- 5 February 2005 -

ASE 'best year ever'

Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc, the largest independent provider of IC packaging and testing services reported unaudited consolidated net revenues of NT$22,2m for 4Q04, up 20% year-over-year and up 1% sequentially.

Net income for 4Q totaled NT$680m, down 68% year-over-year and down 65% sequentially. Earnings per share for t4Q was NT16c down 72% year-over-year and down 67% sequentially.

For the full year of 2004, revenues were NT$81,7m , up 43% compared to 2003. Net income was NT$6.3m compared to NT$2,7m in 2003. EPS was NT$1.58, or US$0.232 per ADS, grew 116% compared with 2003 results.

"2004 is definitely the best year ever in ASE's history. Our revenue grew 43% year over year, making us the undisputable leader in our industry. We completed the merger of ASE Chung Li and ASE Material, which greatly improved our overall operation efficiency.

"The acquisition of NEC's IC packaging and testing operation in Japan provided us with a strategic beachhead to further penetrate into the Japanese market. We are very pleased with our overall performance in 2004," commented ASE chairman Jason Chang.

"We still hold a very positive view moving into 2005. Despite that the semiconductor industry growth may decelerate this year, ASE is still very confident to outgrow the overall industry and our peer group.

"As the industry goes through a mild growth stage, we shall take advantage of this window to further strengthen our fundamentals and prepare ourselves for the next industry upturn."