Form 20-F
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

(Mark One)

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

or

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

or

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period from                 to                 

Commission file number 001-31731

 

 

Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Taiwan, Republic of China

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

21-3 Hsinyi Road, Section 1, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

(Address of principal executive offices)

Fufu Shen

21-3 Hsinyi Road, Section 1, Taipei,

Taiwan, Republic of China

Tel: +886 2 2344-5488

Email: chtir@cht.com.tw

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

 

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

Common Shares, par value NT$10 per share

American Depositary Shares, as evidenced by American

Depositary Receipts, each representing 10 Common

Shares

New York Stock Exchange*

New York Stock Exchange

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.

 

7,757,446,545 Common Shares

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  x Yes  ¨ No

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  x No

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.   x Yes  ¨ No

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 (§232.405 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  ¨ No

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. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x                Accelerated filer  ¨                Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP  ¨

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued

by the International Accounting Standards Board  x

Other  ¨

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  ¨ Item 18

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  x No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.  ¨ Yes  ¨ No

 

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on the New York Stock Exchange of the American Depositary Shares

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CHUNGHWA TELECOM CO., LTD.

FORM 20-F ANNUAL REPORT

FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

Table of Contents

 

         Page  

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

     1   

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT MAY NOT BE REALIZED

     1   

PART I

     2   

ITEM 1.

  IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS      2   

ITEM 2.

  OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE      2   

ITEM 3.

  KEY INFORMATION      2   

ITEM 4.

  INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY      18   

ITEM 4A.

  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS      67   

ITEM 5.

  OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS      67   

ITEM 6.

  DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES      93   

ITEM 7.

  MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS      102   

ITEM 8.

  FINANCIAL INFORMATION      103   

ITEM 9.

  THE OFFER AND LISTING      104   

ITEM 10.

  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION      106   

ITEM 11.

  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK      121   

ITEM 12.

  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES      123   

PART II

     125   

ITEM 13.

  DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES      125   

ITEM 14.

  MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS      125   

ITEM 15.

  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES      125   

ITEM 16A.

  AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT      127   

ITEM 16B.

  CODE OF ETHICS      128   

ITEM 16C.

  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES      128   

ITEM 16D.

  EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES      128   

ITEM 16E.

  PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS      128   

ITEM 16F.

  CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT      128   

ITEM 16G.

  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE      129   

ITEM 16H.

  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE      131   

PART III

     131   

ITEM 17.

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      131   

ITEM 18.

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      131   

ITEM 19.

  EXHIBITS      132   

 

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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

All references to “we,” “us,” “our” and “our company” in this annual report are to Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. and our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. All references to “shares” and “common shares” are to our common shares, par value NT$10 per share, and to “ADSs” are to our American depositary shares, each of which represents ten of our common shares. The ADSs are issued under the deposit agreement, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, originally dated as of July 17, 2003, among Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. and the Bank of New York, and amended and restated on November 14, 2007, among Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as depository, and the holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder. All references to “Taiwan” are to the island of Taiwan and other areas under the effective control of the Republic of China. All references to “the government” or “the ROC government” are to the government of the Republic of China. All references to “the Ministry of Transportation and Communications” or “the MOTC” are to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China. All references to “the National Communications Commission” or “the NCC” are to the National Communications Commission of the Republic of China. All references to the “Securities and Futures Bureau” are to the Securities and Futures Bureau of the Republic of China or its predecessors, as applicable. “ROC GAAP” means the generally accepted accounting principles of the Republic of China, “U.S. GAAP” means the generally accepted accounting principles of the United States, “IFRSs” means International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and “Taiwan IFRSs” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and endorsed by the Financial Supervisory Commission, or the FSC, which are required to be adopted by applicable companies in the ROC pursuant to the “Framework for Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards by Companies in the ROC” promulgated by the FSC on May 14, 2009. Any discrepancies in any table between totals and sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding. Unless otherwise indicated, or the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report to financial and operational data for a particular year refer to the fiscal year of our company ending December 31 of that year.

When we refer to our “privatization” or our being “privatized” in this annual report, we mean our status as a non-state-owned entity after the government reduced its ownership of our outstanding common shares, including our common shares owned by entities majority-owned by the government, to less than 50%. We were privatized in August 2005.

We publish our consolidated financial statements in New Taiwan dollars, the lawful currency of the Republic of China. In this annual report, “NT$” and “NT dollars” mean New Taiwan dollars, “$”, “US$” and “U.S. dollars” mean United States dollars.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT MAY NOT BE REALIZED

This annual report contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding:

 

    our business and operating strategies;

 

    our network expansion plans;

 

    our business, operations and prospects;

 

    our financial condition and results of operations;

 

    our dividend policy;

 

    the telecommunications industry regulatory environment in Taiwan; and

 

    future developments in the telecommunications industry in Taiwan.

 

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These forward-looking statements are generally indicated by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “aim,” “seek,” “project,” “may,” “will” or other similar words that express an indication of actions or results of actions that may or are expected to occur in the future. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control. The forward looking statements are contained principally in the sections entitled “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors,” “Item 4. Information on the Company” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have based these forward looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, which apply only as of the date of this annual report. These forward-looking statements are based on our own information and on information from other sources we believe to be reliable. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.” In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this annual report might not occur and our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The forward looking statements made in this annual report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this annual report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

We were privatized as a result of a secondary ADS offering and concurrent domestic auction of our common shares on August 12, 2005. The privatization has enabled us to develop our business and respond to changing market conditions more rapidly and efficiently.

A. Selected Financial Data

The FSC in the Republic of China, or ROC, supervises the financial and business matters of publicly-held companies, and we are required to comply with relevant regulations promulgated by the FSC. Prior to January 1, 2013, we prepared our consolidated financial statements, in accordance with ROC GAAP for purposes of our filings with the Taiwan Stock Exchange, or TWSE, with reconciliation of net income and balance sheet differences of our consolidated financial statements to U.S. GAAP for certain filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Starting from January 1, 2013, we have prepared our financial statements under Taiwan IFRSs pursuant to the requirements of the “Framework for Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards by Companies in the ROC” promulgated by the FSC on May 14, 2009. While we have adopted Taiwan IFRSs for reporting in the ROC our annual consolidated financial statements and interim quarterly unaudited consolidated financial statements since January 1, 2013, we have adopted International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IFRSs, which

 

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differs in certain material respects from Taiwan IFRSs, for certain filings with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013 and thereafter and our interim quarterly unaudited consolidated financial statements provided on Form 6-K beginning with the three months ended March 31, 2013. Therefore, we no longer prepare any reconciliation of our consolidated financial statements with U.S. GAAP.

The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income data and consolidated cash flows data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 set forth below are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report and should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our consolidated financial statements and the related notes. The selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012 set forth below are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included this annual report. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared and presented in accordance with IFRSs. In addition, financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 derived from our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with ROC GAAP are not included in this annual report.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
       NT$          NT$          NT$          US$    
     (in billions, except for percentages and
per share and per ADS data)
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Data:

     

Revenues

     221.4         228.0         226.6         7.2   

Operating costs

     (141.5      (147.3      (148.4      (4.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

  79.9      80.7      78.2      2.5   

Operating expenses

  (29.9   (33.1   (34.0   (1.1

Other income and expenses

  (1.6   0.1      0.6      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

  48.4      47.7      44.8      1.4   

Non-operating income and expenses(1)

  1.6      1.4      1.8      0.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income tax

  50.0      49.1      46.6      1.5   

Income tax expense

  (7.4   (6.5   (9.0   (0.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated net income

  42.6      42.6      37.6      1.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Attributable to:

Stockholders of the parent

  41.5      41.5      37.0      1.2   

Noncontrolling interests

  1.1      1.1      0.6      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  42.6      42.6      37.6      1.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

Basic

  5.35      5.35      4.77      0.15   

Diluted

  5.33      5.34      4.76      0.15   

Earnings per ADS equivalent:

Basic

  53.49      53.49      47.66      1.51   

Diluted

  53.34      53.40      47.58      1.51   

 

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     As of December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
     (in billions, except for percentages
and per share)
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:

           

Working capital

     40.2         (0.3      6.9         0.2   

Long-term investments

     19.7         15.3         13.1         0.4   

Property, plant and equipment

     297.3         302.7         302.7         9.6   

Investment properties

     7.8         8.0         7.6         0.2   

Intangible assets

     5.8         44.4         42.8         1.4   

Total assets

     440.0         441.0         446.5         14.1   

Short-term loans

     0.1         0.3         0.6         —     

Current portion of long-term loans

     —           0.3         —           —     

Long-term loans(2)

     2.1         1.4         1.9         0.1   

Customers’ deposits

     4.9         4.8         4.8         0.2   

Accrued pension liabilities

     4.6         5.5         6.5         0.2   

Deferred revenue

     3.8         3.7         3.4         0.1   

Total liabilities

     76.6         77.8         80.8         2.6   

Capital stock

     77.6         77.6         77.6         2.5   

Equity attributable to stockholders of the parent

     359.1         358.3         360.8         11.4   

Noncontrolling interests

     4.3         4.9         4.9         0.1   

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012     2013     2014  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
     (in billions, except for percentages
and per share)
 

Consolidated Cash Flows Data:

      

Net cash provided by operating activities

     65.6        75.3        71.4        2.2   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (18.6     (49.1     (27.3     (0.9

Net cash used in financing activities

     (42.5     (42.5     (35.1     (1.1

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     4.5        (16.3     9.0        0.2   

Other Financial Data:

      

Gross margin(3)

     36     35     35     35

Operating margin(4)

     22     21     20     20

Net margin(5)

     19     18     16     16

Capital expenditures

     33.3        36.4        32.6        1.0   

Depreciation and amortization

     32.2        32.2        34.1        1.1   

Cash dividends declared per share

     4.63 (6)      2.39 (7)      4.86 (8)      0.15 (8) 

Stock dividends declared per share

     —          —          —          —     

 

(1) Includes interest income of NT$742 million, NT$563 million and NT$288 million (US$9.1 million) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and interest expense of NT$22 million, NT$36 million and NT$46 million (US$1.5 million) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
(2) Excludes current portion of long-term loans.
(3) Represents gross profits divided by revenues.
(4) Represents income from operations divided by revenues.
(5) Represents net income attributed to stockholders of the parent divided by revenues.
(6) In addition to the cash dividend from unappropriated earnings disclosed in the table above, we also made cash distributions of NT$0.72 per share, which amounted to an aggregate of NT$5.6 billion, from additional paid-in capital.

 

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(7) In addition to the cash dividends from unappropriated earnings disclosed in the table above, we also made cash distributions of NT$2.14 per share, which amounted to an aggregate of NT$16.6 billion, from additional paid-in capital. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Effect of adopting Taiwan IFRSs on our dividends and employee bonuses.”
(8) Dividends for 2014, which are calculated based on Taiwan IFRSs, were approved by the board of directors in February 2015 and are expected to be declared at our annual general stockholders’ meeting scheduled on June 26, 2015. The accumulated legal reserve that we had set aside in the past years, including the appropriation of the 2014 earnings, has amounted to the aggregate par value of our outstanding share capital. Therefore, according to the relevant regulations, we are not required to appropriate profits as legal reserve in the following years. The appropriation for legal reserve accounted for 1.76% of our 2014 net income attributable to stockholders of the parent. Our payout ratio was 97.56% in 2014 after the adjustment of unappropriated earnings, the appropriation of legal reserve, and the reversal of special reserve.

Currency Translations and Exchange Rates

For the convenience of readers, NT dollar amounts used in this annual report for, and as of, the year ended December 31, 2014 have been translated into U.S. dollar amounts using US$1.00=NT$31.60, set forth in the statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on December 31, 2014. The U.S. dollar translation appears in parentheses next to the relevant NT dollar amount. We make no representation that any New Taiwan dollar amounts or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this annual report could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or NT dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. On April 24, 2015, the exchange rate was NT$30.68 to US$1.00.

The following table sets forth, for each of the periods indicated, the low, average, high and period-end exchange rates of the NT dollar, expressed in NT dollar per U.S. dollar. These rates are provided solely for your convenience and are not necessarily the exchange rates that we used in this annual report or will use in the preparation of our periodic reports or any other information to be provided to you.

 

Year Ended December 31

   Average(1)      High      Low      At Period
End
 

2010

     31.50         32.43         29.14         29.14   

2011

     29.42         30.67         28.50         30.27   

2012

     29.56         30.27         28.96         29.05   

2013

     29.73         30.20         29.93         29.83   

2014

     30.38         31.80         29.85         31.60   

October

     30.40         30.49         30.31         30.45   

November

     30.73         30.99         30.48         30.99   

December

     31.35         31.80         31.03         31.60   

2015 (through April 24)

     31.28         32.00         30.68         30.68   

January

     31.64         32.00         31.06         31.75   

February

     31.55         31.76         31.31         31.44   

March

     31.44         31.71         31.19         31.24   

April (through April 24)

     31.08         31.33         30.68         30.68   

 

Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

 

(1) Annual averages are calculated using the average of exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period. Monthly averages are calculated using the average of the daily rates during the relevant period.

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

 

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C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

Our business and operations are subject to various risks, many of which are beyond our control. If any of the risks described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be seriously harmed.

Risks Relating to Our Company and the Taiwan Telecommunications Industry

Extensive regulation of our industry may limit our flexibility to respond to market conditions and competition, and our business may suffer.

As a telecommunications service provider in Taiwan, we are subject to extensive regulation. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation” for a discussion of the regulatory environment applicable to us. Any changes in the regulatory environment applicable to us may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

For example, the NCC has been focused on promulgating rules related to digital convergence. Since December 2013, the NCC continued to solicit comments from the public on eleven topics relating to the local loop, the prevention of monopolization of broadcasting media, the regulations governing political party, government and army’s investments in broadcasting industry, the identification of dominant market operators and asymmetric regulation for dominant market operators, the principle of content management, the principle of hierarchical regulation, the infrastructure of telecommunications network, the structure of amendment to regulations governing digital convergence, the spectrum auction and regulation. One possible regulatory structure proposed by the NCC would be the coexistence of the Telecommunications Act, the Cable Radio and Television Act, the Digital Convergence Act, and the merged Radio and Television Act and Satellite Broadcasting Act. It is anticipated that the NCC will present the proposal of draft legislation in turn and submit the draft Digital Convergence legislation to the Executive Yuan by the end of year 2015. The new regulations may impose more stringent measures on us as a dominant market operator and benefit our competitors, which could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects and our results of operations.

On the other hand, the Legislative Yuan is reviewing the proposed amendments to the three applicable regulations governing broadcasting industries for relaxing the current restrictions regarding investments in the broadcasting industries by the government and political parties. Pursuant to the amendments by the Executive Yuan, the government may indirectly hold shares in broadcasting companies, provided that the government’s shareholding is no more than 10% and the government does not control such companies. As the MOTC holds more than 30% of our shares and retains control over our board, such amendments will not release the current restrictions on us with respect to engaging in the broadcasting business. However, these amendments may benefit our competitors, which could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects and results of operations. In addition, some members of the Legislative Yuan have raised a proposal that requires us to apply for a Cable Television License for our multimedia on demand, or MOD, division within one year from the date on which the amendments to the relevant laws came into effect. If the proposal is passed by the Legislative Yuan, our MOD division will be governed by the Cable Radio and Television Act.

We have been designated by the government as a dominant provider of fixed communications and 2G and 3G mobile services within the meaning of applicable telecommunications regulations, and as a result, we are subject to special additional requirements imposed by the NCC. For example, the regulation governing the setting and changing of tariffs allows non-dominant telecommunications service providers greater freedom to set and change tariffs within the range set by the government. If we are unable to respond effectively to tariff changes by our competitors, our competitiveness, market position and profitability will be materially and adversely affected.

 

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According to the Regulations for Administration on Fixed Network Telecommunications Business, the Regulations for Administration of Mobile Communications Business, the Regulations for Administration of the Third Generation Mobile Communications Business, and the Regulations for Administration of Mobile Broadband Business, we are required to submit a report to the NCC within 20 days after our shareholders approve the reduction of our capital, entering into, modification or termination of any contracts regarding leasing of all business, outsourcing of operations or joint operations, the transfer of the whole or substantial part of our business or assets; and taking over of the whole of the business or assets of any other company which would have significant impact on our operations. Any such regulations may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The regulatory framework within which we operate may limit our flexibility to respond to market conditions, competition or changes in our cost structure. In particular, future decreases in tariff rates could immediately and substantially decrease our revenues. In particular, as a Type I service provider under the Republic of China Telecommunications Act, or Telecommunications Act, we are constrained in our ability to raise prices. For example, the NCC adopted the first three-year tariff reduction plan from April 2007 to March 2010 and a second three-year tariff reduction plan from April 2010 to March 2013, resulting in a number of price reductions in the tariff structures relating to our domestic fixed communications and mobile communications services. On February 7, 2013, the NCC announced a new plan for tariff reductions in wholesale tariffs for IP peering and domestic leased line services, and in monthly fees for fixed-line broadband access services (excluding fiber-to-the-home, or FTTH, and fiber-to-the-building, or FTTB) over a period of four years starting on April 1, 2013. While mobile tariffs were not regulated in the most recent tariff reduction plan, the revised Regulations Governing Network Interconnection among Telecommunications Enterprises mandated decreases in the mobile interconnection fees over a period of four years starting on January 5, 2013. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Tariff adjustments”. We cannot assure you that we will not be required to further reduce our tariffs again in the future. Any mandatory tariff reductions could have a material adverse effect on our revenues.

If we fail to comply with the regulations of the ROC Fair Trade Act, we may be investigated and fined.

As a provider of telecommunication products and services, our business operations are subject to the regulations of the ROC Fair Trade Act, or the FTA, which is administered and enforced by the ROC Fair Trade Commission, or the FTC. The FTA requires, among other things, that the marketing and promotional materials of a business to be true and not misleading. The FTA also prohibits a business from participating or engaging in a cartel or other anti-competitive conduct. The FTC has the authority under the FTA to investigate and, where appropriate, impose fines and penalties on a business that violates any regulations promulgated by the FTA. The consequences of any such violations could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation” for a discussion of the FTA applicable to us. In March 2015, the FTC found us liable for providing false and misleading data in advertisement comparing our services against our competitors on our 100Mbps fiber broadband plus TV programs service in the PingTung area. The FTC consequently ordered us to pay a fine of NT$0.8 million, which we paid in March 2015. We have been investigated and penalized by the FTC in the past and may continue to be investigated or penalized by the FTC in the future if we fail to comply with the relevant regulations. As the FTA provides the FTC broad discretion to interpret anti-competition actions and enforce the relevant clauses under the FTA, we are unable to predict whether the FTC would initiate investigation on any of our daily business activities or find us liable for violating the FTA in the future. The investigations of and penalties imposed by the FTC could interrupt our provision of products or services and have a negative impact on our reputation, business operations and results of operations.

If we are unable to obtain and maintain the licenses to operate our business, our business prospects and future results of operations would be adversely affected.

We operate our businesses with approvals and licenses granted by the government. If these approvals or licenses are revoked or suspended or are not renewed, or if we are unable to obtain any additional licenses that

 

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we may need to operate or expand our business in the manner we desire, then our financial condition and results of operations, as well as our prospects, will suffer. For example, our 3G mobile services license is valid until December 31, 2018. On April 30, 2014, we obtained the mobile broadband services license adhering to the principle of technological neutrality for our 4G mobile services, which is valid until the end of 2030. The NCC plans to release the 2500MHz and 2600MHz spectrum band for 4G mobile broadband services through a bidding process. Currently, the NCC is expected to accept applications for such bidding process and announce the estimated lowest ask price in June or July 2015. It is also expected that the tenders’ qualification examination will be completed by August 2015 and the bidding process will be held in September 2015. If we determine that we need to acquire this spectrum band to stay competitive, we will need to participate in the bidding process. If we are unable to successfully acquire and maintain the rights to use the licenses or frequency spectrums that we need for our future business operations, our business prospects and future results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Increasing market competition may adversely affect our growth and profitability by causing us to lose customers, charge lower tariffs or spend more on marketing.

Mobile service providers in Taiwan have been offering 4G mobile services starting from May 2014. As of the date of this annual report, there are five mobile network operators in Taiwan providing 4G services, including two new mobile network operators. Each mobile network operator, including us, has been offering aggressive promotional programs to attract consumers, such as unlimited data plans, when many mobile network operators around the world have eliminated unlimited data plans. We cannot assure you that we will be able to raise our revenues from 4G services in light of the intense market competition, which could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects and our future results of operations.

We also face increasing fixed broadband competition from cable operators. Cable operators have been using low-priced internet access packages to attract new customers in specific areas and buildings in Taiwan. They have also been upgrading their networks to DOCSIS 3.0 in order to provide higher speed internet access. DOCSIS refers to Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, which is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-speed data transfer to an existing cable TV system. The government has mandated the 100% digitization of cable television networks by January 1, 2017, which would increase the availability of high-speed internet services from cable operators. In addition, as the mobile data access speeds have increased with newer technologies, such as 4G LTE, some customers have replaced fixed broadband services with high speed mobile broadband services. To counter these developments, we are migrating more of our ADSL customers to FTTx services and offering even higher speed fiber to the home, or FTTH access. Furthermore, the NCC relaxed the zoning restrictions on service areas for cable operators on July 27, 2012, while cable operators remain subject to the restriction that the market share of any single cable operator cannot exceed 33%. This change will allow cable operators to provide digital cable services throughout Taiwan, including high definition cable TV with more channels as well as high speed cable modem services. As of now, it is still uncertain whether we will be deemed a cable operator and subject to the 33% market share restriction. As a result, we could face increased competition for our broadband access services and MOD IPTV services. If we are unable to compete successfully with the cable operators for broadband access services and MOD businesses, our results of operations could be impacted.

Many of our competitors are in alliances with leading international telecommunications service providers and have access to financial and other resources or technologies that may not be available to us. Moreover, if the government continues to liberalize the telecommunications market, such as through the issuance of new licenses or establishment of additional networks, our market position and competitiveness could be materially and adversely affected. We cannot guarantee that our measures to address competition will be effective, and therefore our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by our competitors.

Increasing competition may also cause our customer growth rate to reverse or decline, bring about further decreases in tariff rates and necessitate increases in our selling and promotional expenses. Any of these developments could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Our ability to deliver services may be disrupted due to a systems failure, shutdown in our networks, earthquakes or other natural disasters.

Taiwan is susceptible to earthquakes and typhoons. However, we do not carry insurance to cover damage caused by earthquakes, typhoons or other natural disasters or any resulting business interruption. Our services are currently carried through our fixed and mobile communications networks, as well as through our transmission networks consisting of optical fiber cable, microwave, submarine cable and satellite transmission links, which could be vulnerable to damage or interruptions in operations due to natural disasters. For example, in 2014, we recorded losses on property, plant and equipment arising from natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons in the amount of approximately NT$8.8 million (US$0.3 million). The occurrence of natural disasters could impact our ability to deliver services and have a negative effect on our results of operations. Furthermore, we might also be liable for losses claimed from our customers that were incurred from our failure to deliver our services. These potential liabilities could also have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We are subject to litigation or other legal proceedings that could expose us to substantial liabilities.

We are from time to time involved in various litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. Any such claims, whether with or without merit, asserted or threatened, could be time-consuming and expensive to defend and could divert our management’s attention and resources. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Legal Proceedings”. We cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings, and we cannot assure you that if a judgment is rendered against us in any or all of these proceedings, our financial condition and results of operations would not be materially and adversely affected.

We depend on select personnel and could be affected by the loss of their services.

We depend on the continued service of our executive officers and skilled technical and other personnel. Our business could suffer if we lose the services of any of these personnel and cannot adequately replace them. In particular, we are not insured against the loss of any of our personnel. We may not be able to retain our present personnel or attract additional qualified personnel as and when needed. Moreover, we may be required to increase substantially the number of these employees in connection with any expansion, and there is intense competition for experienced personnel in the Taiwan telecommunications industry. The major three telecom operators in Taiwan, including us, are expanding the information and communication technology, or ICT, business and may increase the number of their employees as part of this expansion. In addition to telecom operators, some computer manufacturers, such as ASUSTek Computer Inc. and Quanta Computer Incorporated, are also expanding their business into this area and have been recruiting information technology related employees as well. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully attract and retain new information technology related employees. In addition, we may need to increase employee compensation levels in order to attract and retain personnel. We cannot assure you that the loss of the services of any of these personnel would not disrupt our business and operations and materially and adversely affect the quality of our services and harm our reputation.

We may not realize the benefits we expect from our investments, and this may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We have made significant capital investments in our network infrastructure and information technology systems to provide the services we offer. In 2014, we made capital expenditures in our domestic fixed communications of NT$16.2 billion (US$511.6 million), our mobile communications business of NT$9.6 billion (US$304.4 million), our internet business of NT$4.4 billion (US$140.0 million), our international fixed communications business of NT$1.5 billion (US$46.1 million) and our other businesses of NT$0.9 billion (US$28.2 million), respectively. In order to continue to develop our business and offer new and more sophisticated services, we intend to continue to invest in these areas as well as new technologies. The launch of new and commercially viable products and services is important to the success of our business. We expect to continue making substantial capital expenditures to further develop our range of services and products.

 

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Commercial acceptance by consumers of the new and more sophisticated services we offer may not occur at the rate or level expected, and we may not be able to successfully adapt these services to effectively and economically meet our customers’ demand, thus impairing the expected return from our investments.

We cannot assure you that services enabled by the new technologies we are implementing, such as Heterogeneous or Marco/Micro/Pico/Femto/BBU+RRH mobile technology, will be accepted by the public to the extent required to generate an acceptable rate of return. In addition, we could face the risk of unforeseen complications in the deployment of these new services and technologies, and we cannot assure you that we will not exceed our estimate of the necessary capital expenditure to offer such services. New services and technologies may not be developed and/or deployed according to expected schedules or may not achieve commercial acceptance or be cost effective. The failure of any of our services to achieve commercial acceptance could result in additional capital expenditures or a reduction in profitability to the extent that we are required under applicable accounting standards to recognize a charge for impairment of assets. Any such charge could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We recognized impairment losses for investment properties, equipment and intangible assets in the past. In 2014, we determined that parts of our telecommunication equipment were impaired and recognized an impairment loss of NT$64 thousand (US$2.0 thousand).

We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to maintain control of and consolidate the results of operations of our minority-owned subsidiary. For example, we consolidate the results of operations of our subsidiary, Senao International Co., Ltd., or Senao, because we have secured four out of seven seats on the board of directors of Senao through the support of large beneficial shareholders of Senao. Please refer to note 3 and note 15 of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for details of the relationship between Senao and its parent company. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue maintaining control over the board of directors of Senao. If we lose control of our minority-owned subsidiary, we will no longer be able to consolidate the results of operations of such subsidiary, which could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and ability to meet the operating results guidance that we have projected.

We may also from time to time make equity investments in companies, but we cannot assure you of their profitability. We cannot assure you that losses related to our equity investments will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In 2014, we evaluated and concluded that certain investments were impaired, and as a result we recognized an impairment loss of NT$23 million (US$0.7 million) for available-for-sale financial assets due to the decline in fair value owing to adverse changes in industry conditions and operating performance that were below expectations. We may be required to record additional impairment charges in future periods, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and future results of operations.

Changes in technology may render our current technologies obsolete or require us to obtain licenses for introducing new services or make substantial capital investments, financing for which may not be available to us on favorable commercial terms or at all.

The Taiwan telecommunications industry has been characterized by rapid increases in the diversity and sophistication of the technologies and services offered. As a result, we expect that we will need to constantly upgrade our telecommunications technologies and services in order to respond to competitive industry conditions and customer requirements. Developments of new technologies have rendered some less advanced technologies unpopular or obsolete. If we fail to develop, or obtain timely access to, new technologies and equipment, or if we fail to obtain the necessary licenses to provide services using these new technologies, we may lose our customers and market share and become less profitable.

In addition, the cost of implementing new technologies, upgrading our networks or expanding capacity could be significant. In particular, we have made and will continue to make substantial capital expenditures in the

 

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near future in order to effectively respond to technological changes, such as the continued expansion of our fiber optic networks and 4G mobile networks. To meet the increasingly robust high-bandwidth requirements of digital convergence services, we continue to expand construction of fiber optic networks, including passive optical networks, or PONs, and optical distribution networks, or ODNs. With respect to 4G networks, we expanded the network coverage by refarming the 900MHz frequency band from 2G to 4G in December 2014 and are deploying more 4G base stations in 1800MHz frequency band. Furthermore, in December 2014, we began implementing the carrier aggregation technology of LTE-Advanced, or LTE-A, in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands to provide higher data transmission rates. To the extent these expenditures exceed our cash resources, we will be required to seek additional debt or equity financing. Our ability to obtain additional financing on favorable commercial terms will depend on a number of factors. These factors include our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the prevailing market conditions in the domestic and international telecommunications industry, the cost of financing and conditions in the financial markets, and the issuance of relevant government and other regulatory approvals. Any inability to obtain the funding for our capital expenditures on commercially acceptable terms could jeopardize our expansion plans and materially and adversely affect our business prospects and future results of operations.

If new technologies adopted by us do not perform as expected, or if we are unable to effectively deliver new services based on these technologies in a commercially viable manner, our revenue growth and profitability will decline.

We are constantly evaluating new growth opportunities in the broader telecommunications industry. Some of these opportunities involve new services for which there are no proven markets, and may not develop as expected. Our ability to deploy and deliver these services will depend, in many instances, on new but unproven technologies. These new technologies may not perform as expected or generate an acceptable rate of return. In addition, we may not be able to successfully develop new technologies to effectively and economically deliver these services, or be able to compete successfully in the delivery of telecommunications services based on new technologies. Furthermore, the success of our mobile data services is substantially dependent on the availability of mobile data applications and devices that are being developed by third-party developers. These applications or devices may not be sufficiently developed to support the deployment of our mobile data services. If we are unable to deliver commercially viable services based on the new technologies that we adopt, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

As an internet service provider, we may not be able to protect our customers and their information from cyber attacks, nor protect our services from disruptions due to cyber security breaches.

As an internet service provider, our system is susceptible to cyber security risks, including hijack attacks, phishing attacks, hacker’s intrusions to steal customer’s information and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Our online services such as e-bills and multiple payment options through the internet are also vulnerable to cyber attacks. These attacks may disrupt our services and cause leakage of our customers’ personal information, which may result in significant damage and material adverse effect to our customers and our operations. We cannot assure you that our data protection measures are sufficient to prevent any data leakage or disruption of our service due to cyber attacks. We may suffer negative consequences, such as remedial costs, increased cyber security protection costs, lost revenues, litigation and reputational damage due to cyber attacks.

Our largest stockholder may take actions that conflict with our public stockholders’ best interests.

As of December 31, 2014, our largest shareholder, the government of the ROC, through the MOTC, owned approximately 35.29% of our outstanding common shares. Accordingly, the government, through its control over our board, as all non-independent board members were appointed by the MOTC, may continue to have the ability to control our business, including matters relating to:

 

    any sale of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

    the approval of our annual operation and projects budget;

 

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    the composition of our senior management;

 

    the timing and distribution of dividends;

 

    the election of a majority of our directors; and

 

    our business activities and direction.

We cannot assure you that our largest shareholder will not take actions that impair our ability to conduct our business competitively or conflict with the best interests of our public stockholders.

Actual or perceived health risks related to mobile handsets and base stations could lead to decreased mobile service usage and difficulties in increasing network coverage and could expose us to potential liability.

According to some published reports, the electromagnetic signals from mobile handsets and cellular base stations may pose health risks or interfere with the operation of electronic equipment. Although the findings of those reports are disputed, actual or perceived risks of using mobile communications devices or of cellular base stations could have a material adverse effect on mobile service providers, including us. For example, our customer base could be reduced, our customers may reduce their usage of our mobile services, we could encounter difficulties in obtaining sites for additional cellular base stations required to expand our network coverage or we may be requested to reduce the number of existing cellular base stations. As a result, our mobile services business may generate less revenue and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we could be exposed to potential liability for any health problems caused by mobile handsets and base stations.

Investor confidence in us may be adversely impacted if we or our independent registered public accountants are unable to attest to or express an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC. The SEC, as directed by Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, adopted rules requiring U.S. public companies to include a report of management on our internal control over financial reporting in their annual reports that contain an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Deloitte & Touche, an independent registered public accounting firm, which has also audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014. Deloitte & Touche has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). See “Item 15. Controls and Procedures—Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm”.

While the management report included in this annual report concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective, we cannot assure you that our management will be able to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective in future years. If in future years we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we could suffer a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our consolidated financial statements, which in turn could negatively impact the trading price of our ADSs, and could result in lawsuits being filed against us by our stockholders or otherwise harm our reputation.

If we fail to maintain a good relationship with our labor union, work stoppages or labor unrest could occur and the quality of our services as well as our reputation could suffer.

In accordance with the articles of association of Chunghwa Telecom Workers’ Union, besides the chief manager of each department, most of our employees are members of our principal labor union, the Chunghwa Telecom Workers’ Union. Since our incorporation in 1996, we have experienced disputes with our labor union on such issues as employee benefits and retirement benefits in connection with our privatization as well as the

 

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right to protest. Despite having taken measures to improve relations, increase cooperation and ensure mutual benefit with our labor union, such as increasing channels of communications by holding periodic labor resource review meetings and guaranteeing our labor union a seat on our board of directors, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain a good relationship with our labor union. Any deterioration in our relationship with our labor union could result in work stoppages, strikes or threats to take such an action, which could disrupt our business and operations, materially and adversely affect the quality of our services and harm our reputation.

Any economic downturn or decline in the growth of the population in Taiwan may materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We conduct most of our operations and generate most of our revenues in Taiwan. As a result, any decline in the Taiwan economy or a decline in the growth of the population in Taiwan may materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In particular, Taiwan’s economy is highly dependent on the technology industry, and any downturn in the global technology industry may have a material adverse effect on Taiwan’s economy, which in turn, could adversely affect the demand for our products and services. There have also been concerns over the armed conflicts and civil unrest in the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine, which has resulted in higher volatility on oil prices and stock markets, which could have a material adverse effect on economies around the world.

As our business is significantly dependent on economic growth, any uncertainty or further deterioration in economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure you that economic conditions in Taiwan will continue to improve in the future or that our business and operations will not be materially and adversely affected by deterioration in the Taiwan economy.

We face substantial political risks associated with doing business in Taiwan, particularly due to domestic political events and the tense relationship between the ROC and the People’s Republic of China, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our principal executive offices and substantially all of our assets are located in Taiwan, and substantially all of our revenues are derived from our operations in Taiwan. Accordingly, our business, financial condition and results of operations and the market price of our common shares and the ADSs may be affected by changes in ROC governmental policies, taxation, inflation or interest rates and by social instability and diplomatic and social developments in or affecting Taiwan which are outside of our control. Taiwan has a unique international political status. Since 1949, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland have been separately governed. The People’s Republic of China, or PRC, claims that it is the sole government in China and that Taiwan is part of China. Although significant economic and cultural relations have been established between the ROC and the PRC, such as the engagement of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, or ECFA, in 2010, relations may become strained again. In June 2013, the ROC government and the PRC government entered into the Cross-Strait Agreement on Trade in Services pursuant to the ECFA. According to this agreement, both parties agreed to certain concessions on the telecommunication industries. The Executive Yuan has submitted the Cross-Strait Agreement on Trade in Services to the Legislation Yuan of Taiwan for ratification. As of March 31, 2015, the Cross-Strait Agreement on Trade in Services has not yet been ratified by the Legislation Yuan. If the agreement is unable to be ratified by the Legislation Yuan, our business operations in the PRC and our results of operation may be adversely affected. In addition, the PRC government has refused to renounce the use of military force to gain control over Taiwan. Past developments in relations between the ROC and the PRC have on occasion depressed the market prices of the securities of companies in the ROC. Relations between the ROC and the PRC and other factors affecting military, political or economic conditions in Taiwan could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, as well as the market price and the liquidity of our securities. In addition, the complexities of the relationship between the ROC and PRC require companies involved in cross-strait business operations to carefully monitor their actions and manage their relationships with both ROC and PRC governments. In the past, companies in the ROC, including us, have received minor sanctions such as travel restrictions or minor monetary fines by the ROC and/or PRC governments. We cannot

 

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assure you that we will be able to successfully manage our relationships with the ROC and PRC governments for our cross-strait business operations, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to expand our business and conduct cross-strait business operations.

Any future outbreak of contagious diseases may materially and adversely affect our business and operations, as well as our financial condition and results of operations.

Any future outbreak of contagious diseases, such as avian influenza or Ebola virus, may disrupt our ability to adequately staff our business and may generally disrupt our operations. If any of our employees is suspected of having contracted any contagious disease, we may under certain circumstances be required to quarantine such employees and the affected areas of our premises. As a result, we may have to temporarily suspend part or all of our operations. Furthermore, any future outbreak may restrict the level of economic activity in affected regions, including Taiwan, which may adversely affect our business and prospects. As a result, we cannot assure you that any future outbreak of contagious diseases would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Stockholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests under the laws of the ROC than they would under the laws of the United States.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our articles of incorporation, the Telecommunications Act, and by the laws governing corporations incorporated in the ROC. See “—Extensive regulation of our industry may limit our flexibility to respond to market conditions and competition, and our business may suffer”. The rights of stockholders and the responsibilities of management and the members of the board of directors of Taiwan companies are different from those applicable to a corporation incorporated in the United States. For example, controlling or major stockholders of Taiwan companies do not owe fiduciary duties to minority stockholders. As a result, holders of our common shares and ADSs may have more difficulties in protecting their interests in connection with actions taken by our management or members of our board of directors than they would as public stockholders of a United States corporation.

Our actual financial results may differ materially from our published guidance.

Prior to 2013, we used to voluntarily publish our operating results guidance on an annual basis in accordance with ROC GAAP. Beginning in 2013, we continued to voluntarily publish our operating results guidance on an annual basis in accordance with Taiwan IFRSs. We may from time to time update our operating results guidance after evaluating the effects of any changes to the estimates and assumptions that we used to calculate our projections of our operating results. Our projections are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, including the risk factors described in this annual report. In particular, our projections are forward-looking statements that are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that one or more of the estimates on which the projections were based will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results, and such variances will likely increase over time.

Our results of operations and financial condition upon the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs may differ materially from our reported results of operations and financial condition under IFRSs.

Prior to January 1, 2013, we prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with ROC GAAP for purposes of our filings with the TWSE, with reconciliation of net income and balance sheet differences of our consolidated financial statements to U.S. GAAP for certain filings with the SEC. Starting from January 1, 2013, we have prepared our financial statements under Taiwan IFRSs. While we have adopted Taiwan IFRSs for ROC reporting purposes, we adopt IFRSs for certain filings with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013 and thereafter. We no longer prepare any reconciliation of our consolidated financial statements with U.S. GAAP. For more details, see “Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected Financial Data” for the description about the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs.

 

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Taiwan IFRSs differs from IFRSs in certain significant respects, including to the extent that any new or amended standards or interpretations applicable under IFRSs may not be timely endorsed by the FSC. Furthermore, the dividends for 2014 that are expected to be declared at our 2015 annual general stockholders’ meeting are calculated based on Taiwan IFRSs. It is difficult for us to evaluate the precise impact of the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs and IFRSs on our financial statements, because the FSC may issue new rules governing the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs and as other laws and regulations may be amended with the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs.

Risks Relating to Ownership of Our ADSs and Common Shares

The value of your investment may be reduced by future sales of our ADSs or common shares by us, by the government of the ROC or by other stockholders.

The government may continue to sell our common shares. Sales of substantial amounts of ADSs or common shares by the government or any other stockholder in the public market, or the perception that future sales may occur, could depress the prevailing market price of our ADSs and common shares.

The market value of your investment may fluctuate due to the volatility of, and government intervention in, the Taiwan securities market.

Our common shares are traded on the TWSE, which has a smaller market capitalization and is more volatile than the securities markets in the United States and many European countries. The market value of our ADSs may fluctuate in response to the fluctuation of the trading price of our common shares on the TWSE. The TWSE has experienced substantial fluctuations in the prices and trading volumes of listed securities, and there are currently limits on the range of daily price movements. During 2014, the TWSE Index peaked at 9,569.17 on July 15, 2014, and reached a low of 8,264.48 on February 5, 2014. On April 20, 2015, the TWSE Index closed at 9,552.85. The TWSE has experienced certain problems, including market manipulation, insider trading and payment defaults. The recurrence of these or similar problems could have a material adverse effect on the market price and liquidity of the securities of Taiwan companies, including our ADSs and common shares, in both the domestic and the international markets.

In response to declines and volatility in the securities markets in Taiwan, the government of the ROC formed the National Financial Stabilization Fund to support these markets through open market purchases of shares in Taiwan companies from time to time. The details of the transactions of the National Financial Stabilization Fund have not been made public. In addition, the government’s Labor Insurance Fund and other funds associated with the government have in the past purchased, and may from time to time purchase, shares of Taiwan companies listed on the TWSE or other markets. As a result of these activities, the market price of common shares of Taiwan companies may have been and may currently be higher than the prices that would otherwise prevail in the open market. Market intervention by government entities, or the perception that such activity is taking place, may take place or has ceased, may cause sudden movements in the market prices of the securities of Taiwan companies, which may affect the market price and liquidity of our common shares and ADSs.

We may be sanctioned or lose our licenses for violations of limits on foreign ownership of our common shares, and these limits may materially and adversely affect our ability to obtain financing.

The laws of the ROC limit foreign ownership of our common shares. Prior to March 1, 2006, the MOTC, as the competent authority under the Telecommunications Act, had the power to prescribe the limits on foreign ownership of our common shares. After the formation of the NCC on March 1, 2006, the NCC replaced the MOTC as the competent authority under the Telecommunications Act pursuant to the National Communications Commission Organization Act, or the Organization Act. The NCC and the MOTC reached an agreement on foreign ownership of Chunghwa Telecom. An announcement issued by the MOTC on December 28, 2007 stipulated that direct holdings by foreign investors in Chunghwa Telecom cannot exceed 49% of our outstanding

 

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share capital and the total direct and indirect holdings by foreign investors cannot exceed 55% of our outstanding share capital. As of April 20, 2015, foreign direct holdings of our outstanding share capital is at 16.76%. If we fail to comply with the applicable foreign ownership limitations, our licenses to operate some of our businesses could be revoked. Moreover, we cannot predict the manner in which the NCC will exercise its authority over us, or whether NCC will lower the foreign ownership cap at any time.

If we are deemed to be in violation of our foreign ownership limitations, any consequences arising from such violation may materially and adversely affect us. Moreover, since we are unable to control ownership of our common shares or ADSs representing our common shares, and because we have no ability to stop transfers among stockholders, or force particular stockholders to sell their shares, we may be subject to monetary fine or lose our licenses through no fault of our own. In that event, our business could be disrupted, our reputation could be damaged and the market price of our ADSs and common shares could decline. These limitations may also materially and adversely affect our ability to obtain adequate financing to fund our future capital requirements or to obtain strategic partners, and alternate forms of financing may not be available on terms favorable to us or at all.

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

The ability to deposit shares into our ADS program is restricted by ROC law, under which no person or entity, including you and us, may deposit our common shares into our ADS program unless the Securities and Futures Bureau has not objected within a prescribed period following the filing with it of an application to do so, except for the deposit of the common shares into our ADS program and for the issuance of additional ADSs in connection with:

 

    distribution of share dividends or free distribution of our common shares;

 

    exercise of preemptive rights of ADS holders applicable to the common shares evidenced by our ADSs in the event of capital increases for cash; or

 

    purchases of our common shares in the domestic market in Taiwan by the investor directly or through the depositary and delivery of such shares or delivery of our common shares held by such investors to the custodian for deposit into our ADS program, subject to the following conditions: (a) the depositary may accept deposit of those shares and issue the corresponding number of ADSs with regard to such deposits only if the total number of ADSs outstanding after the deposit does not exceed the number of ADSs previously approved by the Securities and Futures Bureau, plus any ADSs issued pursuant to the events described above; and (b) this deposit may only be made to the extent previously issued ADSs have been cancelled.

As a result of the limited ability to deposit common shares into our ADS program, the prevailing market price of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange may differ from the prevailing market price of the equivalent number of our common shares on the TWSE.

You will be more restricted in your ability to exercise voting rights than the holders of our common shares, which may diminish your influence over our corporate affairs and may reduce the value of your ADSs.

Holders of American depositary receipts evidencing our ADSs may exercise voting rights with respect to the common shares represented by these ADSs only in accordance with the provisions of our deposit agreement. The deposit agreement provides that, upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of our common shares, the depositary bank will, as soon as practicable thereafter if requested by us in writing, mail to ADS holders the notice of the meeting sent by us, voting instruction forms and a statement as to the manner in which instructions may be given by the holders.

 

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Generally, ADS holders will not be able to exercise voting rights attached to the underlying securities on an individual basis. Under the deposit agreement, the voting rights attached to the underlying securities must be exercised as to all matters subject to a vote of stockholders collectively in the same manner, except in the case of an election of directors. The election of our directors is by means of cumulative voting. In the event the depositary does not receive voting instructions from ADS holders in accordance with the deposit agreement, our chairman or his or her designee will be entitled to vote the common shares represented by the ADSs in the manner he or she deems appropriate at his or her discretion, which may not be in your interest.

Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings.

We may from time to time distribute rights to our stockholders, including rights to acquire our securities. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not offer you those rights unless the distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or exempt from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.

If the depositary is unable to sell rights that are not exercised or not distributed or if the sale is not lawful or reasonably practicable, it will allow the rights to lapse, in which case you will receive no value for these rights.

Changes in exchange controls that restrict your ability to convert proceeds received from your ownership of ADSs may have an adverse effect on the value of your investment.

Your ability to convert proceeds received from your ownership of ADSs depends on existing and future exchange control regulations of the ROC. Under the current laws of the ROC, an ADS holder or the depositary, without obtaining further approvals from the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan) or any other governmental authority or agency of the ROC, may convert NT dollars into other currencies, including U.S. dollars, in respect of:

 

    the proceeds of the sale of common shares represented by ADSs or received as share dividends with respect to the common shares and deposited into the depositary receipt facility; and

 

    any cash dividends or distributions received from the common shares represented by ADSs.

In addition, the depositary may also convert into NT dollars incoming payments for purchases of common shares for deposit in the depositary receipt facility against the creation of additional ADSs. If you withdraw the common shares underlying your ADSs and become a holder of our common shares, you may convert into NT dollars subscription payments for rights offerings. The depositary may be required to obtain foreign exchange approval from the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan) on a payment-by-payment basis for conversion from NT dollars into foreign currencies of the proceeds from the sale of subscription rights of new common shares. Although it is expected that the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan) will grant approval as a routine matter, required approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner, or at all.

Under the ROC Foreign Exchange Control Law, the Executive Yuan of the ROC may, without prior notice but subject to subsequent legislative approval rendered within ten days from such imposition, impose foreign exchange controls or other restrictions in the event of, among other things, a material change in domestic or international economic conditions which might threaten the stability of the domestic economy in Taiwan.

 

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You are required to register with the TWSE and appoint several local agents in Taiwan if you withdraw common shares from our ADS facility and become our stockholder, which may make your ownership burdensome.

If you are a non-ROC person and wish to withdraw common shares represented by your ADSs from our ADS facility and hold those common shares, you are required under the current laws and regulations of the ROC to appoint an agent, also referred to as a tax guarantor, in the ROC for filing tax returns and making tax payments. A tax guarantor must meet certain qualifications set by the Ministry of Finance of the ROC and, upon appointment, becomes a guarantor of your ROC tax obligations. If you wish to repatriate profits derived from the sale of withdrawn common shares or cash dividends or interest on funds derived from the withdrawn common shares, you will be required to submit evidence of your appointment of a tax guarantor and the approval of the appointment by the ROC tax authorities. You may not be able to appoint and obtain approval for a tax guarantor in a timely manner.

In addition, under the current laws of the ROC, you will be required to be registered as a foreign investor with the TWSE for making investments in the ROC securities market prior to your withdrawal and holding of common shares represented by the ADSs. You will be required to appoint a local agent in Taiwan to, among other things, open a securities trading account with a local securities brokerage firm and a bank account to remit funds, exercise stockholders’ rights and perform other functions as holders of ADSs may designate. You must also appoint a local bank to act as custodian for handling confirmation and settlement of trades, safekeeping of securities and cash proceeds and reporting and declaration of information. Without the relevant registration and appointment of the local agent and custodian and the opening of a securities trading account and bank account, you will not be able to hold, subsequently sell or otherwise transfer our common shares withdrawn from the ADS facilities on the TWSE.

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A. History and Development of the Company

Our legal and commercial name is Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. We were officially established on July 1, 1996 as part of the privatization efforts by the government of the ROC and operate under the Statute of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. Prior to our formation, we were operating as a business unit of the Directorate General of Telecommunications, which was abolished on December 24, 2014. The common shares of the Company have been listed on the TWSE under the number “2412” since October 2000 and its ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CHT” since July 2003. In August 2005, we became a privatized company as the ownership by the government of the ROC was reduced to less than 50%. Today, we are the largest full telecommunication service provider in Taiwan. Our principal executive offices are located at 21-3 Hsinyi Road, Section 1, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC, and our telephone number is (886) 2-2344-5488. Our website address is http://www.cht.com.tw. The information on our website does not form a part of this annual report. Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10011.

We are the largest telecommunications service provider in Taiwan and one of the largest in Asia in terms of revenue. As an integrated telecommunications service provider, our principal services include:

 

    domestic fixed communications services, including local and domestic long distance telephone services, broadband access services, local and domestic long distance leased line services, Wi-Fi services, MOD services, domestic data services and other domestic services;

 

    mobile communications services, including mobile services, sales of mobile handsets, tablets, data cards and other mobile services;

 

    internet services, including HiNet, our internet service, internet value-added services, or VAS, data communication services, internet data center services, and other internet services;

 

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    international fixed communications services, including international long distance telephone services, international leased line services, international data services, satellite services and other international services; and

 

    other services, including non-telecom services.

In addition to these traditional telecommunication services, we also focus on selected ICT services and advanced development.

For each of our key services, we enjoy leading positions across a number of areas in terms of both revenues and customers:

 

    we are Taiwan’s largest fixed communications services provider as well as Taiwan’s largest mobile communications service provider;

 

    we are Taiwan’s largest broadband access provider; and

 

    we are Taiwan’s largest internet service provider.

In 2014, our revenues were NT$226.6 billion (US$7.2 billion), our consolidated net income was NT$37.6 billion (US$1.2 billion) and our basic earnings per share was NT$4.77 (US$0.15).

In 2014, we made capital expenditures totaling NT$32.6 billion (US$1.0 billion), of which 50% was related to our domestic fixed communications business, 30% was related to our mobile communications business, 14% was related to our internet business, 4% was related to our international fixed communications business and 2% was related to our other businesses. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Expenditures” for a detailed discussion of our capital expenditures.

Competitive Strengths

We believe that we are well positioned to take advantage of the increasing opportunities in the telecommunications market in Taiwan as new technologies evolve. In particular, we have maintained our leading market share in mobile communications and internet services. Furthermore, we have enjoyed greater flexibility in making purchasing and other business decisions after we were privatized in August 2005.

We believe that further deregulation and market liberalization will continue to drive the growth of the overall market for telecommunications services in Taiwan, as well as the development of new products and services. We expect to benefit from additional opportunities as the telecommunications market in Taiwan continues to grow.

We believe that our primary competitive strengths are:

 

    our broad customer base in Taiwan;

 

    our position as an integrated, full-service telecommunications provider in Taiwan; and

 

    our capital resources and technology, which we believe we can build on to expand our leading position in the mobile communications and internet services markets, including through our continued construction of our existing 4G mobile networks, our expansion of FTTx broadband access services, IP-based MOD services, fixed-line/mobile VAS and cloud computing related services.

We have a broad customer base in Taiwan.

We are the largest telecommunications service provider in Taiwan with a broad customer base across all of our service offerings. Despite deregulation and an increase in competition in the Taiwanese telecommunications industry, we have maintained a market leading position in our primary service offerings of fixed communications,

 

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mobile communications and internet services. We believe our broad customer base in each of our service offerings grants us a distinct competitive advantage to maintain our existing customers and attract new customers and increases the chance of success for the launch and popularization of new products. As the telecommunications industry continues its trend of converging fixed communications, mobile communications and internet services, we believe that our comprehensive service offerings place us in a strong position to offer converged products and services to our customers. In addition, by leveraging our data-mining capacity and business intelligence analysis tools, we are able to adopt marketing initiatives to target different customer groups’ interests and preferences and increase the effectiveness of our cross-marketing efforts of our products and services to our existing customers.

We are an integrated full-service telecommunications provider in Taiwan.

We are the largest telecommunications service provider in Taiwan with a leading position in fixed communications services, mobile communications services and internet services.

Broad range of communications products and services. We believe that our ability to provide an attractive and comprehensive range of telecommunications services positions us to provide bundled and VAS to our business and residential customers. In addition, we are able to offer innovative integrated services and tariff packages to meet the specific needs of our customers.

Broad network coverage. The breadth of our network and our ownership of the “last-mile” infrastructure in Taiwan, which comprises the connection between the local telephone service provider’s switching centers to the end-users’ buildings or homes, provides us with access to existing and potential customers and creates a platform for expanding our services. In order to provide higher bandwidth services for our customers, we have been constructing our FTTx network since 2003. We have successfully migrated many of our customers from lower-speed to higher-speed internet access services and upgraded ADSL subscribers to FTTx, which offers even higher speeds by using fiber optic technology. The number of our FTTx subscribers has exceeded that of our ADSL subscribers since 2011. As of December 31, 2014, network coverage of FTTx with speeds of 100 Mbps and higher was approximately 86.77%. In addition, our mobile communications network provides nationwide coverage. Our large mobile spectrum allocation together with our extensive network coverage positions us well for the continued expansion of our mobile services in Taiwan. We are also continuing to build our Wi-Fi network to offload mobile network capacity in residential areas and public areas where subscriber density and usage is high, such as urban areas, airports and convenience stores.

Brand awareness, distribution channels and customer service. Our principal brands “Chunghwa Telecom,” “emome” and “HiNet” have a reputation for quality and reliability. We serve our large and well-established customer base through our extensive customer service network in Taiwan. See “—B. Business Overview—Marketing, Sales and Distribution—Sales and Distribution”. We are continuing to expand and transform our retail stores while increasing the number of our service centers throughout Taiwan. We also offer comprehensive and high-quality point of sale and after sale services in our service centers, stores and over the internet. Our extensive sales and distribution channels help us attract additional customers and develop new business opportunities. In 2014, we obtained several domestic and international awards which recognized our service quality, corporate governance and our fulfillment of corporate social responsibility. In the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards, we have stood out and won the Platinum Award of Telecom Company in Taiwan for ten consecutive years since 2005. We were also awarded the Best Benchmarking Enterprise Award of Telecom Company in Taiwan by the Common Wealth Magazine in 2014. In addition, we were ranked A++ in “Transparency and Information Disclosure” by the Taiwan Securities and Futures Institute for nine consecutive years since 2006.

Operational expertise. Our management and employees have extensive operating experience and technical knowledge, which we believe cannot be easily replicated by competitors. We also believe we will continue to attract and retain high quality employees.

 

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We have the capital resources and technology to enhance our leading position.

Strong capital structure. We believe we have great financial resources in Taiwan. Our low debt-to-equity capital structure, together with our strong operating cash flows, provides us with the flexibility and resources to invest in capital intensive and growing businesses. In particular, we continue to invest in broadband internet protocol networks, fiber-optic networks, and 4G mobile communications networks and services. We will continue to make investments in or to acquire other companies which provide complementary telecommunications and internet-related services to further expand our business and offer new products and services.

Advanced network technology. In 2014, we upgraded our FTTx access networks to FTTH access networks, aiming at promoting our broadband services from megabit connectivity to gigabit connectivity and strengthening our leading position in bandwidth services in our industry. We have also continued to deploy our 4G networks. Our investment in network infrastructure places us in a position to capture a significant share of the internet and high-speed data transmission market.

Research and development expertise. As of March 31, 2015, we employed 2,287 research professionals and engineers whose principal focus is to develop advanced network services and operation support systems and to build selected core technologies. In 2014, our research and development expenses accounted for 1.5% of our revenues. We believe our focus on research and development will allow us to efficiently develop and deploy new technologies and services ahead of our competitors.

Business Strategies

Our key strategic objectives are to maintain our position as a leading integrated telecommunications services provider in Taiwan and to enhance our leadership position in growing markets, such as fixed-line, mobile data, and VAS. By leveraging our solid customer base, expanded network capacity and enhanced network capability, we have been continuously enhancing our fixed and mobile VAS offerings and promotion. We have also introduced new ICT services as well as cloud computing services by leveraging enterprise high speed broadband demand to offer VAS and explore emerging service.

Consistent with our strategic objectives, we have developed the following business strategies:

Focus on our core strengths while expanding our scope of services to capture new growth opportunities

Our core strengths are the management of telecommunication networks and the provision of services over these networks. We currently operate several networks linked by a core backbone infrastructure consisting of public switched telephone, cellular, ADSL, FTTx and internet protocol networks. Our strategy for each network differs depending on the market dynamics and future growth prospects of services delivered over these networks. In general, we endeavor to maintain our strong market position and seek to expand the scope of our business beyond network services by offering VAS to capture new opportunities and generate revenue growth.

Broadband services: We strive to maintain our broadband market share. We typically realize higher average revenue per user, or ARPU, for our FTTx internet services, and we expect to continue to offer various incentives for our ADSL customers to upgrade to FTTx services. Therefore, we are continuing the build-out of our FTTx infrastructure, especially FTTH construction, to monetize our investment, instead of network coverage enhancement. We believe these efforts will help us maintain our competitive advantage for broadband services. A high quality broadband network is also essential for our high-definition MOD services.

Mobile Communications: We obtained the 4G license in April 2014 and launched our 4G services in May 2014. Our strategy for mobile services includes the following initiatives:

 

    Accelerating 4G network construction to accommodate the increasing mobile data usage from consumers as a result of the growth of connected devices, such as smartphones and tablets;

 

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    Encouraging the migration of 2G service subscribers to 3G and 4G services by offering promotions on various mobile handsets combined with attractive VAS and product packages;

 

    Introducing low- to mid-tier smartphones to expand our mobile internet subscriber base; and

 

    Constructing more Wi-Fi hotspots to offer more wireless internet access service and to offload data traffic from our mobile networks; we expect to operate over 55,000 Wi-Fi hotspots by the end of 2015.

Internet services: Our strategy for internet services is to continue to build on the success of our HiNet internet services and enhance our internet VAS, such as online games, internet music, internet banking and internet protocol video services, including hiChannel, an internet platform where customers can view videos and multimedia content. In addition, to cater to customers’ increasing demand for e-commerce payment systems, we are also developing a trusted service manager, or TSM, a platform to support multiple payment interfaces supporting mobile payment and third-party payment. The TSM platform commercial service launched on December 30, 2014 and provides mobile phone users a variety of payment methods. We are currently cautiously evaluating the timing to launch third-party payment services.

Emerging services: Our emerging services primarily include ICT and cloud computing services. We have been providing ICT services since 2009. We continue to leverage our core telecommunication infrastructure and services to expand ICT services, including intelligent energy network, or iEN, intelligent transportation service, or ITS, Internet of Things, or IoT, and smart city services. Our experience with ICT services positions us well to develop and offer cloud computing services. Underpinning the rollout of our cloud computing services is our capability and experience in offering data center services to corporate customers, which includes our ongoing initiative to build the largest cloud computing data center in Taiwan in anticipation of the growing demand for this service. In 2013, we began the construction of our cloud data center in Panchiao, New Taipei City. The Panchiao Internet Data Center, or IDC, is expected to commence operations in late 2015 and will offer high reliability, high speed and high security cloud services to multi-national and domestic corporate customers. With the strength and reliability of our technologies and services, we believe that we have the competitive advantages to continue expanding our cloud computing services in the future.

We consistently expand the scope and variety of our integrated services to create more value for our customers. For example, we are developing an over the top, or OTT, platform and building relationships with content providers and service providers to offer attractive content and services over the platform. At the end of 2014, we introduced the “Chunghwa Film” application. Connected with Google Chromecast, Google’s new media streaming device, customers can use the “Chunghwa Film” application to synchronize and access audio and video content on their smartphones, tablets, PCs and connected TVs over Wi-Fi.

Emphasize quality of service and customer satisfaction

Quality of service is critical in attracting and retaining customers and enhancing our long-term profitability. In order to continually enhance and improve the quality of our services, we have, in addition to the quality assurance function of our regular operating units, established a number of dedicated task forces to monitor our network performance. Our senior management sets our quality evaluation criteria and regularly reviews the quality of our performance.

In order to ensure that our quality of service will translate into strong customer loyalty, we continue to focus on and invest in the provision of a full range of services that emphasize customer care from the point of sale onward. For example, we have extended the focus of our corporate customer services from major accounts to include small and medium-sized enterprises and in January 2007 established our Enterprise Business Group. As of December 31, 2014, our Enterprise Business Group employed 492 professionals and offered packaged and customized services, customer-oriented solutions and integrated ICT services. We have completed the integration of our call centers, all of which can now be reached by calling a single number “123”. We offer 24-hour customer service, including the handling of service and billing inquiries. To improve the quality of our customer

 

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services, we implemented a customer relationship management system, which encompasses, among other things, a customer complaint system, a business information database for the use of our call centers, and a data mining system to enhance our sales and market analysis efforts.

In addition, we own hundreds of physical service stores, and we will continue to renovate our traditional service stores to enhance user experience. Please refer to “—Competitive Strengths—We are an integrated full-service telecommunications provider in Taiwan” for a discussion of our distribution channels.

Improve operational efficiency and cost structure

We have historically been focused, and will continue to focus, on cost control, particularly in the areas of network efficiencies and personnel costs. We expect to further improve our operational efficiency and cost structure by migrating to more advanced networks and sophisticated operational support systems, and efficiently managing our workforce.

Capital expenditures. Our long-term goal is to optimize our capital expenditures by focusing on investing in innovative products and services with attractive return profiles. To catch up with the fast evolution of digital devices and network applications, we continue the construction of our fiber-based fixed-line and mobile network to increase the network bandwidth and enhance operational efficiencies. In particular, following our “precision construction” policy to enhance equipment utilization rate and improve management efficiency, we continue to accelerate LTE network construction to enhance population coverage, construct high capacity Wi-Fi/Fiber-Wireless networks to offload mobile network traffic, and prioritize FTTH construction to improve operational efficiency and reduce operating cost. We will continue to leverage our core telecommunication infrastructure and services to expand the ICT business, including cloud services, enterprise total solutions and government projects.

Personnel costs. We seek to improve our operational efficiency by reducing our personnel costs. For example, we offered voluntary retirement programs once each year since 2005, which resulted in reductions of 7,060 employees in total as of December 31, 2014. We also hired more than 4,434 new employees after our privatization in August 2005. Since then, we continued to align our organizational structure by integrating various operating units and departments. We will also continue to reallocate our personnel from traditional fixed-line services to our growing businesses and to our marketing and corporate customer services departments. On January 30, 2013, we set up Honghwa International Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Honghwa Human Resources Co., Ltd.), or Honghwa, in order to provide on-site equipment installation services to our customers and the customers of other companies that have signed service agreements with Honghwa.

Expand our business through alliances, acquisitions and investments

We continuously expand our business in high-growth areas, such as ICT and cloud services, through alliances, acquisitions and investments. We believe that our experience, operational scale and large customer base make us an attractive ally for other service providers.

Alliances. We have formed and will continue to pursue alliances with information content providers, multimedia service platform providers, customer premises equipment providers, internet portal operators, and ICT solutions partners to diversify our business operations and enhance our service offerings. We also aim to develop the city of industry technology intelligence. In December 2013, we formed the Taiwan Intelligent Aerotropolis Association, an association that focuses on the research, development and application of telecommunication and aerotropolis technology, together with other telecommunications enterprises and equipment suppliers. The formation of the association has strengthened our leading position in the industry and further supplemented our capability to develop smart city and aerotropolis products and services. On January 17, 2014, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with Delta Electronics, Inc., under which both parties agree to coordinate and to develop environmentally friendly solutions for energy saving in telecommunications industry. In February 2014, we joined KDDI Corp. based in Japan, SK Planet Co., Ltd. based in South Korea and

 

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HKT Limited based in Hong Kong to form the Asia NFC Alliance, which aims to extend existing near-field-communication, or NFC, services beyond national bounders to further accelerate the adoption of convenient and compatible NFC services worldwide. In April 2014, we entered into a memorandum of cooperation with HTC Corp. to establish the dual leading brands in 4G LTE, promoting the new mobile life experience. In June 2014, we entered into a joint research agreement with NTT DATA Corp. in connection with the researches on software-defined network, or SDN, technologies and the relevant applications. In August 2014, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with Intel Corp. to jointly accelerate innovation and growth on IoT, cloud computing, and SDN, as well as the new applications of IoT.

Acquisition and Investments. We have focused our acquisition strategy on making acquisitions of companies that we believe to be complementary to our long-term strategic goals. In addition, after our privatization, we have focused our investment strategy on the development of new businesses and the enhancement of our operation efficiency. Recently we have entered into the following notable transactions:

In February 2012, we subscribed for shares of China Airlines Ltd. in an equity offering and became a 5.07% stockholder of China Airlines Ltd. We expect to leverage China Airlines Ltd.’s expertise and operational experience within the tourism and transportation industries to develop relevant ICT services, including intelligent tourism and transportation cloud services. We have developed a tourism cloud platform to provide travel information and products as well as physical and virtual channels to facilitate the operation of different parties in the tourism industry.

In January 2013, we set up Honghwa in order to provide on-site equipment installation services to our customers and the customers of other companies that have signed service agreements with Honghwa.

In November 2013, Taiwan Mobile Co., Ltd., or Taiwan Mobile, Asia Pacific Telecom, or APT, Vibo Telecom, or Vibo, EasyCard Corporation, Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd., or Far EasTone, and us established the Alliance Digital Technology Co., Ltd., or ADT, which mainly engages in the development of mobile payments and information processing services. We owned a 13.33% equity interest in ADT and had one seat out of five seats on the board of directors of ADT as of December 31, 2014.

In February 2014, we, together with Benefit One Asia Pte. Ltd., established Chunghwa Benefit One Co., Ltd., or Chunghwa Benefit One, and we owned a 50% equity interest in Chunghwa Benefit One. Chunghwa Benefit One mainly engages in providing an e-commerce platform for enterprises to provide employee benefits and for individuals.

Please also see notes 3 and 16 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for our current strategic investments.

Going forward, we may consider making other equity investments and acquisitions that we believe are complementary to our business and strategic goals. Our future investment will be aimed at expanding our business scale and scope, making better use of our research and development resources and operational experience and increasing our revenues through investing mainly in six strategic areas, such as IoT, info-security, OTT, mobile VAS, enterprise business and IDC/Cloud.

Maintain focus on maximizing stockholder value

We are committed to maximizing stockholder value and intend to maintain a sustainable dividend policy. Following our privatization, we have more flexibility to implement capital management initiatives, including possible repurchases of our outstanding common shares and increases in our leverage through debt financing.

Under the ROC Company Act, companies are allowed to distribute special cash dividend from capital surplus. At our annual general stockholders’ meeting held on June 24, 2014, our stockholders approved the

 

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distribution of NT$16.6 billion from capital surplus, and such amount was subsequently paid in August 2014. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Effect of adopting Taiwan IFRSs on our dividends and employee bonuses.”

B. Business Overview

Our Principal Lines of Business

Our core business segments are our domestic fixed communications business, mobile communications business, internet business and international fixed communications business. The selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 have been prepared and presented in accordance with IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Domestic Fixed Communications Business

The provision of domestic fixed communications services is one of our principal business activities. Our domestic fixed communications business includes local telephone services and domestic long distance telephone services, broadband access services, local and domestic long distance leased line services, Wi-Fi services, multimedia on demand services, and other domestic services including ICT, corporate solution services, cloud computing services. We are the largest provider of local and domestic long distance telephone services in Taiwan. We also provide interconnection with our fixed-line network to other mobile and fixed-line operators. Our revenues from domestic fixed communications services were NT$76.1 billion, NT$73.5 billion and NT$72.1 billion (US$2.3 billion), respectively, in 2012, 2013 and 2014, representing 34.4%, 32.2% and 31.8% of our total revenue in such periods. In general, we expect that revenues from our domestic fixed communications business as a percentage of our total revenues will continue to decline primarily due to mobile and VoIP substitution.

Local Telephone

The following table sets forth our revenues from local telephone services for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
     (in billions)      (in millions)  

Local telephone revenues:

     

Usage

     20.1         17.9         16.0         506.8   

Subscription

     16.4         16.4         16.3         514.3   

Interconnection

     1.2         1.0         0.9         29.9   

Pay telephone

     0.4         0.3         0.3         9.5   

Other

     2.8         2.2         2.1         66.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  40.9      37.8      35.6      1,126.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We provide local telephone services to approximately 11.4 million customers in Taiwan. Our fixed-line network reaches virtually all homes and businesses in Taiwan. Revenues from local telephone services comprised 18.5%, 16.6% and 15.7% of our total revenues in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Approximately 73.9% of our local telephone customers as of December 31, 2014 were residential customers. We are currently the leader of the local telephone service market, with an average subscriber market share of approximately 95.0%, 94.6% and 94.3% in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

 

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The following table sets forth information with respect to our local telephone customers and penetration rates as of the dates indicated.

 

     As of December 31  
         2012             2013             2014      
    

(in thousands, except percentages

and per household data)

 

Taiwan population(1)

     23,316        23,374        23,434   

Fixed line customers:

      

Residential

     8,728        8,555        8,395   

Business

     3,061        3,017        2,970   

Total

     11,790        11,572        11,365   

Growth rate (compared to the same period in the prior year)

     (2.4 )%      (1.8 )%      (1.8 )% 

Penetration rate (as a percentage of the population)

     50.6     49.5     47.5

Lines in service per household

     1.07        1.03        1.00   

 

(1) Data from the Department of Population, Ministry of the Interior, ROC.

With the continued development of mobile technologies and the disconnection of additional lines for dial-up services, demand for local customer lines has been declining. The number of fixed-line customers decreased by 2.4% in 2012 compared to 2011, 1.8% in 2013 compared to 2012 and 1.8% in 2014 compared to 2013. We attribute the decrease in fixed-line customers to a general industry-wide trend of migrating from fixed-line services to mobile and internet telephony services.

The following table sets forth information with respect to local telephone usage for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
         2012             2013             2014      
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Minutes from local calls(1)(2)

     14,368        12,942        11,567   

Growth rate (compared to the same period in the prior year)

     (7.7 )%      (9.9 )%      (10.6 )% 

 

(1) Includes minutes from local calls made on pay telephones and minutes from fixed line-to-mobile calls.
(2) Calls to our HiNet internet service, which are recorded as part of our internet services, are not included in our local call minutes or revenues.

Minutes from local calls decreased in 2012, 2013 and 2014 due to the impact of mobile substitution and increased use of VoIP applications.

We charge our local telephone service customers a monthly fee and a usage fee. We also charge separate fees for some VAS. The monthly fees for our primary tariff plans are NT$70 for residential customers and NT$295 for business customers. Our primary peak time usage fee is NT$1.6 for three minutes, and our off-peak usage fee is NT$1.0 for ten minutes. Our usage fees are the same for residential and business customers.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the average local telephone usage charge per minute for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
         2012             2013             2014      
     NT$     NT$     NT$  

Average local telephone usage fee (per minute)

     1.41        1.39        1.39   

Growth rate (compared to the same period in the prior year)

     3.7     (1.4 )%      —     

 

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Average per minute usage charges increased 3.7% to NT$1.41 in 2012, and we attribute this increase to the fact that users with lower average tariffs switched to using VoIP telephony services to a greater extent than users with higher average tariffs. However, average per minute usage charges decreased 1.4% to NT$1.39 in 2013, mainly due to more users switching to use mobile phones and VoIP telephony services, which also led to the decreases in total revenue derived from local telephone. Average per minute usage charges remained relatively stable from 2013 to 2014. Part of our competitive strategy is to offer customers innovative products and services intended to both secure customer loyalty and increase revenues. In particular, our VAS offerings are designed to increase our call revenues by increasing the number of calls our customers make and by receiving fees for usage of the VAS. These services include call waiting, caller identification, call forwarding, three-party calls, ring back tone and voicemail.

Domestic Long Distance Telephone

We provide domestic long distance telephone services in Taiwan. Total revenues from domestic long distance telephone services were NT$3.8 billion, NT$3.5 billion and NT$3.3 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, representing 1.7%, 1.5% and 1.5% of our total revenues in such periods. This decrease was mainly due to the increased use of mobile services and VoIP applications. Our average market share by minutes in the domestic long distance market was approximately 75.4%, 76.6% and 80.5% in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

The following table sets forth information with respect to usage of our domestic long distance telephone services for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012     2013     2014  
     (in millions, except
percentages)
 

Domestic long distance telephone service usage (minutes)

     3,354        3,288        3,084   

Growth rate (compared to the same period in the prior year)

     4.7     (2.0 )%      (6.2 )% 

Along with the mandatory tariff reduction for domestic long distance telephone services, the minutes of use increased in 2012. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Tariff adjustments”. Call minutes declined in 2013 and 2014. We expect the minutes of use for domestic long distance calls will continue to decline as a result of traffic migration to mobile services and increased use of VoIP applications.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the average domestic long distance telephone usage charge per minute for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012     2013     2014  

Average domestic long distance telephone usage fee (per minute)

   NT$ 0.90      NT$  0.84      NT$  0.85   

Growth rate (compared to the same period in the prior year)

     (41.2 )%      (6.6 )%      1.2

According to the resolution released by the NCC on November 30, 2011, we reduced our peak hours domestic long distance rate from NT$0.032 per second to our current rate of NT$1.6 per three minutes, and off-peak hours rate from NT$0.023 per second to our current rate of NT$1.0 per three minutes, in January 2012. All domestic long distance calls, regardless of the distance between the calling parties, are subject to the same tariff. For more details of the NCC’s mandatory tariff reduction, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Tariff adjustments”. Our average domestic long distance usage charge per minute decreased 41.2% in 2012 due to the mandatory tariff reduction mentioned above. The slight difference in the average domestic long distance usage charge per minute in 2012 and 2013 was due to the higher tariff in early January 2012 before the tariff reduction mentioned above. Our average domestic long distance usage charge per minute increased 1.2% in 2014.

 

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We provide so-called “intelligent” network services over our domestic long distance network, including toll-free calling and virtual private networks, or VPN, services and others. We also focus on offering our customers an increasing number of VAS with flexible tariff packages.

Broadband (FTTx and ADSL) Access

We provide broadband internet access through connections based on our FTTx and ADSL technologies. FTTx generally offers a faster access medium for our internet customers compared to ADSL by using fiber optic technology. We are continuing the build-out of our FTTx infrastructure. Since 2014, we shifted our focus more on FTTH construction.

The following table sets forth our revenues from our broadband access services for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
         2012              2013              2014      
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (in billions)  

Broadband access revenues:

        

Broadband access (FTTx and ADSL)

     19.1         19.1         19.1   

We provide broadband access services to other internet service providers that do not have their own network infrastructure, and as a result, our broadband customers also include some customers that use only our broadband data access lines and choose another provider for internet service provider, or ISP, services.

From 2012 to 2014, we continued accelerating our high speed FTTx household coverage. We currently offer various promotional packages to encourage more migration of our ADSL subscribers to our FTTx service and migration of our FTTx subscribers to higher speed FTTx service. In 2014, FTTx revenue reached 83.5% of our total broadband revenue. As of December 31, 2014, 67.2% of HiNet subscribers accessed the internet through our FTTx service, and we expect this ratio to increase in the future as a result of these promotional measures. As of December 31, 2014, 91.1% of our FTTx service customers subscribe HiNet ISP service.

Our subscriber market share of Taiwan’s broadband market was approximately 79.2%, 77.7% and 76.7% in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

The following table sets forth our broadband service customers as of each of the dates indicated.

 

     As of December 31  
         2012              2013              2014      

FTTx service customers (in thousands)

     2,719         2,955         3,120   

ADSL service customers (in thousands)

     1,839         1,598         1,419   

Average downlink speed (Mbps)

     16.3         26.9         34.5   

Our FTTx service offers downlink speeds of 6, 20, 60, 100 and 300 Mbps matched with uplink speeds of 2, 5, 20, 40 and 100 Mbps, respectively. Our ADSL service offers downlink speeds that range from 2 Mbps to 8 Mbps and uplink speeds that range from 64 kilobits per second, or Kbps, to 640 Kbps.

We have experienced competition in broadband from cable operators and other fixed-line operators. In addition, as faster wireless technologies, such as 4G LTE, have been deployed, some customers have replaced fixed broadband services with high-speed mobile broadband services. Our strategy is to continue the migration of ADSL subscribers to FTTx and the migration of FTTx subscribers to higher speed FTTx so as to maintain our competitiveness. In addition, in order to strengthen customer loyalty, we have provided free speed upgrades for broadband customers since August 2010. In recent years, we further reduced our broadband tariff, especially for higher speed services, in order to speed up the migration to fiber solutions and facilitate the take-up of relevant

 

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applications. Although the lower broadband tariff had a temporary impact on our revenue, we believe the speed upgrade will have a positive effect on our promotion of broadband VAS in the long run.

Charges for our HiNet dial-up service include a monthly fee entitling the customer to a fixed number of minutes of service, with an additional charge per minute when the fixed number of minutes is exceeded. Alternatively, we offer our HiNet dial-up customers an unlimited number of minutes for a fixed monthly fee. Charges for our FTTx and ADSL services include one-time installation charges and monthly subscription fees. These charges for our FTTx and ADSL services vary based on connection speed.

The following table sets forth our ARPU for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
         2012              2013              2014      
     NT$      NT$      NT$  

ARPU for HiNet dial-up services per month(1)

     15         11         10   

ARPU for FTTx services per month(2)

     895         859         838   

ARPU for ADSL services per month(3)

     437         424         405   

 

(1) ARPU for HiNet dial-up services per month is calculated as the sum of (a) local telephone usage revenues generated by HiNet dial-up subscribers for the relevant period divided by the average of the number of our HiNet dial-up subscribers on the first and last days of the period divided by the number of months in the relevant period and (b) internet access revenues for the relevant period divided by the average of the number of our HiNet dial-up subscribers on the first and last days of the period divided by the number of months in the relevant period.
(2) ARPU for FTTx services per month is calculated as the sum of (a) FTTx access revenues for the relevant period divided by the average of the number of our FTTx access customers on the first and last days of the period divided by the number of months in the relevant period and (b) HiNet FTTx ISP service revenues divided by the average of the number of HiNet FTTx ISP service subscribers on the first and last days of the period divided by the number of months in the relevant period.
(3) ARPU for ADSL services per month is calculated as the sum of (a) ADSL access revenues for the relevant period divided by the average of the number of our ADSL access customers on the first and last days of the period divided by the number of months in the relevant period and (b) HiNet ADSL ISP service revenues divided by the average of the number of HiNet ADSL ISP service subscribers on the first and last days of the period divided by the number of months in the relevant period.

The overall decline of our broadband ARPU was due to (1) the NCC mandatory tariff reduction and (2) the promotional packages and discounts provided for existing customers. For more details of the NCC’s mandatory tariff reduction, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Tariff adjustments.”

Leased Line Services—Local and Domestic Long Distance

We are the leading provider of domestic leased line services in Taiwan. Leased line services involve offering exclusive lines that allow point-to-point connection for voice and data traffic. Leased lines are used by business customers to assemble their own private networks and by telecommunications service providers to establish networks to offer telecommunications services.

We provide data transmission services to major corporate customers in Taiwan. We also provide leased lines to other mobile and fixed-line service operators for interconnection with our fixed-line network and for connection within their networks.

 

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The following table shows the bandwidth of local and domestic long distance lines leased to third parties as of each of the dates indicated.

 

     As of December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     (in gigabits per second, or Gbps)  

Total bandwidth

     1,294.6         1,054.7         1,359.1   

The total bandwidth of local and domestic long distance lines leased to third parties decreased from 2012 to 2013 primarily due to the general trend of migrating to broadband services and the increased competition from other service providers constructing their own lines. In 2014, the total bandwidth of local and domestic long distance lines leased to third parties increased mainly due to the demand of the bandwidth of backbone network for 4G mobile services.

Rental fees for local leased lines are generally based on transmission speed while domestic long distance leased line rental fees are generally based on transmission speed and distance. We continue to experience a decline in rental fees for all of our leased line products. We attribute the general decline in rental fees since 2000 to a general migration toward broadband services and increased competition from other service providers constructing their own lines mentioned above. In response, we continue to implement marketing and service campaigns to retain our high-value corporate customers for our leased line products. Our local and domestic long distance leased line services revenues were NT$5.5 billion, NT$5.1 billion and NT$4.6 (US$0.1 billion) in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Although the bandwidth leased to third parties increased in 2014, the revenue decreased year over year mainly due to the decline in rental fees described above.

Wi-Fi Services

We launched our wireless local area network service in May 2002. As of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, we had a total of approximately 1,280,315, 1,816,090 and 2,083,900 residential and business customers that leased our access points, respectively. In addition, we had established 50,000 hot spots in public areas by the end of 2014, such as convenience stores, airports and international convention centers, where our smartphone subscribers can access our Wi-Fi network and help to offload mobile data network traffic.

MOD Services

Using video streaming technology through a set top box that connects to our FTTx and ADSL data connections, our MOD customers can access TV programs, video-on-demand and other services. We had over 161 broadcasting channels and over 12,000 hours of on-demand programs and served approximately 1.3 million customers as of December 31, 2014. Also, as of December 31, 2014, we offered 98 high definition, or HD, channels and other HD video-on-demand programming, such as sports, movies and knowledge materials. Since 2013, we offered “TV Everywhere” service for our MOD subscribers to enjoy a seamless program viewing experience across multiple platforms, including smartphones, tablets and PCs. In addition to our regular packaged offerings, we also launched special packages such as “Film 199” in 2013, “Drama 199” and “Hollywood 199” in 2014. As a result of the continuous increase in the number of subscribers that purchased packaged offering, our MOD revenues increased from 2012 to 2014 and amounted to NT$1.9 billion, NT$2.2 billion and NT$2.6 billion (US$81.3 million) in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Other Domestic Services

Our other domestic services include ICT services, corporate solution and bill handling services.

Mobile Communications Business

Mobile communications services are one of our principal business activities. Our mobile communications services include mobile services, sales of mobile handsets, tablets and data cards and other mobile services.

 

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Mobile Services

We are Taiwan’s largest provider of mobile services in terms of both revenues and customers. In 2012, we generated revenues of NT$72.5 billion, or 32.8% of our total revenues, from mobile services. In 2013, we generated revenues of NT$76.7 billion, or 33.6% of our total revenues, from mobile services. In 2014, we generated revenues of NT$77.5 billion (US$2.5 billion), or 34.2% of our total revenues, from mobile services. In 2012, we managed to increase our mobile revenue by promoting mobile internet services, which fully offset the decline of mobile voice revenue due to the NCC’s mandatory tariff reduction and market competition. In 2013, we continued to migrate customers (1) from 2G to 3G with additional data plans and (2) from 3G voice only to data plan adoption. As a result, our mobile VAS revenue grew by 38.4% from 2012 to 2013. It further grew by 22.5% from 2013 to 2014 due to the continuous mobile internet adoption and fast development in the 4G segment in our industry.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
     (in billions)      (in millions)  

Mobile services revenues:

           

Usage(1)

     42.1         40.1         36.0         1,139.6   

Interconnection

     7.3         6.0         4.8         151.6   

Mobile VAS

     20.4         28.3         34.8         1,100.4   

Other

     2.7         2.3         1.9         60.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mobile services

  72.5      76.7      77.5      2,451.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes monthly fees.

As the market for mobile services has continued to expand, we have experienced growth in our mobile customer base. We are the largest mobile operator in Taiwan in terms of revenues and number of customers. We had 11.1 million mobile customers, for a market share of approximately 37.1% of total mobile customers and approximately 35.7% of total mobile services revenues in Taiwan, as of December 31, 2014.

In October 2013, we obtained a 4G mobile services spectrum of 10 MHz paired spectrum in the 900 MHz frequency band and 25 MHz paired spectrum in the 1800 MHz frequency band. In November 2013, we paid NT$39.1 billion to the government for our 4G mobile services spectrum. Our 4G mobile services license is valid until December 31, 2030. We have launched 4G services in May 2014 and are currently deploying our 4G networks for better coverage.

In February 2002, the MOTC granted 3G mobile services concessions to five companies, including us. In March 2002, we paid NT$10.2 billion to the government for our concession. Our 3G mobile services license is valid until December 31, 2018. In July 2005, we launched our 3G mobile services, using WCDMA technology. We have been allocated 15 MHz paired spectrum in the 2 GHz frequency band for 3G mobile services, and 15 MHz in the 900 MHz frequency band and 11.25 MHz in the 1800 MHz frequency band for GSM services and general packet-switched radio services, or GPRS. We offer the largest international roaming network among Taiwan mobile service providers. By the end of 2014, our 3G roaming contracts includes 237 networks in 90 countries, our 2G GSM roaming contracts include 455 networks in 198 countries, and our 2.5G GPRS roaming contracts include 372 networks in 150 countries. We have also established 4G LTE roaming contracts with 31 networks in 24 countries.

 

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The following table sets forth information regarding our mobile service operations and our mobile customer base for the periods indicated.

 

     As of or for the Year Ended December 31  
     2012     2013     2014  

Taiwan population (in thousands)(1)

     23,316        23,374        23,434   

Total mobile customers in Taiwan (in thousands)(2)

     29,449        29,701        29,985   

Penetration (as a percentage of the population)(2)

     126.2     127.1     128.0

Total mobile revenues in Taiwan (in billions)(3)

     NT$219.2        NT$216.8        NT$207.6   

Number of our mobile customers (in thousands)(2)(4)

     10,269        10,656        11,126   

Our market share by customers

     34.9     35.9     37.1

Our market share by revenues(5)

     33.0     35.3     35.7

Number of our prepaid customers (in thousands)(4)

     1,124        1,325        1,589   

Our prepaid customers as a percentage of our total customers

     10.9     12.4     14.3

Annualized churn rate(6)

     13.26     13.87     13.80

Minutes of usage (in millions of minutes)

      

Incoming

     12,536        12,372        12,043   

Outgoing

     12,258        12,316        12,243   

Average minutes of usage per user per month(2)(7)

     203        197        186   

ARPU per month(2)(8)

     NT$594        NT$611        NT$593   

 

(1) Data from the Department of Population, Ministry of the Interior, ROC.
(2) The number of mobile customers is based on the number of subscriber identification module, or SIM, cards. Since 2006, the total number of mobile customers in Taiwan included 2G, 3G and personal handy-phone system, or PHS, customers. Since 2014, the number of mobile customers also included 4G customers. The number of our mobile customers also includes our prepaid and VPN customers.
(3) Data from the statistical monthly release by the NCC, in the ROC, which include mobile revenues 2G, 3G, PHS, and since 2014, 4G services. The figures of 2012 have not been adjusted by the NCC after the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs.
(4) Includes 2G, GPRS, 3G, and since 2014, 4G services.
(5) Market share by revenues is calculated by dividing mobile service revenues by the total mobile revenues in Taiwan.
(6) Measures the rate of customer disconnections from mobile service, determined by dividing (a) our aggregate voluntary and involuntary deactivations (excluding deactivations due to customers switching from one of our mobile services to another) during the relevant period by (b) the average number of customers during the period (calculated by averaging the number of customers at the beginning of the period and the end of the period), and multiplying the result by the fraction where (c) the numerator is 12 and (d) the denominator is the number of months in that period.
(7) Average minutes of use per user per month is calculated by dividing the total minutes of use during the period by the average of the number of our mobile customers on the first and last days of the period and dividing the result by the number of months in the relevant period.
(8) ARPU per month is calculated by dividing our aggregate mobile services revenues during the relevant period by the average of the number of our mobile customers on the first and last days of the period and dividing the result by the number of months in the relevant period.

The total mobile customers in Taiwan had reached approximately 30.0 million as of December 31, 2014. Mobile penetration was approximately 128.0% on the same date. The overall mobile services market experienced a slight decrease of 4.2% in revenues in 2014 mainly due to the downturn in overall 2G mobile market and the tariff cut for 3G services owing to the promotion of our 3G data services. As of December 31, 2014, we had 1.3 million, 8.3 million and 1.5 million subscribers for 4G, 3G and 2G services, respectively.

 

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We began offering prepaid card services in October 2000 and prepaid 3G card services in February 2008. As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately 1.6 million prepaid customers, representing approximately 14.3% of our total mobile customers. Prepaid customers do not pay monthly fees but pay a higher usage charge on a per second basis. Once the prepayment has been fully utilized, a prepaid customer can make additional prepayments to continue the service. Alternatively, the customer may convert to become a post-paid customer while retaining the same telephone number.

We offer incentives, such as mobile handset subsidies, when new customers agree to sign a service contract with us or when existing customers renew their contracts with us ranging from 12 months to 30 months. We generally offer subsidies on mobile handsets equipped with more advanced data functions to promote the expansion of our 3G and 4G mobile services. Smartphones accounted for 89.88% of the total handsets we offered in 2014. We expect our average subsidy per handset in 2015 to continue to decrease as we focus more on promoting low- to mid-tier smartphones. At the same time, we expect to maintain our mobile internet market leadership.

Our tariffs for post-paid mobile customers primarily consist of usage fees and monthly fees. We also offer discounts on usage fees for calls made between our mobile customers to encourage subscription to our mobile service.

When our customers are outside Taiwan, they pay roaming charges plus international long distance charges and, where applicable, local charges in roaming destinations. We have already signed agreements with some providers in foreign countries for strategic cooperation for our roaming business.

Our ARPU per month increased from NT$594 in 2012 to NT$611 in 2013, mainly due to increased revenues from mobile internet services. Our ARPU per month decreased to NT$593 in 2014 from NT$611 in 2013 due to lower promotional tariffs that we offered in 2014 to attract more subscribers and an increase of the total number of subscribers.

In addition to our basic mobile services, we also offer a broad range of value-added telecommunications and information services. In August 2001, we introduced a platform of integrated mobile VAS under the brand name “emome”. Our “emome” services offer a broad range of VAS, including financial information, transaction services, emergency services access numbers, directory information, time, weather and traffic reports. After the launch of our 3G mobile services, we began providing video phone, video-on-demand and other related 3G mobile VAS as well. In 2009, we offered the “Hami” VAS platform and provided e-book and Hami Apps services. Revenues from mobile VAS represented 28.3%, 37.0% and 44.9% of our total mobile services revenues in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The increase of mobile VAS revenue percentage was mainly attributed to the increase in mobile data plan subscriber number.

Sales of Mobile Handsets, Tablets and Data Cards

We engage in the distribution and sales of mobile handsets, tablets and data cards for use on our mobile network to customers through our directly-owned stores, our subsidiary Senao, and also through third-party retailers. See “Marketing Strategy—Distribution Channels” and “Sales and Distribution” in “—Marketing, Sales and Distribution”.

Other Mobile Services

Our other mobile services include ICT services, corporate solution and bill handling services.

Internet Business

Our internet business includes HiNet, our internet service provider, internet VAS, data communication services, internet data center, or IDC, services, and other internet services. Our internet revenues represented 11.2%, 11.2% and 11.5% of our revenues in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

 

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HiNet Internet Service

We are the largest ISP in Taiwan, with a subscriber market share of 68.5% as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, HiNet had approximately 4.2 million subscribers. Our HiNet internet service generated revenues of NT$16.9 billion, NT$17.2 billion and NT$17.2 billion (US$0.5 billion) in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Our ISP service subscribers decreased from 2012 to 2014 mainly due to substitution by mobile broadband services. Although the number of our ISP service subscribers decreased, the revenues slightly increased from 2013 to 2014 primarily due to the migration of our subscribers to higher speed service.

The following table sets forth HiNet’s subscribers as of each of the dates indicated.

 

     As of December 31  
     2012     2013     2014  
     (in thousands, except
percentages)
 

Total internet subscribers in Taiwan

     6,101        6,158        6,178   

HiNet subscribers:

      

HiNet dial-up subscribers

     469        454        439   

HiNet ADSL subscribers

     1,321        1,099        948   

HiNet FTTx subscribers

     2,451        2,683        2,843   

Other access technology subscribers

     3        3        3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total HiNet subscribers

  4,244      4,239      4,233   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Market share(1)

  69.6   68.8   68.5

 

(1) Based on data provided by the NCC.

We have maintained our leading market position despite operating in a highly competitive market with approximately 222 ISPs in Taiwan. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 83.5% of our broadband customers were also HiNet subscribers, using HiNet as their ISP. We expect the competitive conditions currently prevailing in the internet service provider market to continue to intensify.

Internet VAS

Our HiNet portal at www.hinet.net provides VAS to our customers, such as network security, Blog, travel, games, e-learning, financial information, music, video, anti-virus and links to other portals. We charge fees for some of these services. We also receive commissions for transactions completed on some of these other portals. Our internet video portal at www.hichannel.hinet.net offers online entertainment services through the internet. In particular, our HiNet broadband (FTTx and ADSL) subscribers can access music, television programs, movies and other multimedia content on demand. We charge access fees for some of this content. We expect the revenues generated from these VAS to continue to grow as a percentage of our total internet services revenues.

Data Communication Services and IDC Services

We provide a wide range of managed data services, including frame relay services, asynchronous transfer mode services, and VPN services. Frame relay services provide high-speed data communications linking remote sites. Asynchronous transfer mode services are used to handle high-bandwidth, integrated voice, video, data and internet traffic between sites.

IDCs are facilities providing the physical environment necessary to keep computer network servers running at all times. These facilities are custom-designed with high-volume air conditioning temperature control systems, secure access, reliable electricity supply and connections to high-bandwidth internet networks. Data centers house, protect and maintain network server computers that store and deliver internet and other network content,

 

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such as web pages, applications and data. We currently have the largest floor area of internet data centers in Taiwan compared to our competitors in Taiwan. We offer co-location, web hosting and application service provider services.

Other Internet Services

Our other internet services include government services, corporate solution and ICT and cloud services.

International Fixed Communications Business

Our international fixed communications business includes international long distance telephone services, international leased line services, international data services, satellite services and other international services.

International Long Distance Telephone

We provide international long distance telephone services in Taiwan. Total revenues from international long distance telephone services comprised 5.2%, 4.9% and 4.6% of our revenues in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. In addition, we provide wholesale international long distance services to international simple resale operators that do not possess their own telephone network or infrastructure. Our international long distance telephone revenues decreased by 2.6% from NT$11.5 billion in 2012 to NT$11.2 billion in 2013, and further decreased by 7.3% to NT$10.4 billion (US$0.3 billion) in 2014, primarily due to the increased competition from VoIP-based international long distance service providers and free VoIP applications.

Since international fixed communication services have been open for competition since 2001, we expect competition in this line of business will continue to intensify. Our average market share of the international long distance market by minutes was approximately 51.0%, 55.1% and 56.0% in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Despite the decrease in our international long distance traffic volume, our market share increased from 2012 to 2014 because our international long distance traffic volume decreased less than our competitors. However, the overall market for international long distance services declined due to the intense competition from VoIP-based international long distance service providers and free VoIP applications. Our international long distance services consist primarily of international direct dial services and the wholesale of international long distance traffic.

We commenced the wholesale of international long distance minutes to licensed domestic international simple resale, or ISR operators, and other international carriers in 2001. The domestic ISR operators require fixed-line operators in Taiwan, such as us, to provide international long distance telephone services to their end-users. We provide time-division multiplexing, or TDM and VoIP connections with committed standard and premium route quality to connect to over 240 worldwide destinations for ISR operators and international carriers. We offer customized solutions with competitive prices and “24 hours a day, 7 days a week” service to satisfy their needs. In 2012, 2013 and 2014, we sold 1,064 million, 743 million and 699 million minutes of wholesale international long distance traffic, which represented approximately 42.2%, 35.5% and 42.1% of our total outgoing international long distance traffic, respectively. Despite the decrease in international long distance traffic volume, revenues from the wholesale of international long distance minutes increased by 5.4% from NT$2.9 billion in 2012 to NT$3.1 billion in 2013, and further increased by 6.8% to NT$3.3 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014, primarily due to our focus on expanding such services in higher-unit-price areas, such as Europe, Africa and Middle East.

International calls to our top five destinations represented 67.6% of our outgoing international long distance call traffic in 2014. International calls from our top five destinations represented 45.0% of our incoming international long distance call traffic in 2014.

 

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The following table shows the percentage of total outgoing international long distance minutes for our top five outgoing destinations in 2014.

 

Destination

   Percentage of Total
Outgoing Minutes (%)
 

Mainland China

     32.6   

Indonesia

     15.6   

Philippines

     8.2   

Vietnam

     6.0   

United States

     5.2   
  

 

 

 

Total of top five destinations

  67.6   
  

 

 

 

The following table shows the percentage of total incoming international long distance minutes for our top five incoming destinations in 2014.

 

Destination

   Percentage of Total
Incoming Minutes (%)
 

Mainland China

     17.9   

United States

     8.0   

Canada

     7.8   

Indonesia

     7.0   

Japan

     4.3   
  

 

 

 

Total of top five destinations

  45.0   
  

 

 

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to usage of our international long distance services for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012     2013     2014  
     (in millions, except
percentages and incoming/
outgoing ratio)
 

Incoming minutes

     1,529        1,198        983   

Growth rate (compared to the same period in the prior year)

     (11.9 )%      (21.6 )%      (17.9 )% 

Outgoing minutes

     2,523        2,095        1,658   

Growth rate (compared to the same period in the prior year)

     (1.4 )%      (17.0 )%      (20.9 )% 

Total minutes

     4,052        3,293        2,641   

Incoming/outgoing ratio

     0.61        0.57        0.59   

Total incoming call volume decreased by 21.6% from 2012 to 2013, and further decreased by 17.9% in 2014, mainly due to the intensified market competition from VoIP-based international long distance service providers and other international long distance service providers. Similarly, due to this intensified competition, total outgoing call volume decreased by 17.0% from 2012 to 2013, and further decreased by 20.9% in 2014.

Outgoing calls made by customers in Taiwan and by customers from foreign destinations using Taiwan direct service are billed in accordance with our international long distance rate schedule for the destination called.

Rates vary depending on the time of day at which a call is placed. Customers are billed on a six-second unit basis for international direct dial services.

 

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The following table sets forth information with respect to the average international long distance usage charge per minute that we received for outgoing international calls during the periods indicated:

 

    Year Ended December 31  
    2012     2013     2014  

Average international long distance usage charge (per minute)

    NT$3.4        NT$3.8        NT$4.4   

Growth rate (compared to the same period in the prior year)

    (5.6 )%      11.8     15.8

In 2012, since other operators offered competitive tariff to capture the market share, we reduced our retail price to maintain competitiveness which resulted in the lower average charge per minute. Despite the decrease in average charge per minute, our growth rate increased from negative 5.6% in 2012 to 11.8% in 2013, and further increased by 15.8% in 2014 primarily due to our focus on expanding the wholesale of international long distance minutes in higher-unit-price areas, such as Europe, Africa and Middle East.

We pay for the use of networks of carriers in foreign destinations for outgoing international calls and receive payments from foreign carriers for the use of our network for incoming international calls. Traditionally, these payments have been made pursuant to settlement arrangements under the general auspices of the International Telecommunications Union. Settlement payments are generally denominated in U.S. dollars and are made on a net basis.

The following table sets forth information with respect to our gross international settlement receipts and payments during the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
            (in billions)             (in millions)  

Gross international settlement receipts

     3.0         3.3         3.2         99.7   

Gross international settlement payments

     5.6         6.0         6.5         204.5   

Our payments to international carriers on an aggregate basis have been greater than our receipts from these carriers primarily because our customers’ outgoing minutes exceeded incoming minutes. Both international settlement receipts and payments increased in 2013 and international settlement payments increased in 2014, because we actively promoted our international wholesale business. However, international settlement receipts slightly decreased in 2014 primarily due to the decrease in the incoming minutes, which was primarily due to VoIP substitution.

In order to compete more effectively in the international long distance market, we have implemented innovative and customized discount calling plans and marketing campaigns directed at high-usage business customers. We also continue to promote our intelligent network services, including international VPNs, international toll free calling and calling card services, and our international long distance minutes wholesale business. Our subsidiary, Chief Telecom, launched its 070 phone-to-phone VoIP service in April 2009.

Leased Line Services—International

We are a leading provider of international leased line services in Taiwan. Leased line services involve offering exclusive lines that allow point-to-point connection for voice and data traffic. Leased lines are used by business customers to assemble their own private networks and by telecommunications service providers to establish networks to offer telecommunications services.

 

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We provide data transmission services to major corporate customers in Taiwan. Since August 2001, licenses have been awarded to four undersea cable operators to engage in leased line services. Demand for high-speed data transmission services has been growing rapidly, as a result of growing consumer demand and lower tariffs due to increased competition. In particular, the total bandwidth of our lines leased increased by 68.5% in 2014.

The following table shows the bandwidth of international lines leased to third parties as of each of the dates indicated.

 

     As of December 31  
         2012              2013              2014      
     (in gigabits per second, or Gbps)  

Total bandwidth

     531.7         564.8         951.4   

Rental fees for international long distance leased line are generally based on transmission speed and distance.

We continue to experience a decline in rental fees for all of our leased line products. The decline in rental fees has been substantial since 2000, particularly for international leased lines, partly as a result of competition from new international leased line service providers. In response, we continue to implement marketing and service campaigns to retain our high-value corporate customers. Our international leased line services revenues were NT$1.2 billion, NT$1.4 billion and NT$1.5 billion (US$48.2 million) in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, mainly due to our expansion to the overseas markets and growing consumer demand mentioned above.

International Data Services

Our international data services include international IP VPN services and Taiwan internet gateway services. Total revenues for international data services were NT$1.3 billion, NT$1.5 billion and NT$1.7 billion (US$53.1 million) for 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Due to the growth of the number of Taiwanese corporations with operations outside of Taiwan, we expect demand for IP VPN and Taiwan internet gateway services to continue to increase and our revenues from our international data services to continue to grow.

Satellite Services

We entered into a contract with ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte., Ltd. on March 12, 2010 to lease capacity on the ST-2 satellite. The lease term is 15 years starting from the official start of operations of the ST-2 satellite, and the total contract value is approximately NT$6.0 billion. This contract requires a prepayment of NT$3.1 billion, and the remaining amount will be paid annually. The ST-2 telecommunications satellite launched on May 21, 2011 and began commercial operation in August 2011. Please refer to note 40 of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for further details.

In addition, we have two satellite communication centers that enable us to provide TV broadcast, satellite VAS and backup systems for use in major emergencies. We also provide satellite services to Southeast Asia.

Other International Services

Our other international services include corporate solution services.

Others

Our other business segment includes our non-telecom services, including property sales made by our subsidiary, Light Era Development Co., Ltd. and electronic products sales made by our subsidiary, Chunghwa Precision Test Tech Co., Ltd.

 

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Interconnection

We provide interconnection of our fixed line network and mobile network with other operators.

The following table sets forth our interconnection fee revenues and costs for the periods indicated. These revenues and costs are included, depending on the nature of the call made, in domestic fixed communications or mobile communications revenues and expenses, respectively.

 

    Year Ended December 31  
    2012     2013     2014  
    NT$     NT$     NT$     US$  
    (in billions)     (in millions)  

Interconnection fee revenues:

       

Fixed line

    1.3        1.2        1.1        34.6   

Mobile(1)

    7.3        6.0        4.8        151.6   

Interconnection costs:

       

Fixed line

    5.7        4.6        3.3        103.5   

Mobile

    7.7        6.2        4.9        155.4   

 

(1) We account for revenues from SMS air time charges under mobile VAS instead of interconnection for years. The table for the periods indicated uses accounting categorization described above.

The interconnection rate between fixed-line customers and other fixed-line customers is NT$0.32 per minute during peak times and NT$0.09 per minute during off-peak times. The interconnection rate for calls initiated by mobile customers to fixed-line customers is NT$0.5219 per minute during peak times and NT$0.2718 per minute during off-peak times.

The NCC has mandated mobile interconnection rate reduction over a period of four years starting on January 5, 2013. The rate should be reduced from NT$2.15 per minute to NT$1.15 per minute in four years with a CAGR of -14.5%. Therefore, our mobile interconnection revenues and costs both decreased in 2013 and 2014.

Before January 1, 2011, the rates of telecommunication fees for telephone calls between fixed-line customers and mobile customers were set by the mobile network operators: mobile network operators collected such telecommunication fees from customers and paid the fixed-line network operators interconnection fees based on usage, regardless of which party of the interconnection initiated the call. Starting from January 1, 2011, the fixed-line network operators that initiate the call have the right to set the rates of telecommunication fees and to collect such fees from customers for fixed-line-to-mobile calls; fixed-line network operators have to pay interconnection fees to mobile network operators in accordance with the interconnection rate set forth by the NCC. In addition, to balance the competition between us, the market leader of fixed-line network operators, and other mobile network operators, we are also required by the NCC to pay transition fees (in addition to the interconnection fees) to the other mobile network operators for a period of six years starting from January 1, 2011. The transition fees will decrease gradually over the six-year period, and we will not be required to pay such transition fees from January 1, 2017.

Fixed interconnection costs decreased in 2013 and 2014 mainly due to (1) decreasing transition fees year over year, (2) reduction of mobile interconnection rate for fixed-line-to-mobile calls, and (3) decreasing traffic volume.

In accordance with governmental regulations, the contracts governing our interconnection arrangements must specifically address a number of prescribed issues. For example, our interconnection charge should reflect our costs with respect to the network elements used. In addition, cost increases are subject to approval by the regulatory authorities. We expect that our interconnection contracts will generally be reviewed annually, although we may also enter into long-term contracts.

 

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Emerging Services

We continue leveraging our advantages in network infrastructure, IDC, Content Delivery Network, or CDN, etc. to offer customized ICT total solutions to enterprise customers and to expand our ICT business. We are offering ICT total solutions by integrating our capabilities of cloud, information security, IoT and customization expertise. We are developing in-house Big Data capability for future commercialization as well as cooperating with partners to develop an IoT ecosystem across various industries.

Our ICT services includes integrated services such as our iEN, ITS, and Internet of Vehicles. Our iEN service helps companies and corporations implement energy saving measures through computer analysis of data. Our ITS provides navigation, real-time traffic information and infotainment through mobile devices for cars and drivers. By leveraging high speed 4G mobile broadband networks, we offer innovative Internet of Vehicles services including GPS, audio and video streaming, car information, etc. available for tablets. In addition to developing ICT businesses mentioned above, we also pursue ICT projects from both public and private sectors aiming to expand our revenue streams.

Marketing, Sales and Distribution

Marketing Strategy

In order to retain and expand our large customer base and to encourage our customers to increase their use of our services and products, we continue to focus our marketing strategy on the following areas.

 

    Services, Products and Bundled Offerings. We continually develop new VAS and products, and bundle our services and products based on different market segments, with the aim of increasing our high-usage customers and enhancing customer loyalty.

 

    Pricing and Promotions. We design flexible pricing packages that allow customers to select structures best tailored to their usage patterns, and design special promotional packages to encourage usage.

 

    Distribution Channels. We seek to facilitate customer subscription by adding more service points. In addition, we seek to broaden our distribution reach by strengthening our cross-industry alliances and marketing relationships. Furthermore, we have expanded our sales channels by implementation of a sales agent system by collaborating with Tsann Kuen Trans-Nation Group, E-life Mall Corporation, and Synnex Technology International Corporation, to effectively increase our points of sale. We also developed staff incentive programs to better motivate our sales staff.

 

    Business Customers. We expanded our customer focus to include small and medium-sized enterprises, or SME, in addition to large corporations. We seek to serve the needs of large corporate customers by devoting a project manager or project engineer to service these customers. These account managers are responsible for developing customized solutions and tariff packages to meet the specific needs of our customers. We continually update and expand our service offerings so that we can remain a one-stop telecommunications services provider to our corporate customers and provide for all of their telecommunications needs. Our dedicated local teams serve the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. These teams also use our data bank to identify and target potential clients for promoting our e-commerce and mobile services. In addition, we help our corporate customers improve their efficiency and competitiveness by creating information systems for them. In 2014, we focused more on SME customers.

 

    Advertising. We are committed to further strengthening the Chunghwa Telecom brand and image as well as strengthening and expanding market recognition of our specialized product brands, such as HiNet and emome. We plan to leverage our leading market position and status to strengthen the overall advantage of our product brands.

 

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Sales and Distribution

Our marketing department at our corporate headquarters in Taipei is responsible for central business planning and formulating our marketing strategies and objectives. We have multiple marketing departments for our various businesses which are responsible for business and marketing planning.

As of December 31, 2014, we also had 17 operations offices, 469 service centers, 275 exclusive service stores and 6 customer service call centers located throughout Taiwan that are responsible for operations, sales and customer service in their respective local areas.

In January 2007, we acquired 31.33% equity ownership of Senao, a major distributor of mobile handsets in Taiwan. Senao has been listed on the TWSE under the number “2450” since May 2001. Our equity ownership in Senao decreased from 31.33% as of January 15, 2007 to 28.18% as of March 31, 2015 due to the exercise of options by employees that were previously granted before 2007. We consolidated the results of operations of Senao because we control four out of seven seats on the board of directors through the support of large beneficial shareholders of Senao. Please refer to note 3 and note 15 of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for description about the control relationship between the parent company and Senao. Our investment in Senao enhanced our mobile handset distribution and sales capabilities. Starting from January 2014, customers can subscribe for our broadband service, MOD service and other services at Senao retail stores. See “Item 7. Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions” for a discussion of the agreement between the parent company and Senao about our business cooperation.

Customer Service and Billing

We believe our reputation for quality customer service has helped us attract new customers and maintain customer loyalty. We regularly survey our customers to improve our service and better understand market demand and customer preferences, and seek to develop products and services accordingly.

We provide the following services to our customers:

 

    bill payment services at 24-hour convenience stores, bank service counters, automatic teller machines, and service centers throughout Taiwan, via direct debit, over the phone, online at our website (www.cht.com.tw), on MOD, and on mobile handset emome or Hami;

 

    online information and bill payment services at our website (www.cht.com.tw) and customer service hotline for telephone payment;

 

    24-hour customer service and technical support through our service centers, call centers and website;

 

    free of charge itemized billing for international and domestic long distance calls; and

 

    consolidated and automated billing for all services, including English billing documents available upon request.

Network Infrastructure

Our network infrastructure consists of transmission networks that convey voice and data traffic, switching networks that route traffic between networks, and mobile, internet, leased line and data switching networks.

We purchase most of our network equipment from well-known international suppliers. As part of the purchase contract, these suppliers deliver and install the equipment for us. We also purchase from local suppliers a variety of components such as transmission lines, switches, telephone sets, MOD set-top boxes, and radio transmitters.

Approximately 13,773 of our employees were engaged in network infrastructure development, maintenance, operation and planning as of December 31, 2014.

 

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Transmission Networks

As of December 31, 2014, our transmission networks consisted of approximately 2.21 million fiber kilometers of fiber optic cable for trunking and approximately 8.04 million fiber kilometers of fiber optic cable for local loop.

Between 2009 and 2013, we deployed next generation synchronous digital hierarchy, or NG SDH, and optical cross connect, or OXC, equipment for providing TDM and data service. Due to the emergence of packet-transport network, or PTN, technology, which is a cost-effective method for transmitting packet-based data services, we began the deployment of PTN and stopped the deployment of NG SDH network in 2014. Between 2007 and 2014, we deployed 40/80-wavelength Re-configurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer, or ROADM, for backbone transmission network in order to provide new data services such as gigabit Ethernet, fiber channel, 2.5 gigabit and 10 gigabit packet over SDH and 10 gigabit Ethernet. Due to the high utilization of our existing ROADM network, we began to introduce the optical transport network, or OTN, trial network to meet the demand of 100G wavelength services in 2014. In 2015, we expect to continue to assess the cost-effectiveness and maturity of OTN equipment in order to decide the right timing of its large-scale deployment. Between 2009 and 2013, we had already completed the deployment of 5,519 GbE OXC/NG SDH, which was stopped in 2014 due to the introduction of PTN. In addition, we had completed the deployment of 1,189 wavelength ROADM and 1,740 GbE PTN by the end of 2014.

As part of our strategic focuses on the internet and data markets, our local loop connections mainly adopt FTTx technology. This enables us to provide broadband services, such as MOD, high speed internet access and VPN. As of December 31, 2014, we have constructed approximately 6.2 million FTTx ports. Our FTTx service can offer high-speed broadband internet access rates up to 1Gbps. For low bandwidth demand, we use ADSL technology to provide the internet connection services for the customers.

Switching Networks

Domestic telecommunications network. Our domestic public switched telephone network currently consists of 19 message areas connected by a long distance network. As of December 31, 2014, we had 38 long distance exchanges, which are interconnection points between our telecommunications network and approximately 17.4 million telephone lines, which reached virtually all homes and businesses in Taiwan.

We currently have intelligent networks installed over our public switched telephone networks for our domestic long distance and international networks, as well as a local intelligent network in the Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung metropolitan areas. Our intelligent network is designed to facilitate the use of VAS by providing more information about calls and allowing greater management of those calls.

As of December 31, 2014, our next generation network, or NGN core network consisted of 1,160,000 local telephone subscribers, comprising 448,000 Session Initiation Protocol-based, or SIP-based, and 712,000 Access Gateway-based, or AG-based, subscribers.

Our NGN Managed IP backbone network consists of an inner core network and an outer core network. We owned high-speed NGN Managed IP backbone network by the end of 2014 with 12 sets of 1.6 Tbps switch routers for the inner core network and more than 34 sets of 1.6 Tbps switch routers for the outer core network. The bandwidth of the network is approximately 945 Gbps as of the end of 2014. We believe this network will enable us to meet the increasing demand for NGN services, such as VoIP, and all managed services, including MOD and VPN.

International network. Our international transmission infrastructure consists of both submarine cable and satellite transmission systems, which link our national network directly to 98 telecommunications service providers in 43 international destinations.

 

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International calls are routed between Taiwan and international destinations through one of our two international switching centers, one located in Taipei and the other in Kaohsiung. Each center had time-division multiplexing, or TDM, international gateway switches and NGN international gateway switch. We had a trunk capacity of 150,040 channels in total as of December 31, 2014.

As of December 31, 2014, we had invested in 19 submarine cables, nine of which land in Taiwan. We had increased the capacity of each of our current submarine cables, increasing our aggregate total capacity from 1,655 Gbps in 2013 to 1,829 Gbps in 2014.

Mobile Services Network

Our mobile services network consists of:

 

    cell sites, which are physical locations equipped with a base station consisting of transmitters, receivers and other equipment used to communicate through radio channels with customers’ mobile handsets within the range of a cell;

 

    BSC (base station controllers) for GSM or RNC (radio network controller) for 3G, which connect to, and control, the base station within each cell site;

 

    cellular switching service centers for GSM or 3G, which control the base station controllers and the processing and routing of telephone calls;

 

    GGSN (gateway GPRS support nodes), which connect our GPRS network to the internet;

 

    SGSN (serving GPRS support nodes), which connect the GPRS network to the base station controllers;

 

    MME (mobility management entity), which connects the base station to our 4G core network that is responsible for control side;

 

    S GW (Serving Gateway), which connects the base stations to our 4G core network that is responsible for data side;

 

    PDN GW (Packet Data Network Gateway), which connects our 4G core network to the internet; and

 

    transmission lines, which link (i) with respect to the GSM/3G/4G network, the mobile switching service centers, MME, S GW, base station controllers, base stations and the public switched telephone network, and (ii) with respect to the GPRS/4G core network, the base station controllers, the support nodes, PDN GW and the internet.

We provide 2G mobile services based on the GSM network standards. Prior to October 22, 2014, we had the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands paired with spectrum of 15 MHz and 11.25 MHz, respectively, for our 2G mobile services and the licenses will expire in June 2017. Due to the gradual migration of the 2G subscribers to 3G and 4G, we returned the 2G license in the 900 MHz frequency band to the NCC on October 22, 2014 and transferred the spectrum of 900 MHz frequency band to 4G mobile broadband license. Our usage right of the 900 MHz frequency band is changed from 15 MHz paired spectrum to 10 MHz paired spectrum since October 22, 2014, and the 10 MHz paired spectrum is shared by 2G GSM and 4G LTE networks adhering to the principle of technological neutrality of our 4G mobile broadband license. As of December 31, 2014, we had provided up to 99.9% population coverage on our GSM network. Since the launch of our 3G and 4G mobile services, we have gradually migrated GSM subscribers to 3G and 4G and have started to consolidate our GSM network.

We have 15 MHz paired spectrum in the 2 GHz frequency band for our 3G mobile services, which was launched in July 2005. We contracted with Nokia Siemens Networks to provide the core network, radio access network, service network, transmission network and maintenance network for our 3G network. To meet the high growth in mobile data traffic, we have upgraded our existing High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA with capability of 7.2 Mbps and 2 Mbps each for Down-link and Up-link) Network to Dual Cell High-Speed Packet Access Plus (DC HSPA+ with capability of 42 Mbps and 5.76 Mbps each for Down-link and Up-link).

 

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We have 10 MHz paired spectrum in the 900 MHz frequency band and 25 MHz paired spectrum in the 1800 MHz frequency band for our 4G mobile services, which were launched in May 2014. We contracted with Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy and Ericsson AB to provide the radio access network, and Ericsson AB to provide the core network, respectively. Our 1800 MHz frequency band base stations can provide maximum speeds of 110 Mbps down-link and 37.9 Mbps up-link for each user. We also implemented carrier aggregation, or CA, technology to our 1800/900 MHz frequency band base stations that increase the maximum speeds to 180 Mbps down-link for each user.

We have also installed an intelligent network on our existing mobile services network infrastructure, which enable us to provide additional functions, such as prepaid and VPN services as well as a wide range of VAS.

Internet Network

HiNet, our internet service provider, has the largest internet access network in Taiwan, with 33 points of presence approximately 5,680,000 broadband remote access server ports and a backbone bandwidth of approximately 3,817 Gbps as of December 31, 2014. We aim to achieve HiNet’s points of presence and backbone bandwidth to approximately 4,807 Gbps by the end of 2015.

HiNet’s broadband backbone network consists of an inner core network and an outer core network. We had high-speed internet protocol backbone network by the end of 2014 with 16 sets of 7.04Tbps/4.48Tbps/4Tbps/1.6Tbps switch routers for the inner core network and more than 50 sets of 5.28Tbps/2.64Tbps/1.6Tbps/640Gbps switch routers for the outer core network. We believe this network will enable us to meet the increasing demand for our internet services.

HiNet’s total international connection bandwidth is 762.305 Gbps as of December 31, 2014. As we expect that internet traffic flows to and from the United States will continue to increase, we have been continuously expanding our bandwidth to the United States. We also endeavor to increase our links to other countries, including Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mainland China, Malaysia and Thailand.

Leased Line and Data Switching Networks

We operate leased line networks on both a managed and unmanaged basis. In addition, we operate a number of switched digital networks used principally for the provision of packet-switched, frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode technology and a multi-protocol label switching internet protocol VPN. We have completed the construction of a digital cross connect system for provisioning and managing voice-grade data services throughout Taiwan with a total of 50 nodes. As of December 31, 2014, we had 462 frame relay ports, 999 asynchronous transfer mode ports and approximately 89,541 multi-protocol label switching internet protocol VPN virtual ports.

Our data networks support a variety of transmission technologies, including frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode and ethernet technology. We have also built up our HiLink VPN that combines internet protocol and asynchronous transfer mode technologies. The advantage of HiLink VPN based on multi-protocol label switching technology is that it can carry different classes of services, such as video, voice and data together to provide services with various qualities of service, high performance transmission and fast forward solution in an enhanced security network. HiLink VPN can be accessed by xDSL/FTTx/NG-SDH and can include built-in mechanisms that can deal with overlapping internet protocol addresses. Therefore, the network potentially is less costly and requires less management for business applications.

Competition

We face competition in virtually all aspects of our business.

 

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Domestic Fixed Communications

 

    Local and domestic long distance telephone services: Revenue from local and domestic long distance telephone service of telecommunication services providers has continuously decreased in the past few years primarily due to mobile and VoIP substitution. Competition from mobile data service providers increased significantly due to the popularity of smart mobile devices and mobile applications such as LINE and WeChat. In addition, we are required by the ROC regulations to provide number portability and unbundled local loop access, which has increased the level of competition. Although there are other providers of fixed communications, including Taiwan Fixed Network, New Century Infocomm Tech. Co., Ltd. and APT, competition from these providers was not significant in the past few years.

 

    Leased line services: Major competitors in this field are three fixed line operators including Taiwan Fixed Network, New Century Infocomm Tech. Co., Ltd. and Asia Pacific Co. Ltd. We believe that the leased line services providers primarily compete on the basis of price and the bandwidth speed of services.

 

    Broadband internet access services: Major competitors in this field are five multiple-system operators, or MSOs, including Kbro Co., Ltd., China Network Systems Co., Ltd., Taiwan Fixed Network, Taiwan Broadband Communication Co., Ltd. and Taiwan Optical Platform Co., Ltd., and one fiber broadband service provider, namely Taiwan Intelligent Fiber Optic Network. With the increasing speed of mobile data service, we also face fierce competition from mobile data providers. We believe that the broadband internet access service providers primarily compete on the basis of price and the bandwidth speed of services.

 

    MOD services: Major competitors in this field include five cable TV MSOs and 26 independent MSOs. We believe that the different service providers compete on the basis of the multimedia content offered along with the ability to offer converged services by offering comprehensive solutions including data communications, voice communications and multimedia content.

Mobile Communications

There are currently three major mobile operators in Taiwan, namely, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone and us. These three major operators run 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks. In 2014, two new mobile network operators, namely, Taiwan Star Cellular Corporation, or Taiwan Star, and New APT, entered the market by obtaining 4G licenses and merging smaller 3G operators. Each 4G mobile network operator has been providing promotional programs to attract consumers, including unlimited data plans. In addition to the 2G, 3G and 4G mobile network operators discussed above, First International Telecom used to operate a personal handyphone network but was declared bankrupt by the Taiwan Taipei District Court on December 26, 2014. In addition to the mobile network operators, the NCC has issued a total of 16 mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, licenses, which allow operators without a spectrum allocation to provide mobile services by leasing the capacity and facilities of a mobile service network from a licensed mobile service provider. We are currently cooperating with Carrefour Telecom Co., Ltd. We may cooperate with other mobile virtual network operators in the future.

As of the end of 2014, there were also five WiMAX service providers in Taiwan. These WiMax licenses are valid until 2015 or 2016. The ROC government plans to recall and release this 2500MHz and 2600MHz spectrum band for 4G mobile broadband services through a bidding process, which is currently expect to be held in the second half of 2015. We compete in the wireless services market primarily on the basis of price, quality of service, network reliability and attractiveness of service packages.

Internet

Our primary competitors in internet services are other internet services providers, including SeedNet and TWM Broadband. We compete in the internet services market primarily on the basis of price, technology, speed of transmission, amount of bandwidth available for use, network coverage and VAS.

 

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International Fixed Communications

Our major competitors are Taiwan Fixed Network, New Century Infocomm Tech. Co., Ltd. and APT, which have provided fixed-line services since June 2001. These operators are primarily focused on international long distance services and corporate customer services, which typically generate higher revenue than residential customers. There have been four submarine cable services licenses granted since August 2001. These submarine cable operators have begun offering international leased line services to other fixed-line operators, internet service providers and international simple resale operators.

Our international long distance services compete with international long distance resale services and VoIP services such as those provided by Line and Skype.

Cybersecurity and Personal Information Protection

To prevent increasing cyber risks and threats, we have implemented the measures described below.

 

    We have built an online service system that enables Certificate Authority’s Secure Socket Layer functions that performs as a secure tunnel to transmit encrypted customer’s information. In addition, we offered the Global Trust Secure Site Seal to prevent from phishing attacks on payment web sites.

 

    The high-availability systems in our data centers deploy firewall and Intrusion Prevention System, or IPS, to defend against hackers’ attacks.

 

    All information systems and websites are scanned for vulnerabilities and a team of information security experts is responsible for information system and websites penetration testing, to prevent customers’ information from leakage.

 

    We have enhanced the firewall policy and adopted minimum principle to limit the IPs and ports access control, in order to reduce intrusion risk from hackers.

 

    We enhance the retention and monitoring for all system, database, and applications logs as an additional information security measure and our managers review system logs and inquiry records on a daily basis.

 

    We required our branch offices to comply with ISO27001 and obtain the ISO27001 certification.

 

    We established CHT Security Operation Center (SOC), which is responsible for incidents and threats monitoring, notification and emergency response.

The amendment of the Personal Information Protection Act, or PIPA, became fully effective on October 1, 2012, except for its Articles 6 and 54 that await further determination by the Executive Yuan. PIPA applies to all individuals, legal entities and enterprises that collect, process and use personal information, and has a significant impact on the banking and service industries in Taiwan. Due to the adoption of PIPA, the level of responsibility and liability on personal information protection of a company was raised. We have conducted inventory checks of personal information that we currently hold, established standard operating procedures, or SOP, to comply with the requirements under PIPA, and have taken information security measures to protect the data.

To comply with the PIPA, we implemented a series of measures to avoid the leakage of customers’ information:

 

    According to our personal data safety and awareness plan, all of our employees are required to take training programs and to pass the awareness test at least twice per year.

 

    We required our branch offices to implement a drill in personal data leakage incident handling once a year.

 

    Our auditing department completes an annual audit plan and regularly audits information circulation in each department on customer information management and protection.

 

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    We enforce customer service center and call center to comply with BS10012 and obtain the BS10012 certification.

 

    Documents containing customer’s personal information are labeled “highly confidential”.

Property, plant and equipment

Our property, plant and equipment consist mainly of telecommunications equipment, land and buildings located throughout Taiwan. Although we have a significant amount of land and buildings throughout Taiwan, most of our properties are for operational use and only a small part of them are for investment purposes, which were classified as “investment properties” in our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. Our property development subsidiary, Light Era Development Co., Ltd., acquired land located near the high speed rail station in Taoyuan in October 2012. This property, which was classified as “inventories” in our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report, will be used to develop intelligent homes, in which our fiber broadband and ICT services, such as energy saving technologies, will be deployed. We are now focusing more on rental income and will continue seeking development opportunities from the ROC central and local government urban planning programs to increase the value of our land, buildings and equipment. We have received approximately NT$587 million (US$18.6 million) in rental income from properties in 2014.

Insurance

We do not carry comprehensive insurance for our properties or any insurance for business disruptions. We do, however, maintain in-transit insurance for key materials, such as cables, equipment and equipment components. We do not carry insurance for the ST-2 satellite since we only lease capacity for our operations instead of owning the satellite.

Employees

Please refer to “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—D. Employees” for a discussion of our employees.

Our Pension Plans

Currently, we offer two types of employee retirement plans—our defined contributions plan and defined benefits plan—which are administered in accordance with the Republic of China Labor Standards Act and the Republic of China Labor Pension Act.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in various legal and arbitration proceedings of a nature considered to be in the ordinary course of our business. It is our policy to provide for reserves related to these legal matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. From time to time, we have also been assessed fines by various government agencies such as the NCC and FTC, but none of these fines have had a significant effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Except as disclosed in our annual report, we believe that we have not been involved in any legal or arbitration proceedings during 2012, 2013 or 2014 that would have a significant effect on our financial condition or results of operations; however, we cannot give you any assurance with respect to the ultimate outcome of any asserted claims against us or legal or arbitration proceedings involving us.

Capital Expenditures

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Expenditures” for a discussion of our capital expenditures.

 

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Enforceability of Judgments in Taiwan

We are a company limited by shares and incorporated under the ROC Company Act. All of our directors, executive officers and some of the experts named in this annual report are residents of Taiwan and a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of those persons are located in Taiwan. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process upon us or those persons outside of Taiwan, or to enforce against them judgments obtained in courts outside of Taiwan. We have been advised by our ROC counsel that in their opinion any final judgment obtained against us in any court other than the courts of the ROC in connection with any legal suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to the ADSs will be enforced by the courts of the ROC without further review of the merits only if the court of the ROC in which enforcement is sought is satisfied that:

 

    the court rendering the judgment has jurisdiction over the subject matter according to the laws of the ROC;

 

    the judgment and the court procedure resulting in the judgment are not contrary to the public order or good morals of the ROC;

 

    if the judgment was rendered by default by the court rendering the judgment, we, or the above mentioned persons, were duly served within a reasonable period of time in accordance with the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction of the court or process was served on us with judicial assistance of the ROC; and

 

    judgments at the courts of the ROC are recognized and enforceable in the court rendering the judgment on a reciprocal basis.

A party seeking to enforce a foreign judgment in the ROC would be required to obtain foreign exchange approval from the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan) for the payment out of Taiwan of any amounts recovered in connection with the judgment denominated in a currency other than NT dollars if a conversion from NT dollars to a foreign currency is involved.

Regulation

Overview

We were subject to the Statute of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. prior to our privatization. Although we have been privatized since August 2005, the Statute of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. was still effective until December 24, 2014. The Legislative Yuan approved the abolishment of the Statute of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. on December 9, 2014, and the President of the ROC approved the abolishment of Statute of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. effective from December 24, 2014. The abolishment of the Statute of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. did not and will not have any material impact on our company.

Regulatory Authorities

Prior to March 1, 2006, we were under the supervision of the MOTC and the Directorate General of Telecommunications. On March 1, 2006, the NCC was formed in accordance with the Organization Act, which was intended to transfer regulatory authority over the Taiwan telecommunications industry from the MOTC and the Directorate General of Telecommunications to the NCC. The NCC was comprised of nine commissioners who were recommended by the government and opposition political parties in the Legislative Yuan, as well as recommended by the Executive Yuan and approved by the Legislative Yuan. However, the Executive Yuan considered the composition of the NCC unconstitutional and petitioned the Grand Justices of the ROC, or the Grand Justices, to interpret the constitutionality of the formation of the NCC and the procedure for nominating commissioners to serve on the NCC. On July 21, 2006, the Grand Justices rendered an interpretation and held that the relevant provisions under the Organization Act as to the nomination procedures for the commissioners of the NCC were unconstitutional. However, the Grand Justices granted a grace period allowing such provisions of the Organization Act to remain in effect until December 31, 2008.

 

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On January 9, 2008, an announcement issued by the President amended the Organization Act, or New Amendment, amending the unconstitutional formation articles and reducing the total number of commissioners to seven with a term of four years, but three of the Commissioners appointed after the New Amendment served a term of two years. The commissioners will be nominated by the premier of the Executive Yuan and approved and appointed by the Legislative Yuan.

The new nomination method under the New Amendment became effective on February 1, 2008. The nine incumbent Commissioners continued to serve until July 31, 2008, when their terms ended. The premier of the Executive Yuan nominated seven Commissioners on July 1, 2008, and they were approved and appointed by the Legislative Yuan on July 18, 2008. The new Commissioners took office on August 1, 2008. Thereafter, upon the resignation of one Commissioner and the expiry of the term for the three Commissioners, four new Commissioners were nominated by the premier of the Executive Yuan, approved and appointed by the Legislative Yuan and began serving as Commissioners on August 1, 2010.

The Organization Act was further amended on December 28, 2011. The amendment stipulates that the premier of the Executive Yuan shall appoint one Commissioner to serve as Chairperson, and one as Vice Chairperson upon nomination of the seven Commissioners. Accordingly, the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson were nominated by the premier of the Executive Yuan on April 30, 2012, approved and appointed by the Legislative Yuan and began tenure as Commissioners on August 1, 2012. Upon the resignation of one commissioner and the expiry of the term for two Commissioners, three new Commissioners were nominated by the premier of the Executive Yuan, approved and appointed by the Legislative Yuan and began serving as Commissioners on August 1, 2014.

In accordance with the Organization Act, the NCC is responsible for:

 

    formulating, implementing and interpreting telecommunications laws and regulations;

 

    issuing telecommunications licenses and regulating the operation of telecommunications industry participants;

 

    assessing and testing telecommunication systems and equipment;

 

    drafting and promulgating technical standards for telecommunications and broadcasting;

 

    classifying and censoring the contents of telecommunications and broadcasting;

 

    managing telecommunications and media resources in Taiwan;

 

    maintaining competition order in the telecommunication and broadcasting industries;

 

    governing technical standards in connection with the safety of information communications;

 

    managing and facilitating the resolution of disputes pertaining to the Taiwan telecommunications and broadcasting industries;

 

    managing offshore matters relating to Taiwan’s telecommunications and broadcasting industries including matters of international cooperation;

 

    managing funds allocated for the development of Taiwan’s telecommunications and broadcasting industries;

 

    monitoring, investigating and determining matters in relating to Taiwan’s telecommunications and broadcasting industries;

 

    enforcing restrictions under telecommunications and broadcasting laws and punishing violators; and

 

    supervising other matters in relation to communications and media.

 

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Telecommunications Act

The Telecommunications Act and the regulations under the Telecommunications Act establish the framework and govern the various aspects of the Taiwan telecommunications industry, including:

 

    licensing of telecommunications services;

 

    telecommunication numbers;

 

    restrictions on dominant telecommunications service providers;

 

    tariff control and price cap regulation;

 

    accounting separation system;

 

    interconnection arrangements;

 

    bottleneck facilities;

 

    spectrum allocation;

 

    provision of universal services;

 

    equal access;

 

    number portability;

 

    local loop unbundling;

 

    co-location; and

 

    ownership limitations.

Each of these aspects is described below. The Telecommunications Act also establishes a non-auction pricing system for assignment of radio frequencies.

Licensing of Telecommunications Services

Type I and Type II Service Providers

Under the Telecommunications Act, telecommunications service providers are classified into two categories:

Type I. Type I service providers are providers that install network infrastructure, such as network transmission, switching and auxiliary equipment for the provision of telecommunications services. Type I services include fixed-line services such as local, domestic long distance and international long distance services, as well as interconnection, leased line, ADSL and satellite services and wireless services such as mobile, including mobile data and trunked radio services.

Type II. Type II service providers are defined as all telecommunications service providers other than Type I service providers. Type II services are divided into special services and general services. Special services include simple voice resale, E.164 internet telephony service, Non-E.164 internet telephony service, international telecommunications services that provide to unspecific customers by leasing international circuit and other services specified by the MOTC before March 1, 2006 or by the NCC from March 1, 2006. General services include any Type II service other than special services.

Until 1996, we were the sole provider of Type I services in Taiwan. In 1996, the government opened the market for mobile, paging and trunked radio, mobile data and digital low power cordless telephone services. In 1998, the government opened the market for fixed-line and mobile satellite services. In June 2001, the government granted licenses to three operators for establishing fixed-line services, thereby opening the market for fixed-line services. Since August 2000, the government has permitted four undersea cable operators to engage in the undersea cable leased-circuit business.

 

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Commencing in 2007, the NCC began accepting applications for licenses to provide fixed-line services in March, June, September and December of each year. The NCC started to accept applications for fixed-line services on a daily basis beginning in 2008. There is no limit on the number of fixed-line licenses that they may decide to issue.

Granting of Licenses

Type I

Type I service providers are more closely regulated than Type II service providers. The government has broad powers to limit the number of providers and their business scope and to ensure that they meet their facilities roll-out obligations. Under the Telecommunications Act, Type I service providers are subject to pre-licensing merit review of their business plans and tariff rates.

Before March 1, 2006, licenses for Type I services were granted by the MOTC through a three-step procedure. Applicants obtained a concession from the MOTC. After obtaining a concession, the applicant obtained a network construction permit and an assignment of spectrum, in the case of mobile telephone services and satellite services, from the Directorate General of Telecommunications or the MOTC prior to applying for a license. Upon completion of construction of its network and review by the Directorate General of Telecommunications, the applicant was granted a Type I license. The MOTC had the authority to grant Type I licenses for each of fixed-line services, wireless services and satellite services. Type I licenses have different minimum paid-in capital requirements for applicants and varying durations depending on the particular type of service.

Since March 1, 2006, the same procedure applies except that the licenses are granted by the NCC.

The Telecommunications Act further authorizes the competent authority, now the NCC, to promulgate separate regulations governing each Type I service, including the business scope of the Type I service provider, as well as the procedures and conditions for granting special permits and the length of the period of the special permits of each Type I service. Each holder of a Type I license will pay a fee ranging from 0.5% to 2% of their annual revenues or their bid price ratio (Article 2 of the Type I Service Provider Special Tariff Standards) multiplied by their annual revenues generated from the particular Type I service for which a license has been granted.

Fixed Line Services. Under the Telecommunications Act, the Regulations for Administration on Fixed Network Telecommunications Business govern the issuance of fixed-line service licenses and the business scope of fixed-line providers. Fixed-line service licenses are subdivided into the following categories, and we conduct our fixed line services with a license for integrated services.

 

    integrated services, including local, domestic long distance and international long distance telephone services;

 

    local telephone services;

 

    domestic long distance telephone services;

 

    international long distance telephone services; and

 

    local, domestic long distance and international long distance leased line services.

Licenses for local telephone and integrated services are valid for 25 years. Licenses for domestic long distance and international long distance telephone services are valid for 20 years. Licenses for leased line services are valid for 15 years. If the service provider wishes to continue operating, the service provider needs to apply for a license renewal to the NCC between nine months and six months before the expiration of their license. The minimum paid-in capital requirements for integrated services providers that applied for a license before June 30, 2004, between July 1, 2004 and January 31, 2008 and on or after February 1, 2008 are NT$21 billion, NT$8.4 billion and NT$6.4 billion, respectively. The minimum paid-in capital requirements for both

 

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domestic and international long distance telephone service providers that applied for a license between July 1, 2004 and January 31, 2008 and on or after February 1, 2008 are NT$1.05 billion and NT$800 million, respectively. The minimum paid-in capital requirements for international undersea leased cable service providers that applied for a license before June 30, 2004, between July 1, 2004 and January 31, 2008, between February 1, 2008 and June 30, 2013 and on or after July 1, 2013 are NT$420 million, NT$420 million, NT$320 million, and NT$300 million, respectively. The minimum paid-in capital requirement for local telephone service providers that applied for a license between July 1, 2004 and January 31, 2008 and on or after February 1, 2008 are NT$6.3 billion and NT$4.8 billion, respectively, multiplied by the Local Network Operation Weights for the regions in which local network managerial rights have been granted to the service provider. The Local Network Operation Weights are calculated as the population of the region as a proportion of the entire population of Taiwan and are announced by the competent authority every three years. If an applicant for a license is also a Type I service provider, it will need to combine the minimum paid-in-capital requirements for all relevant services.

In March 2000, the government granted three new concessions to fixed-line services providers for integrated services. Recipients of these concessions are required to apply for a network construction permit to deploy broadband local access networks. Each recipient of these concessions is required to have capacity for 150,000 customers before it is able to apply for a fixed-line license to launch its proposed services. The three fixed-line service providers have since obtained fixed-line licenses and are required to achieve capacity for one million customers by the sixth year following the date of the grant of the network construction permit awarded. Operators that applied for integrated service provider licenses before June 30, 2004, between July 1, 2004 and January 31, 2008 and on or after February 1, 2008 must achieve a capacity for 1.0 million, 0.4 million and 0.3 million customers, ports or a combination of both, respectively, by the fourth year following the date of the grant of the network construction permit.

Wireless Services. Under the Telecommunications Act, the Regulations for Administration of Mobile Communications Business promulgated by the MOTC before March 1, 2006 or by the NCC from March 1, 2006 continue to govern the issuance of wireless services licenses and the business scope of wireless service providers. Wireless service licenses are subdivided into the following categories:

 

    mobile services;

 

    paging services;

 

    mobile data services;

 

    digital low-power cordless telephone services; and

 

    trunked radio services.

Wireless service licenses are granted to both regional and national service providers through review and bidding procedures.

The wireless service license for mobile or paging service, once granted, should be valid for a term of 15 years starting from the date when such license is granted, and licenses for mobile data, digital low-power cordless telephone and trunked radio are valid for 10 years starting from the date when such license is granted. According to the Regulations for Administration of Mobile Communications Businesses amended by the NCC on September 19, 2011, the wireless service provider may file an application with the NCC for extension of the valid term of its license for providing mobile or paging service one year prior to the expiry of the 15-year valid term. Once the NCC approves the application, the valid term of the wireless service license for mobile or paging service will be extended to June 30, 2017. The valid terms of our licenses granted by the ROC government authorities for providing 2G mobile services on the 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum expired in 2012 and 2013 respectively. We filed the application with the NCC for extending the valid terms of our 2G licenses on November 29, 2011. Our application was approved by the NCC in November 2012 and the terms

 

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of our licenses for providing 2G mobile services on the 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum should be valid until June 2017. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Network Infrastructure—Mobile Services Network” for the discussion of our early return of the 2G license in the 900 MHz frequency band to the NCC on October 22, 2014.

The minimum paid-in capital requirements for different mobile communication businesses are as follows: Digital Low-Power Wireless Telephone Business, NT$200 million; Trunking Wireless Telephone Business, NT$20 million for regional operation and NT$60 million for island-wide operation; Mobile Data Communication Business, NT$50 million for regional operation and NT$150 million for island-wide operation; Radio Paging Business, NT$200 million for regional operation and NT$400 million for island-wide operation; Mobile Telephone Business, NT$2 billion for regional operation and NT$6 billion for island-wide operation. If one single applicant acquires operational licenses of two or more businesses with minimum paid-in capital requirements, the paid-in capital for the businesses should be calculated and collected by the applicant separately.

For an operator who obtains the permission of operation over two businesses through the legal procedure, its minimum paid-in capital shall be separately calculated upon approval for establishment, if such other businesses are subject to the minimum paid-in capital restriction.

Third Generation Mobile Services. The MOTC promulgated the Regulations for Administration of the Third Generation Mobile Communications Business on October 15, 2001. The NCC amended the above regulations on July 5, 2007, designating itself as the authority in charge of the third generation, or 3G, mobile services regulations and further amended such regulations on December 30, 2008 for the establishment of base stations. The regulations govern voice and non-voice telecommunications services provided using the spectrum assigned by the MOTC, and now governed by the NCC, that utilizes the IMT-2000 technical standards as announced by the International Telecommunications Union. Licenses for 3G mobile services were granted by the MOTC and are now granted by the NCC. We have received our 3G mobile services license, which is valid from May 26, 2005 to December 31, 2018.

Under the Regulations for Administration of the Third Generation Mobile Communications Business, the operation area of this business is the whole nation; the minimal paid-in capital for operating this business shall be NT$6 billion. If the applicant operates another business of a Type I telecommunications enterprise at the same time and there is a restriction on the paid-in capital to the other business, after acquiring the establishment approval, the required minimal paid-in capital shall be calculated by aggregating the minimal requirement of each service.

Mobile Broadband Services. The NCC promulgated the Regulations for Administration of Mobile Broadband Businesses on May 8, 2013. Under such regulation, the 4G service providers must obtain the concession license issued by the NCC before providing 4G services. The license is valid from the date of issuance until December 31, 2030. The operation area of 4G services covers throughout the ROC.

The minimum paid-in capital for operating the mobile broadband services is NT$6 billion. If an applicant also operates another business of Type I telecommunications enterprise, the minimal paid-in capital required for operating the mobile broadband services and the other Type I telecommunications services shall be determined by aggregating the paid-in capital of the entity required for operating the mobile broadband services and that of the entity required for operating the other Type I telecommunications services.

We received the system installation permit on March 12, 2014 and have constructed our network system. We received the 4G mobile services license on April 30, 2014, and launched the services on May 29, 2014.

Satellite Services. Under the Telecommunications Act, the Regulations for Administration on Satellite Communication Services promulgated by the MOTC govern the issuance of satellite services licenses and the business scope of satellite service providers. The NCC amended the above regulations on July 20, 2007, designating itself as the authority in charge of the Satellite Regulations. Satellite services licenses are subdivided into fixed satellite services licenses and mobile satellite services licenses.

 

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The satellite services license should be valid for a term of 10 years starting from the date when such license is granted. If the service provider wants to re-new its satellite services license before the expiry of the 10-year term, such service provider needs to file a renew application with the NCC within the period from 9 months to 6 months before the expiry date of the original satellite license. The valid term of the renewed satellite license will be 10 years. Minimum paid-in capital requirements for fixed satellite service providers and mobile satellite service providers are NT$100 million and NT$500 million, respectively. If an applicant applies to operate fixed satellite services and mobile satellite services at the same time, its minimum paid-in capital should be calculated separately. The same also applies to an applicant who operates another business of Type I telecommunications enterprise at the same time.

We currently hold a fixed satellite services license, valid from December 10, 2008 to December 9, 2018.

Type II

The Telecommunications Act was amended in 1996 to open the market for all Type II services. Under the Regulations for Administration on Type II Telecommunications Business, Type II services are divided into special services and general services. Special services include simple resale, network telephone service of E.164 and non-E.164 user numbers (VoIP), international leased circuit and other services specified by governing authority. General services include any Type II service other than special services. The policy for granting a Type II service license is as follows:

 

    there is no limit on the number of licenses to be issued;

 

    licenses were granted by the Directorate General of Telecommunications before March 1, 2006 and are now granted by the NCC; and

 

    no bidding procedure is required.

We hold a license to operate all Type II services. Type II service licenses issued before November 15, 2005 are valid for ten years and may be renewed by submitting an application within two months prior to the expiration date. Type II service licenses issued or renewed on or after November 15, 2005 are valid for three years and may be renewed during the period commencing two months prior to the expiration date. There is no minimum paid-in capital requirement for Type II service providers. Our license to operate Type II services is included in our license to operate integrated services, and is valid from July 29, 2000 to July 28, 2025.

Under the Type II Telecommunications Enterprise Permit Fee Schedule, operators of simple resale or network telephone services of E.164 or non-E.164 user numbers must pay an annual license fee equal to 1% of annual revenues generated from these services during the previous year. Type II service operators providing services other than simple resale or network telephone services of E.164 or non-E.164 user numbers must pay license fees ranging from NT$6,000 to NT$150,000 depending on their respective paid-in capital. For operators who operate over two or more businesses, their license fee shall be separately calculated but jointly collected. These regulations do not apply to integrated services providers who are permitted to provide Type II services without additional Type II Licenses.

Telecommunications Numbers

According to the Telecommunications Act, numbering codes, subscriber numbers, identification numbers and other telecommunication numbers will be distributed and managed by the NCC. These telecommunication numbers may not be used or changed without approval by the NCC. In order to maintain effective use of available telecommunication numbers, the Telecommunications Act empowers the NCC to reallocate and retrieve and to collect a usage fee for distributed telecommunication numbers. The NCC promulgated the Regulations for Usage Fees of Specific Telecommunications Numbers on March 18, 2010, effective immediately, requiring telecommunications service providers to pay 70% of revenues collected from the auctioning off and selection of “golden numbers” and the standard usage rates for “special identification numbers” in use.

 

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Restrictions on Dominant Telecommunications Services Providers

Under the Telecommunications Act, the regulations governing dominant telecommunications services providers apply only to Type I service providers. A Type I service provider is deemed to be dominant if it meets any of the following criteria and was declared by the MOTC or now the NCC as dominant:

 

    controls key basic telecommunications infrastructure;

 

    has dominant power over market price; or

 

    has more than a 25% market share in terms of customers or revenues.

We have been declared by the former competent authority MOTC as a dominant Type I service provider for fixed-line and GSM mobile services. On July 7, 2012, we have been classified as a dominant Type I service provider for 3G mobile services by the NCC. Under the Telecommunications Act, a dominant Type I service provider must not engage in the following activities:

 

    directly or indirectly hinder a request for interconnection with its proprietary technology by other Type I service providers;

 

    refuse to release to other Type I service providers the calculation methods of its interconnection fees and other relevant materials;

 

    improperly determine, maintain or change its tariffs or means of services;

 

    reject, without due cause, a request for leasing network components by other Type I service providers;

 

    reject, without due cause, a request for leasing lines by other service providers or customers;

 

    reject, without due cause, a request for negotiation or testing by other service providers or customers;

 

    reject, without due cause, a request for negotiation for co-location by other service providers;

 

    discriminate, without due cause, against other service providers or customers; or

 

    abuse its position as a dominant provider, or engage in other unfair competition activities as determined by the regulatory authorities.

In addition, a dominant Type I service provider is subject to special regulations limiting its tariff changes.

Tariff Control and Price Cap Regulation

In order to promote competition in the telecommunications market, and as part of the government’s overall policy toward deregulation, the Telecommunications Act was amended in 1999 to abolish the former rate of return system on tariff setting in favor of price cap regulation of Type I services.

Under the Administrative Regulation Governing Tariffs of Type I Telecommunications Enterprises, a dominant Type I service provider must submit its proposed adjustment in primary tariffs and promotional packages including primary tariffs to the NCC for approval at least 14 days prior to the date of the proposed tariff changes and announce such change on media, website and business locations on the day after the NCC grants the approval. The tariff change will come into effect seven days after the announcement.

Primary tariffs include:

 

    for fixed line local telephone services: monthly fees, usage fees, monthly rental fees of leased lines, pay telephone usage fees and internet connection service fees;

 

    for fixed line domestic long distance telephone services: monthly rental fees of leased lines;

 

    for fixed line international long distance telephone services: leased line monthly rental fees;

 

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    for wireless services, including 3G mobile services: monthly rental fees and the prepaid communication charges;

 

    the wholesale price enacted in accordance with this regulation; and

 

    other fees or tariffs announced by the NCC.

In addition, a dominant Type I service provider is required to set wholesale prices for the provision of its telecommunication services to other telecommunications enterprises. Factors affecting the determination and adjustments of the wholesale price include the establishment, change, cancellation and connection fees. These telecommunication services and their suitable targets, all of which are subject to annual reviews by the NCC, include:

 

    interface circuits (local and long distance) between internet access service providers and customers for Type I and Type II service providers;

 

    interface circuits (local and long distance) between internet access service providers for Type I and Type II service providers that are internet access service providers;

 

    interconnection circuits between Type I service providers and between Type I and Type II service providers of international simple resale, or ISR, and E.164 VoIP services;

 

    DSL-family (xDSL) circuits for fixed line service providers and internet service providers;

 

    other local and long distance data circuits for Type I and Type II service providers; and

 

    broadband internet interconnection for Type I and Type II service providers that are internet access service providers.

The initial wholesale prices set by a dominant Type I service provider may be the retail price less fees and expenses which need not be incurred, but shall not be higher than its promotional pricing. Changes in the wholesale price charged by a dominant Type I service provider may not be greater than (i) the retail price less fees and expenses which need not to be incurred but not greater than the promotional pricing; or (ii) the annual growth rate of the consumer price index in Taiwan minus the constant set by the NCC, whichever is the lower. The Administrative Regulations Governing Tariffs of Type I Telecommunications Enterprises further prohibits a dominant Type I service provider from practicing unfair competition against other telecommunications enterprises.

In addition, changes in tariffs charged by dominant Type I service providers (notwithstanding the type of their respective services) may not, in any event, be greater than the annual growth rate of the consumer price index in Taiwan adjusted by a set constant, which will be periodically determined and announced by the NCC. For example, if:

 

    the annual growth rate of the consumer price index in Taiwan minus the set constant is positive, the increased percentage of tariffs must not exceed such positive figure;

 

    the annual growth rate of the consumer price index in Taiwan minus the set constant is negative, the decreased percentage of tariffs must be at least the absolute value of such negative figure, and the tariffs used in the given year must not be higher than the decreased tariff; and

 

    the annual growth rate of the consumer price index in Taiwan minus the set constant equals to zero, no increase in tariffs is allowed to be made by any Type I service providers.

On January 29, 2010, the NCC announced that effective from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2013:

 

    the set constant to be applied to the tariff adjustment for the fixed line integrated services is 4.816% and covers the following:

 

    dominant providers of fixed line services

 

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    tariffs of the following:

 

    the monthly fee for ADSL leased line and the usage fee for domestic long distance telephone services (excluding public pay phones)

 

    wholesale prices of the following:

 

    the monthly fee for leased lines services (including local and domestic long distance leased lines) between internet service providers and their customers

 

    the monthly fee for leased lines services (including local and domestic long distance leased lines) between an internet service provider and another internet service provider

 

    the monthly fee for the interconnection (including local and domestic long distance lines) between a Type 1 telecommunication service provider and another Type 1 telecommunication service provider; the monthly fee for the interconnection (including local and domestic long distance lines) between a Type 1 telecommunication service provider and a Type 2 telecommunication service provider who provides simple resale and network telephone service of E.164 user numbers

 

    the monthly fee for other local and domestic long distance leased lines

 

    the interconnection fee for internet bandwidth interconnection

 

    no set constant to be applied to the call charges for the domestic fixed communication services during the following periods:

 

    the integrated services operators and the domestic telephone services operators can determine the tariff adjustment for the domestic telephone services during the specific period and seek NCC’s approval or recognition

 

    the specific periods include 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday, 12:00 a.m. Saturday to 8.00 a.m. Monday, and the whole day of a national holidays

 

    the set constant to be applied to the tariff adjustment for the mobile services and the 3G mobile services is 5% and covers the following:

 

    2G mobile service and 3G mobile service operators

 

    tariffs of the following:

 

    domestic short messaging services

 

    calls made from a 2G mobile services customer or from a 3G service network to a domestic fixed communication network

 

    calls made from a 2G mobile services customer or from a 3G service network to a 2G mobile service network, a 3G mobile service network, a 1900MHz Digital Low-Tier Cordless Telephone Services, or PHS, or WiMAX services

 

    the set constant to be applied to the cellular voice access charge will be announced separately after the amendment to the relevant regulations.

 

    the set constant to be applied to the tariff adjustment for other Type 1 telecommunication services is the annual growth rate of the consumer price index in Taiwan.

On February 7, 2013, the NCC announced that effective from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2017:

 

    the set constant to be applied to the tariff adjustment for the fixed line integrated services is 5.1749% and covers the following:

 

    dominant providers of local network services and long-distance network services in Type I service

 

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    tariffs of the following:

 

    the monthly fee for fixed-line broadband access services (excluding fiber-to-the-home, or FTTH, and fiber-to-the-building, or FTTB)

 

    wholesale prices of the following:

 

    the monthly fee for leased lines services (including local and domestic long distance leased lines) between internet service providers and their customers

 

    the monthly fee for leased lines services (including local and domestic long distance leased lines) between an internet service provider and another internet service provider

 

    the monthly fee for the interconnection (including local and domestic long distance lines) between a Type 1 telecommunication service provider and another Type 1 telecommunication service provider; the monthly fee for the interconnection (including local and domestic long distance lines) between a Type 1 telecommunication service provider and a Type 2 telecommunication service provider who provides simple resale and network telephone service of E.164 user numbers

 

    the monthly fee for other local and domestic long distance leased lines

 

    the interconnection fee for internet bandwidth interconnection

 

    the set constant to be applied to the tariff adjustment for other Type 1 telecommunication services is the annual growth rate of the consumer price index in Taiwan, no increase in tariffs is allowed.

In comparison, all non-dominant Type I service providers are only required to fully disclose and notify the public of their proposed tariff adjustments and promotional packages, through the media, websites, and at all business premises, in an appropriate manner, and to report to the NCC prior to the date of the proposed tariff change, with respect to all tariffs.

Type II service providers are free to establish their own tariff schemes, but are required to notify the NCC and the public upon adoption and upon any subsequent adjustments.

Accounting Separation System

The Telecommunications Act requires that a Type I service provider, including one who concurrently offers Type II services, separately calculate the profits and losses for its different services and prohibits any cross-subsidization among services that will impede fair competition.

Interconnection Arrangements

The Telecommunications Act requires all Type I service providers to allow other Type I service providers access to their networks. It further requires Type I service providers, within three months upon request by the other Type I service provider, to reach an agreement on the relevant terms for the interconnection. Prices charged for interconnection must be based on cost. If the parties fail to reach an agreement within three months, the NCC may, either at the request of the parties or on its own accord, arbitrates and determines the interconnection terms for the parties. The Telecommunications Act authorizes the Directorate General of Telecommunications or, from March 1, 2006, the NCC to issue rules and regulations pertaining to interconnection.

The Regulations Governing Network Interconnection among Telecommunications Enterprises establishes the basis for determining the interconnection charge of a dominant Type I service provider, which shall be reviewed every four years. The interconnection charge of a dominant Type I service provider shall be reviewed by the NCC in advance, and the NCC has the right to modify the rate.

 

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A dominant fixed-line service provider shall unbundle its network elements. The unbundled network elements shall contain the following:

 

    local loops;

 

    local switch transmission equipment;

 

    local trunks;

 

    toll switch transmission equipment;

 

    long distance trunks;

 

    international switch transmission equipment;

 

    network interfaces;

 

    directory equipment and services; and

 

    signaling network equipment.

Unless otherwise provided by the laws, interconnection charge of the providers for mobile communications businesses and the 3G mobile communications business should be calculated based on the decrees issued by NCC. The foregoing shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the calculation and reviewing method of the interconnection charge of the dominant providers for fixed communication services.

Unbundled network components of the providers for mobile communications businesses and the 3G mobile communications business include:

 

    mobile telecommunications trunks;

 

    mobile telecommunications base stations;

 

    controlling equipment of mobile telecommunications base stations;

 

    mobile telecommunications switch transmission equipment; and

 

    other items recognized by the NCC.

The Regulations Governing Network Interconnection among Telecommunications Enterprises specifies the charges for network interconnection among Type I service providers as follow:

 

    Before January 1, 2011, except for international communications, tariffs for communications between a mobile telecommunications network and a fixed-line network were collected from the call-originating subscribers by the call-originating service provider pursuant to the tariff schedules set by the mobile communication service provider, and revenues or any uncollectible accounts from such tariffs went to the mobile service provider. However, from January 1, 2011, although the tariffs shall still be paid by the call-originating subscribers, the tariff schedules are set by the call-originating network service provider, and revenues or any uncollectible accounts from such tariff shall go to the call-originating service provider. During the transition period from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2016, we, as a dominant Type I fixed-line service provider, shall pay extra transition fee in addition to access charges to the mobile communications service providers.

 

    Tariffs for communications between mobile telecommunications networks shall be paid by the call-originating subscribers pursuant to the tariff schedules set by the call-originating service providers, and the revenues or any uncollectible accounts from such tariffs shall go to the call-originating service providers.

 

    Tariffs for communications between fixed-line network will be determined by the following principles:

 

    tariffs for communications between the local telephone networks shall be paid by the call- originating subscribers pursuant to the tariff schedules set forth by the call-originating service providers, and revenues or any uncollectible accounts from such tariffs shall go to the call-originating service providers;

 

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    tariffs schedules for the local telephone network subscribers using domestic long-distance telephone services shall be set by the domestic long-distance telephone services provider and tariffs shall be collected from the local telephone network subscribers using domestic long-distance telephone services. Revenues or any uncollectible accounts from such tariffs shall go to the domestic long-distance telephone services providers; and

 

    tariffs schedules for the local telephone network subscribers using international long-distance telephone services shall be set by the international long-distance telephone services provider and collected from the local telephone network subscribers using international long-distance telephone services. Revenues or any uncollectible accounts from such tariffs shall go to the international long-distance telephone service providers.

 

    Tariffs schedules for communications between satellite mobile networks and between satellite mobile networks and fixed-line communications networks or mobile communications networks shall both be set by the call-originating service providers. Revenues or any uncollectible accounts from such the tariffs shall go to the call-originating service providers.

 

    Tariffs schedules for communications between the E. 164 VoIP networks provided by the Type I service providers and mobile telecommunications networks, or local telephone networks, or satellite mobile networks shall be set by the call-originating service providers. Revenues or any uncollectible accounts from such tariffs shall go to the call-originating service providers.

Bottleneck Facilities

Under the Telecommunications Act, when a Type I service provider cannot construct bottleneck facilities within a reasonable period of time or substitute those facilities with other available technologies, it may request for co-location on a fee basis from the owner of the facilities located at the bottleneck of the relevant telecommunications network. The owner of the facilities so requested may not reject these requests without due cause. The NCC has the authority to prescribe facilities as bottleneck facilities, and has prescribed bridges, tunnels, lead-in tubes and telecommunications chambers located within buildings and horizontal and vertical telecommunications cables and lines as bottleneck facilities in relation to fixed-line telecommunications networks. The NCC, in an announcement on December 21, 2006, has defined local loop facilities as the “bottleneck” of the telecommunications network and amended the Administrative Rules for Network Interconnection Between Telecommunication Service Providers in April 2007, providing that we, as a Type I service provider, can only charge other local telephone service providers at cost for local loop services. The rental tariff is derived from a cost basis and must be approved by the NCC each year.

Spectrum Allocation

The MOTC is responsible for allocating all telecommunications related frequencies primarily according to the standards set by the International Telecommunications Union. The NCC is responsible for the licensing of operators to use these frequencies. The 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz frequency bands have been allocated for 2G mobile services and the licenses will be expired in June 2017. A total of 40 MHz of FDD spectrum around the 850 MHz frequency band and a total of 110 MHz of FDD spectrum around the 2.1 GHz band have been allocated for 3G mobile services, and the licenses will be expired in December 2018.

On October 30, 2013, NCC completed the bidding process for the spectrum to provide 4G mobile services and a total of 270MHz of FDD spectrum over 700MHz, 900MHz, and 1800MHz frequency bands have been assigned to six nominated bidders, including us. The spectrum for 4G mobile services was released adhering to the principle of technological neutrality. Mobile broadband services can be offered by heterogeneous networks, or HetNet, including the 4G network and the 2G network under this technology-neutral spectrum. In addition, a total of 190MHz spectrum of the 2500MHz and 2600MHz frequency band will be released for 4G mobile broadband services in 2015.

 

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Provision of Universal Services

Under the Telecommunications Act, a Type I service provider may be required by the NCC, previously the MOTC, to provide universal telecommunications services in remote or unprofitable areas. These services include voice communication services, such as public phones, and data communication services, such as internet provision for libraries and public primary and secondary schools. All Type I service providers and certain Type II service providers designated by the NCC, previously the MOTC, will be required to contribute a fixed portion of their annual revenues to a universal services fund. Such a fund will be used to compensate for any losses, bad debts and management fees incurred by the relevant Type I service provider in providing the universal services. All providers of universal services cannot refuse any request for service, unless for legitimate reasons, and cannot charge more than the predetermined tariffs.

Equal Access

As a result of the liberalization of Taiwan’s telecommunications industry, a Type I service provider, including a 3G mobile services provider and a WiMax service operator, is required to provide its customers with equal access to the domestic and international long distance telephone services provided by other service providers. A Type I service provider may provide equal access through pre-selection or call-by-call selection. Before July 1, 2005, all Type I service providers, including us, provide equal access only through call-by-call selection. When a customer makes a call using call-by-call selection, such customer has the option to select a service provider by dialing the network identification prefix assigned to the service provider of his choice. This will result in the automatic selection of the preferred service provider for the provision of relevant telecommunication services. Starting from July 1, 2005, all Type I service providers also provide equal access through pre-selection in Keelung City, Taipei City/County, Taichung City/County and Kaohsiung City/County. Equal access through pre-selection is available throughout Taiwan since January 1, 2006. The pre-selection function allows any customer to select in advance a long distance or international service provider of his or her choice. When such customer makes a call using this function, the communications network will automatically interconnect to the long distance or international network previously selected by such customer.

Number Portability

According to the Telecommunications Act and the Regulations Governing Number Portability, Type I service providers shall provide number portability service which enables customers to retain their existing local and toll free fixed-line telephone numbers or mobile phone numbers when they switch from the original Type I service provider to other Type I service providers. Meanwhile, Type I service providers shall mutually grant each other number portability services on a reciprocal basis, and shall conform in accordance with the principle of impartiality and reasonableness, and shall not be discriminatory.

Under the regulation, we are required to provide number portability service for fixed-line customers in Taipei City, Taipei County (now New Taipei City), Keelung City, Taichung City, Kaohsiung City and other areas where there are two or above fixed-line service providers. We have also provided number portability service for mobile communication customers since October 15, 2005. Pursuant to the regulation, we shall compile and submit related information of number portability for the previous six months to NCC by January 10 and July 10 of each year.

Local Loop Unbundling

In December 2006, the NCC defined the local loop as facilities “at the bottleneck of telecommunications networks” in accordance with the Regulations for Administration on Fixed Network Telecommunications Businesses. The NCC requires us to unbundle the local loops and allow other telecommunications operators to use these connections. The local loop or last mile connections are the physical wire connections between the telephone exchange’s central office to the customer’s premises usually owned by the incumbent telephone company. The NCC further amended the Regulations Governing Network Interconnection among

 

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Telecommunications Enterprises in April 2007 which provides that we can only charge other local telephone service providers at cost for local loop services instead of on the basis of commercial negotiations.

Co-location

We have been declared by the MOTC as a dominant Type I service provider for fixed-line and mobile services. According to the Telecommunication Act, the Regulations for Administration on Fixed Network Telecommunications Business and the Regulations Governing Network Interconnection among Telecommunications Enterprises, if any other service provider requests for co-location, we must negotiate with them, unless otherwise provided by laws or regulations. As of the end of 2014, we had been co-locating 27 Point of Interface, or POI sites and 2 cable stations with other Type I fixed-line service providers and 12 POI sites with other Type I mobile service providers.

Ownership Limitations

The laws of the ROC limit foreign ownership of our common shares. Prior to March 1, 2006, the MOTC, as the competent authority under the Telecommunications Act, had the power to prescribe the limits on foreign ownership of our common shares. After the formation of the NCC on March 1, 2006, the NCC replaced the MOTC as the competent authority under the Telecommunications Act pursuant to the Organization Law. On July 18, 2006, the MOTC and the NCC reached an agreement where the MOTC will have the authority to adjust foreign ownership limits only after negotiations with the NCC. On June 14, 2007, we applied to both the NCC and the MOTC, asking for an increase in direct and indirect foreign ownership cap of our common shares. After consultation with the NCC, the MOTC raised our foreign ownership cap of direct and indirect shareholdings from 49% to 55%. Our foreign ownership limitation of total direct shareholdings remained at 49%.

Fair Trade Act

The requirements and restrictions under the Telecommunication Act regarding price control, IP peering, equal access and accounting separation regulates certain competitive activities among telecommunication industries and aims to reduce the occurrence of anti-competition activities.

By comparison to the Telecommunications Act, the Fair Trade Act, or the FTA, plays a more comprehensive role in regulating all matters relating to competition between enterprises. The Fair Trade Act seeks to deter and prevent anti-competitive conduct by granting the Fair Trade Commission’s powers to investigate and to impose penalties.

The Fair Trade Act is administered and enforced by the Fair Trade Commission, or the FTC, which has independent administration rights granted to it under the Fair Trade Act and is empowered to impose disciplinary actions for fair trade matters. The Fair Trade Commission may initiate an investigation either on its own account in accordance with its discretion granted by the Fair Trade Act or upon receipt of a complaint.

In March 2015, the FTC found us liable for providing false and misleading data in advertisement comparing our services against our competitors on our 100Mbps fiber broadband plus TV programs service in the PingTung area. The FTC consequently ordered us to pay a fine of NT$0.8 million, which we had paid in March 2015.

Regulation on Telecommunications Enterprise with Monopoly Status

The term “monopoly” used in the FTA refers to the circumstance where an enterprise conducts its business operation in a relevant market without facing any competition or where an enterprise is able to dominate the relevant market and block competition in the market. If there are two or more enterprises within the same

 

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market that do not engage in any price competition with each other, the whole group of non-competing enterprises should be deemed as a single monopoly enterprise in the market.

According to the FTA, an enterprise or a group of enterprises will not be considered as monopolistic enterprise(s) if none of the following circumstances exists:

 

    the market share of the enterprise in a relevant market reaches one-half of the market;

 

    the combined market share of two enterprises in a relevant market reaches two-thirds of the market; and

 

    the combined market share of three enterprises in a relevant market reaches three-fourths of the market.

If the market share of any respective enterprise does not reach one-tenth of the relevant market or if the amount of the enterprise’s total sales in the preceding fiscal year is less than the amount which the authority announces, such enterprise shall not be considered as a monopolistic enterprise in the relevant market. Notwithstanding the above, the FTC has the ultimate discretion to consider an enterprise as a monopolistic enterprise upon any other events evidencing such enterprise’s capability to affect the supply and demand in relevant market or eliminate competition.

Under the FTA, any enterprise with monopoly status is prohibited from engaging in any of the following activities:

 

    directly or indirectly, by using any unfair method to prevent any other enterprises from competing;

 

    improperly set, maintain or change the price for goods or the remuneration for services;

 

    forcing the enterprise’s trading counterpart to give preferential treatment without justification; or

 

    abusing its market power.

According to the FTC’s Explanation on Regulations Governing Telecommunication Industry, a telecommunications enterprise with monopoly status is likely to be involved with the following activities regulated by the FTA: conducting predatory pricing, price squeezing, cross-subsidies, price discrimination, blocking access to essential facilities, and entering into long-term agreements to restrict the ability to change counterparties.

If the FTC finds an enterprise liable for violation of regulations governing monopoly, the FTC could impose a monetary fine of not more than NT$100,000,000 each time. If the FTC finds such violation is serious, it may further impose a monetary fine exceeding the NT$100,000,000 but up to 10% of the total sales of the enterprise in the preceding fiscal year. The responsible person of such enterprise may be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than three years.

Regulations on Combination Between Telecommunications Enterprises

The term “merger” used in the FTA refers to any of the following circumstances:

 

    where an enterprise and another enterprise are merged into one;

 

    where any enterprise holds or acquires more than one-thirds of total voting shares or capital of another enterprise;

 

    where any enterprise is assigned by or leases from another enterprise the whole or the major part of the business or properties of such other enterprise;

 

    where any enterprise operates jointly with another enterprise on a regular basis or is entrusted by another enterprise to operate the latter’s business; or

 

    where any enterprise directly or indirectly controls the business operation or the appointment or discharge of personnel of another enterprise.

 

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If any merger between or among multiple enterprises falls within any of the following circumstances, a prior approval granted by the FTC shall be required:

 

    as a result of the merger, the enterprise will own at least one-third of the total market share;

 

    there is any enterprise involved with the merger has one-fourth of the market share; or

 

    the aggregate sales amount for the preceding fiscal year of the enterprises and the entities controlled by or affiliated with such enterprise involved with the merger exceeds the threshold amount publicly announced by the FTC from time to time.

Once the telecommunications enterprise files the merger application with the FTC, the FTC will evaluate the pros and cons of the merger by weighing the potential economic efficiency against the disadvantage of reduced competition. If the FTC finds the potential economic efficiency generated from the merger should be able to offset the disadvantage of reduced competition caused, the FTC will grant the approval for the merger.

Regulations on Concerted Action (Cartel) in Telecommunication Industry

The term “concerted action (cartel)” as used in the FTA means the conduct of any enterprise, by means of contract, agreement or any other form of mutual understanding, with any other competing enterprise, to jointly determine the price of goods or services, quantity, technology, products, facilities, trading counterparts, or trading territory with respect to such goods and services, and thereby to restrict each other’s business activities. The FTC may assume a concerted action exists based on the market condition, the feature of goods or services, cost and profit, and the economic feasibility for enterprises to conduct concerted action. Notwithstanding the above, the term concerted action as used in the FTA is limited to any concerted action at the same production and/or marketing stage that would affect the market function of production, trade in goods, or supply and demand of services. Under the FTA, enterprises are prohibited from engaging in any concerted actions unless the FTC holds the concerted action may be beneficial to overall economy and public interest.

According to the FTC’s Explanation on Regulations Governing Telecommunication Industry, a telecommunications enterprise may be able to involve with the following concerted actions: entering into common pricing agreement, restriction of output and market segregation, concerted refusal to deal, or entering into agreement for exchange of information.

If the FTC finds an enterprise liable for violation of regulations governing concerted action (cartel), the FTC could impose a monetary fine of not more than NT$100,000,000 each time. If the FTC finds such violation is serious, it may further impose a monetary fine exceeding the NT$100,000,000 but up to 10% of the total sales of the enterprise in the preceding fiscal year. The responsible person of such enterprise may be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than three years.

Regulations on Unfair Competition in Telecommunication Industry

The FTA prohibits any enterprise from conducting any of the following activities that may restrict competition or impede fair competition:

 

    forcing another enterprise to discontinue supply, purchase or other business transactions with a particular enterprise for the purpose of injuring such particular enterprise;

 

    treating another enterprise discriminatively without justification;

 

    preventing competitors from participating or engaging in competition by inducing customers with low price or other illegal inducements;

 

    forcing another enterprise to refrain from competing in price, or to take part in a merger, or a concerted action, or to perform vertical restrictions by coercion, inducement with interest, or other improper methods; or

 

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    setting improper restrictions on its trading counterparts’ business activity as the condition to reach business engagement.

According to the FTC’s Explanation on Regulations Governing Telecommunication Industry, the telecommunications enterprise may be involved with the following activities that may restrict competition or impede fair competition: conducting vertical trading restraint, boycott, discrimination, improper sales discount, sales with gift or lottery or tie-in sales.

If any enterprise violates the regulations governing unfair competition, the FTC may order it to cease therefrom, rectify its conduct or take necessary corrective action within the time prescribed in the order; in addition, the FTC may assess upon such enterprise an administrative fine of not less than NT$100,000 nor more than NT$50,000,000. Should such enterprise fail to cease therefrom, rectify the conduct or take any necessary corrective action after the lapse of the prescribed period, the FTC may continue to order such enterprise to cease therefrom, rectify the conduct or take any necessary corrective action within the time prescribed in the order, and each time may successively assess thereupon an administrative fine of not less than NT$200,000 nor more than NT$100,000,000 until its ceasing therefrom, rectifying its conduct or taking the necessary corrective action.

Regulations on the Representations or Symbol Used by Telecommunications Enterprise on Goods or in Advertisement

The FTA prohibits any enterprise from making or using false or misleading representations or symbol as to price, quantity, quality, content, production process, production date, valid period, method of use, purpose of use, place of origin, manufacturer, place of manufacturing, processor, place of processing on goods, or any items which attract customers or in advertisements, or in any other way making known to the public.

If an enterprise violates the applicable provisions under the FTA that prohibit false or misleading representations, the FTC may order it to cease therefrom, rectify its conduct or take necessary corrective action within the time prescribed in the order; in addition, the FTC may assess upon such enterprise an administrative fine. Should such enterprise fail to cease therefrom, rectify the conduct or take any necessary corrective action after the lapse of the prescribed period, the FTC may continue to order such enterprise to cease therefrom, rectify the conduct or take any necessary corrective action within the time prescribed in the order, and each time may successively assess thereupon an administrative fine until its ceasing therefrom, rectifying its conduct or taking the necessary corrective action.

Other Regulations

In addition to the competitive activities expressly regulated by the FTA, the enterprise shall further be prohibited from conducting any fraudulent activity or significantly unfair activity that may impact the trade order.

Administrative Fee Law

According to the Administrative Fee Law, central and local governments, government agencies and schools are empowered to collect administrative fees from us and other telecommunications services providers for the telecommunications facilities built on public roads and properties. Under the Administrative Fee Law, Urban Road Act and Local Road Act, road authorities of municipal governments may collect usage fees from users of local roads, including us, for establishing lines along with the local roads. The fee schedule is set up in the Standard for Usage Fees of Local Roads.

Under the Public Road Law, administrative authorities of public roads may collect usage fees from the users of public roads. According to the Rules Governing Collection of Usage Fees on Public Roads, the relevant

 

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collection agencies, including agencies designated by the MOTC and municipal governments, depending on the types of public roads, may collect usage fees from users, including us, for establishing lines along with the public roads.

Personal Data Protection

The amendment of the Personal Information Protection Act, or PIPA, replaced the former Computer-Processed Personal Data Protection Act, or CPPDPA, and became fully effective on October 1, 2012, except for its Articles 6 and 54 that await further determination by the Executive Yuan. Under the PIPA, every individuals or governmental or non-governmental agencies, including us, should be subject to certain requirements and restrictions for collecting, processing or using personal data. The definition of “personal data” is extended to cover a broad scope, including name, birthday, ID, special features, fingerprints, marriage status, family, education, occupation, medical records, medical history, generic information, sex life, health examination report, criminal records, contact information, financial status, social activities, and any other data which is sufficient to directly or indirectly identify a specific person. If we fail to comply with the PIPA, we may be subject to serious punishment for civil claims, criminal offenses and administrative liabilities: the ceiling of the aggregate compensation amount for damages payable in a single case will be up to NT$200 million or the actual value of loss arising from our violation provided the amount of actual value of such loss is higher than NT$200 million; the defendant may be subject to an imprisonment of up to five years; and the penalty for administrative liabilities will be up to NT$500,000 for each violation, and may be imposed consecutively if such violation continues.

Statute of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.

The Executive Yuan, on April 27, 2012, proposed a motion for the abolishment of the Statute of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. for legislative approval. The Legislative Yuan formally approved the motion on December 9, 2014 and the President of the ROC pronounced the abolishment of the law effective from December 24, 2014. The abolishment has no material impact on our company.

 

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C. Organizational Structure

Set forth below is a diagram indicating our organization structure as of March 31, 2015.

 

LOGO

D. Property, Plant and Equipment

Please refer to “—B. Business Overview” for a discussion of our property, plant and equipment.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations together with the consolidated financial statements and the notes to such statements included in this annual report.

For the convenience of readers, NT dollar amounts used in this section for, and as of, the year ended December 31, 2014 have been translated into U.S. dollar amounts using US$1.00=NT$31.60, set forth in the statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on December 31, 2014. The U.S. dollar translation appears in parentheses next to the relevant NT dollar amount.

Overview

A number of recent and expected future developments have had, and in the future may have, a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. These developments include:

 

    changes in our revenue composition and sources of revenue growth;

 

    tariff adjustments;

 

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    capital expenditures as a result of technological improvements and changes in our business;

 

    personnel expenses;

 

    taxation; and

 

    effect of adopting Taiwan IFRSs on our dividends and employee bonuses.

Each of these developments is discussed below.

Changes in our revenue composition and sources of revenue growth

Our domestic fixed communications business revenues are derived primarily from the provision of local, domestic long distance, broadband access, leased line service, MOD, and other domestic services including ICT, cloud services, corporate solution services, billing handling services and the leasing of real estate properties. In addition, we also derive fixed-line revenues from providing interconnection services to other carriers. Our revenues from mobile communications business are principally derived from the provision of mobile services, sales of mobile handsets, tablets and data cards and other mobile services. Our revenues from internet business are generated principally from HiNet internet service, internet VAS, data communication services, internet data center, and other internet services including ICT and cloud services. Our revenues from international fixed communications business are derived primarily from international long distance, international leased line, international data services, satellite services, and other international services. Our other revenues are principally derived from non-telecom services.

The table below sets forth the revenues from our principal lines of business as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012     2013     2014  

Revenues:

      

Domestic fixed communications business

     34.4     32.2     31.8

Mobile communications business

     45.5        48.5        48.8   

Internet business

     11.2        11.2        11.5   

International fixed communications business

     6.9        6.9        6.8   

Others

     2.0        1.2        1.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  100.0   100.0   100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Our domestic fixed communications business has been an important source of revenue over the last three years. We derive domestic fixed communications from the provision of FTTx and ADSL access services that provides customers with data access lines. The percentage of total revenues derived from domestic fixed communication decreased in both 2013 and 2014 mainly due to tariff reductions for FTTx and ADSL services and the decline of domestic long distance and local call service revenue because of mobile and VoIP substitution. We believe that domestic fixed communications business will continue to generate a significant portion of our revenues.

Revenues from our mobile communications business made a major contribution to our revenues over the last three years. We have experienced a significant increase in revenues generated by our mobile VAS due to the popularity of smartphone and increase in mobile internet subscribers. As a result, we believe that our mobile communications business will continue to generate a significant portion of our revenues.

Our internet business was another important source of revenues over the last three years. We derived internet business revenues from the provision of HiNet internet service and internet VAS. The percentage of revenues from internet services within total revenues remained flat in 2012 and 2013 and increased in 2014, primarily due to the revenue growth in IDC and ICT areas by our subsidiary, CHIEF Telecom Inc., as well as in government-related internet VAS.

 

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We derived our international fixed communications revenues mainly from international long distance telephone services, international leased line services and international data services. Revenues from our international fixed communications business as a percentage of our total revenues remained flat in 2012 and 2013 and slightly decreased from 2013 to 2014, because our international long distance telephone services revenue continued to decline due to VoIP substitution.

Our other revenues decreased each year from 2012 to 2014, primarily due to lower property sales by our subsidiary, Light Era Development Co., Ltd., and lower government-related ICT revenues by our subsidiary, Chunghwa System Integration Co., Ltd.

Tariff adjustments

We adjust our tariffs and offer promotional packages from time to time primarily in response to market conditions. We also from time to time are required to adjust our pricing in line with domestic regulations.

On January 29, 2010, the NCC announced a tariff reduction plan starting on April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2013. The percentage of decrease set by NCC was DCPI—4.816% for IP Peering fees, domestic leased-line fees, ADSL access fees and long distance tariffs, and DCPI—5.00% for fees for mobile calls to local fixed-lines and other networks and domestic mobile SMS, where DCPI is the year-over-year change of the consumer price index of previous year released by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics of the Executive Yuan. On February 7, 2013, the NCC announced a new plan for tariff reductions in wholesale tariffs for IP peering and domestic leased line services, and in monthly fees for fixed-line broadband access services (excluding fiber-to-the-home, or FTTH, and fiber-to-the-building, or FTTB) over a period of four years starting on April 1, 2013, which are subject to a reduction by DCPI—5.1749%. The DCPI for 2012 that was used for the tariff reduction starting from April 1, 2013 was 1.93%; and the DCPI for 2013 that was used for the tariff reduction starting from April 1, 2014 was 0.79%; and the DCPI for 2014 that was used for the tariff reduction starting from April 1, 2015 was 1.2%. While mobile tariffs will not be regulated in this round, according to the revised Administrative Rules for Network Interconnection, the mobile interconnection fees should be reduced from the current NT$2.15 per minute to NT$1.15 per minute, over the period of four years starting from January 5, 2013.

As requested by the Legislative Yuan and NCC, we implemented a discounted tariff for domestic long distance telecommunication services from Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu Islands to Taiwan in April 1, 2011. We further applied one single tariff to all domestic long distance telecommunication services for the entire country since January 2012.

Besides mandatory tariff reduction mentioned above, we voluntarily implemented tariff adjustments in our broadband and mobile businesses in the past few years to consolidate our market share. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview” for discussions of our voluntary tariff adjustments.

Capital expenditures as a result of technological improvements and changes in our business

In recent years, we have focused on modernizing and upgrading our mobile services network and on developing our FTTx network, which enables transmission of digital information at a high bandwidth over fiber loops. In particular, we have enhanced our telecommunications services through:

 

    continuing to accelerate LTE network construction to improve LTE coverage nationwide after 4G services launched in May 2014;

 

    the implementation of a network modernization program, including a gradual transfer from our public switched telephone network to a system based on internet protocol, to remain at the forefront of new technologies;

 

    the development and deployment of environmentally friendly IDCs for meeting the new demands of co-location and cloud computing services;

 

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    the deployment of a high-capacity long-haul OTN, and a nationwide internet protocol backbone network with hundreds of Gbps switching routers for internet and managed IP services; and

 

    the expansion and upgrade of our mobile services network as well as Wi-Fi to improve indoor mobile network coverage and transmission speed for mobile internet.

Our long-term goal is to optimize our capital expenditures by focusing on investing in innovative products and services with attractive return profiles. We evaluate our investment opportunities by benchmarking them against internal return requirements.

Personnel expenses

Personnel expenses constitute a significant portion of our operating costs and expenses. In 2012, 2013 and 2014, personnel expenses represented 25.9%, 25.0% and 25.5% of our total operating costs and expenses, respectively, and pension costs represented 1.8%, 1.8% and 1.9% of our total operating costs and expenses, respectively. The table below sets forth information regarding our personnel expenses and as a percentage of our total operating costs and expenses for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012     2013     2014  
     (in billions of NT$, except percentages)  

Personnel expenses:

        

Salaries

     24.3         14.2     24.9         13.9     24.9         13.6

Insurance

     2.3         1.3        2.4         1.3        2.6         1.4   

Pension

     3.1         1.8        3.3         1.8        3.4         1.9   

Other(1)

     14.7         8.6        14.5         8.0        15.7         8.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total personnel expenses

  44.4      25.9   45.1      25.0   46.6      25.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

  171.4      100.0   180.4      100.0   182.4      100.0

 

(1) Includes employee bonuses.

In accordance with ROC laws and regulations, we offset the decrease of unappropriated earnings arising from the impact of first adoption of Taiwan IFRSs with earnings generated in 2013 before we made any appropriation of earning. As a result, unappropriated earnings in 2013 for earnings appropriation purposes decreased, which affected dividends to our shareholders and bonuses to our employees. In order to compensate for the decreased employee bonuses, at our board of directors meeting held in March 2014, our directors approved to appropriate a one-time bonus to our employees. See “—Effect of adopting Taiwan IFRSs on our dividends and employee bonuses” below.

At the time of our privatization, we settled all of our then existing defined benefit pension obligations in full. After completing our privatization on August 12, 2005, all of our continuing employees were deemed to have commenced employment as of August 12, 2005 for seniority purposes under our pension plans in effect after privatization. Under applicable ROC regulations, upon our privatization, the MOTC assumed the obligation to make annuity payments to all of our employees that retired before our privatization.

Taxation

The income tax rate for profit-seeking enterprises is 17% in the ROC. We benefit from tax incentives, including tax credits of up to 15% of some of our research and development expenses in accordance with the Statute for Innovating Industries.

 

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In 1997, the Income Tax Law of the ROC was amended to integrate corporate income tax and stockholder dividend tax to eliminate the double taxation effect for resident stockholders of Taiwan companies. Under the amendment, after-tax earnings generated from January 1, 1998 and not distributed to stockholders as dividends in the following year are assessed with a 10% unappropriated earnings tax. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—ROC Taxation—Dividends”. Under IFRSs, the 10% tax on unappropriated earnings is accrued during the year the earnings arise and adjusted to the extent that distributions are approved by the stockholders in the following year. In accordance with ROC laws and regulations, we offset the decrease of unappropriated earnings arising from the impact of first adoption of Taiwan IFRSs with earnings generated in 2013 before we made any appropriation of earnings, therefore, the accrued 10% unappropriated earnings tax in 2013 was lower than that in 2014. As a result, our effective tax rate increased from 13.2% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2014.

Effect of adopting Taiwan IFRSs on our dividends and employee bonuses

Beginning on January 1, 2013, we have adopted Taiwan IFRSs for reporting our annual and interim consolidated financial statements in the ROC in accordance with the requirements of the FSC. At the same time, we have adopted IFRSs, which has certain significant differences from Taiwan IFRSs, for reporting our annual and interim consolidated financial statements with the SEC, including this annual report and future annual reports on Form 20-F. See “Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected Financial Data”.

Our dividends have been calculated based on Taiwan IFRSs since 2013. According to local regulations, our unappropriated earnings before earnings distributions for the year ended December 31, 2013 needs to first offset the decrease of unappropriated earnings on the date of transition to Taiwan IFRSs (January 1, 2012), which led to a decrease in earnings available for our dividends and employee bonuses compared to prior years. As a result of these decreases in our dividends and employee bonuses, in March 2014, our board of directors approved an additional distribution to our shareholders from additional paid-in capital in the amount of NT$16.6 billion and a one-time additional bonus to our employees in the amount of NT$0.7 billion. The NT$16.6 billion additional distributions to our shareholders were approved at our annual general stockholders’ meeting on June 24, 2014 and such amount was subsequently paid in August 2014.

Our financial statements prepared under Taiwan IFRSs have not been included in this annual report and do not form a part of this annual report.

Critical Accounting Policies

Summarized below are our accounting policies that we believe are both important to the portrayal of our financial results and involve the need for management to make estimates about the effect of matters that are uncertain in nature. Actual results may differ from these estimates, judgments and assumptions. Certain accounting policies are particularly critical because of their significance to our reported financial results and the possibility that future events may differ significantly from the conditions and assumptions underlying the estimates used and judgments made by our management in preparing our financial statements. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, which are included in this annual report.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when the goods are delivered and titles have passed, at which time all the following conditions are satisfied:

 

    We have transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods;

 

    We retain neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;

 

    The amount of revenue can be measured reliably;

 

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    It is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to us; and

 

    The costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts for goods sold in the normal course of business, net of sales discounts and volume rebates. For trade receivables due within one year from the balance sheet date, as the nominal value of the consideration to be received approximates its fair value and transactions are frequent, fair value of the consideration is not determined by discounting all future receipts using an imputed rate of interest.

Usage revenues from fixed-line services (including domestic and international), cellular services, internet and data services, and interconnection and call transfer fees from other telecommunications companies and carriers are billed in arrears and are recognized based upon seconds or minutes of traffic processed when the services are provided in accordance with contract terms.

Other revenues are recognized as follows: (a) one-time subscriber connection fees (on fixed-line services) are deferred and recognized over the average expected customer service periods, (b) monthly fees (on fixed-line services, mobile, internet and data services) are accrued every month, and (c) prepaid services (fixed-line, mobile, internet and data services) are recognized as income based upon actual usage by customers or when the right to use those services expires.

Where we enter into transactions which involve both the provision of air time bundled with products such as handsets, total consideration received from products and air time in these arrangements are allocated and measured using units of accounting within the arrangement based on their relative fair values limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of products or services. Relative fair values are based on the selling prices of handsets on a standalone basis and the monthly fees provided in the subscription contracts.

Service revenue other than that from a project contract is recognized when service is provided.

Services revenue from a project contract is recognized by reference to the stage of completion of the contract.

Dividend income from investments is recognized when the shareholder’s right to receive payment has been established, under the premises that economic benefits related to the transactions will most probably flow to the company and that the revenue can be reasonably measured.

Interest income from a financial asset is recognized when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to us and the amount of income can be measured reliably. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.

Impairment of Accounts Receivable

When there is objective evidence showing indications of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the accounts receivable, we will consider the estimation of future cash flows. The amount of impairment will be measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted by the original effective interest rates of the financial assets. However, the impact from discounting short-term receivables is not material; therefore, the impairment of short-term receivables is based on the undiscounted estimated future cash flows. Where the actual future cash flows are less than expected, a material impairment loss may arise.

We implemented some measures which have improved the collectability of our accounts receivable. These procedures, which include enhanced credit assessments, strengthened overall risk management and improvements in bill collection practices, have reduced our exposure to uncollected receivables.

 

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We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. When determining the allowance, we consider the probability of recoverability based on customers’ past default experience and their credit status, and economic and industrial factors. Credit risks are assessed based on historical write-offs, net of recoveries, and an analysis of the aged accounts receivable balances with allowances generally increasing as the receivable ages. Accounts receivable may be fully reserved when specific collection issues are known to exist, such as pending bankruptcy or catastrophes. The analysis of receivables is performed monthly, and the allowances for doubtful accounts are adjusted through expense accordingly.

Provision for inventory valuation and obsolescence

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Estimates of net realizable value are based on the most reliable evidence available at the time the estimates are made at the end of reporting period. These estimates take into consideration fluctuations of price or cost directly relating to events occurring after the end of the period to the extent that such events confirm conditions existing at the end of the period. Estimates of net realizable value also take into consideration. Inventory write-downs are determined on an item by item basis, except for those similar items which could be categorized into the same groups. We use the inventory holding period and turnover as the evaluation basis for inventory obsolescence losses.

Useful Lives of Long-Lived Assets

A significant portion of our total assets consists of long-lived assets, primarily property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangibles. We estimate the useful lives of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets with finite lives in order to determine the period of time over which depreciation and amortization expense should be recorded. The useful lives are estimated at the time assets are acquired and are based on historical experience with similar assets as well as the anticipated technological evolution or other environmental changes. Further, we review the estimated useful lives of long-lived assets at the balance sheet date. If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a different form than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation and amortization in the relevant periods. Alternatively, technological obsolescence could result in a write-down in the value of the assets to reflect impairment. We review these types of assets for impairment quarterly, or when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable over the remaining life of an asset. In assessing impairments, we use estimated cash flows that take into account management’s estimates of future operations.

Investments in Unconsolidated Companies

An associate is an entity over which we have significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint venture. Joint venture arrangements that involve the establishment of a separate entity in which venturers have joint control over the economic activity of the entity are referred to as joint venture.

The operating results and identifiable net assets of associates and joint ventures are incorporated in these consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, an investment in an associate and joint venture is initially recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognize our share of the profit or loss, any impairment losses, and other comprehensive income of the associate and joint venture. We also recognize the changes in our share of equity of associates and joint ventures attributable to us.

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over our share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of an associate and joint venture recognized at the date of acquisition is recognized as goodwill, which is included in the carrying amount of the investment and shall not be amortized.

 

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We assess the impairment of investments accounted for using the equity method whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that an investment may be impaired and carrying value may not be recoverable. The entire carrying amount of the investment, including goodwill, is tested for impairment as a single asset by comparing its recoverable amount with its carrying amount. We measure the impairment based on the projected future cash flow of the investees, the underlying assumptions for which had been formulated by such investees’ internal management team, taking into account sales growth and capacity utilization. Any impairment loss recognized forms part of the carrying amount of the investment. Any reversal of that impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the recoverable amount of the investment subsequently increases.

Our other equity investments are classified as available-for-sale financial assets, or AFS financial assets, including: a) listed stocks and emerging market stocks that are traded in an active market that are stated at fair value at the end of each reporting period; b) equity investments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured are measured at cost less any identified impairment losses at the end of each reporting period.

Changes in the carrying amount of AFS monetary financial assets relating to changes in foreign currency rates, interest income calculated using the effective interest method and dividends on AFS equity investments are recognized in profit or loss. Other changes in the carrying amount of available-for-sale financial assets are recognized in other comprehensive income. When the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss.

When an AFS financial asset is considered to be impaired, cumulative gains or losses previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss in the period.

The process of assessing whether a particular investment’s net realizable value is less than its carrying cost requires a significant amount of judgment. We periodically evaluate these investments based on quoted market prices, if available, the financial condition of the investee company, economic conditions in the industry and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a long period of time. If quoted market prices are not available, we estimate the fair value using the recoverable amounts in consideration of the financial condition of the investee company. This information may be based on information that we request from the investee companies and may not be subject to the same disclosure and audit requirements as required of non-foreign private issuers, and as such, the reliability and accuracy of the information may vary. If we deem the fair value of an investment to be less than the carrying value based on the above factors, and the decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary, we record the difference as impairment in the period of occurrence. In 2012, 2013 and 2014, we recognized impairment losses of NT$203 million, NT$66 million and NT$23 million (US$0.7 million), respectively, for the investments classified as AFS financial assets.

Impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired and carrying value may not be recoverable. Indications we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

    External sources of information:

 

    during the period, an asset’s market value has declined significantly more than what would be expected as a result of the passage of time or normal use.

 

    significant changes with an adverse effect on the entity have taken place during the period, or will take place in the near future, in the technological, market, economic or legal environment in which the entity operates or in the market to which an asset is dedicated.

 

    market interest rates or other market rates of return on investments have increased during the period, and those increases are likely to affect the discount rate used in calculating an asset’s value in use and decrease the asset’s recoverable amount materially.

 

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    the carrying amount of the net assets of the entity is more than its market capitalization.

 

    Internal sources of information:

 

    evidence is available of obsolescence or physical damage of an asset.

 

    significant changes with an adverse effect on the entity have taken place during the period, or are expected to take place in the near future, in the extent to which, or manner in which, an asset is used or is expected to be used.

 

    evidence is available from internal reporting that indicates that the economic performance of an asset is, or will be, worse than expected.

When an indication of impairment is identified for long-lived assets and intangible assets other than goodwill, any excess of the carrying amount of an asset over its recoverable amount is recognized as a loss. If the recoverable amount increases in a subsequent period, the amount previously recognized as impairment would be reversed and recognized as a gain. However, the adjusted amount may not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, as if no impairment loss had been recognized.

Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid for business acquisition over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or if an event occurs or circumstances change which indicates that the fair value of goodwill is below its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. A subsequent reversal of such impairment loss is not allowed.

In 2012, 2013 and 2014, we determined that some of our telecommunication equipment and miscellaneous equipment were impaired and recognized an impairment loss of NT$301 million, NT$254 million and NT$64 thousand (US$2.0 thousand), respectively. In 2012, we determined that parts of our investment properties were impaired and recognized an impairment loss of NT$1,261 million. In 2013, based on the evaluation of fair value, some impaired investment properties increased in value and therefore we reversed the impairment losses of NT$246 million. In 2012, we also recognized impairment losses of NT$5 million for definite-lived intangible assets.

Goodwill amounting to NT$18 million arising from the business combination of a subsidiary, CHI, was fully impaired for the year ended December 31, 2013 because CHI underwent organizational and operational downsizing, and the goodwill was considered no longer exist.

Pension Benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as an expense when employees rendered services entitling them to the contributions.

For defined benefit retirement benefit plans, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method with actuarial calculations being carried out at the year end. Actuarial assumptions comprise the discount rate, rate of employee turnover, and long-term average future salary increase. Changes in economic circumstances and market conditions will affect these assumptions and may have a material impact on the amount of the expense and the liability.

Remeasurement, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the changes to the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on plan assets (excluding interest), is reflected immediately in the balance sheet with a charge or credit recognized in other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurement recognized in other comprehensive income is reflected immediately in unappropriated earnings and will not be reclassified to profit or loss and past service cost is recognized in profit or loss in the period of a plan amendment. Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate at the beginning of the period to the net defined benefit liability or asset. Defined benefit costs are categorized as follows:

 

    service cost (including current service cost, past service cost, as well as gains and losses on curtailments and settlements);

 

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    net interest expense or income; and

 

    remeasurement.

The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the consolidated balance sheet represents the actual deficit or surplus in our defined retirement benefit plans. Any surplus resulting from this calculation is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans.

Curtailment or settlement gains or losses on the defined benefit plan are recognized when the curtailment or settlement occurs.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

The current tax is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are never taxable or deductible. The liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Income tax (10%) on undistributed earnings is accrued during the period the earnings arise and adjusted to the extent that distributions are approved by the stockholders in the following year. Adjustments of prior years’ tax liabilities are added to or deducted from the current year’s tax provision.

Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognized for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which those deductible temporary differences, loss carryforwards, unused tax credits from purchases of machinery, equipment and technology and research and development expenditures can be utilized. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where we are able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits against which to utilize the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the balance sheet date, and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. A previously unrecognized deferred tax asset is also reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset realized based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which we expect at the end of the reporting period to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Current and deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss, except when they relate to items that are recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and deferred tax are also recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

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Our Financial Reporting Obligations

Our ongoing financial reporting in our Form 20-F annual reports and interim financial reporting furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K had been based on U.S. GAAP through fiscal year 2007. Beginning with our first quarter interim financial report furnished on Form 6-K and our Form 20-F annual report for fiscal year 2008, we prepared our financial statements under ROC GAAP, with reconciliations of net income and balance sheet differences of our consolidated financial statements to U.S. GAAP. Beginning in 2013, we adopted Taiwan IFRSs for our reporting obligations in the ROC, including our annual consolidated financial statements and our interim quarterly unaudited consolidated financial statements beginning in the first quarter of 2013. While we have adopted Taiwan IFRSs for ROC reporting obligations, we prepared financial statements under IFRSs for certain filings with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013 and thereafter. Following our adoption of IFRSs for the SEC filing purposes, we are no longer required to provide any reconciliation of our consolidated financial statements with U.S. GAAP.

A. Operating Results

The following table sets forth our revenues, operating costs and expenses, income from operations and other financial data for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
         2012              2013              2014      
     NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
     (in billions)  

Revenues:

           

Domestic Fixed Communications

     76.1         73.5         72.1         2.3   

Mobile communications

     100.8         110.6         110.7         3.5   

Internet

     24.8         25.4         26.0         0.8   

International fixed communications

     15.3         15.8         15.3         0.5   

Others

     4.4         2.7         2.5         0.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

  221.4      228.0      226.6      7.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating costs

  141.5      147.3      148.4      4.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

Marketing

  22.2      25.2      26.1      0.8   

General and administrative

  4.0      4.2      4.4      0.2   

Research and development

  3.7      3.7      3.5      0.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

  29.9      33.1      34.0      1.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other income and expenses

  (1.6   0.1      0.6      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

  48.4      47.7      44.8      1.4   

Other income, net

  1.6      1.4      1.8      0.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income tax

  50.0      49.1      46.6      1.5   

Income tax expense

  7.4      6.5      9.0      0.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated net income

  42.6      42.6      37.6      1.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Attributable to:

Stockholders of the parent

  41.5      41.5      37.0      1.2   

Noncontrolling interests

  1.1      1.1      0.6      —     

 

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The following table sets forth our revenues, operating costs and expenses, income from operations and other financial data as a percentage of our total revenues for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
             2012                     2013                     2014          
     (as percentages of total revenues)  

Revenues:

      

Domestic fixed communications

     34.4     32.2     31.8

Mobile communications

     45.5        48.5        48.8   

Internet

     11.2        11.2        11.5   

International fixed communications

     6.9        6.9        6.8   

Others

     2.0        1.2        1.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

  100.0   100.0   100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating costs

  63.9   64.6   65.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

Marketing

  10.0      11.1      11.5   

General and administrative

  1.8      1.8      2.0   

Research and development

  1.7      1.6      1.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

  13.5      14.5      15.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income and expenses

  (0.7   —        0.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

  21.9      20.9      19.8   

Other income, net

  0.7      0.6      0.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income tax

  22.6      21.5      20.6   

Income tax expense

  3.4      2.8      4.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated net income

  19.2   18.7   16.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

Stockholders of the parent

  18.7      18.2      16.3   

Noncontrolling interests

  0.5      0.5      0.3   

Each of our operating segments is managed separately because each represents a strategic business unit that serves a different market. We measure our segment performances mainly based on revenues and income before tax.

The year ended December 31, 2014 compared with the year ended December 31, 2013

Revenues

Our revenues decreased by 0.6% from NT$228.0 billion in 2013 to NT$226.6 billion (US$7.2 billion) in 2014. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in revenues generated from domestic fixed communications.

Domestic fixed communications

Domestic fixed communications revenues accounted for 32.2% and 31.8% of our revenues in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Our domestic fixed-line revenues decreased by 2.0% from NT$73.5 billion in 2013 to NT$72.1 billion (US$2.3 billion) in 2014 primarily due to the general migration to the use of mobile services and the increased use of VoIP applications.

Local telephone services. Our local telephone revenues decreased from NT$37.8 billion in 2013 to NT$35.6 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2014 with a 10.6% decline in traffic volume from 12.9 billion minutes in 2013 to

 

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11.6 billion minutes in 2014. The decline in traffic volume was primarily due to the traffic migration from fixed-line services to mobile and internet telephone services. We expect this trend to continue as broadband and mobile services become more popular in Taiwan.

Domestic long distance telephone services. Our domestic long distance telephone revenues decreased by 4.6% from NT$3.5 billion in 2013 to NT$3.3 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014. This decrease was mainly due to the traffic migration to mobile services and the increased use of VoIP applications.

Broadband access. The number of our FTTx customers increased from approximately 3.0 million in 2013 to approximately 3.1 million in 2014. The number of our ADSL customers decreased from 1.6 million in 2013 to 1.4 million in 2014 due to the customers’ migration to our FTTx services. Despite our effort to migrate our customers to higher ARPU FTTx services, revenues generated from broadband access remained the same of approximately NT$19.1 billion (US$0.6 billion) in both 2013 and 2014 mainly due to the mandatory tariff reduction required by the NCC and our promotional packages and discounts provided for existing customers.

Domestic leased line. Our tariffs for overall leased line services have continued to decreased due to the competition from other fixed-line operators, as well as the continued migration of domestic leased line customers to high speed broadband services. Revenues generated from domestic leased line decreased from NT$5.1 billion in 2013 to NT$4.6 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014.

MOD. Revenues generated from our MOD services increased by 15.8% from NT$2.2 billion in 2013 to NT$2.6 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014. This increase was due to the increase in the number of MOD subscribers.

Others. Other revenues increased by 18.7% from NT$5.8 billion in 2013 to NT$6.9 billion (US$0.2 billion) in 2014. This increase was mainly due to the increased corporate customers of our ICT solution services.

Mobile communications

Revenues from our mobile communications business segment accounted for 48.5% and 48.8% of our revenues in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Revenues from our mobile communications business segment increased by 0.1% from NT$110.6 billion in 2013 to NT$110.7 billion (US$3.5 billion) in 2014. This increase was principally due to the growth of mobile VAS revenues and was partially offset by the decline of mobile voice telecommunication revenues and mobile handsets sales revenues. The decrease of mobile voice telecommunication traffic was mainly due to the migration to free VoIP applications.

Mobile services. Revenues from our mobile services accounted for 33.6% and 34.2% of our revenues in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Revenues from our mobile services increased by 1.0% from NT$76.7 billion in 2013 to NT$77.5 billion (US$2.5 billion) in 2014 due to the increase in mobile VAS revenues from NT$28.4 billion in 2013 to NT$34.8 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2014, which was partially offset by the decline of mobile voice telecommunication revenues.

Sales of mobile handsets, tablets and data cards. Revenues from our sales of mobile handsets, tablets and data cards accounted for 14.5% and 14.3% of our revenues in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Revenues from our sales of mobile handsets, tablets and data cards decreased by 2.0% from NT$33.1 billion in 2013 to NT$32.5 billion (US$1.0 billion) in 2014. This decrease was principally due to lower high-tier smartphones sales by our subsidiary, Senao.

Internet

Internet revenues accounted for 11.2% and 11.5% of our revenues in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Revenues from our internet services increased by 2.2% from NT$25.4 billion in 2013 to NT$26.0 billion (US$0.8 billion) in 2014 due to the revenue growth in IDC and ICT areas by our subsidiary, CHIEF Telecom Inc., as well as in government-related internet VAS.

 

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International fixed communications

International fixed communications revenues accounted for 6.9% and 6.8% of our revenues in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Our international fixed communications revenues decreased by 2.8% from NT$15.8 billion in 2013 to NT$15.3 billion (US$0.5 billion) in 2014. This decrease was mainly due to lower international long distance revenue because of increased market competition.

International long distance telephone services. Our international long distance telephone revenues decreased by 7.3% from NT$11.2 billion in 2013 to NT$10.4 billion (US$0.3 billion) in 2014 due to the migration to VoIP-based international long distance service providers and free VoIP applications.

International leased line and international data services. Our international leased line and international data revenues increased by 12.0% from NT$2.9 billion in 2013 to NT$3.2 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014. The increase was mainly due to our expansion to the overseas market such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia and the increased demand for our international leased line and VPN.

Others

Other revenues accounted for 1.2% and 1.1% of our revenues in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Our other revenues decreased by 4.5% from NT$2.7 billion in 2013 to NT$2.5 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014. The decrease was mainly due to lower property sales by our subsidiary, Light Era Development Co., Ltd., and lower government-related ICT revenues by our subsidiary, Chunghwa System Integration Co., Ltd.

Operating Costs

Operating costs include depreciation and amortization expenses, personnel expenses, cost of goods sold, interconnection and service expenses, costs of materials and maintenance and spectrum usage and license fees.

Our operating costs increased by 0.7% from NT$147.3 billion in 2013 to NT$148.4 billion (US$4.7 billion) in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase of NT$1.9 billion (US$0.1 billion) in depreciation expense from 4G construction, 3G maintenance and cloud and IDC equipment investment, and amortization expense from the 4G license fee, and an increase of NT$1.3 billion (US$0.1 billion) in personnel expenses which resulted from voluntary retirement program and business expansion. The increase in our operating costs was partially offset by a decrease of NT$2.0 billion (US$0.1 billion) in interconnection and service expenses.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses increased by 3.0% from NT$33.1 billion in 2013 to NT$34.0 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase in marketing expenses.

Marketing

Our marketing expenses, which include personnel expenses, expenses relating to advertising and marketing-related activities and provision for bad debt, increased by 3.9% from NT$25.2 billion in 2013 to NT$26.1 billion (US$0.8 billion) in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase in personnel expenses resulted from the increase of employees for our newly established subsidiary, Honghwa, and an increase of other expenses in marketing-related activities due to business expansion.

General and administrative

Our general and administrative expenses increased by 5.3% from NT$4.2 billion in 2013 to NT$4.4 billion (US$0.2 billion) in 2014. This increase was primarily due to the increase in personnel expenses which resulted from voluntary retirement program and other administrative activities for service centers and channel expansion.

 

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Research and development

Our research and development expenses decreased by 5.3% from NT$3.7 billion in 2013 to NT$3.5 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in personnel expenses for research and development. In 2013 and 2014, we did not capitalize any research and development expenses as intangible assets because there were no research and development expenses related to development or the development phase of an internal project in 2013 and 2014.

Operating Costs and Expenses by Business Segment

 

    Domestic Fixed
Communications
    Mobile
Communications
    Internet     International
Fixed
Communications
    Others     Adjustment     Total  
    (in billions of NT$)  

For the year ended December 31, 2014

             

Operating costs and expenses

    72.6        96.9        21.3        17.5        8.5        (34.4     182.4   

Depreciation and amortization

    18.6        9.9        3.4        1.8        0.4        —          34.1   

For the year ended December 31, 2013

             

Operating costs and expenses

    75.0        92.4        20.4        17.0        7.4        (31.8     180.4   

Depreciation and amortization

    19.0        8.1        3.1        1.6        0.4        —          32.2   

Domestic fixed communications

Our domestic fixed communications costs and expenses decreased by 3.2% from NT$75.0 billion in 2013 to NT$72.6 billion (US$2.3 billion) in 2014, primarily due to a decrease of NT$2.5 billion (US$0.08 billion) in interconnection expenses, and a decrease of NT$0.4 billion (US$0.02 billion) in depreciation expenses, and was partially offset by an increase of NT$0.8 billion (US$0.03 billion) in ICT costs.

Mobile communications

Our mobile communications operating costs and expenses increased by 4.9% from NT$92.4 billion in 2013 to NT$96.9 billion (US$3.1 billion) in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase of NT$1.8 billion (US$0.06 billion) in depreciation expense and amortization expense from 4G construction and license fee, an increase of NT$1.9 billion (US$0.06 billion) in leased lines and internet access expenses resulting from the increased leased lines and higher speed rate of our mobile internet services, an increase of NT$0.3 billion (US$0.01 billion) in personnel expense and an increase of NT$0.2 billion (US$0.01 billion) in electricity charge.

Internet

Our internet operating costs and expenses increased by 4.3% from NT$20.4 billion in 2013 to NT$21.3 billion (US$0.7 billion) in 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase of NT$0.6 billion (US$0.02 billion) in international IP transit, an increase of NT$0.3 billion (US$0.01 billion) in depreciation expenses resulting from the increased cloud computing related facilities, and an increase of NT$0.2 billion (US$0.01 billion) in leased line expenses.

International fixed communications

Our international fixed communications costs and expenses increased by 2.7% from NT$17.0 billion in 2013 to NT$17.5 billion (US$0.6 billion) in 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase of NT$0.5 billion (US$0.02 billion) in settlement payments for international long distance calls.

 

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Others

The costs and expenses from our other business increased by 14.9% from NT$7.4 billion in 2013 to NT$8.5 billion (US$0.3 billion) in 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in pension cost resulted from voluntary retirement program, and increase of personnel cost and other cost and expenses from our subsidiaries, Chunghwa Precision Test Tech. Co., Ltd. and Honghwa.

Other Income and Expenses

We recorded net other income of NT$0.1 billion in 2013 and NT$0.6 billion (US$20.0 million) in 2014, respectively. The difference between 2013 and 2014 was primarily due to the gain on disposal of investment properties of NT$0.6 billion (US$20.0 million) in 2014 by our subsidiary, Light Era Development Co., Ltd.

Income from Operations and Operating Margin

As a result of the foregoing, our income from operations decreased by 6.0% from NT$47.7 billion in 2013 to NT$44.8 billion (US$1.4 billion) in 2014. Our operating margin decreased from 20.9% in 2013 to 19.8% in 2014.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our revenues and income before income tax by business segment for the periods indicated.

 

    Domestic Fixed
Communications
    Mobile
Communications
    Internet     International
Fixed
Communications
    Others     Adjustment     Total  
    (in billions of NT$)  

For the year ended December 31, 2014

             

Revenues from external customers

    72.1        110.7        26.0        15.3        2.5        —          226.6   

Intersegment service revenues

    19.7        5.3        4.7        2.3        2.4        (34.4     —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    91.8        116.0        30.7        17.6        4.9        (34.4     226.6   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment income before income tax

    19.5        19.3        9.6        0.2        (2.0     —          46.6   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013

             

Revenues from external customers

    73.5        110.6        25.4        15.8        2.7        —          228.0   

Intersegment service revenues

    18.4        5.7        4.4        2.1        1.2        (31.8     —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    91.9        116.3        29.8        17.9        3.9        (31.8     228.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment income before income tax

    17.3        23.7        9.4        0.9        (2.2     —          49.1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As a result of the foregoing, segment income before tax for our domestic fixed communications business increased by 12.7% from NT$17.3 billion in 2013 to NT$19.5 billion (US$0.6 billion) in 2014; segment income before tax for our mobile communications business decreased by 18.4% from NT$23.7 billion in 2013 to NT$19.3 billion (US$0.6 billion) in 2014; segment income before tax for our internet business increased by 1.2% from NT$9.4 billion in 2013 to NT$9.6 billion (US$0.3 billion) in 2014; segment income before tax for our international fixed communications business decreased by 78.6% from NT$0.9 billion in 2013 to NT$0.2 billion (US$6.0 million) in 2014; and segment loss for our other business segments decreased by 9.5% from NT$2.2 billion in 2013 to NT$2.0 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014.

Non-operating Income and Expenses

Our other income increased from NT$1.4 billion in 2013 to NT$1.8 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014. This increase was primarily due to the increase in foreign currency exchange gains, income from Piping Fund, and share of the profit of associates and joint venture accounted for using equity method and was partially offset by a decrease in interest income.

 

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Income Tax

Our income tax was NT$6.5 billion and NT$9.0 billion (US$0.3 billion) in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 13.2% in 2013 and 19.3% in 2014. The increase of our effective tax rate from 2013 to 2014 was primarily due to an increase in the accrued 10% tax on unappropriated earnings. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Taxation” for a discussion of the change in tax rate.

Net Income

As a result of the foregoing, our net income attributable to stockholders of the parent was NT$41.5 billion and NT$37.0 billion (US$1.2 billion) in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Our net margin decreased from 18.2% in 2013 to 16.3% in 2014.

The year ended December 31, 2013 compared with the year ended December 31, 2012

Revenues

Our revenues increased by 3.0% from NT$221.4 billion in 2012 to NT$228.0 billion in 2013. This increase was primarily due to the increase in revenues generated from mobile communications.

Domestic fixed communications

Domestic fixed communications revenues accounted for 34.4% and 32.2% of our revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Our domestic fixed-line revenues decreased by 3.5% from NT$76.1 billion in 2012 to NT$73.5 billion in 2013 primarily due to the general migration to the use of mobile and internet services.

Local telephone services. Our local telephone revenues decreased from NT$40.9 billion in 2012 to NT$37.8 billion in 2013 with a 9.9% decline in traffic volume from 14.4 billion minutes in 2012 to 12.9 billion minutes in 2013. The decline in traffic volume was primarily due to the traffic migration from fixed-line services to mobile and internet telephone services. We expect this trend to continue as broadband and mobile services become more popular in Taiwan.

Domestic long distance telephone services. Our domestic long distance telephone revenues decreased by 8.0% from NT$3.8 billion in 2012 to NT$3.5 billion in 2013 with a 2.0% decline in traffic volume from 3.4 billion minutes in 2012 to 3.3 billion minutes in 2013, and the application of a higher tariff in January 2012 before the tariff reduction. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview” for the discussion of the change in the domestic long distance tariff. The decline in traffic volume was mainly due to the traffic migration to mobile services and the increased use of VoIP applications.

Broadband access. The number of our ADSL customers decreased from 1.8 million in 2012 to 1.6 million in 2013 due to the customers’ migration to our FTTx services. The number of our FTTx customers increased from approximately 2.7 million in 2012 to approximately 3.0 million in 2013. Despite our effort to migrate our customers to higher ARPU FTTx services, revenues generated from broadband access remained the same of approximately NT$19.1 billion in both 2012 and 2013 mainly due to the 4.4% mandatory tariff reduction starting from April 1, 2013 as required by the NCC.

Domestic leased line. Our tariffs for overall leased line services have continued to decreased due to the competition from other fixed-line operators, as well as the continued migration of domestic leased line customers to high speed broadband services. Revenues generated from domestic leased line decreased from NT$5.5 billion in 2012 to NT$5.1 billion in 2013.

MOD. Revenues generated from our MOD services increased by 15.0% from NT$1.9 billion in 2012 to NT$2.2 billion in 2013. This increase was due to the increase in the number of MOD subscribers and the increase in the ARPU.

 

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Others. Other revenues increased by 17.1% from NT$4.9 billion in 2012 to NT$5.8 billion in 2013. This increase was mainly due to the increased corporate customers of our ICT solution services and the increased sales of high definition TV.

Mobile communications

Revenues from our mobile communications business segment accounted for 45.5% and 48.5% of our revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Revenues from our mobile communications business segment increased by 9.7% from NT$100.8 billion in 2012 to NT$110.6 billion in 2013. This increase was principally due to the growth of mobile VAS revenues and mobile handsets sales revenues and was partially offset by the decline of mobile voice telecommunication revenues over years. The decrease of mobile voice telecommunication traffic was mainly due to the migration to free VoIP applications.

Mobile services. Revenues from our mobile services accounted for 32.8% and 33.6% of our revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Revenues from our mobile services increased by 5.7% from NT$72.5 billion in 2012 to NT$76.7 billion in 2013 due to the increase in mobile VAS revenues from NT$20.5 billion in 2012 to NT$28.4 billion in 2013, which was partially offset by the decline of mobile voice telecommunication revenues.

Sales of mobile handsets, tablets and data cards. Revenues from our sales of mobile handsets, tablets and data cards accounted for 12.5% and 14.5% of our revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Revenues from our sales of mobile handsets, tablets and data cards increased by 19.7% from NT$27.6 billion in 2012 to NT$33.1 billion in 2013. This increase was principally due to the increased sales of smartphones.

Internet

Internet revenues accounted for 11.2% of our revenues in both 2012 and 2013. Revenues from our internet services increased by 2.7% from NT$24.8 billion in 2012 to NT$25.4 billion in 2013 due to (1) a 9.5% increase in the number of subscribers to HiNet FTTx which has higher ARPU and (2) a 4.4% increase in internet VAS revenues. As of December 31, 2013, approximately 83.1% of our broadband customers were also HiNet subscribers, using HiNet as their ISP.

International fixed communications

International fixed communications revenues accounted for 6.9% of our revenues in both 2012 and 2013. Our international fixed communications revenues increased by 2.8% from NT$15.3 billion in 2012 to NT$15.8 billion in 2013. This increase was mainly due to the increase in revenues from our international leased line services and international data services.

International long distance telephone services. Our international long distance telephone revenues decreased by 2.6% from NT$11.5 billion in 2012 to NT$11.2 billion in 2013 due to the migration to VoIP-based international long distance service providers and free VoIP applications.

International leased line and international data services. Our international leased line and international data revenues increased by 12.1% from NT$2.5 billion in 2012 to NT$2.9 billion in 2013. The increase was mainly due to our expansion to the overseas market, such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia, and the increased demand for our international leased line, VPN and various managed ICT services from multinational corporations.

Others

Other revenues accounted for 2.0% and 1.2% of our revenues in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Our other revenues decreased by 38.9% from NT$4.4 billion in 2012 to NT$2.7 billion in 2013. The decrease was mainly due to lower total property sales value by our subsidiary, Light Era Development Co., Ltd., in 2013 compared with 2012.

 

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Operating Costs

Operating costs include depreciation and amortization expenses, personnel expenses, cost of goods sold, interconnection and service expenses, costs of materials and maintenance and spectrum usage and license fees.

Our operating costs increased by 4.1% from NT$141.5 billion in 2012 to NT$147.3 billion in 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase of NT$7.4 billion in cost of goods sold, which was due to the increased sales of smartphones. The increase in our operating costs was partially offset by a decrease of NT$2.0 billion in interconnection and service expenses.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses increased by 10.5% from NT$29.9 billion in 2012 to NT$33.1 billion in 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase in marketing expenses.

Marketing

Our marketing expenses, which includes personnel expenses, expenses relating to advertising and marketing-related activities and provision for bad debt, increased by 13.3% from NT$22.2 billion in 2012 to NT$25.2 billion in 2013. This increase was primarily due to the NT$1.5 billion reversal of bad debts allowance in 2012, the NT$0.3 billion provision of bad debts allowance in 2013 and an increase of NT$1.1 billion in expenses relating to personnel and marketing-related activities due to business expansion of our subsidiary, Senao. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Critical Accounting Policies—Impairment of Accounts Receivable” for a discussion of our policy for bad debts allowance.

General and administrative

Our general and administrative expenses increased by 4.2% from NT$4.0 billion in 2012 to NT$4.2 billion in 2013. This increase was primarily due to the increase in personnel expenses and other administrative activities for service centers and channel expansion.

Research and development

Our research and development expenses remained NT$3.7 billion in 2012 and 2013. In 2012 and 2013, we did not capitalize any research and development expenses as intangible assets arising from development or from the development phase of an internal project.

Operating Costs and Expenses by Business Segment

 

    Domestic Fixed
Communications
    Mobile
Communications
    Internet     International
Fixed
Communications
    Others     Adjustment     Total  
    (in billions of NT$)  

For the year ended December 31, 2013

             

Operating costs and expenses

    75.0        92.4        20.4        17.0        7.4        (31.8     180.4   

Depreciation and amortization

    19.0        8.1        3.1        1.6        0.4        —          32.2   

For the year ended December 31, 2012

             

Operating costs and expenses

    76.3        81.4        19.1        16.2        8.1        (29.7     171.4   

Depreciation and amortization

    19.2        8.5        2.7        1.5        0.3        —          32.2   

Domestic fixed communications

Our domestic fixed communications costs and expenses decreased by 1.7% from NT$76.3 billion in 2012 to NT$75.0 billion in 2013, primarily due to a decrease of NT$1.0 billion in interconnection and service expenses and a decrease of NT$0.9 billion in bonus, and was partially offset by an increase of NT$0.6 billion in costs of corporate solution services and ICT costs.

 

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Mobile communications

Our mobile communications operating costs and expenses increased by 13.4% from NT$81.4 billion in 2012 to NT$92.4 billion in 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase of NT$6.2 billion in costs of mobile handsets sold, an increase of NT$2.8 billion in leased lines and internet access expenses resulting from the increased leased lines and higher speed rate of our mobile internet services. In addition, the provision of bad debt increased by NT$1.3 billion as a result of the NT$1.2 billion reversal of bad debts allowance in 2012 whereas NT$0.1 billion bad debts allowance was provided in 2013.

Internet

Our internet operating costs and expenses increased by 6.9% from NT$19.1 billion in 2012 to NT$20.4 billion in 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase of NT$0.4 billion in depreciation and amortization expenses resulting from the increased cloud computing related facilities, an increase of NT$0.4 billion in leased line expenses for the promotion of the broadband access speed, and an increase of NT$0.2 billion in employee benefit expenses.

International fixed communications

Our international fixed communications costs and expenses increased by 4.9% from NT$16.2 billion in 2012 to NT$17.0 billion in 2013. The increase was primarily due to an increase of NT$0.4 billion in settlement payments for international long distance calls, an increase of NT$0.1 billion in rental expenses, and an increase of NT$0.1 billion in ICT costs.

Others

The costs and expenses from our other business decreased by 8.9% from NT$8.1 billion in 2012 to NT$7.4 billion in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to lower total property sales value by our subsidiary, Light Era Development Co., Ltd., in 2013 compared to 2012.

Other Income and Expenses

We recorded net other expenses of NT$1.6 billion in 2012 and net other income of NT$0.1 billion in 2013. The difference between 2012 and 2013 was primarily due to the fact that we recognized an impairment loss of NT$1.3 billion for investment properties in 2012 and then reversed the impairment of NT$0.2 billion in 2013. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Critical Accounting Policies—Impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets” for a discussion the impairment.

Income from Operations and Operating Margin

As a result of the foregoing, our income from operations decreased by 1.5% from NT$48.4 billion in 2012 to NT$47.7 billion in 2013. Our operating margin decreased from 21.9% in 2012 to 20.9% in 2013.

 

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The following table sets forth certain information regarding our operating income by business segment for the periods indicated.

 

    Domestic Fixed
Communications
    Mobile
Communications
    Internet     International
Fixed
Communications
    Others     Adjustment     Total  
    (in billions of NT$)  

For the year ended December 31, 2013

             

Revenues from external customers

    73.5        110.6        25.4        15.8        2.7        —          228.0   

Intersegment service revenues

    18.4        5.7        4.4        2.1        1.2        (31.8     —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    91.9        116.3        29.8        17.9        3.9        (31.8     228.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment income before income tax

    17.3        23.7        9.4        0.9        (2.2     —          49.1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012

             

Revenues from external customers

    76.1        100.8        24.8        15.3        4.4        —          221.4   

Intersegment service revenues

    17.0        6.6        2.9        2.2        1.0        (29.7     —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    93.1        107.4        27.7        17.5        5.4        (29.7     221.4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment income before income tax

    15.7        25.8        8.6        1.3        (1.4     —          50.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As a result of the foregoing, segment income before tax for our domestic fixed communications business increased by 10.6% from NT$15.7 billion in 2012 to NT$17.3 billion in 2013; segment income before tax for our mobile communications business decreased by 8.3% from NT$25.8 billion in 2012 to NT$23.7 billion in 2013; segment income before tax for our internet business increased by 9.9% from NT$8.6 billion in 2012 to NT$9.4 billion in 2013; segment income before tax for our international fixed communications business decreased by 32.2% from NT$1.3 billion in 2012 to NT$0.9 billion in 2013; and segment loss for our other business segments increased by 51.7% from NT$1.4 billion in 2012 to NT$2.2 billion in 2013.

Non-operating Income and Expenses

Our other income decreased from NT$1.6 billion in 2012 to NT$1.4 billion in 2013. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest income and was partially offset by an increase in share of the profit of associates and joint venture accounted for using equity method.

Income Tax

Our income tax was NT$7.4 billion and NT$6.5 billion in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 14.7% in 2012 and 13.2% in 2013. The decrease of our effective tax rate from 2012 to 2013 was primarily due to a decrease in the accrued 10% tax on unappropriated earnings. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Taxation” for a discussion of the change in tax rate.

Net Income

As a result of the foregoing, our net income attributable to stockholders of the parent remained NT$41.5 billion in 2012 and 2013. Our net margin decreased from 18.7% in 2012 to 18.2% in 2013.

 

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B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

The following table sets forth the summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      US$  
     (in billions)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

     65.6         75.3         71.4         2.3   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (18.6      (49.1      (27.3      (0.9

Net cash used in financing activities

     (42.5      (42.5      (35.1      (1.1

Effect of exchange rate changes

     —           —           —           —     

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     4.5         (16.3      9.0         0.3   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

     30.9         14.6         23.6         0.8   

Our primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations, which represents operating profit adjusted for non-cash items, primarily depreciation and amortization and changes in current assets and liabilities. We believe that our working capital is sufficient to meet our present cash flow requirements.

In 2014, we generated NT$71.4 billion (US$2.3 billion) net cash from operating activities as compared to NT$75.3 billion in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in income from operation, the decrease in cash inflows relating to accounts receivables, and the increase in cash outflows relating to income tax and other payables from operating activities.

In 2013, we generated NT$75.3 billion net cash from operating activities as compared to NT$65.6 billion in 2012. The increase was primarily due to the decrease in cash outflows relating to payment of employee bonuses and income tax, accounts receivable and payable from operating activities, and a NT$2.0 billion procurement of land by our property development subsidiary in 2012 for construction, which was further discussed in “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Property, plant and equipment”.

Historically, net cash from operating activities has been sufficient to cover our capital expenditures, including ongoing expansion and modernization of our networks.

In 2014, net cash used in investing activities was NT$27.3 billion (US$0.9 billion), a decrease from NT$49.1 billion in 2013. The change was primarily due to the one-time payment of NT$39.1 billion in 2013 for acquiring the 4G spectrum in the auction by the NCC, which was partially offset by a net decrease of NT$19.7 billion of time deposits and negotiable certificate of deposit with maturities of more than three months.

In 2013, net cash used in investing activities was NT$49.1 billion, an increase from NT$18.6 billion in 2012. The increase was primarily due to the one-time payment of NT$39.1 billion in 2013 for acquiring the 4G spectrum in the auction by the NCC.

In 2014, our net cash used in financing activities totaled NT$35.1 billion (US$1.1 billion), which mainly reflected NT$18.5 billion (US$0.6 billion) of payment of dividends during that period and NT$16.6 billion (US$0.5 billion) of cash distribution from our capital surplus to our stockholders.

In 2013, our net cash used in financing activities totaled NT$42.5 billion, which mainly reflected NT$35.9 billion of payment of dividends during that period and NT$5.6 billion of cash distribution from our capital surplus to our stockholders.

In 2012, our net cash used in financing activities totaled NT$42.5 billion, which mainly reflected NT$42.4 billion of payment of dividends during that period.

 

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Capital Resources

We have historically financed our capital expenditure requirements with our cash flows from operations and some bank loans. In future years, we have capital expenditure requirements for the ongoing expansion and upgrade of our networks, including 4G, FTTx, Wi-Fi and service platforms. We also expect to make dividend payments on an ongoing basis. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A”. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information”. Furthermore, we may require working capital from time to time to finance purchases of materials for our maintenance and other overhead expenses. We expect to primarily rely on cash generated from operations and, to a lesser extent, loans from commercial banks to meet our planned capital expenditures, make our planned dividend payments, repay debts and fulfill other commitments over the next twelve months.

As of December 31, 2014, our primary source of liquidity was NT$23.6 billion (US$0.8 billion) in cash and cash equivalents. In addition, the unused line of credit for unsecured and secured bank loans amounted to NT$35.3 billion (US$1.1 billion) and NT$0.8 billion (US$25.9 million), respectively, as of December 31, 2014.

As of December 31, 2014, our subsidiary, Senao International Co., Ltd., had short-term unsecured loans of NT$0.5 billion (US$15.8 million) with an interest rate of 1.25%.

As of December 31, 2014, our subsidiary, Chunghwa Sochamp Technology Inc., had short-term unsecured loans of NT$0.1 billion (US$2.0 million) at interest rates ranging from 2.10% to 2.40%.

As of December 31, 2014, our subsidiary, Light Era Development Co., Ltd., had long-term secured loans in the amount of NT$1.7 billion (US$53.8 million) with interest rates ranging from 1.13% to 2.35%, with NT$1.65 billion due in 2018 and NT$0.05 billion due in 2017.

As of December 31, 2014, our subsidiary Chunghwa Precision Test Technology Co., Ltd., had a long-term secured loan of NT$0.2 billion (US$6.3 million) due in 2029 with interest rate at 1.5%.

As part of the government’s effort to upgrade the existing telecommunication infrastructure, we and other public utility companies were required by the ROC government to contribute a total of NT$1.0 billion to a Piping Fund, administered by the Taipei City Government. This fund is used to finance various telecommunication infrastructure projects. We accounted for the contribution as other financial assets on our consolidated balance sheets.

Note 41 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report provides a description of the assets that are pledged as collateral for long-term bank loans and contract deposits.

Capital Expenditures

Substantially all of our capital expenditures in 2012, 2013 and 2014 were made for operations in the ROC. We have financed our capital expenditures using cash flow from operations and bank loans. The following table sets forth a summary of our capital expenditures for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012     2013     2014  
     (NT$ in billions, except percentages)  

Capital Expenditures:

               

Domestic fixed communications business

     19.6         59     20.4         56     16.2         50

Mobile communications business

     7.2         22        9.2         25        9.6         30   

Internet business

     3.4         10        4.6         13        4.4         14   

International fixed communications business

     2.4         7        1.6         4        1.5         4   

Others

     0.7         2        0.6         2        0.9         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  33.3      100   36.4      100   32.6      100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table sets forth a summary of our planned capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2015.

 

     Year Ending
December 31,
2015
 
     (NT$ in billions,
except percentages)
 

Capital Expenditures:

     

Domestic fixed communications business

     13.0         42.2

Mobile communications business

     8.3         27.0   

Internet business

     6.8         22.3   

International fixed communications business

     2.0         6.6   

Others

     0.6         1.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capital expenditures

  30.7      100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

We expect our total capital expenditures to be approximately NT$30.7 billion in 2015. Our capital expenditures for 2015 are planned to be allocated to our 4G LTE network deployment, FTTx network expansion, service platforms, cloud computing, including cloud data center construction and submarine cables. We expect to finance these capital expenditures with our cash flows from operations and bank loans.

Inflation

We do not believe that inflation in Taiwan has had a material impact on our results of operations in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Major differences between IFRSs and Taiwan IFRSs

See “Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected Financial Data” for description about the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs. While we have adopted Taiwan IFRSs for ROC reporting purposes, we adopt IFRSs for certain filings with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013 and thereafter. Following our adoption of IFRSs for SEC filing purposes, we are no longer required to prepare any reconciliation of our consolidated financial statements with U.S. GAAP.

Taiwan IFRSs differs from IFRSs in certain significant respects, including to the extent that any new or amended standards or interpretations applicable under IFRSs may not be timely endorsed by the FSC. For example, as of the date of this annual report, the FSC has not endorsed any accounting pronouncements issued by the International Accounting Standards Board after January 1, 2014. Therefore, these pronouncements will not be applicable to Taiwan IFRSs until endorsed by the FSC. Some of the major differences between IFRSs and Taiwan IFRSs that are relevant to us as of the date of this annual report are set forth below.

 

    The “income taxes on unappropriated earnings” should be recognized at the year of earnings under IFRSs, while it should be recognized at the year of distribution under Taiwan IFRSs.

 

   

Prior to incorporation, according to the laws and regulations applicable to state-owned enterprises in Taiwan, we recorded revenue from fixed-line service at the time the connection service was performed or the prepaid card was sold. Upon incorporation, net assets greater than capital stock was credited as additional paid-in capital. Part of our additional paid-in capital was from unearned revenues from fixed-line services as of that date. Under IFRSs, following the revenue recognition guidance, the above service revenue should be treated as deferred income and recognized over the time when the service is continuously provided or as consumed. Therefore, upon our first adoption of IFRSs, we should retrospectively decrease additional paid-in capital while increase unappropriated earnings on the

 

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transition date of January 1, 2012. There is no difference in the recognition of unearned revenues or deferred income between IFRSs and Taiwan IFRSs. However, according to the guidance released by the TWSE in March 2012, which is a part of Taiwan IFRSs, the additional paid-in capital under ROC GAAP that is not specifically promulgated under Taiwan IFRSs should not be adjusted on the transition date of January 1, 2012. Therefore, we retain such additional paid-in capital under Taiwan IFRSs.

It is difficult for us to evaluate the precise impact of the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs and IFRSs on our financial statements, because the FSC may issue new rules governing the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs and as other laws and regulations may be amended with the adoption of Taiwan IFRSs.

Other recent accounting pronouncements under IFRSs

For a summary of new standards, amendments and interpretations issued under IFRSs but not effective for 2014 and which have not been adopted early by us, see note 5 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses

Research and Development

Our research and development efforts are focused on the development of advanced network services and operation technologies as well as the development of core technologies for the domestic telecommunications market. For 2012, 2013 and 2014, our research and development expenses were NT$3.7 billion, NT$3.7 billion and NT$3.5 billion (US$0.1 billion), or approximately 1.7%, 1.6% and 1.5% of our revenues, respectively.

As of March 31, 2015, we had 2,287 researchers focusing on the following areas:

 

    wireless communication;

 

    broadband networks;

 

    network management;

 

    cloud computing;

 

    business solution;

 

    information and communication security;

 

    billing information;

 

    internet of things;

 

    business management information;

 

    convergence services; and

 

    Big Data.

With our consistent investment in research and development, we have developed a number of advanced network services, operation technologies and VAS which successfully support our business operations and expansion, including our xDSL/FTTx deployment, internet-based call center, e-commerce platform, mobile internet services, mobile communications billing system, a new telecommunications operation service system for all business units of our company, government public key infrastructure, a leased line testing and monitoring system, cloud business and operation supporting system, and various IoT services, such as ITS, iEN and eHome services. As of December 31, 2014, we have been granted 578 domestic patents and 91 foreign patents.

 

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D. Trend Information

See “—Overview” for a discussion of the most significant recent trends that have had, and in the future may have, a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and capital expenditures. In addition, see discussions included in this Item for a discussion of known trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events that we believe are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net operating revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial condition.

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that are material to investors.

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

Set forth below are our total contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014.

 

     Payments Due by Period  
     Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3 years      3-5 years      More than
5 years
 
     (NT$ in billions)  

Contractual Obligations(1)

              

Short-term loans

     0.6         0.6         —           —           —     

Long-term loans

     1.9         —           0.1         1.7         0.1   

Obligations related to ST-2 satellite

     2.2         0.2         0.4         0.4         1.2   

Operating leases(2)

     10.4         3.1         4.0         1.8         1.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  15.1      3.9      4.5      3.9      2.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Unfunded defined benefit obligation is not included as the schedule of payments is difficult to determine. We made pension contributions of approximately NT$2.5 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2014 and expected to made pension contributions of approximately NT$2.5 billion (US$0.1 billion) in 2015. See note 28 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our pension plan.
(2) Operating leases obligations are described in note 36 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in the annual report.

As of December 31, 2014, we had remaining commitments under non-cancelable contracts with various parties, including acquisition of lands and buildings of NT$2.2 billion (US$0.1 billion) and acquisition of telecommunications equipment of NT$16.6 billion (US$0.5 billion).

Foreign Exchange

Our revenues and costs and expenses are largely denominated in NT dollars. Our principal expenses denominated in foreign currencies are capital expenditures on telecommunications equipment and settlement payments for the use of networks of carriers in foreign countries for outgoing international calls. Settlement receipts have been a principal source of foreign currency for us. While future fluctuations of the NT dollar against foreign currencies could impact our financial condition and results of operations, we have not yet been materially affected in the past.

G. Safe Harbor

See “Forward-Looking Statements in This Annual Report May Not Be Realized.”

 

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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A. Directors and Senior Management

Our articles of incorporation provides for a board of directors consisting of seven to fifteen directors bestowed with a three-year tenure. The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our directors and such person’s position as of March 31, 2015. There is no family relationship among any of these persons. These directors have terms until June 24, 2016.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Lih-Shyng Tsai

     64       Chairman, chief executive officer and director

Mu-Piao Shih

     62       President and director

Yu-Fen Hong

     58       Director

Yi-Bing Lin

     54       Director

Chung-Yu Wang(1)

     70       Director

Zse-Hong Tsai(1)

     54       Director

Chung-Fern Wu(1)

     58       Director

Shih-Peng Tsai

     66       Director

Su-Ghen Huang

     50       Director

Tain-Jy Chen(1)

     62       Director

Yun-Tsai Chou(1)

     47       Director

Chih-Ku Fan

     61       Director

Chich-Chiang Fan

     64       Director

 

(1) Independent director.

Lih-Shyng Tsai is the chairman, chief executive officer and director of our company starting January 28, 2014. Dr. Tsai was the chairman and chief executive officer of TSMC Solar Ltd. and TSMC Solid State Lighting Ltd. from 2011 to 2013. From June 2009 to July 2011, Dr. Tsai served as the president of TSMC’s new business department. Dr. Tsai holds a Ph.D. degree in Material Science and Engineering from Cornell University.

Mu-Piao Shih is the president and director of our company. Mr. Shih was a senior executive vice president of our company from August 2011 to April 1, 2013. Mr. Shih was an executive vice president of our company and the manager of our Mobile Business Group from September 2009 to August 2011. Mr. Shih served as an assistant vice president and a deputy manager of our Mobile Business Group from March 2005 to September 2009. He also served as the senior chief engineer of our Mobile Business Group from October 2001 to March 2005. Mr. Shih holds a master’s degree in Electronic Engineering from the National Taiwan University.

Yu-Fen Hong is a director of our company. Ms. Hong is currently the director of the accounting department at the MOTC. She holds an MBA degree from the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan.

Yi-Bing Lin is a director of our company. Dr. Lin is the political deputy minister of Ministry of Science and Technology of the Executive Yuan. He holds a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Chung-Yu Wang is currently an independent director of our company and also the former chairman of China Steel Corporation. He graduated from Chung Yuan Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Mr. Wang received a certificate of senior management course from Harvard Business School.

Zse-Hong Tsai is an independent director of our company. Dr. Tsai is also currently a professor of electrical engineering at the National Taiwan University. His research interest includes broadband networking, performance evaluation and telecommunication regulations. Dr. Tsai holds a Ph.D. degree and a master’s of science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s of science degree in Electrical Engineering from the National Taiwan University.

 

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Chung-Fern Wu is an independent director of our company. Dr. Wu is also currently a professor of Accounting at the National Taiwan University. She holds an MBA degree in finance and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the National Taiwan University. She started her career as a practicing CPA in Taiwan and a Systems Analyst in U.S.A. She started her academic career as an assistant professor in the Fisher School of Accounting, University of Florida after receiving her Ph.D. degree in Accounting and Information Management from the Anderson Graduate School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles.

Shih-Peng Tsai is a director of our company. Mr. Tsai is currently a representative of the Member’s Convention of the Chunghwa Telecom Workers Union. Mr. Tsai graduated from Ta Tung Junior Technological College of Commerce.

Su-Ghen Huang is a director of our company. Ms. Huang is also currently the director of the Department of Planning of the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics at the Executive Yuan. Ms. Huang served as our supervisor before June 25, 2013. Ms. Huang holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Furen University in Taiwan.

Tain-Jy Chen is an independent director of our company. Dr. Chen is currently a professor of Department of Economics at the National Taiwan University. He was the Minister of Council for Economic Planning and Development from 2008 to 2009 and the President of Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research from 2002 to 2005. Dr. Chen holds a Ph.D. degree in Economics from Pennsylvania State University, University Park, U.S.A.

Yun-Tsai Chou is an independent director of our company. Dr. Chou currently directs research and development for five research centers at the public policy think tank 21st Century Foundation: Digital Convergence, Bio-Agriculture, Global Health, Innovative Governance, and Knowledge Economy. She is currently an associate professor of Department of Graduate Program teaching Social Informatics at the Yuan Ze University in Taiwan. Dr. Chou holds a Ph.D. degree in Public Policy from George Washington University, U.S.A.

Chih-Ku Fan is a director of our company. Mr. Fan is also currently the deputy administrative minister of the MOTC. Mr. Fan holds a Ph.D. degree in transportation technology and management from the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan.

Chich-Chiang Fan is a director of our company. Dr. Fan assumed chairmanship of Yuanta Commercial Bank Company Ltd. starting from March 2015, after his term as the chairman of Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation from 2014 to 2015. Dr. Fan is also the chairman of Taiwan Futures Exchange starting from July 2010, after his term as the chairman of the Taiwan Depository & Clearing Corporation from 2008 to 2010. From 2001 to 2008, he was the chairman of TransAsia Airways Corporation, and chaired the Association of Airfreight Forwarding & Logistics from 2005 to 2008. He was also the chairman of Askey Computer Corp. from 2001 to 2006. From 1997 to 2001, he served as the chairman of the Fuhwa Securities Corp. Dr. Fan received a Ph.D. degree from the University of Cambridge, UK, in 1993.

The following people served as directors on our board during 2014 but are no longer serving with us due to resignations or replacements.

Hui-Ling Wu was a director of our company. Ms. Wu is the director of the General Affairs Department at the MOTC. Ms. Wu holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the National Taiwan University.

 

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The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our executive officers and such person’s position as of March 31, 2015. There is no family relationship among any of these persons.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Bo-Yung Chen

     51       Chief financial officer and senior executive vice president

Chi-Mau Sheih

     60       Senior executive vice president

Shyang-Yih Chen

     62       Senior executive vice president

Hsiu-Gu Huang

     61       Senior executive vice president

Yuan-Kuang Tu

     59       President of business group

Ming-Yuan Lee

     63       President of business group

Kuo-Feng Lin

     59       President of business group

Fu-Kuei Chung

     61       President of business group

Ming-Ching Cheng

     63       President of business group

Feng-Yue Hung

     64       President of business group

Bo-Yung Chen is our chief financial officer and senior executive vice president starting from May 2014. Mr. Chen is also a director of Senao International Co., Ltd. He served as the chief financial officer of TSMC Solid State Lighting from 2012 to 2014. Prior to that, he was the chief financial officer and the operation general manager of Ralink Technology Corp. from 2008 to 2011. He also served as the senior vice president of Silicon Integrated Systems Corp. from 2004 to 2008. Mr. Chen holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Pittsburgh.

Chi-Mau Sheih is a senior executive vice president of our company. Mr. Sheih is also a director of Senao International Co., Ltd. Mr. Sheih was an executive vice president and the manager of our Southern Taiwan Business Group from March 2007 to June 2010. Prior to that, he was an executive vice president of our company and the manager of our Central Taiwan Business Group from September 2006 to March 2007. He served as the senior managing director of our Network Department from September 2001 to January 2004. He also served as an assistant vice president of our company and a deputy manager of our Central Taiwan Business Group from January 2004 to September 2006. Mr. Sheih holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the National Taiwan University.

Shyang-Yih Chen is a senior executive vice president of our company and acting for the president of our Telecommunication Training Institute. Mr. Chen served as the president of our Telecommunication Training Institute from March 2012 to August 2014. He served as an executive vice president of our company and the manager of the Data Communication Business Group from September 2006 to March 2012. Prior to that, he served as the deputy manager of our Data Communication Business Group from January 2005 to September 2006. Mr. Chen holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University.

Hsiu-Gu Huang is a senior executive vice president. Mr. Huang is also a director of China Airlines Co., Ltd. He served as the president of our Enterprise Business Group from September 2008 to May 2013. Prior to that, he was an assistant vice president of our company and a deputy manager of our Enterprise Business Group from January 2007 to September 2008. Mr. Huang holds a master’s degree in Management Science from the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan.

Yuan-Kuang Tu is the president of our Enterprise Business Group and acting for the president of the International Business Group of our company. Dr. Tu served as the president of Northern Taiwan Business Group from July 2012 to February 2015, the president of Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories from May 2009 to March 2012, the senior managing director of our Corporate Planning Department from May 2007 to May 2009, and a vice president of Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories from March 2006 to April 2007. Dr. Tu holds a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University.

 

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Ming-Yuan Lee is the president of our Southern Taiwan Business Group since November 2013. Prior to that, he served as a vice president of our Southern Taiwan Business Group from July 2012 to November 2013 and as the deputy manager of our Southern Taiwan Business Group from May 2007 to July 2012. Mr. Lee holds a master’s degree in Telecommunications from the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan.

Kuo-Feng Lin is the president of our Mobile Business Group. Mr. Lin served as a deputy manager of our Mobil business group from October 2009 to May 2012. Prior to that, he served as the manager of Taipei Branch, Mobile Business Group from April 2006 to October 2009. Mr. Lin holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering from National Taipei Institute of Technology.

Fu-Kuei Chung is the president of our Data Communications Business Group. Before being promoted to this position, he previously served as a deputy manager of our Data Communications Business Group from September 2010 to March 2012 and the senior managing director of our Corporate Planning Departing from May 2009 to August 2010. Mr. Chung holds the master’s degree in Information Management from National Taiwan University.

Ming-Ching Cheng is the president of our Northern Taiwan Business Group. Mr. Cheng is also a director of Senao International Co., Ltd. Before being promoted to this position, Mr. Cheng served as a vice president of Mobile Business Group from July 2012 to February 2015. Mr. Cheng holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Provincial Kaohsiung Institute of Technology.

Feng-Yue Hung is the president of our Telecommunication Laboratories. Mr. Hung served as the president of our Telecommunication Training Institute from December 2010 to March 2012. Prior to that, he served as the deputy manager of our Enterprise Business Group from September 2008 to December 2010 and served as the Director of our Information Technology Department from January 2006 to September 2008. Mr. Hung holds a master’s degree in Electronic from National Chiao Tung University.

The following people served as our executive officers during 2014 but are no longer serving with us due to resignations or replacements.

Cheng-Kann Wu was a senior executive vice president of our company. Mr. Wu was the chief audit executive of our company from July 2011 to August 2012. Mr. Wu holds a master’s degree in Management Science from the National Chiao Tung University.

Tai-Feng Leng was the president of the International Business Group. Miss Leng served as the deputy manager of our International Business Group from July 2004 to December 2007. Miss Leng holds a master’s degree in Management Science from the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan.

Kuang-Yao Chang was the president of our Enterprise Business Group. Dr. Chang served as a vice president of our Telecommunication Laboratories from July 2012 to May 2013. Dr. Chang holds a Ph.D. degree in information engineering from the National Taiwan University in Taiwan.

B. Compensation

The board of directors has set up a compensation committee to be responsible for drafting, approving and periodically reviewing the compensation proposals for the directors and managers. See “C. Board Practices” for a discussion of our compensation committee.

 

    the chairman of our board of directors may receive a fixed monthly income of NT$330,000 and a non-fixed income, including but not limited to performance-related bonuses or other rewards, which may not exceed his fixed income. The chairman will not receive any additional compensation for his role as a director;

 

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    our president may receive a fixed monthly income of NT$325,000 and a non-fixed income, including but not limited to performance-related bonuses or other rewards, which may not exceed his fixed income. The president will not receive any additional compensation for his role as a director;

 

    independent directors who concurrently serve in military, public office or hold teaching or administrative post may receive a fixed monthly compensation of NT$8,000, and those who do not concurrently serve in military or public office or hold teaching or administrative post may receive a monthly compensation of NT$60,000; and

 

    directors who serve in military, public office or hold teaching or administrative post may receive a monthly compensation of NT$8,000, and those directors who do not serve in military and public office or hold teaching or administrative post may receive a monthly compensation of NT$30,000.

Any compensation above the stipulated amounts in the compensation plan for our directors, including but not limited to profit-based bonuses, received by our directors who are serving as representatives of the MOTC or other legal persons will be collected by the MOTC or the legal persons they represent, respectively. Our chairman and president to our board of directors, Lih-Shyng Tsai and Mu-Piao Shih, respectively, do not receive monthly compensation for acting as our directors because they receive salaries as employees.

The aggregate amount of compensation to our directors and executive officers in 2012, 2013 and 2014 was NT$140,141,488, NT$108,996,925 and NT$152,242,029 (US$4,817,785.7), respectively. The aggregate amount of compensation in 2014 includes a NT$71,744,861 (US$2,270,407) salary payment for directors and executive officers, a NT$16,920,688 (US$535,464.8) pension payment for executive officers, a NT$39,222,554 (US$1,241,220.1) bonus accrued for directors and a NT$24,353,926 (US$770,693.9) bonus accrued for executive officers. The 2014 bonus for our directors may not exceed 0.2% of our distributable earnings and must be approved at our 2015 annual general stockholders’ meeting.

Our non-independent directors are legal representatives of the MOTC. The bonus in the amount of NT$16,480,351 (US$521,530.1) were paid directly to the MOTC in 2014 because such earnings distributions are not the individual income of these directors. Independent directors will not receive any earnings distributions.

Pursuant to ROC disclosure rules, we have disclosed the compensation range of our directors and senior management for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 as follows, excluding bonus accrued for legal entities:

 

Total Compensation

  

Directors

Below NT$2,000,000

   Hui-Ling Wu, Jian-Yu Chen, Su-Ghen Huang, Yu-Fen Hong, Yi-Bing Lin, Chich-Chiang Fan, Tain-Jy Chen, Yun-Tsai Chou, Shih-Peng Tsai, Chung-Yu Wang, Chung-Fern Wu, Zse-Hong Tsai

NT$2,000,000 to NT$4,999,999

   Lih-Shyng Tsai(1)

NT$5,000,000 to NT$9,999,999

   Mu-Piao Shih(2)

Over NT$10,000,000

   Yen-Sung Lee(3)

Total

   15 people

 

(1) As salary for serving as our chief executive officer.
(2) As salary for serving as our president.
(3) As salary for serving as our chief executive officer and as retirement pension payment.

 

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Total Compensation

  

Senior Management

Below NT$2,000,000

   Bo-Yung Chen

NT$2,000,000 to NT$4,999,999

   Chi-Mao Hsieh, Hsiu-Gu Huang, Yuan-Kuang Tu, Ming-Yuan Lee, Kuo-Feng Lin, Fu-Kuei Chung, Kuang-Yao Chang, Feng-Yue Hung, Shyang-Yih Chen, Shu Yeh

NT$5,000,000 to NT$9,999,999

   Cheng-Kann Wu(1), Tai-Feng Leng(1)

Total

   13 people

 

(1) Including retirement pension payment.

We accrued NT$5,802,177 (US$183,613.2) pension expense for executive officers mentioned above in 2014. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Personnel expenses” and note 28 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for descriptions about our pension plans. We do not have any service contracts with any directors providing for any benefits upon termination of employment.

C. Board Practices

Thirteen directors were elected in 2013 for three-year terms. Pursuant to the ROC Company Act, the directors may be removed from office at any time by a resolution adopted at a stockholders’ meeting. The chairman of our board of directors is elected by our directors. Our chairman presides at all meetings of our board of directors and also has the authority to act as our representative. We have not entered into any contract with any of our directors by which our directors are expected to receive benefits upon termination of their employment. Under the Article 12 of our articles of incorporation, our supervisors has been replaced by an audit committee, which is composed entirely of independent directors, starting from our 7th term of board of directors to be elected at our 2013 annual general stockholders’ meeting, pursuant to Paragraph 1, Article 14-4 of the Securities and Exchange Act. We no longer have supervisors after the beginning of our 7th term of our board of directors.

Our articles of incorporation provides for a board of directors consisting of seven to fifteen directors, one-fifth of whom shall be expert representatives. Pursuant to the ROC Company Act, the ROC Securities and Exchange Act and Article 12-1 of our articles of incorporation provides for the election of, starting from the fifth stockholders’ meeting, at least three independent directors out of the 7-to-15-member board. The term “independent director” may have a different meaning when used in Taiwan than in other jurisdictions. We have used a nominating process, with the stockholders choosing the independent directors from the list of nominees. Accordingly, we have elected five independent directors in the annual general meeting on June 25, 2013. With respect to certain material decisions to be made by our company as specified in the ROC Securities and Exchange Act, including the adoption or amendment to our internal control system, material loans or guarantees, the issuance of equity-type securities, matters in which directors have personal interests, the appointment and discharge of auditors, approval of financial reports, the appointment and discharge of financial, accounting or internal auditing officers and other matters prescribed by the ROC FSC, the dissenting opinion or qualified opinion of an independent director is required to be noted in the minutes of the board of directors’ meeting.

Our audit committee was established in September 2004 in accordance with the rules set forth in the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, Listed Company Manual, and was comprised of three independent directors. See “Item 16G. Corporate Governance—Audit Committee”. Starting from the date of the annual general meeting in June 2013, we have established a new audit committee that replaces our supervisors and our old audit committee in accordance with Paragraph 1, Article 14-4 of the ROC Securities and Exchange Act and our articles of incorporation, and as a result, we simultaneously comply with the relevant rules of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and the relevant rules and regulations in the ROC. Therefore, we no longer have supervisors after the beginning of our 7th term of our board of directors. In addition, the number of members, or independent directors, in the audit committee, increases from three to five according to the resolution of our board meeting.

 

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Under the ROC Company Act, a person may serve as our director in his personal capacity or as the representative of another legal entity. A director who serves as the representative of a legal entity may be removed or replaced at any time at the discretion of that legal entity, and the replacement director may serve the remainder of the term of office of the replaced director. Except for our five independent directors, all of our directors are representatives of the MOTC.

The business address of our directors and executive officers is the same as our registered address.

Our audit committee should approve and deal following matters: (i) the adoption or amendment of the internal control system pursuant to Article 14-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act; (ii) the assessment of the effectiveness of the internal control system; (iii) the adoption or amendment, pursuant to Article 36-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act, of procedures governing material financial or operational actions, such as acquisition or disposal of assets and derivatives trading, loaning of funds to others, and endorsements or guarantees for others; (iv) a matter relating to the personal interest of a director; (v) a material asset or derivatives transaction; (vi) the offering, issuance, or private placement of any equity-related securities; (vii) a matter relating to significant loan, endorsement or guarantee arrangement; (viii) the designation or dismissal of an attesting CPA, or the compensation given thereto; (ix) the appointment or discharge of a financial, accounting, or internal auditing officer; (x) annual and semi-annual financial reports; (xi) the first and third quarter financial reports; (xii) communicating with our independent auditor; (xiii) negotiating the conflicts over our financial reports between our management and independent auditor; (xiv) discussing and reporting other financial information and required disclosure under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with our management and independent auditor; (xv) accounting firm’s annual audit and non-audit service items; (xvi) performing one-self review each year; and (xvii) any other material matter so required by the Company or the competent authorities. Our board of directors has concluded that Chung-Fern Wu is our audit committee financial expert.

In addition to our audit committee, we also have a corporate strategy committee. Our corporate strategy committee may be composed of five to seven directors. Currently, there are six directors in the Committee. It is responsible for reviewing and advising on the budgets, capital requirements, financial forecasts, matters related to investments, business license matters, corporate reorganization, development plans and other major issues affecting our development. The conclusions of the corporate strategy committee are considered at a subsequent board of directors meeting.

The board of directors passed a resolution on November 8, 2005 to set up a compensation committee. The Article 14-6 of ROC Securities and Exchange Act requires all listed companies to establish a compensation committee for directors, supervisors and managers’ compensation, which includes salary, stock options and other rewards, as well as authorizes the Competent Authority (i.e., FSC) to enact a regulation on the authorities of the compensation committee and the qualifications of its members. Our board of directors passed a resolution to amend the organization of our compensation committee on August 13, 2013. The compensation committee is composed of three independent directors (Chung-Yu Wang, Chung-Fern Wu and Tain-Jy Chen) and is responsible for drafting, approving and periodically reviewing the compensation proposals for the directors and managers. See “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation—Directors and Audit Committee”.

In November 2003, the SEC approved changes to the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards related to the corporate governance practices of listed companies. Under these rules, listed foreign private issuers, like us, must disclose any significant ways in which their corporate governance practices differ from those followed by New York Stock Exchange-listed non-foreign private issuers under the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards. See “Item 16G. Corporate Governance”. A copy of the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers is also available on our website http://www.cht.com.tw. The information contained on our website is not a part of this annual report.

 

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D. Employees

The following section sets forth information regarding the employees.

As of December 31, 2014, we had 32,596 employees on a consolidated basis. Approximately 99% of our employees were based in the ROC. The following table is a breakdown of our employees from 2012 to 2014 on a consolidated basis.

 

     2012      2013      2014  

Employees

        

Technical

     14,494         15,177         15,217   

Operations

     14,214         15,267         15,640   

Administrative

     1,724         1,743         1,739   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  30,432      32,187      32,596   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table is a breakdown of our employees of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. from 2012 to 2014.

 

     2012      2013      2014  

Employees

        

Technical

     13,840         13,951         13,773   

Operations

     9,170         8,958         8,464   

Administrative

     1,341         1,313         1,298   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  24,351      24,222      23,535   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2014, approximately 76% of our employees of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. had university, graduate or post-graduate degrees. To improve our operational efficiency by reducing personnel costs, we offered a number of voluntary retirement programs between June 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014, which resulted in a reduction of approximately 14,386 employees.

As of December 31, 2014, approximately 99% of our employees on a non-consolidated basis were members of our principal labor union. Our collective agreement sets forth work rules, grievance procedures and provides for union participation in performance evaluations and promotion decisions. Our union members also occupy a majority of the seats on our employee welfare and pension fund committees. We will continue to maintain a good relationship with our labor union. We strive to have good communication with our employees and the labor union by inviting representatives of our labor union to attend various meetings related to the performance of our employees.

Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, our employees are entitled to 2% to 5% of the distributable earnings as employee bonuses. Our practice in the past to determine the amount of the bonus has been based on the operating results. In the third quarter of 2014, we distributed an aggregate bonus to our employees of NT$1.5 billion (US$0.1 billion), which included a one-time additional bonus to our employees in the amount of NT$0.7 billion. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Effect of adopting Taiwan IFRSs on our dividends and employee bonuses”.

 

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E. Share Ownership

As of March 31, 2015, our directors and executive officers personally held an aggregate 883,549 shares of our common shares, representing around 0.01% of our outstanding common shares. The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common shares as of March 31, 2015 by each of our directors and executive officers.

 

Name

   Number          %      

Lih-Shyng Tsai

     400,000         *   

Mu-Piao Shih

     71,218         *   

Yu-Fen Hong

     —           —     

Yi-Bing Lin

     —           —     

Chung-Yu Wang

     —           —     

Zse-Hong Tsai

     —           —     

Chung-Fern Wu

     —           —     

Shih-Peng Tsai

     15,961         *   

Su-Ghen Huang

     —           —     

Tian-Jy Chen

     25,768         *   

Yun-Tsai Chou

     —           —     

Chih-Ku Fan

     —           —     

Chih-Chiang Fan

     —           —     

Bo-Yung Chen

     —           —     

Chi-Mau Sheih

     72,054         *   

Shyang-Yih Chen

     78,840         *   

Hsiu-Gu Huang

     18,698         *   

Yuan-Kuang Tu

     81,305         *   

Ming-Yuan Lee

     5,188         *   

Kuo-Feng Lin

     42,771         *   

Fu-Kuei Chung

     19,093         *   

Ming-Ching Cheng

     11,100         *   

Feng-Yue Hung

     41,553         *   

 

* Stockholder beneficially owns less than 1.0% of our outstanding common shares.

Employee Stock Subscription Program

Under our articles of incorporation, we must reserve up to 10% to 15% of any new shares for subscription by our employees whenever we issue new shares for cash, unless otherwise approved by the central competent authority.

Our consolidated subsidiary, Senao, is publicly traded on the TWSE and resolved to grant the stock options plan for its employees to purchase common stock of Senao. As of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, participants in Senao’s stock incentive plan had outstanding stock options to purchase 1.1 million, 9.9 million and 9.0 million common shares of Senao, respectively.

Our another consolidated subsidiary, Chunghwa Precision Test Tech Co., Ltd., or CHPT, which was listed on the Emerging Stock Market of the Taipei Exchange (formerly known as Gre Tai Securities Market) since January 20, 2015, granted the stock options to its employees to subscribe for common shares of CHPT. As of December 31, 2012, participants in CHPT’s stock incentive plan had outstanding stock options to purchase 0.9 million common shares of CHPT. The registration of 0.8 million of employee stock options exercised in 2013 has been completed, and others were expired. As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, CHPT has no outstanding employee stock options.

 

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ITEM 7. MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. Major Stockholders

The following table sets forth information known to us with respect to the beneficial ownership of our shares (i) as of March 31, 2015, the most recent practicable date and (ii) as of certain book closure dates in each of the preceding three years, for the stockholders known by us to own at least 5.0% of our outstanding common shares. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the SEC’s rules.

 

     As of March 31, 2012      As of March 31, 2013      As of March 31, 2014      As of March 31, 2015  

Name

   number      %      number      %      number      %      number      %  

The ROC government(1)(2)

     2,885,164,257         37.19         3,000,346,630         38.68         3,099,602,788         39.96         3,095,559,716         39.90   

The MOTC

     2,737,718,976         35.29         2,737,718,976         35.29         2,737,718,976         35.29         2,737,718,976         35.29   

Fubon Life Assurance Co., Ltd(2)

     428,621,087         5.53         467,321,087         6.02         450,471,087         5.81         449,451,087         5.79   

 

(1) Includes shares held through the MOTC and other government-controlled entities.
(2) The information as of July 27, 2011, July 19, 2012, July 18, 2013, and July 18, 2014, the latest book closure date, which were the most recent practicable dates for us to obtain complete ownership information.

As of March 31, 2015, 24 record holders held 25,246,953 ADSs (each representing ten common shares), which represents approximately 3.3% of our total outstanding common shares. Because many of these ADSs were held by brokers or other nominees, we cannot ascertain the exact number of beneficial shareholders with addresses in the United States.

None of our shareholders has different voting rights from other shareholders. See “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation—Voting Rights”. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.

B. Related Party Transactions

We have not extended any loans or credit to any of our directors or executive officers, and we have not provided guarantees for borrowings by any of these persons. We have not entered into any fee-paying contract with any of these persons for them to provide services not within his or her capacity as a director or executive officer of our company, except that three of our directors who are also our employees receive salaries from our company in their capacity as our employees.

Please refer to “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company” for a discussion of our alliances, acquisitions and investments. Please refer to notes 3, 15, 16 and 40 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for descriptions of Chunghwa’s subsidiaries, investments accounted for using equity method, and related party transactions.

On April 1, 2007, Chunghwa entered into an agreement with Senao making Senao the exclusive distributor of mobile handsets to Chunghwa’s retail outlets. Under the terms of the agreement, Senao also provides mobile handset sales services in Chunghwa’s retail outlets, exclusively sells Chunghwa’s SIM cards in Senao’s own retail stores, and gets commission, subsidies of handset sold and warranties from Chunghwa. For the year ended December 31, 2014, Senao received NT$12.1 billion (US$382.3 million) from Chunghwa. Chunghwa also sells mobile handsets and data cards to Senao. For the year ended December 31, 2014, Chunghwa sold mobile handsets and data cards to Senao that amounted to NT$0.8 billion (US$26.4 million).

Chunghwa acquired network equipment and related supplies from Chunghwa System Integration for approximately NT$1.5 billion (US$48.7 million) in 2014.

Chunghwa paid Taiwan International Standard Electronics approximately NT$1.0 billion (US$31.6 million) in 2014 for the purchase of telecommunications exchange facilities and related supplies, and the maintenance expenses.

 

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Terms and conditions of the foregoing transactions with related parties were not significantly different from transactions with non-related parties. When no similar transactions with non-related parties can be referenced, terms and conditions were determined in accordance with mutual agreements.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See Item 18 for a list of all consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report on Form 20-F.

We are not currently involved in material litigation or other proceedings that may have or have had in the recent past, significant effects on our financial position or profitability, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Legal Proceedings.”

For our policy on dividend distributions, see “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation—Dividends and Distributions”. The following table sets forth the dividends declared on each of our common shares and in the aggregate for each of the years from 2010 to 2014. All of these dividends were paid, in the fiscal year following the period with respect to which the dividends relate.

 

     Dividends Per
Common Share(1)
     Total Dividends(1)  
     NT$      NT$ in billions  

Year ended December 31, 2010

     5.52         42.8   

Year ended December 31, 2011

     5.46         42.4   

Year ended December 31, 2012(2)

     4.63         35.9   

Year ended December 31, 2013(3)

     2.39         18.5   

Year ended December 31, 2014(4)

     4.86         37.7   

 

(1) Cash dividend unless otherwise indicated.
(2) In addition to the cash dividend from unappropriated earnings disclosed in table above, we also made cash distributions from additional paid-in capital of NT$0.72 per share, which amounted to an aggregate of NT$5.6 billion.
(3) In addition to the cash dividends from unappropriated earnings disclosed in the table above, we also made cash distributions from our additional paid-in capital of NT$2.14 per share, which amounted to an aggregate of NT$16.6 billion. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Effect of adopting Taiwan IFRSs on our dividends and employee bonuses.”
(4) Dividends for 2014, which are calculated based on Taiwan IFRSs, were approved by the board of directors in February 2015 and are expected to be declared at our annual general stockholders’ meeting scheduled on June 26, 2015. The accumulated legal reserve that we had set aside in the past years, including the appropriation of the 2014 earnings, has amounted to the aggregate par value of our outstanding share capital. Therefore, according to the relevant regulations, we are not required to appropriate profits as legal reserve in the following years. The appropriation for legal reserve accounted for 1.76% of our 2014 net income attributable to stockholders of the parent. Our payout ratio was 97.56% in 2014 after the adjustment of unappropriated earnings, the appropriation of legal reserve, and the reversal of special reserve.

We are committed to maximizing stockholder value and intend to maintain a sustainable dividend policy, subject to a number of commercial factors, including the interests of our stockholders, cash requirements for future capital expenditures and investments, as well as relevant industry and market practice. The amount of our

 

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net income determined for purposes of calculating our annual dividend payout will be calculated based on Taiwan IFRSs, which may differ from the amount of our net income determined in accordance with IFRSs.

B. Significant Changes

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of the annual consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

A. Offer and Listing Details

Market Price Information for Our Common Shares

Our common shares have been listed on the TWSE since October 27, 2000. There is no public market outside Taiwan for our common shares. The table below shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the TWSE for our common shares. The closing price for our common shares on the TWSE on April 20, 2015 was NT$97.80 per share.

 

     Closing Price
Per Common Share(1)
     Average
Daily Trading
Volume
 
         High              Low         
     NT$      NT$      (in thousands)  

2010

     75.20         54.66         13,142   

2011

     88.71         69.92         14,355   

2012

     85.65         74.38         11,753   

2013

     92.12         82.68         7,498   

First Quarter

     85.65         82.68         7,138   

Second Quarter

     91.96         83.22         7,717   

Third Quarter

     92.12         88.18         8,105   

Fourth Quarter

     90.12         86.31         7,005   

2014

     94.00         85.84         6,307   

First Quarter

     89.26         85.84         7,704   

Second Quarter

     92.31         88.79         5,240   

Third Quarter

     93.70         91.00         7,097   

Fourth Quarter

     94.00         90.30         5,359   

October

     92.70         90.30         6,693   

November

     93.60         92.20         5,074   

December

     94.00         91.60         4,454   

2015 (through April 20)

     99.80         92.50         7,132   

First Quarter

     99.80         92.50         7,366   

January

     95.50         92.50         6,087   

February

     98.90         95.40         9,569   

March

     99.80         97.20         7,226   

Second Quarter (through April 20)

     99.60         97.50         6,058   

April (through April 20)

     99.60         97.50         6,058   

 

(1) The historical prices and volumes of our common shares traded on the TWSE have been adjusted based on prior cash dividend payments, capital increases and capital reductions.

Market Price Information for Our American Depositary Shares

Our ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CHT” since July 17, 2003. The outstanding ADSs are identified by the CUSIP number 17133Q502. The table below shows, for the periods

 

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indicated, the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the New York Stock Exchange for our ADSs. The closing price for our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange on April 20, 2015 was US$31.45 per ADS. Each of our ADSs represents the right to receive ten shares.

 

     Closing Price Per ADS(1)      Average ADS
Daily Trading
Volume
 
             High                      Low             
     US$      US$      (in thousands)  

2010

     24.85         16.60         590   

2011

     30.74         23.59         375   

2012

     29.43         25.09         355   

2013

     31.08         27.72         206   

First Quarter

     29.71         27.72         260   

Second Quarter

     29.70         27.91         179   

Third Quarter

     31.08         29.13         164   

Fourth Quarter

     30.61         29.27         226   

2014

     31.45         27.79         111   

First Quarter

     29.42         27.79         170   

Second Quarter

     30.73         29.36         99   

Third Quarter

     31.45         29.79         90   

Fourth Quarter

     30.45         29.06         88   

October

     30.45         29.60         74   

November

     30.45         29.91         101   

December

     29.88         29.06         92   

2015 (through April 20)

     32.24         29.01         126   

First Quarter

     32.07         29.01         128   

January

     30.65         29.01         133   

February

     31.46         30.22         115   

March

     32.07         30.78         134   

Second Quarter (through April 20)

     32.24         31.39         118   

April (through April 20)

     32.24         31.39         118   

 

(1) The historical prices and volumes of our ADSs traded on the New York Stock Exchange have been adjusted based on prior cash dividend payments, capital increases and capital reductions.

As of April 20, 2015, a total of 25,432,898 ADSs and 7,757,446,545 common shares (including those represented by ADSs) were outstanding. With certain limited exceptions, holders of shares that are not ROC persons are required to hold these shares through a brokerage or custodial account in the ROC.

B. Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

C. Markets

The principal trading market for our common shares is the TWSE and the principal trading market for our ADSs is the New York Stock Exchange.

D. Selling Stockholders

Not applicable.

 

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E. Dilution

Not applicable.

F. Expenses of the Issue

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Share Capital

Not applicable.

B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation

Set forth below is information relating to our capital structure, including brief summaries of material provisions of our articles of incorporation, the ROC Securities and Exchange Law, the ROC Company Act, and the Telecommunications Act, all as currently in effect. The following summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation, the ROC Securities and Exchange Law, the ROC Company Act, and the Telecommunications Act.

Objects and Purpose

The scope of business of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. as set forth in Article 2 of our articles of incorporation, includes (i) telecommunications Enterprise Type 1 and Type 2 businesses pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of the ROC, (ii) installation of the computer equipment and radio-frequency equipment whose operation is controlled by the telecommunication business, (iii) telecommunications equipment wholesale, retail and engineering businesses, (iv) design, engineering and operation of information software and hardware service businesses, (v) apparatus and electric appliance installation and construction business, (vi) television program production, distribution and commercial business, (vii) broadcasting program distribution and commercial business, (viii) the third party payment business, (ix) water pipe construction business, and (x) other businesses, except any business requiring a special permit or otherwise restricted by law or regulation.

General

Under our articles of incorporation, our authorized capital was NT$120,000,000,000 divided into 12,000,000,000 common shares, with par value of NT$10 per share. We have set aside 200,000,000 common shares from the aforementioned common shares for the exercise of any future issuances of stock warrants, preferred shares with warrants, and bonds with warrants. Our paid-in capital is NT$77,574,465,450 divided into 7,757,446,545 common shares. We currently do not have any other equity in the form of preferred shares, bonds or otherwise outstanding as of the date of this annual report.

The MOTC, on behalf of the government of the ROC, owned approximately 35.29% of our outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2014. The remainder of our outstanding shares is held by public stockholders and other investors.

Directors and Audit Committee

Our articles of incorporation provide for a board of directors consisting of seven to fifteen directors, and one-fifth of these directors shall be professionals of domain knowledge. Under Article 12 of our articles of incorporation, we shall establish an audit committee starting from our 7th term of our board of directors. As a result, our new audit committee started from the date of the annual general meeting on June 25, 2013. See

 

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“Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices.” Pursuant to Article 14-4 of the ROC Securities and Exchange Act, for a company that has established an audit committee, unless otherwise provided for by law, the provisions regarding supervisors in ROC Securities and Exchange Act, the ROC Company Act, and other laws and regulations shall apply mutatis mutandis to the audit committee.

Under the ROC Company Act, our board of directors, in conducting our business, shall act in accordance with laws and regulations, our articles of incorporation and the resolutions adopted at the meetings of stockholders. Where any resolution adopted by our board of directors contravenes laws, our articles of incorporation and the resolutions adopted at the meetings of stockholders, thereby causing loss or damage to us, all directors taking part in the adoption of such resolution shall be liable to compensate us for such loss or damage; however, those directors whose disagreement appears on record or is expressed in writing shall be exempted from liability.

If our board of directors decides, by resolution, to commit any act in violation of any law or our articles of incorporation, any of our independent directors or any stockholder who has continuously held our shares for a period of one year or longer may request our board of directors to discontinue such act. One or more stockholders who have held more than 3% of our issued and outstanding shares for over a year may require an independent director to bring an action on our behalf against a director for losses suffered by us as a result of the director’s unlawful actions or failure to act by sending a written request to any of our independent directors. In addition, if our stockholders’ meeting resolves to institute an action against a director, we shall, within 30 days from the date of such resolution, institute such an action. In the case of a lawsuit between us and a director, an independent director shall act on our behalf, unless otherwise provided by law; and our stockholders meeting may also appoint some other person to act on our behalf in a lawsuit.

According to the ROC Company Act, our board of directors owes fiduciary duty to us. Our directors are liable to compensate us if they breach their fiduciary duty. In addition, a director who has a personal interest in a matter to be discussed at the meeting of the board of directors, shall specify such conflict; if the conflict may cause damages to the company, the director shall abstain from voting on the matter, and shall not serve as a proxy and vote on behalf of another director.

According to our articles of incorporation, the remuneration of the directors shall be determined by the board of directors based on the participation and the contribution of each director in the business operation of the Company and referencing the regular standards of other corporations in the similar industry. Our articles of incorporation also provide that we may make compensation to all directors and such compensation shall not exceed 0.2% of our distributable earnings and may be approved only by a validly convened stockholders’ meeting. Our articles of incorporation do not impose a mandatory retirement age for our directors. Furthermore, our articles of incorporation do not impose a shareholding qualification for each director. According to our Code of Ethics, we may not extend any loan to our directors.

Dividends and Distributions

At each annual general stockholders’ meeting, our board of directors submits to the stockholders for their approval any proposal for the distribution of dividend or the making of any other distribution to stockholders from our net income for the preceding fiscal year. All common shares outstanding and fully paid as of the relevant record date are entitled to share equally in any dividend or other distribution so approved. Dividends may be distributed in cash, in the form of common shares or a combination of the two, as determined by the stockholders at the meeting.

We are not permitted to distribute dividends or make other distributions to stockholders in any year in which we do not have any net income or unappropriated earnings (excluding reserves). The ROC Company Act also requires that 10% of our annual net income, less prior years’ losses and outstanding tax, if any, be set aside as a legal reserve until the accumulated legal reserve equals our paid-in capital. We may also set aside special reserve

 

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as determined by our stockholders at a stockholders’ meeting. In addition, our articles of incorporation provide that at least 50% of the remaining portion of the net income, less prior years’ losses, outstanding taxes, the legal reserve and any special reserve, plus unappropriated earnings from prior years will be distributed as dividends to stockholders. Under our articles of incorporation, not less than 50% of the total amount of the distributed dividends must be in cash, but if the cash dividends to be distributed are less than NT$0.10 per share, the dividends may be distributed in the form of shares. Pursuant to our current articles of incorporation, prior to distributing any dividends to our stockholders, we were required to first distribute (i) between 2% and 5% of the distributable earnings to employees as bonuses and (ii) not more than 0.2% of the distributable earnings to directors as compensation. Also, in accordance to a clarification letter issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan for the explanation of Article 64 of the Business Accounting Law, employee bonuses are categorized as an expense instead of as distributable earnings.

Under the ROC Company Act, if we do not incur a loss, we are permitted to make distributions on a pro rata basis to our stockholders of additional common shares or cash by the legal reserve, the premium derived from the issuance of new shares and the income from endowments received by us. We are allowed to make the above distributions to our stockholders by legal reserve only if the legal reserve exceeds 25% of our paid-in capital. Furthermore, subject to the provision under our articles of incorporation, such distribution should firstly be made by the premium derived from the issuance of new shares.

Changes in Share Capital

Under the ROC Company Act, any change in our authorized share capital requires an amendment to our articles of incorporation, which in turn requires approval at our stockholders’ meeting. Authorized but unissued common shares may be issued, subject to applicable ROC law, upon terms as our board of directors may determine.

Preemptive Rights

Under the ROC Company Act and our articles of incorporation, when we issue new shares for cash, unless otherwise approved by the central competent authority, our employees have rights to subscribe for between 10% and 15% of the new issue, and we have rights to restrain the shares subscribes by employees from being transferred within a specific period of time, which should not be longer than two years. Except for the shares reserved in accordance with the ROC Company Act, we are required to inform our existing shareholders of their rights to subscribe for additional shares pro rata to their respective shareholding and to note that the shareholders will lose their pre-emptive right if they fail to subscribe for the new shares within the prescribed period. In the event that there is any new share that has not been subscribed by the existing shareholders pursuant to their respective pre-emptive rights, we may offer such shares to other investors through public offering or private negotiation with any person designated by us.

In addition, in accordance with the Republic of China Securities and Exchange Law, a public company that intends to offer new shares for cash must offer to the public at least 10% of the shares to be sold except in certain limited circumstances. This percentage can be increased by a resolution passed at a stockholders’ meeting, held in accordance with the Company Act and our articles of incorporation which would diminish the number of new shares subject to the preemptive rights of existing stockholders.

Meetings of Stockholders

We are required by the ROC Company Act and our articles of incorporation to hold a general meeting of our stockholders within six months following the end of each fiscal year, unless for specific legitimate reason or approved otherwise by the relevant authorities. Commencing from January 1, 2012, we must hold a general shareholders meeting within six months after the end of fiscal year and may not seek any extension for such meeting accordingly to Article 36 of Securities and Exchange Act. These meetings are generally held in Taipei,

 

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Taiwan. Special stockholders’ meetings may be convened by resolution of the board of directors or by the board of directors upon the written request of any stockholder or stockholders who have held 3% or more of the outstanding common shares for more than one year. Stockholders’ meetings may also be convened by an independent director. Notice in writing of general meetings of stockholders, stating the place, time and agenda must be dispatched to each stockholder at least 30 days, in the case of general meetings, and 15 days, in the case of special meetings, before the date set for each meeting. Except in certain circumstances described below, a majority of the holders of all issued and outstanding common shares present at a stockholders’ meeting constitutes a quorum for meetings of stockholders. Stockholders of 1% or more our issued and outstanding shares are entitled to submit one written proposal each year for consideration at our annual general stockholders’ meeting in accordance with the ROC Company Act.

Voting Rights

As previously required by the ROC Company Act, our articles of incorporation provide that a holder of common shares has one vote for each common share. Cumulative voting applies to the election of our directors. The election of independent and non-independent directors should be held simultaneously while the ballots for the election of directors and independent directors are cast separately. According to Article 146-1 of the Insurance Act of the ROC, insurance companies that hold our shares may not be our directors or vote for the election of our directors.

In general, a resolution can be adopted by the holders of at least a majority of the common shares represented at a stockholders’ meeting at which the holders of a majority of all issued and outstanding common shares are present. Under the ROC Company Act, the approval by at least a majority of the common shares represented at a stockholders’ meeting in which a quorum of at least two-thirds of all issued and outstanding common shares are represented is required for major corporate actions, including:

 

    amendment to our articles of incorporation;

 

    entering into, modification or termination of any contracts regarding leasing of all business, outsourcing of operations or joint operations;

 

    transfer of the whole or substantial part of our business or assets;

 

    taking over of the whole of the business or assets of any other company which would have significant impact on our operations;

 

    distribution of any share dividend;

 

    dissolution;

 

    merger or spin-off; and

 

    removing of directors.

Alternatively, the ROC Company Act provides that in the case of a public company, such as us, a resolution may be adopted by the holders of at least two-thirds of the common shares represented at a meeting of stockholders at which holders of at least a majority of issued and outstanding common shares are present.

A stockholder may be represented at a general or special meeting by proxy if a valid proxy form is delivered to us five days before the commencement of the general or special stockholders’ meeting. Except for trust enterprises or share registrar approved by the Securities and Futures Bureau of the FSC, where one person is appointed as proxy by two or more stockholders who together hold more than 3% of the total issued common shares, the votes of those stockholders in excess of 3% of the outstanding common shares shall not be counted. Alternatively, if the stockholder would like to exercise its voting right at a general or special meeting but cannot be present at the meeting in person, according to the regulations promulgated by the FSC on February 20, 2012, starting from our 2012 general meeting, we are required to set up an electronic voting mechanism for such stockholder to exercise voting right. The stockholder is not allowed to exercise voting right through electronic voting mechanism if such stockholder fails to revoke the granted proxy (if any) at least two days prior to the general or special meeting.

 

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At the time of any vote, if a director of a public company has pledged more than half of the holding at the time the director was elected, such director will not be allowed to exercise the voting rights with respect to the number of shares pledged in excess of the half of the number of shares that such director held in such public company at the time the director was elected. The maximum number of shares ineligible for voting pursuant to the provision above cannot exceed half of the number of shares that such director held in such public company at the time the director was elected. In addition, any shares that were ineligible for voting pursuant to the above provision would not count as being present for such vote.

Any stockholder who has a personal interest in the matter under discussion at a stockholders’ meeting, the outcome of which may impair our interests, shall not vote or exercise voting rights on behalf of another stockholder; however, the shares held by such stockholder may be counted as present for calculation of attendance quorum.

Holders of our ADSs generally will not be able to exercise voting rights on the common shares underlying ADSs on an individual basis.

Other Rights of Stockholders

Under the ROC Company Act, dissenting stockholders are entitled to appraisal rights in certain major corporate actions, such as a planned transfer of the whole or part of the business or a proposed merger by us. A dissenting stockholder may request us to purchase back all of the shares owned by the stockholder at a fair price determined by mutual agreement or determined by the court if a mutual agreement cannot be reached. Stockholders may exercise their appraisal rights by serving notice in writing to us prior to the related stockholders’ meeting and/or by raising his objection at the stockholders’ meeting. Moreover, a stockholder has the right to file a petition in the court for annulment of any resolution adopted at a stockholders’ meeting where the procedures for convening the stockholders’ meeting or the method of adopting the resolutions at the meeting is contrary to law or our articles of incorporation. One or more stockholders who have held more than 3% of the issued and outstanding shares of a company continuously for more than one year may require an independent director to institute, on behalf of us, an action against a director. In addition, one or more stockholders who has/have continuously held 3% or more of the total number of the outstanding shares of our company for more than one year may require the board of directors to convene a special stockholders’ meeting by sending a written request to the board of directors.

The ROC Company Act allows stockholders holding 1% or more of the total issued shares of a company to submit, during the period of time prescribed by us no less than 10 days, one proposal in writing for discussion at the general meeting of stockholders. It also provides that a company may adopt a nomination procedure for election of directors. We have adopted a nomination procedure for election of directors as stipulated in our articles of incorporation which provides that stockholders holding 1% or more of our total issued shares may submit to us a list of candidates for director, including independent director, along with relevant information and supporting documents.

Register of Stockholders and Record Dates

Our share registrar, Yuanta Securities Co., Ltd., maintains our register of stockholders at its offices in Taipei, Taiwan. Under the ROC Company Act, we may, by giving advance public notice, set a record date and close the register of stockholders for a specified period in order for us to determine the stockholders or pledgees that are entitled to rights pertaining to the common shares. The specified period starting from such record date (to determine the entitled stockholders or pledgees) required is as follows:

 

    general stockholders’ meeting—60 days;

 

    special stockholders’ meeting—30 days; and

 

    relevant record date for distribution of dividends or other entitlements—5 days.

 

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Annual Consolidated Financial Statements

At least ten days before the annual general stockholders’ meeting, our annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Taiwan IFRSs must be available at our principal office in Taipei, Taiwan for inspection by the stockholders.

Transfer of Common Shares

Under the current ROC Company Act, a public company, such as our company, may issue individual share certificates, one master certificate or no certificate at all, to evidence common shares. In accordance with our articles of incorporation, all of our shares are currently issued and transferred in book-entry form instead of issuing physical share certificates. After the book closure date, the Taiwan Depository & Clearing Corporation, or the TDCC, will deliver the names and addresses of the shareholders as of the book closure date to our registrar, Yuanta Securities Co., Ltd. Only shareholders as of the book closure date can assert shareholder rights against us.

Acquisition of Our Own Common Shares

Under the ROC Company Act, with minor exceptions, we cannot acquire our own common shares. Any common shares acquired by us, under certain of such minor exceptions, must be sold at the market price within six months after their acquisition.

In addition, under the Republic of China Securities and Exchange Act, a company whose shares are listed on the TWSE or traded on the Taipei Exchange (formerly known as Gre Tai Securities Market) may, pursuant to a board resolution adopted by a majority consent at a meeting attended by more than two-thirds of the directors and pursuant to the procedures prescribed by the Securities and Futures Bureau of the FSC, purchase its shares for the following purposes on the TWSE, the Taipei Exchange or by a tender offer:

(1) for transfers of shares to its employees;

(2) for conversion into shares from bonds with warrants, preferred shares with warrants, convertible bonds, convertible preferred shares or certificates of warrants issued by us; and

(3) for maintaining its credit and its stockholders’ equity, provided that the shares so purchased shall be cancelled thereafter.

The total shares purchased by us shall not exceed 10% of its total issued and outstanding shares. In addition, the total amount for purchase of the shares shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the retained earnings, the premium from shares issues and the realized portion of the capital surplus.

The shares purchased by us pursuant to items (1) and (2) above shall be transferred to the intended transferees within three years after the purchase; otherwise the same shall be cancelled. For the shares to be cancelled pursuant to item (3) above, we shall complete amendment registration for such cancellation within six months after the purchase.

The shares purchased by us shall not be pledged or hypothecated. In addition, we may not exercise any stockholders’ rights attaching to these shares. Under ROC Company Act, we may transfer the treasury stock to our employees and impose transfer restrictions on the shares up to two years.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of our liquidation, the assets remaining after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes will be distributed pro rata to the stockholders in accordance with the relevant provisions of the ROC Company Act.

 

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Substantial Stockholders and Transfer Restrictions

The ROC Securities and Exchange Act currently requires for public companies that (i) each director, supervisor, manager, as well as their respective spouses, minor children and nominees, and substantial stockholder (i.e., a stockholder who together with his or her spouse, minor children or nominees, holds more than 10% of the shares of a public company) to report any change in that person’s shareholding to the issuer of the shares on a monthly basis and (ii) each director, supervisor, manager or substantial stockholder holding such common shares for more than a six month period to report his or her intent to transfer any shares listed on the TWSE or traded on the Taipei Exchange (formerly known as Gre Tai Securities Market) to the Securities and Futures Bureau of the FSC at least three days before the intended transfer, unless the number of shares to be transferred each day is no more than 10,000 shares. ADS holders holding more than 10% of our common shares, including common shares represented by ADSs, may be subject to the reporting obligation in above item (i).

In addition, the number of shares that can be sold or transferred on the TWSE or the Taipei Exchange (formerly known as Gre Tai Securities Market) by any person subject to the restrictions described above on any given day may not exceed:

 

    0.2% of the outstanding shares of the company in the case of a company with no more than 30 million outstanding shares;

 

    0.2% of 30 million shares plus 0.1% of the outstanding shares exceeding 30 million shares in the case of a company with more than 30 million outstanding shares; or

 

    in any case, 5% of the average daily trading volume (number of shares) on the TWSE or the Taipei Exchange for the ten consecutive trading days preceding the reporting day on which day the director, supervisor, manager or substantial stockholder or their respective spouse, minor child or nominee reports the intended share transfer to the Securities and Futures Bureau.

These restrictions do not apply to block trading, auction sale, purchase by auction, after-hour trading and sales or transfers of our ADSs. However, these restrictions will apply to sales of common shares upon withdrawal.

C. Material Contracts

We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described elsewhere in this annual report.

D. Exchange Controls

Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Taiwan

We have extracted from publicly available documents the information presented in this section. Please note that citizens of the PRC and entities organized in the PRC are subject to special ROC laws, rules and regulations, which are not discussed in this section.

General

Historically, foreign investments in the securities market of Taiwan were restricted. However, commencing in 1983, the Taiwan government has from time to time enacted legislation and adopted regulations to make foreign investment in the Taiwan securities market possible. Initially, only overseas investment trust funds of authorized securities investment trust enterprises established in Taiwan were permitted to invest in the Taiwan securities market. Since January 1, 1991, qualified foreign institutional investors are allowed to make investments in the Taiwan listed securities market. Since March 1, 1996, overseas Chinese, non-resident foreign institutional and individual investors (other than qualified foreign institutional investors), called “general foreign investors,” are permitted to make direct investments in the Taiwan securities market.

 

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Foreign Investment in Taiwan Securities Market

On December 28, 1990, the Executive Yuan, the cabinet of the ROC government, approved guidelines drafted by the Securities and Futures Commission (the predecessor of the Securities and Futures Bureau), which, since January 1, 1991, has allowed direct foreign investment in Taiwan’s securities that are listed on the TWSE or other Taiwan securities approved by the Securities and Futures Bureau by certain eligible qualified foreign institutional investors.

In addition to qualified foreign institutional investors, certain individual and foreign institutional investors which meet certain qualifications set by the Securities and Futures Bureau may invest in the shares of TWSE-listed companies, the Taipei Exchange (formerly known as Gre Tai Securities Market) traded companies, emerging market companies or other Taiwan securities approved by the Securities and Futures Bureau up to a limit of US$50 million (in the case of institutional investors) and US$5 million (in the case of individual investors) after obtaining permission from the TWSE.

On September 30, 2003 and June 15, 2004, the Securities and Futures Bureau issued amendments to the “Guideline Governing Investment in Securities by Overseas Chinese and Foreign Nationals” and relevant regulations, in which the Securities and Futures Bureau lifted certain restrictions and simplified the procedures required for foreign investments in Taiwan’s securities market. The amendment focuses mainly on the following aspects:

 

    The concept of “qualified foreign institutional investors” no longer exists. Foreign investors are reclassified as “off-shore foreign institutional investors,” “on-shore foreign institutional investors,” “off-shore general foreign investors,” and “on-shore general foreign investors” based on whether they are institutions or natural persons, and whether they have presence in Taiwan.

 

    For foreign investors to invest in Taiwan’s securities market, registration with the TWSE, instead of the approval of the Securities and Futures Bureau, is required. The TWSE may withdraw or rescind the registration if the application documents submitted by foreign investors are untrue or incomplete, or if any material violation of the relevant regulations exists.

 

    Off-shore foreign investors may provide the securities they hold as the underlying shares of depositary receipts and act as selling stockholders in depositary receipts offerings.

 

    Off-shore foreign institutional investors are required to appoint their agent or nominee to attend the stockholders’ meeting of the invested company.

Currently, subject to the specific restriction imposed by relevant regulations, the off-shore foreign institutional investors may invest in the Taiwan securities market without any amount restriction. However, a ceiling will be separately determined by the Securities and Futures Bureau after consultation with the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan) for investment by offshore oversea Chinese and foreign individual investors.

Foreign Investment Approval

Other than:

 

    foreign institutional investors;

 

    foreign individual investors; and

 

    investors in overseas convertible bonds and depositary receipts,

foreign investors who wish to make direct investments in the shares of Taiwan companies may submit a “foreign investment approval” application to the Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan or other government authority to qualify for benefits granted under the Statute for Investment by Foreign Nationals. The Investment Commission or other government authority reviews each foreign investment approval

 

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application and approves or disapproves the application after consultation with other governmental agencies. Any non-Taiwan person possessing a foreign investment approval may remit capital for the approved investment and repatriate annual net profits and interests and cash dividends attributable to an approved investment. Stock dividends, investment capital and capital gains attributable to the investment may be repatriated with approval of the Investment Commission or other government authority.

In addition to the general restrictions against direct investment by non-Taiwan persons in Taiwan companies, non-Taiwan persons are currently prohibited from investing in prohibited industries in Taiwan under the Negative List promulgated by the Executive Yuan from time to time. The prohibition on direct foreign investment in the prohibited industries in the Negative List is absolute with the consequence of certain specific exemption from the application of the Negative List. Under the Negative List, some other industries are restricted so that non-Taiwan persons may directly invest only up to a specified level and with the specific approval of the relevant authority which is responsible for enforcing the legislation which the negative list is intended to implement. The telecommunication industry is a restricted industry under the Negative List.

Depositary Receipts

In April 1992, the Securities and Futures Bureau began allowing Taiwan companies listed on the TWSE, with the prior approval of the Securities and Futures Bureau, to sponsor the issuance and sale of depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares. In December 1994, the ROC Ministry of Finance began allowing companies whose shares are traded on the Taipei Exchange (formerly known as Gre Tai Securities Market) also to sponsor the issuance and sale of depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares representing shares of its capital stock. Approvals for these issuances are still required.

After the issuance of a depositary share, a holder of the depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares may request the depositary issuing the depositary share to cause the underlying shares to be sold in Taiwan and to distribute the proceeds of the sale to or to withdraw the shares and deliver the shares to the depositary receipt holder. A citizen of the PRC is not permitted to withdraw and hold our shares.

If you are an offshore foreign institutional investor holding the depositary receipts, you must register with the TWSE as a foreign investor before you will be permitted to withdraw the shares represented by the depositary receipts. In addition to obtaining registration with the TWSE, you must also (i) appoint a qualified local agent to, among other things, open a securities trading account with a local securities brokerage firm and a bank account to remit funds, exercise stockholders’ rights and perform other functions as holders of ADSs may designate, (ii) appoint a custodian bank to hold the securities and cash proceeds, confirm transactions, settle trades and report and declare other relevant information and; (iii) appoint a tax guarantor as guarantor for the full compliance of the withdrawing depositary receipt holders’ tax filing and payment obligations in the ROC. A depositary receipt holder not registered as a foreign investor with the TWSE, or not has made the necessary appointments as outlined above, will be unable to hold or subsequently transfer the shares withdrawn from the depositary receipt facility.

No deposits of shares may be made in a depositary receipt facility and no depositary shares may be issued against deposits without specific Securities and Futures Bureau approval, unless they are:

 

  (i) stock dividends;

 

  (ii) free distributions of shares;

 

  (iii) due to the exercise by the depositary receipt holder preemptive rights in the event of capital increases for cash; or

 

  (iv)

if permitted under the deposit agreement and custody agreement and within the amount of depositary receipts which have been withdrawn, due to the direct purchase by investors or purchase through the depositary on the TWSE or the Taipei Exchange (formerly known as Gre Tai Securities Market) or

 

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  delivery by investors of the shares for deposit in the depositary receipt facility. In this event, the total number of depositary receipts outstanding after an issuance cannot exceed the number of issued depositary receipts previously approved by the Securities and Futures Bureau of the FSC in connection with the offering plus any ADSs issued pursuant to the events described in (i), (ii) and (iii) above.

An ADS holder or the depositary, without obtaining further approvals from the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan) or any other governmental authority or agency of the ROC, may convert NT dollars into other currencies, including U.S. dollars, in respect of:

 

    the proceeds of the sale of common shares represented by ADSs or received as share dividends with respect to the common shares and deposited into the depositary receipt facility; and

 

    any cash dividends or distributions received from the common shares.

In addition, the depositary may also convert into NT dollars incoming payments for purchases of common shares for deposit in the depositary receipt facility against the creation of additional ADSs. If you withdraw the common shares underlying your ADSs and become a holder of our common shares, you may convert into NT dollars subscription payment for rights offerings. The depositary may be required to obtain foreign exchange payment approval from the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan) on a payment-by-payment basis for conversion from NT dollars into foreign currencies of the proceeds from the sale of subscription rights of new common shares. Although it is expected that the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan) will grant approval as a routine matter, required approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner, or at all.

Exchange Controls

Taiwan’s Foreign Exchange Control Statute and regulations provide that all foreign exchange transactions must be executed by banks designated to handle foreign exchange transactions by the FSC and by the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan). Current regulations favor trade-related foreign exchange transactions. Consequently, foreign currency earned from exports of merchandise and services may now be retained and used freely by exporters. All foreign currency needed for the importation of merchandise and services may be purchased freely from the designated foreign exchange banks.

Aside from trade-related foreign exchange transactions, Taiwan companies and residents may remit to and from Taiwan foreign currencies of up to US$50 million (or its equivalent) and US$5 million, (or its equivalent), respectively, in each calendar year. These limits apply to remittances involving a conversion between New Taiwan dollars and U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies. A requirement is also imposed on all private enterprises to register all medium and long-term foreign debt with the Central Bank of the ROC (Taiwan).

In addition, a foreign person without an alien resident card or an unrecognized foreign entity may remit to and from Taiwan foreign currencies of up to US$100,000 per remittance if required documentation is provided to Taiwan authorities. This limit applies only to remittances involving a conversion between New Taiwan dollars and U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies.

E. Taxation

ROC Taxation

The discussion below describes the principal ROC tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of ADSs representing common shares and of common shares. It applies to you only if you are:

 

    an individual who is not a citizen of the ROC, who owns ADSs or common shares and who is not physically present in Taiwan for 183 days or more during any calendar year; or

 

    a corporation or a non-corporate body that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the ROC for profit-making purposes and has no fixed place of business or other permanent establishment in Taiwan.

 

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You should also consult your tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of owning ADSs and common shares in the ROC and any other relevant taxing jurisdiction to which they are subject.

Dividends

Dividends declared by us out of our retained earnings and distributed to you are subject to ROC withholding tax, currently at the rate of 20%, on the amount of the distribution in the case of cash dividends or on the par value of the common shares in the case of stock dividends. However, a 10% ROC unappropriated earnings tax paid by us on our undistributed after-tax earnings, if any, may provide a credit of up to 10% of the gross amount of any dividends declared out of such earnings that would reduce the 20% ROC withholding tax imposed on these distributions. Starting from 2015, the allowed tax credit is adjusted to 50% of the unappropriated earnings tax paid by us.

Share or cash dividends paid by us out of our capital surplus which are derived from the issuance of shares at a premium are not subject to ROC withholding tax. According to the rulings of Ref. Tai-Tsai-Hsuei-Tzi-09504509440 issued by the Ministry of Finance of the ROC, if a company reduces its share capital and redeems for cash its outstanding common shares issued to the company’s stockholders by capitalization of capital surplus, those premiums under the capitalized capital surplus derived from re-evaluation of assets, sale of lands and/or merger with other enterprise shall be deemed as the gain in the stockholders’ capital investment, and shall be deemed as stockholders’ dividend income (or investment revenue) and be subject to ROC income tax.

As the legal reserve is set-aside from company’s profit earnings (after tax) in accordance with Article 237 of ROC Company Act, receipt of distribution of legal reserve shall be deemed as stockholders’ dividend income (or investment revenue) and be subject to ROC income tax collected by way of withholding at the time of distribution, currently at the rate of 20%, unless a lower withholding rate is provided under a tax treaty between the ROC and the jurisdiction where the Non-ROC Stockholder is a resident.

Capital Gains

Gains from the sale of property in the ROC are generally subject to ROC income tax. Effective January 1, 2013, capital gains on the sale of common shares, including common shares withdrawn from the ADS facility, received by a Non-Resident Individual is subject to the capital gain tax at a flat rate of 15%. A Non-Resident Entity is exempted from income tax for its capital gains from sale of common shares, including common shares withdrawn from the ADS facility, and is further exempted from Alternative Minimum Tax, or the AMT.

Sales of ADSs by you are regarded as transactions relating to property located outside the ROC and thus any gains derived therefrom are currently not subject to ROC income tax.

Preemptive Rights

Distributions of statutory preemptive rights for common shares in compliance with ROC law are not subject to any ROC tax. Proceeds derived from sales of statutory preemptive rights evidenced by securities are subject to securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.3% of the gross amount received. A Non-Resident Individual is subject to income tax at a flat rate of 15% for such capital gains. A Non-Resident Entity is exempted from income tax for such capital gains and is further exempted from the AMT. Proceeds derived from sales of statutory preemptive rights which are not evidenced by securities are subject to capital gains tax at the rate of 20% of the gains realized.

Subject to compliance with ROC law, we, at our sole discretion, can determine whether statutory preemptive rights shall be evidenced by issuance of securities.

 

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Securities Transaction Tax

A securities transaction tax, at the rate of 0.3% of the gross amount received, payable by the seller will be withheld upon a sale of common shares in Taiwan. Transfers of ADSs are not subject to ROC securities transaction tax. According to a letter issued by the Ministry of Finance of the ROC in 1996, withdrawal of common shares from the deposit facility will not be subject to ROC securities transaction tax.

Estate Taxation and Gift Tax

ROC estate tax is payable on any property within Taiwan of a deceased person who is a non-resident individual, and ROC gift tax is payable on any property within Taiwan donated by any such person. Under ROC estate and gift tax laws, common shares issued by Taiwan companies are deemed located in Taiwan regardless of the location of the owner. It is not clear whether the ADSs will be regarded as property located in Taiwan under ROC estate and gift tax laws. Starting from January 21, 2009, the estate tax and gift tax rates were reduced to 10%.

Tax Treaty

The ROC does not have an income tax treaty with the United States. On the other hand, the ROC has income tax treaties with Indonesia, Israel, Singapore, South Africa, Australia, Vietnam, New Zealand, Malaysia, Macedonia, Swaziland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Gambia, Senegal, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Paraguay, Hungary, France, India, Slovakia, Germany, Thailand, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Kiribati and Austria, which may limit the rate of ROC withholding tax on dividends paid with respect to common shares in Taiwan companies. It is unclear whether if you hold ADSs, you will be considered to hold common shares for the purposes of these treaties. Accordingly, if you may otherwise be entitled to the benefits of the relevant income tax treaty, you should consult your tax advisors concerning your eligibility for the benefits with respect to the ADSs.

Unappropriated Earnings Tax

Under the ROC Income Tax Laws, a 10% unappropriated earnings tax will be imposed on a company for its after-tax earnings generated after January 1, 1998 which are not distributed in the following year. The unappropriated earnings tax so paid will further reduce the retained earnings available for future distribution. When the company declares dividends out of those retained earnings, up to a maximum amount of 10% of the declared dividends may be credited against the 20% withholding tax imposed on the non-resident holders of its shares.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders

The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our shares and ADSs as of the date hereof. The discussion set forth below is applicable to beneficial owners of our shares or ADSs that hold the shares or ADSs as capital assets and that are U.S. holders and non-residents of the ROC. You are a U.S. holder if you are:

 

    an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

    a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

    an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source;

 

    a trust that is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust; or

 

    a trust that has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

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This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof, and such authorities may be replaced, revoked or modified so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. It is for general purposes only and you should not consider it to be tax advice. In addition, it is also based in part on representations made by the depositary and assumes that the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with their terms. This summary does not represent a detailed description of all the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you in light of your particular circumstances and does not address the effects of any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws (or other U.S. federal tax consequences, such as U.S. federal estate or gift tax consequences). In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including if you are:

 

    a dealer in securities or currencies;

 

    a trader in securities if you elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities holdings;

 

    a financial institution or an insurance company;

 

    a regulated investment company;

 

    a real estate investment trust;

 

    a tax-exempt organization;

 

    a person liable for alternative minimum tax;

 

    a person holding shares or ADSs as part of a hedging, integrated or conversion transaction, constructive sale or straddle;

 

    a person owning, actually or constructively, 10% or more of our voting stock;

 

    a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or

 

    a person whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar.

We cannot assure you that a later change in law will not alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this summary.

If a partnership holds our shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our shares or ADSs, you should consult your tax advisor.

You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of the ownership and disposition of the shares or ADSs, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder who is the beneficial owner of an ADS will be treated as the owner of the shares underlying such ADS. Deposits or withdrawals of shares, actually or constructively, by U.S. holders for ADSs will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Taxation of Dividends

The gross amount of distributions (other than certain pro rata distributions of shares to all stockholders) you receive on your shares or ADSs, including net amounts withheld in respect of ROC withholding taxes, will generally be treated as dividend income to you to the extent the distributions are made from our current and accumulated earnings and profits as calculated according to U.S. federal income tax principles. These amounts (including withheld taxes) will be includible in your gross income as ordinary income on the day you actually or

 

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constructively receive the distributions, which in the case of an ADS will be the date actually or constructively received by the depositary. You will not be entitled to claim a dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code with respect to distributions you receive from us.

With respect to U.S. holders who are individuals, certain dividends received from a foreign corporation, on shares, or ADSs backed by such shares, that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States may be subject to reduced rates of taxation, provided further that the foreign corporation was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividends are paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividends are paid, a passive foreign investment company (see “Passive Foreign Investment Company” below). Under current U.S. Treasury Department guidance, our ADSs, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, but not our shares, are treated as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Thus, we do not believe that dividends that we pay on our shares that are not backed by ADSs currently meet the conditions required for these reduced tax rates. There can be no assurance that our ADSs will continue to be readily tradable on an established securities market in later years, or that our shares will be readily tradable on an established securities market in any given year. Individuals that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss, or that elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code, will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of the trading status of our shares or ADSs. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the application of these rules given your particular circumstances.

The amount of any dividend paid in NT dollars will equal the U.S. dollar value of the NT dollars you receive, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date you actually or constructively receive the dividend, which in the case of an ADS will be the date actually or constructively received by the depositary, regardless of whether the NT dollars are actually converted into U.S. dollars. If the NT dollars received as a dividend are converted into U.S. dollars on the date they are actually or constructively received, you generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the NT dollars received as a dividend are not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you will have a basis in the NT dollars equal to their U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss you realize if you subsequently sell or otherwise dispose of the NT dollars will be ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Subject to certain conditions and limitations under the Code, you may be entitled to a credit or deduction against your U.S. federal income taxes for the net amount of any ROC taxes that are withheld from dividend distributions made to you. In determining the amounts withheld in respect of ROC taxes, any reduction of the amount withheld on account of a ROC credit in respect of the 10% unappropriated earnings tax imposed on us is not considered a withholding tax and will not be treated as distributed to you or creditable by you against your U.S. federal income tax. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit, dividends we pay with respect to shares or ADSs will generally be considered passive category income from sources outside the United States. Further, a U.S. holder that:

 

    has held shares or ADSs for less than a specified minimum period during which it is not protected from risk of loss, or

 

    is obligated to make payments related to the dividends,

may not be allowed a foreign tax credit for foreign taxes imposed on dividends paid on shares or ADSs. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. We therefore urge you to consult your tax advisor regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under your particular circumstances.

To the extent that the amount of any distribution you receive exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, the distribution will first be

 

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treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in your adjusted basis in the shares or ADSs and thereby increasing the amount of gain, or decreasing the amount of loss, you will recognize on a subsequent disposition of the shares or ADSs. The balance in excess of adjusted basis, if any, will be taxable to you as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange. However, we do not expect to keep earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, you should expect that a distribution will generally be treated as a dividend.

It is possible that pro rata distributions of shares or ADSs to all stockholders may be made in a manner that is not subject to U.S. federal income tax. The basis of any new shares or ADSs so received will generally be determined by allocating your basis in the old shares or ADSs between the old shares or ADSs and the new shares or ADSs, based on their relative fair market values on the date of distribution.

For U.S. tax purposes, any such tax-free share distribution would not result in foreign source income to you. Consequently, you may not be able to use the foreign tax credit associated with any ROC withholding tax imposed on such distributions unless you can use the credit (subject to applicable limitations) against U.S. federal income tax due on other foreign source income in the appropriate category for foreign tax credit purposes.

Taxation of Capital Gains

When you sell or otherwise dispose of your shares or ADSs, you will generally recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized for the shares or ADSs and your basis in the shares or ADSs, determined in U.S. dollars. For foreign tax credit limitation purposes, such gain or loss will generally be treated as U.S. source gain or loss. Consequently, you may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any ROC tax imposed on the disposition of shares or ADSs unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources. If you are an individual or other non-corporate holder and have held the shares or ADSs being sold or otherwise disposed for more than one year, your gain recognized will be eligible for reduced rates of taxation. Your ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations.

Any ROC securities transaction taxes that you pay generally will not be creditable foreign taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but you may be able to deduct such taxes, subject to certain limitations under the Code. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of these taxes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

We believe that we were not a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ending on December 31, 2014, and we do not expect to become one for our current taxable year or in the future, although there can be no assurance in this regard. If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which you held our shares or ADSs, you could be subject to additional U.S. federal income taxes on gain recognized with respect to the shares or ADSs and on certain distributions, plus an interest charge on certain taxes treated as having been deferred under the PFIC rules.

Non-corporate U.S. holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any dividends received from us, if we are a PFIC in the taxable year in which such dividends are paid or in the preceding taxable year.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

In general, information reporting will apply to dividends in respect of our shares or ADSs and the proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of our shares or ADSs that are paid to you within the United States (and in certain cases, outside the United States), unless you are an exempt recipient such as a corporation. A backup withholding tax may apply to such payments if you fail to provide a taxpayer identification number or certification of other exempt status or fail to report in full dividend and interest income.

 

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Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

Information Return under Section 6045B of the Internal Revenue Code

Section 6045B of the Code imposes certain reporting requirements on us with respect to any organizational action that affects the basis of our shares or ADSs, such as the capital reduction plan described in Item 9 under “A. Offer and Listing Details”. We intend to comply with the requirements by making available on our website IRS Form 8937, “Report of Organizational Actions Affecting Basis of Securities”, with respect to such capital reduction plan and any other such organizational action.

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

G. Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

H. Documents on Display

We have filed this annual report on Form 20-F, including exhibits, with the SEC. As allowed by the SEC, in Item 19 of this annual report, we incorporate by reference certain information we have already filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this annual report.

You may read and copy this annual report, including the exhibits incorporated by reference in this annual report, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the SEC’s regional offices in New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. You also can obtain copies of this annual report, including the exhibits incorporated by reference in this annual report, from the SEC’s Public Reference Room and regional offices upon payment of a duplicating fee.

The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. Our annual report and some of the other information submitted by us to the SEC may be accessed through this web site.

I. Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss related to adverse changes in market prices, including interest rates and foreign exchange rates, of financial instruments. In the normal course of business, we are routinely subject to a variety of risks, including market risk associated with interest rate movements, currency rate movements on non-NT dollar denominated assets and liabilities and equity price movements on our portfolio of equity securities.

We regularly assess these financial instruments and their ability to address market risk and have established policies and business practices to protect against the adverse effects of these and other potential exposures.

 

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Interest Rate Risk

We do not expect interest rate risk to have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Please refer to “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a discussion of our loans.

For our non-fixed interest rate loans, the interest rates will change in accordance with the fixed rates of the banks we borrowed from. For the financial assets, the risk associated with fluctuating interest rates is principally confined to our cash deposits in banks, which is one of the many ways we manage our capital. Assuming an increase or decrease of 0.25% in the interest rates of our non-fixed interest rate financial assets and loans, our profit before tax for the year ended December 31, 2014 would have increased or decreased by NT$6.3 million (US$0.2 million). We have not used any derivative financial instruments to hedge interest rate risk. We have not been exposed nor do we anticipate being exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents amounted to NT$23.6 billion (US$0.7 billion). Interest income from our cash deposits in banks accounts for only a very small percentage of our total revenue. Therefore, we believe our exposure to interest rate risk is immaterial.

Foreign Currency Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency risk as a result of (i) our foreign currency and derivative trading activities; (ii) our telecommunications equipment being sourced from overseas suppliers; (iii) our international settlement payments associated with our services for international calls and roaming traffic; and (iv) securities denominated in foreign currencies.

We entered into currency swap and forward exchange contracts to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk due to fluctuations in exchange rates. We had no outstanding currency swap contracts as of December 31, 2014. Outstanding forward exchange contracts on December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

FX Instrument

   Currencies
Involved
   Maturity Period    Contract Amount

Forward exchange contracts-Buy

   NT$/US$    January 2015    NT$219 million/US$7 million

Forward exchange contracts-Buy

   EUR$/NT$    March 2015    EUR$2 million/NT$91 million

Note 38 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report provides a sensitivity analysis for foreign currency risk.

Equity Price Risk

We are exposed to equity price risk as a result of our available-for-sale equity securities, including publicly-traded equities, and we manage our equity investment portfolio in accordance with our internal policies and procedures.

The table below presents the carrying amount and unrealized gain or loss for our available-for-sale equity securities traded in an active market and with quoted market price as of December 31, 2014.

 

     Carrying
Amount
     Unrealized
Gain
     Unrealized
Loss
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (in millions)  

Available-for-sale equity securities

        

Domestic listed stocks and emerging stocks

   $ 3,914       $ 936       $ 16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The total value of our listed available-for-sale equity portfolio amounted to NT$3.9 billion (US$123.9 million) as of December 31, 2014, which increased approximately 27% compared with the total value of our

 

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listed equity portfolio as of December 31, 2013. This increase was mainly due to the increasing price of the equity securities we held. Compared to a net unrealized loss of NT$131 million on our equity portfolio at the end of 2013, we recognized a net unrealized gain of NT$920 million (US$29.1 million) on our equity portfolio as of December 31, 2014. The net unrealized gain was mainly due to the increasing price of the equity securities mentioned above.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses for listed stocks and we recognized an impairment loss of NT$23 million (US$0.7 million) for non-listed stock. The value of our equity holdings fluctuates depending on the market conditions. Assuming an increase or decrease of 5% in the equity prices, our comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014 would have increased or decreased by NT$196 million (US$6.2 million). However, we do not expect the gains and losses in the values of the equities that we hold to have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Other Market Risk

We have made investments in corporate bonds and bank debentures issued by domestic public companies with strong industry leadership and solid profits. Industries in which we have invested include materials, financials, utilities, technology, and so on. As of December 31, 2014, total value of our investments in corporate bonds and bank debentures amounted to NT$7.5 billion (US$236.9 million), all of which were classified as held-to-maturity financial assets. The fair value of these corporate bonds and bank debentures is valued using market-based observable inputs including duration, yield rate and credit rating, which are subject to fluctuation based on many factors such as prevailing market conditions. However, we do not expect the gains and losses in the values of these investments to have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

A. Debt Securities

Not applicable

B. Warrants and Rights

Not applicable

C. Other Securities

Not applicable

D. American Depositary Shares

 

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Depositary Fees

Under the terms of the deposit agreement for our ADSs, an ADS holder may have to pay the following service fees to the depositary:

 

Service

  

Fees

Issuance of ADSs

   Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADS issued

Cancellation of ADSs

   Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADS cancelled

Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions

   Up to US$2.00 per 100 ADS held

Distribution of ADSs pursuant to stock dividends, free stock distributions or exercises of rights

   Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADS held

Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs

   Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADS held

Depositary Charges

In addition, an ADS holder shall be responsible for the following charges:

 

    taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges;

 

    such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of common shares or other deposited securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of common shares or other deposited securities to or from the name of the custodian, the depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively;

 

    such cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be at the expense of ADS holders and beneficial owners of ADSs;

 

    the expenses and charges incurred by the depositary in the conversion of foreign currency; and

 

    the fees and expenses incurred by the depositary, the custodian or any nominee in connection with the servicing or delivery of deposited securities.

Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly-issued ADSs from the depositary and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary for cancellation. The brokers in turn charge these transaction fees to their clients.

Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date. The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash (i.e., stock dividends, rights offerings), the depositary charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or un-certificated in direct registration), the depositary sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts via the central clearing and settlement system, The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, the depositary generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary.

In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees and charges, the depositary may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.

 

 

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The fees and charges ADS holders may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary. ADS holders will receive prior notice of such changes.

Payments by Depositary

In 2014, we received US$1.1 million net payments (after deducting the 30% U.S. withholding tax) from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the Depositary Bank for our American Depository Receipt, or ADR, program. The payments were intended to cover certain of our expenses incurred in relation to the ADR program for the year, including:

 

    investor relations efforts;

 

    legal fees, NYSE listing fees, proxy process expenses, and SEC filing fees;

 

    Sarbanes-Oxley and accounting related expenses in connection with ongoing SEC compliance and listing requirements; and

 

    other ADR program-related expenses.

PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

None.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, an evaluation has been carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information required to be disclosed in this annual report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported to them for assessment, and required disclosure is made within the time period specified in the rules and forms of the SEC.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for our company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards

 

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Board (IASB), or IFRSs, and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of a company’s assets, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSs, and that a company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of a company’s management and directors, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of a company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to consolidated financial statement preparation and presentation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules as promulgated by the SEC, management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on this assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014 based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Deloitte & Touche, an independent registered public accounting firm who has audited our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Annual Report on 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

 

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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 International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) (“IFRSs”). 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 IFRSs, 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.

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, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) 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, 2014 of the Company and our report dated April 28, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included explanatory paragraph regarding the convenience translation of New Taiwan dollar amounts into U.S. dollar amounts.

 

/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE
Deloitte & Touche

Taipei, Taiwan

The Republic of China

April 28, 2015

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Chung-Fern Wu is our audit committee financial expert and independent director. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices.”

The SEC has indicated that the designation of Dr. Wu as the audit committee financial expert does not: (i) make Dr. Wu an “expert” for any purpose, including without limitation for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as a result of this designation; (ii) impose any duties, obligations or liability on Dr. Wu that are greater than those imposed on her as a member of the audit committee and the board of directors in the absence of such designation; or (iii) affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee or the board of directors.

 

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ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Ethical Corporate Management Best Practice Principles that applies to our directors, managers and employees, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. We have posted a copy of our Code of Ethics and Ethical Corporate Management Best Practice Principles on our website at http://www.cht.com.tw/en/aboutus/companyrules.html

 

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche, our principal accountant for the years indicated. We did not pay any other fees to Deloitte & Touche during the periods indicated below.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2013      2014  
     (in millions)  

Audit fees(1)

     NT$57.9         NT$60.2         US$1.9   

Audit-related fees(2)

     —           —           —     

Tax fees(3)

     —           —           —     

All other fees(4)

     5.5         1.2         —     

 

(1) “Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal accountant for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements or services that are normally provided by the auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
(2) “Audit-related fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for assurance and related services by our principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit fees”. Services comprising the fees disclosed under the category of “Audit related fees” involve principally the issuance of agreed upon procedures letters.
(3) “Tax fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. Services comprising the fees disclosed under the category of “Tax Fees” involve tax advice.
(4) “All other fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by our principal accountant other than the services reported in items (1) to (3) above. The amount for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 mainly consisted of professional services rendered by the Deloitte & Touche for consultation of the Personal Information Protection Act.

All audit and non-audit services provided by Deloitte & Touche were pre-approved by our audit committee according to the revised Rule 2-01(c) (7) of Regulation S-X, entitled “Audit Committee Administration of the Engagement”, that served to strengthen requirements regarding auditor independence.

 

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

None.

 

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

As a ROC company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, we are subject to the U.S. corporate governance rules to the extent that these rules are applicable to foreign private issuers. The following summary details the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and corporate governance standards for non-foreign private issuers (e.g., U.S. companies) under the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

Under Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, NYSE-listed foreign private issuers may, in general, follow their home country corporate governance practices in lieu of most of the new NYSE corporate governance requirements. However, all NYSE-listed foreign private issuers must comply with Sections 303A.06, 303A.11, 303A.12(b) and 303A.12(c) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

The Legal Framework. In general, corporate governance principles for Taiwanese companies are set forth in the ROC Company Act, the ROC Securities Exchange Act, regulations promulgated by the Securities and Futures Bureau of the FSC and, to the extent they are listed on the TWSE, listing rules of the TWSE. Corporate governance principles under provisions of ROC law may differ in significant ways to corporate governance standards for non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE. Committed to high standards of corporate governance, we have generally brought our corporate governance in line with U.S. regulations. However, we have not adopted certain recommended NYSE corporate governance standards where such standards are not in conformity with ROC laws or regulations or generally prevailing business practices in Taiwan. We believe the following to be the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE.

Director Independence. The NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE require companies to have a majority of independent directors on the board of directors. The ROC Securities Exchange Act requires the independent directors of a public company to comprise of no less than one-fifth of the board of directors. We currently have five independent directors on our thirteen-member board of directors. We follow the standards regulated under ROC Securities Exchange Act and by the FSC for determining director independence, which are comparable to the standards imposed by the NYSE.

In addition, under the ROC requirements, our board of directors is not required to make a formal determination of a director’s independence. Nevertheless, we believe that our independent directors are free from any business or other relationships that would impair the exercise of their independent judgment. Furthermore, pursuant to the NYSE Listed Company Manual, non-executive directors must meet on a regular basis without the management directors present. All of our directors attend our board of directors’ meetings; however, no separate meeting is held among non-executive directors.

Audit Committee. On April 1, 2003, the SEC adopted final rules relating to the audit committee requirements. Foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE were required to comply with the related NYSE corporate governance rules by July 31, 2005. Our audit committee was established in September 2004 in accordance with the rules set forth in the NYSE Listed Company Manual. According to the NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE, the board must review status of any audit member that serves on more than three audit committees. There is no such requirement under the ROC law, which allows a person to serve as an independent director on up to four public companies in the ROC.

Section 303A.07 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual requires issuers to have at least three directors on the audit committee that meets the definition of independence set forth under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. There is no such requirement under the ROC law, which requires all independent directors of a public company to be members of the audit committee if the company has established such a committee.

On February 20, 2013, the FSC of the ROC announced that any (i) financial holding company, bank, bill finance company or insurance company, (ii) listed company whose paid-in capital reaches NT$50 billion or

 

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(iii) integrated securities firm controlled by a financial holding company, should establish an audit committee to replace supervisors. As a result, our new audit committee started from the date of the annual general meeting on June 25, 2013. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices.” As a result, we now simultaneously comply with the relevant rules of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and the relevant rules and regulations in the ROC.

Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and Corporate Governance Principles. The NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE require companies to have a nominating/corporate governance committee, composed entirely of independent directors. In addition to identifying individuals qualified to become board members, the nominating/corporate governance committee must develop and recommend to the board a set of corporate governance principles. The ROC Company Act does not require companies incorporated in the ROC to have a nominating/corporate governance committee. We do not currently have a nominating committee or a corporate governance committee.

Currently, our board of directors performs the duties of a corporate governance committee and regularly reviews our corporate governance principles and practices. The ROC Company Act requires that directors shall be elected by stockholders. Our articles of incorporation requires us, beginning in the fifth commencement, to establish at least three independent directors in the number of directors. The elections for directors shall proceed with the candidate nomination system; the stockholders shall elect the directors from among the nominees listed in the roster of director candidates. Stockholders holding stock over 1% are entitled to nominate candidates of directors in written to us. The numbers of candidates nominated by stockholders shall not exceed the numbers of directors to be elected; neither the numbers of candidates nominated by the Board. Elections for independent and non-independent directors shall proceed concurrently, and the number of elected independent and non-independent directors shall be calculated separately.

Non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE are also required to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. We currently comply with the ROC Non-Binding Corporate Governance Best Practice Principles for TWSE/GTSM Listed Companies promulgated by the TWSE, or Best Practice Principles, and we provide an explanation of differences between our practice and the principles, if any, in our ROC annual report.

Compensation Committee. The NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE require companies to have a compensation committee, composed entirely of independent directors. The Article 14-6 of ROC Securities and Exchange Act requires all listed companies to establish a compensation committee for directors, supervisors and managers’ compensation, which includes salary, stock options and other rewards, as well as authorizes the Competent Authority (i.e., FSC) to enact a regulation on the authorities of the compensation committee and the qualifications of its members. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices” for description of our compliance.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE require companies must adopt a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers. We have adopted Code of Ethics which applies to our directors, managers and employees, and Ethical Corporate Management Best Practice Principles that applies to our directors, managers, employees and persons having substantial control over us. We have filed Code of Ethics and Ethical Corporate Management Best Practice Principles as an exhibit to our annual report filed with the U.S. SEC and a copy is available to any stockholder upon request.

Equity Compensation Plans. The NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE require that equity compensation plans be approved by a company’s stockholders. Under the ROC Company Act and the ROC Securities and Exchange Act, stockholders’ approval is required for the distribution of employee bonuses and any issuances of restricted stock to employees, while the board of director has authority to approve employee stock option plans and to grant options to employees pursuant to such

 

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plans, subject to the approval of the FSC and to approve share buy-back programs and transfer of shares to employees under such programs. We intend to follow only the ROC requirements.

Means to Communicate with Non-Management Directors. The NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE require companies to establish a means for stockholders, employees and other interested parties to communicate with non-management directors. The ROC law does not have comparable requirements. However, according to the Best Practice Principles, companies are required to establish channels of communication with employees and encourage employees to communicate directly with the management or directors so as to reflect employees’ opinions about the management, financial conditions and material decisions of the company concerning employee welfare. We have complied with these provisions.

Internal Audit Function. The NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to non-foreign private issuers listed on the NYSE require companies to establish an internal audit function to provide management and the audit committee with assessments of the company’s risk management processes and system of internal control. We have complied with the Best-Practice Principles by setting up an internal control/audit system in accordance with the ROC Regulations Governing Establishment of Internal Control Systems by Public Companies.

CEO Certification to the NYSE. The NYSE listing standards require the CEO of companies to certify compliance with NYSE corporate governance standards annually. ROC law does not contain such requirement. In this regard, we only follow ROC corporate governance requirement which does not require CEO annual certification. However, our CEO and CFO are required to certify in the 20-F annual report that, to his or her knowledge the information contained therein fairly represents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operation of our company.

 

ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Registrant has elected to provide the consolidated financial statements and related information specified in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a list of the consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm included in this annual report beginning on page F-1.

 

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INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-1   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2014

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

     F-4   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014

     F-7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-9   

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number
   Description of Exhibits
  1.1    Statute of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., as last amended on November 29, 2000, which was subsequently abolished by the President of the ROC on December 24, 2014 (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 001-31731) filed with the Commission on May 17, 2004).
  1.2*    Articles of incorporation of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (English translation), as last amended by Annual General Meeting on June 24, 2014.
  2.1    Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as of November 2007 among Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as depositary, and all holders from time to time of ADRs issued thereunder, including the Form of American Depositary Receipt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-147321) filed with the Commission on November 13, 2007).
  8.1*    List of Subsidiaries.
11.1    Code of Ethics as approved by the board of directors on August 13, 2013 (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-31731) filed with the Commission on April 28, 2014).
11.2    Ethical Corporate Management Best Practice Principles as approved by the board of directors on August 13, 2013 (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-31731) filed with the Commission on April 28, 2014).
12.1*    Certification of our Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
12.2*    Certification of our Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13.1*    Certification of our Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13.2*    Certification of our Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* Filed herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

CHUNGHWA TELECOM CO., LTD.
By: /S/ LIH-SHYNG TSAI
Name:  Lih-Shyng Tsai
Title:    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 28, 2015


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, all expressed in New Taiwan dollars. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (“IASB”).

Our audits also comprehended the translation of New Taiwan dollar amounts into U.S. dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of the readers.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 28, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Deloitte & Touche

Taipei, Taiwan

The Republic of China

April 28, 2015

 

F-1


Table of Contents

CHUNGHWA TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2014

(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)

 

 

            2013      2014  
     Notes      NT$      NT$      US$ (Note 6)  

ASSETS

           

CURRENT ASSETS

           

Cash and cash equivalents

     3, 7       $ 14,585       $ 23,560       $ 746   

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

     3, 8         —           1         —     

Available-for-sale financial assets

     3, 9         24         —           —     

Held-to-maturity financial assets

     3, 10         4,264         3,457         109   

Trade notes and accounts receivable, net

     3, 4, 11         22,901         26,228         830   

Accounts receivable from related parties

     40         69         81         3   

Inventories

     3, 4, 12, 41         7,848         7,097         225   

Prepayments

     13, 40         2,224         2,444         77   

Other current monetary assets

     14, 28         4,636         3,325         105   

Other current assets

     20, 32         3,962         3,219         102   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

  60,513      69,412      2,197   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NONCURRENT ASSETS

Available-for-sale financial assets

  3, 9      5,470      6,281      199   

Held-to-maturity financial assets

  3, 10      7,502      4,028      127   

Investments accounted for using equity method

  3, 16      2,359      2,750      87   

Property, plant and equipment

  3, 4, 17, 40, 41      302,714      302,650      9,578   

Investment properties

  3, 4, 18      8,018      7,621      241   

Intangible assets

  3, 4, 19      44,399      42,825      1,355   

Deferred income tax assets

  3, 32      1,506      1,826      58   

Prepayments

  13, 40      3,608      3,504      111   

Other noncurrent assets

  20, 28, 41      4,883      5,601      177   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noncurrent assets

  380,459      377,086      11,933   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

$ 440,972    $ 446,498    $ 14,130   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

F-2


Table of Contents
            2013     2014  
     Notes      NT$     NT$      US$ (Note 6)  

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

          

CURRENT LIABILITIES

          

Short-term loans

     22      $ 254      $ 564       $ 18   

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     3, 8         —          —           —     

Hedging derivative liabilities

     3, 21         —          —           —     

Trade notes and accounts payable

     24         15,589        18,519         586   

Payables to related parties

     40         557        408         13   

Current tax liabilities

     3, 32         6,171        6,982         221   

Other payables

     25         26,792        24,335         770   

Provisions

     3, 26         129        179         6   

Advance receipts

     27         9,464        9,913         314   

Current portion of long-term loans

     23, 41         300        —           —     

Other current liabilities

        1,599        1,619         51   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  60,855      62,519      1,979   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

Long-term loans

  23, 41      1,400      1,900      60   

Deferred income tax liabilities

  3, 32      101      132      4   

Provisions

  3, 26      123      93      3   

Customers’ deposits

  40      4,835      4,759      151   

Accrued pension liabilities

  3, 4, 28      5,482      6,470      205   

Deferred revenue

  3,701      3,398      107   

Other noncurrent liabilities

  1,335      1,515      48   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

  16,977      18,267      578   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  77,832      80,786      2,557   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS OF THE PARENT

Common stock

  77,574      77,574      2,455   

Additional paid-in capital

  163,294      146,720      4,643   

Retained earnings

Legal reserve

  74,819      76,893      2,433   

Special reserve

  2,676      2,820      89   

Unappropriated earnings

  40,075      55,895      1,769   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total retained earnings

  117,570      135,608      4,291   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other adjustments

  (144   886      28   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity attributable to stockholders of the parent

  15, 29      358,294      360,788      11,417   

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

  15, 29      4,846      4,924      156   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

  363,140      365,712      11,573   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

$ 440,972    $ 446,498    $ 14,130   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3


Table of Contents

CHUNGHWA TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2013 AND 2014

(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars, Except Earnings Per Share That Are in New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)

 

 

    Notes     2012     2013     2014  
      NT$     NT$     NT$     US$ (Note 6)  

REVENUES

    30, 40      $ 221,420      $ 227,981      $ 226,609      $ 7,171   

OPERATING COSTS

    12, 40        141,513        147,289        148,380        4,696   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

  79,907      80,692      78,229      2,475   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

Marketing

  22,208      25,164      26,145      827   

General and administrative

  4,021      4,190      4,414      140   

Research and development

  3,698      3,726      3,504      111   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

  40      29,927      33,080      34,063      1,078   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES

  31      (1,569   59      631      20   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

  48,411      47,671      44,797      1,417   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NON-OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES

Interest income

  742      563      288      9   

Other income

  31, 40      441      356      587      19   

Other gains and losses

  31, 40      (139   (124   124      4   

Interest expense

  (22   (36   (46   (1

Share of the profit of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method

  16      520      666      802      25   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-operating income and expenses

  1,542      1,425      1,755      56   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX

  49,953      49,096      46,552      1,473   

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

  3, 32      7,336      6,478      8,985      284   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME

  42,617      42,618      37,567      1,189   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans

  (1,539   (617   (492   (16

Share of remeasurements of defined benefit pension plans of associates

  (18   (39   1      —     

Income tax relating to items that will not be reclassified

  32      265      105      84      3   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (1,292   (551   (407   (13
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Exchange differences arising from the translation of the foreign operations

  (58   129      164      5   

Share of exchange differences arising from the translation of the foreign operations of associates

  (8   4      4      —     

(Continued)

 

F-4


Table of Contents

CHUNGHWA TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2013 AND 2014

(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars, Except Earnings Per Share That Are in New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

            2012     2013     2014  
     Notes      NT$     NT$     NT$      US$ (Note 6)  

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges

      $ —        $ —        $ —         $ —     

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale financial assets

        192        (392     878         28   

Income tax relating to items that may be reclassified subsequently

     32         —          (6     3         —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  126      (265   1,049      33   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax

  (1,166   (816   642      20   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

$ 41,451    $ 41,802    $ 38,209    $ 1,209   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO

Stockholders of the parent

$ 41,492    $ 41,494    $ 36,970    $ 1,170   

Noncontrolling interests

  1,125      1,124      597      19   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 42,617    $ 42,618    $ 37,567    $ 1,189   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO

Stockholders of the parent

$ 40,350    $ 40,636    $ 37,594    $ 1,190   

Noncontrolling interests

  1,101      1,166      615      19   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 41,451    $ 41,802    $ 38,209    $ 1,209   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

  33   

Basic

$ 5.35    $ 5.35    $ 4.77    $ 0.15   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

$ 5.33    $ 5.34    $ 4.76    $ 0.15   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER EQUIVALENT ADS

  33   

Basic

$ 53.49    $ 53.49    $ 47.66    $ 1.51   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

$ 53.34    $ 53.40    $ 47.58    $ 1.51   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.   (Concluded)   

 

F-5


Table of Contents

CHUNGHWA TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2013 AND 2014

(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)

 

 

  Equity Attributable to Stockholders of the Parent   Noncontrolling
Interests
  Total
Equity
 
  Common
Stock
      Other Adjustments      
Additional
Paid-in

Capital
 

 

Retained Earnings

  Exchange
Differences
Arising

from the
Translation of
the Foreign
Operations
  Unrealized
Gain (Loss)  on

Available-for-sale
Financial Assets
  Cash Flow
Hedges
  Total Other
Adjustments
  Total Equity
Attributable to

Stockholders’
of the Parent
 
Legal
Reserve
  Special
Reserve
  Unappropriated
Earnings
  Total
Retained
Earnings
 
  NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$   NT$  

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2012

$ 77,574    $ 168,872    $ 66,122    $ 2,676    $ 45,888    $ 114,686    $ (39 $ 68    $   —      $ 29    $ 361,161    $ 4,181    $ 365,342   

Appropriation of 2011 earnings

Legal reserve

  —        —        4,707      —        (4,707   —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —     

Cash dividends paid by Chunghwa

  —        —        —        —        (42,362   (42,362   —        —        —        —        (42,362   —        (42,362

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to noncontrolling interests

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        (893   (893

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2012

  —        —        —        —        41,492      41,492      —        —        —        —        41,492      1,125      42,617   

Other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2012

  —        —        —        —        (1,274   (1,274   (58   190      —        132      (1,142   (24   (1,166
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2012

  —        —        —        —        40,218      40,218      (58   190      —        132      40,350      1,101      41,451   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exercise of employee stock option of a subsidiary

  —        5      —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        5      38      43   

Decrease in noncontrolling interests

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        (91   (91
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2012

  77,574      168,877      70,829      2,676      39,037      112,542      (97   258      —        161      359,154      4,336      363,490   

Appropriation of 2012 earnings

Legal reserve

  —        —        3,990      —        (3,990   —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —     

Cash dividends paid by Chunghwa

  —        —        —        —        (35,913   (35,913   —        —        —        —        (35,913   —        (35,913

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to noncontrolling interests

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        (811   (811

Cash distributed from additional paid-in capital

  —        (5,589   —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        (5,589   —        (5,589

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2013

  —        —        —        —        41,494      41,494      —        —        —        —        41,494      1,124      42,618   

Other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013

  —        —        —        —        (553   (553   103      (408   —        (305   (858   42      (816
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013

  —        —        —        —        40,941      40,941      103      (408   —        (305   40,636      1,166      41,802   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exercise of employee stock option of subsidiaries

  —        6      —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        6      44      50   

Compensation cost of employee stock options of a subsidiary

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        70      70   

Employee stock bonus issued by a subsidiary

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        2      2   

Increase in noncontrolling interests

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        39      39   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2013

  77,574      163,294      74,819      2,676      40,075      117,570      6      (150   —        (144   358,294      4,846      363,140   

Appropriation of 2013 earnings

Legal reserve

  —        —        2,074      —        (2,074   —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —     

Special reserve

  —        —        —        144      (144   —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —     

Cash dividends paid by Chunghwa

  —        —        —        —        (18,526   (18,526   —        —        —        —        (18,526   —        (18,526

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to noncontrolling interests

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        (797   (797

Cash distributed from additional paid-in capital

  —        (16,577   —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        (16,577   —        (16,577

Change in additional paid-in capital from share subscription not based on original ownership of a subsidiary

  —        3      —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        3      —        3   

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014

  —        —        —        —        36,970      36,970      —        —        —        —        36,970      597      37,567   

Other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014

  —        —        —        —        (406   (406   140      890      —        1,030      624      18      642   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014

  —        —        —        —        36,564      36,564      140      890      —        1,030      37,594      615      38,209   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation cost of employee stock options of a subsidiary

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        93      93   

Employee stock bonus issued by a subsidiary

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        5      5   

Increase in noncontrolling interests

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        162      162   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2014

$ 77,574    $ 146,720    $ 76,893    $ 2,820    $ 55,895    $ 135,608    $ 146    $ 740    $ —      $ 886    $ 360,788    $ 4,924    $ 365,712   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2014 (IN MILLIONS OF US$—Note 6)

$ 2,455    $ 4,643    $ 2,433    $ 89    $ 1,769    $ 4,291    $ 5    $ 23    $ —      $ 28    $ 11,417    $ 156    $ 11,573   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

CHUNGHWA TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2013 AND 2014

(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)

 

 

    2012     2013     2014  
    NT$     NT$     NT$     US$ (Note 6)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

       

Income before income tax

  $ 49,953      $ 49,096      $ 46,552      $ 1,473   

Adjustments to reconcile income before income tax to net cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation

    31,037        30,954        31,896        1,009   

Amortization

    1,123        1,238        2,218        70   

Provision for (reversal of) doubtful accounts

    (1,451     253        326        10   

Interest expenses

    22        36        46        1   

Interest income

    (742     (563     (288     (9

Dividend income

    (21     (79     (78     (2

Compensation cost of employee share options

    —          70        93        3   

Share of the profit of associates and joint venture accounted for using equity method

    (520     (666     (802     (25

Impairment loss on available-for-sale financial assets

    203        66        23        1   

Provision for inventory and obsolescence

    113        203        288        9   

Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment

    301        254        —          —     

Impairment loss on (reversal of) investment properties

    1,261        (246     —          —     

Impairment loss on intangible assets

    5        18        —          —     

Gain on disposal of financial instruments

    (113     (76     (46     (1

Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

    2        (85     (26     (1

Gain on disposal of investment properties

    —          —          (605     (19

Loss (gain) on disposal of investments accounted for using equity method

    —          (13     7        —     

Valuation loss (gain) on financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss, net

    1        1        (1     —     

Loss (gain) on foreign exchange

    (18     19        (164     (5

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

       

Decrease (increase) in:

       

Financial assets held for trading

    74        9        —          —     

Trade notes and accounts receivable

    (509     1,219        (3,617     (115

Receivables from related parties

    (10     (25     (12     —     

Inventories

    (2,487     (855     463        15   

Other current monetary assets

    (118     (1     1,268        40   

Prepayment

    (104     (287     (116     (4

Other current assets

    (1,518     590        741        24   

Increase (decrease) in:

       

Trade notes and accounts payable

    (804     2,076        2,972        94   

Payables to related parties

    49        (280     (149     (5

Other payables

    (263     447        (1,868     (59

Provisions

    84        (14     20        1   

Advance receipts

    (1,308     (730     449        14   

Other current liabilities

    (383     88        13        —     

Deferred revenue

    (49     (138     (303     (10

Accrued pension liabilities

    88        289        494        16   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash generated from operations

  73,898      82,868      79,794      2,525   

Interest paid

  (29   (36   (43   (1

Income tax paid

  (8,213   (7,544   (8,373   (265
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  65,656      75,288      71,378      2,259   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

F-7


Table of Contents

CHUNGHWA TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2013 AND 2014

(In Millions of New Taiwan or U.S. Dollars)

 

 

    2012     2013     2014  
    NT$     NT$     NT$     US$ (Note 6)  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

       

Acquisition designated financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

  $ (30   $ —        $ —        $ —     

Proceeds from disposal of designated financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

    57        —          —          —     

Acquisition of available-for-sale financial assets

    (4,502     (1,822     (59     (2

Proceeds from disposal of available-for-sale financial assets

    1,824        3,989        85        3   

Acquisition of time deposits and negotiable certificate of deposit with maturities of more than three months

    (32,934     (18,199     (411     (13

Proceeds from disposal of time deposits and negotiable certificate of deposit with maturities of more than three months

    51,653        37,928        471        15   

Acquisition of held-to-maturity financial assets

    (3,865     —          —          —     

Proceeds from disposal of held-to-maturity financial assets

    2,451        4,236        4,258        135   

Capital reduction of available-for-sale financial assets

    35        36        84        3   

Proceeds from disposal of hedging derivative assets

    —          15        —          —     

Derecognition of hedging derivative liabilities

    —          (108     —          —     

Acquisition of investments accounted for using equity method

    (26     (90     (252     (8

Proceeds from disposal of investments accounted for using equity method

    —          24        —          —     

Capital reduction of investments accounted for using equity method

    65        16        —          —     

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

    (33,280     (36,382     (32,559     (1,031

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

    33        205        150        5   

Proceeds from disposal of investment properties

    —          —          1,215        38   

Acquisition of intangible assets

    (632     (39,872     (644     (20

Increase in noncurrent assets

    (624     (291     (719     (23

Interest received

    853        672        340        11   

Cash dividends received

    315        475        667        21   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (18,607   (49,168   (27,374   (866
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from short-term loans

  857      1,399      895      28   

Repayment of short-term loans

  (821   (1,256   (585   (19

Proceeds from long-term loans

  400      —        348      11   

Repayment of long-term loans

  (102   (358   (148   (5

Increase in repurchase agreement collateralized by bonds

  —        2,925      13,000      411   

Decrease in repurchase agreement collateralized by bonds

  —        (2,925   (13,000   (411

Increase (decrease) in customers’ deposits

  63      (50   (69   (2

Increase in other liabilities

  447      22      181      6   

Cash dividends and cash distributed from additional paid-in capital

  (42,362   (41,502   (35,103   (1,111

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock option granted by subsidiaries

  43      50      —        —     

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

  (893   (811   (797   (25

Other change in noncontrolling interests

  (102   42      162      5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

  (42,470   (42,464   (35,116   (1,112
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

$ (48 $ (9 $ 87    $ 3   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

  4,531      (16,353   8,975      284   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

  26,407      30,938      14,585      462   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF THE YEAR

$ 30,938    $ 14,585    $ 23,560    $ 746   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.   (Concluded)   

 

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CHUNGHWA TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Millions of New Taiwan, Unless Stated Otherwise)

 

 

1. GENERAL

Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (“Chunghwa”) was incorporated on July 1, 1996 in the Republic of China (“ROC”) pursuant to the Article 30 of the Telecommunications Act. Chunghwa is a company limited by shares and, prior to August 2000, was wholly owned by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (“MOTC”). Prior to July 1, 1996, the current operations of Chunghwa were carried out under the Directorate General of Telecommunications (“DGT”). The DGT was established by the MOTC in June 1943 to take primary responsibility in the development of telecommunications infrastructure and to formulate policies related to telecommunications. On July 1, 1996, the telecom operations of the DGT were spun-off as Chunghwa which continues to carry out the business and the DGT continues to be the industry regulator.

As the dominant telecommunications service provider of domestic and international fixed-line, Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”), and Third Generation (“3G”) in the ROC, Chunghwa is subject to industry-specific regulations imposed by the ROC.

Effective August 12, 2005, the MOTC completed the process of privatizing Chunghwa by reducing the government ownership to below 50% in various stages. In July 2000, Chunghwa received approval from the Securities and Futures Commission (the “SFC”) for a domestic initial public offering and its common stocks were listed and traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (the “TWSE”) on October 27, 2000. Certain of Chunghwa’s common stocks were sold, in connection with the foregoing privatization plan, in domestic public offerings at various dates from August 2000 to July 2003. Certain of Chunghwa’s common stocks were also sold in an international offering of securities in the form of American Depository Shares (“ADS”) on July 17, 2003 and were listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). The MOTC sold common stocks of Chunghwa by auction in the ROC on August 9, 2005 and completed the second international offering on August 10, 2005. Upon completion of the share transfers associated with these offerings on August 12, 2005, the MOTC owned less than 50% of the outstanding shares of Chunghwa and completed the privatization plan.

Chunghwa together with its subsidiaries are hereinafter referred to collectively as “the Company”.

 

2. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for issue by the management on April 28, 2015.

 

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Statement of Compliance

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (collectively, “IFRSs”).

Basis of Preparation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments that are measured at revalued amounts or fair values, as explained in the accounting policies below.

Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets.

 

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Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, regardless of whether that price is directly observable or estimated using another valuation technique. In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Company takes into account the characteristics of the asset or liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Fair value for measurement and/or disclosure purposes in these consolidated financial statements is determined on such a basis, except for share-based payment transactions that are within the scope of IFRS 2, leasing transactions that are within the scope of IAS 17, and measurements that have some similarities to fair value but are not fair value, such as net realizable value in IAS 2 or value in use in IAS 36.

In addition, for financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorized into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the fair value measurement in its entirety, which are described as follows:

 

    Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date;

 

    Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

 

    Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Current and Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities

Current assets include:

 

  a. Assets held primarily for the purpose of trading;

 

  b. Assets expected to be realized within twelve months after the reporting period; and

 

  c. Cash and cash equivalents unless the asset is restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period.

Current liabilities include:

 

  a. Liabilities held primarily for the purpose of trading;

 

  b. Liabilities due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period; and

 

  c. Liabilities for which the Company does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting period.

Assets and liabilities that are not classified as current are classified as non-current.

Light Era Development Co., Ltd. (LED) engages mainly in development of property for rent and sale. The assets and liabilities of LED related to property development within its operating cycle, which is over one year, are classified as current items.

Basis of Consolidation

 

  a. The basis for the consolidated financial statements

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of Chunghwa and entities controlled by Chunghwa (its subsidiaries). Control is achieved when the Company (a) has power over the investee; (b) is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and (c) has the ability to use its power to affect its returns. Income and expenses of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the period are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income from the effective date of acquisition up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

 

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The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.

The Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether or not the Company’s voting rights in an investee are sufficient to give it power, including:

 

    The size of the Company’s holding of voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of the other vote holders;

 

    Potential voting rights held by the Company, other vote holders or other parties;

 

    Rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

 

    Any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that the Company has, or does not have, the current ability to direct the relevant activities at the time that decisions need to be made, including voting patterns at previous shareholders’ meetings.

When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies in line with those used by the Company.

All intra-company transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full upon consolidation.

The noncontrolling interests in the subsidiaries and the equity attributable to stockholders are presented separately.

Allocation of comprehensive income to the noncontrolling interests

Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to the stockholders of the parent and to the noncontrolling interests. Total comprehensive income of subsidiaries is attributed to the stockholders of the parent and to the noncontrolling interests even if it results in the noncontrolling interests having a deficit balance.

Changes in the Company’s ownership interests in subsidiaries

Changes in the Company’s ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in the Company losing control over the subsidiaries are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amounts of the Company’s interests and the noncontrolling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the noncontrolling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognized directly in equity and attributed to owners of the parent.

 

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  b. The subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements

The detail information of the subsidiaries at the end of reporting period was as follows:

 

              Percentage of Ownership         
              December 31         
Name of Investor    Name of Investee    Main Businesses and
Products
      2013              2014          Note  

Chunghwa
Telecom
Co., Ltd.

  

Senao International Co., Ltd. (“SENAO”)

   Selling and maintaining
mobile phones and
its peripheral
products
    28         28         1
  

Light Era Development Co., Ltd. (“LED”)

   Housing, office
building
development, rent
and sale services
    100         100      
  

Donghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (“DHT”)

   International
telecommunications
IP fictitious internet
and internet transfer
services
    100         100      
  

Chunghwa Telecom Singapore Pte., Ltd. (“CHTS”)

   Telecommunication
wholesale, internet
transfer services
international data
and long distance
call wholesales to
carriers
    100         100      
  

Chunghwa System Integration Co., Ltd. (“CHSI”)

   Providing
communication and
information
aggregative services
    100         100      
  

Chunghwa Investment Co., Ltd. (“CHI”)

   Investment     89         89      
  

CHIEF Telecom Inc. (“CHIEF”)

   Internet
communication and
internet data center
(“IDC”) service
    69         69         2
  

Chunghwa International Yellow Pages Co., Ltd. (“CHYP”)

   Yellow pages sales and
advertisement
services
    100         100      
  

Prime Asia Investments Group Ltd. (B.V.I.) (“Prime Asia”)

   Investment     100         100      
  

Spring House Entertainment Tech. Inc. (“SHE”)

   Network services,
producing digital
entertainment
contents and
broadband visual
sound terrace
development
    56         56      
  

Chunghwa Telecom Global, Inc. (“CHTG”)

   International data and
internet services and
long distance call
wholesales to
carriers
    100         100      
  

Chunghwa Telecom Vietnam Co., Ltd. (“CHTV”)

   Information and
communications
technology,
international circuit,
and intelligent
energy network
service
    100         100      

(Continued)

 

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Table of Contents
               Percentage of Ownership         
               December 31         
Name of Investor    Name of Investee    Main Businesses and
Products
       2013              2014          Note  
  

Smartfun Digital Co., Ltd. (“SFD”)

   Software retail      65         65      
  

Chunghwa Telecom Japan Co., Ltd. (“CHTJ”)

   Telecom business,
information process
and information
provide service,
development and
sale of software and
consulting services
in
telecommunication
     100         100      
  

Chunghwa Sochamp Technology Inc. (“CHST”)

   License plate
recognition system
     51         51      
  

Honghwa International Co., Ltd. (“HHI”)

   Human resources
service
     100         100         3
  

New Prospect Investments Holdings Ltd. (B.V.I.) (“New Prospect”)

   Investment      100         100      

Senao International Co., Ltd.

  

Senao International (Samoa) Holding Ltd. (“SIS”)

   International
investment
     100         100      

CHIEF Telecom Inc.

  

Unigate Telecom Inc. (“Unigate”)

   Telecommunication
and internet service
     100         100      
  

Chief International Corp. (“CIC”)

   Internet
communication and
IDC service
     100         100      

Chunghwa System Integrated Co., Ltd.

  

Concord Technology Co., Ltd. (“Concord”)

   Investment      100         100      

Spring House Entertainment Tech. Inc.

  

Ceylon Innovation Ltd. (“CEI”)

   International trading,
general
advertisement and
book publishing
service
     100         100      

Light Era Development Co., Ltd.

  

Yao Yong Real Property Co., Ltd. (“YYRP”)

   Real estate
management and
leasing business
     100         —           4

Chunghwa Investment Co., Ltd.

  

Chunghwa Precision Test Tech Co., Ltd. (“CHPT”)

   Semiconductor testing
components and
printed circuit board
industry production
and marketing of
electronic products
     51         48         5
  

Chunghwa Investment Holding Co., Ltd. (“CIHC”)

   Investment      100         100      

Concord Technology Co., Ltd.

  

Glory Network System Service (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“GNSS (Shanghai)”)

   Planning and design of
software and
hardware system
services and
integration of
information system
     100         100      

Chunghwa Precision Test Tech. Co., Ltd.

  

Chunghwa Precision Test Tech. USA Corporation (“CHPT (US)”)

   Semiconductor testing
components and
printed circuit board
industry production
and marketing of
electronic products
     100         100      

(Continued)

 

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Table of Contents
               Percentage of Ownership         
               December 31         
Name of Investor    Name of Investee    Main Businesses and
Products
       2013              2014          Note  
  

CHPT Japan Co., Ltd. (“CHPT (JP)”)

   Sale and maintenance
of electronic parts
and machinery
processed products,
and design of printed
circuit board
     100         100         6
  

Chunghwa Precision Test Tech. International, Ltd. (“CHPT (International)”)

   Wholesale electronic
materials, electronic
materials and general
retail investment
industry
     100         100         7

Senao International (Samoa) Holding Ltd.

  

Senao International HK Limited (“SIHK”)

   International
investment
     100         100      

Chunghwa Investment Holding Co., Ltd.

  

CHI One Investment Co., Limited (“COI”)

   Investment      100         100      

Senao International HK Limited

  

Senao Trading (Fujian) Co., Ltd. (“STF”)

   Information technology
services and sale of
communication
products
     100         100      
  

Senao International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“SITS”)

   Information technology
services and sale of
communication
products
     100         100      
  

Senao International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“SEITS”)

   Information technology
services and
maintenance of
communication
products
     100         100      
  

Senao International Trading (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (“SITJ”)

   Information technology
services and sale of
communication
products
     100         100      

Prime Asia Investments Group, Ltd. (B.V.I.)

  

Chunghwa Hsingta Co., Ltd. (“CHC”)

   Investment      100         100      

Chunghwa Hsingta Company Ltd.

  

Chunghwa Telecom (China) Co., Ltd. (“CTC”)

   Planning and design of
energy conservation
and software and
hardware system
services, and
integration of
information system
     100         100      
  

Jiangsu Zhenhua Information Technology Company, LLC. (“JZIT”)

   Intelligent energy
conserving and
intelligent building
services
     75         75      
  

Hua-Xiong Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“HXIT”)

   Intelligent system and
energy saving
system services in
buildings
     51         51      

Chunghwa Precision Test Tech. International, Ltd.

  

Shanghai Taihua Electronic Technology Limited (“STET”)

   Design of printed
circuit board and
related consultation
service
     —           100         8

(Concluded)

 

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  1) The Company owns approximately 28% equity shares of SENAO. However, the Company has four out of seven seats of the board of directors of SENAO through the support of large beneficial shareholders. Therefore, the Company has control over SENAO and the accounts of SENAO are included in the consolidated financial statements.
  2) The Company’s equity ownership of CHIEF decreased from 73.02% to 72.51% as of December 31, 2014 due to CHIEF issued employee stock bonus in July 2014.
  3) Chunghwa established 100% owned subsidiary of Honghwa Human Resources Co., Ltd. (HHR) in January 2013. HHR changed its name to Honghwa International Co., Ltd. from July 4, 2014.
  4) LED merged YYRP by absorption in October 2014.
  5) The decrease of the Company’s equity ownership of CHPT was due to the exercise of options by CHPT’s employees and CHPT issued employee stock bonus. CHI did not participate in the capital increase of CHPT in August and September 2014 and the ownership interest decreased after the capital increase of CHPT. The Company owned 50.62% and 47.65% equity shares of CHPT as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. However, the Company has three out of five seats of the board of directors of CHPT. Therefore, the Company has control over CHPT and the accounts of CHPT are included in the consolidated financial statements.
  6) CHPT established 100% owned subsidiary of CHPT (JP) in January 2013.
  7) CHPT established 100% owned subsidiary of CHPT (International) in July 2013.
  8) CHPT (International) established 100% owned subsidiary of STET in January 2014.

The following diagram presents information regarding the relationship and ownership percentages between Chunghwa and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014:

 

LOGO

 

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Business Combination

Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred by the Company, liabilities incurred by the Company to the former owners of the acquire and the equity interests issued by the Company in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any) over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. If, after reassessment, the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeds the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held interest in the acquiree (if any), the excess is recognized immediately in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain.

For each business combination, the Company shall measure at the acquisition date components of noncontrolling interests in the acquiree that are present ownership interests and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of the entity’s net assets in the event of liquidation at either fair value or at the noncontrolling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

When the consideration transferred by the Company in a business combination includes assets or liabilities resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair value and included as part of the consideration transferred in a business combination. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration that qualify as measurement period adjustments are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are adjustments that arise from additional information obtained during the ‘measurement period’ (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition date) about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date.

Foreign Currencies

In preparing the financial statements of each individual entity, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency (foreign currencies) are recognized at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At the end of each balance sheet date, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences on monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in profit or loss when the transactions occur.

Foreign-currency nonmonetary assets or liabilities (such as equity instruments) that are carried at fair value are revalued using prevailing exchange rates at the balance sheet date and related exchange differences are recognized in profit or loss. Conversely, when the fair value changes were recognized in other comprehensive income, related exchange difference shall be recognized in other comprehensive income.

Chunghwa use New Taiwan dollars as the functional currency. For the purposes of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are

 

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translated into New Taiwan dollars using exchange rates prevailing at the end of each balance date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity attributed to noncontrolling interests as appropriate.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include commercial paper, time deposits and negotiable certificate of deposit with original maturities within three months from the date of acquisition, highly liquid, readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. These cash equivalents are held for the purpose of meeting short-term cash commitments.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (weighted-average cost) or net realizable value item by item, except for those that may be appropriate to group items of similar or related inventories. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price of inventories less all estimated costs of completion and costs necessary to make the sale. The calculation of the cost of inventory is derived using the weighted-average method.

Buildings and Lands Consigned to Constructing Firm

Inventories of LED are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value item by item, except for those that may be appropriate to group as similar items or related inventories. Land acquired before construction is classified as land held for development, and then reclassified as land held under development after LED begins its construction project. Prepayments for licensing and other miscellaneous costs have been capitalized as part of inventory. For qualifying assets, cost includes capitalized borrowing costs.

When using the completed-contract method for its construction projects, LED recognizes the proceeds from customers as advances from customers for land and building before the construction project is completed. After completion of the construction project and ownership is transferred to the customers, LED recognizes the relevant revenues.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint venture. Joint venture arrangements that involve the establishment of a separate entity in which venturers have joint control over the economic activity of the entity are referred to as joint venture.

The operating results and identifiable net assets of associates and joint ventures are incorporated in these consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, an investment in an associate and joint venture is initially recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognize the Company’s share of the profit or loss, any impairment losses, and other comprehensive income of the associate and joint venture. The Company also recognizes the changes in the Company’s share of equity of associates and joint venture attributable to the Company.

When the Company reduces its ownership interest in an associate or a joint venture but the Company continues to use the equity method, the Company reclassifies to profit or loss the proportion of the gain or loss that had previously been recognized in other comprehensive income relating to that reduction in ownership interest if that gain or loss would be reclassified to profit or loss on the disposal of the related assets or liabilities.

 

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Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Company’s share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of an associate and a joint venture recognized at the date of acquisition is recognized as goodwill, which is included in the carrying amount of the investment and shall not be amortized.

The entire carrying amount of the investment (including goodwill) is tested for impairment as a single asset by comparing its recoverable amount with its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized forms part of the carrying amount of the investment. Any reversal of that impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the recoverable amount of the investment subsequently increases.

When the Company transacts with its associate and joint venture, profits and losses resulting from the transactions with the associate are recognized in the Company’ consolidated financial statements only to the extent of interests in the associate and the joint venture that are not related to the Company.

Property, Plant and Equipment

When future economic benefits are expected to inflow to the Company and costs can be evaluated reliably, property, plant and equipment that are held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, or for administrative purposes for over one year are measured at costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment.

Depreciation is recognized so as to write off the cost of the assets less their residual values over their useful lives, and it is computed using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed periodically, however, at least annually, with the effect of any changes in estimates accounted for on a prospective basis.

Upon sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment, the related cost, accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses are deducted from the corresponding accounts, and any gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Investment Properties

Investment properties are properties held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation (including property under construction for such purposes). Investment properties also include land held for a currently undetermined future use as such land is regarded as held for capital appreciation.

Investment properties are measured initially at cost, including direct costs of bringing the assets to intended use. Subsequent to initial recognition, investment properties are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment.

The Company uses the straight line method to depreciate the assets, that is, to evenly allocate the cost less residual value over the expected useful lives of the investment properties.

Upon disposal of investment properties, the related cost, accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses are deducted from the corresponding accounts, and any gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on an acquisition of a business is carried at cost as established at the date of acquisition of the business less accumulated impairment losses, if any.

 

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For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Company’s cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination.

A cash-generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro rata based on the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Any impairment loss for goodwill is recognized directly in profit or loss. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed in subsequent periods.

When the Company disposes of an operation within a cash-generating unit (group of units) to which goodwill has been allocated, the goodwill associated with that operation should be included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal; and measured on the basis of the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the cash-generating unit (group of units) retained.

Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill

Intangible assets with finite useful lives that are acquired separately are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life and amortization method are reviewed periodically, however, at least annually, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis. Except for the intangible assets to be disposed by the Company before the end of the useful lives, the residual values of intangible assets with finite useful lives are expected to be zero.

Upon disposal of intangible assets, the related cost, accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses are deducted from the corresponding accounts, and any gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Impairment of Tangible and Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill

When an indication of impairment is identified for tangible and intangible assets other than goodwill, any excess of the carrying amount of an asset over its recoverable amount is recognized as a loss. If the recoverable amount increases in a subsequent period, the amount previously recognized as impairment would be reversed and recognized as a gain. However, the adjusted amount may not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, as if no impairment loss had been recognized.

Financial Instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized when a consolidated entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instruments.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognized immediately in profit or loss.

 

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  a. Financial assets

Regular way purchases or sales of financial assets are accounted for using trade date accounting. The regular way of transaction means the purchase or sale of financial assets delivered within the time frame established by regulation or convention in the marketplace.

 

  1) Measurement category

 

  a) Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL)

Financial assets are classified as at FVTPL when the financial asset is either held for trading or it is designated as at FVTPL.

Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognized in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognized in profit or loss does not incorporate any dividend or interest earned on the financial asset.

 

  b) Held-to-maturity financial assets

Held-to-maturity financial assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturity date that the Company has positive intention and ability to hold to maturity other than those that are designated as at fair value through profit or loss or as available-for-sale and those that meet the definition of loans and receivables on initial recognition.

Subsequent to initial recognition, held-to-maturity financial assets are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method less any impairment.

 

  c) Available-for-sale financial assets (AFS financial assets)

AFS financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated as AFS or are not classified as loans and receivables, held-to-maturity financial assets or financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

Listed stocks, emerging market stocks, open-end mutual funds, unlisted stocks and corporate bonds held by the Company in an active market and classified as AFS are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. AFS equity investments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured are measured at cost less any identified impairment losses at the end of each reporting period. If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of the financial assets can be reliably measured, the financial assets are remeasured at fair value. The difference between the carrying amount and the fair value is recognized in profit or loss.

Changes in the carrying amount of AFS monetary financial assets relating to changes in foreign currency rates, interest income calculated using the effective interest method and dividends on AFS equity investments are recognized in profit or loss. Other changes in the carrying amount of AFS financial assets are recognized in other comprehensive income. When the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss.

Dividends on AFS equity instruments are recognized in profit or loss when the Company’s right to receive the dividends is established.

 

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  d) Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the effect of discounting would be immaterial.

 

  2) Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. Financial assets are considered to be impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been affected.

For financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as held-to-maturity investments and trade notes and accounts receivable, assets are assessed for impairment on a collective and individual basis.

For financial assets carried at amortized cost, the amount of the impairment loss recognized is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. However, since the discounted effect of short-term receivables is immaterial, the impairment loss is recognized on the difference between carrying amount and estimated future cash flow.

For financial assets measured at amortized cost, if, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized.

When an AFS financial asset is considered to be impaired, cumulative gains or losses previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss in the period.

In respect of AFS equity securities, impairment losses previously recognized in profit or loss are not reversed through profit or loss. Any increase in fair value subsequent to an impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade receivables and other receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable and other receivables is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognized in profit or loss.

 

  3) Derecognition of financial assets

The Company derecognizes a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity.

 

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On derecognition of a financial asset in its entirety, the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the sum of the consideration received and receivable and the cumulative gain or loss that had been recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity is recognized in profit or loss.

 

  b. Financial liabilities

 

  1) Subsequent measurement

Except for financial liabilities at FVTPL, other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

 

  2) Derecognition of financial liabilities

The Company derecognizes financial liabilities when, and only when, the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognized and the consideration paid and payable (includes the transfer of non-cash assets or assumption of liabilities) is recognized in profit or loss.

 

  c. Derivative financial instruments

The Company enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to risk of foreign exchange rate and the fluctuation on stock price, including foreign exchange forward contracts, cross currency swap contracts and index future contracts.

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value at the date the derivative contracts are entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The resulting gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. When the fair value of the derivative is positive, it is recognized as a financial asset; otherwise, it is recognized as a financial liability.

Hedge Accounting

The Company designates certain derivatives instruments as fair value hedges and cash flow hedges.

At the inception of the hedge relationship, the Company documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Furthermore, at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Company documents whether the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk.

Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when the Company revokes the designated hedging relationship, or when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or when it no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting. The cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument that has been previously recognized in other comprehensive income from the period when the hedge was effective remains separately in equity until the forecast transaction occurs. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

 

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Fair value hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognized in profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. The change in the fair value of the hedging instrument and the change in the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in the profit or loss in line item relating to the hedged item.

Cash flow hedges

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

The associated gains or losses that were recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified from equity to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment in the line item relating to the hedged item in the same period when the hedged item affects profit or loss. If a hedge of a forecast transaction subsequently results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the associated gains and losses that were recognized in other comprehensive income are removed from equity and are included in the initial cost of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability.

Provisions

Provisions for the expected cost of warranty obligations under sale of goods are recognized at the date of sale of the relevant products, at the management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the Company’s obligation.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when the goods are delivered and titles have passed, at which time all the following conditions are satisfied:

 

  a. The Company has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods;

 

  b. The Company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;

 

  c. The amount of revenue can be measured reliably;

 

  d. It is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company; and

 

  e. The costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts for goods sold in the normal course of business, net of sales discounts and volume rebates. For trade receivables due within one year from the balance sheet date, as the nominal value of the consideration to be received approximates its fair value and transactions are frequent, fair value of the consideration is not determined by discounting all future receipts using an imputed rate of interest.

Usage revenues from fixed-line services (including domestic and international), cellular services, internet and data services, and interconnection and call transfer fees from other telecommunications companies and carriers are billed in arrears and are recognized based upon seconds or minutes of traffic processed when the services are provided in accordance with contract terms.

 

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Other revenues are recognized as follows: (a) one-time subscriber connection fees (on fixed-line services) are deferred and recognized over the average expected customer service periods, (b) monthly fees (on fixed-line services, mobile, internet and data services) are accrued every month, and (c) prepaid services (fixed-line, mobile, internet and data services) are recognized as income based upon actual usage by customers or when the right to use those services expires.

Where the Company enters into transactions which involve both the provision of air time bundled with products such as handset, total consideration received from products and air time in these arrangements are allocated and measured using units of accounting within the arrangement based on their relative fair values limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of products.

Service revenue other than that from a project contract is recognized when service is provided.

Services revenue from a project contract is recognized by reference to the stage of completion of the contract.

Dividend income from investments is recognized when the shareholder’s right to receive payment has been established. Under the premises that there is much chance economic benefit related to the transactions will flow to the Company and that the revenue can be reasonably measured.

Interest income from a financial asset is recognized when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the amount of income can be measured reliably. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.

Leasing

 

  a. The Company as lessor

Rental income from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

 

  b. The Company as lessee

Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Borrowing Costs

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

All other borrowing costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.

Retirement Benefit Costs

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as an expense when employees have rendered entitling them to the contributions.

For defined benefit retirement benefit plans, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method with actuarial calculations being carried out at the year end. Remeasurement, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the changes to the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on plan assets (excluding interest), is reflected immediately in the balance sheet with a charge or credit recognized in other comprehensive income in the period in which they

 

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occur. Remeasurement recognized in other comprehensive income is reflected immediately in retained earnings and will not be reclassified to profit or loss and past service cost is recognized in profit or loss in the period of a plan amendment. Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate at the beginning of the period to the net defined benefit liability or asset. Defined benefit costs are categorized as follows:

 

    Service cost (including current service cost, past service cost, as well as gains and losses on curtailments and settlements);

 

    Net interest expense or income; and

 

    Remeasurement.

The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the consolidated balance sheet represents the actual deficit or surplus in the Company’s defined retirement benefit plans. Any surplus resulting from this calculation is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans.

Curtailment or settlement gains or losses on the defined benefit plan are recognized when the curtailment or settlement occurs.

Share-based Payments

Equity-settled share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date.

The value of the stock options granted, which is equal to the best available estimate of the number of stock options expected to vest multiplied by the grant-date fair value, is expensed over the vesting period, with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital—employee stock options. For those options with graded vesting schedules, each installment is treated as a separate share option grant for purposes of determining the grant date fair value. Expenses are recognized at the grant date in profit or loss if vested immediately.

At the balance sheet date, the Company reviews its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognized in profit or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital—employee stock options.

Income Tax

Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

 

  a. Current tax

The current tax is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are never taxable or deductible. The Company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Income tax (10%) on undistributed earnings is accrued during the period the earnings arise and adjusted to the extent that distributions are approved by the stockholders in the following year.

Adjustments of prior years’ tax liabilities are added to or deducted from the current year’s tax provision.

 

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  b. Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognized for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which those deductible temporary differences, loss carryforwards, unused tax credits from purchases of machinery, equipment and technology and research and development expenditures.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Company is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits against which to utilize the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. A previously unrecognized deferred tax asset is also reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized to the to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset realized, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

 

  c. Current and deferred tax for the year

Current and deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss, except when they relate to items that are recognized in other comprehensive income, in which case, the current and deferred tax are also recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, which are described in Note 3, management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

 

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The following are the key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

  a. Impairment of accounts receivable

When there is objective evidence showing indications of impairment, the Company will consider the estimation of future cash flows. The amount of impairment will be measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted by the original effective interest rates of the financial assets. However, the impact from discounting short-term receivables is not material; therefore, the impairment of short-term receivables is based on the undiscounted estimated future cash flows. Where the actual future cash flows are less than expected, a material impairment loss may arise.

 

  b. Provision for inventory valuation and obsolescence

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Estimates of net realizable value are based on the most reliable evidence available at the time the estimates are made at the end of reporting period. These estimates take into consideration fluctuations of price or cost directly relating to events occurring after the end of the period to the extent that such events confirm conditions existing at the end of the period. Estimates of net realizable value also take into consideration. Inventory write-downs are determined on an item by item basis, except for those similar items which could be categorized into the same groups. The Company uses the inventory holding period and turnover as the evaluation basis for inventory obsolescence losses.

 

  c. Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

In the process of evaluating the potential impairment of tangible and intangible assets, the Company is required to consider internal and external indicators of impairment and make subjective judgments in determining the independent cash flows, useful lives, expected future revenue and expenses related to the specific asset groups within the context of the telecommunication industry. Any changes in these estimates based on changed economic conditions or business strategies could result in significant impairment charges in future periods.

 

  d. Useful lives of property, plant and equipment

As discussed in Note 3, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” “Property, Plant and Equipment”, the Company reviews the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment at the balance sheet date.

 

  e. Recognition and measurement of defined benefit plans

Accrued pension liabilities and the resulting pension expense under defined benefit pension plans are calculated using the Projected Unit Credit Method. Actuarial assumptions comprise the discount rate, rate of employee turnover, and long-term average future salary increase. Changes in economic circumstances and market conditions will affect these assumptions and may have a material impact on the amount of the expense and the liability.

 

5. APPLICATION OF NEW AND REVISED INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

Amendments to IFRSs and the New Interpretation That Are Mandatorily Effective for the Current Year

In the current year, the Company has applied a number of amendments to IFRSs issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that are mandatorily effective for an accounting period that begins on or after January 1, 2014.

 

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  a. Amendments to IAS 36 “Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-financial Assets”

The Company has applied the amendments to IAS 36 “Recoverable Amount Disclosure for Non-financial Assets” for the first time in the current year. The amendments to IAS 36 remove the requirement to disclose the recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit (CGU) to which goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives had been allocated when there has been no impairment or reversal of impairment of the related CGU. Furthermore, the amendments introduce additional disclosure requirements applicable to when the recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is measured at fair value less costs of disposal. These new disclosures include the fair value hierarchy, key assumptions and valuation techniques used which are in line with the disclosure required by IFRS 13 “Fair Value Measurements”.

The Company has included these new disclosures, as applicable, in Notes 17, 18 and 19.

 

  b. Amendments to IAS 39 “Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting”

The Company has applied the amendments to IAS 39 “Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting” for the first time in the current year. The amendments to IAS 39 provide relief from the requirement to discontinue hedge accounting when a derivative designated as a hedging instrument is novated under certain circumstances. The amendments also clarify that any change to the fair value of the derivative designated as a hedging instrument arising from the novation should be included in the assessment and measurement of hedge effectiveness.

The amendments have been applied retrospectively. As the Group does not have any derivatives that are subject to novation, the application of these amendments has had no impact on the disclosures or on the amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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New and Revised IFRSs in Issue But Not Yet Effective

The Company has not applied the following new and revised IFRSs that have been issued but are not yet effective.

 

New, Revised or Amended Standards and Interpretations

  

Effective Date Issued by IASB (Note 1)

IFRS 9   

Financial Instruments

  

January 1, 2018

Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7   

Mandatory Effective Date of IFRS 9 and Transition Disclosures

  

January 1, 2018

Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28   

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture

  

January 1, 2016 (Note 2)

Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28   

Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception

  

January 1, 2016

Amendment to IFRS 11   

Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations

  

January 1, 2016

IFRS 14   

Regulatory Deferral Accounts

  

January 1, 2016

IFRS 15   

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

  

January 1, 2017

Amendment to IAS 1   

Disclosure Initiative

  

January 1, 2016

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38   

Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortization

  

January 1, 2016

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41   

Agriculture: Bearer Plants

  

January 1, 2016

Amendment to IAS 19   

Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions

  

July 1, 2014

Amendments to IFRSs   

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 Cycle

  

July 1, 2014 (Note 3)

Amendments to IFRSs   

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2011-2013 Cycle

  

July 1, 2014

Amendments to IFRSs   

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle

  

January 1, 2016 (Note 4)

 

Note 1:    The aforementioned new, revised or amended standards or interpretations are effective after fiscal year beginning on or after the effective dates, unless specified otherwise.
Note 2:    Prospectively applicable to transactions occurring in annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016.
Note 3:    The amendment to IFRS 2 applies to share-based payment transactions for which the grant date is on or after July 1, 2014; the amendment to IFRS 3 applies to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after July 1, 2014; the amendment to IFRS 13 is effective immediately; the remaining amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2014.

 

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Note 4: Except the amendment to IFRS 5 is applied prospectively, to changes in a method of disposal that occur in annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016, the remaining amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016.

Except for the following items, the Company believes the adoption of the aforementioned new and revised IFRSs will not have material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

  a. IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”

Recognition and measurement of financial assets

With regards to financial assets, all recognized financial assets that are within the scope of IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” are subsequently measured at amortized cost or fair value. Under IFRS 9, the requirement for the classification of financial assets is stated below.

For the Company’s debt instruments that have contractual cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding, their classification and measurement are as follows:

 

  1) For debt instruments, if they are held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash flows, the financial assets are measured at amortized cost and are assessed for impairment continuously with impairment loss recognized in profit or loss, if any. Interest revenue is recognized in profit or loss by using the effective interest method;

 

  2) For debt instruments, if they are held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both the collecting of contractual cash flows and the selling of financial assets, the financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI) and are assessed for impairment. Interest revenue is recognized in profit or loss by using the effective interest method, and other gain or loss shall be recognized in other comprehensive income, except for impairment gains or losses and foreign exchange gains and losses. When the debt instruments are derecognized or reclassified, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified from equity to profit or loss.

Except for above, all other financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss. However, the Company may make an irrevocable election to present subsequent changes in the fair value of an equity investment (that is not held for trading) in other comprehensive income, with only dividend income generally recognized in profit or loss. No subsequent impairment assessment is required, and the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income cannot be reclassified from equity to profit or loss.

The impairment of financial assets

IFRS 9 requires that impairment loss on financial assets is recognized by using the “Expected Credit Losses Model”. The credit loss allowance is required for financial assets measured at amortized cost, financial assets mandatorily measured at FVTOCI, lease receivables, contract assets arising from IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, certain written loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. A loss allowance for the 12-month expected credit losses is required for a financial asset if its credit risk has not increased significantly since initial recognition. A loss allowance for full lifetime expected credit losses is required for a financial asset if its credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition and is not low. However, a loss allowance for full lifetime expected credit losses is required for trade receivables that do not constitute a financing transaction.

 

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For purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets, the Company takes into account the expected credit losses on initial recognition in calculating the credit-adjusted effective interest rate. Subsequently, any changes in expected losses are recognized as a loss allowance with a corresponding gain or loss recognized in profit or loss.

Hedge accounting

The main changes in hedge accounting amended the application requirements for hedge accounting to better reflect the entity’s risk management activities. Compared with IAS 39, the main changes include: (1) enhancing types of transactions eligible for hedge accounting, specifically broadening the risk eligible for hedge accounting of non-financial items; (2) changing the way hedging derivative instruments are accounted for to reduce profit or loss volatility; and (3) replacing retrospective effectiveness assessment with the principle of economic relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item.

 

  b. IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”

IFRS 15 establishes principles for recognizing revenue that apply to all contracts with customers, and will supersedes IAS 18 “Revenue”, IAS 11 “Construction Contracts” and a number of revenue related interpretation from January 1, 2017.

When applying IFRS 15, an entity shall recognize revenue by applying the following steps:

 

  1) Identify the contract with the customer;

 

  2) Identify the performance obligation in the contract;

 

  3) Determine the transaction price;

 

  4) Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contracts; and

 

  5) Recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

When IFRS 15 is effective, an entity may elect to apply this Standard either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the Standard recognized at the date of initial application.

 

6. U.S. DOLLAR AMOUNTS

The Company maintains its accounts and expresses its consolidated financial statements in New Taiwan dollars. For readers’ convenience only, U.S. dollar amounts presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been translated from New Taiwan dollars as set forth in the statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board of the United States as of December 31, 2014, which was NT$31.60 to US$1.00. The convenience translations should not be construed as representations that the New Taiwan dollar amounts have been, could have been, or could in the future be, converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate of exchange.

 

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7. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Cash

     

Cash on hand

   $ 236       $ 310   

Bank deposits

     10,592         5,590   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
  10,828      5,900   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash equivalents

Commercial paper

$ 2,375    $ 14,000   

Negotiable certificate of deposit with maturities of less than three months

  —        3,100   

Time deposits with maturities of less than three months

  1,382      560   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
  3,757      17,660   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 14,585    $ 23,560   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The annual yield rates of bank deposits, commercial paper, negotiable certificate of deposit and time deposits with maturities of less than three months were as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  

Bank deposits

     0.00%-0.76%         0.00%-0.95%   

Commercial paper

     0.60%-0.65%         0.58%-0.65%   

Negotiable certificate of deposit with maturities of less than three months

     —           0.50%-0.80%   

Time deposits with maturities of less than three months

     0.05%-5.10%         0.38%-5.45%   

 

8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Financial assets held for trading

     

Derivatives (not designated for hedge)

     

Forward exchange contracts

   $   —         $ 1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities held for trading

Derivatives (not designated for hedge)

Forward exchange contracts

$ —      $   —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company did not apply hedge accounting on the aforementioned contracts at the balance sheet date.

 

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Outstanding forward exchange contracts as of balance sheet dates were as follows:

 

     Currency      Maturity Period      Contract Amount
(In Millions)
 

December 31, 2013

        

Forward exchange contracts—buy

   NT$ /US$         2014.01       NT$ 90/US$3   

December 31, 2014

        

Forward exchange contracts—buy

   NT$ /US$         2015.01       NT$ 219/US$7   

The Company entered into the above forward exchange contracts to manage its exposure to foreign currency risk and impacts in operating results due to fluctuations in exchange rates. However, the aforementioned derivatives did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and were classified as financial assets or financial liabilities held for trading.

 

9. AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Equity securities

     

Domestic listed stocks and emerging stocks

   $ 3,046       $ 3,914   

Domestic non-listed stocks

     2,224         2,105   

Foreign non-listed stocks

     200         262   

Foreign listed stocks

     24         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 5,494    $ 6,281   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

$ 24    $ —     

Non-current

  5,470      6,281   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 5,494    $ 6,281   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Since the range of fair values measurement of the non-listed stocks is significant and the probabilities of the various estimates cannot be reasonably assessed, the above non-listed stocks investment owned by the Company were carried at costs less any impairment losses at the balance sheet date.

CHI evaluated and concluded its available-for-sale financial assets were partially impaired, and recorded an impairment loss of $203 million, $66 million and $23 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

 

10. HELD-TO-MATURITY FINANCIAL ASSETS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Corporate bonds

   $ 10,513       $ 6,534   

Bank debentures

     1,253         951   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 11,766    $ 7,485   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

$ 4,264    $ 3,457   

Non-current

  7,502      4,028   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 11,766    $ 7,485   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The related information of corporate bonds and bank debentures as of balance sheet dates were as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Corporate bonds

     

Par value

   $ 10,473       $ 6,515   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nominal interest rate

  1.15%-2.49%      1.15%-2.49%   

Effective interest rate

  1.00%-1.95%      1.15%-1.58%   

Average expiry date

  4 years      4 years   

Bank debentures

Par value

$ 1,250    $ 950   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nominal interest rate

  1.25%-1.60%      1.25%-1.60%   

Effective interest rate

  1.15%-1.40%      1.15%-1.40%   

Average expiry date

  4 years      4 years   

 

11. TRADE NOTES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Trade notes and accounts receivable

     

Trade notes and accounts receivable

   $ 23,823       $ 27,277   

Less: Allowance doubtful accounts

     (922      (1,049
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 22,901    $ 26,228   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The average credit terms range from 30 to 90 days. In determining the recoverability of trade notes and accounts receivable, the Company considers significant change in the credit quality of the trade notes and accounts receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to the end of the reporting period. In general, with few exceptional cases, it is unlikely for the notes and accounts receivable due longer than 180 days to be collected, therefore the Company recognized 100% allowance of notes and accounts receivable overdue longer than 180 days. For the notes and accounts receivable less than 180 days, the allowance for doubtful accounts was estimated based on the Company’s historical recovery experience.

The Company serves a large consumer base; therefore, the concentration of credit risks is limited.

The aging of estimated recoverable amount of receivables that were past due but not impaired as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 was as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Less than 30 days

   $ 132       $ 114   

31-60 days

     41         20   

(Continued)

 

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Table of Contents
     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

61-90 days

   $ 14       $ 20   

91-120 days

     85         19   

121-180 days

     2         1   

More than 181 days

     12         17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 286    $ 191   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Concluded)

The above aging analysis was based on days overdue.

 

     Individually
Assessed for
Impairment
     Collectively
Assessed for
Impairment
     Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Balance on January 1, 2012

   $ 7       $ 2,416       $ 2,423   

Add: Provision for (reversal of) doubtful accounts

     157         (1,630      (1,473

Deduct: Amounts written off

     —           (139      (139
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2012

  164      647      811   

Add: Provision for doubtful accounts

  57      182      239   

Deduct: Amounts written off

  —        (128   (128
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2013

  221      701      922   

Add: Provision for doubtful accounts

  55      237      292   

Deduct: Amounts written off

  —        (165   (165
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2014

$ 276    $ 773    $ 1,049   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

12. INVENTORIES

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Merchandise

   $ 5,221       $ 4,164   

Project in process

     520         822   

Work in process

     26         13   

Raw materials

     26         52   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
  5,793      5,051   

Land and building held for sale

  8      —     

Land held under development

  1,999      1,999   

Construction in progress

  44      47   

Land held for development

  4      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 7,848    $ 7,097   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The operating costs related to inventories were $44,150 million, $50,860 million and $51,341 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the costs of valuation loss on inventories recognized as operating cost included the amount of $113 million, $203 million and $288 million, respectively.

 

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The capitalized borrowing costs of construction in progress were not significant for 2012, 2013 and 2014.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, inventories of $2,057 million and $2,061 million, respectively, were expected to be recovered for a time period longer than twelve months. The aforementioned amount of inventories is mainly related to property development owned by LED.

Land held under development and construction in progress on December 31, 2013 and 2014 was for Qingshan Sec., Dayuan Township, Taoyuan County project.

Land and building held for sale on December 31, 2013 was sold in 2014.

Land held for development on December 31, 2013 was for Yucheng Sec., Nangang Dist., Taipei City which was sold in 2014.

 

13. PREPAYMENTS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Prepaid rents

   $ 3,389       $ 3,330   

Others

     2,443         2,618   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 5,832    $ 5,948   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

Prepaid rents

$ 953    $ 1,105   

Others

  1,271      1,339   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 2,224    $ 2,444   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current

Prepaid rents

$ 2,436    $ 2,225   

Others

  1,172      1,279   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 3,608    $ 3,504   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

14. OTHER CURRENT MONETARY ASSETS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Time deposits and negotiable certificates of deposit with maturities of more than three months

   $ 2,535       $ 2,616   

Receivables from the Fund for Privatization of Government—owned Enterprises under the Executive Yuan

     1,318         19   

Others

     783         690   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 4,636    $ 3,325   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The annual yield rates of time deposits and negotiable certificates of deposit with maturities of more than three months at each period end were as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  

Time deposits and negotiable certificate of deposit with maturities of more than three months

     0.11%-3.30%         0.11%-4.95%   

 

15. NON-WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES THAT HAVE NONCONTROLLING MATERIAL INTERESTS

The table below shows details of less than wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company that have material noncontrolling interests:

 

    

Place of

Incorporation

and Principal

Place of
Business

     Proportion of Ownership Interests and Voting
Rights Held by Noncontrolling Interests
 
        December 31  
        2013     2014  

SENAO

     Taiwan         72     72

 

     Profit Allocated to
Noncontrolling Interests
     Accumulated Noncontrolling Interests  
     Year Ended December 31      December 31  
     2012      2013      2014            2012                  2013                  2014        
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

SENAO

   $ 1,066       $ 1,022       $ 436       $ 3,811       $ 4,302       $ 4,013   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

          

Individually immaterial subsidiaries with noncontrolling interests

  525      544      911   
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 4,336    $ 4,846    $ 4,924   
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company owns 28% equity shares of SENAO. However, the Company has four out of seven seats of the board of directors of SENAO through the support of large beneficial shareholders. Therefore, the Company has control over SENAO and the accounts of SENAO are included in the consolidated financial statements.

Summarized financial information in respect of SENAO that has material noncontrolling interests is set out below. The summarized financial information below represents amounts before intracompany eliminations.

 

     December 31  

Senao International Co., Ltd.

   2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Current assets

   $ 8,134       $ 7,944   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets

$ 2,386    $ 2,480   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current liabilities

$ 4,439    $ 4,643   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

$ 91    $ 94   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity attributable to the parent

$ 1,688    $ 1,674   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests

$ 4,302    $ 4,013   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
            (In Millions)         

Revenue

   $ 35,241       $ 43,033       $ 41,753   

Expenses

     33,758         41,610         41,146   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Profit for the year

$ 1,483    $ 1,423    $ 607   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Profit attributable to the parent

$ 417    $ 401    $ 171   

Profit attributable to the noncontrolling interests

  1,066      1,022      436   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Profit for the year

$ 1,483    $ 1,423    $ 607   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income attributable to the parent

$ (9 $ 12    $ 8   

Other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

  (24   30      21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income for the year

$ (33 $ 42    $ 29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income attributable to the parent

$ 408    $ 413    $ 179   

Total comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

  1,042      1,052      457   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

$ 1,450    $ 1,465    $ 636   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

$ 827    $ 739    $ 742   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities

$ 1,554    $ (240 $ 1,233   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash outflow from investing activities

$ (196 $ (274 $ (106
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash outflow from financing activities

$ (1,111 $ (993 $ (533
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash inflow (outflow)

$ 247    $ (1,507 $ 594   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s equity ownership of SENAO did not change for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company’s equity ownership of SENAO decreased from 28.44% as of January 1, 2012 to 28.30% and 28.18% as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, due to the exercise of options by SENAO’s employees. The total proceeds from exercise of employee stock options were $43 million and $42 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The partial proceeds of $38 million and $36 million were attributed to noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

The Company’s equity ownership of CHPT decreased from 50.62% as of December 31, 2013 to 47.65% as of December 31, 2014 due to CHI did not participate the CHPT’s capital increase in August and September 2014, and the cash inflow from noncontrolling interests was $162 million. The Company’s equity ownership of CHPT decreased from 53.19% as of December 31, 2012 to 50.62% as of December 31, 2013 due to the exercise of options by CHPT’s employees and CHPT issued employee stock bonus. The total proceeds from exercise of employee stock options were $8 million, substantially all of which were attributed to noncontrolling interests for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

16. INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING EQUITY METHOD

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Associates

   $ 2,131       $ 2,493   

Joint venture

     228         257   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 2,359    $ 2,750   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
  a. Investments in associates

Investments in associates were as follows:

 

     Carrying Amount  
     December 31  
       2013          2014    
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Listed

     

Senao Networks, Inc. (“SNI”)

   $ 484       $ 589   

Non-listed

     

ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte. Ltd. (“STS”)

     520         558   

International Integrated System, Inc. (“IISI”)

     290         291   

Viettel-CHT Co., Ltd.

     278         278   

Taiwan International Standard Electronics Co., Ltd. (“TISE”)

     180         209   

Skysoft Co., Ltd. (“SKYSOFT”)

     152         135   

So-net Entertainment Taiwan Limited (“So-net”)

     92         99   

Kingwaytek Technology Co., Ltd. (“KWT”)

     74         85   

Taiwan International Ports Logistics Corporation (“TIPL”)

     —           79   

Dian Zuan Integrating Marketing Co., Ltd. (“DZIM”)

     1         66   

ClickForce Co., Ltd.

     —           39   

HopeTech Technologies Limited (“HopeTech”)

     25         31   

Alliance Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“ADT”)

     29         20   

MeWorks Limited (HK) (“Meworks”)

     —           9   

Xiamen Sertec Business Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sertec”)

     6         5   

Panda Monium Company Ltd.

     —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 2,131    $ 2,493   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At the end of the reporting period, the percentage of ownership and voting rights in associates held by the Company were as follows:

 

     % of Ownership and
Voting Right
 
     December 31  
     2013      2014  

Senao Networks, Inc. (“SNI”)

     34         34   

ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte., Ltd. (“STS”)

     38         38   

International Integrated System, Inc. (“IISI”)

     33         33   

Viettel-CHT Co., Ltd.

     30         30   

Taiwan International Standard Electronics Co., Ltd. (“TISE”)

     40         40   

Skysoft Co., Ltd. (“SKYSOFT”)

     30         30   

So-net Entertainment Taiwan Limited (“So-net”)

     30         30   

Kingwaytek Technology Co., Ltd. (“KWT”)

     33         27   

Taiwan International Ports Logistics Corporation (“TIPL”)

     —           27   

Dian Zuan Integrating Marketing Co., Ltd. (“DZIM”)

     13         26   

ClickForce Co., Ltd.

     —           49   

HopeTech Technologies Limited (“HopeTech”)

     45         45   

Alliance Digital Tech Co., Ltd. (“ADT”)

     19         13   

MeWorks LIMITED (HK) (“Meworks”)

     —           20   

Xiamen Sertec Business Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sertec”)

     49         49   

Panda Monium Company Ltd.

     43         43   

 

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Table of Contents

None of the above associates is considered individually material to the Company. Aggregate information of associates that are not individually material was as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
            (In Millions)         

The Company’s share of the profit

   $ 529       $ 680       $ 823   

The Company’s share of other comprehensive income (loss)

     (26      (35      5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s share of total comprehensive income

$ 503    $ 645    $ 828   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

SNI was listed in December 2013. The fair value based on the closing market prices of SNI as of the balance sheet date is as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

SNI

   $ 2,545       $ 2,868   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

SENAO disposed of 245 thousand shares of SNI in December 2013 and the gain of disposal of SNI was recognized in profit or loss as follows:

 

    

Year Ended

December 31,

 
     2013  
     NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Proceeds from disposal

   $ 24   

Carrying amount of the disposed investment

     (9

Reclassification adjustment upon disposal—exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations

     (2
  

 

 

 

Profit or loss, net

$ 13   
  

 

 

 

Chunghwa participated in the capital increase of So-net by investing $60 million in March 2013. The ownership interest remains 30% after the capital increase.

Chunghwa did not participate in the capital increase of KWT in August and November 2014 and the ownership interest decreased from 33% to 27% after the capital increase of KWT.

Chunghwa and Taiwan International Ports Corporation, Ltd. established TIPL in October 2014. Chunghwa invested $80 million cash and held 27% ownership of TIPL. TIPL engages mainly in logistics service of increasing cargo movement efficiency.

Chunghwa, President Chain Store Corporation and EasyCard Corporation established DZIM in May 2011. DZIM reduced its capital to offset the deficits amounting to $131 million and made capital reduction of $49 million during its stockholders’ meeting held on March 31, 2013. Chunghwa received $16 million from the capital reduction. Chunghwa did not participate in the capital increase of DZIM in July 2013 and the ownership interest decreased from 33% to 13% after the capital increase of DZIM. Chunghwa participated in the capital increase of DZIM by investing $49 million in April and June 2014. SENAO participated in the capital increase of DZIM by investing $24 million in April 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Company held 26% ownership of DZIM. DZIM engages mainly in information technology service and general advertisement service.

 

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Chunghwa International Yellow Pages participated in the capital increase of ClickForce Co., Ltd. by investing $39 million and held 49% ownership in December 2014. ClickForce Co., Ltd. engages mainly in advertisement services.

Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile Corporation, Asia Pacific Telecom, Vibo Telecom, EasyCard Corporation and Far EasTone Telecommunications established an associate, ADT, in November 2013. Chunghwa invested $30 million cash and held 19% ownership of ADT. Based on the share of capital commitments, Chunghwa has one seat out of five seats in the board of directors; therefore it has significant influence over ADT. Chunghwa did not participate in the capital increase of ADT in April 2014 and the ownership interest decreased from 19% to 13% after the capital increase of ADT. Chunghwa still has one seat out of five seats in the board of directors; therefore it remains an investor with significant influence over ADT. ADT engages mainly in the development of mobile payments and information processing service.

Prime Asia participated in the capital increase of MeWorks by investing $10 million and held 20% ownership in May 2014. Based on the share of capital commitments, Prime Asia has two seats out of five seats in the board of directors; therefore it has significant influence over MeWorks. MeWorks engages mainly in investment business.

The Company’s share of profit (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) of associates was recorded based on audited financial statements of the associates for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

 

  b. Investment in joint ventures

Investment in joint ventures was as follows:

 

     Carrying Amount      % of Ownership and  
     December 31      Voting Rights  
         2013              2014          December 31  
     NT$      NT$      2013      2014  
     (In Millions)                

Non-listed

           

Huada Digital Corporation (“HDD”)

   $ 228       $ 219         50         50   

Chunghwa Benefit One Co., Ltd. (“CBO”)

     —           38         —           50   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       
$ 228    $ 257   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

Chunghwa invested in CBO in February 2014 at $50 million cash to acquire 50% of its shares and the rest of 50% ownership interest was held by Benefit One Asia Pte. Ltd. (“BOA”), and each obtained half of director seats. Thus, neither Chunghwa nor BOA obtained control over CBO. CBO engages mainly in e-commerce business for employees of corporate members.

Summarized financial information of joint ventures that was not material to the Company was as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
            (In Millions)         

The Company’s share of the loss

   $ (9    $ (14    $ (21

The Company’s share of other comprehensive income

     —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s share of total comprehensive loss

$ (9 $ (14 $ (21
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

The Company’s share of loss of the joint venture was recorded based on audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

 

17. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Carrying amount

     

Land

   $ 102,263       $ 102,774   

Land improvements

     443         413   

Buildings

     45,586         44,398   

Computer equipment

     4,395         4,010   

Telecommunications equipment

     122,804         126,309   

Transportation equipment

     2,073         1,616   

Miscellaneous equipment

     2,297         2,200   

Construction in progress and advances related to acquisition of equipment

     22,853         20,930   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 302,714    $ 302,650   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-42


Table of Contents
    Land     Land
Improvements
    Buildings     Computer
Equipment
    Telecommuni-
cations
Equipment
    Transportation
Equipment
    Miscellaneous
Equipment
    Construction
in Progress
and Advances
Related to
Acquisition of
Equipment
    Total  
    NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$  
    (In Millions)  

Cost

                 

Balance on January 1, 2012

  $ 102,122      $ 1,521      $ 67,289      $ 14,808      $ 655,543      $ 2,527      $ 7,220      $ 13,689      $ 864,719   

Additions

    —          —          —          51        30        1        108        33,531        33,721   

Disposal

    (17     (5     (47     (921     (11,204     (399     (417     —          (13,010

Effect of foreign exchange differences

    —          —          —          (1     (1     —          (1     (21     (24

Other

    92        32        187        1,297        25,008        1,186        678        (28,516     (36
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2012

$ 102,197    $ 1,548    $ 67,429    $ 15,234    $ 669,376    $ 3,315    $ 7,588    $ 18,683    $ 885,370   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Balance on January 1, 2012

$ —      $ (1,017 $ (19,670 $ (10,919 $ (531,243 $ (1,254 $ (5,584 $ —      $ (569,687

Depreciation Expenses

  —        (56   (1,220   (1,342   (27,534   (408   (461   —        (31,021

Disposal

  —        5      47      918      11,191      398      416      —        12,975   

Impairment losses

  —        —        —        —        (281   —        (20   —        (301

Effect of foreign exchange differences

  —        —        —        —        2      —        —        —        2   

Other

  —        —        18      (5   19      (6   (22   —        4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2012

$ —      $ (1,068 $ (20,825 $ (11,348 $ (547,846 $ (1,270 $ (5,671 $ —      $ (588,028
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost

Balance on January 1, 2013

$ 102,197    $ 1,548    $ 67,429    $ 15,234    $ 669,376    $ 3,315    $ 7,588    $ 18,683    $ 885,370   

Additions

  —        —        6      68      72      1      285      36,295      36,727   

Disposal

  (56   (9   (18   (1,132   (14,778   (158   (439   —        (16,590

Effect of foreign exchange differences

  —        —        —        2      7      —        (9   —        —     

Other

  122      8      141      1,824      28,441      587      990      (32,125   (12
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2013

$ 102,263    $ 1,547    $ 67,558    $ 15,996    $ 683,118    $ 3,745    $ 8,415    $ 22,853    $ 905,495   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

F-43


Table of Contents
    Land     Land
Improvements
    Buildings     Computer
Equipment
    Telecommuni-
cations
Equipment
    Transportation
Equipment
    Miscellaneous
Equipment
    Construction
in Progress
and Advances
Related to
Acquisition of
Equipment
    Total  
    NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$  
    (In Millions)  

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

                 

Balance on January 1, 2013

  $ —        $ (1,068   $ (20,825   $ (11,348   $ (547,846   $ (1,270   $ (5,671   $ —        $ (588,028

Depreciation Expenses

    —          (57     (1,245     (1,380     (26,977     (550     (728     —          (30,937

Disposal

    —          9        18        1,129        14,735        158        421        —          16,470   

Impairment losses

    —          —          —          —          (254     —          —          —          (254

Effect of foreign exchange differences

    —          —          —          (1     22        —          (27     —          (6

Other

    —          12        80        (1     6        (10     (113     —          (26
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2013

$ —      $ (1,104 $ (21,972 $ (11,601 $ (560,314 $ (1,672 $ (6,118 $ —      $ (602,781
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost

Balance on January 1, 2014

$ 102,263    $ 1,547    $ 67,558    $ 15,996    $ 683,118    $ 3,745    $ 8,415    $ 22,853    $ 905,495   

Additions

  308      —        136      30      130      1      266      31,213      32,084   

Disposal

  (26   (12   (14   (1,805   (19,208   (76   (539   —        (21,680

Effect of foreign exchange differences

  —        —        —        2      102      —        5      —        109   

Other

  229      23      (80   1,095      30,934      154      496      (33,136   (285
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2014

$ 102,774    $ 1,558    $ 67,600    $ 15,318    $ 695,076    $ 3,824    $ 8,643    $ 20,930    $ 915,723   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Balance on January 1, 2014

$ —      $ (1,104 $ (21,972 $ (11,601 $ (560,314 $ (1,672 $ (6,118 $ —      $ (602,781

Depreciation Expenses

  —        (53   (1,252   (1,473   (27,704   (599   (799   —        (31,880

Disposal

  —        12      13      1,800      19,194      76      461      —        21,556   

Impairment losses

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —     

Effect of foreign exchange differences

  —        —        —        (1   (15   —        (4   —        (20

Other

  —        —        9      (33   72      (13   17      —        52   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2014

$ —      $ (1,145 $ (23,202 $ (11,308 $ (568,767 $ (2,208 $ (6,443 $ —      $ (613,073
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Concluded)

The Company determined that some telecommunications equipment and miscellaneous equipment have become obsolete and their recoverable amount determined on the basis of value in use was nil. Accordingly, an impairment loss of $301 million, $254 million and $0.064 million was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. These assets were used in the Company’s mobile communications business reportable segment.

 

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Table of Contents

Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated service lives:

 

Land improvement

  8-30 years   

Buildings

Main building

  35-60 years   

Other building facilities

  3-20 years   

Computer equipment

  2-8 years   

Telecommunications equipment

Telecommunication circuits

  2-30 years   

Telecommunication machinery and antennas equipment

  2-30 years   

Transportation equipment

  3-10 years   

Miscellaneous equipment

Leasehold improvements

  2-6 years   

Mechanical and air conditioner equipment

  3-16 years   

Others

  3-10 years   

 

18. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Carrying amount

     

Investment properties

   $ 8,018       $ 7,621   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Investment
Properties
 
     NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Cost

  

Balance on January 1, 2012

   $ 9,249   

Reclassification

     11   
  

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2012

$ 9,260   
  

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Balance on January 1, 2012

$ (189

Depreciation expense

  (16

Recognized impairment loss

  (1,261

Reclassification

  (5
  

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2012

$ (1,471
  

 

 

 

Cost

Balance on January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013

$ 9,260   
  

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Balance on January 1, 2013

$ (1,471

Depreciation expense

  (17

Reversal of impairment loss

  246   
  

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2013

$ (1,242
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

  

 

F-45


Table of Contents
     Investment
Properties
 
     NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Cost

  

Balance on January 1, 2014

   $ 9,260   

Disposal

     (623

Reclassification

     246   
  

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2014

$ 8,883   
  

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Balance on January 1, 2014

$ (1,242

Depreciation expense

  (16

Disposal

  13   

Reclassification

  (17
  

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2014

$ (1,262
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Concluded)

 

  

The fair values of investment properties were determined by reference to the appraisal reports conducted by independent appraisers. Those appraisals are based on the comparison approach, income approach or cost approach. Key assumptions and the fair values were as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Fair value

   $ 17,501       $ 17,180   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Overall capital interest rate

  1.46%-2.20%      1.54%-2.36%   

Profit margin ratio

  12%-20%      10%-20%   

Discount rate

  1.36%      1.36%   

Capitalization rate

  0.68%-2.02%      0.44%-1.65%   

After evaluating the investment properties, the Company determined that some land and buildings have recoverable amount of $2,681 million, which was calculated based on the fair value less disposal costs of the investment properties and based on the recent market prices of assets with similar age and obsolescence. These assets were used in the Company’s domestic fixed communications business and mobile communications business. Impairment loss was recognized amounted to $1,261 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

After evaluating the investment properties, the Company determined that some fair value of land and buildings increased during 2013 and have recoverable amount of $2,853 million, which was calculated based on the fair value, $2,858 million less disposal costs of the investment properties, $5 million and based on the recent market prices of assets with similar age and obsolescence. Therefore, the Company reversed a portion of previously recognized impairment losses amounted to $246 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. These assets were used in the Company’s domestic fixed communications business and mobile communications business.

The fair values of impaired investment properties were determined by reference to the appraisal reports conducted by independent appraisers and are Level 3 in the hierarchy of valuations in IFRS 13. The appraisers used comparison approach or cost approach to estimate the fair values. For comparison approach, the valuation was based on observable inputs from comparable property transactions. For cost approach, the overall capital interest rate, profit margin ratio and discount rate were used in

 

F-46


Table of Contents

measuring fair value. The fair value less costs to sell is higher than the value in use and hence the recoverable amount of the relevant assets has been determined on the basis of their fair value less costs to sell.

Key assumptions used for fair value of the investment properties with reversal of impairment loss were as follows:

 

     December 31,
2013
     NT$
     (In Millions)

Overall capital interest rate

   1.46%-2.20%

Profit margin ratio

   12%-20%

Discount rate

   1.36%

LED disposed its investment property in October 2014. The disposal price is $1,230 million, related cost is $625 million (including carrying value of $610 million and related disposal expense of $15 million), and the disposal gain was $605 million.

Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated service lives:

 

Land improvements

     8-30 years   

Buildings

  

Main buildings

     35-60 years   

Other building facilities

     4-10 years   

All of the Company’s investment properties are held under freehold interest.

 

19. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Carrying amount

     

3G and 4G concession

   $ 42,818       $ 41,150   

Computer software

     1,331         1,399   

Goodwill

     163         163   

Others

     87         113   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 44,399    $ 42,825   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     3G and 4G
Concession
     Computer
Software
    Goodwill      Others     Total  
     NT$      NT$     NT$      NT$     NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Cost

            

Balance on January 1, 2012

   $ 10,179       $ 1,733      $ 181       $ 139      $ 12,232   

Additions-acquired separately

     —           630        —           2        632   

Disposal

     —           (298     —           (24     (322
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2012

$ 10,179    $ 2,065    $ 181    $ 117    $ 12,542   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

F-47


Table of Contents
     3G and 4G
Concession
    Computer
Software
    Goodwill     Others     Total  
     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$     NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Accumulated amortization and impairment

          

Balance on January 1, 2012

   $ (4,939   $ (982   $   —        $ (33   $ (5,954

Amortization expenses

     (748     (366     —          (9     (1,123

Disposal

     —          298        —          24        322   

Impairment loss

     —          —          —          (5     (5

Effect of foreign exchange difference

     —          —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2012

$ (5,687 $ (1,050 $ —      $ (23 $ (6,760
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost

Balance on January 1, 2013

$ 10,179    $ 2,065    $ 181    $ 117    $ 12,542   

Additions-acquired separately

  39,075      796      —        1      39,872   

Disposal

  —        (225   —        —        (225

Effect of foreign exchange difference

  —        1      —        —        1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2013

$ 49,254    $ 2,637    $ 181    $ 118    $ 52,190   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization and impairment

Balance on January 1, 2013

$ (5,687 $ (1,050 $ —      $ (23 $ (6,760

Amortization expenses

  (749   (481   —        (8   (1,238

Disposal

  —        225      —        —        225   

Impairment loss

  —        —        (18   —        (18

Effect of foreign exchange difference

  —        —        —        —        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2013

$ (6,436 $ (1,306 $ (18 $ (31 $ (7,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost

Balance on January 1, 2014

$ 49,254    $ 2,637    $ 181    $ 118    $ 52,190   

Additions-acquired separately

  —        611      —        33      644   

Disposal

  —        (56   —        —        (56

Effect of foreign exchange difference

  —        —        —        —        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2014

$ 49,254    $ 3,192    $ 181    $ 151    $ 52,778   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization and impairment

Balance on January 1, 2014

$ (6,436 $ (1,306 $ (18 $ (31 $ (7,791

Amortization expenses

  (1,668   (543   —        (7   (2,218

Disposal

  —        56      —        —        56   

Effect of foreign exchange difference

  —        —        —        —        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2014

$ (8,104 $ (1,793 $ (18 $ (38 $ (9,953
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Concluded)

For long-term business development, Chunghwa participated in mobile broadband (4G) license bidding process announced by NCC and obtained certain spectrums. Chunghwa paid the 4G concession fee amounting to $39,075 million in November 2013.

Except for goodwill, the amortization expense is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated service lives:

The computer software is amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 1 to 10 years.

 

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Table of Contents

The 3G and 4G concession fee are amortized on a straight-line basis from the date operations commence through the date the license expires. The carrying amount of 3G concession fee will be fully amortized by December 2018, and 4G concession fee will be fully amortized by December 2030. Goodwill is not amortized.

Other intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 3 to 20 years.

CHPT recognized an impairment loss of $5 million on the patent for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The Company did not recognize any impairment loss on goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2014. Goodwill amounted to $18 million arising from the business combination of a subsidiary, CHI, which is classified in other reportable segment, was fully impaired for the year ended December 31, 2013 because CHI underwent organizational downsizing. The recoverable amount of the goodwill determined on the basis of value in use was nil.

 

20. OTHER ASSETS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Spare parts

   $ 3,008       $ 2,977   

Refundable deposits

     2,210         2,739   

Other financial assets

     1,000         1,000   

Others

     2,627         2,104   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 8,845    $ 8,820   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

$ 3,962    $ 3,219   

Noncurrent

  4,883      5,601   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 8,845    $ 8,820   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

Spare parts

$ 3,008    $ 2,977   

Others

  954      242   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 3,962    $ 3,219   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent

Refundable deposits

$ 2,210    $ 2,739   

Other financial assets

  1,000      1,000   

Others

  1,673      1,862   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 4,883    $ 5,601   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other financial assets-noncurrent relates to the Piping Fund. As part of the government’s effort to upgrade the existing telecommunications infrastructure, Chunghwa and other public utility companies were required by the ROC government to contribute to a Piping Fund administered by the Taipei City Government. This fund was used to finance various telecommunications infrastructure projects. Net assets of this fund would be returned proportionately after the project was completed.

 

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Table of Contents
21. HEDGING DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Cash flow hedge—forward exchange contracts

   $   —         $   —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  a. Cash flow hedges

The Company’s hedge strategy is to enter forward exchange contracts—buy to avoid its foreign currency exposure to certain foreign currency denominated payments in the following six months. In addition, the Company’s management considers the market condition to determine the hedge ratio, and enters into forward exchange contracts with the banks to avoid the foreign currency risk.

The Company signed equipment purchase contracts with suppliers, and entered into foreign exchange forward contracts in 2014 to avoid foreign currency risk exposure to Euro-denominated purchase commitments. Those foreign exchange forward contracts were designated as cash flow hedges. For the year ended December 31, 2014, loss arising from changes in fair value of the hedged items recognized in other comprehensive income was $0.3 million. Upon the completion of the purchase transaction, the amount deferred and recognized in equity initially will be reclassified into equipment as its carrying value.

The outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts at the balance sheet date were as follows:

 

     Currency      Maturity Period      Contract
Amount
(Millions)
 

December 31, 2014

        

Forward exchange contracts—buy

   EUR/NT$           2015.3       EUR2/NT$ 91   

The Company did not have any outstanding forward exchange contracts applied to hedge accounting for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Losses arising from the hedging derivative instruments reclassified from equity to initial cost of the non-financial asset in 2014 were $18 million.

 

  b. Fair value hedges

The Company engages in fair vale hedge transactions to manage the foreign currency exposure of available-for-sale financial assets-foreign open-end mutual funds denominated in U.S. dollar.

There were no outstanding fair value hedge transactions as of December 31, 2013 and 2014.

 

22. SHORT-TERM LOANS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Unsecured loans

   $ 254       $ 564   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Annual interest rates

  1.18%-2.40%      1.25%-2.40%   

 

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Table of Contents
23. LONG-TERM LOANS (INCLUDING LONG-TERM LOANS-CURRENT PORTION)

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Secured loans (Note 41)

   $ 1,700       $ 1,900   

Less: Current portion of long-term loans

     300         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1,400    $ 1,900   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The annual interest rates of loans were as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  

Secured loans

     1.15%-2.10%         1.13%-2.35%   

LED obtained a secured loan from Chang Hwa Bank in September 2010. Interest is paid monthly. $300 million and $1,350 million were originally due in December 2014 and September 2015, respectively. In October 2014, the bank borrowing mentioned above was extended to September 2018 for one time repayment. LED obtained another secured loan from Chang Hwa Bank in December 2012 for $400 million which will be due in December 2017; LED has made an early repayment of $300 million and $50 million in February 2013 and May 2013, respectively.

CHPT entered into a secured loan contract of $348 million with Bank of Taiwan in April 2014, interest will be paid monthly, amortization of principle will begin in June 2016, and the contract will expire in April 2029. By the end of 2014, the Company made early repayment of $148 million.

 

24. TRADE NOTES AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Trade notes and accounts payable

   $ 15,589       $ 18,519   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trade notes and accounts payable were arising from operating activities, and the trading term and conditions were agreed separately.

 

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25. OTHER PAYABLES

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Other payables

     

Accrued salary and compensation

   $ 10,336       $ 9,122   

Payables to contractors

     2,733         2,629   

Accrual amounts for bonuses to employees and remuneration to directors and supervisors

     980         1,680   

Accrued franchise fees

     2,009         1,585   

Amounts collected for others

     1,326         1,330   

Payables to equipment suppliers

     1,820         1,182   

Accrued maintenance costs

     991         868   

Others

     6,597         5,939   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 26,792    $ 24,335   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

26. PROVISIONS

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Warranties

   $ 201       $ 212   

Employee benefits

     47         55   

Others

     4         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 252    $ 272   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

$ 129    $ 179   

Noncurrent

  123      93   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 252    $ 272   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Warranties      Employee
Benefits
     Others      Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Balance on January 1, 2012

   $ 148       $ 33       $ 1       $ 182   

Additional provisions recognized

     166         9         2         177   

Used during the period

     (92      —           —           (92

Unused amounts reversed

     (1      —           —           (1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2012

$ 221    $ 42    $ 3    $ 266   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

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     Warranties      Employee
Benefits
     Others      Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Balance on January 1, 2013

   $ 221       $ 42       $ 3       $ 266   

Additional provisions recognized

     153         5         1         159   

Used during the period

     (173      —           —           (173
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2013

$ 201    $ 47    $ 4    $ 252   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on January 1, 2014

$ 201    $ 47    $ 4    $ 252   

Additional provisions recognized

  192      8      1      201   

Used during the period

  (174   —        —        (174

Unused amounts reversed

  (7   —        —        (7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2014

$ 212    $ 55    $ 5    $ 272   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Concluded)

 

  a. The provision for warranty claims represents the present values of the management’s best estimate of the future outflow of economic benefits that will be required under the Company’s obligation for warranties in sales agreements. The estimate has been made based on the historical warranty experience.
  b. The provision for employee benefits represents vested long-term service leave entitlements accrued.

 

27. ADVANCE RECEIPTS

Advance receipts are mainly from advance telecommunication charges. In accordance with NCC’s regulation named “Mandatory and Prohibitory Provisions To Be Included In Standard Contracts for Telecommunication Goods (Services) Coupons”, the Company entered into a contract with Bank of Taiwan. Bank of Taiwan provided a performance guarantee for advance receipts from selling prepaid cards amounting to $1,058 million and $1,022 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

 

28. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

 

  a. Defined contribution plans

The pension plan under the Labor Pension Act of ROC (the “LPA”) is considered as a defined contribution plan. Based on the LPA, Chunghwa and its domestic subsidiaries make monthly contributions to employees’ individual pension accounts at 6% of monthly salaries and wages. Its foreign subsidiaries would make monthly contributions based on the local pension requirements. The amounts recognized as expenses for defined contribution plans were $311 million, $375 million and $441 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

 

  b. Defined benefit plans

Chunghwa completed its privatization plans on August 12, 2005. Chunghwa is required to pay all accrued pension obligations including service clearance payment, lump sum payment under civil service plan, additional separation payments, etc. upon the completion of the privatization in accordance with the Statute Governing Privatization of Stated-owned Enterprises. After paying all pension obligations for privatization, the plan assets of Chunghwa should be transferred to the Fund for Privatization of Government-owned Enterprises (the “Privatization Fund”) under the Executive Yuan. On August 7, 2006, Chunghwa transferred the remaining balance of fund to the Privatization Fund. However, according to the instructions of MOTC, Chunghwa was requested to administer the distributions to employees on behalf of MOTC for pension obligations including service clearance

 

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payment, lump sum payment under civil service plan, additional separation payments, etc. upon the completion of the privatization and recognized such receivable from MOTC in other current monetary assets.

The Company’s pension plan under the Labor Standards Law is considered as a defined benefit plan that provide benefits based on an employee’s length of service and average last six-month salary prior to retirement. Chunghwa and its subsidiaries contribute an amount no more than 15% of salaries paid each month to their respective pension funds (the Funds), which are administered by the Labor Pension Fund Supervisory Committee (the Committee) and deposited in the names of the Committees in the Bank of Taiwan. To meet the minimum funding requirement, the Company is to make monthly contributions of at least 2% of eligible employees.

The most recent actuarial valuation of plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit obligation were carried out at December 31, 2014 by an independent actuary. The present value of the defined benefit obligation, and the related current service cost and past service cost, were measured using the Projected Unit Credit Method.

The principal assumptions used for the purpose of the actuarial valuations were as follows:

 

     Measurement Date
     December 31
     2013   2014

Discount rates

   2.00%   2.00%

Expected rates of salary increase

   1.00%-2.75%   1.00%-2.00%

Components of defined benefit cost in respect of these defined benefit plans are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Current service cost

   $ 2,836       $ 2,906       $ 2,920   

Net interest expense

     26         53         94   

Loss arising from settlements

     —           —           76   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Components of defined benefit costs recognized in profit or loss

  2,862      2,959      3,090   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Remeasurement on the net defined benefit liability:

Return on plan assets

  132      (226   (52

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in demographic assumptions

  534      (3   4   

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions

  300      (858   (5

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments

  573      1,704      545   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Components of defined benefit costs recognized in other comprehensive income

  1,539      617      492   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 4,401    $ 3,576    $ 3,582   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

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     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

An analysis by function

        

Operating cost

   $ 1,719       $ 1,762       $ 1,849   

Marketing expenses

     803         858         888   

General and administrative expenses

     158         162         169   

Research and development expenses

     105         100         106   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 2,785    $ 2,882    $ 3,012   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Concluded)

The cumulative amount of actuarial gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was $1,539 million, $2,156 million and $2,648 million, respectively.

The amount included in the consolidated balance sheets arising from the Company’s obligation in respect of its defined benefit plans is as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Present value of funded defined benefit obligation

   $ 25,457       $ 27,958   

Fair value of plan assets

     (19,982      (21,496
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net liability arising from defined benefit obligation

$ 5,475    $ 6,462   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued pension liabilities

$ 5,482    $ 6,470   

Prepaid pension cost (included in other noncurrent assets—others)

  (7   (8
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 5,475    $ 6,462   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Movements in the present value of the defined benefit obligation in the current year were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Balance, beginning of the year

   $ 18,697       $ 22,100       $ 25,457   

Current service cost

     2,836         2,906         2,920   

Interest cost

     321         347         509   

Remeasurement on the net defined benefit liability:

        

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in demographic assumptions

     534         (3      4   

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions

     300         (858      (5

(Continued)

 

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     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments

   $ 573       $ 1,704       $ 545   

Benefits paid from plan assets

     (1,026      (632      (454

Benefits paid directly by the Company

     (135      (107      (101

Settlement

     —           —           (917
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, end of the year

$ 22,100    $ 25,457    $ 27,958   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Concluded)

Movements in the fair value of the plan assets were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Balance, beginning of the year

   $ 15,750       $ 17,528       $ 19,982   

Interest income

     295         294         415   

Return on plan assets

     (132      226         52   

Contributions from employer

     2,641         2,566         2,486   

Benefits paid from plan assets

     (1,026      (632      (454

Settlement

     —           —           (985
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, end of the year

$ 17,528    $ 19,982    $ 21,496   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The major categories of plan assets and the fair value of plan assets at the end of the reporting period for each category, were as follows:

 

     Fair Value of Plan Assets  
     December 31  
           2013                  2014        
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Stock and beneficiary certificates

   $ 8,946       $ 10,681   

Fixed income investments

     6,310         6,096   

Cash

     4,568         4,110   

Others

     158         609   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 19,982    $ 21,496   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Under the Labor Standards Law, the rate of return on assets shall not be less than the average interest rate on a two-year time deposit published by the local banks and the government is responsible for any shortfall in the event that the rate of return is less than the required rate of return. The plan assets are held in a commingled fund which is operated and managed by the government’s designated authorities; as such, the Company does not have any right to intervene in the investments of the funds.

Significant actuarial assumptions for the determination of the defined obligation are discount rate and expected salary increase. The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on reasonably possible changes of the respective assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period, while holding all other assumptions constant.

 

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If the discount rate is 0.5% higher, the defined benefit obligation would decrease by $1,061 million. If the discount rate is 0.5% lower, the defined benefit obligation would increase by $1,131 million.

If the expected salary growth increases by 0.5%, the defined benefit obligation would increase by $1,134 million. If the expected salary growth decreases by 0.5%, the defined benefit obligation would decrease by $1,129 million.

The sensitivity analysis presented above may not be representative of the actual change in the defined benefit obligation as it is unlikely that the change in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated.

Furthermore, in presenting the above sensitivity analysis, the present value of the defined benefit obligation has been calculated using the projected unit credit method at the end of the reporting period, which is the same as that applied in calculating the defined benefit obligation liability recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

There is no change in the methods and assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analyses from the previous period.

The average duration of the benefit obligation at December 31, 2014 is from 8 to 14 years.

The Company’s maturity analysis of the benefit payments was as follows:

 

Year

   Amount  
     NT$  
     (In Millions)  

2015

   $ 1,395   

2016

     2,366   

2017

     3,751   

2018

     5,145   

2019 and thereafter

     36,388   

The Company expects to make a contribution of $2,508 million to the defined benefit plans in the next twelve months starting from December 31, 2014.

 

29. EQUITY

 

  a. Share capital

 

  1) Common stock

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Number of authorized shares

     12,000         12,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Authorized shares

$ 120,000    $ 120,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Number of shares issued and outstanding

  7,757      7,757   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Issued and outstanding shares

$ 77,574    $ 77,574   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The issued common stock of a par value at $10 per share entitled the right to vote and receive dividends.

 

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  2) Global depositary receipts

For the purpose of privatizing Chunghwa, the MOTC sold 1,110 million shares of common stock of Chunghwa in an international offering of securities in the form of American Depositary Shares (“ADS”) amounting to 111 million units (one ADS represents ten shares of common stock) on the New York Stock Exchange on July 17, 2003. Afterwards, the MOTC sold 1,351 million common shares in the form of ADS amounting to 135 million units on August 10, 2005. Subsequently, the MOTC and Taiwan Mobile Co., Ltd. sold 505 million and 59 million common shares of Chunghwa, respectively, in the form of ADS totally amounting to 56 million units on September 29, 2006. The MOTC and Taiwan Mobile Co., Ltd. have sold 3,025 million common shares in the form of ADS amounting to 302 million units. As of December 31, 2014, there were 25 million ADSs outstanding, which represent 247 million common shares, representing 3.18% of Chunghwa’s total outstanding common shares.

The ADS holders generally have the same rights and obligations as other common stockholders, subject to the provision of relevant laws. The exercise of such rights and obligations shall comply with the related regulations and deposit agreement, which stipulate, among other things, that ADS holders can, through deposit agents:

 

  a) Exercise their voting rights,

 

  b) Sell their ADSs, and

 

  c) Receive dividends declared and subscribe to the issuance of new shares.

 

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  b. Addition paid-in capital

The adjustment of additional paid-in capital for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 were as follows:

 

     Share
Premium
    Movements of
Paid-in
Capital
Arising from
Changes in
Equities of
Subsidiaries
     Share-based
Payment
Transactions
     Donated
Capital
     Stockholders’
Contribution
Due to
Privatization
     Total  
     NT$     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Balance on January 1, 2012

   $ 148,211      $   —         $   —         $ 13       $ 20,648       $ 168,872   

Exercise of employee stock option of a subsidiary

     —          —           5         —           —           5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2012

$ 148,211    $ —      $ 5    $ 13    $ 20,648    $ 168,877   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on January 1, 2013

$ 148,211    $ —      $ 5    $ 13    $ 20,648    $ 168,877   

Cash distributed from additional paid-in capital

  (5,589   —        —        —        —        (5,589

Exercise of employee stock option of subsidiaries

  —        —        6      —        —        6   

Employee stock bonus issued by a subsidiary

  —        —        —        —        —        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2013

$ 142,622    $ —      $ 11    $ 13    $ 20,648    $ 163,294   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on January 1, 2014

$ 142,622    $ —      $ 11    $ 13    $ 20,648    $ 163,294   

Cash distributed from additional paid-in capital

  (16,577   —        —        —        —        (16,577

Change in additional paid-in capital from share subscription not based on original ownership of a subsidiary

  —        3      —        —        —        3   

Employee stock bonus issued by a subsidiary

  —        —        —        —        —        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance on December 31, 2014

$ 126,045    $ 3    $ 11    $ 13    $ 20,648    $ 146,720   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital may only be utilized to offset deficits. However, the additional paid-in capital from shares issued in excess of par and donations may be distributed in cash or capitalized when a company has no deficit, which however is limited to a certain percentage of Chunghwa’s paid-in capital.

Additional paid-in capital from investments accounted for using equity method may not be used for any purpose.

 

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  c. Retained earnings and dividends policy

Before distributing a dividend or making any other distribution to stockholders, Chunghwa must pay all outstanding taxes, offset deficits in prior years and set aside a legal reserve equal to 10% of its net income, and depending on its business needs or requirements, may also set aside or reverse special reserves. In accordance with Chunghwa’s Articles of Incorporation, no less than 50% of the remaining earnings comprising remaining balance of net income, if any, plus cumulative undistributed earnings shall be distributed in the following order: (a) from 2% to 5% of distributable earnings shall be distributed to employees as employee bonus; (b) no more than 0.2% of distributable earnings shall be distributed to board of directors and supervisors as remuneration; and (c) cash dividends to be distributed shall not be less than 50% of the total amount of dividends to be distributed. If cash dividend to be distributed is less than $0.10 per share, such cash dividend shall be distributed in the form of common stocks.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the accrual amounts for bonuses to employees and remuneration to directors and supervisors were accrued based on past experiences and the probable amount to be paid in accordance with Chunghwa’s Articles of Incorporation and Implementation Guidance for the Employee’s Bonus Distribution of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.

If the initial accrual amounts of the aforementioned bonus are significantly different from the amounts proposed by the board of directors, the difference is charged to the earnings of the year making the initial estimate. Otherwise, the difference between initial accrual amount and the amount resolved in the shareholders’ meeting is charged to the earnings of the following year as a result of change in accounting estimate. If the shareholders’ meeting approved to distribute the employee bonus as stocks, the share number of the stock bonus were determined by the amount of bonus divided by the fair value of the common stocks which was the closing market prices one day before shareholders’ meeting after taking into account the effects of ex-rights and ex-dividends.

Special reserve was appropriated in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations or as requested by local authority. Pursuant to existing regulations, the Company is required to set aside additional special reserve equivalent to debit balances under stockholder’s equity. For subsequent decrease in the deduction amount to stockholder’s equity, the decreased amount could be reversed from the special reserve to retained earnings.

The appropriation for legal reserve shall be made until the accumulated reserve equals the aggregate par value of the outstanding capital stock of Chunghwa. This reserve can only be used to offset a deficit, or, when the legal reserve has exceeded 25% of the Company’s paid-in capital, the excess may be transferred to capital or distributed in cash.

Except for non-ROC resident shareholders, all shareholders receiving the dividends are entitled a tax credit equal to their proportionate share of the income tax paid by the Company. Starting from 2015, the allowed tax credit is adjusted to 50% of the income tax paid in the ROC by the Company for ROC resident shareholders.

The appropriations and distributions of the 2012 and 2013 earnings of Chunghwa have been approved by the stockholders on June 25, 2013 and June 24, 2014 as follows:

 

     Appropriation of Earnings      Dividends Per Share  
     For Fiscal
Year 2012
     For Fiscal
Year 2013
     For Fiscal
Year 2012
     For Fiscal
Year 2013
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)                

Legal reserve

   $ 3,990       $ 2,074         

Special reserve

     —           144         

Cash dividends

     35,913         18,526       $ 4.63       $ 2.39   

 

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The stockholders of Chunghwa resolved to distribute cash $0.72 per share and the total amount of $5,589 million from additional paid-in capital on June 25, 2013. Such amount was subsequently paid in August 2013.

The stockholders of Chunghwa resolved to distribute cash $2.14 per share and the total amount of $16,577 million from additional paid-in capital on June 24, 2014. Such amount was subsequently paid in August 2014.

The bonuses to the employees and remuneration to the directors and supervisors of the 2012 and 2013 approved by the board of directors and the stockholders on June 25, 2013 and June 24, 2014 were as follows:

 

     2012      2013  
     Cash Bonus      Cash Bonus  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Bonus distributed to the employees

   $ 1,533       $ 759   

Remuneration paid to the directors and supervisors

     37         19   

There was no difference between the initial accrual amounts and the amounts resolved in shareholders’ meeting of the aforementioned bonuses to employees and the remuneration to directors and supervisors on June 25, 2013 and June 24, 2014.

Chunghwa’s distributable earnings, bonus distributed to the employees and remuneration paid to the directors and supervisors as of the end of the period were based on the consolidated financial statements of 2012 prepared in conformity with the pre-revised Guidelines Governing the Preparation of Financial Reports by Securities Issuers and accounting principles generally accepted in the ROC (“ROC GAAP”).

The appropriations of earnings for 2014 had been approved by Chunghwa’s board of directors on February 13, 2015. The appropriations and dividends per share were as follows:

 

     For Fiscal Year 2014  
     Appropriation
of Earnings
     Dividends
Per Share
 
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)         

Legal reserve

   $ 681      

Reversal of special reserve

     (144   

Cash dividends

     37,673       $ 4.86   

The appropriations of earnings, the bonus to employees, and the remuneration to directors and supervisors for 2014 are subject to the resolution of the shareholders’ meeting to be held on June 26, 2015.

Information of the appropriation of Chunghwa’s earnings, employees bonuses and remuneration to directors and supervisors resolved by the board of directors and approved by the stockholders is available on the Market Observation Post System website.

 

  d. Other equity items

 

  1) Exchange differences arising from the translation of the foreign operations

The exchange differences arising from the translation of the foreign operations from their functional currency to New Taiwan dollars were recognized as exchange differences arising from the translation of the foreign operations in other comprehensive income.

 

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  2) Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale financial assets

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Beginning balance

   $ 68       $ 258       $ (150

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale financial assets

     192         (560      926   

Income tax relating to unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale financial assets

     —           (6      3   

Amount reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal

     (26      158         (39

Amount reclassified from equity to impairment loss

     24         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 258    $ (150 $ 740   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale financial assets were accumulated gains and losses on the available-for-sale financial assets measured at fair value, which were recognized in other comprehensive income and were included in the calculation of the related disposal gain and loss or impairment loss of such financial assets upon reclassified to profits or losses.

 

  e. Noncontrolling interests

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
            (In Millions)         

Beginning balance

   $ 4,181       $ 4,336       $ 4,846   

Attributable to noncontrolling interests

        

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to noncontrolling interests

     (893      (811      (797

Net income of current period

     1,125         1,124         597   

Actuarial gains (loss) on the defined benefit plans

     (20      3         (3

Income tax related to actuarial gains and losses

     2         (1      1   

Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations

     (7      27         24   

Share of exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations of associates

     (1      3         5   

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale financial assets

     2         11         (9

Income tax relating to unrealized loss on available-for-sale financial assets

     —           (1      —     

Exercise of employee stock option of subsidiaries

     38         44         —     

Compensation cost of employee stock options of a subsidiary

     —           70         93   

(Continued)

 

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     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
            (In Millions)         

Employee stock bonus issued by a subsidiary

   $ —         $ 2       $ 5   

Increase (decrease) in noncontrolling interests

     (91      39         162   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 4,336    $ 4,846    $ 4,924   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Concluded)

 

30. REVENUE

The main source of revenue of the Company includes various telecommunications services in various different streams, and the related information were as discussed in Note 43.

 

31. NET INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

  a. Other income and expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net

   $ (2    $ 85       $ 26   

Gain on disposal of investment properties

     —           —           605   

Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment

     (301      (254      —     

Reversal gain (impairment loss) on investment properties

     (1,261      246         —     

Impairment loss on intangible assets

     (5      (18      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (1,569 $ 59    $ 631   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  b. Other income

 

     Year Ended December 31  
       2012          2013          2014    
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Income from Piping Fund

   $   —         $   —         $ 200   

Dividends income

     21         79         78   

Rental income

     43         43         45   

Others

     377         234         264   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 441    $ 356    $ 587   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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  c. Other gains and losses

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Net foreign currency exchange gains (losses)

   $ 34       $ (100    $ 201   

Gain on disposal of financial instruments, net

     113         76         46   

Gain (loss) on disposal of investments accounted for using equity method

     —           13         (7

Valuation gain (loss) on financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss, net

     (1      (1      1   

Loss arising on derivatives as designated hedging instruments in fair value hedges, net

     —           (93      —     

Gain arising on adjustments for hedged item attributable to the hedged risk in a designated fair value hedge accounting relationship, net

     —           93         —     

Impairment losses on available-for-sale financial assets

     (203      (66      (23

Others

     (82      (46      (94
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (139 $ (124 $ 124   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  d. Impairment loss (reversal gain) on financial instruments

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Notes and accounts receivable

   $ (1,473    $ 239       $ 292   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other receivables

$ 22    $ 14    $ 34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets

$ 203    $ 66    $ 23   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  e. Impairment loss (reversal gain) on non-financial assets

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Inventories

   $ 113       $ 203       $ 288   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

$ 301    $ 254    $   —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investment properties

$ 1,261    $ (246 $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intangible assets

$ 5    $ 18    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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  f. Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Property, plant and equipment

   $ 31,021       $ 30,937       $ 31,880   

Investment properties

     16         17         16   

Intangible assets

     1,123         1,238         2,218   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total depreciation and amortization expenses

$ 32,160    $ 32,192    $ 34,114   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expenses summarized by functions

Operating costs

$ 29,089    $ 28,813    $ 29,682   

Operating expenses

  1,948      2,141      2,214   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 31,037    $ 30,954    $ 31,896   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization expenses summarized by functions

Operating costs

$ 865    $ 987    $ 1,915   

Operating expenses

  258      251      303   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1,123    $ 1,238    $ 2,218   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  g. Employee benefit expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Post-employment benefit

        

Defined contribution plans

   $ 311       $ 375       $ 441   

Defined benefit plans

     2,785         2,882         3,012   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  3,096      3,257      3,453   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share-based payment

Equity-settled share-based payment

  —        70      93   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other employee benefit

Salaries

$ 24,333    $ 24,942    $ 24,857   

Insurance

  2,288      2,450      2,565   

Other

  14,679      14,411      15,659   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  41,300      41,803      43,081   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total employee benefit expenses

$ 44,396    $ 45,130    $ 46,627   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Summary by functions

Operating costs

$ 24,928    $ 25,038    $ 26,362   

Operating expenses

  19,468      20,092      20,265   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 44,396    $ 45,130    $ 46,627   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, the Company had 32,187 and 32,596 employees, respectively.

 

  h. Components of others comprehensive income—unrealized gain (loss)

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale financial assets arising during the year

   $ 209       $ (548    $ 925   

Reclassification adjustments

        

Upon disposal

     (44      156         (47

Upon impairment

     27         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 192    $ (392 $ 878   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges

Losses arising during the year

$   —      $  —      $ (18

Adjusted against the carrying amount of hedged items

  —        —        18   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ —      $  —      $   —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

32. INCOME TAX

 

  a. Income tax recognized in profit or loss

The major components of income tax expense are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Current tax

        

Current tax expenses recognized for the current period

   $ 7,960       $ 8,138       $ 7,516   

Income tax expense (benefit) of unappropriated earnings

     (676      (1,704      1,626   

Income tax adjustments on prior years

     32         124         4   

Others

     24         21         41   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  7,340      6,579      9,187   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax

Deferred tax expense recognized for the current period

  (4   (101   (202
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax recognized in profit or loss

$ 7,336    $ 6,478    $ 8,985   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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A reconciliation of income tax expense calculated at the statutory rate and income tax expense was as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Income before income tax

   $ 49,953       $ 49,096       $ 46,552   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense calculated at the statutory rate (17%)

  8,492      8,346      7,914   

Nondeductible expenses in determining taxable income

  221      (2   47   

Imputed income on tax

  2      2      1   

Unrecognized deductible temporary difference

  (177   67      (66

Unrecognized loss carryforwards

  107      129      161   

Tax-exempt income

  (321   (265   (399

Income tax expense (benefit) of unappropriated earnings

  (676   (1,704   1,626   

Investment credits

  (400   (233   (314

Effect of different tax rates of group entities operating in other jurisdictions

  (1   (10   (25

Income tax adjustments on prior years

  32      124      4   

Others

  57      24      36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense recognized in profit or loss

$ 7,336    $ 6,478    $ 8,985   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The applicable tax rate used above is the corporate tax rate of 17% payable by the entities subject to the Income Tax Law of the Republic of China, while the applicable tax rate used by subsidiaries in China is 25%. Tax rates used by other entities in the Company operating in other jurisdictions are based on the tax laws in those jurisdictions.

 

  b. Income tax recognized in other comprehensive income

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Deferred tax benefit

        

In respect of the current year:

        

Unrealized (gain) loss on available-for-sale financial assets

   $   —         $ 6       $ (3

Actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit plan

     (265      (105      (84
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax recognized in other comprehensive incomes

$ (265 $ (99 $ (87
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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  c. Current tax assets and liabilities

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Current tax assets

     

Tax refund receivable (included in other current assets-others)

   $ 1       $ 333   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current tax liabilities

Income tax payable

$ 6,171    $ 6,982   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  d. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities

The movements of deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities were as follows:

For the year ended December 31, 2012

 

Deferred Income Tax Assets

   January 1,
2012
     Recognized in
Profit or Loss
     Recognized in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     December 31,
2012
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Temporary differences

           

Defined benefit obligation

   $ 495       $ 13       $ 265       $ 773   

Share of the profit of associates and joint venture accounted for using equity method

     41         48         —           89   

Deferred revenue

     334         (102      —           232   

Valuation loss on inventory

     62         (18      —           44   

Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment

     12         47         —           59   

Accrued award credits liabilities

     14         (2      —           12   

Estimated warranty liabilities

     8         18         —           26   

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain), net

     —           19         —           19   

Others

     13         4         —           17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  979      27      265      1,271   

Loss carryforwards

  74      (42   —        32   

Investment credits

  3      —        —        3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1,056    $ (15 $ 265    $ 1,306   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

   January 1,
2012
     Recognized in
Profit or Loss
     Recognized in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     December 31,
2012
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Temporary differences

           

Land value incremental tax

   $ (95    $   —         $   —         $ (95

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain), net

     (13      13         —           —     

Others

     (3      —           —           (3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (111 $ 13    $ —      $ (98
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2013

 

Deferred Income Tax Assets

   December 31,
2012
     Recognized in
Profit or Loss
     Recognized in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     December 31,
2013
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Temporary differences

           

Defined benefit obligation

   $ 773       $ 50       $ 105       $ 928   

Share of the profit of associates and joint venture accounted for using equity method

     89         86         —           175   

Deferred revenue

     232         (45      —           187   

Allowance for doubtful receivables

     2         —           —           2   

Valuation loss on inventory

     44         12         —           56   

Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment

     59         —           —           59   

Accrued award credits liabilities

     12         9         —           21   

Estimated warranty liabilities

     26         (2      —           24   

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain), net

     19         (8      —           11   

Others

     15         1         —           16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  1,271      103      105      1,479   

Loss carryforwards

  32      (5   —        27   

Investment credits

  3      (3   —        —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1,306    $ 95    $ 105    $ 1,506   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

   December 31,
2012
     Recognized in
Profit or Loss
     Recognized in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     December 31,
2013
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Temporary differences

           

Land value incremental tax

   $ (95    $   —         $   —         $ (95

Valuation gain on financial instruments, net

     —           —           (6      (6

Others

     (3      3         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (98 $ 3    $ (6 $ (101
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2014

 

Deferred Income Tax Assets

   December 31,
2013
     Recognized in
Profit or Loss
     Recognized in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     December 31,
2014
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Temporary differences

           

Defined benefit obligation

   $ 928       $ 84       $ 84       $ 1,096   

Share of the profit of associates and joint venture accounted for using equity method

     175         102         —           277   

Deferred revenue

     187         (31      —           156   

Allowance for doubtful receivables

     2         112         —           114   

Valuation loss on inventory

     56         (15      —           41   

Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment

     59         (27      —           32   

Accrued award credits liabilities

     21         7         —           28   

Estimated warranty liabilities

     24         (5      —           19   

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain), net

     11         (11      —           —     

Others

     16         18         —           34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  1,479      234      84      1,797   

Loss carryforwards

  27      2      —        29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1,506    $ 236    $ 84    $ 1,826   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

   December 31,
2013
     Recognized in
Profit or Loss
     Recognized in
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     December 31,
2014
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Temporary differences

           

Land value incremental tax

   $ (95    $   —         $   —         $ (95

Unrealized foreign exchange gain, net

     —           (29      —           (29

Valuation loss (gain) on financial instruments, net

     (6      —           3         (3

Others

     —           (5      —           (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ (101 $ (34 $ 3    $ (132
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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  e. Items for which no deferred income tax assets have not been recognized

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Loss carryforwards

     

Expire in 2016

   $ 38       $ 38   

Expire in 2017

     65         65   

Expire in 2018

     130         130   

Expire in 2019

     —           164   

Expire in 2020

     —           —     

Expire in 2021

     —           —     

Expire in 2022

     4         1   

Expire in 2023

     —           —     

Expire in 2024

     —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 237    $ 398   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deductible temporary differences

$ 67    $ 1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  f. Information about unused loss carryforwards

As of December 31, 2014, unused loss carryforwards was comprised of:

 

Remaining
Creditable Amount

   

Expiry Year

 
NT$ (In Millions)        
  $ 38        2016   
  65        2017   
  130        2018   
  170        2019   
  8        2020   
  10        2021   
  1        2022   
  2        2023   
  3        2024   

 

 

   
  $427   

 

 

   

 

  g. The related information under the Integrated Income Tax System is as follows:

Imputation credit account

All Chunghwa’s earnings generated prior to June 30, 1988 have been appropriated.

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Balance of Imputation Credit Account (“ICA”)

   $ 4,102       $ 7,845   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The creditable ratio for distribution of earnings of 2013 and 2014 was 20.48% and 20.48% (expected ratio), respectively.

 

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When Chunghwa appropriated the earnings generated in and after 1998, the imputation credit allocated to local shareholders’ was based on the creditable rate as of the date of the dividends distribution date. The actual imputation credits allocated to shareholders of the Chunghwa was based on the balance of the Imputation Credit Accounts (ICA) as of the date of dividend distribution. Therefore, the expected creditable ratio for the 2014 earnings may differ from the actual creditable ratio to be used in allocating imputation credits to the shareholders.

 

  h. Income tax examinations

Chunghwa and the following subsidiaries income tax returns have been examined by the tax authorities through 2012: SENAO, CHPT, CHI, CHYP, CHIEF, SFD, CHSI, LED, SHE, YYRP and CEI. CHST, Unigate and HHR’s income tax returns have been examined by the tax authorities through 2013.

 

33. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Net income and weighted average number of common stock used in the calculation of earnings per share were as follows:

 

     Net Income

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Net income used to compute the basic earnings per share

        

Net income attributable to the parent

   $ 41,492       $ 41,494       $ 36,970   

Assumed conversion of all dilutive potential common stock

        

Employee stock options and bonus of subsidiaries

     (4      (3      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income used to compute the diluted earnings per share

$ 41,488    $ 41,491    $ 36,970   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Weighted Average Number of Common Stock

(Millions Shares)

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  

Weighted average number of common stock used to compute the basic earnings per share

     7,757         7,757         7,757   

Assumed conversion of all dilutive potential common stock

        

Employee bonus

     20         12         13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common stock used to compute the diluted earnings per share

  7,777      7,769      7,770   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

If Chunghwa may settle the employee bonus in shares or cash, Chunghwa shall presume that it will be settled in shares and takes those shares into consideration when calculating the weighted average number of outstanding shares used in the calculation of diluted EPS if the shares have a dilutive effect. The dilutive effect of the shares needs to be considered until the stockholders approve the number of shares to be distributed to employees in their meeting in the following year.

 

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34. SHARE-BASED PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT

 

  a. SENAO share-based compensation plans

SENAO share-based compensation plans (“SENAO Plans”) described as follows:

 

Effective Date    Grant Date    Stock Options Units      Exercise Price
          (In Thousands)      NT$

2005.09.30

   2006.05.05      10,000       $12.10 (Original price $16.90)

2007.10.16

   2007.10.31      6,181       $42.60 (Original price $44.20)

2012.05.28

   2013.05.07      10,000       $84.30 (Original price $93.00)

Each option is eligible to subscribe for one common stock of SENAO when exercisable. Under the terms of SENAO Plans, the options are granted at an exercise price at the closing price of the SENAO’s common stocks listed on the TSE on the grant dates except when the closing price is lower than par value, the option exercise price would become par value. The SENAO Plans have exercise price adjustment formula upon the issuance of new common stocks, capitalization of retained earnings and/or capital reserves, stock split as well as distribution of cash dividends (except for 2007 Plan), except (i) in the case of issuance of new shares in connection with mergers and in the case of cancellation of outstanding shares in connection with capital reduction (2007 Plan is out of this exception), and (ii) except if the exercise price after adjustment exceeds the exercise price before adjustment. The options of all the Plans are valid for six years and the graded vesting schedule for which 50% of option granted will vest two years after the grant date and another two tranches of 25%, each will vest three and four years after the grant date respectively.

SENAO elected not to apply IFRS 2 retrospectively for the share-based payment transactions which were granted and vested before the transition date.

Stock options granted on May 7, 2013 applied IFRS 2. The recognized compensation cost was $70 million and $93 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

SENAO modified the plan terms of the outstanding stock options in July 2014 and June 2013 for 2013 Plan, the exercise price changed from $89.40 to $84.30 per share and $93.00 to $89.40 per share, respectively. The modification did not cause any incremental fair value.

Information about SENAO’s outstanding stock options for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2012  
     Granted on May 5, 2006      Granted on October 31, 2007  
     Number of
Options
     Weighted-
average
Exercise
Price
     Number of
Options
     Weighted-
average
Exercise
Price
 
     (In Thousands)      NT$      (In Thousands)      NT$  

Employee stock options

           

Options outstanding at beginning of the year

     280       $ 12.10         1,998       $ 42.60   

Options exercised

     (275      12.10         (947      42.60   

Options forfeited

     (5      —           —           —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Options outstanding at end of the year

  —        —        1,051      42.60   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Options exercisable at end of the year

  —        —        1,051      42.60   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

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     Year Ended December 31, 2013  
     Granted on October 31, 2007      Granted on May 7, 2013  
     Number of
Options
     Weighted-
average
Exercise
Price
     Number of
Options
     Weighted-
average
Exercise
Price
 
     (In Thousands)      NT$      (In Thousands)      NT$  

Employee stock options

           

Options outstanding at beginning of the year

     1,051       $ 42.60         —         $ —     

Options granted

     —           —           10,000         93.00   

Options exercised

     (980      42.60         —           —     

Options forfeited

     (71      —           (128      —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Options outstanding at end of the year

  —        —        9,872      89.40   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Options exercisable at end of the year

  —        —        —        —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2014  
     Granted on May 7, 2013  
     Number of
Options
     Weighted-
average
Exercise Price
 
     (In Thousands)      NT$  

Employee stock options

     

Options outstanding at beginning of the year

     9,872       $ 89.40   

Options forfeited

     (845      —     
  

 

 

    

Options outstanding at end of the year

  9,027      84.30   
  

 

 

    

Options exercisable at end of the year

  —        —     
  

 

 

    

As of December 31, 2013 information about employee stock options outstanding are as follows:

 

Options Outstanding

   Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise

Price

   Number of
Options
   Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
   Weighted-
average
Exercise

Price
   Number of
Options
   Weighted-
average
Exercise

Price
NT$    (In Thousands)    (Years)    NT$    (In Thousands)    NT$

$89.40

   9,872    5.35    $89.40    —      $  —  

As of December 31, 2014 information about employee stock options outstanding are as follows:

 

Options Outstanding

   Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise
Price

   Number of
Options
   Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
   Weighted-
average
Exercise

Price
   Number of
Options
   Weighted-
average
Exercise

Price
NT$    (In Thousands)    (Years)    NT$    (In Thousands)    NT$

$84.30

   9,027    4.35    $84.30    —      $  —  

 

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SENAO used the fair value method to evaluate the options using the Black-Scholes model and the related assumptions were as follows:

 

    

Stock Options

Granted on

May 7, 2013

 

Dividends yield

     —     

Risk-free interest rate

     0.91

Expected life

     4.375 years   

Expected volatility

     36.22

Weighted-average fair value of grants (NT$)

   $ 28.72   

Had SENAO used the fair value method to evaluate the options using the Black-Scholes model, the assumptions SENAO used and the fair value of the options would have been as follows:

 

    

Stock Options

Granted on

October 31, 2007

   

Stock Options

Granted on

May 5, 2006

 

Dividends yield

     1.49     —     

Risk-free interest rate

     2.00     1.75

Expected life

     4.375 years        4.375 years   

Expected volatility

     39.82     39.63

Weighted-average fair value of grants (NT$)

   $ 13.69      $ 5.88   

 

  b. CHPT share-based compensation plan

CHPT granted 1,000 stock options to its qualified employees in December 2008. Under the CHPT option plan, each stock option entitles the holder to subscribe one thousand common shares at $12.60 per share. The options are valid for 5 years and based on the graded vesting schedule, two tranches of 30% of the option will vest two and three years after the grant date, respectively, and the remaining 40% will vest four years after the grant date. There is an exercise price adjustment formula upon the issuance of new common shares, capitalization of retained earnings and/or capital reserves, stock split, issuance of new shares in connection with mergers, issuance of global depositary receipts as well as distribution of cash dividends, except if the exercise price after adjustment exceeds the exercise price before adjustment.

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 information about CHPT’s outstanding stock options was as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013  
     Number of
Options
     Weighted-
average
Exercise
Price
     Number of
Options
     Weighted-
average
Exercise
Price
 
            NT$             NT$  

Employee stock options

           

Options outstanding at beginning of the period

     920       $ 10.10         920       $ 10.10   

Options exercised

     —           —           (810      10.10   

Options expired

     —           —           (110      10.10   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Options outstanding at end of the period

  920      10.10      —        —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Options exercisable at end of the period

  920      10.10      —        —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

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As of December 31, 2012, information about employee stock options outstanding is as follows:

 

Options Outstanding

   Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise
Price

   Number of
Options
   Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
   Weighted-
average
Exercise

Price
   Number of
Options
   Weighted-
average
Exercise

Price
NT$         (Years)    NT$         NT$

$10.10

   920    1    $10.10    920    $10.10

The share registration of 810 thousand employee stock options exercised in 2013 has been completed. 110 thousand of unexercised employee stock options were expired in December 2013. As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, CHPT has no outstanding employee stock options.

CHPT used the fair value to evaluate the options using the Black-Scholes model, the assumptions and the fair value of the options of CHPT would have been as follows:

 

     Stock Options
Granted on
December 31,
2008
 

Dividends yield

     —     

Risk free interest rate

     2.00

Expected life

     3.1 years   

Expected volatility

     20

Weighted-average fair value of grants

   $ 3.80   

 

35. NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Company entered into the following non-cash investing activities:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Increase in property, plant and equipment

   $ 33,721       $ 36,727       $ 32,084   

Other payables

     (441      (345      475   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 33,280    $ 36,382    $ 32,559   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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36. OPERATING LEASE ARRANGEMENTS

 

  a. The Company as lessee

Leasing arrangements

Except for the ST-2 satellite referred in Note 40 to the consolidated financial statement, the Company entered into several lease agreements with third parties for base stations located all over in Taiwan. The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Within one year

   $ 3,061       $ 3,050   

Longer than one year but within five years

     6,389         5,808   

Longer than five years

     1,720         1,514   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 11,170    $ 10,372   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  b. The Company as lessor

The Company leased out some land and buildings to third parties. The future aggregate minimum lease collection under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Within one year

   $ 445       $ 411   

Longer than one year but within five years

     659         525   

Longer than five years

     165         395   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1,269    $ 1,331   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

37. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

The Company manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Company will be able to continue as going concerns while maximizing the return to stakeholders through the optimization of the debt and equity balance.

The capital structure of the Company consists of debt of the Company and the equity attributable to the parent.

The management reviews the capital structure of the Company as needed. As part of this review, the management considers the cost of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital.

At the management suggestion, the Company maintains a balanced capital structure through paying cash dividends, increasing its share capital, purchasing treasury stock, proceeds from new debt or repayment of debt.

 

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38. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

     Categories of Financial Instruments

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Financial assets

     

Measured at FVTPL

     

Held for trading

   $ —         $ 1   

Held-to-maturity financial assets

     11,766         7,485   

Loans and receivables (Note a)

     45,401         56,933   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     5,494         6,281   

Financial Liabilities

     

Measured at FVTPL

     

Held for trading

     —           —     

Hedging derivative financial liabilities

     —           —     

Measured at amortized cost (Note b)

     38,411         39,683   

 

Note a:

   The balances included cash and cash equivalents, trade notes and accounts receivable, accounts receivable from related parties, other current monetary assets, other financial assets and refundable deposits (classified as other assets) which were loans and receivables. Please refer to Notes 7, 11, 14, 20 and 40.

Note b:

   The balances included short-term loans, trade notes and accounts payable, payables to related parties, certain other payables, customer’s deposits and long-term loans which were financial liabilities carried at amortized cost. Please refer to Notes 22, 23, 24, 25 and 40.

Financial Risk Management Objectives

The main financial instruments of the Company include equity and debt investments, accounts receivable, accounts payables and loans. The Company’s Finance Department provides services to its business units, co-ordinates access to domestic and international capital markets, monitors and manages the financial risks relating to the operations of the Company through internal risk reports which analyze exposures by degree and magnitude of risks. These risks include market risk (including foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk), credit risk, and liquidity risk.

The Company seeks to manage the effects of these risks by using derivative financial instruments to hedge risk exposures. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Company’s policies approved by the board of directors. Those derivatives are used to hedge the risks of exchange rate and interest rate fluctuation arising from operating or investment activities. Compliance with policies and risk exposure limits is reviewed by the Company’s Finance Department on a continuous basis. The Company does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.

The Company reports the significant risk exposures and related action plans timely and actively to the audit committee and if needed to the board of directors.

 

  a. Market risk

The Company is exposed to market risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and the prices in equity investments. The Company uses forward exchange contracts to hedge the exchange rate risk arising from assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.

 

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There were no changes to the Company’s exposure to market risks or the manner in which these risks are managed and measured.

 

  1) Foreign currency risk

The carrying amounts of the Company’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the end of the reporting period are as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Assets

     

USD

   $ 4,234       $ 5,308   

EUR

     5         16   

SGD

     142         77   

RMB

     147         112   

Liabilities

     

USD

     3,612         5,366   

EUR

     1,298         767   

SGD

     1         2   

The carrying amount of the Company’s derivatives with exchange rate risk exposures at the end of the reporting period are as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Assets

     

USD

   $   —         $ 1   

Liabilities

     

USD

     —           —     

EUR

     —           —     

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis

The Company is mainly exposed to the fluctuations of the currencies listed above.

 

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The following table details the Company’s sensitivity to a 5% increase and decrease in the functional currency against the relevant foreign currencies. 5% is the sensitivity rate used when reporting foreign currency risk internally to key management personnel and represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible changes in foreign exchange rates. The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and forward foreign exchange contracts. A positive number below indicates an increase in pre-tax profit or equity where the functional currency weakens 5% against the relevant currency.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Profit or loss

        

Monetary assets and liabilities (a)

        

USD

   $ 35       $ 31       $ (3

EUR

     (65      (65      (38

SGD

     (1      7         4   

RMB

     —           7         6   

Derivatives (b)

        

USD

     104         5         11   

Equity

        

Derivatives (c)

        

EUR

     —           —           (5

 

  a) This is mainly attributable to the exposure on the outstanding foreign currency denominated receivables and payables in the Company at the end of the reporting period.
  b) This is mainly attributable to the forward exchange contracts.
  c) This is mainly attributable to the changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges.

For a 5% strengthening of the functional currency against the relevant currency, there would be a comparable impact on the pre-tax profit or equity, and the balances above would be negative.

 

  2) Interest rate risk

The carrying amount of the Company’s exposures to interest rates on financial assets and financial liabilities at the end of the reporting period are as follows:

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Fair value interest rate risk

     

Financial assets

   $ 5,682       $ 21,271   

Financial liabilities

     224         564   

Cash flow interest rate risk

     

Financial assets

     10,609         4,625   

Financial liabilities

     1,730         1,900   

Interest rate sensitivity analysis

The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for non-derivative instruments at the end of the reporting period. A 25 basis point increase or decrease is used when reporting interest rate risk internally to key management personnel and represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in interest rates.

 

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If interest rates had been 25 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Company’s pre-tax profit for the year ended December 31, 2012 would increase/decrease by $8 million. This is mainly attributable to the Company’s exposure to floating interest rates on its financial assets and short-term and long-term loans; and other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2012 would decrease/increase by $0.06 million, mainly as a result of the changes in the fair value of available-for-sale instruments with fixed rate.

If interest rates had been 25 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Company’s pre-tax profit would increase/decrease by $22 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. This is mainly attributable to the Company’s exposure to floating interest rates on its financial assets and short-term and long-term loans.

 

  3) Other price risks

The Company is exposed to equity price risks arising from listed equity investments. Equity investments are held for strategic rather than trading purposes. The management managed the risk through holding various risk portfolios. Further, the Company assigned finance and investment departments to monitor the price risk.

Equity price sensitivity analysis

The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to equity price risks at the end of the reporting period.

If equity prices had been 5% higher/lower:

Other comprehensive income would increase/decrease by $270 million, $153 million and $196 million as a result of the changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

 

b. Credit risk management

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Company. The maximum credit exposure of the aforementioned financial instruments is equal to their carrying amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet as of the balance sheet date.

The Company has large trade receivables outstanding with its customers. A substantial majority of the Company’s outstanding trade receivables are not covered by collateral or credit insurance.

The Company has implemented ongoing measures which have improved the collectability of our accounts receivable. These ongoing procedures include enhanced credit assessments, strengthened overall risk management and improvements in bill collection practices. As a result, the exposure to uncollected receivables has been reduced.

Accounts receivable are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period and considered to be impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the accounts receivable, the estimated future cash flows of the asset have been affected.

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. When determining the allowance, the Company

 

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considers the probability of recoverability based on past customer default experience and their credit status, and economic and industrial factors. Credit risks are assessed based on historical write-offs, net of recoveries, and an analysis of the aged accounts receivable balances with allowances generally increasing as the receivable ages. Accounts receivable may be fully reserved for when specific collection issues are known to exist, such as pending bankruptcy or catastrophes. The analysis of receivables is performed monthly, and the allowances for doubtful accounts are adjusted through expense accordingly.

As the Company serves a large consumer base, the concentration of credit risk was limited.

 

c. Liquidity risk management

The Company manages and contains sufficient cash and cash equivalent position to support the operations and reduce the impact on fluctuation of cash flow.

 

  1) Liquidity and interest risk tables

The following table details the Company’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities with agreed repayment periods. The tables refer to principal only and had been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities from the earliest date on which the Company can be required to pay.

 

     Weighted
Average
Effective
Interest Rate
(%)
    Less Than
1 Month
     1-3 Months      3 Months to
1 Year
     1-5 Years      More than 5
Year
     Total  
     NT$     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

December 31, 2013

                   

Non-derivative financial liabilities

                   

Non-interest bearing

     —        $ 41,958       $   —         $ 980       $ 4,835       $   —         $ 47,773   

Floating interest rate instruments

     1.18     —           20         310         1,400         —           1,730   

Fixed interest rate instruments

     1.53     175         35         14         —           —           224   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 42,133    $ 55    $ 1,304    $ 6,235    $ —      $ 49,727   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Non-interest bearing

  —      $ 41,582    $ —      $ 1,680    $ 4,759    $ —      $ 48,021   

Floating interest rate instruments

  1.22   —        —        —        1,755      145      1,900   

Fixed interest rate instruments

  1.37   —        500      64      —        —        564   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 41,582    $ 500    $ 1,744    $ 6,514    $ 145    $ 50,485   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table detailed the Company’s liquidity analysis for its derivative financial instruments. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted gross inflows and outflows on those derivatives that require gross settlement.

 

     Less Than
1 Month
     1-3 Months      3 Months to
1 Year
     1-5 Years      Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

December 31, 2013

              

Gross settled

              

Forward exchange contracts

              

Inflow

   $ 90       $   —         $   —         $   —         $ 90   

Outflow

     90         —           —           —           90   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$   —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $   —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

Gross settled

Forward exchange contracts

Inflow

$ 220    $ 90    $ —      $ —      $ 310   

Outflow

  219      90      —        —        309   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  2) Financing facilities

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Unsecured bank loan facility

     

Amount used

   $ 254       $ 564   

Amount unused

     8,475         35,315   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 8,729    $ 35,879   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Secured bank loan facility

Amount used

$ 1,700    $ 1,900   

Amount unused

  600      818   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 2,300    $ 2,718   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

39. FAIR VALUE INFORMATION

The fair value guidance requires disclosure that establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirely falls shall be determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These levels are:

 

  Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

  Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; or

 

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  Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and are unobservable.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on A Recurring Basis

The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

     December 31, 2013  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Financial assets at FVTPL

           

Derivative financial assets

           

Forward exchange

   $ —         $   —         $   —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets

Domestic securities

Equity investments

$ 3,046    $ —      $ —      $ 3,046   

Foreign securities

Equity investments

  24      —        —        24   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 3,070    $ —      $ —      $ 3,070   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities at FVTPL

Derivative financial assets

Forward exchange

$ —      $ —      $ —      $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2014  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Financial assets at FVTPL

           

Derivative financial assets

           

Forward exchange

   $ —         $ 1       $   —         $ 1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets

Domestic securities

Equity investments

$ 3,914    $   —      $ —      $ 3,914   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Hedging derivative liabilities

Derivative financial liabilities

$ —      $ —      $ —      $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities at FVTPL

Derivative financial liabilities

$ —      $ —      $ —      $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For assets and liabilities held as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

There were no Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

For derivative financial assets forward exchange contracts, fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow model. The model uses market-based observable inputs including foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies to project fair value.

Available-for-sale financial assets include domestic and foreign listed stocks that are actively traded or have quoted prices.

 

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Corporate bonds are valued using discounted cash flow model which incorporates the market-based observable inputs including duration, yield rate and credit rating.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on A Nonrecurring Basis

The Company measures certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when they are deemed to be impaired. Due to the significant unobservable inputs used, the Company classified these measurements as Level 3.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31, 2012  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total
Losses
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Available-for-sale financial assets

           

Domestic stocks

           

Equity investments

   $   —         $   —         $ 103       $ 176   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     For the Year Ended December 31, 2013  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total
Losses
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Available-for-sale financial assets

           

Domestic stocks

   $   —         $   —         $ 20       $ 66   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     For the Year Ended December 31, 2014  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total
Losses
 
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Available-for-sale financial assets

           

Domestic stocks

   $   —         $   —         $ 20       $ 23   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The AFS financial assets consisted of non-listed stocks. The table below presents the valuation methodology and unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
     Fair
Value
     Valuation Methodology    Unobservable Inputs    Range
of Inputs
     NT$                 
     (In Millions)                 

Assets

           

AFS financial assets

   $ 103       Discounted cash flow    Return on investment    7%
  

 

 

          
Industrial risk 1%-3%
Enterprise risk 1%-3%
Sustainable growth rate 2%

 

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     For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
     Fair
Value
     Valuation Methodology    Unobservable Inputs    Range
of Inputs
     NT$                 
     (In Millions)                 

Assets

           

AFS financial assets

     $20       Discounted cash flow    Return on investment    7%
         Industrial risk    3%
         Enterprise risk    2%-2.5%
         Sustainable growth rate    2%

 

     For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
     Fair
Value
     Valuation Methodology    Unobservable Inputs   Range
of Inputs
     NT$                
     (In Millions)                

Assets

          

AFS financial assets

     $  2       Discounted cash flow    Return on investment   7%
         Industrial risk   2%
         Enterprise risk   1%
         Sustainable growth rate   (10%)
     $18       Market approach    80% of price to book
ratio from listed
companies in the
same industry
  1.12%
         80% of price to
earnings ratio from
listed companies in
the same industry
  2.93%
         Adjustment factor   20%

The department of investment and the department of finance are responsible for the impairment tests of financial instruments. They have set forth the Company’s valuation policies and procedures for the impairment test and are responsible for reporting to the general manager regarding the changes in fair value and reasonableness of the underlying assumptions utilized in the valuation whenever the impairment test is performed.

The Company evaluated its unlisted stocks for impairment by using valuation models based on discounted future cash flows because there were no quoted fair value for such investments. Pursuant to the established policies, the Company employed an internal valuation model in 2012, 2013 and 2014 to determine the fair value of unlisted AFS financial assets using the discounted cash flow approach based on management’s projections. Variables utilized in discounted cash flow approach require the use of unobservable inputs (Level 3), including return on investment, industrial risk, enterprise risk and sustainable growth rate. Changes in management estimates to the unobservable inputs in the valuation models would significantly change the fair value of the above investee. The return on investment is the assumption that most significantly affects the fair value determination. In 2014, the Company also determined the fair value of unlisted AFS financial assets using market approach based on management’s projections. Variables utilized in market approach require the use of unobservable inputs (Level 3), including 80% of price to book ratio from listed companies in the same industry, 80% of price to earnings ratio from listed companies in the same industry and adjustment factor. AFS financial assets held with a carrying amount of NT$279 million were written down to their fair value of NT$103 million, resulting in an impairment charge of NT$176 million, which was included in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012. AFS financial assets held with a carrying amount of NT$86 million were written down to their fair value of NT$20 million, resulting

 

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in an impairment charge of NT$66 million, which was included in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013. AFS financial assets held with a carrying amount of NT$43 million were written down to their fair value of NT$20 million, resulting in an impairment charge of NT$23 million, which was included in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value But for Which Fair Value Is Disclosed

Except for the following table, the management considered that the carrying amounts of financial instruments approximate fair values or fair values of those instruments cannot be reliably measured.

 

     December 31, 2013  
     Carrying
Amount
     Estimated Fair Value  
        Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Financial assets

           

Held-to-maturity investments

           

Corporate bonds

   $ 10,513       $   —         $ 10,552       $   —     

Bank debentures

     1,253         —           1,256         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 11,766    $ —      $ 11,808    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2014  
     Carrying
Amount
     Estimated Fair Value  
        Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Financial assets

           

Held-to-maturity investments

           

Corporate bonds

   $ 6,534       $   —         $ 6,564       $   —     

Bank debentures

     951         —           952         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 7,485    $ —      $ 7,516    $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Methods and assumptions used in the estimation of fair values of financial instruments:

 

  a. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, other current monetary assets, short-term loans and current portion of long-term loans approximate fair value due to the short period of time to maturity.

 

  b. Held-to-maturity investments were corporate bonds and bank debentures valued using discounted cash flow model with market-based observable inputs including duration, yield rate and credit rating.

 

40. RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS

Balances and transactions between Chunghwa and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of Chunghwa, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.

The ROC Government, one of Chunghwa’s customers held significant equity interest in Chunghwa. Chunghwa provides fixed-line services, wireless services, Internet and data and other services to the various departments and institutions of the ROC Government and other state-owned enterprises in the normal course of business and at arm’s-length prices. The information on service revenues from government bodies has not been provided because the ROC government has significant influence over Chunghwa.

 

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  a. The Company engages in business transactions with the following related parties:

 

Company

  

Relationship

Taiwan International Standard Electronics Co., Ltd. (“TISE”)

   Associate
So-net Entertainment Taiwan Co., Ltd.    Associate
Skysoft Co., Ltd.    Associate
KingWaytek Technology Co., Ltd.    Associate
Dian Zuan Integrating Marketing Co., Ltd.    Associate
Viettel-CHT Co., Ltd.    Associate
Taiwan International Ports Logistics Corporation    Associate
Huada Digital Corporation    Joint venture
Chunghwa Benefit One Co., Ltd.    Joint venture
International Integrated System, Inc.    Associate
Senao Networks, Inc.    Associate
HopeTech Technologies Limited    Associate
ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte., Ltd. (“STS”)    Associate
Xiamen Sertec Business Technology Co., Ltd.    Associate
Other related parties   

Chunghwa Telecom Foundation

  

A nonprofit organization of which the funds donated by Chunghwa exceeds one third of its total funds

Senao Technical and Cultural Foundation

  

A nonprofit organization of which the funds donated by SENAO exceeds one third of its total funds

Sochamp Technology Co., Ltd.

   Investor of significant influence over CHST

United Daily News Co., Ltd.

   Investor of significant influence over SFD

E-Life Mall Co., Ltd.

  

One of the directors of E-Life Mall and a director of SENAO are members of an immediate family

 

  b. Term of the foregoing transactions with related parties were not significantly different from transactions with non-related parties. When no similar transactions with non-related parties can be referenced, terms were determined in accordance with mutual agreements. Details of transactions between the Company and related parties are disclosed below:

 

  1) Operating transactions

 

     Revenues  
     Year Ended December 31  
             2012                      2013                      2014          
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Associates

   $ 416       $ 367       $ 329   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Joint ventures

$ 4    $ 4    $ 7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others

$ 4    $ 69    $ 97   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     Purchases  
     Year Ended December 31  
             2012                      2013                      2014          
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Associates

   $ 1,471       $ 1,486       $ 1,663   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Joint ventures

$ —      $ 1    $ 34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others

$ 65    $ 74    $ 69   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  2) Non-operating transactions

 

     Year Ended December 31  
             2012                      2013                      2014          
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Associates

   $ 32       $ 33       $ 34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others

$   —      $   —      $   —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  3) Receivables

 

     December 31  
             2013                      2014          
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Associates

   $ 60       $ 62   

Joint ventures

     —           —     

Others

     9         19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 69    $ 81   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  4) Payables

 

     December 31  
             2013                      2014          
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Associates

   $ 549       $ 402   

Others

     8         6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 557    $ 408   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  5) Customers’ deposits

 

     December 31  
             2013                      2014          
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Associates

   $ 1       $ 9   

Others

     —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 1    $ 9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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  6) Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

 

     Year Ended December 31  
             2012                      2013                      2014          
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Associates

   $ 747       $ 1,270       $ 521   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above amount is mainly attributable to telecommunications equipment bought from TISE.

 

  7) Prepayments

Chunghwa entered into a contract with STS on March 12, 2010 to lease capacity on the ST-2 satellite. This lease is for 15 years which should start from the official operation of ST-2 satellite and the total contract value is approximately $6,000 million (SG$261 million), including a prepayment of $3,068 million, and the rest of amount should be paid annually when ST-2 satellite starts its official operation. ST-2 satellite was launched in May 2011, and began its official operation in August 2011. The total rental expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $416 million, which consisted of an offsetting credit of the prepayment of $199 million and an additional accrual of $217 million. The prepayment was $2,368 million (classified as prepaid rents-current $205 million, and prepaid rents-noncurrent $2,163 million, respectively) as of December 31, 2014.

 

  c. Compensation of key management personnel

The remuneration of directors and members of key management personnel for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
             2012                      2013                      2014          
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Short-term benefits

   $ 277       $ 257       $ 222   

Share-based payment

     —           6         10   

Post-employment benefits

     9         10         8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 286    $ 273    $ 240   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The remuneration of directors and key executives is determined by the compensation committee having regard to the performance of individual and market trends.

 

41. PLEDGED ASSETS

The following assets are pledged as collaterals for long-term bank loans and contract deposits.

 

     December 31  
     2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 2,668       $ 3,079   

Land held under development (included in inventories)

     1,999         1,999   

Restricted assets (included in other noncurrent assets—others)

     10         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 4,677    $ 5,079   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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42. SIGNIFICANT CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND UNRECOGNIZED COMMITMENTS

At the balance sheet date, the Company’s remaining commitments under non-cancelable contracts with various parties, excluding those disclosed in other notes, were as follows:

 

  a. Acquisitions of land and buildings of $2,184 million as of December 31, 2014.

 

  b. Acquisitions of telecommunications equipment of $16,616 million as of December 31, 2014.

 

  c. A commitment to contribute $2,000 million to a Piping Fund administered by the Taipei City Government, of which $1,000 million was contributed by Chunghwa on August 15, 1996 (classified as other monetary assets—noncurrent). If the fund is not sufficient, Chunghwa will contribute the remaining $1,000 million upon notification from the Taipei City Government.

 

43. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has the following reportable segments that provide different products or services. The reportable segments are managed separately because each segment represents a strategic business unit that serves different markets. Segment information is provided to CEO who allocates resources and assesses segment performance. The Company’s measure of segment performance is mainly based on revenues and income before tax. The Company’s reportable segments are as follows:

 

  a. Domestic fixed communications business—the provision of local telephone services, domestic long distance telephone services, broadband access, and related services;

 

  b. Mobile communications business—the provision of mobile services, sales of mobile handsets and data cards, and related services;

 

  c. Internet business—the provision of HiNet services and related services;

 

  d. International fixed communications business—the provision of international long distance telephone services and related services;

 

  e. Others—the provision of non-Telecom services and the corporate related items not allocated to reportable segments.

 

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There was no material differences between the accounting policies of the operating segments and the accounting policies described in Note 3.

 

  a. Segment information

Analysis by reportable segment of revenue and operating results of continuing operations are as follows:

 

     Domestic
Fixed
Communi-

cations
Business
     Mobile
Communi-

cations
Business
     Internet
Business
     International
Fixed
Communi-

cations
Business
     Others     Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$     NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Year ended December 31, 2012

                

Revenue

                

From external customers

   $ 76,133       $ 100,794       $ 24,766       $ 15,319       $ 4,408      $ 221,420   

Intersegment revenues

     16,991         6,581         2,877         2,231         1,035        29,715   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment revenues

$ 93,124    $ 107,375    $ 27,643    $ 17,550    $ 5,443      251,135   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Intersegment elimination

  (29,715
                

 

 

 

Consolidated revenues

$ 221,420   
                

 

 

 

Segment income before income tax

$ 15,675    $ 25,827    $ 8,579    $ 1,316    $ (1,444 $ 49,953   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2013

Revenue

From external customers

$ 73,502    $ 110,590    $ 25,447    $ 15,750    $ 2,692    $ 227,981   

Intersegment revenues

  18,447      5,702      4,354      2,107      1,232      31,842   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment revenues

$ 91,949    $ 116,292    $ 29,801    $ 17,857    $ 3,924      259,823   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Intersegment elimination

  (31,842
                

 

 

 

Consolidated revenues

$ 227,981   
                

 

 

 

Segment income before income tax

$ 17,339    $ 23,676    $ 9,432    $ 892    $ (2,243 $ 49,096   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2014

Revenue

From external customers

$ 72,062    $ 110,665    $ 25,997    $ 15,314    $ 2,571    $ 226,609   

Intersegment revenues

  19,728      5,324      4,705      2,256      2,422      34,435   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment revenues

$ 91,790    $ 115,989    $ 30,702    $ 17,570    $ 4,993      261,044   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Intersegment elimination

  (34,435
                

 

 

 

Consolidated revenues

$ 226,609   
                

 

 

 

Segment income before income tax

$ 19,535    $ 19,322    $ 9,547    $ 191    $ (2,043 $ 46,552   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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  b. Other segment information

Other information reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker was as following:

For the year ended December 31, 2012

 

     Domestic
Fixed
Communi-

cations
Business
     Mobile
Communi-

cations
Business
     Internet
Business
     International
Fixed
Communi-

cations
Business
     Others      Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Share of the profit of associates and joint venture accounted for using equity method

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 520       $ 520   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income

$ 6    $ 12    $ 2    $ 4    $ 718    $ 742   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest expense

$ —      $ —      $ 2    $ —      $ 20    $ 22   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

$ 69,327    $ 71,092    $ 10,280    $ 13,352    $ 7,389    $ 171,440   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

$ 19,230    $ 8,478    $ 2,685    $ 1,434    $ 333    $ 32,160   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

$ 19,551    $ 7,232    $ 3,441    $ 2,379    $ 677    $ 33,280   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013

 

     Domestic
Fixed
Communi-

cations
Business
     Mobile
Communi-

cations
Business
     Internet
Business
     International
Fixed
Communi-

cations
Business
     Others      Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Share of the profit of associates and joint venture accounted for using equity method

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 666       $ 666   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income

$ 12    $ 9    $ 6    $ 2    $ 534    $ 563   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest expense

$ 1    $ 9    $ 1    $ —      $ 25    $ 36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

$ 68,740    $ 79,074    $ 11,577    $ 14,333    $ 6,645    $ 180,369   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

$ 19,005    $ 8,147    $ 3,122    $ 1,549    $ 369    $ 32,192   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

$ 20,362    $ 9,245    $ 4,621    $ 1,559    $ 595    $ 36,382   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2014

 

     Domestic
Fixed
Communi-

cations
Business
     Mobile
Communi-

cations
Business
     Internet
Business
     International
Fixed
Communi-

cations
Business
     Others      Total  
     NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Share of the profit of associates and joint venture accounted for using equity method

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 802       $ 802   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income

$ 24    $ 12    $ 10    $ 2    $ 240    $ 288   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest expense

$ —      $ 13    $ 1    $ —      $ 32    $ 46   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

$ 66,465    $ 81,400    $ 11,975    $ 14,500    $ 8,103    $ 182,443   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

$ 18,540    $ 9,909    $ 3,422    $ 1,819    $ 424    $ 34,114   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

$ 16,165    $ 9,619    $ 4,425    $ 1,458    $ 892    $ 32,559   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  c. Main products and service revenues from external customer information

The following is an analysis of the Company’s revenue from its major products and services.

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Mobile services revenue

   $ 72,540       $ 76,709       $ 77,469   

Local telephone and domestic long distance telephone services revenue

     44,629         41,278         38,905   

Sales of product

     27,649         33,103         34,795   

Broadband access and domestic leased line services revenue

     24,606         24,183         23,681   

Internet services revenue

     16,938         17,191         17,241   

International network and leased telephone services revenue

     12,749         12,675         11,951   

Others

     22,309         22,842         22,567   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 221,420    $ 227,981    $ 226,609   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  d. Geographic information

The users of the Company’s services are mainly from Taiwan, R.O.C. The revenues it derived outside Taiwan are mainly revenues from international long distance telephone and leased line services. The geographic information for revenues is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
     2012      2013      2014  
     NT$      NT$      NT$  
     (In Millions)  

Taiwan, R.O.C.

   $ 213,837       $ 217,986       $ 216,173   

Overseas

     7,583         9,995         10,436   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 221,420    $ 227,981    $ 226,609   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The Company has long-lived assets in U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, and Japan and except for $3,310 million and $4,087 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, in the aforementioned areas, the other long-lived assets are located in Taiwan, R.O.C.

 

  e. Major customers

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Company did not have any single customer whose net revenue exceeded 10% of the total net revenue.

 

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