zk1414282.htm


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

FORM 20-F/A
Amendment No.1

 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
Commission File number: 0-24790
_______________________________________________
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter and translation of registrant’s name into English)
________________________________________________________________________________
 
Israel
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Ramat Gavriel Industrial Park
P.O.  Box 619, Migdal Haemek 23105, Israel

(Address of principal executive offices)

Nati Somekh, +972-4-6506109, natiso@towersemi.com;
Ramat Gavriel Industrial Park  P.O. Box 619, Migdal Haemek 23105, Israel
_____________________________________
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Ordinary Shares, par value New Israeli
Shekels 15.00 per share
 
NASDAQ Global Select Market
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
 
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:  None
 
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 22,311,513 Ordinary Shares.
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  
 
Yes o    No x
 
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  
 
Yes o    No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  
 
Yes x    No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).             
 
Yes o    No o
 
 
 

 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer  o          Accelerated filer  o          Non-accelerated filer  x
 
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
 
US GAAP x
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  o
Other  o
 
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.  
 
Item 17 o    Item 18 o
 
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  
 
Yes o    No x

 
(iii)

 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
This Amendment No. 1 to Form 20-F amends our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2013, to include a revised report of Brightman Almagor Zohar &Co., the Company’s public registered independent accounting firm, which contains a reference to the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss included in this Annual Report.  No other change has been made to the consolidated financial statements. We have included additional disclosure at the end of Item 5 B.

Since the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission require that any Item of Form 20-F which is being amended must be filed in its entirety, this Amendment also includes Items 5, 8, 18 and 19 of our 20-F in their entirety. Except as described above, no change has been made to such Items or to any other portion of the Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed on April 30, 2013. The filing of this Amendment does not, and does not purport to, otherwise amend, update or restate the information in the Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed on April 30, 2013 or reflect any events that have occurred after such date.
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
 
 
A.
OPERATING RESULTS
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 and related notes and the information contained elsewhere in this annual report. Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”).
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Revenue Recognition.
 
Our net revenues are generated principally from sales of semiconductor wafers. We also derive revenues from engineering and design support and other technical and support services. The majority of our revenue is achieved through the efforts of our direct sales force.
 
In accordance with ASC Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition”, we recognize revenues from sale of products when the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. These criteria are usually met at the time of product shipment. Revenues are recognized when the acceptance criteria are satisfied, based on performing electronic, functional and quality tests on the products prior to shipment. Such company testing reliably demonstrates that the products meet all of the specified acceptance criteria.
 
 
 

 
 
Revenues for engineering, design and other support services are recognized ratably over the contract term or as services are performed.
 
Advances received from customers towards future engineering services, and/or product purchases are deferred until services are rendered or products are shipped to the customer.
 
Revenue relating to a turn-key agreement with an Asian entity are recognized based on ASC 605-35 (formerly SOP 81-1 “Accounting for Performance of Construction Type and Certain Production Type Contracts”) using the percentage of completion method. Measurement of the percentage toward completion is determined, based on the ratio of actual labor hours completed to total labor hours estimated to be completed over the duration of the contract. Such measurement involves management's estimates and judgment and is based on a detailed project plan, our substantial experience in building a fab,  transferring and implementing new technologies and engaging sub-contractors' experts.
 
Our revenue recognition policy is significant because our revenues are a key component of our results of operations. We follow very specific and detailed guidelines in measuring revenue; however, an accrual for estimated sales returns and allowances relating to specific yield or quality commitments, which is computed primarily on the basis of historical experience and specific identification, is recorded. Any changes in assumptions for determining the accrual for returns and other factors affecting revenue recognition may affect mainly the timing of our revenue recognition, which may affect  our financial position and results of operations.
 
Depreciation and Amortization.
 
We are heavily capital oriented and the amount of depreciation is a significant amount of our yearly expenses. Changes to the useful lives assumption and hence the depreciation may have a material impact on our results of operations. Depreciation and amortization expenses in 2012 amounted to $174 million. Currently, we estimate that the expected economic life of our assets is as follows: (i) buildings (including facility infrastructure) –10 to 25 years; (ii) machinery and equipment, software and hardware – 3 to 7 years; and (iii) technology and other intangible assets –1 to 19 years. Costs in relation to Fab 2 technologies were amortized over the expected estimated economic life of the technologies commonly used in the industry commencing on the date on which each technology was ready for its intended use. The amounts attributed to intangible assets as part of the purchase price allocations for the acquisitions of Jazz and TJP are amortized over the expected estimated economic lives of the intangible assets commonly used in the industry. Changes in our estimates regarding the expected economic life of our assets might affect our depreciation and amortization expenses.
 
Impairment of Fixed Assets and Intangible Assets.
 
Management reviews long-lived tangible assets and intangible assets on a periodic basis, as well as when such a review is required based upon relevant circumstances to determine whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. For those assets that have definite useful lives, recoverability tests are performed based on undiscounted expected cash flows. When the asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss should be computed based on the difference between the carrying amount of the assets (or asset group) and the fair value. The fair value in most instances will be determined using present value techniques applied to expected cash flows. Changes in the assumptions used in forecasting future cash flows and the fair value of the assets may have a significant effect on determining whether an impairment charge is required and hence may affect our results of operations.
 
 
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Impairment of Goodwill.

Goodwill is subject to an impairment test on an annual basis or upon the occurrence of certain events or circumstances. Goodwill impairment is assessed based on a comparison of the fair value of the unit to which the goodwill is ascribed and the underlying carrying value of its net assets, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the unit exceeds its fair value, the implied fair value of the goodwill is compared with its carrying amount to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Changes in the assumptions used in calculation of the fair value of the unit may have a significant effect on determining whether an impairment charge is required and hence may affect our results of operations.
 
Convertible Debentures.
 
In accordance with ASC 470-20 “Debt with Conversion and Other Options", the proceeds from the sale of debt securities with a conversion feature and  other options are allocated to each of the securities issued based on their  relative fair value.
 
We are required, according to ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging"; to determine whether the conversion option embedded in the convertible debt should be bifurcated and accounted for separately. Such determination is based on whether on a standalone basis such conversion option would be classified as equity. If the option can be classified as equity, no bifurcation is required. The analysis required under ASC Topic 815 involves the consideration of many factors and assumptions. Any changes in those factors or assumptions may have a significant effect on determining whether embedded derivatives are required to be bifurcated and hence may affect our results of operations.
 
Income Taxes.
 
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”. This Topic prescribes the use of the liability method whereby deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are computed based on the tax rates anticipated (under applicable law as of the balance sheet date) to be in effect when the deferred taxes are expected to be paid or realized.
 
We evaluate how realizable our deferred tax assets are for each jurisdiction in which we operate at each reporting date, and establish valuation allowances when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income of the same character and in the same jurisdiction. We consider all available positive and negative evidence in making this assessment, including, but not limited to, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income. In circumstances where there is sufficient negative evidence indicating that our deferred tax assets are not more-likely-than-not realizable, we establish a valuation allowance.
 
We use a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by assessing whether they are more-likely-than-not sustainable, based solely on their technical merits, upon examination and including resolution of any related appeals or litigation process. The second step is to measure the associated tax benefit of each position as the largest amount that we believe is more-likely-than-not realizable. Differences between the amount of tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in our income tax returns and the amount of tax benefits recognized in our financial statements represent our unrecognized income tax benefits, which are recorded as a liability. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
 
 
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Initial Adoption of New Standards
 
In the first quarter of 2012, the Company adopted amended standards that increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. These amended standards eliminate the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and require that all changes in stockholders’ equity - except investments by, and distributions to, owners - be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of these amended standards did impact the presentation of other comprehensive income, as we elected to present two separate but consecutive statements, but did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 was issued to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 clarifies the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances fair value disclosure requirements. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the disclosure provisions included in ASU 2011-04. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
Results of Operations
 
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes thereto included in this annual report. The following table sets forth certain statement of operations data as a percentage of total revenues for the years indicated.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                 
Revenues
    100 %     100 %     100 %
Cost of revenues
    87.7       86.1       79.0  
Gross profit
    12.3       13.9       21.0  
Research and development expenses, net
    4.9       4.1       4.7  
Marketing, general and administrative expenses
    7.0       7.9       7.8  
Acquisition related costs
    0.9       0.2       --  
Operating profit (loss)
 
(0.4
    1.7       8.5  
Interest expenses, net
    (5.0 )     (4.5 )     (5.2 )
Other financing expense, net 
    (4.3 )     (2.0 )     (9.1 )
Gain on acquisition
    --       3.2       --  
Other income (expense), net 
    (0.2 )     2.2       --  
Income tax expense 
    (1.1 )     (3.5 )     (2.5 )
Loss
    (11.0 )%     (3.0 )%     (8.3 )%

Our consolidated financial statements include TJP results from June 3, 2011, as detailed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
 
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Year Ended December 31, 2012 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Revenues. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to $638.8 million compared to $611.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase in revenues was mainly due to higher average selling prices of approximately 10%, offset by (i) 3% lower volume of wafers manufactured by us and shipped to our customers; and by (ii) a reduction of $28 million in revenues relating to the agreement with the Asian entity, as detailed in Notes 2K and 16D(2) to the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to $560.0 million, as compared to $526.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The $34 million increase in cost of revenues was mainly due to the inclusion of TJP’s cost of revenue for the full year ended December 31, 2012 compared to only seven months in the corresponding period in 2011. Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 included a one-time reduction of depreciation expenses resulting from the grants approval by the Investment Centre (see Note 7B to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012).
 
Gross Profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $78.8 million, as compared to $84.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $6 million, resulting from the above described $34 million increase in cost of revenues offset by the above described $28 million revenue increase. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2012 decreased following weakening customer demand in the semiconductor industry which was offset by the inclusion of TJP gross profit for the full year ended December 31, 2012 compared to only seven months in the corresponding period in 2011.
 
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to $31.1 million, as compared to $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in research and development expenses was mainly due to including TJP’s research and development expenses for the full year ended December 31, 2012 compared to only seven months in the corresponding period in 2011.
 
Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses. Marketing, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to $44.4 million as compared to $48.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease, despite the inclusion of TJP’s marketing, general and administrative expenses for the full year ended December 31, 2012 compared to only seven months in the corresponding period in 2011 is due to cost savings actions in 2012 and due to reduced stock based compensation expenses recorded in 2012. The compensation attributed to options granted in 2009 was amortized through the vesting period of three years with higher effect in 2011 than in 2012.
 
Acquisition Related and Reorganization Costs. In 2012, the Company executed a plan of reorganization to increase the efficiency of its Japanese facility, including a reduction in the number of employees, resulting in $5.8 million of reorganization costs in the year ended December 31 2012. Acquisition related costs in the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to $1.5 million.
 
Operating Profit (Loss). Operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $2.5 million, as compared to $10.2 million operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2011, resulting from the above described decrease of $6.0 in gross profit and the higher operating expenses, as described above.
 
Interest Expenses, Net. Interest expenses, net for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $31.8 million compared to interest expenses, net of $27.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase was mainly due to the debentures Series F issued in 2012.
 
Other Financing Expenses, Net. Other financing expenses, net for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $27.6 million compared to other financing expenses, net of $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in financing expenses, net is described in details in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2012.
 
 
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Gain from Acquisition. In 2011, gain from the acquisition of TJP was $19.5 million gross, as detailed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements attached to this annual report.

The loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 included approximately $10 million net positive effect from TJP acquisition, comprised of (i) approximately $19.5 million gross gain from the acquisition, as the fair market value of the assets, net acquired exceeded the purchase price; and (ii) approximately $9.5 million of related tax provisions and other expenses directly associated with this acquisition.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2011 included approximately $14 million gross gain from the sale of the 10% holdings in HHNEC.
 
Income Tax Expenses. Income tax expenses resulting from the subsidiaries’ income before taxes, amounted to $7.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 results from our subsidiaries’ operating income and the approximately $13 million income tax expenses relating to the gain from the acquisition of TJP and to the gain from the sale of the holdings in HHNEC.
 
Loss.  Loss for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $70.3 million as compared to $18.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increased loss was mainly due to the $19.5 million gross gain from the acquisition of TJP in year ended December 31, 2011 and $14.1 million gross gain from the sale of our 10% holdings in HHNEC in year ended December 31, 2011, as well as an increase in 2012 of $15.1 million in the financing expense, net detailed in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements attached to this annual report and lower operating profit in 2012 of $12.7 million, all of which were partially offset by $14.0 million lower tax expenses.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
Revenue. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $611.0 million compared to $509.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Such increase in revenues was primarily a result of higher wafers shipped of 32% (mainly resulting from the inclusion during 2011 of shipments from TJP, partially offset by lower shipments due to the weakening customer demand in the semiconductor industry), while the average selling price decreased by 4%.
 
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 included $27 million higher revenues, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, relating to the agreement with the Asian entity, as detailed in Notes 2K and 16D(2) to the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in this report. The project with the Asian entity is expected to be finalized in the coming year and we expect 2012 revenues from this project to be approximately $25 million lower than in 2011.
 
Cost of Total Revenues. Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to $526.2 million, as compared to $402.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in cost of revenues is mainly due to including 2011 TJP’s cost of revenue. Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 included one-time depreciation expenses reduction resulting from the grants approval by the Investment Centre, see Note 7B to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in this report, as well as a reduction of $17 million from the Asian project referred to above.
 
Gross Profit . Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $84.8 million, as compared to $107.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, a decrease of $22.4 million, resulting from the above described $124.1 million increase in cost of revenues offset by the above described $101.7 million revenue increase. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased following the weakening customer demand in the semiconductor industry which was offset by the inclusion of 2011 TJP’s gross profit.
 
 
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Research and Development. Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to $24.9 million, substantially  the same as the $23.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses. Marketing, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to $48.2 million as compared to $40.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase is mainly due to including 2011 TJP’s Marketing, general and administrative expenses. As a percentage of revenues, marketing, general and administrative expenses remained at approximately 8% of revenues.
 
Operating Profit. Operating profit for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $10.2 million, as compared to $43.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, a decrease of $33.1 million, resulting mainly from the above described decrease of $22.4 in gross profit, the above described $1.0 million research & development expenses increase and the above described $8.2 million  marketing, general and administrative expenses increase.
 
Financing Expenses, Net. Financing expenses, net for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $40.3 million compared to financing expenses, net of $72.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in financing expenses, net is described in details in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2012 included in this report.
 
Gain from acquisition. Gain from acquisition of TJP was $19.5 million gross, as detailed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 included in this report. Loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 included approximately $10 million net positive effect from Nishiwaki Fab acquisition, comprised of (i) approximately $19.5 million gross gain from the acquisition, as the fair market value of the assets, net acquired exceeded the purchase price and (ii) approximately $9.5 million of related tax provisions and other expenses directly associated with this acquisition.
 
Other income, Net. Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes approximately $15 million gross gain from the sale of our 10% holdings in HHNEC.
 
Income Tax expense. Income tax expense resulting from the subsidiaries’ income before taxes, amounted to $21.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Income tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2011 resulted from our subsidiaries’ operating income and approximately $8 million income tax expenses relating to the gain from the acquisition of TJP.
 
Loss.  Loss for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $18.5 million as compared to $42.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Such $23.9 million improvement is due to the $32.6 million lower financing expenses, $19.5 million gross gain from the acquisition of TJP and $13.4 million other income which were partially offset by the lower operating profit of $33.1 million and $8.5 million higher tax expenses.
 
Impact of Inflation and Currency Fluctuations
 
The US Dollar costs of our operations in Israel are influenced by changes in the rate of inflation in Israel and the extent to which such changes are not offset by the change in valuation of the NIS in relation to the US Dollar. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the exchange rate of the US Dollar in relation to the NIS decreased by 2.3% and the Israeli Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) increased by 1.6% (during the year ended December 31, 2011, there was an increase of 7.7% in the exchange rate of the US Dollar in relation to the NIS and an increase of 2.2% in the CPI).
 
 
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We believe that the rate of inflation in Israel has not had a material effect on our business to date. However, our US Dollar costs will increase if inflation in Israel exceeds the devaluation of the NIS against the US Dollar.
 
The US Dollar costs of our operations in Japan are influenced by the changes in valuation of the Japanese Yen (JPY) in relation to the US Dollar. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the exchange rate of the US Dollar in relation to the JPY increased by 11.2% (during 2011, from the acquisition of TJP   until December 31, 2011, the exchange rate of the US Dollar in relation to the JPY decreased by 4.2%).
 
Nearly the entire cash generated from our operations and from our financing and investing activities is denominated in US Dollar, JPY and NIS. Our expenses and costs are denominated in NIS, US Dollar, JPY and Euros. We are, therefore, exposed to the risk of currency exchange rate fluctuations.
 
Tower and Jazz's bank loans mainly provide for interest based on a floating LIBOR rate and TJP's bank loans interest is based on the higher of TIBOR rate or LIBOR rate, therefore  we are exposed to interest rate fluctuations. From time to time, we engage in various hedging strategies to reduce our exposure to some, but not all, of these risks. However, despite any such hedging activity, we are likely to remain exposed to interest rate fluctuations, which may increase the cost of our business activities, particularly our financing expenses.
 
Part of Tower's debentures are denominated in NIS and linked to the Israeli CPI and therefore we are exposed to fluctuation of the NIS/US Dollar exchange rate. The US Dollar amount of our financing costs (interest and currency adjustments) related to these debentures will increase if the rate of inflation in Israel is not offset by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the US Dollar.  In addition, the US Dollar amount of any repayment on account of the principal of these debentures will also increase.
 
The quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are in Item 11 of this annual report.
 
 
B. 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
As of December 31, 2012, we had an aggregate amount of $133.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and interest bearing deposits, including $10 million of designated deposits as compared to $101.1 million of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2011.
 
The main cash activities during the year ended December 31, 2012 consisted of the following: we generated an amount of $95.3 million from operating activities, excluding $20.1 million of TJP re-organization payments, we raised $104.7 million, net from convertible notes issuances (for further details see also Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements attached to this annual report) and received $14.4 million loan from GE Japan Corporation under our credit line agreement. These liquidity resources mainly financed the capital investments we made during the year ended December 31, 2012, which aggregated to approximately $105.7 million, net and the repayment of debt principle payments in the amount of $55.9 million.
 
Following the recent economic slowdown worldwide and specifically in the semiconductor industry, the Company has experienced weakening customer demand and reduced rate of growth.
 
Market analysts are currently cautious as to the forecasted industry demand and conditions. The effects of a downturn in the semiconductor industry and/or in the global economy include global decreased demand, downward price pressure, excess inventory and unutilized capacity worldwide, which negatively impact consumer and customer demand for the Company’s products and the end products of the Company’s customers.  A downturn in the semiconductor industry and/or in the global economy may adversely affect the Company’s commercial relationships with its customers, suppliers, and creditors, including its lenders, its ability to cover its manufacturing facilities’ fixed costs, its plans to continue its capacity growth, and the Company’s future financial results and position, including its ability to raise funds in the capital markets and to fulfill its debt obligations and other liabilities, comprised mainly of banks’ loans and debentures.
 
 
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The Company is exploring various ways to fund its capacity and growth plans, the ramp-up of its business, technology capabilities and to fulfill its debt obligations and other liabilities. However, there is no assurance as to the extent of such funding or when, if at all, such funding will be available to the Company. Such funding may include, among others, debt restructuring and/or refinancing, possible financing transactions, sale of assets, intellectual property licensing, possible sale and lease-back of real estate assets and improving cash flow from operations thorough operating efficiencies.
 
For implications on our operations if we do not generate increased levels of cash from operations and/or do not raise additional funding and if we will not be in compliance with the repayment schedule under the amended facility agreement and are unsuccessful in negotiating a revised repayment schedule, see “Risk Factors - Risks Affecting Our Business”.
 
Tower's Credit Facility
 
As of December 31, 2012, Tower's outstanding debt under its credit facility with Bank Leumi and Bank Hapoalim (the: “Israeli Banks”) was approximately $131 million.
 
Agreements and Amendments under the Credit Facility of Tower
 
For detailed information see Notes 12B and 16 to the 2012 annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
In March 2013, Tower entered into a letter agreement with the Israeli Banks pursuant to which it was agreed, among other things, that: (i) The outstanding loan of $131 million will carry annual interest of LIBOR + 3.5% per annum and will be payable in 10 quarterly installments, starting in March 2014 and ending in June 2016, with such repayment being made in the following amounts: two installments of $5 million in March and June 2014, two installments of $10 million in September and December 2014, two installments of $15 million in March and June 2015, three installments of $20 million in September 2015, December 2015 and March 2016, and a final installment of $11 million due  June 2016; (ii) the financial covenants were revised, and Tower and the Israeli Banks agreed to further revise the financial covenants by July 31, 2013; (iii) Tower would be allowed to raise funds by issuing subordinated debt instruments; (iv) in certain circumstances stipulated in said agreements, following receipt by Tower of significant amounts of proceeds from certain sources, Tower agreed to early repayment of a certain amount of the outstanding loans; and (v) warrants granted to the Israeli Banks were set to expire in December 2016.
 
We have registered liens in favor of the State of Israel and the banks on substantially all of our present and future assets.
 
According to the Facility Agreement, satisfying the financial ratios and covenants is a material provision. The amended Facility Agreement provides that if, as a result of any default, the Israeli Banks were to accelerate Tower's obligations, Tower would be obligated, among other matters, to immediately repay all loans made by the Israeli Banks (which as of December 31, 2012 amounted to approximately $131 million) plus penalties, and the Israeli Banks would be entitled to exercise the remedies available to them under the amended Facility Agreement, including enforcement of their liens against all of Tower's assets.
 
 
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Under the terms of the amended Facility Agreement, (i) there are limitations on changes of ownership which generally require that, TIC hold a minimum of approximately 3.2 million   of our ordinary shares (including shares issuable upon conversion of our equity equivalent capital notes), and  (ii) TIC nominate a majority of our board of directors (subject to exceptions including the exclusion for the purpose of this calculation of the external directors and 1 independent director under Nasdaq Marketplace rules); and (iii) additional conditions and covenants, including restrictions on incurring debt and a prohibition on the distribution of dividends.
 
Investment Center Grants
 
In February 2011, we received an official approval certificate (“ktav ishur”) from the Israeli Investment Center, a governmental agency, for our expansion program according to which we received approximately $36 million as of December 31, 2012, for eligible investments made by the Company from January 1, 2006, of which approximately NIS 10 million ($2 million) were received in 2012.
 
Under our previous approved program approved in December 2000, we received $165 million of grants for capital expenditure investments made through 2005.
 
Entitlement to the above grants is subject to various conditions stipulated by the criteria set forth in the certificate of approval issued by the Israeli Investment Center, as well as by the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments - 1959 (“Investments Law”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder. In the event Tower fails to comply with such conditions, Tower may be required to repay all or a portion of the grants received plus interest and certain inflation adjustments. In order to secure fulfillment of the conditions related to the receipt of investment grants, floating liens were registered in favor of the State of Israel on substantially all of Tower’s assets.
 
For information in regards to the grants programs, see Note 7B to the 2012 annual consolidated financial statements included in this report.
 
Other Recent Financing Transactions
 
2012 Fund Raisings
 
In 2012, Tower raised an aggregate net amount of approximately $100 million through the expansion of its long-term outstanding debentures Series F. Further details relating to Series F debentures are included in “Tower Debentures” below.
 
Standby Equity Purchase Agreement
 
In August 2009, Tower entered into a definitive agreement with YA Global Master SPV Ltd. (“Yorkville”), according to which Yorkville committed to invest in Tower, upon Tower's request, up to $25 million by way of a stand-by equity-line, in consideration for ordinary shares of Tower to be issued at a 3% discount on the market price of the ordinary shares as determined in accordance with said agreement. This agreement was extended a few times to increase the maximum amount which Yorkville is committed to invest at Tower’s request, to a current aggregate of $95 million and to reduce the discount on market price at which the shares are issued to 2%. During the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, Yorkville invested in Tower an aggregate total of $88 million and no such investments were made in 2012, in which the contract has expired. No warrants or any debt or derivative instruments were issued by Tower under the Yorkville agreement.
 
 
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Tower Israeli Shelf

In February 2013, Tower published an Israeli shelf prospectus according to which Tower may, for a period of two years, issue the securities described in the prospectus to the public in Israel by means of shelf offering reports, subject to the terms set out in the prospectus.
 
Tower Debentures

In 2010 and 2012, Tower raised an aggregate net amount of approximately $220 million of long-term debentures Series F. Series F is due in two equal installments in December 2015 and December 2016, is fully linked to the US dollar, carries an interest rate of 7.8% per annum payable semiannually and is converted into Tower’s ordinary shares until December 2016, with a conversion ratio of NIS 38.21 par value of debentures into one ordinary share. Together with the expansion of Series F in February 2012, Tower also issued warrants Series 7, exercisable from March 2014 until March  2016 into approximately 1.8 million shares of Tower at an exercise price to be determined in February 2014 according to a formula based mainly on the prevailing Company’s share trading price prior to March 2014.
 
The determination of the conversion ratio occurred in September 2012, triggering the examination of whether a contingent Beneficial Conversion Feature ("BCF") existed as of past issuance dates of these debentures. In accordance with ASC 470-20 (formerly EITF 98-5 and EITF 00-27), and specifically the guidance over "Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios", the Company concluded that a BCF existed. The BCF, in accordance with such guidance, amounted to approximately $110 million which is classified as an increase in shareholders’ equity with a corresponding decrease by the same amount in the carrying values of Series F presented in long term liabilities. The $110 million decrease in Series F's liability amount was considered a debt discount to be amortized over the remaining term of said debentures using the effective interest method, resulting in interest being recognized at increasing amounts as time passes with the largest effect being recognized in 2015 and 2016.
 
In 2011 and 2012, Tower fully paid the outstanding amount of its convertible debentures series B, C and E and as such, debentures series B, C and E were fully redeemed.
 
For more information regarding Tower’s debentures see Note 13 to the 2012 annual consolidated financial statements included in this report.
 
Jazz Loan Facility
 
In September 2008, Jazz entered into a loan and security agreement, with Wachovia Bank (currently Wells Fargo) for a three-year secured asset-based revolving credit facility (the "Loan Agreement").
 
In June 2010, Jazz entered into an amendment to the Loan Agreement, pursuant to which, the maturity date of the revolving credit facility was extended to September 2014, with available credit under the facility of up to $45 million. Jazz’s borrowing availability varies from time to time based on the levels of Jazz's accounts receivable, eligible equipment and other terms and conditions described in the Loan Agreement.
 
Loans under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at Jazz’s option, either the lender’s prime rate plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.0% or the LIBOR rate (as defined in the Loan Agreement) plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% per annum.
 
The Loan Agreement contains customary covenants and other terms, including covenants based on Jazz’s EBITDA, as well as customary events of default. The facility is secured by the assets of Jazz. If any event of default occurs, Wells Fargo may declare due immediately all borrowings under the facility and foreclose on the collateral. Furthermore, an event of default under the Loan Agreement would result in an increase in the interest rate on any amounts outstanding.
 
 
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Borrowing availability under the facility as of December 31, 2012, was approximately $27 million, of which an amount of approximately $19.1 million was drawdown and $1.3 million of the facility was supporting outstanding letters of credits on that date.
 
Jazz’s debt and obligations, including its obligations pursuant to the Loan Agreement, are not guaranteed by Tower.
 
Jazz Notes
 
In July 2010, Jazz and Tower, entered into an exchange agreement  (the “Exchange Agreement”) with certain note holders (the “Participating Holders”) holding approximately $80 million principal amount of Jazz’s Old Notes issued in 2006 which bore interest at a rate of 8% per annum payable semi-annually and were scheduled to mature in December 2011 (“Old Notes”). In October 2011, Jazz completed a voluntary transaction to early redeem the entire remaining outstanding amount of the Old Notes.
 
Under the Exchange Agreement, the Participating Holders exchanged their Old Notes for newly-issued 8% non-convertible notes of Jazz due June 2015 (the “New Notes”) according to an exchange ratio of 1.175 face amount of New Notes for each 1.000 Old Notes. Interest on the New Notes is payable semiannually. In addition, the Participating Holders received warrants (“Warrants J”)  exercisable until June 2015 to approximately 1.7 million ordinary shares of Tower.
 
The New Notes constitute unsecured obligations of Jazz, rank on parity in right of payment with all other unsecured indebtedness of Jazz, are effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness of Jazz to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and are not guaranteed by Tower.
 
Jazz’s obligations under the New Notes are guaranteed by Jazz’s wholly owned domestic subsidiaries.
 
GE Credit Line with TJP
 
In May 2012, TJP signed a definitive credit line agreement with GE Capital to provide a three-year secured asset-based revolving credit line of up to 4 billion Japanese Yen (approximately $50 million). The borrowing availability under the credit line varies from time to time based on the levels of TJP’s eligible accounts receivable, eligible equipment, real estate and other terms and conditions stipulated in the credit line agreement and is capped at $30 million until June 2013 and $50 million thereafter. Loans to be obtained under this credit line will carry an interest of the higher of TIBOR rate or LIBOR rate plus 2.6% per annum. The TJP credit line agreement contains customary covenants and other terms, as well as customary events of default. The facility is secured by a first priority security interest over the assets of TJP.
 
As of December 31, 2012, the total availability amounted to $30 million of which an amount of approximately $13 million was outstanding. In connection with the GE credit line agreement, Micron’s security interest over the assets of TJP was changed to a second priority security interest, subordinated to GE Capital’s first priority security interest. Additionally, Tower, TJP, Micron Technology Inc. and Micron Japan Ltd. entered into an intercreditor agreement governing the subordination and priority of claims over TJP’s assets, and the order of priority in the realization of any security interests over TJP’s assets.
 
 
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Acquisition of TJP

The fair value of the consideration the Company paid for TJP was $62.6 million, of which $40 million was paid in cash and $22.6 million was paid through the issuance to Micron of approximately 1.3 million ordinary shares of Tower. The costs incurred in connection with the acquisition were $1.5 million and are included in operating expenses.
 
The purchase price has been allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value of the assets purchased and the liabilities assumed. The estimated fair value of the assets, net amounted to $82 million. As the purchase price was less than the fair value of the net assets, the Company recognized a gross gain on the acquisition of $19.5 million.
 
Net profit for the year ended December 31, 2011, includes approximately $10.1 million net positive effect from the acquisition, comprised of (i) approximately $19.5 million gross gain from the acquisition, and (ii) approximately $9.4 million of related tax provisions and other expenses directly associated with this acquisition.
 
The Company believes that the lower than fair asset value paid by the Company for TJP and the resultant gain realized from the acquisition derived from (i) declining forecast and weakening demand for products currently manufactured by TJP, (ii) the fact that an acquisition of a fab as a whole is less costly than acquiring each fab component separately, (iii) limited opportunities to sell a fab while maintaining the employment level, and (iv) the natural disasters in Japan which occurred in March 2011.
 
The allocation of fair value to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows in thousands):

   
As of
June 3, 2011
 
Current assets 
  $ 25,783  
Property, plant, and equipment, including real estate 
    145,559  
Intangible assets 
    11,156  
Other assets
    2,900  
Total assets as of acquisition date
    185,398  
         
Current liabilities
    28,317  
Long-term liabilities (mainly employees related termination benefits)
    74,984  
Total liabilities as of acquisition date
    103,301  
Net assets as of acquisition date
  $ 82,097  

The fair values set forth above are based on a valuation of TJP assets and liabilities performed by third party professional valuation experts hired to appraise the fair value of the assets in accordance with ASC 805-“Business Combinations”.
 
In addition, as part of said acquisition, TJP entered into a supply agreement with Micron. In accordance with this agreement, TJP will manufacture products for Micron at the Nishiwaki facility for at least three years with process technologies licensed from Micron under a technology licensing agreement signed between the companies at the closing of the acquisition. Under the supply agreement, Micron is committed to purchase certain minimum volumes, with periodic downward scaling of quantities, until the end of the second quarter of 2014 with a take-or-pay provision. The companies also agreed to provide each other with transition services required for the duration of the transition period of approximately two to three years.
 
 
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In order to ensure continued supply of wafers to Micron, Tower and Micron also executed a credit support agreement pursuant to which Tower and TJP, are subject to certain covenants and other undertakings until June 2013.
 
Tower's ordinary shares issued to Micron are subject to a lock-up arrangement with releases of 25% of the shares every six months ending in June 2013.
 
For further details regarding the acquisition of TJP, see Note 3 to the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
Under the supply agreement, Micron is committed to purchase certain minimum volumes, with periodic reductions through expiration of the agreement in June 2014. The agreement contains periodic downward scaling of quantities to be shipped to Micron, which are expected to cause our revenues from sales to Micron to decline from their 2012 level of 42% of total revenue, to approximately 25% of our revenues in 2013 and below 10% in 2014 and onwards. We are endeavoring to adjust to the scheduled expiration of the agreement by introducing new customers and products to the Nishiwaki Fab. While we have succeeded in attracting some new customers and are continuing discussions with other potential customers, the process of qualifying new products, processes and customers in the semiconductor foundry business can be lengthy, complicated and has lasted longer than originally expected.  We have also been engaged in discussions with Micron regarding a possible continued supply relationship; however, no agreement or understanding has been reached.  There is no assurance that these efforts will result in attracting a sufficient number of products, processes or customers to the Nishiwaki Fab to avoid material adverse consequences to our results of operations.
 
 
C.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES
 
Our research and development activities have related primarily to our process development and have been sponsored and funded by us with some participation by the Israeli government. Our research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $31.1 million, $24.9 million and $23.9 million net of government participation of $1.8 million, $2.4 million and $2.7 million respectively. Tower also incurred costs in connection with the transfer of technology for use in Fab 2, some of which has been amortized over the estimated economic life of the technology following the commencement of production in Fab 2 during the third quarter of 2003  (see also in this Item “Critical Accounting Policies – Depreciation and Amortization”).
 
For a description of our research & development policies and our patents and licenses, see “Item 4. Information on the Company-4.B. Business Overview”.
 
 
D. 
TREND INFORMATION
 
The semiconductor industry has historically been highly cyclical on a seasonal and long-term basis. The worldwide economic downturn that commenced in 2008 and its effect on the semiconductor industry resulted in global decreased demand, downward price pressure, excess inventory and unutilized capacity worldwide. From the second half of 2009 through the end of 2011, the semiconductor industry had experienced accelerated growth rates and recovered to high utilization rates in similar levels to the period before the above described 2008 downturn. Since 2012, worldwide financial and other markets have experienced difficult times and analysts are currently cautious as to the forecasted industry demand and conditions.
 
On a long-term basis, the market fluctuates, cycling through periods of weak demand, production excess capacity, excess inventory and lower sales prices and periods of strong demand, full capacity utilization, product shortages and higher sales prices.
 
There is a trend within the semiconductor industry toward ever-smaller features and ever-growing wafer sizes. State-of-the-art fabs are currently supporting process geometries of 90-nanometer and below and wafer sizes of 300-mm. As demand for smaller geometries increases, there is downward pressure on the pricing of larger geometry products and increasing underutilization of fabs that are limited to manufacturing larger geometry products, which results in less profitability for manufacturers of larger geometry products. However, our strategy to focus on specialty technologies within the nodes we have enables us to achieve higher product selling prices as compared to the manufacture of plain vanilla platform products such as other manufacturers in the industry. The Company currently offers process geometries of 0.35, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.80-micron and above on 150-mm wafers and 0.35, 0.18. 0.16, 0.13 and 0.11 -micron on 200-mm wafers.
 
 
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In 2010 and 2011, we accelerated our plans for additional capacity expansion to meet customer demand and significantly increased our capacity in Fab 1, Fab2 and Fab3 and acquired Fab 4 to add more capacity in a different geographic region.
 
 
E. 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
We are not a party to any material off-balance sheet arrangements except for the purchase commitments, standby letters of credit and guarantees detailed in section F below.
 
 
F. 
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
 
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2012:
 
   
Payment Due
 
   
Total
   
Less than 1 year
   
2 Years
   
3 Years
   
4 Years
   
5 Years
   
After 5
years
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Contractual Obligations
                                         
Short term liabilities primarily vendors and accounts payable (1)
    114,449       114,449       --       --       --       --       --  
Loans from banks (2)
    173,702       50,504       83,276       39,922       --       --       --  
Debentures (3)
    436,215       33,611       33,121       238,148       131,335       --       --  
Operating leases
    14,128       4,610       3,183       2,388       2,569       743       635  
Construction & equipment purchase agreements (4)
    11,881       11,881       --       --       --       --       --  
Other long-term liabilities
    67,208       --       5,146       3,359       2,721       2,388       53,594  
Purchase obligations
    15,995       6,965       3,016       3,015       3,000       --       --  
Total contractual obligations
    833,578       222,020       127,742       286,832       139,625       3,131       54,229  
 
(1)
Short-term liabilities include primarily our trade accounts payable for equipment and services as well as payroll related commitments.
(2)
Loans from banks include principal and interest payments in accordance with the terms of agreements with the banks
(3)
Debentures include total amount of principal and interest payments for the presented periods.
 
As of December 31, 2012 approximately 68% of such debentures are convertible with a conversion ratio of; NIS 38.21 par value of debentures into one ordinary share.
(4)
Construction & equipment purchase agreements include amounts related to ordered equipment that has not yet been received.

In addition to these contractual obligations, we have committed approximately $1 million in standby letters of credit and guarantees to secure our Fab 2 and Jazz equipment obligations.
 
 
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The above table does not include other contractual obligations or commitments we have, such as undertakings pursuant to royalty agreements, commissions and service agreements.  We are unable to reasonably estimate the total amounts or the time table for such payments to be paid under the terms of these agreements, as the royalties, commissions and required services are a function of future revenues, the volume of business and hourly-based fees.  In addition, the above table does not include our liability with respect to our customers, which as of December 31, 2012, amounted to approximately $9 million that may be utilized by them against future purchases of products.  We are unable to reasonably estimate the total amounts that may be utilized by our customers since we can not reasonably estimate their future orders in the periods set forth in the above chart.
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
A. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
See Item 18.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
            From time to time we are a party to various litigation matters incidental to the conduct of our business.  As of today, there is no pending or threatened legal proceeding to which we are a party, that, in the opinion of our management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our future financial results or financial condition.

 
B. 
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
 
No significant change has occurred since December 31, 2010, except as disclosed in this annual report.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Our consolidated financial statements and related auditors’ report for the year ended December 31, 2012 are hereby incorporated into this Annual Report by reference to our Report on Form 6-K dated February 2013 (No. 3) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2013.

EXHIBITS
 
1.1           Articles of Association of the Registrant, approved by shareholders on November 14, 2000, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-126909, “Form F-1 No. 333-126909”).
 
1.2           Amendment to Articles of Association of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 333-117565 (“Form S-8 No. 333-117565”).
 
1.3           Amendment to the Articles of Association of the Registrant (approved by shareholders on September 28, 2006) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-138837 (the “2006 Form S-8”).
 
 
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1.4           Amendment to Articles of Association of Registrant (approved by shareholders on September 24, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-153710 (the “2008 Form S-8”).
 
1.5   Amendment to Articles of Association of Registrant (approved by shareholders on August  11, 2011) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 of the Form 6-K furnished to the SEC on January 17, 2012).
 
1.6   Amendment to Articles of Association of Registrant (approved by shareholders on August  2, 2012) (incorporated by reference to proposals 1 and 2 of the proxy statement filed on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC on June 12, 2012, and the Form 6-k furnished to the SEC on August 2, 2012)
 
2.1           Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 18, 2001, by and between SanDisk Corporation, Israel Corporation, Alliance Semiconductor Ltd. and Macronix International Co., Ltd.  (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.2 to the 2000 Form 20-F).
 
3.1           Consolidated Shareholders Agreement, dated January 18, 2001, by and between SanDisk Corporation, Israel Corporation, Alliance Semiconductor Ltd. and Macronix International Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to the correspondingly-numbered exhibit to the 2000 Form 20-F).
 
4.1           Form of Grant Letter for Non-Employee Directors Share Option Plan 2001/4 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.9 to the Form S-8 No. 333-83204).
 
4.2           Investment Center Agreement related to Fab 1, dated November 13, 2001 (English translation of Hebrew original) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-2, No. 333-97043).
 
4.3           Employee Share Option Plan 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 333-117565 (“Form S-8 No. 333-117565”).
 
4.4           Form of Grant Letter to Israeli Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Form S-8 No. 333-117565).
 
4.5           Form of Grant Letter to US Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form S-8 No. 333-117565).
 
4.6           Employee Share Option Plan 2005, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the 2008 Form S-8).
 
4.7           Form of Grant Letter to Israeli Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the 2006 Form S-8).
 
4.8           Form of Grant Letter to US Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the 2006 Form S-8).
 
4.9           Form of Grant Letter for grants to Jazz employees under the Employee Share Option Plan 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the 2008 Form S-8).
 
4.10         Jazz Technologies, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the 2008 Form S-8)
 
4.11         Form of Assumption Letter from the Registrant to holders of Jazz Technologies, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan options (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the 2008 Form S-8)
 
 
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4.12         Form of Option Agreement under the Jazz Technologies, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the 2008 Form S-8)
 
4.13         CEO Share Option Plan 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the 2006 Form S-8).
 
4.14         Option Grant Letter Agreement - CEO Share Option Plan 2005 from the Registrant to our CEO, dated July 15, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the 2006 Form S-8).
 
4.15         Option Grant Letter Agreement - CEO Share Option Plan 2005 from the Registrant to our CEO, dated September 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the 2006 Form S-8).
 
4.16         Option Grant Letter Agreement - CEO Share Option Plan 2005 from Tower Semiconductor USA, Inc. to our CEO, dated July 15, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the 2006 Form S-8).
 
4.17         Equity Convertible Capital Note, dated September 28, 2006, issued to Israel Corporation Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of the Form 6-K for the month of November 2006 No. 6 filed on November 7, 2006 (the “November 2006 Form 6-K”)).
 
4.18         2009 Chairman Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the 2010 20-F).
 
4.19         Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 28, 2006, with Israel Corporation Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 of the November 2006 Form 6-K).
 
4.20         Conversion Agreement, dated September 28, 2006, with Bank Hapoalim B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 of the November 2006 Form 6-K).
 
4.21         Conversion Agreement, dated September 28, 2006, with Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.9 of the November 2006 Form 6-K).
 
4.22         Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 28, 2006, with Bank Hapoalim B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.10 of the November 2006 Form 6-K).
 
4.23         Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 28, 2006, with Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.11 of the November 2006 Form 6-K).
 
4.24         Equity Convertible Capital Note, dated September 28, 2006, issued to Bank Hapoalim B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.12 of the November 2006 Form 6-K).
 
4.25         Equity Convertible Capital Note, dated January 31. 2013, issued to bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M (filed with the original filing of this Form 20-F).
 
4.26         Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Form 6-K for the month of March 2007 No.1 filed on March 15, 2007 (the “March 2007 Form 6-K”)).
 
4.27         Form of Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of the March 2007 Form 6-K).
 
4.28         Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated May 19, 2008, between the Registrant, Jazz Technologies, Inc. and Armstrong Acquisition Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the May 20, 2008 Form 6-K)
 
 
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4.29         Facility Agreement, as amended and restated by the parties through September 29, 2008. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.86 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4.30         Conversion Agreement, dated September 25, 2008, with Bank Hapoalim B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.87 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4.31         Conversion Agreement, dated September 25, 2008, with Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.88 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4.32         Conversion Agreement, dated September 25, 2008, with the Israel Corporation Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.89 to the 200820-F)
 
4.33         Pledge Agreement, dated September 25, 2008, with Bank Hapoalim B.M. and Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.90 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4.34         Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 25, 2008, with Bank Hapoalim B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.91 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4.35         Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 25, 2008, with Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.92 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4.36         Undertaking by Israel Corporation Ltd., dated September 25, 2008. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.93 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4.37         Securities Purchase Agreement, dated September 25, 2008, with the Israel Corporation Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.94 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4. 38        Convertible Capital Notes, dated October 29, 2012, issued to Bank Hapoalim B.M (filed with the original filing of this Form 20-F).
 
4.39         Equity Convertible Capital Note, dated September 29, 2008, issued to Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.96 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4. 40        Equity Convertible Capital Note, in the principal amount of $30 million, dated September 25, 2008, issued to the Israel Corporation Ltd. in connection with the conversion of debt. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.97 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4. 41        Equity Convertible Capital Note, in the principal amount of $20 million, dated September 25, 2008, issued to the Israel Corporation Ltd. in connection with the conversion of debt. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.98 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4. 42        Equity Convertible Capital Note, in the principal amount of $20 million, dated September 25, 2008, issued to the Israel Corporation Ltd. in connection with the investment. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.99 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4. 43        Equity Convertible Capital Note, in the principal amount of $20 million, dated January 7, 2008, issued to the Israel Corporation Ltd. in connection with the investment. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.100 to the 2008 20-F)
 
4.44         Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 25, 2008, with the Israel Corporation Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.101 to the 2008 20-F).
 
4.45         Amendment to Undertaking by the Israel Corporation Ltd., dated January 6, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.102 to the 2008 20-F).
 
 
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4.46         Standby Equity Purchase Agreement between Tower and YA Global Master SPV Ltd., dated August 11, 2009, Amendment No. 1 dated August 27, 2009 and Amendment No. 2 dated February 4, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 99.1, 99.2 and 99.3, respectively, of the February 5, 2010 Form 6-K).
 
4.47         Amendment No. 3 to Standby Equity Purchase Agreement between Tower and YA Global Master SPV Ltd., dated August 11, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the April 23, 2010 6-K).
 
4.48         Amendment No. 4 to Standby Equity Purchase Agreement between Tower and YA Global Master SPV Ltd., dated November 15, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the December 12, 2010 6-K)
 
4.49         Amendment No. 5 to Standby Equity Purchase Agreement between Tower and YA Global Master SPV Ltd., dated April 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the April 28, 2011 6-K).
 
4.50         Exchange Agreement dated July 9, 2010 by and among Jazz Technologies, Inc., Tower Semiconductor, Ltd., Jazz Semiconductor, Inc., Newport Fab, LLC, Zazove Associates, LLC and certain holders of the Registrant’s 8% Senior Notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to Jazz Technologies’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
 
4.51         Indenture dated July 15, 2010 by and among Jazz Technologies, Jazz Semiconductor, Inc., Newport Fab, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to Jazz Technologies’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
 
4.52         Warrant Agreement dated July 15, 2010 between Tower Semiconductor, Ltd. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC as warrant agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.54 to 2010 20-F).
 
4.53         Form of Series J Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.55 to 2010 20-F).
 
4.54         Master Agreement by and among Micron Technology, Inc., Micron Japan, Ltd. and Tower Semiconductor Ltd. dated May 25, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-178166)).
 
4.55         Credit Support and Subordination Agreement, by and among Micron Technology, Inc., Micron Japan, Ltd., Tower Semiconductor Ltd., TowerJazz Japan, Ltd., and TowerJazz Japan, Ltd. dated June 3, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-178166)).

4.56         Shareholder Rights and Restrictions Agreement between Micron Technology, Inc. and Tower Semiconductor Ltd. dated June 3, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-178166)).

8.1         List of Subsidiaries (filed with the original filing of this Form 20-F).
 
#12.1       Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
#12.2       Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
20

 
 
#13.1       Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
#13.2       Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
#15.1       Consent of Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co., Certified Public Accountants, a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.
 
101        The following financial information from Tower Semiconductor Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) was filed with the original filing of this Form 20-F:
 
 
(i)
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011;
 
 
(ii)
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010;
 
 
(iii)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010;
 
 
(iv)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010; and
 
 
(v)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.
 
Users of this data are advised, in accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T promulgated by the SEC, that this Interactive Data File is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
 
#Filed herewith
 
 
21

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant hereby certifies that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused  and authorized the undersigned to sign this Amendment No.1 to its Annual Report to be signed on its behalf.
 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD.
 
 
  By:
/s/ Russell C.  Ellwanger
 
   
Russell C.  Ellwanger
 
   
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
February 3,  2014
 
 
22

 
 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012
 
 
 

 

TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Page
   
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
F - 1
   
F - 2
   
F - 3
   
F - 4
   
F - 5
   
F - 6  - F - 7
   
F - 8 - F - 64
 
 
 

 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and the shareholders of
Tower Semiconductor Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tower Semiconductors Ltd. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's Board of Directors and management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tower Semiconductors Ltd. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
A Member Firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Tel Aviv, Israel
February 21, 2013
 
 
F - 1.1

 
 
 
  Brightman Almagor Zohar
1 Azrieli Center
Tel Aviv 67021
P.O.B. 16593, Tel Aviv 61164
Israel

Tel: +972 (3) 608 5555
Fax: +972 (3) 609 4022
info@deloitte.co.il
www.deloitte.com
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To Board of Directors and the shareholders of
Tower Semiconductor Ltd.
 
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Tower Semiconductor Ltd. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's Board of Directors and management are responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in ITEM 15 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES - INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
 
 
F - 1.2

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated February 21, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
A Member Firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Tel Aviv, Israel
February 21, 2013
 
 
 
F - 1.3

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
As of
   
As of
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
A S S E T S
           
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 123,398     $ 101,149  
Interest bearing deposits, including designated deposits
    10,000       --  
Trade accounts receivable
    79,354       75,350  
Other receivables
    5,379       5,000  
Inventories
    65,570       69,024  
Other current assets
    14,804       15,567  
Total current assets
    298,505       266,090  
                 
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
    12,963       12,644  
                 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
    434,468       498,683  
                 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
    47,936       58,737  
                 
GOODWILL
    7,000       7,000  
                 
OTHER ASSETS, NET
    13,768       14,067  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 814,640     $ 857,221  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Short-term bank debt and current maturities of debentures
  $ 49,923     $ 48,255  
Trade accounts payable
    81,372       111,620  
Deferred revenue and short-term customers' advances
    1,784       5,731  
Other current liabilities
    36,240       64,654  
Total current liabilities
    169,319       230,260  
                 
LONG-TERM LOANS FROM BANKS
    94,992       103,845  
                 
DEBENTURES
    193,962       197,765  
                 
LONG-TERM CUSTOMERS' ADVANCES
    7,407       7,941  
                 
EMPLOYEE RELATED LIABILITES
    77,963       97,927  
                 
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY
    26,804       20,428  
                 
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    24,168       24,352  
                 
Total liabilities
    594,615       682,518  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (*)
    220,025       174,703  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 814,640     $ 857,221  
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
             
 
 
F - 2

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Year ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
                   
REVENUES
  $ 638,831     $ 611,023     $ 509,262  
                         
COST OF REVENUES
    560,046       526,198       402,077  
                         
GROSS PROFIT
    78,785       84,825       107,185  
                         
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
                       
                         
Research and development
    31,093       24,886       23,876  
Marketing, general and administrative
    44,413       48,239       39,986  
Acquisition related and reorganization costs
    5,789       1,493       --  
                         
      81,295       74,618       63,862  
                         
OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS)
    (2,510 )     10,207       43,323  
                         
INTEREST EXPENSES, NET
    (31,808 )     (27,797 )     (26,406 )
                         
OTHER FINANCING EXPENSE, NET
    (27,583 )     (12,505 )     (46,519 )
                         
GAIN FROM ACQUISITION
    --       19,467       --  
                         
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
    (1,042 )     13,460       65  
                         
PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX
    (62,943 )     2,832       (29,537 )
                         
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
    (7,326 )     (21,362 )     (12,830 )
                         
LOSS FOR THE PERIOD
  $ (70,269 )   $ (18,530 )   $ (42,367 )
                         
BASIC LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE (*)
                       
                         
Loss per share
  $ (3.25   $ (0.92   $ (2.70
                         
Weighted average number of ordinary
                       
shares outstanding - in thousands
    21,623       20,138       15,688  
 
(*) Share amounts reflect the one-to-fifteen reverse stock split effected on August 5, 2012.
 
                         
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
         
 
 
F - 3

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Year ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Loss for the period
  $ (70,269 )   $ (18,530 )   $ (42,367 )
                         
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (9,097 )     3,729       -  
                         
Change in employees plan assets and benefit obligations, net of taxes
                       
$1,591, $174 and $301 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011
                       
  and 2010, respectively
    2,440       518       (585 )
                         
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
    1,090       (1,326 )     1,254  
                         
Comprehensive loss for the period
  $ (75,836 )   $ (15,609 )   $ (41,698 )
 
 
F - 4

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(dollars in thousands)
 
         
Accumulated
             
   
Ordinary shares
   
Additional
         
Cumulative
         
Other
             
   
Shares-in
         
paid-in
   
Capital
   
stock based
   
Treasury
   
comprehensive
   
Accumulated
       
   
 thousands (*)
   
Amount
   
capital
   
notes
   
compensation
   
stock
   
income (loss)
   
deficit
   
Total
 
                                                       
BALANCE - JANUARY 1, 2010
    13,351     $ 50,251     $ 691,736     $ 311,472     $ 22,569     $ (9,072 )   $ (1,498 )   $ (1,009,444 )   $ 56,014  
                                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants
    2,838       11,336       47,454                                               58,790  
Conversion of convertible debentures to shares
    1,403       5,661       28,783                                               34,444  
Tax benefit relating to stock based compensation
                    212                                               212  
Employee stock-based compensation
                                    6,413                               6,413  
Exercise of options
    197       805       324                                               1,129  
Stock-based compensation
                    2,478                                               2,478  
Other comprehensive income
                                                    669               669  
Loss for the year
                                                            (42,367 )     (42,367 )
                                                                         
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2010
    17,789     $ 68,053     $ 770,987     $ 311,472     $ 28,982     $ (9,072 )   $ (829 )   $ (1,051,811 )   $ 117,782  
                                                                         
Shares issued in consideration of acquisition
                                                                       
of a subsidiary
    1,312       5,777       16,853                                               22,630  
Issuance of shares and warrants
    1,805       7,557       27,251                                               34,808  
Conversion of convertible debentures to shares
    277       1,118       5,362                                               6,480  
Tax benefit relating to stock based compensation
                    45                                               45  
Employee stock-based compensation
                                    8,107                               8,107  
Exercise of options
    123       515       (55 )                                             460  
Other comprehensive income
                                                    2,921               2,921  
Loss for the year
                                                            (18,530 )     (18,530 )
                                                                         
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2011
    21,306     $ 83,020     $ 820,443     $ 311,472     $ 37,089     $ (9,072 )   $ 2,092     $ (1,070,341 )   $ 174,703  
                                                                         
Issuance of shares and warrants
    200       796       4,319                                               5,115  
Employee stock-based compensation
                                    5,737                               5,737  
Exercise of options
    125       486       52                                               538  
Beneficial conversion feature, Note 13E
                    109,768                                               109,768  
Other comprehensive loss
                                                    (5,567 )             (5,567 )
Loss for the year
                                                            (70,269 )     (70,269 )
Capital notes
    767       2,978       3,232       (6,210 )                                     --  
                                                                         
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2012
    22,398     $ 87,280     $ 937,814     $ 305,262     $ 42,826     $ (9,072 )   $ (3,475 )   $ (1,140,610 )   $ 220,025  
                                                                         
BALANCE, NET OF TREASURY STOCK - AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012     22,312                                                                  
 
(*) Share amounts reflect the one-to-fifteen reverse stock split effected on August 5, 2012.
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F - 5

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Year ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
CASH FLOWS - OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
                   
Loss for the period
  $ (70,269 )   $ (18,530 )   $ (42,367 )
Adjustments to reconcile loss for the period
                       
to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Income and expense items not involving cash flows:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    173,585       162,679       143,023  
Effect of indexation, translation and fair value measurement on debt
    13,544       (9,312 )     26,208  
Other expense (income), net and reorganization costs
    6,831       (15,899 )     (65 )
Gain from acquisition
    --       (19,467 )     --  
Loss from notes exchange, net
    --       --       2,350  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Trade accounts receivable
    (6,857 )     (7,686 )     (28,061 )
Other receivables and other current assets
    (843 )     3,999       (2,316 )
Inventories
    2,316       (3,999 )     (10,262 )
Trade accounts payable
    (7,603 )     21,733       (2,834 )
Deferred revenue and customers' advances
    (4,475 )     (35,858 )     16,572  
Other current liabilities
    (23,942 )     18,174       13,445  
Deferred tax liability, net
    9,126       4,791       1,130  
Other long-term liabilities
    3,840       7,368       4,622  
      95,253       107,993       121,445  
Reorganization – retirement plan
    (20,074 )     --       --  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    75,179       107,993       121,445  
                         
CASH FLOWS - INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
                         
Investments in property and equipment
    (103,830 )     (117,166 )     (105,189 )
Proceeds from investment realization
    --       31,400       --  
Proceeds related to sale and disposal of property and equipment
    --       5,751       600  
Investments in other assets, intangible assets and others
    (4,498 )     --       (1,521 )
Acquisition of subsidiary consolidated for the first time (a)
    --       (40,000 )     --  
Investment grants received
    2,618       33,292       --  
Interest bearing deposits, including designated deposits
    (10,000 )     98,007       (98,007 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (115,710 )     11,284       (204,117 )
                         
CASH FLOWS - FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
                         
Proceeds on account of debentures and shareholders' equity
    104,690       22,653       158,825  
Proceeds from long-term loans
    14,443       --       --  
Short-term bank debt
    3,800       --       --  
Debts repayment
    (55,854 )     (141,242 )     (57,599 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    67,079       (118,589 )     101,226  
                         
Effect of foreign exchange rate change
    (4,299 )     86       26  
                         
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    22,249       774       18,580  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    101,149       100,375       81,795  
                         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD
  $ 123,398     $ 101,149     $ 100,375  
 
 
F - 6

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Year ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
NON-CASH ACTIVITIES
                 
                   
Investments in property and equipment
  $ 8,737     $ 15,546     $ 7,896  
Stock based compensation to the Banks
  $ --     $ --     $ 2,478  
Beneficial conversion feature
  $ 109,768     $ --     $ --  
Conversion of convertible debentures to share capital and exercise of warrant
  $ --     $ 7,006     $ 37,567  
Shares issued to the Banks in consideration for the interest reduction,
                       
following September 2006 amendment with the Banks
  $ --     $ 12,087     $ --  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                       
                         
Cash paid during the period for interest
  $ 46,454     $ 23,357     $ 21,641  
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
  $ 852     $ 2,907     $ 3,757  
                         
(a) ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED FOR THE FIRST TIME,  SEE ALSO NOTE 3:
                       
                         
Assets and liabilities of the subsidiary as of June 2, 2011:
                       
                         
Working capital (excluding cash and cash equivalents)
          $ (2,534 )        
Property, plant, and equipment, including real estate 
            145,559          
Intangible assets
            11,156          
Other assets
            2,900          
Long-term liabilities
            (74,984 )        
              82,097          
Less :
                       
Issuance of share capital
            22,630          
Gain from acquisition
            19,467          
              42,097          
Cash paid for the acquisition of a subsidiary consolidated  for the first time
          $ 40,000          
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F - 7

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
NOTE 1 -    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND GENERAL
 
The consolidated financial statements of Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (“Tower”) include the financial statements of Tower and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (i) Jazz Technologies, Inc., the parent company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jazz Semiconductor, Inc., an independent semiconductor foundry focused on specialty process technologies for the manufacture of analog intensive mixed-signal semiconductor devices (Jazz Technologies and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as “Jazz”), and (ii) TowerJazz Japan Ltd. (“TJP”), an independent semiconductor foundry in Nishiwaki, Japan. Tower and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are referred to as the “Company”. The Company is a global specialty foundry leader, manufacturing integrated circuits with geometries ranging from 1.0 to 0.11 micron. The Company provides industry leading design enablement tools to allow complex designs to be achieved quickly and more accurately and offers a broad range of customizable process technologies including SiGe, BiCMOS, mixed-signal and RFCMOS, CMOS image sensor, power management (BCD) and non-volatile memory (NVM) as well as MEMS capabilities. To provide multi-fab sourcing for its customers, the Company maintains two manufacturing facilities in Israel, one in the U.S. (Jazz), and one in Japan (TJP).

Tower’s ordinary shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol TSEM.

During the past few years, the Company has experienced business and financial improvement, as reflected by the improvement in the Company’s revenue and margins as compared to the period prior to mid-2009 which was negatively affected by the global economic downturn that commenced in 2008. However, following the recent economic slowdown worldwide and specifically in the semiconductor industry, the Company has experienced weakening customer demand and reduced rate of growth.

Market analysts are currently cautious with respect to the global economic conditions forecasted for 2013 and beyond, and there can be no assurance that the global economic conditions will not negatively affect the Company’s business and financial position. The effects of continued downturn in the semiconductor industry and/or in the global economy may include global decreased demand, downward price pressure, excess inventory and unutilized capacity worldwide, which may negatively impact consumer and customer demand for the Company’s products and the end products of the Company’s customers. A downturn in the semiconductor industry and/or in the global economy may adversely affect the Company’s commercial relationships with its customers, suppliers, and creditors, including its lenders, its plans to continue its capacity growth, and the Company’s future financial results and position, including its ability to raise funds in the capital markets and to fulfill its debt obligations and other liabilities, comprised mainly of banks’ loans and debentures.

 
F - 8

 

TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 1 -    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND GENERAL (cont.)
 
The Company is exploring various ways to fund its capacity and capabilities growth plans, the ramp-up of its business, technology capabilities and to fulfill its debt obligations and other liabilities. However, there is no assurance as to the extent of such funding or when, if at all, such funding will be available to the Company. Such funding may include, among others, debt restructuring and/or refinancing, possible financing transactions, sale of assets, intellectual property licensing, possible sale and lease-back of real estate assets and improving cash flow from operations thorough operating efficiencies.

See further details in Notes 7B, 12B, 13, 17.

NOTE 2 -    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”).

 
A.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 
B.
Principles of Consolidation

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Tower and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented after elimination of inter-company transactions and balances.

 
C.
Cash and Cash - Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of banks deposits and short-term investments (primarily time deposits and certificates of deposit) with original maturities of three months or less.

 
D.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is computed mainly on the specific identification basis for accounts whose collectability, in the Company’s estimation, is uncertain.

 
F - 9

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
NOTE 2 -    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)
 
 
E.
Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined for raw materials and supplies mainly on the basis of the weighted average moving price per unit.
 
Cost is determined for work in process and finished goods on the basis of actual production costs.

 
F.
Property and Equipment
 
 
(1)
Property and equipment are presented at cost, including capitalizable costs. Capitalizable costs include only costs that are identifiable with, and related to, the property and equipment and are incurred prior to their initial operation. Identifiable incremental, direct costs include costs associated with constructing, establishing and installing property and equipment, and costs directly related to pre-production test runs of property and equipment that are necessary to get it ready for its intended use. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Cost is presented net of investment grants received, and less accumulated depreciation and amortization.

Depreciation is calculated based on the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives commonly used in the industry of the assets or terms of the related leases, as follows:

Buildings and building improvements (including facility infrastructure)
10-25 years
Machinery and equipment, software and hardware
3-7 years
 
 
(2)
Impairment examinations and recognition are performed and determined based on the accounting policy outlined in R below.

 
G.
Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include the valuation amount attributed to the intangible assets as part of the purchase price allocation made at the time of acquisition of Jazz and TJP. In addition, these assets include the cost of acquiring the Fab 2 technologies and incremental direct costs associated with implementing them until they are ready for their intended use.
 
These costs associated with the Fab 2 technologies were amortized over the expected estimated economic life of the technologies commonly used in the industry commencing on the date on which each technology was ready for its intended use.

 
F - 10

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
NOTE 2 -    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)
 
 
G.
Intangible Assets (cont.)

The amounts attributed to intangible assets as part of the purchase price allocations for the acquisitions of Jazz and TJP are amortized over the expected estimated economic life of the intangible assets commonly used in the industry.
 
Impairment examinations and recognition are performed and determined based on the accounting policy outlined in R below.

 
H.
Other Assets

Prepaid Long-Term Land Lease

Prepaid lease payments to the Israel Land Administration (“ILA”) as detailed in Note 16C are amortized over the lease period.

 
I. 
Convertible Debentures
 
Under ASC 470-20 “Debt with Conversion and Other Options”, the proceeds from the sale of debt securities with a conversion feature and other options are allocated to each of the securities issued based on their relative fair value.
 
ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” generally provides criteria that, if met, require companies to bifurcate conversion options from their host instruments and account for them as freestanding derivative financial instruments. These three criteria are: (i) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (ii) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings, and (iii) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument subject to the requirements of Topic 815. In determining whether the embedded derivative should be bifurcated, the Company considers all other scope exceptions provided by that topic. One scope exception particularly relevant to convertibles is whether the embedded conversion feature is both indexed to and classified in the Company's equity.

 
J.
Stock-Based Instruments in Financing Transactions

The Company calculates the fair value of stock-based instruments included in the units issued in its financing transactions. That fair value is recognized in equity, if determined to be eligible for equity classification. The fair value of such stock-based instruments, when included in issuance of debt that is not itself accounted at fair value is considered a discount on the debt and results in an adjustment to the yield of the debt.

See Note 13E for the determination of the Beneficial Conversion Feature in the Company's Series F debentures, according to ASC 470-20.

 
F - 11

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
NOTE 2 -    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)

 
K.
Revenue Recognition

The Company’s net revenues are generated principally from sales of semiconductor wafers. The Company also derives revenues from engineering and design support and other technical and support services. The majority of the Company’s sales are achieved through the efforts of its direct sales force.
 
In accordance with ASC Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition”, the Company recognizes revenues from sale of products when the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. These criteria are usually met at the time of product shipment. Revenues are recognized when the acceptance criteria are satisfied, based on performing electronic, functional and quality tests on the products prior to shipment. Such Company testing reliably demonstrates that the products meet all of the specified criteria prior to formal customer acceptance.
 
The Company provides for sales returns and allowances relating to specified yield or quality commitments as a reduction of revenues at the time of shipment based on historical experience and specific identification of events necessitating an allowance.

Revenues for engineering, design and other support services are recognized ratably over the contract term or as services are performed.
 
Advances received from customers towards future engineering services and/or product purchases are deferred until services are rendered or products are shipped to the customer.
 
Revenue relating to turn-key agreement, including  as detailed in Note 16D(2), are recognized based on ASC 605-35 (formerly SOP 81-1 “Accounting for Performance of Construction Type and Certain Production Type Contracts”) using the percentage of completion method. Measurement of the percentage toward completion is determined based on the ratio of actual labor hours completed to total labor hours estimated to be completed over the duration of the contract. Such measurement involves management's estimates and judgment and is based on a detailed project plan, the Company's substantial experience in building a fab, transferring and implementing new technologies and engaging sub-contractors and experts.
 
 
F - 12

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
NOTE 2 -    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)
 
 
L.
Research and Development
 
Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred. Amounts received or receivable from the government of Israel and others, as participation in research and development programs, are offset against research and development costs. The accrual for grants receivable is determined based on the terms of the programs, provided that the criteria for entitlement have been met.

 
M.
Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. This topic prescribes the use of the liability method whereby deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are computed based on the tax rates anticipated (under applicable law as of the balance sheet date) to be in effect when the deferred taxes are expected to be paid or realized.

We evaluate how realizable our deferred tax assets are for each jurisdiction in which we operate at each reporting date, and establish valuation allowances when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income of the same character and in the same jurisdiction. We consider all available positive and negative evidence in making this assessment, including, but not limited to, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income. In circumstances where there is sufficient negative evidence indicating that our deferred tax assets are not more-likely-than-not realizable, we establish a valuation allowance.

We use a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by assessing whether they are more-likely-than-not sustainable, based solely on their technical merits, upon examination and including resolution of any related appeals or litigation process. The second step is to measure the associated tax benefit of each position as the largest amount that we believe is more-likely-than-not realizable. Differences between the amount of tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in our income tax returns and the amount of tax benefits recognized in our financial statements, represent our unrecognized income tax benefits, which are recorded as a liability. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

 
F - 13

 
 
TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 2 -    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)
 
 
N.
Earnings (Loss) Per Ordinary Share
 
Basic earnings (losses) per share is calculated, in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”, by dividing profit or loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of Tower (the numerator) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (the denominator) during the reported period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated if relevant, by adjusting profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of Tower, and the weighted average number of ordinary shares taking in effect all potential dilutive ordinary shares.