GigaMedia 2005 Net Profit Up 277% - Best Operating Results Ever

Outlook: 1Q 2006 Revenue Up Over 40% Q on Q

Highlights of Full-Year 2005 Unaudited Results

• Consolidated revenues from continuing operations rose 34 percent to US$44.2 million
• Consolidated EBITDA¹ from continuing operations grew 73 percent to a record US$12.0 million
• Consolidated net income jumped 277 percent to a record US$6.3 million, or $.13 per share
• Cash and short-term investments totaled US$62.1 million at year end

Highlights of Fourth-Quarter 2005 Unaudited Results

• Consolidated revenues from continuing operations increased 6 percent quarter-over-quarter to US$11.8 million
• Consolidated EBITDA¹ from continuing operations rose 24 percent to US$3.8 million from the third quarter
• Consolidated net income grew 37 percent quarter-over-quarter to US$2.4 million, or US$.05 per share

¹ EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and minority interests) is provided as a supplement to results provided in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). (See "Use of Non-GAAP Measures" for more details.)

TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 23, 2006 – GigaMedia Limited ("GigaMedia" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: GIGM) announced today strong full-year 2005 results, with consolidated net profit climbing 277 percent to a record $6.3 million, or $.13 per share, driven by a fourth-quarter 2005 consolidated net profit of $2.4 million, a 37 percent increase from the third quarter of 2005.

Strong revenue growth and significant operating margin improvement in the Company's entertainment software business drove the best-ever financial performance.

The financial results announced today do not include results from FunTown, the leading casual game portal acquired by GigaMedia on January 1, 2006. FunTown is expected to contribute significantly to GigaMedia's financial performance beginning in the first quarter of 2006.

"The new, energetic GigaMedia has driven net profit up 277% in 2005, with more growth on the way – from both existing businesses as well as from our leading FunTown MahJong and casual game portal," stated Chief Executive Officer Arthur Wang. "Our 2005 results reflect the early returns from our investments in online entertainment as users and revenue continue to ramp up rapidly, pointing to a great 2006."

"FunTown presents us with huge opportunities to dramatically expand our online entertainment business capitalizing on the giant native marketplace for MahJong and other Asian games," explained CEO Wang.

Consolidated Financial Results

For the Full Year 2005

Presentation of results from continuing operations. On September 29, 2005, the Company sold its land-based music distribution business to Nextbase International Limited. In accordance with reporting guidelines (SFAS No. 144: Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets) and to allow for meaningful comparisons, the Company has recast full-year and quarterly financial results presented herein to reflect this sale and highlight continuing operations.

Financial results for 2004 incorporate the results of Cambridge Entertainment Software Limited ("CESL") only for the nine months following the acquisition of the business in April 2004 by GigaMedia. As a result, consolidated revenues, operating income, income from continuing operations, net income, net income per share and EBITDA figures for 2005 and 2004 periods may not be comparable.

^(A) Excludes results from discontinued operations.

Consolidated revenues from continuing operations for 2005 increased 34 percent to $44.2 million from $33.1 million in 2004. Financial results for 2004 incorporate the results of CESL only for the nine months following the acquisition of the business in April 2004 by GigaMedia. As a result, figures for full-year 2005 and 2004 periods may not be comparable. Like-for-like, comparing relevant nine-month 2005 and 2004 periods, consolidated revenues from continuing operations grew approximately 21 percent year-over-year, driven by an increase in revenues of approximately 55 percent in the Company's entertainment software business.

Consolidated operating income from continuing operations for 2005 grew 76 percent to a record $4.4 million from $2.5 million in 2004, and operating income margin increased to 9.9 percent from 7.5 percent over the same period. Driving the increase in consolidated operating income from continuing operations was strong revenue growth and significant operating margin improvement in the Company's entertainment software business. Like-for-like, comparing relevant nine-month 2005 and 2004 periods, CESL's operating margin increased to 28 percent from 19 percent.

Consolidated net income for 2005 increased 277 percent to a record $6.3 million from $1.7 million in 2004, primarily due to the aforementioned factors driving year-over-year growth in consolidated operating income from continuing operations. Consolidated net income for 2005 included non-operating income of approximately $2.7 million primarily related to treasury and disposal gains and a reversal of certain contingent liability provisions.

Consolidated EBITDA for 2005 grew 73 percent to $12.0 million from $6.9 million a year ago. Capital expenditure totaled $3.5 million for 2005, of which 29 percent was related to software capitalization, with the remainder primarily related to purchases of capital assets.

GigaMedia continued to maintain a strong balance sheet with no debt at year end. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $62.1 million at year end, up from $55.7 million at the end of the third quarter of 2005. The increase was mainly due to operating cash flow and a reclassification, from noncurrent to current, of GigaMedia's investment in a Taiwanese online game company, Gamania. Year-end amounts did not reflect cash payments totaling $30 million in the first quarter of 2006 related to GigaMedia's January 1, 2006 acquisition of leading casual game portal FunTown.

For the Fourth Quarter

Consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter of 2004 were impacted by FIN 46(R), under which GigaMedia consolidates the results of its licensee, Ultra Internet Media ("UIM"). (See, "About the Numbers in This Release – FIN 46(R).") During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company adopted FIN 46(R) and, accordingly, adjusted the year-end financial results of the Company's entertainment software business by incorporating the second and third-quarter results of UIM in the fourth-quarter financial results of the Company's entertainment software business. In addition, as a result of our adoption of FIN 46(R), results of the entertainment software business in the fourth quarter of 2004 benefited from a reclassification of certain intangible assets to goodwill, which consequently lowered amortization expenses in the period. As a result, consolidated revenues, operating income, income from continuing operations, net income, net income per share and EBITDA figures for 2005 and 2004 periods may not be comparable. All results referred to in this press release, unless otherwise indicated, reflect the Company's adoption of FIN 46(R).

^(A) Revenue figures differ from those contained in previously released financial results due to reclassifications of certain fees. (See, "About the Numbers in This Release – Full-year and quarterly figures.")

Consolidated revenues from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2005 increased 6 percent to $11.8 million from consolidated revenues from continuing operations of $11.1 million for the third quarter of 2005. Consolidated operating income from continuing operations grew 56 percent quarter-over-quarter to $1.7 million from $1.1 million. Consolidated net income for the fourth quarter of 2005 increased 37 percent to $2.4 million from $1.7 million for the previous quarter.

Driving these improvements were strong growth in the poker vertical and an increase in operating margin in the online entertainment business, which more than offset declining contributions from the Company's broadband ISP business.

During the fourth quarter of 2005, GigaMedia recorded non-operating income of approximately $1.1 million, which primarily consisted of $500 thousand from a legal provision reversal related to the expected favorable settlement of IPO litigation and $370 thousand from treasury functions.

Fourth-quarter 2005 and 2004 figures may not be comparable due to the impact of FIN 46(R) on fourth-quarter 2004 results of the entertainment software business.

BUSINESS UNIT RESULTS

Entertainment Business - Poker and Traditional Gaming Software

^(A) Revenue figures differ from those contained in previously released financial results due to reclassifications of certain fees. (See, "About the Numbers in This Release – Full-year and quarterly figures.")

^(B) Full-year 2005 amounts reflect certain back-office expense adjustments; full-year 2004 amounts and quarterly amounts for 2005 and 2004 do not reflect these adjustments. (See, "About the Numbers in This Release – Segmental results.")

The entertainment software business delivered outstanding performance in 2005, with dramatic growth in the Company's poker software vertical driving record revenues and profitability in the fourth quarter.

For the Full Year 2005

Total revenues for 2005 grew 93 percent to $22.5 million from $11.7 million in 2004. Operating income increased 174 percent to $6.0 million in 2005 from $2.2 million in 2004. Net income for 2005 grew 156 percent to $5.6 million from $2.2 million in 2004. Financial results for 2004 incorporate the results of CESL only for the nine months following the April 2004 acquisition of the business by GigaMedia. As a result, total revenues, operating income, and net income figures for 2004 and 2005 periods may not be comparable.

Like-for-like, comparing relevant nine-month 2005 and 2004 periods, total revenues for 2005 grew approximately 55 percent year-over-year, driven by growth of the poker software business and the launch of new games in the traditional gaming software business. Operating income increased 133 percent, due to strong revenue growth and an increase in operating margin to 28 percent from 19 percent year-over-year. Net income grew 102 percent year-over-year.

For the Fourth Quarter

Revenues in the entertainment software business increased 22 percent to $7.0 million from $5.7 million in the third quarter. Operating income grew 56 percent quarter-over-quarter to $2.4 million from $1.5 million. Net income rose 42 percent to $1.9 million from $1.3 million.

Excluding revenues consolidated due to the requirements of FIN 46(R), GigaMedia's revenues from the entertainment software business were $3.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2005. This represented an increase of 15 percent from those of the third quarter of 2005, which totaled $3.0 million.

Fourth-quarter 2005 and 2004 figures may not be comparable due to the impact of FIN 46(R) on fourth-quarter 2004 results of the entertainment software business.

Driving the quarter-over-quarter improvements were strong revenue growth in the poker vertical and an increase in operating margin in the online entertainment business, which increased to approximately 34 percent from approximately 27 percent in the third quarter.

During the fourth quarter, the poker software business achieved sharply increased financial performance on the back of investments made throughout the year to enhance and expand the business. Revenues in the poker software vertical were $2.2 million, up 102 percent from the previous quarter. Approximately 19,000 active real-money customers played Everest Poker during the fourth quarter, up 58 percent from approximately 12,000 active real-money players in the previous quarter.

Focus on leveraging tournament functionality and strong marketing initiatives by our licensee surrounding online and land-based poker events were key factors driving revenue growth. Our poker software business continued to benefit significantly from our licensee's development of Everest Poker and its exclusive sponsorship of the French Poker Tour, the German Poker Tour, and the Japanese Poker Players Association. During the period, the Company continued to invest in software and hardware upgrades and improve and expand payment methods for customers to meet strong market demand and scale for expected future growth.

The Company's traditional gaming software business continued to deliver strong profitability. Revenues in the traditional gaming software vertical were $4.8 million during the fourth quarter. This represented a 20 percent increase from the same period in 2004 and an increase of 3 percent from the previous quarter. The increase in revenues was related to the launch of new games, enhanced lobby and menu interfaces and systems, and our licensee's launch of Everest Casino. Management expects significant benefits from this new flagship property, including cross-marketing opportunities with Everest Poker.

Broadband ISP Business

^(A) Full-year 2005 amounts reflect certain back-office expense adjustments; full-year 2004 amounts and quarterly amounts for 2005 and 2004 do not reflect these adjustments. (See, "About the Numbers in This Release – Segmental results.")

The broadband ISP business delivered improved profitability in 2005. During the year, the Company continued strict cost and expense control measures while shifting focus to its corporate broadband business, resulting in improved performance during the period.

Total revenues for 2005 declined slightly to $21.7 million from $22.0 million in 2004, with increased contributions from the corporate broadband business offsetting decreased contributions from the consumer broadband ISP business. Operating income increased by approximately 47 percent to $2.2 million in 2005 from $1.5 million in 2004. The year-over-year variance in operating income was primarily due to reduced general and administrative expenses, reductions in sales and marketing expenses, and lowered operating costs in 2005. Net income for 2005 grew 110 percent to $3.2 million from $1.5 million in 2004. The year-over-year variance in net income was due mainly to the aforementioned operating income increase, a one-time gain recorded in the second quarter of 2005 in connection with the sale of the Company's former site gigigaga.com.tw, and an impairment loss recorded during the fourth quarter of 2004 related to GigaMedia's investment in Gamania.

In the fourth quarter of 2005, revenues in the corporate broadband ISP business were $1.5 million, representing 31 percent of total revenues in the Company's broadband ISP business. Revenues during the period declined 16 percent quarter-over-quarter, due to an increase in competition in certain bandwidth reselling products and depreciation of the NT dollar. Competitive pressures in this business are increasing.

Fourth-quarter revenues in the consumer broadband ISP business were $3.3 million, a 9 percent decrease quarter-over-quarter, largely related to decreases in the metrics of our ADSL business. The number of subscribers in the consumer broadband ISP business during the fourth quarter decreased to approximately 80,500, with blended average revenue per subscriber down approximately 4 percent compared to the third quarter of 2005 at approximately $11.36 per month.

Operating income decreased 61 percent quarter-over-quarter and 75 percent year-over-year. The variance was primarily due to declining revenues.

Net income was $401 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2005, versus net income of $138 thousand for the third quarter of 2005. Net income in the fourth quarter of 2005 represented a turnaround of $1.0 million compared to a loss of $630 thousand for the same period in 2004. The quarter-over-quarter growth in net income was largely attributable to a fixed-asset disposal gain recorded in the fourth quarter. The year-over-year variation in net income was mainly due to an impairment loss recorded during the fourth quarter of 2004 related to GigaMedia's investment in Gamania.

Business Outlook

The following forward-looking statements reflect GigaMedia's expectations as of March 23, 2006. Given potential changes in economic conditions and consumer spending, the evolving nature of broadband and online entertainment software, and various other risk factors, including those discussed in the Company's 2004 Annual Report or 20-F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission referenced below, actual results may differ materially.

Management expects continued strong business momentum and rapid revenue growth in our poker software product driven by online and offline marketing of the Everest Poker brand. Management also anticipates a solid contribution in the first quarter from the traditional gaming vertical resulting from new games, the integration of new payment methods, and marketing initiatives surrounding Everest Casino. Investments in upgrading hardware and improving systems for both the traditional gaming and poker verticals are ongoing to support continued rapid growth in 2006.

On January 1, 2006, GigaMedia acquired leading Asian casual game portal FunTown, the world's largest MahJong portal in terms of revenue. In the first two months of 2006, FunTown has exceeded internal revenue and net income targets. In addition, the strategic partnership announced on March 10, 2006 between FunTown and top community "blog" site Wretch – one of the most popular sites world-wide – is expected to broaden and enhance FunTown's entertainment and community offerings, further enabling FunTown to make significant contributions to GigaMedia going forward.

Overall, management expects sharply improved financial performance with significant growth in consolidated revenues and operating results in the first quarter driven by solid contributions from the Company's new casual games business, as well as strong demand for the Company's poker software. In the first quarter of 2006, the Company expects consolidated revenues to increase at least 40 percent over the Fourth Quarter 2005, and believes consolidated operating margin will remain similar to the fourth quarter presented today.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Management believes that EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and minority interests) is a useful supplemental measure of performance because it excludes certain non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not a recognized earnings measure under GAAP and does not have a standardized meaning. Non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, other financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation to the GAAP equivalent of the non–GAAP measure is provided on the attached unaudited financial statements.

About the Numbers in This Release

Full-year and quarterly figures

All 2005 figures and all 2004 quarterly figures referred to in the text, tables and attachments to this release are unaudited; all full-year 2004 amounts are audited. The financial statements from which the financial results reported in this press release are derived have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and are presented in U.S. dollars.

Revenues in all periods reflect reclassifications of certain fees in the entertainment software business. Such fees were previously classified as offsets against revenue, and are classified as operating costs in the financials contained herein.

Segmental results

GigaMedia's segmental financial results are based on the Company's method of internal reporting and are not necessarily in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Consolidated quarterly and/or annual financial results of the Company may differ from totals of the Company's segmental financial results for the same period due to (1) the impact of the Company's headquarters costs and expenses, which are not reflected in the business segment results, (2) the impact of certain non-operating subsidiaries of GigaMedia on the Company's consolidated financial results, and (3) certain inter-company eliminations.

In 2005 GigaMedia established certain centralized back-office business functions and charged business units for these expenses. Full-year 2005 results in the segmental business unit sections reflect adjustments for these back-office expenses. Quarterly amounts and full-year 2004 amounts in the segmental business unit sections do not reflect these back-office expense adjustments for each respective business unit.

Results from continuing operations

On September 29, 2005 , the Company sold its land-based music distribution business to Nextbase International Limited. In accordance with reporting guidelines (SFAS No. 144: Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets) and to allow for meaningful comparisons, the Company has recast the full- year and quarterly financial results presented herein to reflect this sale and highlight continuing operations, unless otherwise noted.

FIN 46(R)

During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 ("FIN 46"), as revised by the subsequent amendment, FIN 46(R). The provisions of FIN 46(R) require consolidation by the primary beneficiary of variable interest entities, as that term is defined in FIN 46(R). The Company conducted a review of existing contracts for our variable interest parties and determined that it was a primary beneficiary of UIM, a licensee of GigaMedia's entertainment software developer CESL. Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2004 the Company incorporated the results of UIM into the Company's consolidated financial statements and adjusted the year-end financial results of the Company's entertainment software business by incorporating the second and third-quarter results of UIM in the fourth-quarter financial results of the Company's entertainment software business. In addition, as a result of our adoption of FIN 46(R), results of the entertainment software business in the fourth quarter of 2004 benefited from a reclassification of certain intangible assets to goodwill, which consequently lowered amortization expenses in the period. As a result, financial results for the fourth-quarter 2005 and 2004 periods may not be comparable. All results referred to in this press release, unless otherwise indicated, reflect the Company's adoption of FIN 46(R).

Conference Call and Webcast

GigaMedia will hold a conference call at 9:30 p.m. Taipei/Hong Kong Time on March 23, 2006, which is 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on March 23, 2006 in the U.S., to discuss the Company's fourth-quarter and full-year performance. Individual investors can listen to a webcast of the call at http://ir.giga.net.tw, through CCBN's individual investor center at www.fulldisclosure.com, or by visiting any of the investor sites in CCBN's Individual Investor Network. Institutional investors can access the call via CCBN's password-protected event management site, StreetEvents (www.streetevents.com). The webcast will be available for replay.

About GigaMedia

GigaMedia Limited ( Singapore registration number: 199905474H) is a major provider of online entertainment software and services. Through its subsidiary Cambridge Entertainment Software Limited, GigaMedia develops software for online entertainment services, including the global online gaming market. GigaMedia's FunTown game portal is a leading Asian casual game portal and the world's largest online MahJong game site in terms of revenue. GigaMedia also operates a major broadband ISP providing Internet access services to consumers and corporate subscribers in Taiwan . More information on GigaMedia can be obtained from http://www.gigamedia.com.tw

The statements included above and elsewhere in this press release that are not historical in nature are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. GigaMedia cautions readers that forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Information as to certain factors that could cause actual results to vary can be found in GigaMedia's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in June 2005.

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