and/or customer insolvencies and counterparty failures negatively impacting our operations. Because of such factors, we believe the level of demand for our products and projections of future revenue and operating results will be difficult to predict. If any economic downturn occurs in the future, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be affected materially and adversely.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2

If economic conditions in Taiwan change drastically or there are disruptions in Taiwan's political environment, our current business, future growth and market price of our shares could be affected materially and adversely.

Most of our assets and operations are located in Taiwan and approximately 31.0% of our net revenue was derived from customers in Taiwan in 2019. Therefore, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be affected by changes in ROC government policies, taxation, inflation, interest rates and general economic conditions in Taiwan, as well as the global economies. Our business and financial condition may also be affected by changes in local governmental policies and political and social instability. Taiwan has a unique international political status. The PRC government asserts sovereignty over mainland China and Taiwan and does not recognize the legitimacy of the government of the ROC. The PRC government has indicated that it may use military force to gain control over Taiwan if Taiwan declares independence or if Taiwan refuses to accept the PRC's stated "One China" policy. In addition, on March 14, 2005, the National People's Congress of the PRC passed what is widely referred to as the "anti-secession" law, a law authorizing the PRC military to respond to efforts by Taiwan to seek formal independence. An increase in tensions between the ROC and the PRC and the possibility of instability and uncertainty could adversely affect the prices of our ADSs and our shares. It is unclear what effects any of the events described above may have on relations with the PRC. Relations between Taiwan and the PRC and other factors affecting Taiwan's political environment could affect our business.

International Operations1 | 1.5%

International Operations - Risk 1

Our planned international expansion poses additional risks and could fail, which could cost us valuable resources and adversely affect our results of operations.

To meet our clients' requirements, we have expanded our operations internationally, which has led to operations across many countries. For example, we have established a 6-generation LTPS fab in Kunshan, PRC in November 2016, to produce LTPS panels for high-end applications to provide services to our customers in China and other regions. If a suitable opportunity or condition arises, we may continue to expand into new geographic areas. We intend to run our operations in compliance with local regulations, such as tax, civil, environmental and other laws in conjunction with our business activities in each country where we may have a presence or operations. However, there are inherent legal, financial and operational risks involved in having international operations. We may encounter different challenges due to differences in local market conditions, culture, government policies, regulations and taxation. In addition, we may also face established competitors with stronger local experience, more familiarity with the local regulations and practices and better relationships with local suppliers, contractors and purchasers. We cannot assure you that we will be able to develop successfully and expand our international operations or we will be able to overcome the significant obstacles and risks of international operations. If our international expansion plans are unsuccessful or do not deliver an appropriate return on our investments, our results of operations, financial condition and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

Natural and Human Disruptions4 | 6.2%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Climate change, other environmental concerns and green initiatives also present other commercial challenges, economic risks and physical risks that could harm our results of operations or affect the manner in which we conduct our business.

There is increasing concern that climate change is occurring and may adversely affect commercial activity. Public expectations for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could result in increased energy, transportation and raw material costs. Scientific examination of, political attention to, and regulations on, issues surrounding the existence and extent of climate change may raise our cost of production through the increase in the price of energy and additional levy of energy or carbon tax. Various regulations that focus on restricting or managing emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases have recently been adopted by many countries. These regulatory and legislative developments could negatively affect our commercial operations. For example, emission-reporting obligations in newly enacted environmental regulations in the ROC could increase our compliance costs and insurance premiums, which may adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition. Furthermore, energy costs in general could increase significantly due to climate change regulations and raise the cost for purchasing emission credits, new equipment or raw materials. Our energy costs may subsequently increase if utility or power companies and suppliers pass on their costs, fully or partially, to us through these indirect channels such as carbon taxation, emission cap and carbon credit trading programs.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2

We and many of our customers and suppliers are vulnerable to natural disasters and other events outside of our control, which may seriously disrupt our operations.

Most of our existing manufacturing operations, and the operations of many of our customers and suppliers, are located in areas including Taiwan, the PRC, Japan, Singapore and Korea. Some locations are vulnerable to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons. We cannot assure you that natural disasters will not happen and will not have adverse impact on our operations in the future. Any disruption of operations at our fabs or the facilities of our customers and suppliers for any reason, including earthquakes, typhoons or other natural disasters, work stoppages, power outages, water supply shortages and fire, etc., could cause delays in or disrupt production and shipments of our products and raw materials. Any delays or disruptions could result in our customers seeking to source our products from other manufacturers. In addition, shortages or suspension of power supplies have occurred occasionally, and have disrupted our operations. The occurrence of a power outage or voltage sags in the future could seriously hurt our business. Besides, our manufacturing processes require a substantial amount of water. Although currently a significant portion of the water used in our production process is recycled in Taiwan, our production operations may be seriously disrupted by water shortages. We may encounter droughts in Taiwan and the PRC in the future, where most of our current or future manufacturing sites are located. If another drought were to occur and we or the authorities were unable to source water from alternative sources in sufficient quantity, we may be required to shut down temporarily or substantially reduce the operations of these fabs, which would affect seriously our operations. In addition, even if we were able to source water from alternative sources, our reliance on supplemental water supplies would increase our operating costs. Furthermore, the disruption of operations at our customers' facilities could lead to reduced demand for our products. The occurrence of any of these events in the future could affect adversely our business.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 3

We face risks related to health epidemics and outbreaks of contagious disease.

In the recent years, there have been reports of outbreaks of highly pathogenic diseases in Asia and other parts of the world. The 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. Since most of our operations and customers and suppliers have a presence in Asia (mainly in Taiwan and the PRC), an outbreak of 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.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 4

Added

We face risks related to the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks.

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, PRC. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. To date, the COVID-19 outbreak has caused significant disruption to the financial markets and international supply chains, which can substantially depress global business activities, restrict access to capital and result in a long-term economic downturn that would negatively affect our operating results. Any interruption to our supply chain can cause shortages in materials and labor supplies that are key to our commercial operations and negatively impact our business results. While there have been intensifying efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 by the governments of the countries and territories affected, the extent to which the COVID-19 impacts our results is highly uncertain and depends on future developments, including new information that emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others.

Capital Markets2 | 3.1%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

If the NT dollar or other currencies in which our sales, raw materials and components, capital expenditures and certain assets are denominated fluctuate significantly against the U.S. dollar, the Japanese yen or the Renminbi, our financial condition and results of operation may be affected seriously.

We have significant foreign currency exposure and are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates among the U.S. dollar, the Japanese yen, the NT dollar, the Renminbi and other currencies. Our sales, raw materials and components, capital expenditures and certain assets are denominated mainly in U.S. dollars, Japanese yen, NT dollars and Renminbi in varying amounts. For example, in 2019, approximately 93.7% of our net revenue was denominated in U.S. dollars. During the same period, approximately 72.2%, 14.4% and 11.0% of our raw materials and component costs were denominated in U.S. dollars, Japanese yen and NT dollars, respectively. In addition, in 2019, approximately 44.5%, 26.9%, 14.0% and 13.6% of our total capital expenditures (principally for the purchase of equipment) were denominated in NT dollars, Japanese yen, U.S. dollars and Renminbi, respectively. Also, results of operation of our foreign subsidiaries are accounted for in foreign currencies before their consolidation into our financial result. During periods of weakening foreign currencies, the value of certain assets of our foreign subsidiaries could be substantially reduced in NT dollars. Although from time to time, we enter into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposure, we may not be able to hedge all of the exposure, including foreign exchange exposure relating to the value of our foreign currency-denominated assets. We cannot assure you that we will fully minimize the risk against exchange rate fluctuations and the impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Capital Markets - Risk 2

Disruptions in the international trading environment and changing international trade regulation may seriously decrease our international sales.

A majority of our net revenue is derived from sales to customers located outside of Taiwan. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, sales to our overseas customers accounted for approximately 68.2%, 67.7% and 69.0%, respectively, of our net revenue. In addition, a significant portion of our sales to customers in Taiwan and PRC is made to major brand customers or their procurement entities located in Taiwan and the PRC. We expect sales to customers outside of Taiwan to continue to represent a significant portion of our net revenue. As a result, our business will continue to be vulnerable to disruptions in the international trading environment, including those caused by adverse changes in foreign government regulations, political unrest, international economic downturns, terrorist attacks and military unrest. These disruptions in the international trading environment may affect the demand for our products and change the terms upon which we sell our products overseas, which could seriously decrease our international sales. In addition, our ability to compete effectively could be materially and adversely affected by a number of factors relating to international trade regulation. Higher tariffs, duties or our failure to comply with trade regulations could restrict our ability to export products or compete effectively with our competitors, resulting in a decrease in our international sales. For example, the display panel industry in Taiwan may be negatively impacted by the trilateral Free Trade Agreement (the "FTA") among China, South Korea and Japan, under which tariff reduction may covers several areas of trade including display panels. The 16th round of FTA negotiations was held in Seoul in November 2019, with an aim of liberalization at a higher level than the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (the "RCEP"). At this stage, the FTA is unlikely to have an immediate effect on our business operations as the FTA is still under negotiation. Currently, the United States is undergoing political changes, which have created uncertainties for future United States trade policy developments. The U.S. administration has also shown inclinations to withdraw the United States from the World Trade Organization, which can lead to greater economic instability. Since mid-2018, political tensions have increased between the United States and the PRC and have escalated into a tariff war. Although on January 15, 2020, the United States and the PRC signed the Phase One trade deal, which officially agreed to the rollback of tariffs, expansion of trade purchases and renewed commitments on intellectual property, technology transfer and currency practices, any future readoption or expansion of United States trade restrictions and tariffs, quotas and embargoes, or further escalation of the United States and PRC trade war, could adversely impact our business operations.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 7/65 (11%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 1.5%

Competition - Risk 1

We operate in a highly competitive environment and we may not be able to sustain our current market position if we fail to compete successfully.

The markets for our products are highly competitive. We experience pressure on our prices and profit margins, due largely to additional and growing industry capacity from competitors in Taiwan, Korea, Japan and the PRC. The ability to manufacture on a large scale with greater cost efficiencies is a competitive advantage in our industry. Some of our competitors have expanded through mergers and acquisitions. Some of our competitors have greater access to capital and substantially greater production, research and development, intellectual property, marketing and other resources than we do. Some of our competitors have announced their plans to develop, and have already invested substantial resources in new capacity. Our competitors may be able to grasp the market opportunities before us by introducing new products using such capacity. In addition, some of our larger competitors have more extensive intellectual property portfolios than ours, which they may use to their advantage when negotiating cross-licensing agreements for technologies. As a result, these companies may be able to compete more aggressively over a longer period of time than we can. The principal elements of competition in the display industry include: - price;- product performance features and quality;- customer service, including product design support;- ability to reduce production cost;- ability to provide sufficient quantity of products to fulfill customers' needs;- research and development, including the ability to develop new technologies;- time-to-market; and - access to capital and financing ability. Our ability to compete successfully in the display industry also depends on factors beyond our control, including industry and general political and economic conditions as well as currency fluctuations.

Demand4 | 6.2%

Demand - Risk 1

Our net revenue and results of operations depend on continuing demand for televisions, monitors, mobile PCs and devices and commercial and other applications with display panels. Our sales may not grow at the rate we expect if there is a downturn in the demand for, or a further decrease in the selling prices of, panels for these products.

Currently, our total sales are derived principally from customers using our products in televisions, monitors, mobile PCs and devices, and commercial and other applications with display devices. For example, a substantial percentage of our sales are derived from our panels and other related products for televisions, which accounted for approximately 44.7%, 36.8% and 32.5% of our net revenue in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We will continue to be dependent on the growth of the televisions, monitors, mobile PCs and devices, and commercial and other applications for a substantial portion of our net revenue, and any downturn in these industries would result in reduced demand for our products, reduced net revenue, lower selling prices and/or reduced margins, and our business prospects and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Demand - Risk 2

Our industry is cyclical, with recurring periods of capacity increases. As a result, price fluctuations in response to supply and demand imbalances could harm our results of operations.

The display panel industry in general is characterized by cyclical market conditions. From time to time, the industry has been subject to imbalances between excess supply and a slowdown in demand, and in certain periods, resulting in declines in selling prices. For example, the average selling price per square meter for our large-size panels decreased by 15% in 2019 compared to 2018. In addition, capacity expansion anticipated in the display panel industry may lead to excess capacity. Capacity expansion in the display panel industry may be due to scheduled ramp-up of new fabs, and any large increases in capacity as a result of such expansion could further drive down the selling prices of our panels, which would affect our results of operations. We cannot assure you that any continuing or further decrease in selling prices or future downturns resulting from excess capacity or other factors affecting the industry will not be severe or that any such continuation, decrease or downturn would not seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to maintain or increase our revenues will primarily depend upon our ability to maintain market share, increase unit sales of existing products and introduce and sell new products that offset the anticipated fluctuation and long-term declines in the selling prices of our existing products. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain or expand market share, increase unit sales, and introduce and sell new products, to the extent necessary to compensate for market oversupply.

Demand - Risk 3

Changed

We depend on a small number of customers for a substantial portion of our net revenue, and a loss of any one of these customers, a significant decrease in orders from any of these customers or difficulty in collecting of accounts receivable would result in the loss of a significant portion of our net revenue and/or material adverse effect on our results of operation.

We depend on a small number of customers for a substantial portion of our business. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, our five largest customers accounted for approximately 39.0%, 36.6% and 38.7%, respectively, of our net revenue. In addition, our major customer, Samsung Group, individually accounted for more than 10% of our net revenue in the last three years, which were 12.8%, 11.5% and 12.3% of our net revenue in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. In recent years, our major customers have varied due to changes in our product mix. We expect that we will continue to depend on a relatively small number of customers for a significant portion of our net revenue and may continue to experience fluctuations in the distribution of our sales among our largest customers as we periodically adjust our product mix. Our ability to maintain close and satisfactory relationships with our customers is important to the ongoing success and profitability of our business. Our ability to attract potential customers is also critical to the success of our business. If any of our significant customers reduces, delays or cancels its orders for any reason, or the financial condition of our key customers deteriorates, our business could be seriously harmed. Similarly, a failure to manufacture sufficient quantities of products to meet the demands of these customers may cause us to lose customers, which may affect adversely the profitability of our business as a result. Furthermore, if we experience difficulties in the collection of our accounts receivables from our major customers, our results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.

Demand - Risk 4

Added

Concentration of our operations in one geographic area may increase our risk of production loss.

Our assets and operations are currently concentrated in one geographic area: the Greater China region (including the ROC and the PRC). For information on our principal facilities see "Item 4. Information on the Company-4.D. Property, Plants and Equipment". Because our operations are not as diversified geographically, the success of our operations and our profitability may be disproportionately exposed to the effect of regional events, including: fluctuations in prices of raw materials, accidents or natural disasters, viruses, restrictive governmental regulations, curtailment of production, interruption in the availability of gathering, processing, or transportation infrastructure and services, and any resulting delays or interruptions of production from existing or planned production sites. Our concentration in Greater China, in particular, can also expose us to politically related risks, such as changes in region-wide government policies, which could adversely affect development activities or production. Although we have business interruption insurance for our production facilities, our business and results of operations may be significantly challenged if production at, transportation from or access to our production facilities in Greater China were interrupted by the above mentioned risks.

Sales & Marketing2 | 3.1%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

We may experience declines in the selling prices of our products irrespective of cyclical fluctuations in the industry.

The selling prices of our products have declined in general and are expected to continually decline with time irrespective of industry-wide cyclical fluctuations as a result of, among other factors, technology advancements and cost reductions. Although we may be able to take advantage of the higher selling prices typically associated with new products and technologies when they are first introduced into the market, prices decline over time and in certain cases, very rapidly as a result of market competition. If we are unable to anticipate effectively and counter the price erosion that accompanies our products, or if the selling prices of our products decrease faster than the rate at which we are able to reduce our manufacturing costs, our profit margins will be affected adversely and our results of operations and financial condition may be affected materially and adversely.

Sales & Marketing - Risk 2

Our customers generally do not place purchase orders far in advance, which makes it difficult for us to predict our future revenues and allocate capacity efficiently and in a timely manner.

Our customers generally provide rolling forecasts several months in advance of, and do not place firm purchase orders until several weeks before, the expected shipment date. There is no assurance that there will not be unexpected decreases in firm orders or subsequent changes to placed orders from our customers. In addition, due to the cyclical nature of the display panel industry, our customers' purchase orders have varied significantly from period to period. As a result, we do not typically operate with any significant backlog. The lack of significant backlog makes it difficult for us to forecast our revenues in future periods. Moreover, we incur expenses and adjust inventory levels of raw materials and components based on customers' forecast, and we may be unable to allocate production capacity in a timely manner to compensate for shortfalls in sales. We expect that, in the future, our sales in any quarter will continue to be dependent substantially upon purchase orders received in that quarter. The inability to adjust production costs, to obtain necessary raw materials and components or to allocate production capacity quickly to respond to the demand for our products may affect our ability to maximize results of operations, which may result in a negative impact on the value of your investment in the ADSs or our shares.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

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