Cando, a Taiwan-based TFT LCD color filter (CF) maker, has raised NT$3.6 billion (about US$108 million) by issuing 200 million shares. The money will be used to fund expansion at its 4.5G plant, according to company chairman Bishop Chen.
The company plans to invest a total of NT$5.4 billion to build a new line at its 4.5G plant, with NT$3.6 billion coming from the share issue and NT$1.8 billion from bank loans, said general manager Willy Win. The new line will have a monthly processing capacity of 80,000 substrates and produce more than 60,000 CFs, he added.
The CF maker aims to generate a net EPS of NT$2 in 2004, up from a net loss per share of NT$1.51 in 2003, Win said. The positive outlook is based on strong TFT LCD demand this year as well as operational assistance from AUO (AU Optronics), he explained.
AUO acquired a 28% stake of Cando this March and has been cooperating with the CF maker on development projects. Cando’s yield at its 3.5G plant has reached 88-94%, boosting monthly output to 60,000 CFs, Win said.
Article translated by Carrie Yu and edited by Carrie Yu
